KR20080015328A - Portable computer and apparatus for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable computer and a controller for the same are provided to adjust angles between a display unit and an inputting unit variably by making both the inputting unit and the display unit rotatable. A portable computer comprises a main body(11), a display unit(12), an inputting unit(13) and the first hinge(121). The main body(11) embeds various parts and hardwares. The display unit(12) is rotatably combined to the main body(11). The inputting unit(13) is slidably combined to a lower part of the main body(11). The first hinge(121) makes the display unit(12) rotatable to a predetermined angle with respect to the main body(11). The display unit(12) can install a touch screen or a digitizer for making tablet operation possible. The inputting unit(13) can install a touch screen for enabling a user to input characters or numbers. In case that the portable computer is used in a tablet computer mode, the display unit(12) is folded on the main body(11) and the inputting unit(13) gets combined to the lower part of the main body(11).

Description

Portable computer and apparatus for controlling the same

1 shows a portable computer in the form of a conventional pure tablet.

2 shows a portable computer in the form of a conventional convertible.

3 is a view showing a state used as a tablet function in a portable computer according to the present invention.

4 is a view showing a state used as a notebook function in a portable computer according to the present invention.

5 is a view showing a state in which the input device unit is coupled to the lower body portion in the portable computer according to the present invention.

Figure 6 is a view showing that the input device portion is sliding in the portable computer according to the invention protrudes from the lower body portion.

7 is a view showing a state in which the input device is completely protruded from the lower body portion in the portable computer according to the present invention.

8 is a partial perspective view from above of a sliding part in a portable computer according to the present invention;

9 is a partial perspective view from below of a sliding part of a portable computer according to the present invention;

10 shows an example in which a portable computer according to the present invention is used.

11 is a view showing a control device of a portable computer according to the present invention.

12 is a view showing another embodiment of a control device of a portable computer according to the present invention.

<Description of main parts of drawing>

10: portable computer 11: body part

12: display unit 13: input device unit

14: sliding portion 15: second hinge portion

20: control unit 121: first hinge unit

The present invention relates to a portable computer and a control apparatus thereof, and in particular, a portable computer in which the function of a notebook computer and a function of a tablet computer can be easily switched, and a tablet mode and a notebook mode are automatically switched in the portable computer. It relates to a control device.

Due to the recent development of technology, various personal computers (PCs) such as desktops, towers, and notebooks have been developed and marketed. Dual notebook computers have been developed in consideration of portability. A computer that is powered by

In recent years, there has been a tablet computer as a portable computer developed in the direction of further improving the portability of the notebook computer.

The tablet computer is a portable computer that has recently been in the spotlight, and the user can directly write on the screen by using an electronic pen and an input panel utility, so that predetermined data can be stored or converted into text and input into other applications. In addition, the electronic pen can be used to perform tasks (such as opening an application, selecting text, and displaying menus) that are normally performed with a mouse or keyboard, and if desired, can be used with a conventional mouse or keyboard.

In addition, the tablet PC is very mobile and can work anywhere, it is a form that can increase productivity in offices, halls, meeting rooms or more situations on the go, which is to provide everything expected from a mobile PC It is composed.

In recent years, portable computers are provided in two forms. That is, it is provided in a convertible form in which the keyboard is integrated and in the form of a pure tablet which can be used by connecting a separately provided keyboard.

In this case, the convertible portable computer supports both the tablet function described above and a method of inputting through a keyboard like the function of the notebook computer.

1 is a perspective view showing a portable computer in the form of a conventional pure tablet.

Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional tablet computer in the form of a pure tablet includes a display unit 1 capable of operating a tablet in a slate form.

Therefore, the user can directly input a character or data by touching the display unit 1 using a predetermined stylus pen 2, so that the portable computer can be easily used while moving.

However, even in the case of the pure tablet-type portable computer, a separate keyboard or the like is provided so that the user can use it as a function of a notebook computer. It is inconvenient to carry the provided keyboard at all times and to separately mount the keyboard when using the keyboard.

2 is a perspective view showing a conventional convertible portable computer.

Referring to FIG. 2, a conventional convertible portable computer includes a display unit 1 capable of tablet operation, a main body unit 6 having various hardware therein, and a keyboard 5 therein, and the display unit 1. ) And a swivel hinge (4) connecting the body portion (6).

The swivel hinge 4 is rotated so that the display unit 1 can be folded or unfolded with respect to the main body 6 and can be rotated in the left and right directions when viewed from the front of the main body 6. Then, the display unit 1 may be rotated and used by various positions by the swivel hinge 4.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, when the display unit 1 is erected, it may be used as a laptop function, and when the display unit 1 covers the keyboard 5 so that the screen of the display unit 1 is used as a tablet function. Can be.

However, in the conventional convertible type portable computer, when using the tablet function, the display unit 3 should be rotated, and the keyboard 5 should be covered so that the screen of the display unit 3 rises up. , There is discomfort.

In addition, the conventional convertible type portable computer has a problem in that the structure of the swivel hinge 4 is complicated and difficult to manufacture.

In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable keyboard that can be easily switched between a tablet function and a notebook function as well as a separate keyboard is not required to be separately installed.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable computer capable of rotating not only the display unit but also the input device unit to variously adjust the angle formed by the display and the input device unit according to the user's convenience.

A portable computer according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a main body portion in which various parts and hardware are built, the main body portion rotatably coupled to a predetermined angle, the tablet operating a tablet, the lower portion of the main body portion It is slidably coupled and includes an input device unit for inputting data into the main body unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a portable computer includes a display unit having various components and hardware therein, a tablet capable of operating a tablet, a display unit rotated by a predetermined angle, and supporting the display unit when the display unit is rotated by a predetermined angle; Slidably coupled to the lower portion of the, and comprises an input device for inputting data to the display.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a portable computer includes a main body unit in which various components and hardware are embedded, a display unit rotatably coupled to the main body unit at a predetermined angle, and capable of operating a tablet in tablet mode, and a lower portion of the main body unit. It is slidably coupled to a and comprises an input device unit for inputting data into the main body unit in notebook mode.

In addition, the control device of the portable computer according to the present invention is a display unit for enabling a tablet operation in tablet mode, an input device unit for inputting data in the notebook mode, and can detect whether the tablet mode or notebook mode A sensor unit, a control unit to switch to the notebook mode or tablet mode by the signal of the sensor unit, and the main body unit to perform the notebook function and the tablet function by the control unit.

According to another aspect, a control device of a portable computer according to the present invention includes an input device unit for inputting data in a notebook mode, a sensor unit capable of detecting whether a tablet mode or a notebook mode is provided, and a tablet by a signal of the sensor unit. A control unit for switching to a mode or a notebook mode, and a display unit for performing a notebook function and a tablet function by the control unit, and enables a tablet operation in the tablet mode.

According to the proposed portable computer and its control device, not only the tablet function and the notebook function can be easily switched, but also the angle formed by the display and the input device can be variously adjusted according to the user's convenience. Convenience can be enhanced.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the appended embodiments, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention can easily add, change, delete, and add other embodiments included in the scope of the same idea. I would be able to suggest.

3 is a view showing a state used as a tablet function in a portable computer according to the present invention, Figure 4 is a view showing a state used as a notebook function.

3 and 4, the portable computer 10 according to the present invention includes a main body 11 forming a body and having various components and hardware embedded therein, and rotatably coupled to the main body 11 at a predetermined angle. A display unit 12 and an input device unit 13 coupled to the lower part of the main body 11 so as to be slidable are included.

In addition, the portable computer 10 according to the present invention includes a first hinge portion 121 that allows the display portion 12 to rotate at a predetermined angle with the main body portion 11.

In detail, the display unit 12 may be provided with a predetermined touchscreen or a digitizer to enable tablet operation.

In addition, the input device unit 13 may include a keyboard 132 and a touch screen 131 serving as a mouse so that a user may directly input data such as letters and numbers.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the portable computer 10 is used as a tablet function, the display unit 12 and the main body 11 are stacked, and the input device unit 13 is the main body 11. ) Is coupled to the bottom of the state. That is, the portable computer 10 is in the form of a slate.

Therefore, the user can touch the screen of the display unit 12 using a predetermined stylus pen (not shown) while holding the portable computer 10 while moving, and thus can be easily used as a tablet function.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the portable computer 10 is used as a notebook function, the display unit 12 is turned upright by a predetermined angle from the main body 11, and the input device unit 13 is turned on. ) Is in a state of being protruded from the lower portion of the main body portion 11. In this case, the main body 11 serves as a stand of the portable computer 10.

Accordingly, the user may place the portable computer 10 on a desk or the like and directly input text or data through the input device unit 13 while looking at the display unit 12.

Preferably, the portable computer 10 includes the input unit 13 being slid under the main body 11 to automatically switch from the tablet mode to the notebook mode or from the laptop mode to the tablet mode. A sensor unit (not shown) capable of sensing may be further included. Detailed description of the sensor unit (not shown) will be described later.

Then, when the user wants to use the portable computer 10 as a tablet function and then uses the laptop function, the user simply pulls the input unit 13 and the portable computer 10 automatically switches to the laptop mode. Can be.

On the contrary, when the user wants to use the portable computer 10 as a notebook function and then uses the tablet function, the user merely pushes the input device 13 to be coupled to the lower part of the main body 11. 10 can automatically switch to tablet mode.

Therefore, the portable computer 10 according to the present invention can be easily switched between the notebook mode and the tablet mode, so that user convenience can be enhanced.

However, in the present exemplary embodiment, various components and hardware are embedded in the main body unit 11. As another embodiment, various components and hardware may be embedded in the display unit 12.

In this case, the main body 11 allows the display unit 12 to be rotated by a predetermined angle, and serves only as a support for supporting the display unit 12 when the display unit 12 is rotated by a predetermined angle. do.

5 is a view showing a state in which the input device unit is coupled to the lower portion of the main body portion in the portable computer according to the present invention, Figure 6 is a view showing that the input device portion is sliding to protrude from the lower body portion, Figure 7 FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a state in which an input device part completely protrudes from the bottom of the main body part, FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the sliding part from above, and FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the sliding part from above.

5 to 9, the portable computer 10 according to the present invention includes a sliding part 14 coupled to the input device part 13 to allow the input device part 13 to slide. A second hinge portion 15 is formed at the coupling portion of the sliding portion 14 and the input device portion 13 to rotate the input device portion 13 by a predetermined angle.

In addition, a lower portion of the main body portion 11 includes an accommodation groove 111 in which the input device portion 13 is accommodated, a sliding portion groove 112 in which the sliding portion 14 is accommodated, and the sliding portion 14. Guide grooves 113 for guiding the sliding is formed.

Therefore, even if the input device 13 is coupled to the lower part of the main body 11, the bottom surface of the main body 11 can be formed flat, so that the portable computer 10 is flat such as a desk. It can be placed in a stable state on the surface.

In addition, support portions 133 are formed on both sides of the input device portion 13, a sliding portion support portion 141 is formed on one side of the sliding portion 14, and the support portions on both sides of the main body portion 11. A support groove 114 into which the 133 and the sliding support 141 are inserted is formed.

Accordingly, the input device 13 and the sliding part 14 are slidable under the main body 11 by being caught by the support 133 and the sliding support 141 inserted into the support groove 114. Yet securely combined.

Furthermore, the support part 133 and the sliding support part 141 guide the sliding when the input device part 13 and the sliding part 14 slide.

In addition, the sliding portion 14 is inserted into the guide groove 113, the guide portion 142 for guiding the sliding portion 14 to slide, and the guide portion 142 at the end of the guide groove 113 A predetermined locking part (not shown) may be formed.

Therefore, when the sliding part 14 is slid to the end of the guide groove 13, the guide part 142 is caught by a locking part (not shown), so that the input device part 13 is the main body. Even if fully protruded from the lower portion 11 is not separated from the main body portion (11).

In addition, a gap is formed between the support part 133 and the sliding part support part 141. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the input device part 13 may be rotated by a predetermined angle by the second hinge part 15 when the input device part 13 completely protrudes from the lower part of the main body part 11.

Therefore, when using the portable computer 10 as a notebook function, the user can arbitrarily adjust the angle of the input device unit 13 for convenience.

Preferably, a groove 133 may be formed at the lower end of the input device unit 13 so that the user can easily pull it.

Then, even if the input device unit 13 is coupled to the lower part of the main body 11 as shown in FIG. 5, the user can easily pull the hand into the groove 133 and accordingly, the input device unit 13 may slide and protrude from the lower portion of the main body 11.

In addition, the portable computer 10 may further include a sensor unit 16 for automatically switching to a tablet mode or a notebook mode.

In detail, the sensor part 16 is formed on one side of the sliding part groove 112 to detect whether the sliding part 14 is seated in the sliding part groove 112, and has a predetermined button type. Can be made.

In this case, the sensor part 16 is formed so that a predetermined button can be pressed when the sliding part 14 is fully seated in the sliding part groove 112.

Then, when the user pulls the input device unit 13, the sliding unit 14 is slid so that the button of the sensor unit 16 is not pressed, and when the user pushes the input unit 13 to the end, the sliding unit ( 14 is sliding so that the button of the sensor unit 16 is pressed.

Therefore, the portable computer 10 according to the present invention can be switched to the tablet mode or the notebook mode depending on whether the button of the sensor unit 16 is pressed.

That is, if the sensor unit 16 is pressed but the sliding unit 14 is slid and the sensor unit 16 is not pressed, the sensor unit 16 is moved from the tablet mode to the notebook mode, and conversely, the sensor unit 16 is not pressed. When the sliding unit 14 is slid in the state and the sensor unit 16 is pressed, it may be switched from the notebook mode to the tablet mode.

Therefore, when the user wants to use the portable computer 10 as a tablet function, the user may push the input unit 13 to push the sensor unit 16 by the sliding unit 14.

On the contrary, when the user wants to use the portable computer 10 as a notebook function, the user may pull the input device unit 13 so that the sliding unit 14 does not press the sensor unit 16.

However, the sensor unit 16 is only one embodiment, it will be appreciated that the spirit of the present invention is not limited by the shape of the sensor unit 16.

Hereinafter, the operation of the portable computer 10 according to the present invention will be described.

First, if the user wants to use the portable computer 10 as a tablet function, the sliding unit 14 may push the sensor unit 16 by pushing the input device unit 13.

Then, the portable computer 10 is switched to the tablet mode so that the display unit 12 is formed to allow tablet operation, and data input by the input device unit 13 is not performed.

Thus, as shown in Figure 2, the user can fold the portable computer 10 to use the tablet function in the form of a slate.

In addition, if the user intends to use the portable computer 10 as a notebook function, the sensor unit 16 may not be pressed by pulling the input device unit 13 so that the sliding unit 14 slides.

Then, the portable computer 10 is configured to be switched to the notebook mode to enable data input by the input device unit 13.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3, the user may directly input data through the input device unit 13 by adjusting the angle formed by the display unit 12 and the input device unit 13 for convenience.

10 shows an example in which the portable computer according to the present invention is used.

As shown in FIG. 10, even when the portable computer 10 is used as a notebook function, the position where the portable computer 10 is placed is not flat, the portable computer 10 is connected to the input device unit 13. ) Can be rotated by a predetermined angle by the second hinge portion 15 can improve the user's convenience.

For example, there is an inconvenience when a computer is to be used in a car since the place where the portable computer is placed is angled as shown in FIG. 8. Accordingly, a separate portable computer device stand is installed and used.

However, the portable computer 10 according to the present invention has the main body portion 11, the display portion 12, and the input device portion 13 even if the place where the portable computer 10 is placed is angled like a car. The angle to make can be variously adjusted according to the user's convenience provides an advantage that can be used without inconvenience.

11 is a block diagram showing a control device of a portable computer according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, a control unit of a portable computer 10 according to the present invention includes a display unit 12 for enabling a tablet operation in a tablet mode and an input device unit 13 for directly inputting data in a notebook mode. ) And a sensor unit 16 capable of detecting whether the tablet mode or the notebook mode is in accordance with the position of the input device unit 13, and switching to the tablet mode or the notebook mode by the signal of the sensor unit 16. The control unit 20 and the main body 11 to perform the notebook function and the tablet function by the control unit 20 is included.

Here, the sensor unit 16 may be made of a predetermined button type. Then, the sensor unit 16 may be pressed or not pressed according to the position of the input device unit 13 to transmit a signal to the control unit 20.

In detail, when the user pushes the input device unit 13 to the end, the sensor unit 16 is pressed, and thus the control unit 20 switches the main body 11 and the display unit (eg, to switch to the tablet mode). 12).

Then, the user can operate the tablet through the display unit 12, so that the portable computer 10 can be used as a tablet function.

In addition, when the user pulls the input device unit 13, the sensor unit 16 is not pressed, so that the control unit 20 is switched to the notebook mode, the main body 11 and the input device unit 13 ).

Then, the user can directly input data such as letters or numbers through the input device unit 13, so that the portable computer 10 can be used as a notebook function.

Therefore, if the user wants to use the portable computer 10 as a tablet function, the user can push the input device 13 to the end, and if the user wants to use the notebook function, the user can pull the input device 14, thereby providing convenience for the user. This can be promoted.

12 is a view showing another embodiment of a control device of a portable computer according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, the control device of the portable computer 10 according to the present embodiment includes an input device unit 13 for inputting data in a notebook mode, and a tablet mode or the like according to the position of the input device unit 13. A sensor unit 16 capable of detecting whether the notebook mode is in notebook mode, a control unit 20 for switching to a tablet mode or a notebook mode by a signal of the sensor unit 16, and a notebook function by the control unit 20 And a display unit 12 for performing a tablet function and enabling a tablet operation in a tablet mode.

That is, the present embodiment is different from the above embodiment in that the main body 11 is omitted. This may be enabled by various components, hardware, and the like, which are built in the main body 11, being integrated into the display 12. As described above, in this case, the main body 11 only serves as a predetermined pedestal.

The portable computer according to the present invention, which is configured as described above, is provided with a separate keyboard and does not need to be separately mounted when used, and the tablet function and the laptop function can be easily switched.

In addition, the present invention can rotate the input device unit as well as the display unit, it is possible to variously adjust the angle formed by the display and the input device unit for the user's convenience.

Claims (12)

Body parts in which various parts and hardware are built; A display unit rotatably coupled to the main body unit at a predetermined angle and capable of operating a tablet; And And an input device unit slidably coupled to a lower portion of the main body unit and configured to input data into the main body unit. The method of claim 1, And a sliding part for allowing the input device part to slide under the main body part. The method of claim 1, The input device unit is a portable computer, characterized in that it further comprises a second hinge to be rotated by a predetermined angle when fully protruded from the bottom of the main body. A display unit in which various parts and hardware are built in and which tablet operation is possible; A pedestal for rotating the display unit by a predetermined angle and supporting the display unit when the display unit is rotated by a predetermined angle; And And an input device unit slidably coupled to a lower portion of the pedestal, and configured to input data to the display unit. Body parts in which various parts and hardware are built; A display unit rotatably coupled to the main body unit at a predetermined angle and capable of operating a tablet in a tablet mode; And And an input device unit slidably coupled to a lower portion of the main body unit and configured to input data into the main body unit in a notebook mode. The method of claim 5, wherein And a sensor unit configured to automatically switch a tablet mode or a notebook mode according to the position of the input device unit. The method of claim 6, The sensor unit is a predetermined button type, portable computer, characterized in that to switch to tablet mode or notebook mode depending on whether the button is pressed by the input device unit. The method of claim 5, wherein Pulling the input unit is switched to the notebook mode, push the input unit to the end, the portable computer, characterized in that to switch to the tablet mode. A display unit to enable a tablet operation in a tablet mode; An input device unit for inputting data in notebook mode; A sensor unit for sensing whether the tablet mode or the notebook mode; A controller configured to switch to a tablet mode or a notebook mode by a signal of the sensor unit; And And a main body unit configured to perform a tablet function and a notebook function by the controller. The method of claim 9, The sensor unit is a control device of a portable computer, characterized in that for detecting whether the tablet mode or notebook mode according to the position of the input unit. The method of claim 9, The sensor unit is made of a predetermined button type, the control device of a computer, characterized in that the button is pressed by the input device unit in the tablet mode, if the button is not pressed in the notebook mode. An input device unit for inputting data in notebook mode; A sensor unit for sensing whether the tablet mode or the notebook mode; A controller configured to switch to a tablet mode or a notebook mode by a signal of the sensor unit; And And a display unit configured to perform a tablet function and a notebook function by the controller, and to enable a tablet operation in a tablet mode.

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