Peripheral device

Abstract

A peripheral device is provided. The peripheral device is adapted to connect to a mobile device. The peripheral device includes a body, at least one connecting arm, and at least one control module. The body includes a clamping unit to clamp the mobile device. One end of the connecting arm is movably connected to a side of the body. The connecting arm is movable to be close to the side of the body to be in a storage position, or to extend away from the side of the body to be in a deployed position. Each control module includes at least one input unit. The control module is detachably connected to another end of the connecting arm. When the connecting arm is in the deployed position, the control module is electrically connected to the mobile device to control the mobile device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a peripheral device, and more particularly to a peripheral device that can clamp and electrically connect to a mobile device, allowing a user to control the mobile device via the peripheral device. Background Technology

[0002] With the advent of smartphones and the gradual improvement of their hardware performance, a wide variety of video games have rapidly appeared on smartphones. However, smartphones, limited by their touch interfaces, can only provide virtual buttons for game control. But virtual buttons completely lack the tactile feedback of real buttons, and their directionality is unclear, significantly diminishing the control experience. Touch control also suffers from a lack of realism in its controls; for example, the touch feedback is not immediate enough to indicate the user's input force.

[0003] In view of the above problems, the applicant of this invention has previously filed Taiwan Patent Publication Nos. TWM494350 and TWM494020, entitled "Control Handle that can be Combined with a Portable Electronic Device". This device is detachably attached to a game controller via an external holding module, allowing it to hold or support a portable electronic device, enabling the user to operate the device via the game controller.

[0004] However, the overall structure of the aforementioned control handle is still not conducive to storage and portability. Therefore, how to improve the storage and portability of peripheral devices through structural design improvements to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings has become one of the issues that this technical field seeks to address. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a peripheral device that can be adjusted to a retracted state for easy storage or carrying, or to an unfolded state for connecting to a mobile device and for convenient control of the mobile device.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a peripheral device adapted to connect to a mobile device, wherein the mobile device includes two pairs of edges, and the peripheral device includes a body, at least one connecting arm, and at least one control module. The body includes a clamping unit that clamps one pair of the mobile device's edges to hold the mobile device in place. One end of the at least one connecting arm is movably connected to one side of the body, and the at least one connecting arm is movable to be close to the side of the body in a retracted position, or extends away from the side of the body in an extended position. Each control module includes at least one input unit, and the at least one control module is detachably connected to the other end of the at least one connecting arm. When the at least one connecting arm is in the extended position, the at least one control module is adjacent to one of the edges of the mobile device, wherein the at least one control module is electrically connected to the mobile device to transmit signals from the at least one input unit to the mobile device.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a peripheral device adapted to connect to a mobile device, wherein the mobile device includes two pairs of edges, and the peripheral device includes a body, at least one control module, and at least one connecting arm. The body includes a clamping unit that clamps one pair of the mobile device's edges to hold the mobile device in place. The at least one control module includes at least one input unit. One end of the at least one connecting arm is detachably connected to one side of the body, and the other end of the at least one connecting arm is movably connected to one side of the at least one control module. The at least one connecting arm can be positioned in a retracted position or an extended position. When the at least one connecting arm is in the extended position, it is offset from the side of the body, and the at least one control module is electrically connected to the mobile device to transmit signals from the at least one input unit to the mobile device.

[0008] One of the advantages of this invention is that the peripheral device provided by this invention can be movably connected between the main body and the control module via a connecting arm. This allows the connecting arm to move closer to the side of the main body for a stored position, or to extend away from the side of the main body for an deployed position. Therefore, the peripheral device of this invention is advantageous for storage or portability.

[0009] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the peripheral device of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a front view of the first embodiment of the peripheral device of the present invention combined with a mobile device.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a rear view of the first embodiment of the peripheral device of the present invention combined with a mobile device.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a front view of the peripheral device of the first embodiment of the present invention in its stored state.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a side view of the peripheral device of the present invention in a supported state according to a first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a rear view of the second embodiment of the peripheral device of the present invention combined with the mobile device.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a front view of the second embodiment of the peripheral device of the present invention combined with a mobile device.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a front view of the third embodiment of the peripheral device of the present invention combined with a mobile device.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a rear view of the third embodiment of the peripheral device of the present invention combined with a mobile device.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the control module of the third embodiment of the peripheral device of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a front view of the fourth embodiment of the peripheral device of the present invention combined with a mobile device.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a rear view of the fourth embodiment of the peripheral device of the present invention combined with a mobile device.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a front view of the fifth embodiment of the peripheral device of the present invention combined with a mobile device.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a rear view of the fifth embodiment of the peripheral device of the present invention combined with a mobile device. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation methods disclosed in this invention. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this invention from the content disclosed in this specification. This invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of this invention are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions of actual dimensions; this is stated beforehand. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this invention in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0025] It should be understood that while terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used in this document to describe various components or signals, these components or signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one component from another, or one signal from another. Furthermore, the term "or" as used herein should, as appropriate, include any combination of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0026] [First Embodiment]

[0027] See Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the first embodiment of the present invention provides a peripheral device 1 adapted to connect to a mobile device P, such as a mobile phone, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The mobile device P is integrated with the peripheral device 1, allowing for more convenient control of the mobile device P (mobile phone) through the peripheral device 1. For ease of description, the mobile device P is defined as having two pairs of edges, namely, the lateral edges P1 on the left and right sides and the short edges P2 on the top and bottom sides (see Figure 1). Figure 2 ).

[0028] Peripheral device 1 includes a body 10, a pair of connecting arms 12A and 12B, and a pair of control modules 14A and 14B. The body 10 includes a clamping unit 11. The clamping unit 11 has a pair of clamping portions 112 that can be elastically pulled apart or brought closer together. For example, the pair of clamping portions 112 can utilize a spring to achieve the function of elastically pulling apart or bringing closer together. Furthermore, it can be coupled with a guide rod or a pair of meshing gear racks for smoother relative movement. This part can utilize existing technology. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the clamping unit 11 clamps a pair of edges (i.e., lateral edges P1) of the moving device P. Figure 2 The clamping parts 112 hold the mobile device P in place. In this embodiment, the clamping parts 112 clamp the lateral edge P1 of the mobile device P, causing the mobile device P to be positioned laterally. However, the invention is not limited to this; for example, the mobile device P may also be positioned vertically.

[0029] One end of each connecting arm 12A, 12B is movably connected to one side of the body 10, such that the connecting arms 12A, 12B can move close to the side of the body 10 and be positioned in a storage location (e.g., Figure 4 (as shown), or extends away from the side of the body 10, and is located in an unfolded position (as shown). Figures 1 to 3 (As shown). The storage position refers to the position of the connecting arms 12A and 12B near the sides of the main body 10, reducing the width of the peripheral device 1 to facilitate storage; the unfolded position refers to the position where the connecting arms 12A and 12B of the peripheral device 1 extend away from the side of the main body 10, that is, the peripheral device 1 is unfolded to allow connection of the moving device P.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, each control module 14A, 14B includes at least one input unit (such as the joystick button of 141). In this embodiment, the left control module 14B has three input units 141, 142, and 145, and the right control module 14A also has three input units 141, 143, and 145. The control modules 14A, 14B are detachably connected to the other end of the connecting arms 12A, 12B.

[0031] When connecting arms 12A and 12B are in the deployed position (see...) Figure 2 , Figure 3 When control modules 14A and 14B are adjacent to the other pair of edges of the mobile device P (i.e., the short edge P2, see reference), Figure 2 The control modules 14A and 14B are wirelessly connected to the mobile device P to transmit signals from the input units (141, 142, 143, or 145) to the mobile device P.

[0032] Specifically, the peripheral device 1 in this embodiment further includes a pair of hinges 13, each connecting the pair of connecting arms 12A and 12B to the body 10. The axis X of the hinge 13 in this embodiment is inclined to the center line C of the body 10. For example, the hinge 13 can resemble a door hinge, comprising a lower half of a bushing 131 fixed to the body 10, and an upper half of a pivot 132 partially fitted inside the bushing 131, allowing the pivot 132 to be rotatably connected to the lower half of the bushing 131. The connecting arms 12A and 12B are fixed to the upper half of the pivot 132 and can rotate relative to the bushing 131 along with the pivot 132.

[0033] like Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, the peripheral device 1, wherein the connecting arms 12A and 12B can also rotate to the back of the main body 10 and be positioned in a support position. In this state, the peripheral device 1 can provide a function similar to a mobile phone holder, with the mobile device P clamped and fixed by the clamping unit 11, tilted along with the main body 10. The pair of connecting arms 12A and 12B can rotate to the back of the main body 10, acting as support legs to support the main body 10 and the mobile device P.

[0034] In addition, in this embodiment, the peripheral device 1 may have a connector 15A, 15B at the end of each connecting arm 12A, 12B. The connectors 15A, 15B are plugged into the pair of control modules 14A, 14B, and can be connected to the main body 10 via wires. In practical applications, the main body 10 may be equipped with a wireless module or a battery (not shown) to provide wireless connection to the mobile device P or to supply power to the mobile device P.

[0035] This embodiment illustrates the use of a peripheral device 1 having a pair of connecting arms 12A and 12B, and a pair of control modules 14A and 14B. However, in practical applications, the present invention can also be applied with only one connecting arm and one control module on one side of the main body 10.

[0036] [Second Embodiment]

[0037] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the peripheral device 2 includes connecting arms 22A and 22B that are slidably connected to the body 20 along a direction perpendicular to the central line C of the body 10. The body 20 has a clamping unit 21 to clamp the moving device P. A pair of control modules 24A and 24B have a insertion slot 240 formed on their back sides. The front sides of the control modules 24A and 24B are similar to those in the previous embodiment, having input units 241, 242, 243, and 245. The pair of connecting arms 22A and 22B can slide inward to be close to the body 20 and in a retracted position (not shown), or the pair of connecting arms 22A and 22B can slide outward to be in an extended position. The ends of the pair of connecting arms 22A and 22B can be inserted into the insertion slot 240.

[0038] The main difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment is that the connecting arms 22A and 22B, as well as the control modules 24A and 24B, are slid horizontally for storage or unfolding.

[0039] [Third Embodiment]

[0040] like Figures 8 to 10As shown, the peripheral device 3 in this embodiment includes a body 30, a clamping unit 31, a pair of connecting arms 32A and 32B, and a pair of control modules 34A and 34B. A pair of hinges 33A and 33B connect the pair of connecting arms 32A and 32B to the pair of control modules 34A and 34B. Specifically, as... Figure 10 As shown, the pivots of hinges 33A and 33B are located on one side of the control modules 34A and 34B, wherein the connecting arms 32A and 32B can rotate to the back of the control modules 34A and 34B and be in a stowed position (see Figure 1). Figure 10 Alternatively, it can be unfolded parallel to the back of the control modules 34A and 34B and positioned in the unfolded position, such as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown.

[0041] One end of each pair of connecting arms 32A and 32B is provided with connectors 35A and 35B for insertion into the body 30. Similar to the above embodiment, control modules 34A and 34B each have multiple input units (341, 342, 343, 345) to input signals to the mobile device P.

[0042] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0043] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the peripheral device 4 in this embodiment includes a body 40, a clamping unit 41, a pair of connecting arms 42A and 42B, and a pair of control modules 44A and 44B. One end of each pair of connecting arms 42A and 42B is rotatably connected to the top of one side of the body 40. The pair of connecting arms 42A and 42B can rotate to one side of the body 40 to be in a retracted position, or the pair of connecting arms 42A and 42B can rotate outwards by 90 degrees, perpendicular to the center line of the body 40, to be in the unfolded position.

[0044] In this embodiment, a pair of hinges 43A and 43B are respectively connected to one end of the pair of connecting arms 42A and 42B and the top sides of the main body 40. This allows the connecting arms 42A and 42B to either rest downwards against the main body 40 or unfold upwards to an unfolded position.

[0045] The other end of each of the pair of connecting arms 42A and 42B is provided with connectors 45A and 45B for insertion into the pair of control modules 44A and 44B.

[0046] Similar to the above embodiments, control modules 44A and 44B each have multiple input units (441, 442, 443, 445) to input signals to the mobile device P.

[0047] [Fifth Embodiment]

[0048] like Figures 13 to 14 As shown, the peripheral device 5 in this embodiment includes a body 50, a clamping unit 51, a pair of connecting arms 52A and 52B, and a pair of control modules 54A and 54B.

[0049] In this embodiment, one end of the pair of connecting arms 52A and 52B is detachably connected to one side of the main body 50, and the other end of the pair of connecting arms 52A and 52B is movably connected to one side of the pair of control modules 54A and 54B. The pair of connecting arms 52A and 52B can be located in a storage position or an unfolded position.

[0050] When the pair of connecting arms 52A and 52B are in the unfolded position, the pair of connecting arms 52A and 52B extend beyond the side of the body 50, wherein the pair of control modules 54A and 54B are electrically connected to the mobile device P to transmit signals from the input unit (541, 542, 543, or 545) to the mobile device P.

[0051] Specifically, the difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment lies in that one end of the pair of connecting arms 52A and 52B is rotatably connected to the bottom end of one side of the pair of control modules 54A and 54B via hinges 53A and 53B. The pair of connecting arms 52A and 52B can each rotate to one side of the pair of control modules 54A and 54B to be in a retracted position, or the pair of connecting arms 52A and 52B can rotate outwards by 90 degrees, perpendicular to the sides of the pair of control modules 54A and 54B, to be in an extended position. The other end of the pair of connecting arms 52A and 52B is connected to the body 50 via connectors 55A and 55B.

[0052] [Beneficial Effects of the Examples]

[0053] One of the advantages of this invention is that the peripheral device provided by this invention can be movably connected between the main body and the control module via a connecting arm. This allows the connecting arm to move closer to the side of the main body for a stored position, or to extend away from the side of the main body for an deployed position. Therefore, the peripheral device of this invention is advantageous for storage or portability.

[0054] The content disclosed above is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the claims of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings are included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A peripheral device adapted to be connected to a mobile device, wherein said mobile device comprises two pairs of edges, characterized in that, The peripheral device comprises: a body comprising a clamping unit clamping a pair of edges of the mobile device to hold the mobile device; at least one connecting arm, one end of which is movably connected to one side of the body, the at least one connecting arm being movable to approach the side of the body to be in a storage position or extend away from the side of the body to be in a deployment position; wherein the at least one connecting arm is further rotatable to the back of the body to be in a support position; a hinge connecting the at least one connecting arm and the body, an axis of the hinge being inclined to a center line of the body; and at least one control module, each of which comprises at least one input unit, the at least one control module being detachably connected to the other end of the at least one connecting arm; when the at least one connecting arm is in the deployment position, the at least one control module is adjacent to the mobile device for operating the mobile device.

2. The peripheral device of claim 1, wherein, The hinge comprises a shaft sleeve fixed to the body and a rotating shaft partially sleeved on the shaft sleeve, the rotating shaft being rotatably connected to the shaft sleeve, and the connecting arm being fixed to the rotating shaft.

3. The peripheral device of claim 1, wherein, The end of the at least one connecting arm is provided with a connector, the connector being plugged into the at least one control module.

4. A peripheral device adapted to be connected to a mobile device, wherein the mobile device comprises two pairs of edges, characterized in that, The peripheral device comprises: a body comprising a clamping unit clamping a pair of edges of the mobile device to hold the mobile device; at least one control module comprising at least one input unit; at least one connecting arm, one end of which is detachably connected to one side of the body, the other end of the at least one connecting arm being movably connected to one side of the at least one control module, the at least one connecting arm being movable to be in a storage position or a deployment position; wherein the at least one connecting arm is further rotatable to the back of the body to be in a support position; and a hinge connecting the at least one connecting arm and the at least one control module, a rotating shaft of the hinge being arranged at one side of the at least one control module, wherein the at least one connecting arm is rotatable to the back of the at least one control module to be in the storage position or is deployed parallel to the back of the at least one control module to be in the deployment position; when the at least one connecting arm is in the deployment position, the at least one connecting arm is away from the side of the body, and the at least one control module is adjacent to the mobile device for operating the mobile device.

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