1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a personal computer which has an indicator for indicating the operating condition of the computer with light-emitting element.
2. Description of the Related Art
Some conventional personal computers are provided with condition indicators. Among such condition indicators, there is a type wherein the lit state of one light-emitting diode can be indicated in two directions.
The top cover of a conventional personal computer incorporating this type of condition indicator has an angular section. This angular section is formed by a vertical first wall integral with the main body of the top cover, and a horizontal second wall continuous with the upper edge of the first wall. The first wall extends in the width direction of the top cover. The angular section has an indication hole extending between the first and second walls. Part of an indication element is fitted in the indication hole and is exposed, being flush with the outer wall of the angular section. The indication element is formed of a transparent material. A printed circuit board and light-emitting diode supported on the printed circuit board are arranged in the interior of the angular section, such that they are inclined with reference to the second wall of the angular section.
When the light-emitting diode is lit, the light is emitted diagonally upward, i.e., at an angle between the first and second walls. Since the indication element is transparent, it allows the light to pass therethrough, so that the light emitted from the light-emitting diode emerges from the two exposed surfaces of the indication element. Accordingly, the light can be recognized in two directions.
In the conventional personal computer mentioned above, the printed circuit board and the light-emitting diodes are arranged in the angular section in such a manner as to be inclined with reference to the second wall. Since the inclined printed circuit board and the light-emitting diodes require a larger installation space than a printed circuit board arranged horizontal, the first wall must have a certain extent of height in order to provide such a large installation space. Therefore, the inclined printed circuit board is disadvantageous, in that it does not allow provision of low angular section and is therefore not suitable for providing a flat personal computer.
Among the known condition indicators suitable for providing a flat personal computer, there is a type wherein the indication element is formed of glass containing a light-diffusing material and wherein the printed circuit board and the light-emitting diode are arranged parallel to the second wall.
In this type of condition indicators, the light emitted from the light-emitting diode diffuses in the indication element. Since the light emerges from the two exposed surfaces of the indication element, it can be recognized in two directions.
However, since the brightness of the light is reduced due to the light diffusion, the light cannot be easily recognized.