A set of computer components, suitable for assembling a desktop computer by reusing non-standard components

Abstract

The present invention relates to a set of computer components (1), suitable for assembling a desktop computer (B) by reusing non-standard components (C), in particular a motherboard (C1), taken from a computer. This set of computer components (1) comprises: - a housing (2), - a customizable support (3), suitable for being secured to the housing (2) and said motherboard (C1), - ventilation means (4), for evacuating heat through a ventilation grid (22), in particular the heat intended to be emitted by said motherboard (C1), and possibly - repositionable connection blocks (5), suitable for cooperating with locations (251) provided at an external wall (21) of the housing (2). Figure for the abstract: 3

Description

Title of the invention: Set of computer components, suitable for the assembly of a desktop computer by the reuse of non-standard components Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of computer components.

[0002] It relates in particular to sets of computer components, suitable for the assembly of a desktop computer by the reuse of non-standard components taken from a computer. State of the art

[0003] Reuse is the operation by which a product is donated or sold by its original owner, for the benefit of a third party who will give it a second life. The product retains its status as a product and does not become waste at any time. This is a component of waste prevention.

[0004] For computers, this reuse constitutes an essential practice, but remains complex to this day.

[0005] Indeed, some computers are known to integrate non-standard computer components, such as motherboards; this is the case, for example, with laptops or mini-PCs.

[0006] These non-standard computer components cannot then be integrated into conventional configurations.

[0007] The reuse of these non-standard components is therefore traditionally not feasible as it results in major shortcomings in terms of integration efficiency, performance and ventilation.

[0008] There is therefore a need for technical solutions to overcome these difficulties in reusing non-standard computer components. Presentation of the invention

[0009] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawback of the state of the art, the present invention proposes a set of computer components, suitable for the assembly of a desktop computer by the reuse of non-standard components, in particular a motherboard advantageously equipped with a fan, taken from a computer (for example a laptop or a mini-PC).

[0010] This set of computer components includes:

[0011] - a housing comprising outer walls, at least one of said walls ex interiors with holes forming a ventilation grid,

[0012] - a customizable support, comprising:

[0013] — at least one first fixing zone, adapted to be secured to a face interior of one of the exterior walls of said housing, and

[0014] — at least one second fixing zone which is arranged according to zones of assembly equipping said motherboard, and

[0015] - ventilation means, for the evacuation of heat through said grid ventilation, in particular the heat intended to be emitted by said motherboard.

[0016] Such a technical solution is particularly interesting for ensuring the reuse of non-standard components, in a simple, efficient and industrial manner.

[0017] Generally speaking, said customizable support is advantageously chosen from:

[0018] - a customizable support designed to measure, for example by additive manufacturing, advantageously produced in one piece or by assembly, or

[0019] - a customizable support comprising a set of repositionable spacers.

[0020] Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the custom-designed customizable support according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are the following:

[0021] - the customizable support designed to measure, for example by additive manufacturing, understand :

[0022] — a base, forming said first fixing zone adapted to be secured with one of the outer walls of said housing, for example composed of a set of side members, and

[0023] — a set of arms, connected to said base and terminated by a free end, forming said second fixing zone, which is arranged according to mounting zones equipping said motherboard;

[0024] - said arms are made in one piece, with said base, and / or added, by example by screwing.

[0025] Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the product according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are the following:

[0026] - the customizable support also includes at least a third zone of attachment, adapted to receive at least one additional electronic component, for example chosen from a speaker, a hard disk, a power connector or a daughter card;

[0027] - the ventilation means comprise a ventilation duct, possibly designed custom-made by additive manufacturing, intended to extend between a fan carried by said motherboard and said ventilation grille; preferably, said ventilation duct comprises an upstream orifice, opening at said fan, and a downstream orifice, surrounded by a fixing plate intended to fit at a location additional provided at the level of a peripheral wall of the housing;

[0028] - it also includes repositionable connector blocks, adapted to cooperate with locations provided at an external wall of the housing;

[0029] - the housing has a parallelepiped shape comprising two outer walls fronts connected by longitudinal outer walls and by two transverse outer walls; preferably, said transverse outer walls and / or at least one of said longitudinal outer walls comprise said ventilation grid, and / or at least one of said longitudinal outer walls comprise the locations intended to receive repositionable connection blocks, according to the invention.

[0030] The present invention also relates to the desktop computer comprising:

[0031] - non-standard components taken from a computer, in particular a card- mother advantageously equipped with a fan, and

[0032] - the set of computer components according to the invention.

[0033] The present invention also relates to the method for assembling a desktop computer, by reusing non-standard components taken from a computer, in particular a motherboard advantageously equipped with a fan,

[0034] which assembly method comprises:

[0035] - the supply of:

[0036] — non-standard components, taken from a computer, in particular said card- mother advantageously equipped with a fan, and

[0037] — the set of computer components, according to the invention, in which said customizable support is customized according to mounting areas fitted to said motherboard, and

[0038] - the assembly of said non-standard components by means of said assembly of computer components, to obtain said desktop computer.

[0039] Of course, the various features, variants and embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0040] Furthermore, various other characteristics of the invention emerge from the appended description given with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting forms of embodiment of the invention and where:

[0041] [Fig-1] is a general view, and in perspective, of a desktop computer according to the invention;

[0042] [Fig.2] is a general, perspective view of a desktop computer according to [Fig.l], the case of which is open in order to visually access the information components. internal systems, in particular its motherboard and, according to the invention, a custom-designed, customizable support;

[0043] [Fig.3] is a view of the desktop computer according to [Fig.2], here exploded;

[0044] [Fig.4] is an exploded view of another desktop computer according to the invention, of which the case is opened to provide visual access to internal computer components, including another form of motherboard and, according to the invention, its custom-designed, customizable support;

[0045] [Fig.5] is a general, perspective view of a desktop computer, the case of which is open in order to visually access the internal computer components, in particular its motherboard and its customizable support comprising a set of repositionable spacers.

[0046] It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0047] The present invention thus relates to a set of computer components 1, suitable for the assembly of a desktop computer B by the reuse of non-standard components C which are taken from a computer (not shown).

[0048] By “desktop computer” we also advantageously mean a “central unit”.

[0049] This desktop computer B is intended to be part of a personal computer system, designed for use in an office or home environment.

[0050] The desktop computer B is advantageously associated with various “user” interfaces, for example a screen, a keyboard, a mouse or other peripheral, forming a functional unit.

[0051] According to the invention, the set of computer components 1 comprises:

[0052] - a housing 2 comprising external walls 21, defining an interior volume V intended to contain non-standard components C, in particular a motherboard Cl,

[0053] - a customizable support 3, forming an interface between one of the walls ex interiors 21 of said housing 2 and the motherboard Cl, and

[0054] - ventilation means 4, for the evacuation of the heat emitted in particular by the CL motherboard

[0055] Generally, the set of computer components 1 advantageously comprises a combination of structural, non-electrical parts, which are adapted to receive a range of non-standard components C. Non-standard C components

[0056] By “non-standard components C”, we advantageously mean computer components (or computer elements), preferably electrical or electronic, which do not necessarily follow standards of size, shape, or technical specifications generally accepted in the field of in- computer science.

[0057] These non-standard C components include in particular technical assembly specifications which differ between two computer manufacturers, or even between two computer models from the same manufacturer.

[0058] These non-standard C components can come from various computers, such as laptops or mini-PCs.

[0059] A laptop is a personal computer whose limited weight and size allow for easy transport. A laptop has the same types of components as a "classic" desktop computer, including a screen, speakers, and a physical keyboard.

[0060] By "mini PC" (or SFF, small form factor), we mean in particular a small PC-compatible computer (10 to 20 cm wide, 10 to 20 cm long, 3 to 5 cm thick) designed for the basic need of general public web consultation via wired or wireless connection.

[0061] Generally speaking, non-standard components C have characteristics that differentiate them from standard components, traditionally used in desktop computers and intended to be fitted into a case or chassis.

[0062] By “non-standard components C”, we include in particular a motherboard C1 (shown transparently for the sake of understanding) which is advantageously equipped with a fan (not shown).

[0063] The motherboard Cl advantageously consists of a printed circuit which supports most of the components and connectors necessary for the operation of a computer. It is essentially composed of printed circuits and connection ports which ensure the connection of all the components and peripherals specific to a computer (hard disks, RAM, microprocessor, daughter cards, etc.).

[0064] The motherboard Cl comprises mounting areas Cil, conventional in themselves, for example a set of mounting holes provided in the printed circuit.

[0065] Such a motherboard Cl constitutes a non-standard component C in that this motherboard Cl is different between two computers, in particular as regards the shape of the printed circuit and the arrangement of the mounting areas CIL Housing

[0066] The housing 2 thus comprises a set of external walls 21.

[0067] Preferably, the housing 2 has a parallelepiped shape which comprises a combination of external walls 21:

[0068] - two front outer walls 211, namely a front outer wall su upper 211a and a lower front exterior wall 211b, and

[0069] - two longitudinal outer walls 212 and two transverse outer walls 213, connecting the front outer walls 211 and forming peripheral outer walls spherical 214.

[0070] In particular, the lower front outer wall 211b has an inner face 211b, on the side of the inner volume V.

[0071] In this case, generally speaking, the housing 2 advantageously comprises an assembly of two parts:

[0072] - an upper part 2a, comprising at least the upper front outer wall 211a, and

[0073] - a lower part 2b, comprising at least the lower front outer wall 211b extended by the longitudinal exterior walls 212.

[0074] The upper part 2a is for example made from a folded metal plate.

[0075] The lower part 2b comprises, for example, a lower front outer wall 211b made from a metal plate, extended by peripheral outer walls 214 made from polymer material (plastic).

[0076] Generally, at least one of these external walls 21 comprises orifices 22 forming a ventilation grid 22 (designated by the same reference 22 for the sake of simplicity).

[0077] This ventilation grille 22 is advantageously arranged in at least two of the peripheral outer walls 214, among the two longitudinal outer walls 212 and the two transverse outer walls 213.

[0078] This ventilation grid 22 is for example arranged in:

[0079] - a longitudinal outer wall 212, as illustrated in [Fig.4], or

[0080] - a transverse outer wall 213, as illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0081] Generally and advantageously, the peripheral outer walls 214 comprise locations 25, intended to receive certain of the computer components 1 described below.

[0082] In particular, the transverse outer walls 213 and / or the longitudinal outer walls 212 advantageously comprise at least one location 251 adapted to receive a ventilation duct described below.

[0083] At least one of the two longitudinal exterior walls 212 (rear) advantageously comprises at least one location 252, adapted to receive repositionable connection blocks or a ventilation duct described below.

[0084] The location 251 of the transverse outer wall 213 and / or the location 252 of the longitudinal outer wall 212 advantageously extends over its entire length or over part of its length.

[0085] The location 251 of the transverse outer wall 213 and / or the location 252 of the longitudinal outer wall 212 advantageously comprise orifices 26, for fixing computer components 1, for example by screwing.

[0086] For example, and without being limiting, the housing 2 has the following dimensions:

[0087] - a length ranging from 400 to 500 mm,

[0088] - a width ranging from 200 to 300 mm and

[0089] - a height ranging from 50 to 60 mm. Customizable support

[0090] The customizable support 3 forms an adaptable interface, between one of the external walls 21 of said housing 2 and at least one motherboard Cl.

[0091] The customizable support 3 comprises:

[0092] - at least one first fixing zone 31, adapted to be secured to a face interior of one of the outer walls 21 of the housing 2, for example the inner face 21 Ibl of the inner front outer wall 211b, and

[0093] - at least one second fixing zone 32 which is arranged according to the zones mounting Cil equipping the CL motherboard

[0094] Generally speaking, by “customizable support” is advantageously meant an interface between one of the outer walls 21 of the housing 2 and a non-standard component C (for example the motherboard C1), which constitutes a physical support or a framework on which non-standard components C, such as those coming from portable computers or mini-PCs, can be fixed in a secure and adaptable manner.

[0095] The customizable support 3 provides flexibility in the assembly of the non-standard components C, thus allowing optimal integration of the non-standard components C into the housing 2.

[0096] According to a first embodiment, illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the customizable support 3 consists of a customizable support 3 designed to measure, for example by additive manufacturing (also called “3D printing”).

[0097] For example, such a custom-designed customizable support 3 comprises:

[0098] - a base 31, forming the first fixing zone 31 adapted to be secured with one of the outer walls 21 of said housing 2, and

[0099] - a set of arms 32, or uprights, connected to the base 31, forming the second fixing zone 32, which are arranged according to the mounting zones Cil equipping said motherboard CL

[0100] More particularly, the base 31 is for example composed of a set of side members 31a, or segments, forming for example a sort of framework or grid.

[0101] This base 31 advantageously extends in a plane, advantageously parallel and overlying the lower front exterior wall 211b.

[0102] In other words, this base 31 forms a framework connecting the arms 32.

[0103] This base 31 is advantageously intended to be secured to the lower front exterior wall 211b, and in particular to its interior face 211b.

[0104] In other words, this base 31 advantageously rests on the inner face 21 lb 1 of the inner front outer wall 211b.

[0105] For this, the base 31 advantageously comprises orifices 311, for example four in number, intended to receive fixing screws with the lower front external wall 211b.

[0106] These orifices 311 of the base 31 are advantageously distributed in a standard manner, to adapt to standard positions in the lower front exterior wall 211b.

[0107] At the same time, this customizable support 3 is custom-designed so that each arm 32 is intended to come at the level of a mounting zone C11 equipping the motherboard C1 (as illustrated in figures 3 and 4, for two forms of motherboards).

[0108] For this, the side members 31a advantageously have a custom shape, connected together to form the base 31.

[0109] The arms 32 are erected from the base 31, and advantageously from a spar 31a.

[0110] The free end 32a of the arms 32 is located opposite the base 31, opposite the upper front outer wall 211a.

[0111] Each arm 32 advantageously extends coaxially with respect to a mounting zone C11 equipping the motherboard CL.

[0112] Generally, each arm 32 advantageously extends perpendicularly relative to the base 31 and relative to the two front exterior walls 211.

[0113] Preferably, the free end 32a of each arm 32 comprises a metal insert adapted to receive a mounting screw passing through an orifice in the motherboard CL.

[0114] This customizable support 3 is advantageously made in one piece or by assembling several pieces.

[0115] In a “monobloc” configuration, the arms 32 are made in one piece with the base 31.

[0116] In an “assembly” configuration, the arms 32 are advantageously attached, possibly by screwing (via metal inserts) onto the base 31.

[0117] According to a second embodiment, illustrated in [Fig.5], the customizable support 3 consists of a customizable support 3 comprising a set of repositionable spacers 35.

[0118] In this embodiment, each spacer 35 comprises:

[0119] - a first fixing zone 31, corresponding here to a lower end, adapted to be secured to an inner face of one of the outer walls 21 of the housing 2, and

[0120] - a second fixing zone 32 which is arranged according to the mounting zones Eyelash equipping the CL motherboard

[0121] In other words, each spacer 35 is connected to a mounting area Cl 1 equipping the motherboard Cl. This spacer 35 is then secured to an inner face of one of the outer walls 21 of the housing 2.

[0122] In this case, each spacer 35 advantageously extends perpendicularly relative to the two front exterior walls 211.

[0123] Still generally, the customizable support 3 also comprises at least one third fixing zone 36, adapted to receive at least one additional electronic component E.

[0124] By “additional electronic component E”, we advantageously include a speaker El, a hard disk E2, a power connector (not shown) or a daughter card (not shown).

[0125] Generally speaking, the additional electronic components E are advantageously taken from the computer from which the non-standard components C come.

[0126] These additional electronic components E possibly constitute non-standard components C or standard components.

[0127] In particular, according to the first embodiment, illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the customizable support 3 comprises a set of arms 36, or uprights, connected to the base 31, forming the third fixing zone 36.

[0128] These additional arms 36 are arranged according to mounting zones equipping the additional electronic components E.

[0129] Here again, these additional electronic components E are advantageously secured by screwing with the additional arms 36. Means of ventilation

[0130] The ventilation means 4 are adapted to evacuate the heat through the ventilation grid 22, in particular the heat intended to be emitted by the motherboard CL.

[0131] For this purpose, the ventilation means 4 advantageously comprise a ventilation duct 41 which is intended to extend between, on the one hand, a fan (not shown) carried by the motherboard C1 and, on the other hand, the ventilation grille 22.

[0132] Preferably, this ventilation duct 41 is custom-designed, by additive manufacturing.

[0133] In this case, the ventilation duct 41 advantageously comprises:

[0134] - an upstream orifice 411, opening at the level of the fan, through which the flow air is intended to enter, and

[0135] - a downstream orifice 412, through which the air flow is intended to exit.

[0136] The downstream orifice 412 is surrounded by a fixing plate 413 intended to fit into a complementary location 251, 252 provided at a peripheral outer wall 214 of the housing 2.

[0137] The fixing plate 413 advantageously closes some of the orifices 22 of the ventilation grille 22, namely those arranged around the downstream orifice 412, in order to optimize the path of the air flow within the interior volume V.

[0138] Location 251, 252 is for example provided at the level of:

[0139] - one of the two longitudinal outer walls 212 ([Fig.4] in particular), and / or

[0140] - one of the two transverse outer walls 213 ([Fig.2] in particular). Repositionable connector blocks

[0141] Advantageously, the set of computer components 1 also comprises repositionable connection blocks 5, adapted to cooperate with locations 252 provided at the level of an external wall 21 of the housing 2.

[0142] The location 252 is advantageously provided at the level of the longitudinal exterior wall 212.

[0143] The connection blocks advantageously include:

[0144] - USB ports,

[0145] - video outputs,

[0146] - card readers,

[0147] - audio outputs,

[0148] - network connectors.

[0149] - the power supply connection.

[0150] By “repositionable”, we mean in particular that the repositionable connector blocks 5 can be arranged in any way, advantageously juxtaposed, along the length of the locations 252.

[0151] Each repositionable connector block 5 is advantageously fixed, at a location 252, by means of at least one fixing member (for example a screw) attached through an orifice 26 provided in the lower front exterior wall 211b.

[0152] This characteristic is interesting for obtaining optimal positioning of the repositionable connection blocks 5, depending on the structure and arrangement of the non-standard components C. Desktop computer

[0153] The present invention also relates to desktop computer B which comprises:

[0154] - non-standard components C taken from a computer, in particular the card- mother Cl advantageously equipped with a fan, and

[0155] - the set of computer components 1 presented above.

[0156] This computer also advantageously comprises the additional electronic components E, advantageously a speaker El, a hard disk E2, a power connector (not shown) or a daughter card (not shown). Assembly process

[0157] The present invention also relates to the method for assembling a desktop computer B, by reusing non-standard components C taken from a computer.

[0158] This assembly method comprises a step of providing:

[0159] - non-standard components C, taken from a computer, in particular said card- mother Cl advantageously equipped with a fan, and

[0160] - the set of computer components 1, according to the invention.

[0161] These non-standard components C are advantageously taken from non-reconditionable computers (preferably still non-repairable due to a defect in a mechanical part, for example a hinge, a shell, etc.).

[0162] In particular, the customizable support 3 is customized according to the mounting areas C11 equipping the motherboard Cl.

[0163] The configuration of the customizable support 3 is then adapted in a way, depending on these collected mounting areas.

[0164] Similarly, the ventilation means 4 (and in particular the ventilation duct 41) is customized according to the structure of the motherboard CL

[0165] The customizable support 3 and the ventilation means 4, according to the invention, are advantageously manufactured with regard to the design plans defined by an operator or by artificial intelligence, taking into account in particular collected mounting zones Cil; the manufacturing is advantageously carried out by additive manufacturing.

[0166] Then, the assembly of the non-standard components C is carried out by means of the set of computer components 1 according to the invention, to obtain the desktop computer B.

[0167] Of course, various other modifications may be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Set of computer components (1), suitable for the assembly of a desktop computer (B) by the reuse of non-standard components (C), in particular a motherboard (Cl) advantageously equipped with a fan, taken from a computer, which set of computer components (1) comprises: - a housing (2) comprising outer walls (21), at least one of said outer walls (21) comprising orifices (22) forming a ventilation grid (22), - a customizable support (3), comprising: — at least a first fixing zone (31), adapted to be secured to an inner face of one of the outer walls (21) of said housing (2), and — at least a second fixing zone (32) which is arranged according to mounting zones (Cil) equipping said motherboard (Cl), and - ventilation means (4), for the evacuation of heat through said ventilation grid (22),in particular the heat intended to be emitted by said motherboard (Cl).,

2. Set of computer components (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that said customizable support (3) is chosen from: - a customizable support (3) designed to measure, for example by additive manufacturing, advantageously produced in one piece or by assembly, or - a customizable support (3) comprising a set of repositionable spacers (35).

3. Set of computer components (1), according to claim 2, characterized in that the customizable support (3) designed to measure, for example by additive manufacturing, comprises: - a base (31), forming said first fixing zone (31) adapted to be secured to one of the external walls (21) of said housing (2), for example composed of a set of side members (31a), and - a set of arms (32), connected to said base (31) and terminated by a free end (32a), forming said second fixing zone (32), which is arranged according to mounting zones (Cil) equipping said motherboard (Cl).

4. Set of computer components (1), according to claim 3, characterized in that said arms (32) are made: - monobloc, with said base (31), and / or - attached, for example by screwing.

5. Set of computer components (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the customizable support (3) also comprises at least one third fixing zone (36), adapted to receive at least one additional electronic component (E), for example chosen from a speaker (El), a hard disk (E2), a power connector or a daughter card.

6. Set of computer components (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ventilation means (4) comprise a ventilation duct (41), possibly custom-designed by additive manufacturing, intended to extend between a fan carried by said motherboard (Cl) and said ventilation grille (22).

7. Set of computer components (1), according to claim 6, characterized in that said ventilation duct (41) comprises: - an upstream orifice (411), opening at the level of said fan, and - a downstream orifice (412), surrounded by a fixing plate (413) intended to fit at the level of a complementary location (251) provided at the level of a peripheral wall (212, 213, 214) of the housing (2).

8. Set of computer components (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it also comprises repositionable connection blocks (5), adapted to cooperate with locations (251) provided at the level of an external wall (21) of the housing (2).

9. Set of computer components (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the housing (2) has a parallelepiped shape comprising two front outer walls (211) connected by longitudinal outer walls (212) and by two transverse outer walls (213).

10. Set of computer components (1), according to claim 9, characterized in that: - said transverse outer walls (213) and / or at least one of said longitudinal outer walls (212) comprise said ventilation grid (22), and / or - at least one of said longitudinal outer walls (212) comprise the locations (251) intended to receive repositionable connector blocks (5), according to claim 8.

11. Desktop computer (B) comprising: - non-standard components (C) taken from a computer, in particular a motherboard (Cl) advantageously equipped with a fan, and - the set of computer components (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Method for assembling a desktop computer (B), by reusing non-standard components (C) taken from a computer, in particular a motherboard (Cl) advantageously equipped with a fan, which assembly method comprises: - the provision of: — non-standard components (C), taken from a computer, in particular said motherboard (Cl) advantageously equipped with a fan, and — the set of computer components (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which said customizable support (3) is customized according to mounting zones (Cil) equipping said motherboard (Cl), and - the assembly of said non-standard components (C) by means of said set of computer components (1), to obtain said desktop computer (B).

Images