JP2005310001A - Computer auxiliary device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an auxiliary device and a notebook computer suitable to use the notebook computer for appreciation of a moving image or a Web. <P>SOLUTION: This auxiliary device has a back plate inclined at an angle of 45°or above, and a support base in a lower part. The notebook computer is aslant supported by the back plate and the support base. The notebook computer is placed on the auxiliary device with the front face faced downward in a closing state. The auxiliary device has a terminal for supplying power from a home outlet through an AC adaptor in an upper part of the support base. The notebook computer has a terminal contacting with the terminal of the support base upper part when placed on the auxiliary device. A user opens a display until a normal line of a display screen becomes nearly horizontal in a state that a personal computer body is supported by the back plate and the support base. The user appreciates the moving image or the like on the display screen easy to view because having a high position as compared to the case of the personal computer single body. The user does not have to be anxious about a power source because the power is supplied through the auxiliary device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an auxiliary device for electronic devices such as a docking station and a cradle.

In order to assist the functions of electronic devices such as notebook computers and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), auxiliary devices called docking stations and cradles that are used in connection with these electronic devices are used.
A personal computer rack for notebook computers is known (see Non-Patent Document 1).

KOKUYO Website, [Search April 12, 2004], Internet, <URL: http: // www. kokuyo. co. jp / catalog / 1_detail. php? c1 = 1210 & c2 = 11 & c3 = 11 & sid = 1027>

  In order to utilize the functions of a computer, it has been common to operate the keyboard unit and input commands and the like to the computer. For this reason, the keyboard unit must be installed in parallel to a substantially horizontal surface such as a desk, and be in a state where key input is easy.

  However, in recent years, there are many cases in which the functions of the computer are utilized without using the keyboard part much in the usage form of the computer. For example, when performing web appreciation or video appreciation, it is not always necessary to install a keyboard unit on a desk and keep the keyboard operable.

  Therefore, as a problem of the use form of the computer, it has been required to examine the form of using the computer in a state where the keyboard portion is not frequently operated while considering space saving.

An object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device that provides a usage pattern suitable for a light user who does not frequently use a computer keyboard.
An object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device that requires less space for a computer.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device that enables more comfortable viewing of moving images, television images, and the like recorded on a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) with a small computer.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device that can perform web viewing, movie viewing, etc. in a space-saving manner.

  In the following, means for solving the problem will be described using the numbers used in [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention] in parentheses. These numbers are added to clarify the correspondence between the description of [Claims] and [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]. However, these numbers should not be used to interpret the technical scope of the invention described in [Claims].

  The computer auxiliary device (2) according to the present invention includes a back plate (4) on which the computer (30) is leaned, and a support base (8) mounted on the back plate (4) and on which the computer (30) is placed. .

  In the computer auxiliary device (2) according to the present invention, the back plate (4) is inclined at least 45 degrees from the installation surface of the computer auxiliary device (2), and the computer (30) is a laptop personal computer.

  In the computer auxiliary device (2) according to the present invention, the computer (30) takes at least two states: a folded state and an opened state. When the computer (30) is leaned against the back plate (4) and opened, the display screen of the display (44) of the computer (30) has a normal line that is generally horizontal or above the horizontal direction. Facing.

  In the computer auxiliary device (2) according to the present invention, the support base (8) is connected to the power supply terminal (38) provided in the computer (30) by the force of placing the computer (30) from above. ). When the power supply terminal (12) is fitted with the power supply terminal (38), the power is supplied to the computer (30) via the power supply terminal (38).

  In the computer auxiliary device (2) according to the present invention, the power supply terminal (12) can supply the computer (30) with the maximum power consumption of the computer (30).

In the computer auxiliary device (2) according to the present invention, the power supply terminal (38) is detached from the power supply terminal (12) when the computer (30) is lifted up.

  In the computer auxiliary device (2) according to the present invention, the back plate (4) includes a guide (10) indicating a position where the computer (30) is leaned. When the computer (30) is leaned against the back plate (4) along the guide (10), the power supply terminal (38) is fitted into the power supply terminal (12).

  In the computer auxiliary device (2) according to the present invention, the support base (8) is further pressed down by the force with which the computer (30) is placed from above, and when the computer (30) is not pressed down, A safety switch (14) for stopping the supply is provided.

  In the computer auxiliary device (2) according to the present invention, the computer auxiliary device (2) has a symmetrical shape with respect to the vertical center line of the display (44) of the computer (30), and has a power supply terminal (12). Are provided one by one at symmetrical positions.

  In the computer auxiliary device (2) according to the present invention, the computer (30) takes at least two states: a folded state and a locked state, and an unlocked state. The computer auxiliary device (2) further includes a lock release switch (21). If the lock release switch (21) is operated while the computer (30) is placed on the computer auxiliary device (2) in a locked state, the lock is released.

  In the computer auxiliary device (2) according to the present invention, the lock release switch (21) is provided on the front surface of the support base (8), and the lock is released by pressing the lock release switch (21).

  In the computer auxiliary device (2) according to the present invention, the back plate (4) is transparent.

  The computer (30) system according to the present invention includes a computer (30) having a power supply terminal (38) on the front surface and a computer auxiliary device (2). The computer auxiliary device (2) includes a back plate (4) on which the computer (30) is leaned with the front face down, and a support base (4) attached to the back plate (4) and supporting the computer (30) from below. 8) and a power supply terminal (12) that is installed on the support base (8) and supplies power to the computer (30) via the power supply terminal (38).

  In the computer (30) system according to the present invention, the computer (30) includes at least three states of a state in which the keyboard portion (42) and the display portion (44) are folded, a half-open state, and an open state. Take state. When in the half-opened state, the display included in the display unit (44) has an angle that is easy to see when the keyboard unit (42) is placed on a desk and used. In the open state, the display screen of the display (44) with the computer (30) placed on the computer auxiliary device (2) has a normal line that is generally in the horizontal direction or faces upward from the horizontal direction.

  In the computer system (2, 30) according to the present invention, the computer (30) is a B5 size notebook personal computer.

  In the computer system (2, 30) according to the present invention, the back plate (4) is transparent.

  In the computer system (2, 30) according to the present invention, the computer (30) includes a power supply terminal (38) on the front surface. The support base (8) includes a power supply terminal (12) that is fitted to the power supply terminal (38) by the force of placing the computer (30) from above. When the power supply terminal (12) is fitted with the power supply terminal (38), the power is supplied to the computer (30) via the power supply terminal (38).

  In the computer system (2, 30) according to the present invention, the power supply terminal (12) has a tapered shape extending downward. The power terminal (38) has a shape complementary to the tapered shape.

  In the computer system (2, 30) according to the present invention, the back plate (4) includes a guide (10) indicating a position where the computer (30) is stood. The computer (30) includes a slide part (41) that slides in mesh with the guide.

  In the computer system (2, 30) according to the present invention, the computer (30) takes at least two states, a folded state and a locked state, and an unlocked state. The computer (30) includes a computer-side lock release switch (36) that is unlocked when pressed on the front surface. The support table (8) includes a lock release switch (21) that can be pushed in the front-rear direction on the front surface of the support table (8), which is the front surface of the support table (8). When the lock release switch (21) is pressed, the upper surface of the support base (8) is lifted and the computer side lock release switch (36) is pressed to release the lock.

  In the computer system (2, 30) according to the present invention, the computer (30) includes a speaker (40) on the front surface. When the computer (30) is placed on the computer auxiliary device (2), the computer auxiliary device (2) includes an acoustic board (4) that guides the sound emitted from the speaker (40) in the horizontal direction.

  The computer auxiliary device (2) according to the present invention includes mounting portions (4, 8) for attaching the computer (30) and a release switch (21). By operating the release switch (21), the lid part (44) of the computer (30) installed in the attachment part (4, 8) is opened.

  The computer auxiliary device (2) according to the present invention includes a computer (30) and a computer auxiliary device (2) including a computer mounting portion (4, 8) for attaching the computer (30). The computer (30) takes at least two states, a folded state and a locked state, and an unlocked state. The computer auxiliary device (2) includes a lock release switch (21). The lock is released by an operation performed on the lock release switch (21) when the computer (30) in a locked state is attached to the computer auxiliary device (2).

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the auxiliary | assistant apparatus which provides the usage form suitable for the light user who uses few computer keyboards is provided.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, an auxiliary device that requires less space for a computer is provided.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided an auxiliary device that allows a small computer to more comfortably watch a moving image, a television image, etc. recorded on a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).
Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided an auxiliary device that can perform web viewing, movie viewing, etc. in a space-saving manner.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the computer slide device is connected to the computer auxiliary device simply by placing it on the support base along the guide, and it is detached from the computer auxiliary device simply by lifting the computer. Compared to connecting and disconnecting smoothly.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, the display screen of the computer can be opened with a single touch while being installed in the computer auxiliary device.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the supply of power from the terminal is stopped when the computer is not mounted, the safety level of the computer auxiliary device is high. Furthermore, since there is such a safety mechanism, the maximum power consumption of the computer can be safely supplied from the power supply terminal. Such a computer auxiliary device / computer system is suitable for watching moving images.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is easy to hear the sound even when the computer is a single unit or installed in the computer auxiliary device.

  The best mode for carrying out a computer auxiliary device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a side view of the auxiliary device is shown. The auxiliary device 2 includes a back plate 4 made of a transparent material. It is preferable that the back plate 4 is transparent because the auxiliary device 2 feels compact. The back plate 4 is supported by the support portion 6 at an angle of 45 degrees or more with respect to the installation surface. The support part 6 can be folded. A guide 10 made of a transparent material is installed on the front surface (surface on the side facing obliquely upward) of the back plate.

  The back plate 4 is curved so that the slope approaches the horizontal at the bottom. A support base 8 is attached to the lower surface of the back plate 4 on the front surface of the back plate 4. On the support base 8, a stand terminal 12, which is an electrode, a safety switch 14, and a rubber 16 are attached. A power cord 18 is connected to the rear of the support base 8 (the back side of the back plate).

  Referring to FIG. 2, a front view of the auxiliary device 2 is shown. The guide 10 has a straight shape that is long in the vertical direction, symmetrically one by one on the left and right sides of the back plate 4. The support base 8 includes, on the front surface, a rotating unit 20, an auxiliary device side release switch 21 installed in the rotating unit 20, and a power LED 22.

  Referring to FIG. 3, a state in which the front surface of the auxiliary device 2 is viewed obliquely from above is shown. Stand terminals 12 are attached to the upper surface of the support base 8 symmetrically, one on the left side and one on the right side. A rubber 16 is attached to a position corresponding to each stand terminal 12. A safety switch 14 is attached near the center of the upper surface of the support base 8. A release switch pressing unit 24 is further provided near the center of the upper surface of the support base 8.

  Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of a computer attached to the auxiliary device 2 as viewed from the front is shown. The computer 30 is, for example, a B5 size notebook personal computer. The computer 30 includes a main body portion 42 and a display portion 44 that is folded on the main body portion 42. The main body 42 and the display unit 44 can be opened and closed around a hinge provided on the back surface 32 in a state where the release switch 36 provided on the front surface of the computer 30 is pressed.

  The computer 30 includes PC front terminals 38 that are electrodes symmetrically on the front surface, one on the right side and one on the left side. The PC front terminal 38 has a shape in which the unevenness of the stand terminal 12 is complementary. The stand terminal 12 is convex, and the PC front terminal is concave. Preferably, the stand terminal 12 has a taper shape that extends downward, and the PC front terminal has a taper shape that expands as it approaches the front surface in a complementary manner.

  The computer 30 is further provided with speakers 40 on the front side, one on the right side and one on the left side, symmetrically. A straight guide groove 41 is provided on the main body 42 of the computer 30 symmetrically.

  Referring to FIG. 5, a sectional view of the vicinity of the support base 8 when the computer 30 is placed on the auxiliary device 2 is shown. The computer 30 is placed on the auxiliary device 2 with the main body 42 and the display unit 44 folded, with the front side facing down.

  The rotating unit 20 is rotatable about a rotating shaft 61 extending in the y-axis direction as a central axis. When there is no load, the rotating unit 20 takes a position where the front surface of the rotating unit 20 and the front surface of the support base 8 are on the same plane by a spring (not shown).

  When the computer 30 is placed on the auxiliary device 2, the release switch pressing unit 24 and the release switch 36 are in contact with each other. A stopper 64 is installed in the main body 42. The stopper 64 is rotatable around the fulcrum part 62 within a predetermined angle range with the y-axis direction as the normal direction. The display unit 44 includes a locking unit 68. When the display unit 44 and the main body unit 42 are folded and closed, the stopper 64 is pressed against the locking unit 68 by a spring (not shown) and hooked. As a result, the display unit 44 and the main body unit 42 are fixed in a folded state.

  The computer 30 and the auxiliary device 2 having the above configuration operate as follows.

  Referring to FIG. 1, power cord 18 of auxiliary device 2 is plugged into a household outlet via an AC adapter (not shown). Thereby, power LED22 installed in the support stand 8 lights. The computer 30 is lowered obliquely downward so that the guide groove 41 follows the guide 10 and slides from above along the back plate. At the position where the front surface of the computer 30 hits the rubber 16 on the support base 8, the computer 30 is supported and stabilized on the support base 8. Since the front surface of the computer 30 is supported by the support base via the rubber 16, the coating is not damaged.

  Referring to FIG. 6, a side view of the auxiliary device 2 with the computer 30 supported is shown. The vicinity of the stand terminal 12 is partially broken. When the front surface of the computer 30 is in a position where it hits the rubber 16, the stand terminal 12 is fitted into the PC front terminal 38 and is electrically connected. Further, the safety switch 14 is pressed by the front surface of the computer 30.

  Since the stand terminal 12 has a tapered shape and the PC front terminal 38 has a complementary shape, the stand terminal 12 and the PC front terminal 38 can be simply mounted on the auxiliary device 2 from above. Fits smoothly. At the same time, the stand terminal 12 is fitted with some surface pressure applied, so fine rust attached to the surface of the stand terminal 12 is scraped off by the surface of the PC front terminal 38, which is preferable.

  When the power LED 22 is lit and the safety switch 14 is pressed, the stand terminal 12 and the PC front terminal 38 are fitted and the battery (not shown) mounted on the computer 30 is not fully charged. A battery mounted on the computer 30 is charged from the cord 18 through the stand terminal 12 and the PC front terminal 38.

  In such a state, since the computer 30 is placed at an angle, it occupies less installation surface area than when it is laid down. Furthermore, since the design of the installed state is better than when the computer 30 is simply placed vertically or horizontally, it is also preferable as an interior. Further, the computer 30 can be charged by simply placing it on the auxiliary device 2 without the need for connecting cables and connectors.

  When the safety switch 14 is not pressed, power is not supplied to the stand terminal 12. Therefore, when the computer 30 is not placed on the auxiliary device 2, power is not supplied to the bare electrodes, which is safe.

  When the user uses the computer 30 while being placed on the auxiliary device 2, the user presses the auxiliary device side release switch 21. Then, the rotation shaft 61 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5, and the release switch pressing unit 24 is pushed up. Along with this, the release switch 36 is also pushed up. Then, the stopper 64 rotates around the fulcrum portion 62 in the direction of the arrow and is pushed up. As a result, the stopper 64 is disengaged from the locking portion 68, and the display portion 44 can be opened with respect to the main body portion 42. The user places the display unit 44 in an open state with respect to the main body unit 42.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the user opens display unit 44 to a height where he can easily see it. For example, when the computer 30 is a B5 size notebook personal computer, the computer 30 is used on a desk, and the user is sitting on a chair, the display unit 44 is at an angle at which the normal line of the display screen is oriented substantially in the horizontal direction. And the display screen is in a positional relationship that faces the user, and is easy to see.

  The user operates the computer 30 using an operation switch provided in the computer 30 or a mouse (not shown) connected to the computer 30 to view a moving image recorded on a DVD, view a broadcast TV program, view the Web, etc. I do.

  Power is supplied from the power cord 18 through the stand terminal 12 and the PC front terminal 38. It is preferable that the auxiliary device 2 can supply power of, for example, about 60 watts to the PC front terminal 38 in order to comfortably reproduce the moving image. The user can watch a moving image without worrying about the power supply for a long time because the power is sufficiently supplied. If the power supplied exceeds the power used, the amount is used to charge the computer 30 battery.

  Since the speaker 40 is attached to the front surface of the computer 30, the user can hear sound well when the computer 30 is used alone without using the auxiliary device 2. When the computer 30 is placed on the auxiliary device 2, the back plate 4 has a curve that makes the inclination approach the horizontal at the bottom, so the back plate 4 faces the sound of the speaker 40 facing downward. Guide in the direction. Therefore, the sound of the computer 30 placed on the auxiliary device 2 is easy to hear from the front.

  When the user wants to perform an operation such as typing a sentence using the keyboard, the user simply lifts the computer 30 and the computer 30 is detached from the auxiliary device 2.

  Referring to FIG. 8, a schematic diagram of a power supply circuit is shown. The wiring led from the AC adapter connection port 52 is led to the power LED 22, and the power LED 22 is turned on. When the safety switch 14 is off (not pressed), power is not supplied. When the safety switch 14 is on (in a state where the safety switch 14 is pressed by the mounted computer), power is supplied to the stand terminal 12. One of the pair of stand terminals is a ground electrode. Power is supplied from the stand terminal 12 to the PC front terminal 38. One of the pair of PC front terminals is a ground electrode.

  The power supplied to the PC front terminal 38 is supplied to the main circuit 58 of the computer 30 via the power supply control unit 56 inside the computer 30. When all the power is not supplied to the main circuit 58, the surplus power is used to charge the battery 60. The computer 30 includes an AC adapter connection port 54 and can receive power from a household outlet without the auxiliary device 2.

  The auxiliary device according to the present invention is preferably used for a computer having a size of about a B5 size notebook personal computer, but is also preferably used for an electronic device such as an A4 size notebook personal computer, a palmtop personal computer, and a PDA.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the auxiliary device. FIG. 2 is a front view of the auxiliary device. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the auxiliary device as viewed from the front and obliquely above. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the computer. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the support base. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state where the computer is put on the auxiliary device in a folded state. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state where the computer is put on the auxiliary device in the opened state. FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram of a power supply circuit.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Auxiliary device 4 ... Back plate 6 ... Support part 8 ... Support stand 10 ... Guide 12 ... Stand terminal 14 ... Safety switch 18 ... Power cord 20 ... Rotating part 21 ... Auxiliary device side release switch 22 ... Power LED
24 ... Release switch pressing part 30 ... Computer 32 ... Back 36 ... Release switch 38 ... PC front terminal 40 ... Speaker 41 ... Guide groove 42 ... Main body part 44 ... Display part 61 ... Rotating shaft 62 ... fulcrum part 64 ... Stopper 68 ... Stop

Claims (23)

A back plate on which the computer is leaned,
A computer auxiliary device comprising: a support base mounted on the back plate and on which the computer is placed. The computer auxiliary device according to claim 1,
The back plate is inclined at least 45 degrees from the installation surface of the computer auxiliary device,
The computer is a notebook personal computer. A computer auxiliary device according to claim 1 or 2,
The computer takes at least two states, a folded state and an opened state,
When the computer stands on the back plate and takes the open state, the display screen of the display of the computer has a normal line that is generally horizontal or upwards from the horizontal direction. A computer auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The support base includes a power supply terminal that fits with a power terminal included in the computer by a force of placing the computer from above,
The computer auxiliary device, when the power supply terminal is fitted to the power supply terminal, supplies power to the computer via the power supply terminal. A computer auxiliary device according to claim 4,
The computer power supply terminal is capable of supplying the computer with the maximum power consumption of the computer. A computer auxiliary device according to claim 4 or 5,
The power supply terminal is disengaged from the power supply terminal when the computer is lifted up. A computer auxiliary device according to one of claims 4 to 6, comprising:
The back plate includes a guide indicating a position where the computer is stood,
The computer auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein when the computer is leaned against the back plate along the guide, the power supply terminal is fitted into the power supply terminal. A computer auxiliary device according to any one of claims 4 to 7,
The support base further includes a safety switch that is pressed by a force with which the computer is placed from above, and that stops power supply from the power supply terminal when the computer is not pressed. A computer auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The computer auxiliary device has a symmetrical shape with respect to the vertical center line of the display of the computer,
One of the power supply terminals is provided at a symmetrical position. A computer auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The computer takes at least two states: a folded and locked state and an unlocked state;
The computer auxiliary device further includes a lock release switch,
The computer auxiliary device, wherein the lock is released when the lock release switch is operated while the computer is placed on the computer auxiliary device in the locked state. The computer auxiliary device according to claim 10, comprising:
The lock release switch is provided on a front surface of the support base, and the lock is released by pressing the lock release switch. A computer auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising:
The back plate is transparent. A computer with a power terminal on the front;
A computer auxiliary device,
The computer auxiliary device includes:
A back plate on which the computer is leaned with the front side down;
A support base attached to the back plate and supporting the computer from below;
A computer system comprising: a power supply terminal that is installed on the support base and supplies power to the computer via the power supply terminal. 14. A computer system as claimed in claim 13, comprising:
The computer takes at least three states: a state in which the keyboard portion and the display portion are folded, a half-open state, and an open state,
When in the half-opened state, the display included in the display unit is at an angle that is easy to see when the keyboard unit is placed on a desk and used.
A computer system in which, when in the opened state, the display screen of the display with the computer placed on the computer auxiliary device has a normal line generally horizontal or upward. 15. A computer system according to claim 14, comprising:
The computer is a B5 size notebook personal computer. A computer system as claimed in claim 15, comprising:
The back plate is transparent. A computer system according to any one of claims 13 to 16, comprising:
The computer includes a power terminal on the front surface,
The support base includes a power supply terminal that fits with the power terminal by a force of placing the computer from above,
The computer system that supplies power to the computer via the power supply terminal when the power supply terminal is fitted to the power supply terminal. A computer system as claimed in claim 17, wherein
The power supply terminal has a tapered shape extending downward,
The power supply terminal has a shape complementary to the tapered shape. A computer system according to any one of claims 13 to 18, comprising:
The back plate includes a guide indicating a position where the computer is stood,
The computer system includes a slide unit that meshes with and slides with the guide. A computer system according to any one of claims 13 to 19, comprising:
The computer takes at least two states: a folded and locked state and an unlocked state;
The computer includes a computer-side lock release switch that releases the lock when pressed on the front surface.
The support table includes a lock release switch that can be pushed in the front-rear direction on the front surface of the support table, which is the front surface of the support table,
A computer system in which when the lock release switch is pressed, the upper surface of the support is lifted and the computer side lock release switch is pressed to release the lock. 21. A computer system according to any one of claims 13 to 20, comprising:
The computer includes a speaker on the front surface,
The computer auxiliary device includes a sound board for guiding a sound emitted from the speaker in a horizontal direction when the computer is mounted on the computer auxiliary device. A mounting part for attaching the computer;
A release switch,
A computer auxiliary device that opens a lid portion of a computer installed in the mounting portion by operating the release switch. A computer,
A computer auxiliary device comprising a computer mounting portion for mounting the computer,
The computer takes at least two states: a folded and locked state and an unlocked state;
The computer auxiliary device includes a lock release switch,
A computer system in which the lock is released by an operation applied to the lock release switch when the computer in the locked state is attached to the computer auxiliary device.

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