WO2011023190A1

WO2011023190A1 - Portable computer

Info

Publication number: WO2011023190A1
Application number: PCT/DE2010/075080
Authority: WO
Inventors: Holm Hallbauer
Original assignee: Tech-Linx Sdn. Bhd.
Priority date: 2009-08-23
Filing date: 2010-08-20
Publication date: 2011-03-03
Also published as: DE102009043835B3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable computer, which is intended predominantly as a presentation system for customer consulting in the field service. The portable computer should have at least one operating screen and one presentation screen. The aim of the invention is to lock a portable computer having at least two computer modules connected by means of at least one joint for presentation purposes in the respective working position of said computer modules of an opening angle greater than 180°, wherein the portable computer should be locked in a manner that is permanently secure, user-friendly, space-saving, and low cost. The portable computer according to the invention comprises a base module and a presentation module each having an associated monitor, the base module and the presentation module being connected to each other by means of at least one joint having a possible angle of opening α from 0° to > 180°. A supporting device that can be extended in the area of a support point and/or folded out about the support point is integrated in the base module in such a way that the base module and the presentation module are reliably supported on a flat support surface. The supporting device can be mechanically or electrically adjustable. With a U-shaped bow, the supporting device can be simultaneously used as a computer carrying handle.

Description

Portable computer

description

The present invention relates to a portable computer which is primarily intended as a presentation system for customer consultants in the field, for example by financial service providers or insurance agents. This is a portable computer will be used, which has at least one operating screen and a presentation screen.

In WO 2001/02536 A2, a portable computer is described, whose two display parts exhibiting device structure in the operating position can be positioned so that in the simultaneous presence of several observers for this the viewing comfort is improved. Thus, for example, the data entered by the user into the computer can be immediately followed by the customers involved in the conversation as observers so that an optimal dialogue is achieved. Likewise, the display of output information of the portable computer while monitoring by several observers is possible.

Since in a customer conversation usually the seller is sitting opposite the customer, it is possible with the computer shown that the presentation monitor is in front of the customer, while the control panel with the control panel and the input interface in front of the seller. This

guarantees that the sales presentation can take place in a manner that is pleasant for the customer, while the customer can optimally look at the presentation monitor. Another presentation device with a removable keypad connected via a wireless connection to two monitors is described in EP 1 190 296 B1. The two monitors are connected by a joint, which allows the monitors to be swiveled over more than 180 °, creating a control and presentation screen for two people sitting opposite each other. A disadvantage of both described solutions is that there is a constant load on the hinges and the two displays. As a result, they are exposed to increased wear. In addition, no safe installation is possible, especially if after a long time wear of the hinged kidney occurs.

The document WO 00/58812 Al shows a portable computer with a screen and a keyboard. In presentation mode, the computer with an opening angle> 180 ° with its outer shell turned up and the

Screen points towards a potential customer. The keyboard is folded down. Operation by an operator is therefore not possible. Also, like the usual notebook, the operator and the customer would have to share the same screen.

DE 196 16 029 A1 describes an arrangement for interactive information transmission with an input keyboard as computer system unit as well as two additional monitors M 1 and M 2 which can be opened by a hinge. The computer system unit lies on the entire surface of a pad, wherein the two monitors may be facing an operator and a customer on the one hand. The second monitor Although M2 can be integrated in the housing, but in the event that it is removable, it can have its own Aufstellfuß. A secure installation of the monitor M2 in two places can not be done. Swiveling the presentation module around the base module with an angle of> 180 ° is not possible.

US Pat. No. 6,094,341 A describes a notebook computer with two monitors which, on the one hand, can face the operator and, on the other hand, the customer. The notebook has an additional keyboard. For safe support, the lid of the notebook case is used. This can have elements in which the presentation screen can be locked in different positions.

WO 03/065185 A1 shows a dual screen laptop. Folding the presentation module around the base module with an angle of> 180 ° is not possible, as a fourth module an additional cover is required.

US 5,987,704 A describes a portable computer with an operating module and a presentation module, wherein the articulation of the two modules takes place to each other by means of gears. It is neither a swivel of the monitor> 180 ° nor a presentation module possible. There is also no support of a module. The illustrated gear serves only to maintain a certain distance between the two housing halves to each other, but does not serve to move a foot depending on the opening angle. The carrying handle described in US 5,235,495 A can also serve as a support. The support on two points is not safe because high leverage forces act. The object of the invention is to lock a portable computer with at least two connected via at least one joint for presentation purposes computer modules in their respective working position of Aufklappwinkels of more than 180 °, the locking done permanently si- rather, easy to use, space-saving and cost should.

The object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Ausgestaltende features are described in the dependent claims 2 to 11.

The portable computer according to the invention is constructed as follows: A base module and a presentation module, each with an associated monitor are connected to each other via at least one joint. The joint allows an opening angle α between base module and presentation module of more than 180 °. In the base module or the presentation module a extendable in the region of a base and / or folded around the base support device is integrated so that the base module and the presentation module at an opening angle α of more than 180 ° at or near the joint securely on a surface be supported.

Preferably, the support device should be integrated into the base module, since more space is usually available here. In this case, the base module has a recess into which the support device can be completely absorbed. The shape of the recess is arbitrary. It can for example be a groove or a hole.

If the support device is pivotable about the support point in the base module, the angle ß between the base and the support should be ≥ 90 °, so that an independent or unwanted collapse of the two modules is avoided.

In a particular embodiment, the length of the

Leg of the support device made adjustable. This can be done by means of a known per se telescopic sliding mechanism, wherein at certain points

Locking mechanism is provided which allows positioning at different locations and whereby different opening angle α are adjustable. To ensure a secure footing, the support device should have at least two legs. The adjustment of the length of the leg can be done by means of a lockable in a guide telescopic device. The pivoting and / or extension of the support device can be effected mechanically and / or electrically as a function of the opening angle α. As an embodiment, it is provided that the pivoting and / or extension of the support device takes place by means of electric motors sensor-controlled.

One possibility of realization consists in each case one firmly connected to the presentation module, preferably embodied as a gear driving device in a fixedly connected to the support device, preferably designed again as a gear driving device engages such that when exceeding a certain opening angle α, the support device is swung and / or extended.

Most portable computers can usually only be safely and safely transported with appropriate carrying bags. Without a bag, they can easily slide out of the hand or be damaged by excessive pressure on the display. To prevent this, the presented portable computer is equipped with a pull-out handle.

For this purpose, the support device is formed with two legs and a U-shaped bracket, whereby the U-shaped bracket also serves as a computer carrying handle in the extended state. The handle can be folded down so that it can be positioned safely in presentation mode at various angles of inclination.

It is advantageous if the support leg of the support device has the outer shape of the joint between the base module and Präsetationsmodul and in the folded

and / or retracted state form-fitting and complete with this joint. Externally, it is therefore not obvious at first glance that a support foot and a carrying handle are integrated. By eliminating protruding parts, a shapely and uniform outer contour is achieved, which also avoids injuries. The folding or pulling out of the handle is preferably done manually and is mechanically supported by various locking points. Arretierungsmechanismen are solvable either by force in the direction of movement or by separate Entarretierungsmechanismen.

The portable computer used for presentation has a special base module for controlling all running processes. It has a power supply, for example rechargeable batteries, a charging device for charging these batteries, an input device for the operator, for example a touchpad and a removable control part. This control part is preferably wirelessly connected to the base module by radio. The control part has a control screen, preferably a

Touchscreen should be, rechargeable batteries and an associated charger.

The actual computer processors and / or image processing devices and / or memory modules can be located both in the base module and in the control part, so that a functioning computer is created.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1 portable computer in presentation mode with

nipple device

Fig. 2 portable computer in presentation mode with

extendable support device

Fig. 3 Detail view with integrated computer handle

Fig. 4 computers with automatic tilting of the

nipple device Fig. 5 Detail of an automatic swivel device Fig. 6 Top view of a portable computer with

U-shaped computer handle When a salesperson and a customer are sitting in a sales conversation, it is advantageous if the view between the seller and the customer is not hindered.

As shown in FIG. 1, the portable computer according to the first preferred embodiment is constructed substantially as follows:

A base module 1 with a control part and a presentation module 3 with a presentation monitor 4 are arranged in the opposite direction. The base module 1 and the presentation module 3 are connected to each other via a hinge 5. As a result, the base module 1 and the presentation module 3 for the customer call can be arranged such that there is no vertically arranged display device between the customer and the seller and thus obstructs the unobstructed view.

The salesman controls the presentation contents which are displayed to the customer sitting opposite him on the presentation monitor 3 via the base module in front of him. The

Joint 5 allows the opening angle α between base module 1 and presentation module 3 of more than 180 °.

Due to the weight of the base module 1 and the presentation module 3 a secure installation is not guaranteed. In addition, due to the constant opening and closing of the two modules increased wear of the Articulated parts, which in turn counteracts a permanently safe installation.

For this reason, it is proposed to accommodate a mechanical support device 6 in the base module 1 to support the installation of the portable computer with the two module halves, which is brought out as needed down. The accommodation is therefore in the base module 1, because it has the most space to accommodate such a support device. If the presentation module 3 is designed to be correspondingly large, it is also conceivable for the support device to be accommodated therein. In the base module 1, the support device 6 can be folded out about a support point 8 and extended. The support device 6 is integrated so that the base module 1 and the presentation module 3 at an opening angle α of more than 180 ° at or in the vicinity of the joint 5 are securely supported on a Unterlage 7. The distance of the support point 8 from the hinge 5 is determined by the total length of the support device 6.

The support device 6 secures in this way the hinge 5 of the connected module parts against destruction by overloading and ensures a permanently safe installation.

The support device 6 should be completely received in a recess 14 of the base module 1. Such a recess in the plastic parts of the base module should have the shape of the male support device 6 in order to achieve a form-fitting unit with a smooth surface. In the two Figs. 1 and 2, the angle ß between the pad 7 and the support device 6 is slightly larger than 90 °. Due to the weight of the modules an independent or unwanted collapse is avoided. It is also possible to perform the support device at an angle ß of exactly 90 ° detectable.

2 and 3 it is shown that the length of the leg 10 of the support device 6 is adjustable. The adjustment of the length of the leg 10 by means of a trained as a sleeve guide 11, which works by means of a lock 15 as a lockable telescopic device. The legs 10 are provided in the guide 11 with a locking mechanism that allows detection at different heights. As a result, the opening angle α can be set in arbitrarily determinable sizes and the presentation screen can be set up at different angles of inclination. The pivoting and / or extension of the support device 6 can be effected mechanically and / or electrically as a function of the opening angle α. This can be done for example by sensor-controlled servomotors. Fig. 5 illustrates a portable computer in which the

Support device 6 is designed as a U-shaped bracket 2. In the extended state, the support device thus has a further function. It is also used as a computer carrying handle.

The support foot 9 of the support device 6 has the outer round shape of the joint 5. In the folded and retracted NEN state of the support foot closes positively with the hinge 5 from.

An automatic control of the fold-out Stützvor- device 6 is shown for example in Fig. 4 and 5. A driving device fixedly connected to the presentation module 3 and designed as a gearwheel 12 engages by means of toothed wheels into a driving device fixedly connected to the support device 6 and again designed as a gearwheel 13. When exceeding a certain opening angle α pivots the support device 6 automatically. This is achieved in that only 5 teeth are arranged on the circumference of the gear 12 and a certain area on the periphery has no teeth. On the other hand, the opposite toothed wheel 13 is provided with teeth on the entire circumference. Only when exceeding a certain opening angle, the support device then pivots.

Although not explicitly illustrated in the drawings, the base module 1 includes typical computer equipment such as processors, memory modules, power supplies and rechargeable batteries, image processing equipment, and operating devices and software required for operation.

It is particularly advantageous if a removable control part is provided which has a preferably wireless communication interface, such as a mobile radio, IR or Bluetooth interface, in order to enable data communication with external devices. The control unit has its own monitor. The monitor of the base module 1 is preferably designed as a touch-screen monitor, so that over suitable touch-screen fields commands and data, in particular for controlling the presented on the presentation monitor 4 presentation process, can be entered. Accordingly, the touch screen fields of the control part serve as an input interface for the presentation system.

In addition, the control unit has its own power supply with rechargeable batteries and a charging device. Memory modules and processors can also be located in the control section.

The portable computer is preferably designed so that the orientation of the respective representations on the presentation monitor 4 is automatic, the Dar-positions on these two monitors opposite

Have alignments. In a preferred embodiment, it is conceivable that corresponding sensors are arranged, for example, on the hinge 5 or provided directly in the base module 1, by means of which the respective state of the computer is detected and thus the orientation of the representations on the monitors is automatically adjusted.

The portable computer according to the invention is a device for ensuring optimum support in presentations or sales talks with separate information material for the customer and the seller.

The two connected by means of articulation for presentation modules are held securely in their respective working position of a folding angle of more than 180 °. There is a durable, user-friendly and space-saving locking with simple and inexpensive means. REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 basic module

2 hangers

3 presentation module

4 presentation monitor

5 joint

6 support device

7 base

8 base

9 support foot

10 thighs

11 leadership

12 gear

13 gear

14 recess

15 lock

Claims

claims

1. Portable computer for presentation purposes with the following features:

a base module (1) with an operating screen and a presentation module (3) with an associated presentation monitor (4) are connected to one another via at least one joint (5),

- The joint (5) allows an opening angle α between see base module (1) and presentation module (3) of more than 180 °,

- in the base module (1) or the presentation module (3) in the region of a base (8) extendable and / or around the base (8) foldable Stützvor- direction (6) is integrated so that in addition to the support of the base module (1 ) and the presentation module (3) the base module (1) and the presentation module (3) at an opening angle α of more than 180 ° at or in the vicinity of the joint (5) on a Unter läge (7) are supported, said Base module thereby faces an operator and an operation of the user facing away from the presentation monitor (4) with different content is possible.

2. Portable computer according to claim 1, characterized in that the base module (1) has a recess into which the support device (6) is completely receivable.

3. Portable computer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the supporting device (6) about the support point (8) is pivotable so far that the angle ß between the pad (7) and the supporting device (6)> 90 ° ,

4. Portable computer according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the supporting device (6) identifies an adjustable leg (10) and that for adjusting the length of the leg (10) the Stützvor- direction (6) one in a guide has lockable telescopic device.

5. Portable computer according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the supporting device (6) has at least two legs (10).

6. Portable computer according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the supporting device (6) has a driving device, with the pivoting and / or extension in dependence of the opening angle α mechanically and / or electrically.

7. Portable computer according to claim 6, characterized in that the supporting device (6) for pivoting and / or extending has sensor-controlled electric motors.

8. Portable computer according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in each case one with the presentation module (3) firmly connected, preferably designed as a gear (12) driving device in a fixed to the support device (6), preferably again The driving device (6) designed as a toothed wheel (13) engages in such a way that, when a specific opening angle α is exceeded, the supporting device (6) is swiveled out and / or extended.

9. Portable computer according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the supporting device (6) is designed as a U-shaped bracket (2) and serves in the extended state as a computer carrying handle.

10. Portable computer according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the support foot (9) of the support device (6) has the outer shape of the joint (5) and in the retracted and / or retracted state form-fitting with the joint (5). concludes.

11. Portable computer according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the base module has a power supply, such as rechargeable batteries, a charging device, an input device, such as a touchpad or a trackpoint and a removable control part, wherein the control part is a control screen, for example a touch screen, a power supply, such as rechargeable batteries and a charging device has and that the computer processors and image processing devices are optionally integrated in the base module and / or in the control part.