JP3245921U - mobile computer - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile computer that is easy to secure a work space and is convenient to carry while using peripheral devices other than the computer main body. A mobile computer 10 includes a thin computer main body 11, a keyboard 21 for transmitting characters, symbols, or instructions to the computer main body 11, a display 12 foldably attached to the keyboard 21, and a keyboard. 21 and a plurality of peripheral devices 13 to 15 detachably fixed to the terminal. A portion of the keyboard 21 located at the periphery when the keyboard 21 is viewed in the thickness direction is defined as a peripheral edge. The peripheral devices 13 to 15 are fixed to the peripheral ends 36 and 37 and electrically connected to the keyboard 21. The computer main body 11, the keyboard 21, the display 12, and the peripheral devices 13 to 15 have a plate-like shape as a whole when the display 12 is folded. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to mobile computers.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, examples of computers with excellent portability include notebook computers (hereinafter referred to as notebook PCs). A notebook PC is a computer equipped with a liquid crystal display, a keyboard, a touch pad, a battery, and the like.

Currently, when using peripheral devices with a notebook PC, a wired connection using a USB cable or the like or a wireless connection using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like is required. In this state, the notebook PC and peripheral devices are not fixed, so a certain amount of work space is required, and it is inconvenient to carry.

For example, if you want to create music while seated in a vehicle, even if you use small peripherals, if you place your laptop on a small table, you will have to place the peripherals on your lap, which will make it look cluttered. Also, when you are in a hurry to get off the vehicle, you cannot take it out instantly, so it takes time to clean it up, and it is difficult to maneuver.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mobile computer that is easy to secure a working space and is convenient to carry while using peripheral devices other than the computer itself.

The mobile computer of the present invention includes a thin computer body, a keyboard for transmitting characters, symbols, or instructions to the computer body, a display foldably attached to the keyboard, and a display detachably fixed to the keyboard. one or more peripheral devices. The computer main body is integrally provided with one of the keyboard and the display. If a portion of the keyboard located at the periphery of the keyboard when viewed in the thickness direction is defined as a peripheral edge, peripheral devices are fixed to the peripheral edge and electrically connected to the keyboard. The computer main body, keyboard, display, and peripheral devices have a plate-like shape when the display is folded.

According to the mobile computer of the present invention, the keyboard and peripheral devices are fixed, so you can work relatively easily even in narrow and unstable places such as on a small table or on your lap, and you can secure your work space. Cheap. It also has a simpler appearance and can make a better impression on those around you. Furthermore, in addition to being able to carry the keyboard with peripherals connected to it, the display can be folded to form a plate-like form, making it convenient to carry. For example, you can hold it in one hand or prevent it from falling apart in your bag. Furthermore, it is possible to eliminate the hassle of preparing and cleaning up wiring, etc.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the mobile computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention in use. 1 is a perspective view showing a stored state of the mobile computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the mobile computer of FIG. 2 with the display and display holding board removed, as viewed from the direction of arrow III. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the mobile computer of FIG. 2 viewed from the direction of arrow IV. 3 is a diagram when the mobile computer of FIG. 2 is viewed from the direction of arrow V. FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal cross section while enlarging the VI portion of FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the VI section showing how the touch pad of FIG. 3 is attached to the keyboard. FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the VI section showing how the extrusion part pushes out the male connector in order to remove the touch pad of FIG. 3 from the keyboard. FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the VI section showing how the touch pad of FIG. 3 is removed from the keyboard. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the usage state of the mobile computer according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[First example]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a mobile computer 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a computer main body 11 and an input device for transmitting characters, symbols, or instructions to the computer main body 11, The computer includes a keyboard 21 provided integrally with the computer main body 11, a display 12 foldably attached to the keyboard 21, and a plurality of peripheral devices detachably fixed to the keyboard 21. The peripheral devices include a touch pad 13, a MIDI controller 14, and an audio interface 15. In the following, if the touch pad 13, MIDI controller 14, and audio interface 15 are not distinguished from each other, they will be referred to as peripheral devices 13 to 15.

The computer main body 11 is a thin computer, and is equipped with a control/arithmetic unit (not shown), a storage unit, and an input/output interface unit (not shown) like a known notebook PC, and performs complex calculations and calculations according to a given procedure (i.e., a program). Processing is performed at high speed to run music production software, etc. In this embodiment, the keyboard 21 uses a common casing with the computer main body 11. Further, the keyboard 21 is provided with a microphone 22 and a display holding board 23. The display holding board 23 is rotatable around the axis of a hinge 24 at the base end.

The display 12 is fixed to a display holding board 23 by, for example, magnetic force, and rotates together with the display holding board 23 around the axis of a hinge 24, thereby switching the computer from the state shown in FIG. 1 to the state shown in FIG. It is designed to be folded against the main body 11 and the keyboard 21. In the following, the state shown in FIG. 1 will be referred to as a used state, and the state shown in FIG. 2 will be referred to as a stored state.

The touch pad 13 has a pad portion 31, a left button 32, and a right button 33, and is formed into a thin block shape as a whole. The pad section 31 is a type of pointing device for operating a mouse pointer by tracing a flat sensor with a finger.

The MIDI controller 14 is an input device for transmitting MIDI information to music production software using a plurality of keys 34. In this embodiment, the MIDI controller 14 is divided into left and right parts, and the left part can be folded by rotating around the axis of the hinge 35 relative to the right part. The MIDI controller 14 is formed into a thin block shape as a whole in the folded state.

The audio interface 15 is a device for connecting equipment such as musical instruments and microphones to the computer main body 11, and is formed into an elongated block shape as a whole.

As shown in FIG. 3, the portion of the keyboard 21 located at the periphery when looking at the keyboard 21 in the thickness direction (that is, when looking from the direction perpendicular to the surface where the keys of the keyboard 21 are located) is referred to as the "peripheral edge". ”. The keyboard 21 of this embodiment has a rectangular plate shape and has four peripheral edges 36 to 39. The peripheral devices 13 to 15 are fixed to the peripheral end 36 or 37 and electrically connected to the keyboard 21.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the peripheral ends 36 to 38 have first engaging portions 41 made of grooves. In this embodiment, the first engaging portion 41 has a T-shaped cross section, and the width of the bottom portion is larger than the width of the opening portion. The peripheral devices 13 to 15 each have a second engaging portion 42 that is a protrusion that engages with the first engaging portion 41. The second engaging portion 42 has a T-shaped cross section, and the width of the tip portion is larger than the width of the root portion. The peripheral devices 13 to 15 are attached and detached by sliding the second engaging part 42 with respect to the first engaging part 41 in the longitudinal direction of the peripheral end 36 or the peripheral end 37.

As shown in FIG. 6, the peripheral ends 36 to 38 have first contact portions 54 that are responsible for electrically connecting the keyboard 21 and the peripheral devices 13 to 15. The peripheral devices 13 to 15 each have a second contact portion 65 that can contact the first contact portion 54. The electrical connection between the touch pad 13 and the peripheral end portion 36 will be described below, representing the peripheral devices 13 to 15.

The first contact portion 54 is provided on the female connector portion 51. The female connector portion 51 includes a first stepped hole 52 having a larger diameter on the touch pad 13 side, a first magnet 53 and a first contact portion 54 fixed to the stepped portion of the first stepped hole 52, and a first stepped hole 52 having a larger diameter on the touch pad 13 side. It includes an extrusion section 55 that is movably provided within the single-stepped hole 52 and a spring 56 that biases the extrusion section 55 toward the side opposite to the touch pad 13 . The extrusion portion 55 has an operating protrusion 57 exposed outside the keyboard 21 .

The second contact portion 65 is provided on the male connector portion 61. The male connector part 61 includes a second stepped hole 62 having a larger diameter on the peripheral end 36 side, a male connector 63 provided movably within the second stepped hole 62, and a tip end of the male connector 63. It includes a second magnet 64 and a second contact portion 65 fixed to.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the relative position between the touch pad 13 and the peripheral end 36 reaches a predetermined position by sliding movement, the tip of the male connector 63 is moved toward the first magnet 53 by magnetic force. When it is pulled, it moves toward the peripheral end 36 and is inserted into the first stepped hole 52. At this time, the touch pad 13 is electrically connected to the keyboard 21 by the second contact portion 65 approaching and contacting the first contact portion 54 . Further, the touch pad 13 is fixed to the keyboard 21 by the tip of the male connector 63 being caught in the first stepped hole 52.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the touch pad 13 and the keyboard 21 are connected, the extrusion portion 55 moves toward the touch pad 13 by operating the operation protrusion 57, so that the male connector 63 is attached to the first stage. It is pushed out from the hole 52, and the electrical connection between the first contact portion 54 and the second contact portion 65 is released. As shown in FIG. 9, the touch pad 13 is removed from the peripheral end portion 36 by sliding the touch pad 13 in the disconnected state.

The computer main body 11, the keyboard 21, the display 12, and the peripheral devices 13 to 15 have a plate-like shape as a whole when the display 12 is folded. In this embodiment, the silhouettes of the peripheral devices attached to the peripheral end 36, that is, the touch pad 13 and the MIDI controller 14, fit within the display 12 when the mobile computer 10 in the stored state is viewed in the thickness direction.

(effect)
As described above, the mobile computer 10 of this embodiment includes a thin computer main body 11, a keyboard 21 for transmitting characters, symbols, or instructions to the computer main body 11, and a keyboard 21 that is foldably attached to the keyboard 21. The keyboard 21 includes a display 12 and a plurality of peripheral devices 13 to 15 detachably fixed to the keyboard 21. The peripheral devices 13 to 15 are fixed to the peripheral ends 36 and 37 and electrically connected to the keyboard 21. The computer main body 11, the keyboard 21, the display 12, and the peripheral devices 13 to 15 have a plate-like shape as a whole when the display 12 is folded.

According to such a mobile computer 10, since the keyboard 21 and the peripheral devices 13 to 15 are fixed, it is possible to work relatively easily even in a narrow and unstable place such as on a small table or on one's lap. Easy to secure work space. It also has a simpler appearance and can make a better impression on those around you. Further, in addition to being able to carry the keyboard 21 with the peripheral devices 13 to 15 connected to it, the display 12 can be folded to form a plate-like form, making it convenient to carry. Furthermore, it is possible to eliminate the hassle of preparing and cleaning up wiring, etc.

Furthermore, the peripheral ends 36 to 38 have first engaging portions 41 made of grooves. The peripheral devices 13 to 15 each have a second engaging part 42 that is a protrusion that engages with the first engaging part 41, and by sliding the second engaging part 42 with respect to the first engaging part 41, It is attached and detached. Thereby, it is possible to achieve both securing strength for fixing the peripheral devices 13 to 15 and ease of attaching and detaching the peripheral devices 13 to 15.

Furthermore, the peripheral ends 36 to 38 have first contact portions 54 that are responsible for electrically connecting the keyboard 21 and the peripheral devices 13 to 15. The peripheral devices 13 to 15 have a second contact portion 65 that can contact the first contact portion 54, and when the relative position with the peripheral end portions 36 to 38 is at a predetermined position, the second contact portion 65 contacts the first contact portion 54. By approaching and touching the contact portion 54, it is electrically connected to the keyboard 21. As a result, while the peripheral devices 13 to 15 can be attached and detached in a sliding manner, a reliable connection between the first contact portion 54 and the second contact portion 65 can be realized.

Further, the peripheral devices include a MIDI controller 14 and an audio interface 15. The MIDI controller 14 is attached to the peripheral end 36 of the keyboard 21, and its silhouette fits within the display 12 when the mobile computer 10 in the stored state is viewed in the thickness direction. The audio interface 15 is formed into an elongated block shape and is attached to the peripheral end 37 of the keyboard 21. This allows you to carry the equipment necessary for music production in a typical notebook PC size.

[Second example]
As shown in FIG. 10, in the second embodiment, the computer main body 11 is provided integrally with the display 12. Regarding the configuration other than the above, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, according to the mobile computer of the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Other Examples]
In other embodiments, peripherals can be freely customized to suit the user's preferences and production style. For example, a second display may be attached as a sub-monitor. Alternatively, a game controller may be attached and removed as appropriate during use. Further, an AC adapter, a pen tablet, an electronic memo pad, or an external HDD or SSD may be attached. Furthermore, an accessory case may be attached to the extra space as a spacer. Furthermore, the computer may be configured so that a replaceable graphic board or the like can be attached as an expansion element to the computer main body. This allows you to use it as a conventional notebook PC and extend its life by replacing only the malfunctioning parts.

In another embodiment, the first engaging part of the computer body may be a protrusion, and the second engaging part of the peripheral device may be a groove. Further, other known methods may be used as long as the computer main body and peripheral devices are fixed and electrically connected.
Although not illustrated in detail, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the invention.

10 Mobile computer 11 Computer body 12 Display 13 Touch pad (peripheral device)
14 MIDI controller (peripheral equipment)
15 Audio interface (peripheral equipment)
21 Keyboard 36 to 39 Peripheral end portion 41 First engaging portion 42 Second engaging portion 54 First contact portion 65 Second contact portion

Claims (4)

A thin computer body,
a keyboard for transmitting characters, symbols, or instructions to the computer main body;
a display foldably attached to the keyboard;
one or more peripherals removably secured to the keyboard;
Equipped with
The computer main body is integrally provided with one of the keyboard and the display,
When the part of the keyboard located at the periphery when looking at the keyboard in the thickness direction is defined as the peripheral edge part,
The peripheral device is fixed to the peripheral edge and electrically connected to the keyboard,
A mobile computer, wherein the computer main body, the keyboard, the display, and the peripheral devices have a plate-like shape as a whole when the display is folded. The peripheral end portion has a first engaging portion consisting of a protrusion or a groove,
The peripheral device has a second engaging part made of a groove or a protrusion that fits into the first engaging part, and can be attached and detached by sliding the second engaging part with respect to the first engaging part. The mobile computer of claim 1. The peripheral end portion has a first contact portion responsible for electrical connection between the keyboard and the peripheral device,
The peripheral device has a second contact portion that can come into contact with the first contact portion, and when the relative position with the peripheral end portion is at a predetermined position, one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion 3. The mobile computer of claim 2, wherein the mobile computer is electrically connected to the keyboard by being in close contact with one another. A mobile computer according to any preceding claim, wherein the peripherals include a MIDI controller and an audio interface.

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