Electronic device and external panel

Abstract

An electronic device (10) has a device body (20) having an upper surface (22a) and an external panel (51) covering the upper surface (22a). A partial panel (51L) constituting an outer panel (51) has a rear engaging portion (53), a front engaging portion (54), and an attachment portion (55A). The device body (20) has a rear engaged portion (25a) configured to be engaged with the rear engaging portion (53), a front engaged portion (26a) configured to be engaged with the front engaging portion (54), and a fitted portion (27A) configured to be fitted with the fitting portion (55A). The rear engaged portion (25a) is located rearward of the rear engaging portion (53), and the front engaged portion (26a) is located rearward of the front engaging portion (54). The assembled part (27A) and the assembling part (55A) are assembled, so that the partial panel (51L) is prevented from moving forwards. Provided herein is an electronic device in which an external panel is easily detached from a device body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic devices and external panels. Background Art

[0002] PCT Patent Publication No. WO2021 / 193881 discloses an electronic device that can be used as, for example, a gaming device or a motion image reproduction device. The electronic device has a device body that houses a circuit board, a cooling device, etc., and an external panel attached to the outer surface of the device body. When replacing a storage device installed in the device body or replacing the current external panel with a new external panel of a different color or pattern, the user of the device can remove the external panel from the device body. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Since the above-mentioned external panel is attached to and detached from the device body by a user, it is preferable that the attaching or detaching work of the external panel is easy and simple.

[0004] An exemplary electronic device proposed according to the present disclosure has a device body and an external panel, the device body having a first outer surface, and the external panel being configured to cover the first outer surface. The external panel has a first joining portion, a second joining portion, and an assembly portion, the first joining portion being positioned on a first side relative to the center of the external panel in the first direction, and the second joining portion being positioned on a second side opposite to the first side relative to the center of the external panel in the first direction. The device body has a first joined portion, a second joined portion, and an assembled portion, the first joined portion being configured to engage with the first joining portion, the second joined portion being configured to engage with the second joining portion, and the assembled portion being configured to assemble with the assembly portion. The first joined portion is positioned on a first side in the first direction relative to the first joining portion. The second joined portion is positioned on a first side in the first direction relative to the second joining portion. The assembled portion is assembled with the assembly portion to inhibit the external panel from moving toward the second side in the first direction.

[0005] Another exemplary electronic device proposed according to the present disclosure has a device body and an external panel, the device body having a first outer surface, and the external panel being configured to cover the first outer surface. The external panel has a first edge and a second edge positioned relative to each other in a first direction, a first engaging portion formed on one side of the first edge relative to the center of the external panel in the first direction, and a second engaging portion formed on one side of the second edge relative to the center of the external panel. When the first engaging portion is engaged with the first engaged portion and the second engaging portion is not engaged with the second engaged portion, the first external panel can rotate around the first engaging portion in a direction in which the second edge is separated from the device body and in a direction in which the second edge approaches the device body. The distance from the second edge to the second engaging portion is greater than the distance from the first edge to the first engaging portion.

[0006] An exemplary external panel proposed according to the present disclosure has a first edge and a second edge positioned relative to each other in a first direction, a first engaging portion formed on a first side relative to the center of the external panel in the first direction, a second engaging portion formed on a second side relative to the center of the external panel in the first direction, and an assembly portion configured to assemble with an engaged portion formed on a device body, the first engaging portion being configured to engage with a first engaged portion formed on the device body, and the second engaging portion being configured to engage with a second engaged portion formed on the device body. The first engaging portion has a claw protruding from a first side in the first direction. The second engaging portion has a claw protruding from a first side in the first direction.

[0007] Another exemplary external panel proposed according to the present disclosure has a first edge and a second edge positioned relative to each other in a first direction, a first engaging portion formed on one side of the first edge relative to the center of the external panel in the first direction, and a second engaging portion formed on one side of the second edge relative to the center of the external panel in the first direction, the first engaging portion being configured to engage with a first engaged portion formed on a device body, and the second engaging portion being configured to engage with a second engaged portion formed on the device body. A distance from the second edge to the second engaging portion is greater than a distance from the first edge to the second engaging portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1A is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary electronic device according to the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1B It is a plan view of an electronic device.

[0010] Figure 1C is a front view of the electronic device.

[0011] Figure 1D It is a right side view of the electronic device.

[0012] Figure 1E It is a left side view of the electronic device.

[0013] Figure 1F is a rear view of the electronic device.

[0014] Figure 1G It is a bottom view of the electronic device.

[0015] Figure 2A is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device, showing the upper side of the device body, the upper exterior panel, and the lower exterior panel.

[0016] Figure 2Bis another exploded perspective view of the electronic device, showing the underside of the device body, the upper exterior panel, and the lower exterior panel.

[0017] Figure 3A It is a plan view of the left partial panel of the upper exterior panel.

[0018] Figure 3B It is a front view of the left partial plate of the upper exterior panel.

[0019] Figure 3C is a right side view of the left partial panel of the upper exterior panel.

[0020] Figure 3D is a left side view of the left slice of the upper exterior panel.

[0021] Figure 3E It is a rear view of the left partial panel of the upper exterior panel.

[0022] Figure 3F It is a bottom view of the left partial panel of the upper exterior panel.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the device body.

[0024] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1B A cross-sectional view taken along line VV depicted in FIG.

[0025] Figure 6A yes Figure 2B Magnified view of area VIa depicted in FIG.

[0026] Figure 6B yes Figure 2B Magnified view of region VIb depicted in FIG.

[0027] Figure 7A yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of region VIIa is shown.

[0028] Figure 7B yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of region VIIb is shown.

[0029] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1B A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII depicted in FIG.

[0030] Figure 9A yes Figure 8 Magnified view of region IXa is shown.

[0031] Figure 9B yes Figure 8 Another magnified view of region IXa depicted in FIG.

[0032] Figure 10 It is along Figure 1B A cross-sectional view taken along line XX depicted in FIG.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process of attaching the outer panel.

[0034] Figure 12 It is a perspective view depicting the inner surface of the upper housing.

[0035] Figure 13A It is a plan view of the right partial panel of the upper exterior panel.

[0036] Figure 13B It is a front view of the right partial panel of the upper exterior panel.

[0037] Figure 13C It is a right side view of the right partial panel of the upper exterior panel material.

[0038] Figure 13D It is a left side view of the right partial panel of the upper exterior panel.

[0039] Figure 13E It is a rear view of the right partial panel of the upper exterior panel material.

[0040] Figure 13F It is a bottom view of the right partial panel of the upper exterior panel.

[0041] Figure 14A It is a plan view of the left partial panel of the lower exterior panel.

[0042] Figure 14B is a front view of the left partial panel of the lower exterior panel.

[0043] Figure 14C is a right side view of the left partial panel of the lower exterior panel.

[0044] Figure 14D It is a left side view of the left partial panel of the lower exterior panel.

[0045] Figure 14E is a rear view of the left partial panel of the lower exterior panel.

[0046] Figure 14F It is a bottom view of the left partial panel of the lower outer panel.

[0047] Figure 15A It is a plan view of the right partial panel of the lower exterior panel.

[0048] Figure 15B It is a front view of the right partial panel of the lower exterior panel.

[0049] Figure 15C It is a right side view of the right partial panel of the lower exterior panel.

[0050] Figure 15D It is a left side view of the right partial panel of the lower exterior panel.

[0051] Figure 15E is a rear view of the right partial panel of the lower exterior panel.

[0052] Figure 15F It is a bottom view of the right partial panel of the lower outer panel.

[0053] Figure 16A is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary electronic device according to the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 16B It is a depiction Figure 16A A perspective view of the underside of the electronic device depicted in FIG.

[0055] Figure 16C yes Figure 16A A plan view of the electronic device depicted in FIG.

[0056] Figure 16D yes Figure 16A A front view of the electronic device is shown.

[0057] Figure 16E yes Figure 16A Right side view of the electronic device shown.

[0058] Figure 16F yes Figure 16A Left side view of the electronic device shown.

[0059] Figure 16G yes Figure 16A Rear view of the electronic device shown.

[0060] Figure 16H yes Figure 16A A bottom view of the electronic device is shown.

[0061] Figure 17A It is composed Figure 16A A plan view of the left partial panel of the lower exterior panel of the electronic device is shown.

[0062] Figure 17B yes Figure 17A Front view of the left partial panel depicted in .

[0063] Figure 17C yes Figure 17A Right side view of the left partial panel depicted in .

[0064] Figure 17D yes Figure 17A Left side view of the left partial panel depicted in .

[0065] Figure 17E yes Figure 17A Rear view of the left partial panel depicted in .

[0066] Figure 17F yes Figure 17A Bottom view of the left partial panel depicted in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] The electronic device proposed according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure explains the electronic device 10 as an example of the proposed device.

[0068] In the following description, Figure 1A Directions Z1 and X2 indicated in the drawings and other figures will be referred to as the upper side and lower side, respectively. Furthermore, directions X1 and X2 in the drawings will be referred to as the right side and left side, respectively, and directions Y1 and Y2 in the drawings will be referred to as the front side and rear side, respectively. These directions are defined to facilitate explanation of the shapes of the components (parts, members, and parts) of electronic device 10 and the positional relationships between these components. Therefore, the directions in the drawings do not limit the posture of electronic device 10 during use.

[0069] [Electronic equipment]

[0070] For example, the electronic device 10 is an entertainment device used as a gaming device or an audiovisual device. The electronic device 10 outputs moving image data generated by executing a game program, video and audio data acquired via a network, and video and audio data retrieved from a recording medium such as an optical disc to a display device such as a television. The electronic device may also be a personal computer or a server computer.

[0071] like Figure 2A As shown, the electronic device 10 has a device body 20, an upper external panel 51 covering an upper surface 22a of the device body 20, and a lower surface 23a (see FIG. Figure 2B ) of the lower outer panel 52.

[0072] The outer panels 51 and 52 can be curved as a whole. For example, the upper outer panel 51 can be curved so that it is concave downward in a cross-section along one of its two diagonals and protrudes upward in a cross-section along the other diagonal. The lower outer panel 52 can be symmetrical with respect to the upper outer panel 51 across a horizontal plane (i.e., a plane along the circuit board 51, discussed later). The curved shapes of the outer panels 51 and 52 are not limited to those described herein. Unlike the above example, the outer panels 51 and 52 can be parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0073] like Figure 5As depicted, the device body 20 has a housing 21. The housing 21 houses, for example, a circuit board 31. The circuit board 31 can be arranged parallel to the front-to-back direction (Y1-Y2 direction) and the left-to-right direction (X1-X2 direction). Various electronic components such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a memory are mounted on the circuit board 31. The housing 21 can also house a power supply unit 34. The power supply unit 34 supplies power from outside the electronic device 10 and feeds driving power to devices within the device body 20 (e.g., the circuit board 31). The power supply unit 34 has a housing 34a and a circuit board 34b arranged inside the housing 34a.

[0074] like Figure 5 As depicted in FIG, the housing 21 may include, for example, an upper housing 21U and a lower housing 21L coupled to each other in the up-down direction. The upper housing 21U covers the upper side of various devices (e.g., the circuit board 31) inside the device body 20. The upper housing 21U has an upper wall 22 constituting an upper surface 22a of the device body 20. Figure 5 As shown, the upper surface of the housing 34a of the power supply device 34 can be exposed upward from the opening formed in the upper wall 22. The lower housing 21L covers the lower side of various devices (e.g., the circuit board 31) inside the device body 20. The lower housing 21L has a lower wall 23 that constitutes the lower surface 23a of the device body 20.

[0075] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, air inlets 22e and 23e are formed in the housing 21. The air inlets 22e and 23e are located in the upper surface 22a and on the lower surface 23a of the device body 20, respectively. That is, the air inlets 22e and 23e are formed in the upper wall 22 and lower wall 23, respectively. The edges of the air inlets 22e and 23e can be equipped with covers 47U and 47L, which cover the air inlets 22e and 23e and form a plurality of openings in the covers 47U and 47L.

[0076] The housing 21 houses a cooling fan (not depicted) that draws external air into the housing 21 through air inlets 22e and 23e. The cooling fan is positioned, for example, between the upper and lower air inlets 22e and 23e and is rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction. The housing 21 also houses a heat sink (heat sink, heat pipe, etc.). The heat sink is thermally connected to electronic components, such as the CPU, mounted on the circuit board 31. The cooling fan generates an airflow that passes over the heat sink within the housing 21.

[0077] [External Panel]

[0078] like Figure 2AAs shown, the upper outer panel 51 may have partial panels 51R and 51L juxtaposed in the left-right direction. The right partial panel 51R and the left partial panel 51L cover the right side and the left side of the upper surface 22a of the device body 20, respectively. Figure 2B As shown, the lower outer panel 52 may also have partial panels 52R and 52L juxtaposed in the left-right direction. The right partial panel 52R and the left partial panel 52L cover the right and left sides of the lower surface 23a of the device body 20, respectively.

[0079] The outer panels 51 and 52 may also cover the upper surface 22a (see FIG. Figure 2A ) and the lower surface 23a (refer to Figure 2B ) air inlets 22e, 23e. A gap serving as an airflow path may be formed between the upper outer panel 51 and the upper surface 22a of the device body 20. Similarly, a gap serving as an airflow path may be formed between the lower outer panel 52 and the lower surface 23a of the device body 20.

[0080] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the example depicted in FIG, right partial panels 51R and 52R of the upper outer panel 51 and the lower outer panel 52 respectively cover the air inlets 22e and 23e. A gap serving as an airflow path is formed between the upper right partial panel 51R and the upper surface 22a. A gap serving as an airflow path is also formed between the lower right partial panel 52R and the lower surface 23a.

[0081] like Figure 1C As shown, air inlets Sa and Sb are formed between the outer peripheral edges of the outer panels 51 and 52 and the outer peripheral edges of the device body 20. More specifically, the air inlets Sa and Sb are formed between the front and right edges of the upper right partial panel 51R on the one hand and the edge of the upper surface 22a of the device body 20 on the other hand. Similarly, the air inlets Sc and Sd are formed between the front and right edges of the lower right partial panel 52R on the one hand and the edge of the lower surface 23a of the device body 20 on the other hand.

[0082] like Figure 1C As depicted in FIG, external air is introduced into the air flow path between the upper external panel 51 and the upper surface 22a of the device body 20 through the air inlets Sa and Sb formed on the upper side of the device body 20. The air thus introduced is guided toward the air intake port 22e formed on the upper surface 22a of the device body 20. External air is also introduced into the air flow path between the lower external panel 52 and the lower surface 23a of the device body 20 through the air inlets Sc and Sd formed on the lower side of the device body 20. The introduced air is then guided toward the air inlet port 23e formed on the lower surface 23a of the device body 20.

[0083] Note that the structure of the exterior member of the electronic device 10 is not limited to the example shown in the drawings.

[0084] As another example, in the electronic device 10, the air inlets Sa to Sd formed between the outer panels 51 and 52 on the one hand and the outer peripheral edge of the device body 20 on the other hand may be replaced by air inlets formed in the front surface 20b or in the right and left side surfaces 20c, 20d of the device body 20. A power button and a connector may be provided on the front surface 20b.

[0085] As a further example, the air inlets Sa and Sb that are open toward the upper side of the electronic device 10 (above the upper exterior panel 51) may be replaced or supplemented by air inlets formed in the upper exterior panel 51. Furthermore, the air inlets Sc and Sd that are open toward the lower side of the electronic device 10 (below the lower exterior panel 52) may be replaced or supplemented by air inlets formed in the lower exterior panel 52.

[0086] As a further example, any one of the air inlets Sa and Sb located on the upper side of the electronic device 10 or the air inlets Sc and Sd located on the lower side of the electronic device 10 may be eliminated.

[0087] [Structure for attaching external panels]

[0088] Hereinafter, the structure for attaching the external panels 51, 52 to the device body 20 will be described. As described above, the external panels 51 and 52 are equipped with right partial panels 51R and 52R and left partial panels 52L and 52L. The right partial panel 51R and the left partial panel 51L of the upper external panel 51 are not connected to each other, so that each of them can be independently removed from the device body 20. That is, only the right partial panel 51R or the left partial panel 51L can be removed from the device body 20 individually. Similarly, the right partial panel 52R and the left partial panel 52L of the lower external panel 52 are not connected to each other, so that each of them can be independently removed from the device body 20. As Figure 2A As depicted in , apertures may be formed between the left partial panels 51L and 52L on the one hand and the right partial panels 51R and 52R on the other hand.

[0089] Since the structure for attaching the partial panels 51R, 51L, 52R, and 52L is substantially the same, the attachment structure will be described below mainly with reference to the left partial panel 51L of the upper exterior panel 51 .

[0090] Note that the outer panels 51 and 52 do not necessarily have to include the partial panels 51R, 51L, 52R, and 52L. In other words, the outer panels 51 and 52 can each be composed of a single panel. In this case, the structure of the partial panel 51L described below can be applied to the entire upper outer panel 51. The same structure can also be applied to the entire lower outer panel 52.

[0091] [Joining part and joined part]

[0092] like Figure 2B As shown, the partial panel 51L has a rear edge 51a and a front edge 51b. The rear edge 51a and the front edge 51b are positioned opposite to each other in the front-to-back direction. The front edge 51b can protrude forward beyond the position of the front surface 20b of the device body 20 (see Figure 1D Likewise, the rear edge 51a may protrude rearward beyond the position of the rear surface 20a of the device body 20 (see Figure 1D ).

[0093] like Figure 2B As shown, the partial panel 51L is equipped with a rear engaging portion 53 and a front engaging portion 54. The rear engaging portion 53 is positioned at the rear center of the partial panel 51L in the front-to-back direction. The front engaging portion 54 is positioned at the front center of the partial panel 51L in the front-to-back direction. For example, the rear engaging portion 53 can be formed along the rear edge 51a, and the front engaging portion 54 can be formed along the front edge 51b. Between the rear engaging portion 53 and the front engaging portion 54, the partial panel 51L has no other engaging portion that engages with the upper surface 22a of the device body 20.

[0094] like Figure 2B As shown, the partial panel 51L has a plurality of rear joint portions 53 that can be aligned in the left-right direction. The partial panel 51L also has a plurality of front joint portions 54 that can be aligned in the left-right direction.

[0095] like Figure 6A As depicted, the rear engaging portion 53 may be a protruding portion that protrudes from the lower surface of the partial panel 51L toward the device body 20. Figure 6B As shown, the front engaging portion 54 may be, for example, a protruding portion protruding from the lower surface of the partial panel 51L toward the apparatus body 20. The front engaging portion 54 protrudes from the lower surface of the partial panel 51L in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane in the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0096] like Figure 4 and Figure 7AAs depicted in FIG, a rear engaged portion 25a configured to engage with the rear engaging portion 53 is formed on the upper surface 22a (upper wall 22) of the apparatus body 20. Here, the phrase "the rear engaging portion 53 is engaged with the rear engaged portion 25a" means that the two portions are fitted to each other so that the engaged portion 25a inhibits the rear engaging portion 53 from disengaging upward.

[0097] like Figure 7A As depicted in FIG, a hole 25 configured to be fitted with the rear engaging portion 53 of the partial panel 51L is formed in the upper surface 22a (upper wall 22) of the device body 20. A rear engaged portion 25a is formed on the edge of the hole 25. The rear engaging portion 25a contacts the rear engaging portion 53 not over the entire inner edge of the hole 25 but over a portion thereof, and restricts upward separation of the rear engaging portion 53.

[0098] Moreover, if Figure 4 and Figure 7B As depicted, the front engaged portion 26a configured to engage with the front engaging portion 54 is formed on the upper surface 22a (upper wall 22) of the device body 20. Here, the phrase "the front engaging portion 54 engages with the front engaged portion 26a" means that the two portions are configured with each other so that the front engaged portion 26a inhibits the front engaging portion 54 from separating upward.

[0099] like Figure 7B As depicted, the hole 26 configured to be fitted with the front engaging portion 54 of the partial panel 51L is formed in the upper surface 22a of the device body 20. A front engaged portion 26a configured to engage with the front engaging portion 54 is formed on the edge of the hole 26. Here, the front engaged portion 26a contacts the front engaging portion 54 not over the entire inner edge of the hole 26 but over a portion thereof, and suppresses the front engaging portion 54 from separating upward.

[0100] like Figure 11 As shown, when the rear engaging portion 53 of the partial panel 51L is engaged with the rear engaged portion 25a and the front engaging portion 54 is not engaged with the rear engaged portion 26a, the partial panel 51L can be moved around the rear engaging portion 53 in a direction in which the front edge 51b of the partial panel 51L approaches the device body 20 (in the direction of the front edge 51b of the partial panel 51L). Figure 11 In the direction of the arrow U1 in FIG) and in the direction in which the front edge 51b is separated from the device body 20 (in Figure 11 Rotate in the direction of the arrow U2).

[0101] like Figure 11As shown by arrow U1 in FIG, when the partial panel 51L is rotated so that the front edge 51b approaches the device body 20 and the front engaging portion 54 is fitted into the hole 26 of the device body 20, the front engaging portion 54 engages with the front engaged portion 26a. Thus, the partial panel 51L can be attached to the device body 20. Conversely, when the partial panel 51L is deformed so that the front portion of the partial panel 51L bends upward, the front engaging portion 54 and the front engaged portion 26a disengage from each other. When the partial panel 51L is rotated so that the front edge 51b is separated from the device body 20, the partial panel 51L is detached from the device body 20.

[0102] like Figure 2A As shown, the upper surface 22a of the device body 20 may have a lower portion 22f in which an air inlet 22e is formed and which is covered by the right partial panel 51R. The lower portion 22f is lower than the portion of the upper surface 22a covered by the left partial panel 51L. The hole 26 is also formed in the lower portion 22f. A tube portion 26A protruding upward is formed in the lower portion 22f. The interior of the tube portion 26A serves as the hole 26. The engaged portion 26a (see Figure 7B ) can be formed inside the tube portion 26a. The tube portion 26A ensures the airflow path between the right partial panel 51R and the upper surface 22a. The same structure can also be formed on the lower surface 23a of the device body 20. That is, Figure 2B As shown, the bottom portion 23f may be formed on the lower surface 23a, and the tube portion 26A may be formed on the bottom portion.

[0103] like Figure 7A As shown in FIG. 5 , when the rear engaging portion 53 is engaged with the rear engaged portion 25a, the rear engaged portion 25a is located behind the rear engaging portion 53. Figure 7B As shown, when the front engaging portion 54 engages with the front engaged portion 26a, the front engaged portion 26a is located rearward of the front engaging portion 54. That is, the engaged portions 25a and 26a are located on the same side (rear side) relative to the engaging portions 53 and 54.

[0104] Given the positional relationship between the engaging portions 53 and 54 on the one hand and the engaged portions 25a and 26a on the other hand, the engagement between the front engaging portion 54 and the front engaged portion 26a, as well as the engagement between the rear engaging portion 53 and the rear engaged portion 25a, can be easily released. Consequently, the work of removing the partial panel 51L can be easily facilitated. For example, before the partial panel 51L can be rotated to separate the front edge 51b from the device body 20, the front portion of the partial panel 51L can be bent to release the engagement between the front engaging portion 54 and the front engaged portion 26a. This also allows the engagement between the rear engaging portion 53 and the rear engaged portion 25a to be naturally released.

[0105] Note that the partial panel 51L may be formed of resin, for example, so that its front portion is curved (warped) in this manner. The partial panel 51L may alternatively be formed of metal.

[0106] like Figure 2A As shown, the left edge 51c and the right edge 51e of the partial panel 51L do not have side walls. That is, the partial panel 51L does not have a wall portion that descends toward the device body 20 at the left edge 51c and the right edge 51e. The left edge 51c of the partial panel 51L has an end surface facing the left side, and the right edge 51e of the partial panel 51L has an end surface facing the right side. This makes it relatively easy to bend the front portion of the partial panel 51L as discussed above. Note that, like the left partial panel 51L, the right partial panel 51R does not have side walls that descend toward the right edge 51d and the left edge. That is, the upper exterior panel 51 composed of the two partial panels 51R and 51L does not have side walls that descend toward the device body 20.

[0107] like Figure 5 As shown, the distance L2 from the front edge 51b of the partial panel 51L to the front joining portion 54 is greater than the distance L1 from the rear edge 51a of the partial panel 51L to the rear joining portion 53. When removing the partial panel 51L from the device body 20, the operator bends the front portion of the partial panel 51L upward to release the engagement between the front joining portion 54 and the front joined portion 26a. At this time, when the distance L1 is relatively long, the front portion of the partial panel 51L can be bent with less force. Therefore, the work of removing the partial panel 51L becomes easier. Note that the front joining portion 54 can be positioned forward of the middle position of the partial panel 51L in the front-to-back direction.

[0108] like Figure 5 As shown, the rear engaged portion 25a may be formed on, for example, the rear end of the upper wall 22. In other words, for example, the rear engaged portion 25a may be formed on the rear wall 28 of the housing 21 (see Figure 7A ). Forming rear engaged portion 25a in this manner facilitates relative positioning of rear engaging portion 53 and rear engaged portion 25a, that is, relative positioning of rear engaging portion 53 and hole 25. As a result, rear engaging portion 53 can smoothly engage with rear engaged portion 25a. Because front engaging portion 54 is positioned forward, a worker can easily visually identify the position of hole 26 during attachment of partial panel 51L to housing 21. Consequently, the worker can smoothly perform the work of attaching partial panel 51L to device body 20.

[0109] The front engaged portion 26a may be positioned rearwardly away from the front end of the upper surface 22a of the device body 20 (ie, away from the front surface 20b of the device body 20 (see FIG. Figure 5) positioned rearwardly). In other words, the front engaging portion 54 may be positioned rearwardly away from the front edge 51b of the partial panel 51L.

[0110] [Shapes of the Joining Part and the Joined Part]

[0111] like Figure 7A As shown in FIG. 2 , the rear engaged portion 25a may be a protruding portion that protrudes forward from the rear portion of the inner edge of the hole 25. The rear engaging portion 53 may have a claw portion 53a extending rearward on its lower side. When the rear engaging portion 53 is engaged with the rear engaged portion 25a, the claw portion 53a comes under the rear engaged portion 25a, which is a protruding portion.

[0112] At least either the lower surface of the rear engaged portion 25a (the contact surface with the claw portion 53a) or the upper surface of the claw portion 53a (the contact surface with the rear engaged portion 25a) may be curved in an arcuate manner. This makes it possible to smoothly rotate the partial panel 51L during the work of removing the partial panel 51L. Figure 7A In the example shown in FIG5 , the lower surface of the rear engaging portion 25 a and the upper surface of the claw portion 53 a are both curved in an arcuate manner.

[0113] like Figure 7B As shown, the front engaged portion 26a can be the rear portion of the inner edge of the hole 26. The lower side of the front engaging portion 54 has a claw portion 54a extending rearward. When the front engaging portion 54 is engaged with the front engaged portion 26a, the claw portion 54a comes under the rear engaged portion 26a.

[0114] The inclined surface 54b may be formed on the claw portion 54a. The inclined surface 54b extends obliquely upward and rearward from the bottom end of the claw portion 54a. During attachment of the partial panel 51L to the device body 20, the inclined surface 54b interferes with the rear portion of the inner edge of the hole 26 (the upper surface of the front engaged portion 26a), causing the front engaging portion 54 to elastically deform. The elastic deformation of the front engaging portion 54 causes the claw portion 54a to pass over the front engaged portion 26a, engaging therebetween.

[0115] The protruding amount of the claw portion 54a of the front engaging portion 54 (width W2 in the front-rear direction, see Figure 7B ) may be smaller than the protruding amount of the claw portion 53a of the rear engaging portion 53 (width W1 in the front-rear direction, see Figure 7A The difference in the amount of protrusion makes it easy to release the engagement between the front engaging portion 54 and the front engaged portion 26 a when the front portion of the partial panel 51L is bent upward to detach the partial panel 51L from the device body 20 .

[0116] like Figure 1FAs shown, the housing 21 has a rear wall 28. An exhaust port D having a plurality of louvers 28a is formed in the rear wall 28. The louvers 28a may be aligned in the left-right direction, for example.

[0117] like Figure 1F As shown, the louvers 28a can be tilted on one side in the left-right direction. An opening (d) is formed between two adjacent louvers 28a. Figure 12 As shown, the hole 25 in which the rear engaged portion 25 a is formed is located between two adjacent louvers 28 a and is located above the opening (d) between the two louvers 28 a.

[0118] like Figure 4 As shown, the hole 25 can be formed obliquely to keep consistent with the inclination of the louver 28a. The engaging portion 53 formed on the partial panel 51L can also be formed obliquely to keep consistent with the hole 25, that is, to keep consistent with the inclination of the louver 28a. More specifically, in a plan view of the electronic device 10, the louver 28a can extend obliquely backward and leftward. The rear engaging portion 53 can also extend in the same direction. This structure of the rear engaging portion 53 makes it easy to ensure the dimensions of the rear engaging portion 53 and the rear engaged portion 25a in the left-right direction.

[0119] [Joining part and joined part]

[0120] like Figure 6A and Figure 8 As shown, the partial panel 51L has a first fitting portion 55A. For example, the first fitting portion 55A may be positioned in front of the rear joint portion 53 and behind the front joint portion 54. The first fitting portion 55A may be a protruding portion that protrudes from the lower surface of the partial panel 51L toward the device body 20.

[0121] like Figure 9A As shown, the upper surface 22a of the device body 20 is provided with a first fitted portion 27A configured to be fitted with the first fitting portion 55A. For example, the first fitted portion 27A may be a hole configured to be fitted with the first fitting portion 55A.

[0122] When the engaging portions 53 and 54 are engaged with the engaged portions 25a and 26a, respectively, the engaged portions 25a and 26a are both positioned behind the engaging portions 53 and 54, respectively. This means that the partial panel 51L can move forward, with only the engaging portions 53 and 54 engaging with the corresponding engaged portions 25a and 26a. To prevent such movement of the partial panel 51L, the first fitting portion 55A and the first fitted portion 27A are fitted together. This restricts the partial panel 51L from moving forward relative to the device body 20.

[0123] For example, Figure 9A As shown, the inner edge of the hole serving as the first fitted portion 27A may have a size corresponding to that of the protruding portion serving as the first fitting portion 55A. This effectively restricts the partial panel 51L from moving forward, which can prevent the engagement between the engaging portions 53 and 54 on the one hand and the engaged portions 25a and 26a on the other hand from being accidentally released.

[0124] As described above, the partial panel 51L has a plurality of front joint portions 54. The number of the first fitting portions 55A may be less than the number of the front joint portions 54. Also, the number of the first fitting portions 55A may be less than the number of the rear joint portions 53. For example, Figure 2B As shown in other drawings, there may be only one first fitting portion 55A provided on each partial panel 51L.

[0125] The claw portion 53a of the rear engaging portion 53 has a width W1 in the front-rear direction (refer to Figure 7A The claw portion 54a of the front engaging portion 54 has a width W2 in the front-rear direction (refer to Figure 7B ). The gap between the inner edge of the hole as the first fitted portion 27A and the outer peripheral surface of the first fitting portion 55A can be smaller than the width W1 or W2. This makes it possible to effectively prevent the engagement between the engaging portions 53 and 54 on the one hand and the engaged portions 25a and 26a on the other hand from being unintentionally released.

[0126] like Figure 7A As shown, a gap G1 is ensured between the inner edge of the hole in which the rear engaged portion 25a is formed and the rear engaging portion 53. Figure 11 As shown, the gap G1 allows the partial panel 51L to be arranged in an inclined posture, which facilitates the work of fitting the rear engaging portion 53 into the hole 25. As the first fitted portion 27A (refer to Figure 9A The gap between the inner edge of the hole of the first fitting portion 55A and the outer peripheral surface of the first fitting portion 55A may be smaller than the gap G1. Figure 9A As shown, the gap between the inner edge of the hole as the first fitted portion 27A and the outer peripheral surface of the first fitting portion 55A can be substantially zero. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the first fitting portion 55A can contact the inner edge of the hole as the first fitted portion 27A.

[0127] like Figure 7B As shown, a gap G2 is ensured between the hole 26 formed with the front engaged portion 26a and the front engaging portion 54. The gap G2 allows the front engaging portion 54 to be smoothly fitted into the hole 26 during the attachment of the partial panel 51L to the device body 20. Figure 9AThe gap between the inner edge of the hole of the first mounted portion 27A and the outer peripheral surface of the first mounting portion 55A can be smaller than the gap G2. As described above, the gap between the inner edge of the hole of the first mounted portion 27A and the outer peripheral surface of the first mounting portion 55A can be substantially zero. In other words, the outer peripheral surface of the first mounting portion 55A can be in contact with the inner edge of the hole of the first mounted portion 27A.

[0128] Note that in Figure 7A In the example shown in FIG, a claw portion 53a extending rearward is formed on the rear engaging portion 53. Conversely, a claw portion may be formed on the engaged portion 25a formed on the upper surface 22a of the housing 21. For example, the rear engaged portion 25a may be a protrusion that protrudes upward from the upper surface 22a of the housing 21. The claw portion may also protrude forward from this protrusion (the rear engaged portion 25a). The edge of the recessed portion formed on the partial panel 51L may serve as the rear engaging portion 53. The rear engaging portion 53 (the edge of the recessed portion) may also engage with the claw portion formed on the rear engaged portion 25a.

[0129] And, in Figure 7B In the example shown in FIG, the claw portion 54a extending rearward is formed on the front engaging portion 54. Conversely, the claw portion can be formed on the engaged portion 26a formed on the upper surface 22a of the housing 21. For example, the rear engaged portion 26a can be a protrusion that protrudes upward from the upper surface 22a of the housing 21. The claw portion can also protrude forward from this protrusion (the rear engaged portion 26a). The edge of the recessed portion formed on the partial panel 51L can also serve as the front engaging portion 54. Then, the front engaging portion (the edge of the recessed portion) can also engage with the claw portion formed on the rear engaged portion 26a.

[0130] As described above, in the case where the claw portion is formed on each of the engaged portions 25a and 26a of the housing 21, as the first fitted portion 27A (see Figure 9A ) and the first fitting portion 55A may have a gap smaller than the width of the claw portion.

[0131] like Figure 6B As shown, the partial panel 51L has a second mounting portion 55B. For example, the second mounting portion 55B may be positioned in front of the rear engaging portion 53 and behind the front engaging portion 54. Alternatively, the second mounting portion 55B may be positioned in front of the first mounting portion 55A. Similar to the first mounting portion 55A, the second mounting portion 55B may be a protruding portion that protrudes from the lower surface of the partial panel 51L toward the device body 20.

[0132] like Figure 9BAs shown, the upper surface 22a of the device body 20 is provided with a second fitted portion 27B configured to be fitted with the second fitting portion 55B. For example, the second fitted portion 27B may be a hole configured to be fitted with the second fitting portion 55B.

[0133] like Figure 9B As shown, the left-right dimension of the inner edge of the hole of the second fitted portion 27B may correspond to the left-right dimension of the protruding portion of the second fitting portion 55B. Unlike the first fitting portion 55A, the second fitting portion 55B may also have a gap G3 in the front-rear direction relative to the second fitted portion 27B.

[0134] The fitting portions 55A and 55B and the fitted portions 27A and 27B restrict movement of the partial panel 51L relative to the apparatus body 20. More specifically, parallel displacement of the partial panel 51L in the front-rear and left-right directions and rotation of the partial panel 51L in the horizontal plane are restricted.

[0135] like Figure 9A and 9B As shown, unlike the engaging portions 53 and 54, no claws are formed on the fitting portions 55A and 55B. For example, the fitting portions 55a and 55b may each include a columnar base 55a and a guided portion 55b extending downward from the base 55a and tapering toward the top end (i.e., the diameter gradually decreases toward the top end).

[0136] like Figure 9A and 9B As shown, the contact surfaces between the fitting portions 55A and 55B on the one hand and the fitted portions 27A and 27B on the other hand can be substantially perpendicular to the horizontal direction. For example, the outer peripheral surface of the base 55a of the first fitting portion 55A and the inner surface of the hole serving as the first fitted portion 27A can also be substantially perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction. This effectively suppresses movement of the partial panel 51L relative to the device body 20 (i.e., movement in the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction).

[0137] In addition, if Figure 9B As shown, the outer peripheral surface of the base 55a of the second fitting portion 55B and the inner surface of the hole serving as the second fitted portion 27B can be substantially perpendicular to the left-right direction. This effectively suppresses movement of the partial panel 51L relative to the device body 20 (i.e., rotation in the horizontal plane).

[0138] like Figure 11As shown, during the attachment of the partial panel 51L to the device body 20, the rear engaging portion 53 is first engaged with the rear engaged portion 25a. Then, the front edge 51b of the partial panel 51L is brought closer to the device body 20. This causes the claw 54a of the front engaging portion 54 of the partial panel 51L to interfere with the edge of the hole 26 (the engaged portion 26a in the example shown in the figure) in the device body 20. When the claw 54a interferes with the upper side of the edge of the hole 26, the first mounting portion 55A at least partially engages with the first engaged portion 27A. This restricts forward movement of the partial panel 51L. Furthermore, the front engaging portion 54 elastically deforms, causing the claw 54a to engage with the front engaged portion 26a. When the claw 54a interferes with the upper side of the edge of the hole 26, the second mounting portion 55B can at least partially engage with the second engaged portion 27B.

[0139] [Structure to prevent overload of the joint part]

[0140] like Figure 1C As shown, the left edge 51c of the left partial panel 51L protrudes leftward beyond the left side surface 20d of the device body 20. Therefore, if the electronic device 10 is dropped with its left side facing downward, causing the left edge 51c to collide with the floor, the relative positional relationship between the device body 20 and the left partial panel 51L is disrupted, which significantly overloads the joint portions 53 and 54 of the left partial panel 51L.

[0141] In order to prevent overload on the engaging portions 53 and 54 when the electronic device 10 falls, a guide surface 54c may be formed on the right side of the front engaging portion 54, as shown in FIG. Figure 6B The guide surface 54c may be a slope inclined in the left-right direction.

[0142] When the device body 20 is moved leftward relative to the left partial panel 51L, the guide surface 54c guides the inner edge of the hole 26 to release the engagement between the front engaging portion 54 and the front engaged portion 26a. This allows the rear engaging portion 53 to disengage from the hole 25, which allows the left partial panel 51L to be separated from the device body 20. Thus, overloading of the engaging portions 53, 54 can be prevented.

[0143] Alternatively, a guide surface 54c may be formed on the left side of the front engaging portion 54 on the right partial panel 51R of the upper exterior panel 51. If the electronic device 10 is dropped with its right side facing downward, causing the right edge 51d of the right partial panel 51R to collide with the floor, the guide surface 54c guides the inner edge of the hole 26 to release the engagement between the front engaging portion 54 and the front engaged portion 26a. As a result, the right partial panel 51R is detached from the device body 20. This prevents overloading of the engaging portions 53 and 54.

[0144] The slope for gently pushing the partial panel 51L away from the device body 20 may be formed not on the front engaging portion 54 but on the rear engaging portion 53. As another alternative, the slope may be formed not on the engaging portion 53 or 54 but on the inner edges of the holes 25 and 26.

[0145] like Figure 1D As depicted, the front edge 51b of the left partial panel 51L protrudes forward beyond the front surface 20b of the device body 20. Therefore, if the electronic device 10 is dropped with its front side facing downward, causing the front edge 51b to collide with the floor, the relative positional relationship between the device body 20 and the left partial panel 51L is disrupted, which significantly overloads the joint portions 53 and 54 of the left partial panel 51L.

[0146] In order to prevent overload on the joint portions 53 and 54 when the electronic device 10 falls, the partial panel 51L may have an auxiliary assembly portion 56, such as Figure 6B and Figure 10 For example, the auxiliary assembly portion 56 may be formed along the front edge 51b of the partial panel 51L together with the front joint portion 54. The upper surface 22a of the device body 20 may be formed with an assembled portion 29 configured to be assembled with the auxiliary assembly portion 56 (see Figure 10 ). For example, the auxiliary fitting portion 56 may be a protruding portion that protrudes from the lower surface of the partial panel 51L toward the device body 20. The fitted portion 29 may be a hole configured to be fitted with the protruding portion.

[0147] like Figure 10 As shown, auxiliary mounting portion 56 has a rearward-facing support surface 56a. Simultaneously, the inner surface of the hole serving as mounted portion 29 has a supported surface 29c facing the support surface 56a in the front-to-back direction. If electronic device 10 is dropped, causing front edge 51b to collide with the floor, this structure also applies a load to auxiliary mounting portion 56, thereby alleviating the load on engaging portions 53 and 54. Unlike engaging portions 53 and 54, support surface 56a does not have a claw formed thereon.

[0148] like Figure 1D As shown, the rear edge 51a of the left partial panel 51L protrudes rearward beyond the rear surface 20a of the device body 20. Therefore, if the electronic device 10 falls backward, the rear edge 51a collides with the floor. Since the engaged portions 25a and 26a are located behind the engaging portions 53 and 54, respectively, the collision of the rear edge 51a with the floor releases the engagement between the engaging portions 53 and 54 on the one hand and the engaged portions 25a and 26a on the other hand. This allows for smooth removal of the partial panel 51L from the device body 20.

[0149] like Figure 10 As shown, the auxiliary assembly portion 56 may have a guide surface 56b on the opposite side of the support surface 56a. The guide surface 56 being a slope allows the auxiliary assembly portion 56 to be smoothly detached from the hole of the assembled portion 29 if the electronic device 10 later falls downward.

[0150] As described above, unlike engagement portions 53 and 54, mounting portions 55A and 55B do not have claws. Therefore, if electronic device 10 is dropped and the edge of partial panel 51L strikes the floor, mounting portions 55A and 55B smoothly detach from mounted portions 27A and 27B. This prevents overloading of mounting portions 55A and 55B.

[0151] The mounting portions 55A and 55B each have a base 55a (see Figure 9A and 9B ), the outer peripheral surface of the base 55a is positioned in the vertical direction. The base 55a prevents the partial panel 51L from moving in the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction relative to the device body 20. However, the base 55a is limited in height. Specifically, the height of the base 55a does not exceed the lower surface 22b of the upper wall 22. As a result, if the electronic device 10 falls and the edge of the partial panel 51L collides with the floor, the mounting portions 55A and 55B are smoothly separated from the mounted portions 27A and 27B.

[0152] [Other examples of partial panels and electronic devices]

[0153] 13A to 13F 51 is a diagram depicting the right partial panel 51R of the upper exterior panel 51. The right partial panel 51R has engaging portions 53, 54, a first fitting portion 55A, and an auxiliary fitting portion 56.

[0154] 14A to 14F 55 is a diagram depicting a left partial panel 52L of the lower outer panel 52. The left partial panel 52L has engaging portions 53, 54, a first fitting portion 55A, a second fitting portion 55B, and an auxiliary fitting portion 56.

[0155] Figures 15A to 15F 5A is a diagram depicting the right partial panel 52R of the lower outer panel 52. The right partial panel 52R has engaging portions 53, 54, a first fitting portion 55A, and an auxiliary fitting portion 56.

[0156] 16A to 16H1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device 110 as a modified example of the electronic device proposed by the present disclosure. The electronic device 110 has a device body 120 and an upper external panel 51 equipped with the left partial panel 51L and the right partial panel 51R discussed above. The electronic device 110 also has a lower external panel 152. The lower external panel 152 has a left partial panel 152L and a right partial panel 52R. The device body 120 is mounted with an optical disc drive. The front surface of the left partial panel 152L is provided with an insertion slot 152a for an optical disc (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 6B ).

[0157] 17A to 17F It is a depiction Figure 16A Like the left lower panel 52L, the left partial panel 152L has the joint portions 53 , 54 , the first fitting portion 55A, the second fitting portion 55B, and the auxiliary fitting portion 56 .

[0158] [in conclusion]

[0159] (1) The electronic device proposed in the present disclosure has a device body and an external panel, wherein the device body has a first external surface and the external panel is configured to cover the first external surface. The external panel has a first engaging portion, a second engaging portion, and an assembly portion, wherein the first engaging portion is positioned on a first side relative to the center of the external panel in a first direction, and the second engaging portion is positioned on a second side opposite to the first side relative to the center of the external panel in the first direction. The device body has a first engaged portion, a second engaged portion, and an assembly portion, wherein the first engaged portion is configured to engage with the first engaging portion, the second engaged portion is configured to engage with the second engaging portion, and the assembly portion is configured to assemble with the assembly portion. The first engaged portion is positioned on a first side in the first direction relative to the first engaging portion. The second engaged portion is positioned on a first side in the first direction relative to the second engaging portion. The assembly portion is assembled with the assembly portion to suppress movement of the external panel to the second side in the first direction. Since the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion are both positioned on the first side relative to the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion in the electronic device, the engagement between the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion and the engagement between the second engaging portion and the second engaged portion can be easily released. As a result, the operation of disassembling the external panel becomes easy. Furthermore, the fitting portion prevents the exterior panel from being accidentally separated from the device body.

[0160] (2) In the electronic device described in the above paragraph (1), the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion may be protruding portions that protrude toward the device body. The device body may have a first hole and a second hole, the first hole being configured to be assembled with the first engaging portion, and the second hole being configured to be assembled with the second engaging portion. The edge of the first hole may be provided with the first engaged portion, and the edge of the second hole may be provided with the second engaged portion.

[0161] (3) In the electronic device described in the above paragraph (1) or (2), the external panel has a first edge and a second edge positioned relative to each other in the first direction. When the first engaging portion is engaged with the first engaged portion and the second engaging portion is not engaged with the second engaged portion, the first external panel can be rotated around the first engaging portion in a direction in which the second edge is separated from the device body and in a direction in which the second edge approaches the device body. This configuration allows the external panel to be attached to and detached from the device body by simple work. For example, when the first engaging portion is engaged with the first engaged portion, the external panel can be attached to the device body by rotating the external panel so that the second edge approaches the device body. When the external panel is to be detached, the portion of the external panel where the second engaging portion is formed is bent to release the engagement of the second engaging portion with the second engaged portion. Then, the external panel can be rotated so that the second edge is separated from the device body to release the engagement between the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion. Thus, the external panel can be detached from the device body.

[0162] (4) In the electronic device described in the above paragraph (3), the distance from the second edge to the second engaging portion may be greater than the distance from the first edge to the first engaging portion. In this configuration, bending the portion of the outer panel that forms the second engaging portion can easily release the engagement between the second engaging portion and the second engaged portion.

[0163] (5) In the electronic device described in any one of the above paragraphs (1) to (3), the first engaging portion or the first engaged portion may have a first claw protruding therefrom. Either the second engaging portion or the second engaged portion may also have a second claw protruding therefrom. Either the assembly portion or the assembled portion may be a protruding portion, and the other may be a hole configured to be assembled with the protruding portion. The gap between the protruding portion and the inner surface of the hole is smaller than the protrusion amount of the first claw portion and the protrusion amount of the second claw portion. This configuration enables the assembly portion and the assembled portion to prevent the external panel from moving in a manner that releases the engagement between the first claw portion and the second claw.

[0164] (6) In the electronic device described in any one of the above paragraphs (1) to (4), the first engaging portion may be a protruding portion protruding toward the device body. The device body may have a first hole configured to be assembled with the first engaging portion. The edge of the first hole may be provided with the first engaged portion. The assembled portion may be a third hole formed in the device body. The gap between the edge of the third hole and the assembly portion may be smaller than the gap between the edge of the first hole and the first engaging portion.

[0165] (7) In the electronic device described in any one of the above paragraphs (1) to (6), the second engaging portion may be a protruding portion protruding toward the device body. The device body may have a second hole configured to be assembled with the second engaging portion. The edge of the second hole may be provided with the second engaged portion. The assembled portion may be a third hole formed in the device body. The gap between the edge of the third hole and the assembly portion may be smaller than the gap between the edge of the second hole and the second engaging portion.

[0166] (8) In the electronic device described in any one of the above paragraphs (1) to (6), the fitting portion or the fitted portion may be a protruding portion configured to fit with another portion. The protruding portion does not need to have a claw portion configured to engage with the other portion.

[0167] (9) Another electronic device proposed according to the present disclosure has a device body and an external panel, the device body having a first outer surface, and the external panel being configured to cover the first outer surface. The external panel has a first edge and a second edge positioned relative to each other in a first direction, a first engaging portion formed on one side of the first edge relative to the center of the external panel in the first direction, and a second engaging portion formed on one side of the second edge relative to the center of the external panel. When the first engaging portion is engaged with the first engaged portion and the second engaging portion is not engaged with the second engaged portion, the first external panel can be rotated around the first engaging portion in a direction in which the second edge is separated from the device body and in a direction in which the second edge approaches the device body. The distance from the second edge to the second engaging portion is greater than the distance from the first edge to the first engaging portion. In this electronic device, the external panel can be attached to and detached from the device body by a simple operation. For example, when the first engaging portion is engaged with the first engaged portion, the external panel can be rotated so that the second edge approaches the device body, thereby attaching the external panel to the device body. When the external panel is to be removed, the portion of the external panel where the second engaging portion is formed is bent, and the engagement of the second engaging portion with the second engaged portion can be released.

[0168] (10) The external panel proposed in accordance with the present disclosure has a first edge and a second edge positioned relative to each other in a first direction, a first engaging portion formed on a first side relative to the center of the external panel in the first direction, the first engaging portion configured to engage with a first engaged portion formed on the device body, a second engaging portion formed on a second side relative to the center of the external panel in the first direction, the second engaging portion configured to engage with a second engaged portion formed on the device body, and an assembling portion configured to assemble with the engaged portion formed on the device body. The first engaging portion has a claw protruding on a first side in the first direction. The second engaging portion has a claw protruding on a first side in the first direction. With this external panel, the claw of the first engaged portion and the claw of the second engaged portion both protrude on the first side. Thus, it is easy to release the engagement of the first engaging portion with the first engaged portion and the engagement of the second engaging portion with the second engaged portion. In addition, the assembling portion can prevent the external panel from being accidentally separated from the device body.

[0169] (11) With respect to the exterior panel described in the above paragraph (10), the fitting portion does not need to have claw portions formed thereon for engaging with the fitted portion.

[0170] (12) Another external panel proposed according to the present disclosure has a first edge and a second edge positioned relative to each other in a first direction, a first joining portion formed on one side of the first edge relative to the center of the external panel in the first direction, and a second joining portion formed on one side of the second edge relative to the center of the external panel in the first direction, the first joining portion being configured to join with a first joined portion formed on the device body, and the second joining portion being configured to join with a second joined portion formed on the device body. The distance from the second edge to the second joining portion is greater than the distance from the first edge to the second joining portion. With this external panel, the external panel can be removed from the device body by a simple operation. For example, by bending the portion of the external panel where the second joining portion is formed, the engagement of the second joining portion with the second joined portion can be released.

[0171] [other]

[0172] The electronic device and the external panel proposed in the present disclosure are not limited to Figure 1A and the electronic device 10 and the external panels 51 and 52 shown in other drawings. Various changes and modifications are possible.

[0173] For example, the structure of attaching the above-described joint portions 53, 54 and other portions may be applied only to either one of the upper exterior panel 51 and the lower exterior panel 52. In this case, the electronic device 10 does not need to be provided with other exterior panels.

[0174] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10, the engaging portions 53 and 54 are protruding portions, and the engaged portions 25a and 26a are formed on the inner edges of holes formed in the device body 20. Alternatively, the device body 20 may be provided with protruding portions as the engaged portions, holes may be formed in the outer panels 51 and 52, and the engaging portions 53 and 54 may be formed inside these holes.

[0175] In the electronic device 10, the fitting portions 55A and 55B are protruding portions, and the fitted portions 27A and 27B are holes formed in the device body 20. Alternatively, the device body may be provided with protruding portions as the fitted portions, and the outer panels 51 and 52 may be provided with holes to serve as the fitting portions.

[0176] In another example, with the front engaging portion 54 of the upper outer panel 51 engaged with the engaged portion 26a of the device body 20, the upper outer panel 51 can be rotated in a direction in which the rear edge 51a of the upper outer panel 51 approaches the device body 20 and in a direction in which the rear edge 51a is separated from the device body 20. In this case, both the engaged portions 25a and 26a can be positioned in front of the engaging portions 53 and 54. Thus, the user can release the engagement of the rear engaging portion 53 with the rear engaged portion 25a by bending the rear portion of the outer panel 51 upward.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: a device body having a first outer surface; and an outer panel configured to cover the first outer surface, wherein the outer panel has a first engaging portion, a second engaging portion, and a fitting portion, wherein the first engaging portion is positioned on a first side relative to a center of the outer panel in a first direction, and the second engaging portion is positioned on a second side opposite to the first side relative to the center of the outer panel in the first direction. The device body has a first engaged portion, a second engaged portion, and an assembled portion, wherein the first engaged portion is configured to engage with the first engaging portion, the second engaged portion is configured to engage with the second engaging portion, and the assembled portion is configured to be assembled with the assembling portion. the first engaged portion is positioned on a first side in the first direction relative to the first engaging portion, The second engaged portion is positioned on a first side in the first direction relative to the second engaging portion, and The assembled portion is assembled with the assembly portion to inhibit the outer panel from moving toward the second side of the first direction.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are each a protruding portion that protrudes toward the device body, The device body has a first hole configured to be fitted with the first engaging portion and a second hole configured to be fitted with the second engaging portion, The edge of the first hole is provided with the first engaged portion, The edge of the second hole is provided with the second engaged portion.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The outer panel has a first edge and a second edge positioned opposite each other in the first direction, When the first engaging portion engages with the first engaged portion and the second engaging portion does not engage with the second engaged portion, the first outer panel can rotate around the first engaging portion in a direction in which the second edge separates from the device body and in a direction in which the second edge approaches the device body.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, in, A distance from the second edge to the second joining portion is greater than a distance from the first edge to the first joining portion.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The first engaging portion or the first engaged portion has a first claw portion protruding therefrom, the second engaging portion or the second engaged portion having a second claw portion protruding therefrom, Either one of the fitting portion or the fitted portion is a protruding portion, and the other is a hole configured to be fitted with the protruding portion, and A gap between the protruding portion and the inner surface of the hole is smaller than a protruding amount of the first claw portion and a protruding amount of the second claw portion.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The first engaging portion is a protruding portion protruding toward the device body, The device body has a first hole configured to be fitted with the first engaging portion, an edge of the first hole being provided with the first engaged portion, The assembled portion is a third hole formed in the device body, A gap between an edge of the third hole and the fitting portion is smaller than a gap between an edge of the first hole and the first engaging portion.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The second engaging portion is a protruding portion protruding toward the device body, The device body has a second hole configured to be fitted with the second engaging portion, an edge of the second hole being provided with the second engaged portion, The assembled portion is a third hole formed in the device body, The gap between the edge of the third hole and the fitting portion is smaller than the gap between the edge of the second hole and the second engaging portion.

8. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the fitting portion or the fitted portion is a protruding portion configured to be fitted with another portion, and The protruding portion does not have a claw portion configured to engage with another portion.

9. An electronic device comprising: a device body having a first outer surface; and an outer panel configured to cover the first outer surface, wherein the outer panel has a first edge and a second edge positioned opposite to each other in a first direction, a first joining portion formed on one side of the first edge relative to a center of the outer panel in the first direction, and a second joining portion formed on one side of the second edge relative to the center of the outer panel, The device body has a first engaged portion and a second engaged portion, the first engaged portion is configured to engage with the first engaging portion, and the second engaged portion is configured to engage with the second engaging portion, When the first engaging portion is engaged with the first engaged portion and the second engaging portion is not engaged with the second engaged portion, the first outer panel is rotatable around the first engaging portion in a direction in which the second edge is separated from the device body and in a direction in which the second edge approaches the device body. A distance from the second edge to the second engaging portion is greater than a distance from the first edge to the first engaging portion.

10. An external panel attached to a body of an electronic device, the external panel comprising: a first edge and a second edge positioned opposite each other in a first direction; a first engaging portion formed on a first side relative to a center of the outer panel in a first direction, the first engaging portion configured to engage with a first engaged portion formed on the device body; a second engaging portion formed on a second side relative to a center of the outer panel in the first direction, the second engaging portion configured to engage with a second engaged portion formed on the device body; and an assembling portion configured to be assembled with an assembled portion formed on the device body, wherein the first engaging portion has a claw portion protruding on a first side in the first direction, The second engaging portion has a claw portion protruding on the first side in the first direction.

11. The exterior panel according to claim 10, The fitting portion does not have a claw portion formed thereon to engage with the fitted portion.

12. An external panel attached to a body of an electronic device, the external panel comprising: a first edge and a second edge positioned opposite each other in a first direction; a first engaging portion formed on one side of a first edge relative to a center of the outer panel in a first direction, the first engaging portion being configured to engage with a first engaged portion formed on the device body; and a second engaging portion formed on one side of the second edge relative to the center of the outer panel in the first direction, the second engaging portion being configured to engage with a second engaged portion formed on the device body; Wherein, a distance from the second edge to the second joining portion is greater than a distance from the first edge to the second joining portion.

Images