TWI488373B - Docking holder - Google Patents

Description

Expansion seat

The present invention relates to a docking station; in particular, the present invention relates to a tablet electronics docking station that can assist in aligning and protecting a connector.

With the development of science and technology, computers have become an important tool in modern life. In the real world, home computers, notebook computers, industrial computers and tablets have become indispensable tools for life. Taking tablet computers as an example, tablet PCs have the advantages of being thin, high-performance, and high in portability. They skillfully combine technology and life, and design and change consumers' habits according to human nature. In addition, the R&D industry has developed a large number of applications that enable tablets to perform a variety of functions, such as entertainment, engineering, graphics, maps, audio and video.

It should be noted that the tablet can expand other functions by connecting the docking station, for example, the docking station is connected to the base, and the base can be a keyboard base and the tablet has a physical keyboard. In practical applications, the docking station has a connector, a front panel, and a rear panel, and the tablet computer is electrically connected to the docking station by a connecting portion. In addition, the front plate, the rear plate and the bottom of the docking station form a U-shaped clip slot, and the U-shaped clip slot accommodates the tablet computer.

However, when the conventional docking station is combined with the tablet computer, the front panel and the rear panel are only used to assist the alignment, and the user needs to accurately connect the tablet computer to the docking station through visual inspection. It is worth noting that when the tablet is connected to the docking station, it is prone to misalignment and damages the connecting portion of the docking station. In addition, when the tablet is not connected to the docking station, the connection portion of the docking station is exposed in the U-shaped clip slot. Once the foreign matter enters the clevis slot, it is easy to directly hit the joint.

In view of this, the present invention proposes a docking station that can accurately align and have a protective effect.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a docking station having a movable baffle that protects the joint.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a docking station having an accommodating space for accurate alignment.

One aspect of the present invention provides a docking station for connecting an electronic device. In one embodiment, the docking station includes a body, a baffle, and at least one driving portion, and the body has a connecting portion, a first opening, and an accommodating space, wherein the connecting portion is disposed in the accommodating space. The baffle movably connects the body and is disposed in the accommodating space, and the baffle has a second opening corresponding to the position of the connecting portion. The driving portion is connected to the body and abuts the baffle, wherein when the electronic device enters the accommodating space from the first opening, the electronic device presses the baffle and the driving portion to the connecting portion, and the connecting portion is electrically connected to the electronic device through the second opening .

In this embodiment, the connecting portion is disposed at the bottom of the body; when the electronic device is taken out from the accommodating space, the driving portion drives the baffle to return to the original position, and the connecting portion is interposed between the bottom of the body and the baffle. Further, when the electronic device is not connected to the docking station, the shutter shields and protects the connecting portion from foreign matter collision.

A docking station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention uses a baffle wherein the baffle is movably coupled to the body to selectively extend or shield the joint. In an embodiment, the body has an accommodating space formed by the side wall and the buffer plate, so that when the electronic device is disposed in the accommodating space, misalignment is not easily generated. In practical applications, When the baffle is positioned on the main body, the baffle not only protects the connecting portion from direct collision of foreign matter, but also prevents dust from falling into the accommodating space, thereby achieving the functions of protection and dust prevention. In this embodiment, the docking station further uses the snap switch to control the hook to prevent the electronic device from being undesirably removed from the housing space, and the connection between the electronic device and the docking station can be improved.

The advantages and spirit of the present invention will be further understood from the following detailed description of the invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an docking station is provided that can assist in alignment. In this embodiment, the docking station is used to connect the electronic device, and the electronic device may be a tablet computer, but not limited thereto.

Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of an electronic device connection docking station of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , the docking station 1 includes a body 10 , a baffle 20 , and at least one driving portion 30 .

In this embodiment, the body 10 has a connecting portion 110, a first opening 115, and an accommodating space 120, wherein the connecting portion 110 is disposed in the accommodating space. As shown in FIG. 1 , the connecting portion 110 is disposed on the circuit module 110A , wherein the circuit module 110A is a printed circuit board and is used to electrically connect the connecting portion 110 to other electronic components. It should be noted that the body 10 includes a latch module 100, at least one leg 131 and a side wall 13. The latch module 100 is disposed on the bottom portion 11 and the legs 131 are raised from the side wall 13. In the actual application, the connecting portion 110 is fixed on the latch module 100, and the outer edge of the leg 131 supports the latch module 100, but is not limited thereto.

In other embodiments, the body 10 does not have the structure of the latch module 100, and the connecting portion 110 can be directly disposed on the bottom portion 11. In other words, the latch module 100 can be selectively disposed on the body 10, and the relative positions of the circuit module 110A and other components are configured according to actual requirements of the product.

In addition, the body 10 has a buffer plate 12, and the buffer plate 12 and the side wall 13 surround the bottom portion 11 to form an accommodation space 120. In other words, the electronic device 2 can accurately enter the accommodating space 120 from the first opening 115, thereby achieving the effect of alignment. In the actual case, the baffle plate 12 is preferably a low friction coefficient plate to prevent the baffle 20 from generating a large frictional force with the body 10. In this embodiment, the material of the buffer plate 12 is Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, Polytetrafluoroethene), but not limited thereto.

It should be noted that the baffle 20 is disposed in the accommodating space 120 and has a second opening 210 corresponding to the position of the connecting portion 110. In a practical situation, the connecting portion 110 passes through the second opening 210 to electrically connect the electronic device 2 . In this embodiment, the baffle 20 has an upper cover 21, an adhesive unit 22, and a plate member 23, wherein the upper cover 21 is attached to the plate member 23 through the adhesive unit 22. Specifically, the upper cover 21 and the plate member 23 may be respectively a metal upper cover and a metal plate member, and the outer casing may be coated with a partial or full area of the paint material according to actual needs. In addition, the adhesive unit 22 may be a water gel, a double-sided tape or other bonding material, and is not particularly limited.

As shown in FIG. 1, the upper cover 21, the adhesive unit 22, and the plate member 23 have a second opening 210 corresponding to the connecting portion. As shown in FIG. 1, the body 10 has a plurality of conductive members 24, wherein the conductive members 24 are disposed on the board member 23 for increasing the electrical grounding area of the electronic device. In practical applications, the conductive member 24 may be a conductive foam, a conductive cloth, a conductive gel or a copper aluminum foil foam.

The baffle 20 is movably coupled to the body 10. Specifically, the baffle 20 is suspended or sunk in the accommodating space 120 relative to the bottom portion 11 of the body 10, and the driving portion 30 is coupled to the body 10 and abuts the baffle 20. Please refer to FIG. 2, which is a side view of the connecting portion of the driving portion of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the baffle 20 further includes a plurality of first connecting posts 301, wherein one end of each driving portion 30 is connected to a corresponding first connecting post 301. In this embodiment, one end of each driving portion 30 is sleeved with a corresponding first connecting post 301.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1 , the body further has a plurality of second connecting columns 302 , wherein each of the second connecting posts 302 is disposed on the bottom portion 11 corresponding to the first connecting post 301 . In practical applications, the other end of each driving portion 30 is connected (for example, a socket) to the corresponding second connecting post 302. In other words, the driving portion 30 is connected to the baffle 20 and the body 10 by the first connecting post 301 and the second connecting post 302 , so that the baffle 20 can move relative to the bottom portion 11 of the body 10 in the accommodating space 120 . In practical applications, the drive portion 30 is an elastic member and may be a spring or an elastomer. In this embodiment, the driving portion 30 is a spring, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the elastic modulus of the elastic member can be matched according to actual needs, and there is no particular limitation. In other embodiments, the driving portion 30 is an elastic body, wherein the elastic body can be directly connected to the baffle 20 and the body without being connected to the baffle 20 and the body by the first connecting post 301 and the second connecting post 302 respectively. There are no specific restrictions.

In particular, the body 10 further has a plurality of grooves 130 and a plurality of support structures 132. As shown in FIG. 1, the grooves 130 are recessed in the side walls 13 of the body 10 and are arranged in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the body 10 has six grooves 130, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the support structures 132 are formed on the sidewalls 13 , wherein each of the support structures 132 is aligned with the lower edge of the trenches 130 . It should be noted that the baffle 20 further includes a plurality of engaging portions 220. Each of the engaging portions 220 is disposed on a side of the baffle 20 and is movable in the corresponding groove 130 to position the baffle 20 in the accommodating space 120. In other words, each of the engaging portions 220 is longitudinally slidable in the corresponding groove 130. When the engaging portion 220 slides to the lower edge of the groove 130 , the supporting structure 132 abuts the baffle 20 to assist the baffle 20 to be positioned in the accommodating space 120 . In addition, the manner in which the engaging portions 220 are formed on the baffle plate 20 includes a joint molding method such as integral molding, welding, and adhesion, and is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the engaging portions 220 are preferably integrally formed with the baffle 20, but are not limited thereto.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , when the electronic device 2 enters the accommodating space 120 from the first opening 115 , the electronic device 2 presses the baffle 20 and the driving portion 30 to the connecting portion 110 , and the connecting portion 110 passes through the second portion. The opening 210 is electrically connected to the electronic device 2, and the supporting structures 132 support the baffle 20. In other words, the electronic device 2 drives the baffle 20 to press the elastic member (the driving portion 30 ) such that the connecting portion 110 passes through the second opening 210 to electrically connect the electronic device 2 . In addition, when the electronic device 2 is taken out from the accommodating space 120, the driving portion 30 drives the shutter 20 to return to the original position and away from the bottom portion 11, and the connecting portion 110 is interposed between the bottom portion 11 of the body 10 and the baffle 30. In other words, since the driving portion 30 is an elastic member, an elastic force can be applied to the shutter 20 to drive the shutter 20 to move, and the engaging portions 220 of the shutter 20 slide in the corresponding grooves 130.

In the actual application, when the electronic device 2 is taken out from the accommodating space 120, the baffle 20 is respectively engaged with the elastic force (repulsive force) of the grooves 130 and the driving portion 30, so that the baffle 20 can be positioned. In practical applications, when the baffle 20 is positioned on the upper edge of the grooves 130, the baffle 20 can not only protect the connecting portion 110 from direct collision of foreign matter, but also prevent dust from falling into the accommodating space 120, thereby achieving protection and The effect of dust prevention.

Referring to Figure 1, the baffle 20 includes at least one perforation 230, wherein each perforation 230 is adjacent to the second opening 210. In addition, the body 10 further includes at least one hook 140, wherein each hook 140 is disposed corresponding to the through hole 230, wherein the hook 140 protrudes from the bottom and selectively passes through the through hole 230 to engage the card slot of the electronic device 2 (not shown) Show). In this embodiment, the body 10 has two hooks 140 , and each hook is disposed on the latch module 100 . It should be noted that the latch module 100 further has at least one post 141, wherein each post 141 is disposed adjacent to the hook 140. In the actual situation, when the hook is engaged with the electronic device 2, the post 141 is synchronously extended into the card slot of the electronic device 2 to improve the degree of engagement.

Please refer to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the docking station of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3 , the docking station 1 further includes a snap switch 150 , wherein the snap switch 150 is disposed outside the body 10 and connected to the hook 140 , wherein the snap switch 150 selectively controls the hook 140 to engage the electronic device 2 . It should be noted that the connection manner of the snap switch 150 and the hook 140 includes, but is not limited to, a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or other connection manner. In this embodiment, the latch module 100 has an engaging trigger 151 , wherein the engaging trigger 151 is coupled to the at least one hook 140 and the snap switch 150 . In the actual situation, when the user presses the snap switch 150, the snap switch 150 presses the snap puller 151 to drive the hook to release from the card slot of the electronic device 2. In other embodiments, the hooks 140 and the posts 141 can be directly disposed on the bottom 11 of the body 10 or directly connected to the snap switch 150 without being disposed by the latch module 100, and are not limited thereto. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3 , the docking station 1 has a housing 160 and a rotating shaft 170 , wherein the rotating shaft 170 and the snap switch 150 are disposed on the housing 160 . As shown in FIG. 3, the side holes 161 on both sides of the outer casing 160 correspond to the positioning portions 180 on both sides of the body, wherein the positioning portion 180 passes through the side holes 161 to position the outer casing 160 to the body 10. In addition, the docking station 1 is attached to the outer casing 160 by a plurality of locking units 14 (eg, screws) to lock the latch module 100 and the rotating shaft 170.

As shown in FIG. 1 , when the electronic device 2 is disposed in the accommodating space 120 of the main body 1 , the hook 140 is engaged with the card slot (not shown) of the electronic device 2 , so that the electronic device 2 can be electrically connected to the connection. The portion 110 is more engageable with the docking station 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the user can control the hook 140 by the snap switch 150, thereby selectively engaging the electronic device 2 with the docking station 1 or loosening from the docking station 1. For example, please refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , wherein FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the electronic device 2 connecting the docking station 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, when the user presses the snap switch 150, the hook 140 can be stopped from being engaged with the card slot, and the user can take out the electronic device 2 from the accommodation space 120. In the actual situation, the docking station 1 controls the hook 140 by using the snap switch 150 to prevent the electronic device 2 from being undesirably removed from the receiving space 120, and also improves the connectivity between the electronic device 2 and the docking station 1.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the docking station 1 further includes an electronic base 3 and a rotating shaft 170. The rotating shaft 170 is disposed on the outer side of the body 10 and connected to the electronic base 3, and the rotating shaft 170 is rotated by the rotating shaft 171. The electronic device 2 is unfolded or overlapped with the electronic base 3. As shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the electronic device connection docking station of the present invention, wherein the electronic device 2 and the electronic base 3 can be unfolded or overlapped at different angles. Further, the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 discloses the aspect in which the electronic device 2 and the electronic base 3 are unfolded. In an actual case, the electronic base 3 includes, but is not limited to, a keyboard, a touch pad, a power module, at least one connector, a signal light, a heat dissipation module, or other modules. In this embodiment, the electronic base 3 is a keyboard touch power base, and the electronic device 2 is connected to the electronic base 3 to form a portable multiplex electronic device, but is not limited thereto.

Please refer to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment in which the electronic device 2 is connected to the docking station 1A. The drive unit of the docking station 1A includes the first portion with respect to the docking station 1 A magnet 30A and a second magnet 30B, wherein the first magnet 30A is coupled to the bottom portion 11 of the body 10, the second magnet 30B is coupled to the baffle 20, and the first magnet 30A and the second magnet 30B generate a repulsive force to drive the baffle 20 into the receiving portion. The space 120 moves.

In this embodiment, the first magnet 30A and the second magnet 30B are the same magnet, and the first magnet 30A and the second magnet 30B have different names because they are disposed at different positions. In addition, the first magnet 30A and the second magnet 30B respectively have a first surface 310 and a second surface 320 opposite thereto, wherein the magnetic poles of the first surface 310 and the magnetic poles of the second surface 320 are opposite, so that the first magnet 30A One side 310 and the first side 310 of the second magnet 30B generate a repulsive force. For example, the first face 310 of the first magnet 30A and the first face 310 of the second magnet 30B may be a north pole, and the second face 320 of the first magnet 30A and the second face 30B are second. Face 320 can be a South pole.

Further, the first magnet 30A and the second magnet 30B are preferably strong magnets and can provide a large repulsive force. In the actual case, the first magnet 30A and the second magnet 30B may have the same or different magnetic forces. That is, the first magnet 30A may have a larger magnetic force, and the second magnet 30B has a smaller magnetic force. However, it should be noted that the first face 310 of the first magnet 30A and the first face 310 of the second magnet 30B must have the same magnetic pole instead of the opposite magnetic pole to achieve the effect of generating a repulsive force.

In an actual case, when the electronic device 2 enters the accommodating space 120 from the first opening 115, the electronic device 2 presses the baffle 20 and the second magnet 30B to the connecting portion 110, and the connecting portion 110 is electrically connected through the second opening 210. Connected to the electronic device 2. In the actual case, the electronic device 2 applies gravity to the baffle 20, wherein the gravity is greater than the repulsive force between the first magnet 30A and the second magnet 30B, so that the electronic device 2 is connected to the connection portion 110 of the docking station 1A. In addition, when electricity When the sub-device 2 is taken out from the accommodating space 120, the repulsive force between the first magnet 30A and the second magnet 30B drives the baffle 20 away from the bottom portion 11 and returns to the original position, and each engaging portion 220 is engaged with the corresponding one. The grooves 130 are positioned to position the baffles 20 in the grooves 130.

The driving portion of the embodiment of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, an elastic member or a magnet. In other embodiments, the component can be used as long as it can conform to the component of the embodiment in which the baffle is driven closer to/away from the bottom 11 of the docking station when the electronic device 2 is disposed/removed in the housing space 120 of the docking station. There is no particular limitation on the drive unit.

The baffle 20 is used in the docking station 1/1A according to the present invention, and the baffle 20 is movably coupled to the body 10 to selectively extend or shield the connecting portion 110. In addition, the body 10 has the accommodating space 120 formed by the side wall 13 and the buffer plate 12, so that when the electronic device 2 is disposed in the accommodating space 120, misalignment is not easily generated. In practical applications, when the baffle 20 is positioned in the grooves 130, the baffle 20 can not only protect the connecting portion 110 from direct collision of foreign matter, but also prevent dust from falling into the accommodating space 120, thereby achieving protection and dust prevention. The effect. In addition, the docking station uses the snap switch 150 to control the hook 140 to prevent the electronic device 2 from being undesirably removed from the receiving space 120, and also improves the connectivity between the electronic device 2 and the docking station 1.

The features and spirit of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover various modifications and equivalents within the scope of the invention as claimed.

1, 1A‧‧‧ expansion seat

2‧‧‧Electronic devices

3‧‧‧Electronic base

10‧‧‧ Ontology

11‧‧‧ bottom

12‧‧‧ Buffer board

13‧‧‧ side wall

14‧‧‧Locking unit

20‧‧ ‧Baffle

21‧‧‧Upper cover

22‧‧‧Adhesive unit

23‧‧‧ boards

24‧‧‧Electrical parts

30‧‧‧ Drive Department

30A‧‧‧First magnet

30B‧‧‧Second magnet

100‧‧‧Latch module

110‧‧‧Connecting Department

110A‧‧‧Circuit Module

115‧‧‧ first opening

120‧‧‧ accommodating space

130‧‧‧ trench

131‧‧‧ feet

132‧‧‧Support structure

140‧‧‧ card hook

141‧‧‧clamp

150‧‧‧ snap switch

151‧‧‧Clamping puller

160‧‧‧Shell

161‧‧‧ side hole

170‧‧‧Rotary axis

171‧‧‧Rotating axis

180‧‧‧ Positioning Department

210‧‧‧ second opening

220‧‧‧Clock Department

230‧‧‧Perforation

301‧‧‧First connecting column

302‧‧‧Second connection post

310‧‧‧ first side

320‧‧‧ second side

1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of an electronic device connection docking station of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side view of the connecting portion of the driving portion of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the docking station of the present invention; 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the electronic device connection extension of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the electronic device connection extension of the present invention; and FIG. 6 is an electronic device connection extension of the present invention. A schematic diagram of another embodiment.

1‧‧‧ expansion seat

2‧‧‧Electronic devices

10‧‧‧ Ontology

11‧‧‧ bottom

12‧‧‧ Buffer board

13‧‧‧ side wall

20‧‧ ‧Baffle

21‧‧‧Upper cover

22‧‧‧Adhesive unit

23‧‧‧ boards

24‧‧‧Electrical parts

30‧‧‧ Drive Department

100‧‧‧Latch module

110‧‧‧Connecting Department

115‧‧‧ first opening

110A‧‧‧Circuit Module

120‧‧‧ accommodating space

130‧‧‧ trench

131‧‧‧ feet

132‧‧‧Support structure

140‧‧‧ card hook

141‧‧‧clamp

151‧‧‧Clamping puller

180‧‧‧ Positioning Department

210‧‧‧ second opening

220‧‧‧Clock Department

230‧‧‧Perforation

301‧‧‧First connecting column

302‧‧‧Second connection post

Claims (9)

An expansion base for connecting an electronic device, the expansion base comprising: a body having a connecting portion, at least one hook, a first opening and an accommodating space, wherein the connecting portion is disposed in the accommodating space a baffle movably connecting the body and disposed in the accommodating space, the baffle having a second opening corresponding to the position of the connecting portion and at least one perforation disposed adjacent to the second opening The at least one hook is disposed corresponding to the at least one through hole; and the at least one driving portion is coupled to the body and abuts the baffle, wherein the electronic device enters the accommodating space when the electronic device enters the accommodating space by the first opening Pressing the baffle and the driving portion to the connecting portion, the connecting portion is electrically connected to the electronic device through the second opening, and the at least one hook protrudes through the at least one through hole to engage the electronic device When the electronic device is taken out from the accommodating space, the driving portion drives the baffle to return to the original position. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is interposed between the bottom of the body and the baffle when the electronic device is taken out from the accommodating space. The docking station of claim 1, wherein when the electronic module enters the accommodating space, the baffle approaches the bottom of the body; and when the electronic module is taken out from the accommodating space, The drive portion drives the baffle away from the bottom of the body. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the driving portion of the at least one driving portion is an elastic member, wherein the electronic device presses the shutter to compress the elastic member. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the at least one driving portion comprises a first magnet and a second magnet, wherein the first magnet is connected to the bottom of the body, and the second magnet is connected to the baffle. And the first magnet and the second magnet generate a repulsive force to drive the baffle to move in the accommodating space. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises: a plurality of grooves recessed in the side walls of the body and arranged in a longitudinal direction. The docking station of claim 6, wherein the baffle further comprises: a plurality of engaging portions disposed on a side of the baffle, wherein each engaging portion moves in the corresponding groove The baffle is positioned in the accommodating space. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises: a snap switch disposed outside the body and connected to the hook, wherein the snap switch selectively controls the at least one hook card The electronic device is incorporated. The docking station of claim 1, further comprising: an electronic base; and a rotating shaft disposed on an outer side of the body, wherein the rotating shaft is coupled to the electronic base, and the rotating shaft is coupled to a rotating shaft Rotating causes the electronic device to unfold or overlap with the electronic base.