TWI559841B - Portable computing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Portable computing device

The present invention relates to a portable computing device, and more particularly to a removable portable computing device.

The removable portable computing device can be generally divided into a plurality of parts such as a computing part and an external input part. For example, a removable portable computing device, which is divided into two parts, a computing component and an external input component, is easy to carry, and at the same time, it is easy to assemble between the computing component and the external input component. The benefits of disassembly. In general, the detachable portable computing device is provided with a socket similar to a guide pin and a socket for inserting a guide pin, etc., in the design of the external input component and the computing component. The matching features of the mutual input members enable the insertion guide pins of the external input member to be guided through the slot to be combined with the computing member so as not to be easily separated from each other, and can be easily disassembled according to a specific disassembly and assembly method. Even in some particular designs, the insertion guide pins can be more magnetic and attracted to the slots to reinforce the fixed external input components as well as the computing components.

However, since the insertion guide pin of the external input member cannot be hidden or housed in the member mechanism, it protrudes beyond the external input member. As a result, not only the appearance, but also the abrupt protrusions are not very beautiful. Moreover, due to the hooking structure in which the insertion guide pin protrudes from the external input member, the protruding portion is easily hit by other objects during the storage, or is hooked with other objects, and in severe cases, the inserted guide pin is damaged after being stressed. Or morphing, unable to continue to match the slot. Or, when an excessive external force hits the connection module in the connection, the connection module in the connection may be broken, and the connection module may be damaged. Even if some products are magnetically attracted to replace the design of the hook structure, there are still slots and plug-in structures, and the connection module has the doubt that it is easily damaged or deformed by collision of other objects.

It can be seen that the above existing architecture obviously has inconveniences and defects, and needs to be further improved. □Understanding the above-mentioned problems, the relevant fields have not tried their best to solve the problem, but the method that has not been applied for a long time has been developed. Therefore, how to effectively solve the above problems is one of the current important research and development topics, and it is also an urgent need for improvement in the relevant fields.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a portable computing device that utilizes magnetism to connect a first component and a second component to replace and remove conventional insertion guide pins and slots into which the guide pins can be inserted. The mechanism whereby the connection structure between the first component and the second component is reduced or reduced by the collision of other objects to be damaged or deformed. In addition, the second connecting module of the second component is provided with a limiting portion, so that the first component can be separated from the second component by being pressed against the limiting portion, and thus can have the characteristics of easy disassembly.

The present invention provides a portable computing device comprising a first component and a second component. The first component includes at least one first connection module. The first connection module includes a convex first curved surface. The second component includes at least one second connection module. The second connection module includes a groove portion and a limiting portion. The groove portion has a concave second curved surface. The curvature of the second surface matches the curvature of the first surface. The limiting portion is disposed adjacent to the groove portion and configured to abut the first member. When the first connection module and the second connection module are magnetically connected, the first curved surface and the second curved surface are slidably contacted. When the first curved surface slides relative to the second curved surface to continuously enlarge the angle between the first component and the second component, the first component rotates relative to the second component with the limiting portion as a fulcrum, thereby separating the first curved surface from the second curved surface. And disengage the first component from the second component.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, in the portable computing device, when the first connection module is connected to the second connection module, a part of the first curved surface is received in the second curved surface.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the second curved surface has two sides, which are respectively located on two sides of the second curved surface. Both sides are magnetic. When the first connection module is connected to the second connection module, the two sides are respectively in contact with and magnetically connected to the first connection module.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the two side surfaces of the second curved surface have different magnetic properties. The strength of the magnetic field between the two sides is greater in a direction away from the surface of the second component where the second connection module is disposed, and in a direction parallel to the surface of the second component in which the second connection module is disposed.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the limiting portion is disposed between the groove portion and the edge of the second member adjacent to the groove portion. When the first connecting module and the limiting portion are opposite each other, the first component and the second component are disposed with the maximum limiting angle defined between the surfaces of the second connecting module. When the first connecting module is connected to the second connecting module, the angle between the first component and the second component disposed with the surface of the second connecting module is less than or equal to the maximum limiting angle.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the portable computing device, when the first curved surface slides relative to the second curved surface, moves the first component away from the first connecting module to the second component and is lower than the minimum limit. At an angle, the first curved surface continues to slide relative to the second curved surface, thereby bringing the surface of the first component adjacent to the second component into contact with the surface of the second component provided with the second connection module.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the first component transmits signals to and from the second component through a wireless transmission method.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the first component transmits signals to and from the second component through a transmission mode of the electrical connection.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the first component includes two first connection modules respectively disposed on opposite sides of the first component, and the second component includes two second connection modules. , respectively disposed at two ends of the second component, and corresponding to the two first connection modules.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the first component further includes a first transmission module disposed between the two first connection modules, and the second component further includes a second transmission module disposed on the two Two connected modules. When the first component is connected to the second component, the first component is electrically connected to the second transmission module of the second component through the first transmission module.

The embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the following drawings, and the details of However, it should be understood that these practical details are not intended to limit the invention. That is, in some embodiments of the invention, these practical details are not necessary. In addition, some of the conventional structures and elements are shown in the drawings in a simplified schematic manner in order to simplify the drawings.

When an element is referred to as "on", it can generally mean that the element is directly on the other element, or that other element is present in the two. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, it cannot be. As used herein, the term "and/or" encompasses any combination of one or more of the listed associated items.

1 is a perspective view of a portable computing device 100 in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the portable computing device 100 after being enlarged according to various embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the portable computing device 100 includes a first component 120 and a second component 140. In various embodiments, the first component 120 can be a portable computing device such as a tablet personal computing device (tablet PC) or other suitable portable computing device. In various embodiments, the second component 140 can include one or more input devices, such as a keyboard, trackpad, or other suitable control input device. In other various embodiments, the first component 120 can also be an input device and the second component 140 can be a portable computing device. It should be understood that the invention is not intended to limit the invention as long as one of the first component 120 and the second component 140 is a portable computing device and the other is an input device. However, in order to consider the convenience of carrying, the first component 120 is a portable computing device as a more common implementation.

Referring to FIG. 2, the first component 120 includes at least one first connection module 130. The first connection module 130 includes a convex first curved surface 132. In various embodiments, the cross-sectional configuration of the first curved surface 132 can be a partial circle, ellipse, paraboloid, or other suitable curved surface. The second component 140 includes at least one second connection module 150. The second connection module 150 includes a groove portion 152 and a limiting portion 154. The groove portion 152 has a concave second curved surface 156. The second curved surface 156 is configured to slidably contact the first curved surface 132, and the curvature of the second curved surface 156 matches the curvature of the first curved surface 132. In other words, in order to match the second curved surface 156 to the first curved surface 132, the radius of curvature of the second curved surface 156 is the same as the radius of curvature of the first curved surface 132, and the concave surface of the second curved surface 156 is convex compared to the first curved surface 132. The area of the first curved surface 132 that is convex to the first member 120 can be partially received in the second curved surface 156 of the groove portion 152 when the first member 120 is coupled to the second member 140. When the first curved surface 132 slides relative to the second curved surface 156, different portions of the first curved surface 132 may still be received by the second curved surface 156.

In various embodiments, the first connection module 130 and the second connection module 150 are magnetically connected. When the first connecting module 130 and the second connecting module 150 are magnetically connected, the first component 120 is slid relative to the second curved surface 156 by the first curved surface 132 and rotated relative to the second component 140, and is fixed with the stop. It should be noted that the magnitude of the magnetic force required for the magnetic connection between the first curved surface 132 and the second curved surface 156 described herein may be such that the second curved surface 156 can attract the first curved surface 132 and follow the magnetic force and gravity attracted to each other. The component of the direction acts as a positive force between the first curved surface 132 and the second curved surface 156, so that the friction between the first curved surface 132 and the second curved surface 156 is sufficient to balance the gravity generated by the first member 120 and the moment generated by gravity. However, those skilled in the art can make appropriate modifications and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

In various embodiments, the limiting portion 154 is disposed adjacent to the groove portion 152 and slightly protrudes beyond the surface of the second member 140. The limiting portion 154 can be configured to allow the first member 120 to be closed. by. When the first curved surface 132 slides relative to the second curved surface 156 to continuously enlarge the angle between the first component 120 and the second component 140, or in other words, the first component 120 abuts against the limiting portion 154 and the first component 120 continues to face When the direction of the limiting portion 154 is rotated, the first member 120 is rotated relative to the second member 140 by using the limiting portion 154 as a fulcrum, thereby disengaging the first curved surface 132 from the second curved surface 156, and adding the first curved surface 132 and the second surface. The distance between the curved surfaces 156. As a result, the magnetic force attracted between the first curved surface 132 and the second curved surface 156 is insufficient to continue to maintain the first component 120 and the second component 140 in a connected state, so the first component 120 can be coupled to the second component 140. Separated.

It should be noted that, in various embodiments of the present invention, the first connection module 130 and the second connection module 150 may have permanent magnetism for both or one of them has permanent magnetism and the other is sensed. It may have temporary inductive magnetism and the like. For example, in the various embodiments of the present invention, the first connection module 130 and the second connection module 150 both have permanent magnetism, and the first connection module 130 is connected to the second connection module 150. The magnetic connection is opposite, so that the first connection module 130 can be magnetically connected to the second connection module 150. For example, in various embodiments of the present invention, the second connection module 150 has permanent magnetism, and the first connection module 130 is a material that can be ferromagnetically induced by a magnet. As a result, when the first connection module 130 is close to the second connection module 150, the second connection module 150 can be magnetically sensed to generate a temporary magnetic pole, and then magnetically connected to the second connection module 150. However, in this embodiment, the first connection module 130 can be prevented from being inconvenient to be carried by the first connection module 130 because it has permanent magnetism during the carrying process. Further, only the second connection module 150 has magnetic properties to prevent or prevent the first connection module 130 from being connected to the second connection module 150, and the first connection module 130 and the second connection module are The 150 has the same or different magnetic directions, and generates different forces of repulsive or attracting, reducing the variability of the connection between the first connection module 130 and the second connection module 150. That is, if the second connection module 150 has permanent magnetism, and the first connection module 130 is only a material that can be ferromagnetically induced by the magnet, when the second connection module 150 is connected to the first connection module 130, The first connection module 130 is connected to the first connection module 130 in a specific connection direction or in a specific manner, so that the first connection module 130 is close to the second connection module 150 to a certain distance, so that the first connection module 130 is received by the second connection module 150. Magnetic pole magnetic induction produces opposite and large enough magnetic poles.

Since the portable computing device 100 connects the first component 120 and the second component 140 by the magnetic property between the first connection module 130 and the second connection module 150, the first component 120 and the second component of the portable computing device 100 140, it is not necessary to provide any mechanism similar to the conventional insertion guide pin or the slot for inserting the guide pin into the slot, and instead of the first protruding connection module 130 which is smoothly protruded and recessed in the second component 140 The second connection module 150 is replaced. As a result, the portable computing device 100 can reduce or reduce the damage or deformation of the first connecting module 130 and the second connecting module 150 between the first component 120 and the second component 140 by being hit by other foreign objects. Case. At the same time, the first connection module 130 and the second connection module 150 are connected to each other by magnetic force, and the external connection between the first connection module 130 and the second connection module 150 can be avoided. The first connection module 130 and the second connection module 150 are broken. Because the portable computing device 100 is subjected to an excessive external force on the first component 120 or the second component 140, the first connection module 130 and the second connection module 150 are only separated from each other by magnetic connection, and are not mutually stuck. The combined or hooked structure is damaged and is irreparably damaged.

In addition, the portable computing device 100 can rotate the first component 120 through the limiting portion 154 by using the limiting portion 154 of the second connecting module 150 of the second component 140 to increase the first connection. The distance between the module 130 and the second connection module 150 is such that the magnetic attraction between the first connection module 130 and the second connection module 150 cannot continue to maintain the first connection module 130 and the second connection module 150. The connected state further disengages the first component 120 from the second component 140. In this way, the first component 120 can be combined with the second component 140 or removed from the second component 140 without additional tool assistance or a specific set of disassembly methods, and thus carried The type computing device 100 has the characteristics of being easy to assemble and disassemble.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the portable computing device 100 in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In various embodiments of the invention, the second curved surface 156 can have a first portion 1562 and a second portion 1564. The first portion 1562 and the second portion 1564 are respectively located on opposite sides of the second curved surface 156 and constitute a second curved surface 156. The first portion 1562 and the second portion 1564 are magnetic. When the first connection module 130 is connected to the second connection module 150, the first portion 1562 and the second portion 1564 are magnetically connected to the first connection module 130, respectively. In some embodiments, the first portion 1562 and the second portion 1564 respectively induce the first connection module 130 to be in a temporarily magnetic state on both sides of the first curved surface 132 in the groove portion 152. The two connection modules 150 are magnetically connected to the first connection module 130. In some embodiments, the first portion 1562 and the second portion 1564 are magnetically different from the first connection module 130 and are magnetically coupled to each other. When the first connection module 130 is connected to the second connection module 150 , the second connection module 150 is in contact with the first portion 1562 and the second portion 1564 .

In various embodiments, the first portion 1562 and the second portion 1564 of the second connection module 150 have different magnetic properties through the inner magnetization process. For example, in various embodiments, when the first portion 1562 has N-pole magnetism, the second portion 1564 has S-pole magnetism. For example, in still other embodiments, when the first portion 1562 has S pole magnetism, the second portion 1564 has N pole magnetism. Since the magnetic properties of the second connection module 150 are mostly accumulated on the first portion 1562 and the second portion 1564 of the second curved surface 156. Therefore, the magnetic field strength between the first portion 1562 and the second portion 1564 is greater in a direction away from the surface of the second component 140 where the second connection module 150 is disposed, and a surface in which the second connection module 150 is disposed parallel to the second component 140. The direction.

It is to be noted that the first portion 1562 and the second portion 1564 are magnetically exemplified herein, which are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art may, depending on actual needs, without departing from the disclosure. Make appropriate modifications or substitutions under the spirit and scope. It should be understood that the first portion 1562 and the second portion 1564 may also have two magnetic poles or other suitable magnetic pole arrangement at the same time, as long as the first portion 1562 and the second portion 1564 can sense both sides of the first connection module 130. The temporarily magnetic state or the magnetic pole magnetism opposite to the first connection module 130 allows the second connection module 150 to be magnetically connected to the first connection module 130.

The second connection module 150, which has been processed by the internal magnetization process or other suitable process, so that the first portion 1562 and the second portion 1564 respectively have different magnetic embodiments, will enhance the second connection module 150. The number of magnetic lines in the groove portion 152 further strengthens the magnetic connection between the second connection module 150 and the first connection module 130. However, the first connection module 130 described herein is only temporarily inductively magnetic. Magnetic substances are more suitable. That is, when the first connection module 130 is close to the groove portion 152 of the second connection module 150, the first connection module 130 is subjected to stronger magnetic induction due to the larger number of magnetic lines in the groove portion 152. Produce a more powerful magnetic attraction that attracts each other. At the same time, due to the design of the first portion 1562 and the second portion 1564, a plurality of magnetic lines of force are controlled within the groove portion 152 and the groove portion 152 is away from the surface of the second member 140 where the second connection module 150 is disposed. Therefore, the material located outside the second connection module 150 is not affected by too much magnetic force, and is arbitrarily attracted by the second connection module 150 and adsorbed to the second connection module 150.

4 is a side view of the portable computing device 100 in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, in which the first component 120 abuts the limiting portion 154 on the second component 140. In various embodiments, the limiting portion 154 is disposed between the groove portion 152 and the edge of the second member 140 adjacent to the groove portion 152. When the first connecting module 130 and the limiting portion 154 are mutually abutting, the first component 120 and the second component 140 are disposed with the maximum limiting angle Φ1 defined between the surfaces of the second connecting module 150. When the first connecting module 130 is connected to the second connecting module 150, the angle between the first component 120 and the second component 140 disposed between the surfaces of the second connecting module 150 is less than or equal to the maximum limiting angle Φ1. In various embodiments, the maximum limit angle Φ1 is approximately 135 degrees. In various embodiments, the maximum limit angle Φ1 is greater than 90 degrees.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the portable computing device 100 in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, with the first component 120 approaching the second component 140. In a plurality of embodiments, when the first curved surface 132 slides relative to the second curved surface 156 , the end of the first component 120 away from the first connecting module 130 is close to the second component 140 and below a minimum limit angle (not shown) When the first curved surface 132 continues to slide relative to the second curved surface 156, the surface of the first component 120 adjacent to the second component 140 is brought into close contact or contact with the surface of the second component 140 on which the second connection module 150 is disposed. In various embodiments, the minimum limit angle is approximately 45°.

In various embodiments of the invention, the first component 120 transmits signals to and from the second component 140 via a wireless transmission. In various embodiments, the wireless transmission mode between the first component 120 and the second component 140 may include bluetooth transmission, infrared transmission, WIFI transmission, or other suitable wireless transmission.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portable computing device 100 in accordance with still other embodiments of the present invention. In still other embodiments of the present invention, the first component 120 transmits signals to and from the second component 140 in a manner that is electrically connected.

In various embodiments, the first component 120 can include two first connection modules 130 respectively disposed on opposite sides of the first component 120, and the second component 140 can include two second connection modules. 150, respectively disposed at two ends of the second component 140, and corresponding to the two first connection modules 130.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the first component 120 may further include a first transmission module 160 disposed between the two first connection modules 130, and the second component 140 may further include a second transmission module 180. The two connection modules 150 are disposed between the two. When the first component 120 is connected to the second component 140 , the first component 120 is electrically connected to the second transmission module 180 of the second component 140 through the first transmission module 160 . In various embodiments, the first transmission module 160 can be a metal electrode or other suitable electrode. In various embodiments, the second transmission module 180 can be a Pogo pin or other suitable electrode. In various embodiments, the second transmission module 180 can extend or shorten the length of the second transmission module 180 along with the angle between the first component 120 and the second component 140 such that the first component 120 and the second component The second transmission module 180 can be electrically connected to the first transmission module 160.

In summary, the present invention provides a portable computing device that utilizes magnetic properties between a first connection module and a second connection module to connect the first component and the second component. Therefore, the first component and the second component can be connected to each other without any mechanism similar to the insertion of the guide pin or the slot into which the guide pin can be inserted. In this way, the first connecting module and the second connecting module between the first component and the second component may be reduced or reduced due to collision with other foreign objects. At the same time, the first connection module and the second connection module are connected to each other by magnetic force, and the connection module can be prevented from being broken due to excessive external force when the connection modules are engaged with each other. That is, when the first component or the second component is subjected to an excessive external force, the first connection module and the second connection module are only separated from each other, and are not damaged by the structure of mutual engagement or hooking. Unrecoverable damage. In addition, the portable computing device of the present invention can allow the first component to rotate through the limiting portion by the limiting portion of the second connecting module to increase the gap between the first connecting module and the second connecting module. The distance causes the first component to disengage from the second component. In this way, the first component can be combined with the second component or can be detached from the second component without additional tool assistance or a specific group disassembly manner. Therefore, the present invention The portable computing device is more easily removable.

Although the present invention has been disclosed in the above embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention can be modified and modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope is subject to the definition of the scope of the patent application attached.

100‧‧‧ portable computing device
120‧‧‧ first part
130‧‧‧First connection module
132‧‧‧First surface
140‧‧‧second part
150‧‧‧Second connection module
152‧‧‧ Groove
154‧‧‧Limited
156‧‧‧Second surface
1562‧‧‧Part 1
1564‧‧‧Part II Φ1‧‧‧Maximum angle of restriction

The above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments of the present invention will become more <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; 2 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a portable computing device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 3 is a side elevational view of a portable computing device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 4 is a side elevational view of a portable computing device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a portable computing device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portable computing device in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. Unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers and symbols in the different figures are generally regarded as the corresponding parts. The illustrations are drawn to clearly illustrate the relevant associations of the embodiments and not to depict the actual dimensions.

100‧‧‧Removable portable computing device

120‧‧‧ first part

130‧‧‧First connection module

132‧‧‧First surface

140‧‧‧second part

150‧‧‧Second connection module

152‧‧‧ Groove

154‧‧‧Limited

Claims (10)

A portable computing device comprising: a first component comprising at least one first connection module, the first connection module comprising a convex first curved surface; and a second component comprising at least one second connection mode The second connecting module comprises: a groove portion having a concave second curved surface, the curvature of the second curved surface matching the curvature of the first curved surface; and a limiting portion adjacent to the concave portion a slot portion configured to abut the first component, wherein when the first connection module is magnetically coupled to the second connection module, the first curved surface and the second curved surface are slidably contacted; When the first curved surface slides relative to the second curved surface to continuously enlarge the angle between the first component and the second component, the first component rotates relative to the second component with the limiting portion as a fulcrum, thereby The first curved surface is separated from the second curved surface. The portable computing device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the first curved surface is received in the second curved surface when the first connecting module is coupled to the second connecting module. The portable computing device of claim 1, wherein the second curved surface has a first portion and a second portion respectively located on opposite sides of the second curved surface, the first portion and the second portion being magnetic When the first connection module is connected to the second connection module, the first portion and the second portion respectively contact and magnetically connect the first connection module. The portable computing device of claim 3, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the second curved surface respectively have different magnetic properties, and the magnetic field strength between the first portion and the second portion is further away The second component is disposed with a surface of the second connection module in a direction greater than a direction parallel to the surface of the second component where the second connection module is disposed. The portable computing device of claim 1, wherein the limiting portion is disposed between the groove portion and an edge of the second portion adjacent to the groove portion, when the first connecting module is When the limiting portion is opposite, the first component and the surface of the second component disposed with the second connecting module define a maximum limiting angle, wherein when the first connecting module is connected to the second connecting die In the group, an angle between the first component and the second component disposed with the surface of the second connection module is less than or equal to the maximum limit angle. The portable computing device of claim 1, wherein the first curved surface is slid relative to the second curved surface, and the first component is remote from the first connecting module and adjacent to the second component, and When the angle is lower than a minimum limit angle, the first curved surface continues to slide relative to the second curved surface, so that the first component is adjacent to a surface of the second component and the second component is provided with the second connection module. The surfaces are in contact. The portable computing device of claim 1, wherein the first component transmits a signal to the second component via a wireless transmission. The portable computing device of claim 1, wherein the first component transmits a signal to the second component through a transmission mode of the electrical connection. The portable computing device of claim 1, wherein the first component comprises two first connection modules respectively disposed on opposite sides of one side of the first component, and the second component The two second connection modules are respectively disposed at two ends of the second component and correspond to the two first connection modules. The portable computing device of claim 9, wherein the first component further comprises a first transmission module disposed between the two first connection modules, and the second component further comprises a second The transmission module is disposed between the two second connection modules, and the first component transmits the second transmission of the first transmission module and the second component when the first component is connected to the second component The module is electrically connected.