U.S. patent application number 16/904663 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-11 for stand device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lenovo (Singapore) PTE. LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is Lenovo (Singapore) PTE. LTD.. Invention is credited to Kazuo Fujii, Moriyuki Tsuchihashi.
Application Number | 20210349496 16/904663 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004914060 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210349496 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tsuchihashi; Moriyuki ; et
al. |
November 11, 2021 |
STAND DEVICE
Abstract
A stand device includes a first cover and a second cover. The
first cover and the second cover are pivotably connected to each
other at their opposing side portions thereof. The first cover
includes a first plate portion which support a rear surface of an
electronic apparatus, a second plate portion coupled to the first
plate portion, a third plate portion coupled to the second plate
portion and a fourth plate portion 14 coupled to the third plate
portion and the first plate portion, and the first to fourth plate
portions are connected with each other to form an endless annular
shape. The stand device is switchable between a stand mode and a
cover mode.
Inventors: |
Tsuchihashi; Moriyuki;
(Yokohama, JP) ; Fujii; Kazuo; (Yokohama,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lenovo (Singapore) PTE. LTD. |
Singapore |
|
SG |
|
|
Assignee: |
Lenovo (Singapore) PTE.
LTD.
Singapore
SG
|
Family ID: |
1000004914060 |
Appl. No.: |
16/904663 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1632 20130101;
G06F 1/166 20130101; G06F 1/1628 20130101; F16M 11/041 20130101;
G06F 1/1662 20130101; A45C 2011/003 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16; F16M 11/04 20060101 F16M011/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 8, 2020 |
JP |
2020082478 |
Claims
1. A stand device comprising: a first cover configured to hold an
electronic apparatus in an upright posture; and a second cover
configured to support an input unit that can output an input signal
to the electronic apparatus, wherein the first cover and the second
cover are pivotably connected to each other at opposing side
portions thereof, the first cover includes a first plate portion
configured to support a rear surface of the electronic apparatus, a
second plate portion coupled to the first plate portion, a third
plate portion coupled to the second plate portion and a fourth
plate portion coupled to the third plate portion and the first
plate portion, the first to fourth plate portions being connected
with each other at four hinged points, via flexible members, to
form an endless annular shape, and the stand device is switchable
between a stand mode in which the third plate portion, the fourth
plate portion and at least a part of the first plate portion are
arranged to form a triangle while the first to fourth plate
portions remain connected to each other at the four hinged points
via the flexible members; and a cover mode in which the first plate
portion, the second plate portion, the third plate portion and the
fourth plate portion are folded into a two-layer plate while the
first to fourth plate portions remain connected to each other at
the hinged four points via the flexible members.
2. The stand device according to claim 1, wherein the second plate
portion comprises a grip portion that is arranged at an end of the
second plate portion and at a side of the second plate portion that
is coupled to the first plate portion.
3. The stand device according to claim 2, wherein the first plate
portion comprises a first cutout portion that is configured to
overlap with the grip portion in the stand mode.
4. The stand device according to claim 2, wherein the third plate
portion comprises a second cutout portion that is configured to
overlap with the grip portion in the cover mode.
5. The stand device according to claim 2, wherein the grip portion
is exposed to both sides of the second plate portion in the stand
mode and the cover mode, respectively.
6. The stand device according to claim 2, wherein the grip portion
extends in a longitudinal direction that is orthogonal to the
thickness and lateral directions of the second plate portion.
7. The stand device according to claim 1, wherein, in the stand
mode, the first plate portion and the second plate portion are
attracted to each other by magnetic force.
8. The stand device according to claim 1, wherein, in the cover
mode, the second plate portion and the third plate portion are
attracted to each other by magnetic force, or the first plate
portion and either of the third plate portion and the fourth plate
portion are attracted to each other by magnetic force.
9. The stand device according to claim 1, wherein the second plate
portion comprises a plurality of divided plate portions that are
mutually divided in a longitudinal direction that is orthogonal to
a lateral direction in which a side of the second plate portion
that is coupled to the first plate portion extends and orthogonal
to a thickness direction of the second plate portion.
10. The stand device according to claim 1, wherein, the fourth
plate portion is extendable and retractable, thereby, in the stand
mode, the fourth plate portion allows an angle between the first
plate portion and the second cover to be adjusted.
11. The stand device according to claim 1, wherein the first cover
comprises a detection unit which detects that the stand device is
in the stand mode, and an input from the input unit is defined as
valid only when the stand mode is detected.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a stand device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Stand devices, such as one disclosed in Japanese Unexamined
Patent Application Publication No. 2018-28601, that can hold an
electronic apparatus such as a tablet personal computer (PC) in an
upright posture have been conventionally known.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There is generally a demand for improvement in usability of
stand devices of this kind.
[0004] One of objects of the present invention is to provide a
stand device capable of improving usability thereof.
[0005] An aspect of a stand device of the present invention
includes: a first cover which can hold an electronic apparatus in
an upright posture; and a second cover on which an input unit that
can output an input signal to the electronic apparatus is disposed,
wherein the first cover and the second cover are pivotably
connected to each other at opposing side portions thereof, the
first cover is composed of a first plate portion supporting a rear
surface of the electronic apparatus, a second plate portion coupled
to the first plate portion, a third plate portion coupled to the
second plate portion and a fourth plate portion coupled to the
third plate portion and the first plate portion, the first to
fourth plate portions being connected with each other to form an
endless annular shape, and the stand device is switchable between a
stand mode in which the third plate portion, the fourth plate
portion and at least a part of the first plate portion are arranged
to form a triangle in side view; and a cover mode in which the
first plate portion, the second plate portion, the third plate
portion and the fourth plate portion are folded into a two-layer
plate.
[0006] The stand device according to an aspect of the present
invention can improve usability thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a stand device
according to a first embodiment in a cover mode.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the stand device
according to the first embodiment in a transition between the cover
mode and a stand mode.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the stand device
according to the first embodiment in the stand mode.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view schematically illustrating the stand
device according to the first embodiment in the cover mode.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view schematically illustrating the stand
device according to the first embodiment in the transition between
the cover mode and the stand mode.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a side view schematically illustrating the stand
device according to the first embodiment in the stand mode.
[0013] FIG. 7A is a plan view illustrating a second plate portion
of the first embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a plan view illustrating a
first plate portion of the first embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 8A is a plan view illustrating a third plate portion of
the first embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a plan view illustrating a
fourth plate portion of the first embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a side view schematically illustrating a stand
device according to a second embodiment in the cover mode.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating the stand
device according to the second embodiment in the stand mode.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a side view schematically illustrating the stand
device according to the second embodiment in the stand mode.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a side view schematically illustrating the stand
device according to the second embodiment in the stand mode.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a side view schematically illustrating a stand
device according to a third embodiment in the cover mode.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a side view schematically illustrating the stand
device according to the third embodiment in the stand mode.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a side view schematically illustrating the stand
device according to the third embodiment in the stand mode.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a side view schematically illustrating the stand
device according to the third embodiment in the stand mode.
[0023] FIG. 17 is a side view schematically illustrating a stand
device according to a fourth embodiment in the cover mode.
[0024] FIG. 18A is a plan view illustrating a second plate portion
of the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 18B is a plan view illustrating
a first plate portion of the fourth embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating the first and second
plate portions when the stand device according to the fourth
embodiment is in the stand mode.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0026] A stand device 10 according to a first embodiment of the
present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1
to 8.
[0027] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the stand device 10 of this
embodiment includes a first cover 1 which can hold an electronic
apparatus 50 such as a tablet PC in an upright posture and a second
cover 2 on which an input unit 60 that can output an input signal
to the electronic apparatus 50 is disposed. The first cover 1 and
the second cover 2 are pivotably connected to each other at their
opposing side portions.
[0028] The first cover 1 includes a plurality of plate portions 11,
12, 13 and 14 described below that are coupled to each other via
coupling members such as flexible sheets (e.g., fabric hinges)
located alternately with the respective plate portions 11, 12, 13
and 14 to form an endless annular shape. Other structure of the
first cover will be described later. The second cover 2 is a
quadrilateral plate, specifically a rectangular plate.
[0029] The stand device 10 is switchable between a stand mode in
which the stand device holds the electronic apparatus 50 in an
upright posture (FIGS. 3 and 6) and a cover mode in which the first
cover 1 and the second cover 2 can be folded together (FIGS. 1 and
4). Note that FIGS. 2 and 5 illustrate a transition between the
cover mode and the stand mode.
[0030] In the cover mode, the first cover 1 is quadrilateral in
plan view. The second cover 2 is quadrilateral in plan view. The
first cover 1 and the second cover 2 are shaped and sized to be
substantially identical in plan view.
[0031] The electronic apparatus 50 is a tablet PC of foldable type
that can be folded in half, for example. The electronic apparatus
50 is quadrilateral in plan view either when a display thereof is
unfolded or when the display is folded in half. A shape and a size
in plan view of the electronic apparatus 50 when folded in half are
substantially the same as those of the stand device 10 when folded
in half (cover mode). As such, the electronic apparatus 50 folded
in half can be sandwiched by or stacked with the stand device 10
folded in half so that a user can carry or store the stand device
10 and the electronic apparatus 50 compactly together.
[0032] The input unit 60 is a keyboard, for example. The input unit
60 outputs an input signal inputted by the user to the electronic
apparatus 50 wirelessly using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or
the like. The input unit 60 is mounted on one of a pair of surfaces
of the second cover 2 that can face the first cover 1 in the cover
mode. The input unit 60 may be detachably fixed to the second cover
2.
[0033] The first cover 1 includes a first plate portion 11 which
support a surface of the electronic apparatus 50 that faces away
from the display, i.e., a rear surface thereof, a second plate
portion 12 coupled to the first plate portion 11, a third plate
portion 13 coupled to the second plate portion 12 and a fourth
plate portion 14 coupled to the third plate portion 13 and the
first plate portion 11. The first cover 1 is composed of the first
plate portion 11, the second plate portion 12, the third plate
portion 13 and the fourth plate portion 14 that are connected with
each other to form an endless annular shape.
[0034] Each of the first plate portion 11, the second plate portion
12, the third plate portion 13 and the fourth plate portion 14 is a
quadrilateral plate, specifically a rectangular plate.
[0035] The first plate portion 11 and the second plate portion 12
are pivotably coupled to each other at their opposing sides. The
second plate portion 12 and the third plate portion 13 are
pivotably coupled to each other at their opposing sides. The third
plate portion 13 and the fourth plate portion 14 are pivotably
coupled to each other at their opposing sides. The fourth plate
portion 14 and the first plate portion 11 are pivotably coupled to
each other at their opposing sides.
[0036] In this disclosure, a direction in which these sides extend
(X-axis direction in the drawings) is called a lateral direction.
The lateral direction corresponds to a left-right direction seen
from the user using the electronic apparatus 50, the input unit 60
and the stand device 10. A direction that is orthogonal to a
thickness direction and the lateral direction of the plate portions
11, 12, 13 and 14 is called a longitudinal direction.
[0037] A side of the first plate portion 11 and a side portion of
the second cover 2 opposed thereto are pivotably coupled to each
other. A side of the fourth plate portion 14 and the side portion
of the second cover 2 opposed thereto are pivotably coupled to each
other.
[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, in the stand mode, the
third plate portion 13, the fourth plate portion 14 and at least a
part of the first plate portion 11 are arranged to form a triangle
in side view (i.e., when seen from the X-axis direction).
Specifically, a part of the first plate portion 11 other than an
end thereof that is coupled to the second plate portion 12, the
third plate portion 13 and the fourth plate portion 14 are arranged
to constitute respective sides of a triangle in side view. An angle
.theta. formed between the first plate portion 11 and the fourth
plate portion 14 in side view is 30.degree. to 70.degree., for
example.
[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, in the cover mode, the
first plate portion 11, the second plate portion 12, the third
plate portion 13 and the fourth plate portion 14 are folded into a
two-layer plate. Specifically, a plate layer including the first
plate portion 11 and second plate portion 12 and another plate
layer including the third plate portion 13 and the fourth plate
portion 14 are overlapped one another (laminated). The plate layer
including the first plate portion 11 and the second plate portion
12 can face the second cover 2.
[0040] In an example of this embodiment, the first plate portion
11, the second plate portion 12, the third plate portion 13 and the
fourth plate portion 14 have the same lateral length. The first
cover 1 and the second cover 2 also have the same lateral length.
In the cover mode, they have the same longitudinal length as
well.
[0041] The first plate portion 11 has the greatest longitudinal
length of all of first plate portion 11, the second plate portion
12, the third plate portion 13 and the fourth plate portion 14. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, in the stand mode, the first plate portion
11 touches the rear surface of the electronic apparatus 50.
[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7B, the first plate portion 11
includes a front surface 11a, a back surface lib, a cutout portion
11c and a first magnet 11d.
[0043] The front surface 11a is one of a pair of surfaces of the
first plate portion 11 that faces the electronic apparatus 50 and
touches the rear surface thereof. The back surface lib is an other
one of the pair of surfaces of the first plate portion 11 that
faces away from the electronic apparatus 50.
[0044] As for the lateral direction, the first cutout portion 11c
is arranged at an end of the first plate portion 11 so as to be
recessed from a lateral end surface thereof. As for the
longitudinal direction, the first cutout portion 11c is arranged at
the end of the first plate portion 11 that is coupled to the second
plate portion 12. The first cutout portion 11c extends in the
longitudinal direction that is orthogonal to the thickness and
lateral directions of the first plate portion 11. In this
embodiment, a pair of first cutout portions 11c, one at each
lateral end of the first plate portion 11, is provided.
[0045] The first magnet 11d is disposed within the first plate
portion 11. However, the first magnet 11d may also be exposed to an
outside of the first plate portion 11. In this embodiment, the
first magnet 11d is arranged at a lateral end of the first plate
portion 11. The first magnet 11d is located laterally inside the
first cutout portion 11c. In this embodiment, a pair of first
magnets 11d, one at each lateral end of the first plate portion 11,
is provided.
[0046] The second plate portion 12 has the smallest longitudinal
length of all of the first plate portion 11, the second plate
portion 12, the third plate portion 13 and the fourth plate portion
14. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the stand mode, a surface of the
second plate portion 12 faces the back surface 11b of the first
plate portion 11. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in the cover mode, the
surface of the second plate portion 12 faces a surface of the third
plate portion 13.
[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the second plate portion 12
includes a grip portion (tab portion) 12a and a second magnet
12b.
[0048] The grip portion 12a is arranged at a lateral end of the
second plate portion 12 and extends in the longitudinal direction
that is orthogonal to the thickness and lateral directions of the
second plate portion 12. In the illustrated example, the grip
portion 12a extends along an entire longitudinal length of the
second plate portion 12. In this embodiment, a pair of grip
portions 12a, one at each lateral end of the second plate portion
12, is provided.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the stand mode, the first
cutout portion 11c is arranged to overlap with the grip portion
12a. The grip portion 12a is then exposed through the first cutout
portion 11c to the electronic apparatus 50 side of the first plate
portion 11 in the thickness direction. In the illustrated example,
a lateral size of the first cutout portion 11c is substantially the
same as that of the grip portion 12a. A longitudinal size of the
first cutout portion 11c is equal to or greater than that of the
grip portion 12a.
[0050] Note that, in this embodiment, the grip portion 12a is
colored differently from other parts of the second plate portion 12
and the plate portions 11, 13 and 14.
[0051] The second magnet 12b is disposed within the second plate
portion 12. However, the second magnet 12b may also be exposed to
an outside of the second plate portion 12. As illustrated in FIG.
7A, in this embodiment, the second magnet 12b is arranged at a
lateral end of the second plate portion 12. The second magnet 12b
is located laterally inside the grip portion 12a. In this
embodiment, a pair of second magnets 12b, one at each lateral end
of the second plate portion 12, is provided.
[0052] In the stand mode, the first magnet 11d and the second
magnet 12b overlap with each other in the thickness direction of
the first plate portion 11 (see FIG. 6). As the first magnet 11d
and the second magnet 12b are attracted to each other by magnetic
force, the back surface lib of the first plate portion 11 and the
surface of the second plate portion 12 are held to face each other,
i.e., in a stand-mode posture. In other words, the magnetic force
attracts the first plate portion 11 and the second plate portion 12
to each other.
[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 4, in the cover mode, the surface of
the third plate portion 13 faces the surface of the second plate
portion 12 and the back surface 11b of the first plate portion 11.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the stand mode, a side of the third
plate portion 13 that is connected to the second plate portion 12
faces the back surface 11b of the first plate portion 11. The third
plate portion 13 then can support the back surface 11b of the first
plate portion 11 directly or indirectly via the second plate
portion 12.
[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the third plate portion 13
includes a second cutout portion 13a and a third magnet 13b.
[0055] As for the lateral direction, the second cutout portion 13a
is arranged at an end of the third plate portion 13 so as to be
recessed from a lateral end surface thereof. As for the
longitudinal direction, the second cutout portion 13a is arranged
at an end of the third plate portion 13 that is coupled to the
second plate portion 12. The second cutout portion 13a extends in
the longitudinal direction that is orthogonal to the thickness and
lateral directions of the third plate portion 13. In this
embodiment, a pair of second cutout portions 13a, one at each
lateral end of the third plate portion 13, is provided.
[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in the cover mode, the second
cutout portion 13a is arranged to overlap with the grip portion
12a. The grip portion 12a is then exposed through the second cutout
portion 13a to a side of the third plate portion 13 that is
opposite to the electronic apparatus 50 (a back-surface side) in
the thickness direction. In the illustrated example, a lateral size
of the second cutout portion 13a is substantially the same as that
of the grip portion 12a. A longitudinal size of the second cutout
portion 13a is equal to or greater than that of the grip portion
12a.
[0057] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, in this embodiment, the
first cutout portion 11c provided in the first plate portion 11 and
the second cutout portion 13a provided in the third plate portion
13 allows the grip portion 12a to be exposed to the both sides,
i.e., the front and back side of the second plate portion 12 in the
thickness direction thereof in the stand mode and the cover mode,
respectively.
[0058] The third magnet 13b is disposed within the third plate
portion 13. However, the third magnet 13b may also be exposed to an
outside of the third plate portion 13. As illustrated in FIG. 8A,
in this embodiment, the third magnet 13b is arranged at a lateral
end of the third plate portion 13. The third magnet 13b is located
laterally inside the second cutout portion 13a. In this embodiment,
a pair of third magnets 13b, one at each lateral end of the third
plate portion 13, is provided.
[0059] In the cover mode, the third magnet 13b and the second
magnet 12b overlap with each other in the thickness direction of
the third plate portion 13 (see FIG. 4). As the third magnet 13b
and the second magnet 12b are attracted to each other by magnetic
force, the surface of the third plate portion 13 and the surface of
the second plate portion 12 are held to face each other, i.e., in a
cover-mode posture. In other words, the magnetic force attracts the
third plate portion 13 and the second plate portion 12 to each
other.
[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 4, in the cover mode, a surface of
the fourth plate portion 14 faces the back surface 11b of the first
plate portion 11. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the stand mode, an
other surface of the fourth plate portion 14 faces a top surface of
a table or the like on which the stand device 10 is placed.
[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 8B, the fourth plate portion 14 does
not include a magnet in this embodiment. However, the fourth plate
portion 14 is not limited to such one but may include an
unillustrated fourth magnet. In that case, in the cover mode
illustrated in FIG. 4, if the fourth magnet and an unshown magnet
in the first plate portion 11 overlap with each other in the
thickness direction of the fourth plate portion 14, the fourth
magnet and the unshown magnet are attracted to each other by
magnetic force. Thereby, the surface of the fourth plate portion 14
and the back surface 11b of the first plate portion 11 are held to
face each other, i.e., in a cover-mode posture. In other words, the
magnetic force attracts the fourth plate portion 14 and the first
plate portion 11 to each other.
[0062] Thus, the stand device 10 of this embodiment described above
can be easily switched between the stand mode and the cover mode by
inverting the second plate portion 12 of the first cover 1 that is
composed of the first plate portion 11, the second plate portion
12, the third plate portion 13 and the fourth plate portion 14
coupled to each other to form an endless annular shape. This simple
structure enables the improvement of the usability of the stand
device 10.
[0063] According to this embodiment, the grip portion 12a is
provided at the lateral end of the second plate portion 12.
[0064] The user can then pick the grip portion 12a with his or her
fingers to invert the second plate portion 12, which allows an easy
switching between the stand mode and the cover mode.
[0065] According to this embodiment, the first plate portion 11
includes the first cutout portion 11c.
[0066] The grip portion 12a is then exposed through the first
cutout portion 11c in the stand mode, which makes it possible for
the user to pick the grip portion 12a with his or her fingers and
switch the stand device from the stand mode to the cover mode
easily.
[0067] The first cutout portion 11c also serves to maintain
functionality of the grip portion 12a and, at the same time,
prevent the grip portion 12a from laterally protruding from the
first plate portion 11. This results in a compact contour and a
good appearance design of the stand device 10.
[0068] According to this embodiment, the third plate portion 13
includes the second cutout portion 13a.
[0069] The grip portion 12a is then exposed through the second
cutout portion 13a in the cover mode, which makes it possible for
the user to pick the grip portion 12a with his or her fingers and
switch the stand device from the cover mode to the stand mode
easily.
[0070] The second cutout portion 13a also serves to maintain
functionality of the grip portion 12a and, at the same time,
prevent the grip portion 12a from laterally protruding from the
third plate portion 13. This results in a compact contour and a
good appearance design of the stand device 10.
[0071] According to this embodiment, the grip portion 12a is
exposed to the both sides of the second plate portion 12 in the
thickness direction thereof in the stand mode and the cover mode,
respectively.
[0072] The user can then pick the grip portion 12a with his or her
fingers to switch the stand device from the cover mode to the stand
mode and vice versa easily.
[0073] According to this embodiment, the grip portion 12a has a
lengthwise shape extending in the longitudinal direction. The user
can then invert the second plate portion 12 more easily by applying
his or her fingers on respectively different longitudinal locations
on the front and back sides of the grip portion 12a.
[0074] According to this embodiment, the magnetic force attracts
the first plate portion 11 and the second plate portion 12 to each
other in the stand mode.
[0075] This allows the stand device to be stably maintained in a
stand-mode state.
[0076] According to this embodiment, the magnetic force attracts
the second plate portion 12 and the third plate portion 13 to each
other in the cover mode.
[0077] This allows the stand device to be stably maintained in a
cover-mode state.
Second Embodiment
[0078] A stand device 20 according to a second embodiment of the
present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 9
to 12. Note that like components as in the previous embodiment are
denoted by like reference symbols, and their descriptions may be
omitted.
[0079] As illustrated in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, a first plate
portion 11 includes a first magnetic body 11e. The first magnetic
body 11e is a metal plate or the like which can be attracted to a
magnet. The first magnetic body 11e is disposed within the first
plate portion 11. However, the first magnetic body 11e may also be
exposed to an outside of the first plate portion 11. In the
illustrated example, the first magnetic body 11e is arranged in a
part of the first plate portion 11 other than a longitudinal end
that is coupled to a fourth plate portion 14.
[0080] A second plate portion 12 includes a plurality of divided
plate portions 12A, 12B and 12C that are mutually divided in the
longitudinal direction that is orthogonal to the thickness and
lateral directions of the second plate portion 12. The plurality of
divided plate portions 12A, 12B and 12C are coupled to each other
via coupling members such as flexible sheets located alternately
with the respective divided plate portions 12A, 12B and 12C. Each
of the divided plate portions 12A, 12B and 12C is a quadrilateral
plate, specifically a rectangular plate. Each of the divided plate
portions 12A, 12B and 12C has a greater size in the lateral
direction than in the longitudinal direction.
[0081] Among the plurality of divided plate portions 12A, 12B and
12C, a first divided plate portion 12A is coupled to the first
plate portion 11, a second divided plate portion 12C is coupled to
a third plate portion 13, and a third divided plate portion 12B is
coupled to the first divided plate portion 12A and the second
divided plate portion 12C.
[0082] The first divided plate portion 12A and the first plate
portion 11 are pivotably coupled to each other at their opposing
sides. The second divided plate portion 12C and the third plate
portion 13 are pivotably coupled to each other at their opposing
sides. The first divided plate portion 12A and the third divided
plate portion 12B are pivotably coupled to each other at their
opposing sides. The second divided plate portion 12C and the third
divided plate portion 12B are pivotably coupled to each other at
their opposing sides.
[0083] The second divided plate portion 12C includes a second
magnet 12b. In other words, the second magnet 12b is arranged in
the second divided plate portion 12C.
[0084] The third divided plate portion 12B includes a second
magnetic body 12d. The second magnetic body 12d is a metal plate or
the like which can be attracted to a magnet. The second magnetic
body 12d is disposed within the third divided plate portion 12B.
However, the second magnetic body 12d may also be exposed to an
outside of the third divided plate portion 12B. In the illustrated
example, the second magnetic body 12d is arranged along almost an
entire longitudinal length of the third divided plate portion
12B.
[0085] The third plate portion 13 includes a third magnetic body
13c. The third magnetic body 13c is a metal plate or the like which
can be attracted to a magnet. The third magnetic body 13c is
disposed within the third plate portion 13. However, the third
magnetic body 13c may also be exposed to an outside of the third
plate portion 13. In the illustrated example, the third magnetic
body 13c is arranged at a longitudinal end of the third plate
portion 13 that is coupled to the second divided plate portion 12C
(second plate portion 12).
[0086] In the cover mode of this embodiment, the third magnetic
body 13c and the second magnet 12b overlap with each other in the
thickness direction of the third plate portion 13 (see FIG. 9). As
the third magnetic body 13c and the second magnet 12b are attracted
to each other by magnetic force, a surface of the third plate
portion 13 and surfaces of the first divided plate portion 12A, the
second divided plate portion 12C and the third divided plate
portion 12B are held to face each other, i.e., in a cover-mode
posture.
[0087] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, in the stand mode of this
embodiment, an angle .theta. can be adjusted depending on which
one(s) of the divided plate portions 12A, 12B and 12C is/are folded
to a third plate portion 13 side. In other words, the angle .theta.
is adjusted by inverting a part or all of the longitudinally
divided second plate portion 12. Specifically, the angle .theta. in
the stand mode is adjusted by inverting, from a cover-mode state,
the second divided plate portion 12C, the third divided plate
portion 12B and the first divided plate portion 12A in this order
so that predetermined one(s) of them is/are arranged on the third
plate portion 13 side, i.e., a back surface 11b side of the first
plate portion 11 in a thickness direction thereof. Adjusting thus
the angle .theta. controls an angle between the first plate portion
11 and the second cover 2.
[0088] In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the second divided
plate portion 12C among the plurality of divided plate portions
12A, 12B and 12C is arranged on the third plate portion 13 side,
which results in setting the angle .theta. to 50.degree., for
instance. In this stand mode (first stand mode), the second magnet
12b and the second magnetic body 12d overlap with each other in the
thickness direction of the second divided plate portion 12C. As the
second magnet 12b and the second magnetic body 12d are attracted to
each other by magnetic force, a surface of the second divided plate
portion 12C and a surface of the third divided plate portion 12B
are held to face each other, i.e., in a first-stand-mode
posture.
[0089] In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the second divided
plate portion 12C and the third divided plate portion 12B among the
plurality of divided plate portions 12A, 12B and 12C are arranged
on the third plate portion 13 side, which results in setting the
angle .theta. to 60.degree., for instance. In this stand mode
(second stand mode), the second magnet 12b and the first magnetic
body 11e overlap with each other in the thickness direction of the
second divided plate portion 12C. As the second magnet 12b and the
first magnetic body 11e are attracted to each other by magnetic
force, the surface of the second divided plate portion 12C and a
back surface 11b of the first plate portion 11 are held to face
each other, i.e., in a second-stand-mode posture.
[0090] In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, all of the plurality
of divided plate portions 12A, 12B and 12C are arranged on the
third plate portion 13 side, which results in setting the angle
.theta. to 70.degree., for instance. In this stand mode (third
stand mode), the second magnet 12b and the first magnetic body 11e
overlap with each other in the thickness direction of the second
divided plate portion 12C. As the second magnet 12b and the first
magnetic body 11e are attracted to each other by magnetic force,
the surface of the second divided plate portion 12C and the back
surface lib of the first plate portion 11 are held to face each
other, i.e., in a third-stand-mode posture.
[0091] The stand device 20 of this embodiment thus has a plurality
of stand modes with respectively different angles .theta..
[0092] According to the stand device 20 of this embodiment
described above, a similar effect to that in the foregoing
embodiment can be obtained.
[0093] Furthermore, in the stand mode of this embodiment, folding
one or more of the divided plate portions 12A, 12B and 12C, as
required, to the third plate portion 13 side (i.e., a side that is
opposite to the electronic apparatus 50) allows a tilt angle of a
display of an electronic apparatus 50 held by the first plate
portion 11 to be adjusted so that the display is kept at an
easy-to-see angle.
Third Embodiment
[0094] A stand device 30 according to a third embodiment of the
present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 13
to 16. Note that like components as in the previous embodiments are
denoted by like reference symbols, and their descriptions may be
omitted.
[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, a first
magnetic body 11e is arranged at a longitudinal end of a first
plate portion 11 that is coupled to a second plate portion 12.
[0096] A fourth plate portion 14 includes a plurality of sliding
plate portions 14A and 14B that are slidable relative to each other
in the longitudinal direction that is orthogonal to the thickness
and lateral directions of the fourth plate portion 14. Each of the
sliding plate portions 14A and 14B is a quadrilateral plate,
specifically a rectangular plate. Each of the sliding plate
portions 14A and 14B has a greater size in the lateral direction
than in the longitudinal direction.
[0097] Among the plurality of sliding plate portions 14A and 14B,
the first sliding plate portion 14A is coupled to a third plate
portion 13 and the second sliding plate portion 14B is coupled to
the first plate portion 11. A surface of the first sliding plate
portion 14A and a surface of the second sliding plate portion 14B
face each other. The first sliding plate portion 14A and the second
sliding plate portion 14B at least partially overlap with each
other in the thickness direction of the fourth plate portion
14.
[0098] The first sliding plate portion 14A includes a fourth
magnetic body 14a. The fourth magnetic body 14a is a metal plate or
the like which can be attracted to a magnet. The fourth magnetic
body 14a is disposed within the first sliding plate portion 14A.
However, the fourth magnetic body 14a may also be exposed to an
outside of the first sliding plate portion 14A. In the illustrated
example, the fourth magnetic body 14a is arranged along almost an
entire longitudinal length of the first sliding plate portion
14A.
[0099] The second sliding plate portion 14B includes a fourth
magnet 14b. The fourth magnet 14b is disposed within the second
sliding plate portion 14B. However, the fourth magnet 14b may also
be exposed to an outside of the second sliding plate portion 14B.
In this embodiment, the fourth magnet 14b is arranged at a
longitudinal end of the second sliding plate portion 14B that is
opposite to the first plate portion (i.e., on the third plate
portion 13 side).
[0100] In the cover mode, the fourth magnetic body 14a and the
fourth magnet 14b overlap with each other in the thickness
direction of the fourth plate portion 14 (see FIG. 13). As the
fourth magnetic body 14a and the fourth magnet 14b are attracted to
each other by magnetic force, a cover-mode posture is
maintained.
[0101] In the stand mode, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16, the
fourth plate portion 14 can be extended and retracted in the
longitudinal direction by relatively sliding the plurality of
sliding plate portions 14A and 14B in the longitudinal direction.
In other words, a longitudinal length of the fourth plate portion
14 is adjusted by adjusting relative longitudinal positions of the
first sliding plate portion 14A and the second sliding plate
portion 14B. Extending and retracting thus the fourth plate portion
14 allows an angle .theta. to be adjusted, which controls an angle
between the first plate portion 11 and the second cover 2.
[0102] To be more specific, in the stand mode illustrated in FIG.
14, a middle part of the fourth magnetic body 14a which is located
between both longitudinal ends thereof and the fourth magnet 14b
overlap with each other in the thickness direction of the fourth
plate portion 14. In this stand mode, the angle .theta. is
60.degree., for example.
[0103] In the stand mode illustrated in FIG. 15, a longitudinal end
of the fourth magnetic body 14a on the third plate portion 13 side
(rear side) and the fourth magnet 14b overlap with each other in
the thickness direction of the fourth plate portion 14. In this
stand mode, the angle .theta. is 70.degree., for example.
[0104] In the stand mode illustrated in FIG. 16, a longitudinal end
of the fourth magnetic body 14a on the first plate portion 11 side
(front side) and the fourth magnet 14b overlap with each other in
the thickness direction of the fourth plate portion 14. In this
stand mode, the angle .theta. is 50.degree., for example.
[0105] According to the stand device 30 of this embodiment
described above, a similar effect to those in the foregoing
embodiments can be obtained.
[0106] Furthermore, in the stand mode of this embodiment, extending
and retracting the fourth plate portion 14 allows a tilt angle of a
display of an electronic apparatus 50 held by the first plate
portion 11 to be adjusted so that the display is kept at an
easy-to-see angle.
Fourth Embodiment
[0107] A stand device 40 according to a fourth embodiment of the
present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 17
to 19. Note that like components as in the previous embodiments are
denoted by like reference symbols, and their descriptions may be
omitted.
[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, the first
cover 1 is provided with a detection unit including a hall sensor
15 and a magnet 16 for the hall sensor. The detection unit can
detect that the stand device is in the stand mode, and an input
from an input unit 60 is defined as valid only when the stand mode
is detected.
[0109] In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 18A, a second
plate portion 12 includes the magnet 16 for the hall sensor. The
magnet 16 for the hall sensor is arranged in a middle part of the
second plate portion 12 which is located between both lateral ends
thereof in the illustrated example.
[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 18B, a first plate portion 11
includes the hall sensor 15. The hall sensor 15 is arranged in a
middle part of the first plate portion 11 which is located between
both lateral ends thereof in the illustrated example. At the same
time, the hall sensor 15 is arranged at a longitudinal end of the
first plate portion 11 on the second plate portion 12 side.
[0111] In the cover mode, the hall sensor 15 and the magnet 16 for
the hall sensor do not overlap with each other in the thickness
direction of the first plate portion 11 (see FIG. 17).
[0112] In the stand mode, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the hall
sensor 15 and the magnet 16 for the hall sensor overlap with each
other in the thickness direction of the first plate portion 11. The
detection unit then detects that the stand device 40 has been
switched to the stand mode.
[0113] According to the stand device 40 of this embodiment
described above, a similar effect to those in the foregoing
embodiments can be obtained.
[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the input unit 60 can be
enabled only when the detection unit detects that the stand device
is in the stand mode. This can prevent an unintended erroneous
input in the cover mode.
[0115] Note that the present invention is not limited to the
embodiments described herein, and components thereof may be
modified as explained below, for example, without departing from
the gist of the present invention.
[0116] In the embodiments described herein, the electronic
apparatus 50 is a foldable tablet PC that can be folded in half.
However, the electronic apparatus 50 is not limited thereto. It can
be a tablet PC that is non-foldable (i.e., cannot be folded in
half) or the like.
[0117] In the embodiments described herein, the input unit 60 can
output an input signal to the electronic apparatus 50 wirelessly.
However, the input unit 60 is not limited to such one. It may
include a group of terminals such as pogo pins that protrude from
an outer surface of the input unit 60 in an extendable and
retractable manner. Bringing this group of terminals into contact
with a group of terminals provided on the electronic apparatus 50,
the input unit 60 may be electrically wire-connected to the
electronic apparatus 50. This can prevent interferences between
users in a case where a plurality of users gather in an area such
as in educational scenes.
[0118] In the embodiments described herein, the input unit 60 is a
keyboard. However, the input unit 60 is not limited thereto. It may
be a precision touch pad (PTP) or others, for example.
[0119] In the foregoing first embodiment, the third plate portion
13 and the second plate portion 12 are attracted to each other by
magnetic force in the cover mode illustrated in FIG. 4. However,
the cover mode is not limited to such a configuration. Instead, the
first plate portion 11 and either one of the third plate portion 13
and the fourth plate portion 14 may be attracted to each other by
magnetic force.
[0120] Other components explained in the embodiments described
herein and modifications thereof may be combined without departing
from the gist of the present invention, and additions, omissions,
replacements, and other modifications of components are also
possible. The present invention shall not be limited by the
embodiments described herein but is limited only by claims appended
hereto.
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