Housing structure with light-emitting design

Abstract

The present application provides a shell structure with a light emitting design, comprising a shell, a light-transmitting adhesive layer and a light emitting module. The shell has an appearance surface, an inner surface opposite to the appearance surface and a light-transmitting groove penetrating through the appearance surface and the inner surface. The light-transmitting adhesive layer is filled in the light-transmitting groove. The light emitting module is arranged on the inner surface and covers the light-transmitting groove or is located on one side of the light-transmitting groove to transmit light to the light-transmitting adhesive layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a shell structure, and more particularly to a shell structure with a light-emitting design. Background Technology

[0002] To enhance brand recognition and visual appeal, some laptops feature an illuminated logo on the back cover of their displays. The design involves creating a light-transmitting groove on the back cover following the outline of the illuminated logo, and then mounting the light-emitting module on one side of this groove. The light-emitting module typically includes a light source, a light guide plate, and a diffuser plate. The diffuser plate is placed on the light guide plate and adheres to one side of the light-transmitting groove. Generally, the diffuser plate has protrusions that match the outline of the illuminated logo to allow it to fit into the light-transmitting groove. However, manufacturing tolerances can lead to inefficient or even impossible installation of the diffuser plate. Furthermore, the combined thickness of the diffuser plate and the light guide plate does not meet the design requirements for a thinner product. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a shell structure whose design helps improve manufacturing efficiency and meets the design requirements for thinner products.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing structure includes a housing component, a light-transmitting colloidal layer, and a light-emitting module. The housing component has an outer surface, an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, and a light-transmitting groove penetrating the outer surface and the inner surface. The light-transmitting colloidal layer fills the light-transmitting groove. The light-emitting module is disposed on the inner surface and includes a light source and a light guide plate. The light source transmits light to the light guide plate, and the light guide plate covers the light-transmitting groove.

[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the housing structure includes a housing member, a light-transmitting colloidal layer, and a light-emitting module. The housing member has an outer surface, an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, and a light-transmitting groove penetrating the outer surface and the inner surface. The light-transmitting colloidal layer fills the light-transmitting groove. The light-emitting module is disposed on the inner surface and located on one side of the light-transmitting groove. The light-emitting module includes a light source, and the light source transmits light to the light-transmitting colloidal layer.

[0006] Based on the above, by filling the light-transmitting groove with light-transmitting colloid and curing it to form a light-transmitting colloid layer, which serves as a light guiding structure, a light-monopolizing structure, or a combination thereof, not only can the manufacturing efficiency of the shell structure be improved, but it can also meet the design requirements for thinner products. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1A and Figure 1B These are schematic diagrams of the shell structure of an embodiment of the present invention from two different perspectives;

[0008] Figure 1C yes Figure 1B An exploded view of the shell structure;

[0009] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A Enlarged schematic diagram of a partial cross-section along line segment 1D-1D;

[0010] Figures 2A to 2C This is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the shell structure of another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0011] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same element references are used in the drawings and description to denote the same or similar parts.

[0012] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of the shell structure of an embodiment of the present invention from two different perspectives. Figure 1C yes Figure 1B An exploded view of the shell structure. Figure 1D yes Figure 1A A magnified view of a partial cross-section along line segment 1D-1D. First, please refer to... Figure 1A and Figure 1B In this embodiment, the housing structure 100 may be part of a laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone or other electronic device, and has a light-emitting design, such as a light-emitting logo, to improve brand recognition and enhance visual appeal.

[0013] Please refer to Figures 1A to 1D The housing structure 100 includes a housing component 110, a light-transmitting colloid layer 120, and a light-emitting module 130. The housing component 110 has an outer surface 111, an inner surface 112 opposite to the outer surface 111, and a light-transmitting groove 113 penetrating the outer surface 111 and the inner surface 112. The light-transmitting colloid layer 120 is filled in the light-transmitting groove 113, and the light-emitting module 130 is disposed on the inner surface 112 corresponding to the light-transmitting groove 113 and the light-transmitting colloid layer 120 filled therein.

[0014] The light-transmitting colloid layer 120 can be formed by curing a light-curing or thermosetting colloid. The specific manufacturing process is as follows: first, a removable film is attached to the outer surface 111 and the film covers the light-transmitting groove 113. Then, the light-curing or thermosetting colloid is injected into the light-transmitting groove 113 from the side where the inner surface 112 is located using a dispensing machine or other suitable equipment. Then, the light-curing or thermosetting colloid is pressed against the side where the inner surface 112 is located using a pressing head or other suitable equipment. Finally, the film is removed, and the light-curing or thermosetting colloid is subjected to a light-curing or thermosetting process to form the light-transmitting colloid layer 120.

[0015] In one example, the main component of the UV-curable colloid may be acrylate, and the compound may include polyurethane and epoxy resin. The polyurethane content accounts for 1 to 2% of the total colloid content, and the epoxy resin content accounts for 0.5% of the total colloid content. In another example, the main component of the UV-curable colloid may be acrylate, and the compound may include polyurethane, epoxy resin, and propylene oxide. The polyurethane content accounts for 1 to 2% of the total colloid content, the epoxy resin content accounts for 0.5% of the total colloid content, and the propylene oxide content accounts for 0.2 to 0.4% of the total colloid content. In yet another example, the main component of the UV-curable colloid may be acrylate, and the compound may include polyurethane, epoxy resin, propylene oxide, and isopropanol. The polyurethane content accounts for 1 to 2% of the total colloid content, the epoxy resin content accounts for 1 to 2% of the total colloid content, the propylene oxide content accounts for 0.1 to 0.3% of the total colloid content, and the isopropanol content accounts for 0.1 to 0.3% of the total colloid content.

[0016] Please refer to Figures 1B to 1D The light-emitting module 130 is disposed on the inner surface 112 and includes a light source 131 and a light guide plate 132. The light source 131 transmits light to the light guide plate 132, and the light guide plate 132 covers the light-transmitting groove 113 to further transmit the light to the light-transmitting colloid layer 120 filled in the light-transmitting groove 113, and then transmits it to the outside through the light-transmitting colloid layer 120. Since the light-transmitting colloid layer 120 can serve as a light-guiding structure, a light-diffusing structure, or a combination thereof, it can not only transmit the light from the light guide plate 132 to the outside, but also present a luminous mark with uniform brightness on the outer surface 111 of the housing 110. In addition, since the light-transmitting colloid layer 120 is formed by curing after filling the light-transmitting groove 113 with light-transmitting colloid, it not only helps to improve the manufacturing efficiency of the housing structure 100, but also meets the design requirements of product thinning.

[0017] In this embodiment, the light-transmitting colloid layer 120 is in contact with the light guide plate 132, and the light-transmitting colloid layer 120 has a light-incident surface 1201 located on the side of the inner surface 112 and a light-emitting surface 1202 exposed on the side of the outer surface 111. Specifically, the light-incident surface 1201 contacts the light guide plate 132, and the light-emitting surface 1202 may be lower than or flush with the outer surface 111. On the other hand, the cross-sectional profile of the light-transmitting groove 113 may be trapezoidal, and the cross-sectional width of the light-transmitting groove 113 on the outer surface 111 is greater than the cross-sectional width of the light-transmitting groove 113 on the inner surface 112. Specifically, the cross-sectional width W of the light-transmitting groove 113 gradually decreases in the direction D from the outer surface 111 to the inner surface 112. With this cross-sectional profile design, it is possible to prevent uncured photocurable or thermocurable colloid from flowing back from the light-transmitting groove 113 to the side of the inner surface 112.

[0018] Please refer to Figures 1B to 1DThe light-transmitting colloidal layer 120 includes a first portion 121 located within the light-transmitting groove 113 and a second portion 122 located outside the light-transmitting groove 113. Specifically, the first portion 121 of the light-transmitting colloidal layer 120 matches the cross-sectional profile of the light-transmitting groove 113, thus having a trapezoidal cross-sectional profile. Furthermore, the second portion 122 protrudes from the side containing the inner surface 112 and contacts the light guide plate 132. That is, the light-incident surface 1201 is located in the second portion 122, and the light-exit surface 1202 is located in the first portion 121.

[0019] Furthermore, the housing 110 also has a first groove 1121 located on its inner surface 112 and communicating with the light-transmitting groove 113, wherein a second portion 122 of the light-transmitting colloid layer 120 is distributed within the first groove 1121, and the light guide plate 132 covers the first groove 1121 to contact the second portion 122. On the other hand, the housing 110 also has a second groove 1122 located within the first groove 1121 and communicating with the light-transmitting groove 113, and a second portion 122 of the light-transmitting colloid layer 120 is distributed within the second groove 1122.

[0020] For example, the second groove 1122 may include a plurality of linear grooves located within the first groove 1121 and intersect with the light-transmitting groove 113, for example, perpendicularly. During the process of pressing the uncured photocurable or thermocurable adhesive against the inner surface 112 from the side by a pressing head or other suitable equipment, the photocurable or thermocurable adhesive may further overflow into the second groove 1122, or gas in the photocurable or thermocurable adhesive may be discharged outward through the second groove 1122 to improve the density and uniformity of the subsequently cured light-transmitting adhesive layer 120 and to prevent the formation of bubbles or pores in the subsequently cured light-transmitting adhesive layer 120.

[0021] Figures 2A to 2C This is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 2A Shell structure 100a and Figure 1D The structural design of the shell structure 100 shown is largely the same, with the main difference being the cross-sectional profile design of the light-transmitting groove. Specifically, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional profile of the light-transmitting groove 113a can be a stepped profile, and the cross-sectional width W1 of the light-transmitting groove 113a on the outer surface 111 is greater than the cross-sectional width W2 of the light-transmitting groove 113a on the inner surface 112. This cross-sectional profile design prevents uncured light-cured or thermo-cured adhesive from flowing back from the light-transmitting groove 113a to the side where the inner surface 112 is located. In addition, the first portion 121 of the light-transmitting adhesive layer 120a matches the cross-sectional profile of the light-transmitting groove 113a and has a stepped cross-sectional profile.

[0022] Please refer to Figure 2B Shell structure 100b and Figure 1DThe structural design of the shell structure 100 shown is largely the same, with the main difference being the cross-sectional profile design of the light-transmitting groove. Specifically, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional profile of the light-transmitting groove 113b can be rectangular, and the cross-sectional width W3 of the light-transmitting groove 113b remains unchanged from the outer surface 111 to the inner surface 112 in the direction D. In addition, the first portion 121 of the light-transmitting colloid layer 120b matches the cross-sectional profile of the light-transmitting groove 113b and has a rectangular cross-sectional profile.

[0023] Please refer to Figure 2C 100c shell structure and Figure 1D The structural design of the housing structure 100 shown is similar; the main design differences in housing structure 100c are detailed below. In the housing structure 100c of this embodiment, the light-emitting module 130a is not equipped with a light guide plate, and the light source 131 is disposed in the first groove 1121. Specifically, the light source 131 is located on one side of the light-transmitting groove 113 and is distributed in the edge region of the second part 122 of the light-transmitting colloid layer 120c.

[0024] On the other hand, the light-incident surface 1201 of the light-transmitting colloid layer 120c faces the light source 131, and the light-emitting surface 1202 exposed on the outer surface 111 is substantially perpendicular to the light-incident surface 1201. Furthermore, the light-transmitting colloid layer 120c also has a bottom surface 1203 located in the second portion 122 and opposite to the light-emitting surface 1202, wherein the light-incident surface 1201 and the bottom surface 1203 are connected (e.g., perpendicularly connected), and the bottom surface 1203 is provided with optical microstructures 1204. For example, the optical microstructures 1204 may be convex, concave, raised, recessed, or other suitable shapes, and may be transferred and formed by pressing a photocurable or thermocurable colloid with a pressing head or other suitable equipment. Additionally, the distribution range of the optical microstructures 1204 on the second portion 122 at least falls within the area of ​​the second portion 122 opposite to the light-transmitting groove 113, or at least falls within the projection area of ​​the first portion 121 on the second portion 122.

[0025] By configuring an optical microstructure 1204 in the second part 122 of the light-transmitting colloidal layer 120c, the second part 122 of the light-transmitting colloidal layer 120c can serve as a light guide structure. When light from the light source 131 enters the second part 122 of the light-transmitting colloidal layer 120c from the light-incident surface 1201, the light can be transmitted inside the second part 122 using the principle of total internal reflection. Then, the optical microstructure 1204 breaks the total internal reflection of the light, guiding the light to the first part 121, and finally uniformly emitting it outward from the light-emitting surface 1202. Without the need for a light guide plate, the overall thickness of the product can be further reduced.

[0026] In summary, by filling the light-transmitting groove with a light-transmitting colloid and curing it to form a light-transmitting colloid layer, which serves as a light-guiding structure, a light-diffusing structure, or a combination thereof, not only is the manufacturing efficiency of the housing structure improved, but it also meets the design requirements for thinner products. Furthermore, because the light-transmitting colloid layer can serve as a light-guiding structure, a light-diffusing structure, or a combination thereof, it can not only transmit light from the light-emitting module to the outside, but also present luminous markings with uniform brightness on the outer surface of the housing.

[0027] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shell structure, characterized in that, include: The shell has an outer surface, an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, and a light-transmitting groove passing through the outer surface and the inner surface; A light-transmitting colloidal layer is filled in the light-transmitting groove; as well as A light-emitting module is disposed on the inner surface and includes a light source and a light guide plate, wherein the light source transmits light to the light guide plate and the light guide plate covers the light-transmitting groove.

2. The shell structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-transmitting colloid layer has a light-incident surface that contacts the light guide plate and a light-exiting surface that is opposite to the light-incident surface, and the light-exiting surface is lower than or flush with the outer surface.

3. The shell structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional profile of the light-transmitting groove includes a stepped profile, a trapezoidal profile, or a rectangular profile.

4. The shell structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional width of the light-transmitting groove on the outer surface is greater than the cross-sectional width of the light-transmitting groove on the inner surface.

5. The shell structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional width of the light-transmitting groove gradually decreases from the outer surface to the inner surface.

6. The shell structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional width of the light-transmitting groove remains constant from the outer surface to the inner surface.

7. The shell structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-transmitting colloid layer includes a first part located inside the light-transmitting groove and a second part located outside the light-transmitting groove, the second part protruding from the side of the inner surface and contacting the light guide plate.

8. The shell structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The housing also has a first groove located on the inner surface and communicating with the light-transmitting groove, and the second part is distributed in the first groove and contacts the light guide plate.

9. The shell structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The shell also has a second groove located within the first groove and connected to the light-transmitting groove, and the second portion of the light-transmitting colloid layer is distributed within the second groove.

10. The shell structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second groove intersects with the light-transmitting groove.

11. A shell structure, characterized in that, include: The shell has an outer surface, an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, and a light-transmitting groove passing through the outer surface and the inner surface; A light-transmitting colloidal layer is filled in the light-transmitting groove; as well as A light-emitting module is disposed on the inner surface and located on one side of the light-transmitting groove, wherein the light-emitting module includes a light source, and the light source transmits light to the light-transmitting colloid layer.

12. The shell structure according to claim 11, characterized in that, The light-transmitting colloid layer includes a first part located inside the light-transmitting groove and a second part located outside the light-transmitting groove. The second part protrudes from the side where the inner surface is located, and the light source is distributed in the edge region of the second part.

13. The shell structure according to claim 12, characterized in that, The light-transmitting colloidal layer has a light-incident surface located in the second part and a light-exiting surface located in the first part, wherein the light-incident surface faces the light source and the light-exiting surface is lower than or flush with the outer surface.

14. The shell structure according to claim 13, characterized in that, The light-transmitting colloidal layer also has a bottom surface located in the second part and opposite to the light-emitting surface, wherein the light-incident surface is connected to the bottom surface, and the bottom surface is provided with optical microstructures.

15. The shell structure according to claim 12, characterized in that, The housing also has a first groove located on the inner surface and communicating with the light-transmitting groove, and the second part is distributed within the first groove.

16. The shell structure according to claim 15, characterized in that, The shell also has a second groove located within the first groove and connected to the light-transmitting groove, and the second portion of the light-transmitting colloid layer is distributed within the second groove.

17. The shell structure according to claim 15, characterized in that, The light source is disposed within the first groove.

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