DE20007846U1 - Locking device for communication device - Google Patents

Description

Registration for use 29.4.2000

Locking device for portable communication device

Angelika Müller Ulrich Demuth

The invention relates to a portable electronic communications device with its own power supply, which preferably serves as a cordless mobile phone via radio reception. It essentially consists of a main housing which accommodates a battery module, an electronic control board, operating elements and display elements, as well as a microphone and loudspeaker. Portable electronic communications devices accompany modern people everywhere. However, the question of the optimal storage option always arises. The device often takes up the only free carrying option or bag on the body, or is carried in holsters on the belt or shoulder. This is annoying in daily use: you get caught on the holsters - especially in the belt area - or are hindered when sitting by pressure, e.g. in the back pocket. The device is often put down with the jacket or - as mentioned, is annoying - put away to one side.

This in turn has significant disadvantages: If the device is needed to answer a call, for example, it must first be retrieved, taken out of a bag and picked up before the call can be answered. On the other hand, storing it in a remote location also has the disadvantage that it can easily be stolen, particularly in public areas. Elderly people or those with mobility problems also need additional time to pick up a device that has been put down.

However, the advanced compact lightweight design makes it possible to wear such devices on the body, preferably around the neck in a way that is not too disruptive. To this end, it is useful to equip the devices with a mechanism that allows them to be quickly removed from the holder and used to operate the device or answer a call.

In a previously known solution for a device of the type mentioned above according to EP 0 698 984 A1, a device worn around the neck is described. However, this cannot be easily detached from the carrying device. Due to the close position in the head area, optimal operation or, in particular, reading the display is not possible without further effort.

Another previously known solution according to PCT 95/34184 describes a holder for the neck and shoulder area with an integrated loudspeaker unit as an alternative to a head-mounted unit. This solution has a disadvantageous effect on communication quality in the presence of peripheral external noise and is difficult to use.

The wearing comfort is particularly disturbing during movement and prolonged use.

The invention described in claim 1 is based on the task of creating an easily and quickly detachable connection for an electronic communication device that is preferably placed on the body and worn around the neck, which connection can preferably also be linked to an operating function of the device.

The problem is solved by the features named in the claims.

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This is achieved according to the invention in that a closure element - which is connected, for example, to a neck strap - can be locked by inserting it into the device and can only be released again by releasing or activating one or more operating elements, whereby preferably by activating the operating elements it is possible to access the functionality of the device, for example to answer a call. The closure element is locked primarily by an attached undercut or a constriction, which is spring-loaded by the operating elements. When locking, for example, the operating elements are pushed to the side by inserting the closure element using a beveled nose until the undercut or constriction passes the locking edge. The contour snaps into place under spring load and now fixes the closure element in a form-fitting manner. When under tension, the closure element remains locked to the locking contour in the undercut area. It is also possible in reverse that the operating elements with locking hooks are part of the closure element and snap into an undercut on the device.

In both cases, the control elements can access the electronics of the device at the same time and, for example, trigger a function at the same time as unlocking, and a call acceptance confirmation at the same time. This is possible using attached miniature electrical switches, as well as using light barrier technology, which, for example, detect the position of the clearances on the control elements and pass this on to the electronics as a signal (if moved). The locking element is preferably round so that the device can be carried in a rotating manner as required and used. An optionally attached sealing lip inside the device, which encloses the locking element when plugged in, seals the locking device against external influences such as water and dust.

It is also conceivable that electrical contacts of the control unit further inside in the locking direction can be reached for an extended version of the locking element, at the tip of which there are a number of contacts. This means that the device could be accessed electrically for charging or electronically for signal transmission via a similarly shaped locking element with electrical contacts via the same plug-in device using a cable connection.

In a further design, the push-button surfaces molded onto the operating elements simultaneously serve as locking lugs, which can be spring-loaded and snap into the undercut locking openings of the locking element.

The invention is illustrated in exemplary embodiments in the drawings. Fig. 1 shows the portable electronic communication device according to the invention slightly enlarged and highlighted in an exemplary application,

Fig. 2 the locking device with the main components in a further enlarged, three-dimensional exploded view,

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Fig. 3 shows the embodiment with the push buttons as simultaneously implemented functional locking elements.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings as an exemplary embodiment: In Fig. 1, the portable electronic communication device (1) is locked with the closure element (2) and is worn by means of a neck strap (3) which is guided through an eyelet (4) firmly connected to the closure element (2). The strap (3) can also be a textile-braided metal band or the like.

The device (1) can be unlocked and released from the locking element (2) by simultaneously pressing the operating elements (5) - at the same time, an electronic function within the device can be activated (on/off; answering calls, triggering an emergency call) by operating the operating elements (5) using electrical position detection (switch). A cover (7) that rotates about the rotation axis (6) conceals a control unit, keyboard. The rotation axis (6) has sound openings (8) under which a microphone is housed. Upper sound openings (9) in the area above the display element (10), which shows phone numbers, for example, protect a concealed loudspeaker (not shown).

In Fig. 2 it can be seen that a round pin (11) is formed on the closure element (2). A bevelled nose (12) is advantageously formed on the tip of the pin. This pushes the operating elements (5\ 5") loaded with springs (13 \ 13") apart in opposite directions as soon as pressure is exerted on the locking edge geometries (14', 14") by the nose (12). The two adjacent operating parts are displaced by the pressure in the plug-in direction (15) until the two locking edge geometries (14", 14") release a cross-sectional area that allows the pin diameter (11) to pass through. However, as soon as the undercut constriction (16) passes the two locking edges (14\ 14"), they snap into place towards the middle under spring load. The locking element locks in place and is secured by the two operating parts ( 5\ 5"). The outer plug opening has a sealing lip (17) which seals flush around the pin (11).

To release and unlock the locking element (2) again, the two operating elements (5) must be pressed in again until the two locking edge geometries (14", 14") again release a cross-sectional area that allows the pin diameter (11) to pass through. At the same time, free end surfaces (18) can actuate a switch (19) and, when the device is released, trigger a function or call acceptance. This can also be done contactlessly by querying the position of a clearance (20) on the operating elements (5) using a light barrier consisting of a light source (21) and a light-sensitive sensor (22), which can advantageously be a direct component of the control unit or circuit board.

Furthermore, the pin (11) of the closure element (2) can be extended in such a way that it forms an extended electrical multiple plug (25) by attaching contacts (23) to the extended pin nose (24). When locked in the device, it can thus connect to low-lying, otherwise inaccessible contacts of the control board (not shown) for the purpose of

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To perform battery charging or to exchange signals with other secondary communication devices.

The closure element (2) can thus, for example, also be part of a vehicle holder to which the device (1) is fixed in a force-fitting manner and is advantageously electrically contacted by means of the contact rings described.

Fig. 3 shows a variant in which the push-button surfaces (26) of the operating elements (5' ) simultaneously represent locking elements which can engage in correspondingly shaped locking openings (27) and thus releasably lock the device (Γ ) in a locking element (T ).

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List of reference symbols Electronic communication device 1 Locking element 2 Carrying strap 3 eyelet 4 Controls 5 Rotation axis 6 Cover (rotatable) 7 Sound openings (microphone) 8th Upper sound openings (loudspeakers) 9 Display element 10 cone 11 Nose 12 Spring elements 13 Locking edge geometries 14 Plug direction 15 Constriction, undercut 16 Sealing lip 17 End faces 18 Switch 19 Clearances 20 Light source 21 Sensor element (light barrier) 22 Contacts 23 tenon nose 24 Multiple plug 25 Push button surfaces 26 Snap-in openings 27

Claims (10)

1. Portable electronic communication device with its own power supply, characterized in that the communication unit can be firmly connected to a releasable closure element which can preferably be attached to a carrying strap or a belt and can be released again by one or more operating elements which may have to be pressed simultaneously. 2. Portable electronic communication device with its own power supply according to claim 1, characterized in that the counterpart for the pluggable closure element present in the communication unit is simultaneously provided with electrical contacts which, when a plug designed similarly to the closure element is inserted, can establish electrical contact with the communication unit which serves for charging the power supply or transmitting and exchanging electrical signals. 3. Portable electronic communication device with its own power supply according to claim 1, characterized in that the counterpart formed on the communication unit can seal flush with the plug-in closure element with a rubber-like sealing lip. 4. Portable electronic communication device with its own power supply according to claim 1, characterized in that the counterpart formed on the communication unit simultaneously serves as a mechanical holder for firmly fixing the communication unit in, for example, a vehicle. 5. Portable electronic communication device with its own power supply according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the releasable closure element is round and can be fixed in a rotatable manner in the counterpart formed on the communication unit, wherein it is preferably designed such that the electrical contacts present in the communication unit are exposed. 6. Portable electronic communication device with its own power supply according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that the operating elements for releasing the locking element simultaneously serve to operate the actual basic functions of the electronic communication device or in particular for receiving messages. 7. Portable electronic communication device with its own power supply according to claims 1 and 6, characterized in that the position of the operating elements is detected electro-optically by means of light barriers and exposed surfaces attached to the operating elements. 8. Portable electronic communication device with its own power supply according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that the operating elements block the closure element in a form-fitting manner via a type of latching mechanism for removal by means of spring loading and an undercut geometry corresponding to the closure element but narrowing, wherein the narrowing undercut geometries are preferably formed in one piece with the operating element(s). 9. Portable electronic communication device with its own power supply according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that the pressure surface or surfaces of the operating elements are spring-loaded and simultaneously represent locking element(s) onto which the closure element can engage. 10. Portable electronic communication device with its own power supply according to claim 1, characterized in that the device has a rotatable key protection cover, and in the pivot point of which there is at least one sound inlet opening for a concealed microphone.