Bracket and electronic device

Abstract

A bracket includes a pivot portion and a supporting portion. The pivot portion is rotatably coupled to a side surface of a housing of an electronic device. The supporting portion is coupled to the housing through the pivot portion. The supporting portion has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is connected to the pivot portion. The second portion connects the first portion and the third portion. When the supporting portion is in a folded position relative to the housing, the first portion is on the side surface of the housing, and the third portion is on a back surface of the housing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a bracket and an electronic device. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Electronic devices, such as tablets, are increasingly being used in the workplace due to their slim and portable design. To meet the needs of different scenarios, electronic devices require more stable stands to prevent sliding, shaking, or tipping during video conferences or high-frequency touch operations. They also need more portable designs for easy storage, carrying, and quick setup and use when needed.

[0003] Therefore, how to propose a bracket and electronic device that can meet the above requirements is one of the problems that the industry is eager to invest R&D resources to solve. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] In view of this, one object of the present invention is to provide a bracket and electronic device that can solve the above problems.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention provides a bracket including a pivot portion and a support portion. The pivot portion is rotatably coupled to the side of the housing of an electronic device. The support portion is coupled to the housing via the pivot portion. The support portion has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is connected to the pivot portion. The second portion connects the first portion and the third portion. When the support portion is in a retracted position relative to the housing, the first portion is located on the side of the housing, and the third portion is located on the back of the housing.

[0006] In one embodiment, the pivot is configured to rotate between 0 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first portion and the third portion extend in opposite directions relative to the second portion.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first portion is perpendicular to the third portion.

[0009] In one embodiment, the bracket further includes a fixing portion. The fixing portion is coupled to the pivot portion. The fixing portion is configured to be coupled to a corner of the housing.

[0010] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device including a housing and a support. The housing has a back surface and adjacent first and second side surfaces. The support is coupled to the housing. The support includes a pivot portion and a support portion. The pivot portion is located on the first side surface and is rotatably coupled to the housing. The support portion is coupled to the housing via the pivot portion. The support portion has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is connected to the pivot portion. The second portion connects the first portion and the third portion. When the support portion is in a retracted position relative to the housing, the first portion is located on the first side surface, and the third portion is located on the back surface.

[0011] In one embodiment, the bracket further includes a fixing portion. The fixing portion extends from a first side to a second side. The pivot portion is coupled to the housing via the fixing portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the fixing portion extends from the front side of the housing to the back side. The front side is opposite to the back side.

[0013] In one embodiment, the height of the fixing part protruding from the back surface is greater than or equal to the height of the third part protruding from the back surface.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fixing part is fixed to the housing by a fixing member.

[0015] In one embodiment, when the support is in the unfolded position relative to the housing, the surface of the third portion is higher than the front side of the housing. The front side is relative to the back side.

[0016] In one embodiment, the surface of the third portion is parallel to the front of the housing.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the support portion is in a supported position relative to the housing, it abuts against the plane by the third portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the support portion has two first portions, two second portions, two third portions, and a fourth portion. The fourth portion connects to the two third portions.

[0019] In one embodiment, when the support portion is in the retracted position relative to the housing, the two third portions extend along the length direction of the first side on the back side, and the fourth portion extends along the length direction of the second side on the back side.

[0020] In one embodiment, the housing further has corners, and the bracket further includes a fixing part disposed at the corners, and the pivot part is coupled to the housing through the fixing part.

[0021] In summary, in some embodiments of the bracket and electronic device of the present invention, by coupling the support portion of the bracket to the corners (such as the upper left and upper right corners) of the electronic device's housing, and allowing the support portion to have multiple different angular positions relative to the housing, the bracket can provide highly stable support for the electronic device when used as a stand, preventing the electronic device from tipping over or sliding. Simultaneously, this design also allows the bracket to function as a handle for the electronic device, making it convenient for users to carry. Compared to common brackets and electronic devices, the bracket and electronic device of the present invention are suitable for more usage scenarios, such as office spaces, factories, and outdoor environments, not only improving the stability of the electronic device but also increasing its portability and flexibility of use.

[0022] The embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings, which disclose these and other aspects of the present invention, but variations and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the present invention.

Implementation Method

[0023] The following description of the invention will be more fully presented herein through drawings and references, some exemplary embodiments of which are illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be limited to the embodiments mentioned below. However, these embodiments are provided to aid in a more complete understanding of the invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0024] In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., are enlarged for clarity. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to similar elements. It should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly on or connected to the other element, or intermediate elements may also be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or "directly connected" to another element, no intermediate elements are present. As used in this invention, "connection" may refer to a physical and / or electrical connection. Furthermore, "electrical connection" or "coupling" may refer to the presence of other elements between two elements.

[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not restrictive. As used herein, unless the content clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, including "at least one." "Or" means "and / or." As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should also be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms "comprising" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the stated features, areas, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, areas, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0026] Furthermore, relative terms such as "down" or "bottom" and "up" or "top" may be used in this invention to describe the relationship between one element and another element, as shown in the figures. It should be understood that relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device other than those shown in the figures. For example, if a device in a figure is flipped, an element described as being "down" of other elements will be oriented "up" of other elements. Thus, the exemplary term "down" can include both "down" and "up" orientations, depending on the specific orientation of the figure. Similarly, if a device in a figure is flipped, an element described as being "below" or "under" other elements will be oriented "above" other elements. Thus, the exemplary term "below" or "under" can include both "up" and "down" orientations.

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to cross-sectional views as schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments. Therefore, shape variations in the diagrams can be anticipated as a result of, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the embodiments described in the present invention should not be construed as limited to a specific shape of the region as shown in the present invention, but rather include, for example, shape deviations caused by manufacturing processes. For example, regions shown or described as flat may generally have rough and / or non-linear characteristics. Furthermore, the acute angles shown may be rounded. Therefore, the regions shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to show the precise shape of the regions, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0028] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2, which are perspective views of an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, drawn from different perspectives. The electronic device 10 includes a housing 100 and a support 110. The support 110 is coupled to the housing 100. The electronic device 10 is, for example, a tablet computer or a display.

[0029] In detail, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 100 has a front surface FS and a back surface BS. The front surface FS is a display surface or touch surface for user operation. Furthermore, the housing 100 has adjacent and interconnected first side surface SS1 and second side surface SS2. The first side surface SS1 and the second side surface SS2 connect the front surface FS and the back surface BS, respectively. The housing 100 also has corners C1, C2, C3, and C4. Corner C1 is the junction of the front surface FS, the back surface BS, the first side surface SS1, and the second side surface SS2. The following description of the structure of the housing 100 and the support 110 uses the structure around the first side surface SS1, the second side surface SS2, and corner C1 as examples. It should be understood that the structure of the support 110 can be symmetrical, so that it has similar features around corner C2 (not shown) as around corner C1.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bracket 110 includes two pivot portions 120 and a support portion 130.

[0031] Two pivot portions 120 are rotatably coupled to corners C1 and C2 of the housing 100 of the electronic device 10, respectively. Specifically, the pivot portions 120 may be located on the side of the housing 100, such as the first side SS1. A support portion 130 is connected between the two pivot portions 120. The support portion 130 is coupled to the housing 100 via the pivot portions 120.

[0032] In one embodiment, the pivot 120 is configured to rotate between 0 degrees and 180 degrees, allowing the support 130 to be in multiple different positions relative to the housing 100. In one embodiment, the pivot 120 includes a ratchet to provide one-way locking and multi-stage gear adjustment, allowing the support 130 to be in a fixed angle relative to the housing 100. Embodiments of different positions of the support 130 relative to the housing 100 will be described in detail in subsequent paragraphs.

[0033] The support portion 130 has two first portions 132, two second portions 134, two third portions 136, and one fourth portion 138, forming a generally U-shaped structure. Specifically, the two first portions 132, two second portions 134, and two third portions 136 are located on both sides of the housing 100, and the fourth portion 138 spans the back surface BS of the housing 100, connecting the two third portions 136. The second portions 134 connect their corresponding first portions 132 and third portions 136. The first portions 132 are directly connected to the pivot portion 120.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the support portion 130 is in the retracted position relative to the housing 100, the first portion 132 is located on the side of the housing 100, such as the first side surface SS1. In other words, the first portion 132 is located on the outside of the housing 100. The third portion 136 and the fourth portion 138 are located on the back surface BS of the housing 100. The second portion 134 may extend from the side of the housing 100, such as the first side surface SS1, to the back surface BS. In one embodiment, the first portion 132 and the third portion 136 extend in opposite directions relative to the second portion 134. For example, when the support portion 130 is in the retracted position, the first portion 132 extends along the positive direction of direction D1 from the connection between the first portion 132 and the second portion 134 toward the pivot portion 120 and the corner C1. In one embodiment, the first portion 132 also extends along the first side surface SS1. Conversely, the third portion 136 extends in the opposite direction to direction D1 from the junction of the third portion 136 and the second portion 134 toward corner C3. In one embodiment, the third portion 136 also extends along the back surface BS.

[0035] In one embodiment, since the first side SS1 is perpendicular to the back surface BS, the first portion 132 extending along the first side SS1 is perpendicular to the third portion 136 extending along the back surface BS.

[0036] In one embodiment, when the support portion 130 is in the retracted position relative to the housing 100 and is placed on a flat surface such as a desktop or suitable table with the front FS facing upward, since the third portion 136 extends approximately along the length direction of the first side SS1 on the back BS (i.e., approximately along the direction D1 shown in Figure 2) and the fourth portion 138 extends approximately along the length direction of the second side SS2 on the back BS (i.e., approximately along the direction D2 shown in Figure 2), the electronic device 10 can still be placed stably on the flat surface, making it convenient for the user to operate the front FS of the electronic device 10.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a side view of an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention when the support portion 130 is in a supported position relative to the housing 100. When the support portion 130 is in the supported position relative to the housing 100, the support portion 130 abuts against a plane via a third portion 136 and a fourth portion 138 to serve as a stand for the electronic device 10. At this time, the angle between the third portion 136 of the support portion 130 and the housing 100 is, for example, an acute angle. In this case, the first portion 132 is still located on a side surface, such as the first side surface SS1. In other words, the first portion 132 is still located on the outside of the housing 100. Meanwhile, the third portion 136 and the fourth portion 138 are still located on the rear side of the housing 100. Since the bracket 110 is coupled to the upper corners C1 and C2 of the housing 100 via a pivot portion 120 (refer to Figures 1 and 2), a larger lever arm can be provided, thereby reducing the force required to maintain stability. This design can improve the stability of the bracket 110 and prevent the electronic device 10 from tipping over.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a side view of an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention with the support portion 130 in the unfolded position relative to the housing 100. When the support portion 130 is in the unfolded position relative to the housing 100, the support portion 130 serves as a handle for the electronic device 10, allowing the user to carry the electronic device 10 more easily and preventing it from slipping or being damaged during carrying. At this time, the angle between the third portion 136 of the support portion 130 and the housing 100 can be an obtuse angle or a straight angle (i.e., 180 degrees). In embodiments where the angle between the third portion 136 and the housing 100 is a straight angle, the surface 136S of the third portion 136 is higher than the front surface FS of the housing 100. For example, there is a distance d between the surface 136S of the third portion 136 and the front surface FS of the housing 100. In one embodiment, the surface 136S of the third portion 136 is parallel to the front surface FS of the housing 100.

[0039] In this configuration, the stand 110 and the electronic device 10 can be used in a variety of scenarios. For example, in office spaces and factories, the high stability of the stand 110 helps users operate the electronic device 10 more conveniently, such as conducting video conferences, viewing documents, and performing multitasking. In outdoor settings, the portable design and high stability of the stand 110 allow users to easily carry the electronic device 10 and quickly and stably set it up on a suitable surface for use when needed.

[0040] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6, which are perspective views of an electronic device 10' according to another embodiment of the present invention, drawn from different perspectives. One difference between electronic device 10' and electronic device 10 is that the support 110 of electronic device 10' further includes two fixing portions 140. The two fixing portions 140 are respectively coupled to two pivot portions 120. At the same time, the two fixing portions 140 are also configured to couple to corners of housing 100, such as corner C1 and corner C2. In other words, the two pivot portions 120 of electronic device 10' are respectively coupled to housing 100 through corresponding fixing portions 140.

[0041] In detail, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, two fixing portions 140 are configured to cover corners C1 and C2 of the housing 100. For example, one of the fixing portions 140 extends from the first side SS1 to the second side SS2. Additionally, in this embodiment, the fixing portion 140 may also extend from the front FS of the housing 100 to the back BS. The fixing portion 140 is fixed to the housing 100 by a fastener. For example, the fixing portion 140 may be secured to the housing 100 by screws.

[0042] Another difference between electronic device 10' and electronic device 10 is that the first portion 132 and the third portion 136 of the support portion 130 of electronic device 10' may have different lengths than the first portion 132 and the third portion 136 of electronic device 10, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Furthermore, the third portion 136 of electronic device 10' may have a different extension direction than the third portion 136 of electronic device 10. Those skilled in the art can adjust these dimensions as needed to further improve the stability of the electronic device in the supported position or its portability in the unfolded position.

[0043] Similarly, the pivot portion 120 of the electronic device 10' is configured to rotate between 0 degrees and 180 degrees, such that the support portion 130 can have multiple different angles relative to the housing 100. Embodiments with different positions of the support portion 130 relative to the housing 100 will be described in detail in subsequent paragraphs.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a side view of an electronic device 10' according to another embodiment of the present invention when the support portion 130 is in the retracted position relative to the housing 100. When the support portion 130 is in the retracted position relative to the housing 100, the height H2 of the fixing portion 140 protruding from the back surface BS is greater than or equal to the height H1 of the third portion 136 protruding from the back surface BS. Furthermore, the fixing portion 140 has the function of a foot pad. Through the arrangement of the fixing portion 140 and the third portion 136, when the height H2 is equal to the height H1, the electronic device 10' can be placed horizontally with the front surface FS facing upward. In one embodiment, the electronic device 10' may also include a foot pad (not shown) disposed at a corner of the housing 100 where the fixing portion 140 is not provided, such as corner C3 or corner C4. The height of the foot pad protruding from the back surface BS may be equal to the height H2 of the fixing portion 140 protruding from the back surface BS, so that the electronic device 10' can be placed more stably horizontally on the plane when the front surface FS is facing upward. Additionally, the fixing part 140 and the foot pad (not shown) can also be used to protect the electronic device 10' from damage due to accidental drops. In one embodiment, the hardness of the fixing part 140 is lower than that of the housing 100 to provide cushioning elastic force. In one embodiment, the fixing part 140 is, for example, formed by two-material injection molding. Furthermore, the fixing part 140 is, for example, a plastic part in which a soft material is partially covered by a hard material.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a side view of an electronic device 10' according to another embodiment of the present invention when the support portion 130 is in a supported position relative to the housing 100. Similarly, when the support portion 130 is in the supported position relative to the housing 100, the support portion 130 abuts against a flat surface, such as a table or suitable tabletop, via a third portion 136 and a fourth portion 138, to serve as a stand for the electronic device 10'. At this time, the included angle between the third portion 136 of the support portion 130 and the housing 100 is an acute angle.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 9, which is a side view of an electronic device 10' according to another embodiment of the present invention with the support portion 130 in the unfolded position relative to the housing 100. Similarly, when the support portion 130 is in the unfolded position relative to the housing 100, the support portion 130 serves as a grip for the electronic device 10'. At this time, the angle between the third portion 136 of the support portion 130 and the housing 100 can be an obtuse angle or a straight angle. In an embodiment where the angle between the third portion 136 and the housing 100 is a straight angle, the surface 136S of the third portion 136 is higher than the front surface FS of the housing 100 and has a distance d. Furthermore, the surface 136S of the third portion 136 can be parallel to the front surface FS of the housing 100.

[0047] As can be clearly seen from the detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention above, in some embodiments of the bracket and electronic device of the present invention, by coupling the support portion of the bracket to the corners (such as the upper left and upper right corners) of the electronic device's housing, and allowing the support portion to have multiple different angular positions relative to the housing, the bracket can provide highly stable support for the electronic device when used as a stand, preventing the electronic device from tipping over or sliding. Simultaneously, this design also allows the bracket to function as a handle for the electronic device, making it convenient for users to carry. Compared to common brackets and electronic devices, the bracket and electronic device of the present invention are suitable for more usage scenarios, such as office spaces, factories, and outdoor environments, not only improving the stability of the electronic device but also increasing its portability and flexibility of use.

[0048] The foregoing description is only intended to illustrate and describe exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to exhaustively describe or limit the precise forms of the invention disclosed herein. The above teachings may be modified or varied.

[0049] The selected and illustrated embodiments are intended to explain the content of the invention and their practical application, thereby inspiring others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments and make various modifications to suit a particular intended use. Alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is determined by the appended claims and not by the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0050] The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used as far as possible to refer to similar or identical elements of the embodiments, wherein: Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 3 and 4 are side views illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views illustrating an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 7, 8, and 9 are side views illustrating an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Biomaterial Storage]

[0052] Domestic storage information (please note in order of storage institution, date, and number): None. International storage information (please note in order of storage country, institution, date, and number): None.

Claims

1. A bracket comprising: a pivot portion rotatably coupled to adjacent first and second sides of a housing of an electronic device; and a support portion coupled to the housing via the pivot portion, wherein the support portion has a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion, the first portion being connected to the pivot portion, the second portion connecting the first portion and the third portion, and the third portion connecting the second portion and the fourth portion, wherein when the support portion is in a retracted position relative to the housing, the first portion is located on the first side of the housing and extends relative to the second portion along a first direction, the third portion is located on a back side of the housing and extends relative to the second portion along a second direction, and the fourth portion is located on the back side of the housing and extends along a third direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are along a first length direction of the first side, the first direction being opposite to the second direction, and the third direction is along a second length direction of the second side and substantially perpendicular to the first length direction of the first side.

2. The bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot is configured to rotate between 0 degrees and 180 degrees.

3. The bracket as described in claim 1, wherein the first portion is perpendicular to the third portion.

4. The bracket as claimed in claim 1 further includes a fixing portion coupled to the pivot portion and configured to be coupled to a corner of the housing.

5. An electronic device comprising: a housing having a front side and a back side opposite to each other, and a first side side and a second side side adjacent to each other; and a support coupled to the housing, comprising: a pivot portion located on the first side side and rotatably coupled to the housing; a support portion coupled to the housing via the pivot portion, wherein the support portion has a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the first portion being connected to the pivot portion, the second portion being connected to the first portion and the third portion, and when the support portion is in a retracted position relative to the housing, the first portion is located on the first side side and the third portion is located on the back side; and a fixing portion extending from the front side to the back side, wherein the pivot portion is coupled to the housing via the fixing portion, and the fixing portion protruding from the back side by a height greater than or equal to the height of the third portion protruding from the back side.

6. The electronic device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fixing portion extends from the first side to the second side.

7. The electronic device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the fixing part is fixed to the housing by a fastener.

8. The electronic device as claimed in claim 5, wherein when the support is in an unfolded position relative to the housing, a surface of the third portion is higher than a front surface of the housing, wherein the front surface is relative to the back surface.

9. The electronic device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the surface of the third portion is parallel to the front side of the housing.

10. The electronic device as claimed in claim 5, wherein when the support portion is in a supported position relative to the housing, the third portion abuts against a plane.

11. The electronic device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the support portion has two first portions, two second portions, two third portions and a fourth portion, the fourth portion being connected to the two third portions.

12. The electronic device as claimed in claim 11, wherein when the support portion is in the retracted position relative to the housing, the two third portions are located on the back side extending along a length direction of the first side side, and the fourth portion is located on the back side extending along a length direction of the second side side.

13. The electronic device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the housing further has a corner where the fixing part is disposed.

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