Housing for tablet terminal

Abstract

The invention provides a housing for a tablet terminal, which can use a wired earphone without a conversion adapter even if the tablet terminal is not provided with an earphone jack. The first cover (2) is provided with: a housing (5) capable of covering the outer periphery of the tablet terminal and holding the tablet terminal; the Type-C cable (6) is electrically connected with a USB Type-C port of the tablet terminal; and a wiring board (8) that is attached to the housing (5) and connects the Type-C cable (6) and the flat cable (7). The second cover (3) is provided with: an external interface part (9) attached to the housing (11) and connected to the flat cable (7); and an earphone jack provided in the external interface unit (9). The flat cable (7) is disposed so as to pass through the inside of the connecting section (4) and traverse the connecting section (4).

Description

Case for tablet terminals Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a housing for a tablet terminal used in a tablet terminal (a tablet-type computer device).

[0002] The term "casing for tablet terminals" as used in this invention is synonymous with components commonly referred to as "casing for portable terminals," "covers for tablet terminals," "covers for portable terminals," etc., and includes all of them. Background Technology

[0003] A tablet computer is a portable, multi-functional terminal with a display resolution similar to that of a small laptop computer, and equipped with various functions such as music and video playback, internet search, email, e-book reading, online conferencing, document creation, and spreadsheet calculation.

[0004] Measures are underway to promote the use of these portable multi-functional terminals in educational settings such as schools. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) seeks to enrich the educational ICT environment and, in 2019, advocated the "GIGA School Vision" to maximize the capabilities of teachers, students, and children. It is currently promoting the installation of high-speed, high-capacity communication networks in elementary, junior high, and high schools nationwide, and providing each student with a tablet terminal.

[0005] There is a scenario where a tablet terminal is used for educational purposes, and a keyboard is installed within a protective cover to prevent damage to the tablet terminal. Furthermore, a mechanism has been proposed to include a protective cover that allows the tablet terminal to be used while upright.

[0006] For example, the cover for a foldable computer in Patent Document 1 holds the tablet terminal upright by securing one side of the tablet terminal to a locking block on a third plate on which the keyboard is mounted. Additionally, the leather cover for a tablet computer in Patent Document 2 forms a triangular support platform that fixes the front leather cover and the front substrate at an appropriate angle, thus holding the tablet computer upright.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-24178

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Application No. 3160806

[0011] Non-patent literature

[0012] Non-Patent Document 1: "2022 Apple 10.9-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Pink (10th Generation)", [online], Amazon, [searched on October 10, 2017], Internet<https: / / amzn.asia / d / 5LvG8Ta> Summary of the Invention

[0013] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0014] For tablet devices, there are products from multiple manufacturers both domestically and internationally, but one of the main products familiar to consumers is the iPad (registered trademark). In the second phase of the "GIGA School Vision" announced in April 2024, a policy was also announced to select the OS for tablet devices used in schools from three OSs from overseas manufacturers, one of which was iOS (registered trademark).

[0015] While new iPad models have been released to date, Apple announced in May 2024 that it would discontinue the simultaneous sales of previous generations, including in the Japanese market, and would henceforth uniformly sell only the latest generation models. As shown in Non-Patent Document 1, the latest 10th generation iPad differs from generations 9 and earlier in that it lacks a headphone jack on the main body.

[0016] On the other hand, headphones are used in elementary and middle school English listening classes. Generally, headphones come in wireless (based on technologies such as Bluetooth, a registered trademark) and wired (with cables). However, in educational settings where multiple students gather in the same classroom, wireless headphones may cause crosstalk between the tablets used by different students. Therefore, wired headphones, which do not pose a crosstalk concern, are required for use in school classes.

[0017] Therefore, when using the 10th generation iPad (registered trademark) as a tablet terminal for use in elementary, middle, and high schools, a separate adapter needs to be purchased because the main unit lacks a headphone jack. Previously, technologies such as those shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have been proposed for tablet terminal casings, but none of them completely solve the aforementioned problem.

[0018] The present invention was made in view of the following situation, and the first object is to realize a case for a tablet terminal that can use wired headphones even if the tablet terminal does not have a headphone jack and does not require a conversion adapter.

[0019] Furthermore, a second objective of the present invention is to provide a casing for a tablet terminal that has a structure that preemptively eliminates or overcomes some problems anticipated when used in elementary and junior high schools.

[0020] Solution for solving the problem

[0021] The housing for the tablet terminal of the present invention includes:

[0022] The first cover has an opening that exposes the display surface of the tablet terminal, and the first cover is capable of accommodating the tablet terminal.

[0023] The second cover covers the opening of the first cover in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed; and

[0024] The connecting part connects the first cover to the second cover.

[0025] The first cover has:

[0026] The frame is designed to cover the outer periphery of the tablet terminal and hold the tablet terminal in place.

[0027] A Type-C cable, which electrically connects to the USB Type-C port of the tablet terminal; and

[0028] The wiring board, mounted in the frame, connects Type-C cables to flat cables.

[0029] The second cover has:

[0030] case;

[0031] The keyboard section is mounted on the housing and formed in the center of the second cover;

[0032] External interface section, which is mounted on the housing and connects to a flat cable; and

[0033] The headphone jack is located on the external interface section.

[0034] The flat cable is configured to pass through the interior of the connector and cross the connector.

[0035] In this invention, the following structure can be adopted.

[0036] It is possible that the connecting portion has a first fabric forming a back side and a second fabric forming a side opposite to the first fabric, with a flat cable arranged between the first fabric and the second fabric.

[0037] Furthermore, a reinforcing member is installed between the first fabric and the second fabric to increase the tear strength of the connection.

[0038] The flat cable connecting the wiring substrate of the first cover to the external interface of the second cover can be a flexible printed circuit board.

[0039] It is possible that the Type-C cable has an L-shaped connector portion extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of cable extension, and a housing portion is provided in the frame to accommodate the L-shaped connector portion.

[0040] Alternatively, the Type-C cable can be stored along the inside of the perimeter of the first enclosure.

[0041] Yes, the external interface section is equipped with a Type-C port that can supply power to the tablet terminal.

[0042] It is possible that the frame covers the speaker unit located on the side of the tablet terminal using the side of the frame, and a speaker hole for emitting the sound output from the speaker unit to the outside is provided on the front edge of the frame and near the speaker unit.

[0043] Alternatively, a holder for holding the pen-type input device may be provided on the upper edge of the frame, and the holder may be provided with a protective part that covers the pen tip of the pen-type input device to prevent the pen tip from being exposed to the outside.

[0044] The first cover may be configured to include: a back panel portion that supports the back of the flat plate terminal; a lower fixing portion that is fixed to the back panel portion; and an upper folding portion that can be separated from the back panel portion and can be bent outwards with the upper end of the lower fixing portion as a fulcrum.

[0045] The back panel has a partial window that allows visual identification of the back side of the tablet terminal when the upper folding section is folded up. The window is covered with transparent resin.

[0046] The effects of the invention

[0047] In the housing for a tablet terminal of the present invention, a first cover having a frame for holding the tablet terminal is provided with a Type-C cable electrically connected to the USB Type-C port of the tablet terminal, and a wiring board for connecting the Type-C cable to a flat cable is mounted on the frame.

[0048] Furthermore, in the tablet terminal housing of the present invention, the second cover having a keyboard section in the center of the housing has an external interface section for connecting to a flat cable, and an earphone jack is provided in the external interface section.

[0049] Furthermore, the connecting portion that connects the first cover and the second cover includes: a first fabric that is continuous with the fabric covering the outer side of the first cover and the second cover; and a second fabric that covers the side opposite to the first fabric and covers the side on which the keyboard portion is formed, with the flat cable configured to be sandwiched between the first fabric and the second fabric.

[0050] A user using the tablet terminal housing of the present invention places the tablet terminal in the opening of the first housing and connects the connector of the Type-C cable disposed at the periphery of the first housing to the USB Type-C port of the tablet terminal. Thus, the Type-C cable is electrically connected to the wiring board mounted on the frame of the first housing, to the flat cable configured to cross the connecting portion, and to the headphone jack on the external interface portion disposed on the housing of the second housing.

[0051] Therefore, if the plug of a wired headphone is inserted into the headphone jack on the tablet terminal's casing, the user can use a wired headphone to listen to the sound output to the tablet terminal's USB Type-C port. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1 is a front view showing the state of the tablet terminal casing of the embodiment with the casing opened.

[0053] Figure 2(a) is a right view of the tablet terminal housing of Figure 1 with the Type-C cable removed, and Figure 2(b) is a right view of the tablet terminal housing with the housing closed.

[0054] Figure 3 is a rear view of the casing for the tablet terminal shown in Figure 1.

[0055] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the first and second covers (with the reinforcing members and the first fabric removed) viewed from the rear.

[0056] Figure 5(a) is an enlarged view of the wiring substrate in Figure 4, and Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the wiring substrate in Figure 4.

[0057] Figure 6 is the same diagram as Figure 4, showing the installation position of the reinforcing member.

[0058] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the reinforcing member in Figure 6 after it has been removed.

[0059] Figure 8(a) is a diagram illustrating the position of the connecting part 4, and Figure 8(b) is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the connecting part.

[0060] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the tablet terminal casing with the support section open, viewed from the rear.

[0061] Figure 10 is a view of the electronic device in use with the support open, as seen from the side.

[0062] Figure 11(a) is a view of the surface of the tablet terminal mounted on the tablet terminal housing of the embodiment, and Figure 11(b) is a view of the back of the tablet terminal.

[0063] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0064] 1. Housing for a tablet terminal; 2. First cover; 2a. Opening; 3. Second cover; 4. Connecting part; 4a. First fabric; 4b. Second fabric; 4c. Reinforcing member; 5. Frame; 5a. Enclosing part; 5b. Peripheral part; 5c. Side part; 5d. Front edge; 5e. Top edge; 6. Type-C cable; 6a. Connector; 6b. L-shaped connector part; 7. Flat cable; 7a. Flexible printed circuit board; 8. 9. Wiring board; 9a. External interface section; 9b. Headphone jack; 9c. Type-C port; 11. Housing; 12. Keyboard section; 19. Holder; 19a. Protective section; 21. Back panel section; 21a. Window section; 21b. Transparent resin; 22. Back cover; 23. Upper folding section; 24. Lower fixing section; 40. Pen input device; 50. Tablet terminal; 51. Display; 52. Outer perimeter section; 53. USB Type-C port; 100. Electronic device. Detailed Implementation

[0065] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0066] This embodiment envisions a tablet terminal housing 1 for use in elementary and junior high school classes. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, in the tablet terminal housing 1, a first cover 2 that houses the tablet terminal 50 and a second cover 3 that has a keyboard section 12 are connected via a connecting part 4 to form an integral housing. The first cover 2 has an opening 2a that exposes the display 51 of the tablet terminal 50, and the first cover 2 can house the tablet terminal 50 within the frame 5.

[0067] In this specification, the entirety of the tablet terminal 50 mounted on the tablet terminal housing 1 is referred to as electronic device 100. Before providing a detailed description of the structure of the tablet terminal housing 1 below, the construction of the tablet terminal 50 will first be described.

[0068] (Structure of tablet terminal 50)

[0069] Specifically, the tablet terminal 50 is the 10th generation iPad (registered trademark). Therefore, the tablet terminal 50 does not have a headphone jack.

[0070] As shown in Figure 11, the tablet terminal 50 is rectangular when viewed from above, with rounded corners. The tablet terminal 50 has a flat, plate-like shape. A display 51 is mounted on the surface of the tablet terminal 50. The display 51 is an LED-backlit display. The display 51 serves as the display surface of the tablet terminal 50.

[0071] In the startup state, multiple icons are displayed on the display 51. If the user touches an icon with their finger, the application corresponding to that icon is launched. Various buttons and connectors are provided on the outer periphery 52 of the side of the tablet terminal 50, the periphery of the front where the display 51 is located, and the periphery of the back of the tablet terminal 50.

[0072] The outer periphery 52 of the tablet terminal 50 has a USB Type-C port 53, a speaker 54, a tablet connector 55, a top button 56, and volume buttons 59. When the tablet terminal 50 is placed in a horizontal orientation, two speakers 54 are located on each of the upper and lower parts of the left and right sides. When the tablet terminal 50 is placed in a horizontal orientation, the speakers 54 are positioned on the left and right sides, forming a stereo speaker system. The tablet connector 55 is specifically a Smart Connector (registered trademark). The top button 56 is used to deactivate or restore the tablet terminal 50 to sleep mode. Additionally, the power to the tablet terminal 50 is switched on and off by pressing and holding the top button 56.

[0073] The USB Type-C port 53 and speaker 54 are located on the right side 50b of the outer periphery 52 of the tablet terminal 50. The top button 56 is located on the left side 50d of the outer periphery 52 of the tablet terminal 50. The tablet terminal 55 is located on the lower side 50a of the outer periphery 52 of the tablet terminal 50. The lower side 50a is the edge at the lower end of the tablet terminal 50 when the tablet terminal 50 is in the upright position, and the tablet terminal 55 is exposed on the lower side 50a. The volume button 59 is located on the upper side 50c of the outer periphery 52 of the tablet terminal 50.

[0074] The front periphery of the tablet terminal 50 has a front camera 57 and a front microphone 60. The front camera 57 and the front microphone 60 are arranged in the center of the upper edge of the surface where the display 51 is located, specifically the upper edge adjacent to the upper side 50c.

[0075] The tablet terminal 50 has a rear camera 58 and a rear microphone 61 on the periphery of its back side. The rear camera 58 is located at the corner of the side where the display 51 is not located, specifically at the corner adjacent to the left side 50d and the top side 50c. The rear microphone 61 is located near the rear camera 58.

[0076] The tablet terminal 50 having the above structure is mounted on the frame 5 of the first cover 2 of the tablet terminal housing 1 to form an electronic device 100.

[0077] (Main structure of the first cover 2)

[0078] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the first cover 2 has a frame 5, a Type-C cable 6, and a wiring board 8 connected to a flat cable 7.

[0079] The frame 5 covers the outer periphery 52, which serves as the side of the tablet terminal 50, and holds the tablet terminal 50 in place. The frame 5 is connected to the outer edge of the back cover 22. The frame 5 is composed of a right horizontal frame 13a, a left horizontal frame 13b, an upper frame 14a, and a lower frame 14b, each of which is opposite to the four sides of the outer periphery 52 of the tablet terminal 50.

[0080] The frame 5 is made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer), thus combining the soft elasticity of rubber with the strength of plastic. Because the frame 5 can deform elastically, the tablet terminal 50 is easy to install and remove. The frame 5 securely holds the tablet terminal 50 and protects its surroundings. While the frame 5 is made of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, other elastomers can also be used.

[0081] The first cover 2 has a Type-C cable 6 that is electrically connected to the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50.

[0082] The right horizontal frame portion 13a of the frame 5 contacts and covers the right side 50b of the flat terminal 50. The inner peripheral surface of the right horizontal frame portion 13a is a concave curved surface extending along the extending direction of the right side 50b. As shown in Figure 2(a), the right horizontal frame portion 13a has a connector hole 15 and a cable through hole 16. The cable through hole 16 is located near the connector hole 15.

[0083] The connector hole 15 is an elongated hole that penetrates the right horizontal frame 13a in the wall thickness direction and extends along the extending direction of the right horizontal frame 13a. The connector hole 15 is a hole for exposing the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50. The cable through hole 16 is a perfect circle that penetrates the right horizontal frame 13a in the wall thickness direction. The cable through hole 16 is a hole through which a portion of the Type-C cable 6 passes. The connector hole 15 and the cable through hole 16 are arranged opposite to the outer periphery 52 of the tablet terminal 50.

[0084] As shown in Figure 4, the Type-C cable 6 is concealed along the inner side of the periphery 5b of the frame 5. Most of the Type-C cable 6 is hidden inside the frame 5, so the Type-C cable 6 is not conspicuous in appearance.

[0085] Most of the Type-C cable 6 is hidden inside the housing 5, with only the connector 6a and the vicinity of the L-shaped connector portion 6b exposed on the outside of the housing 5. Therefore, with the tablet terminal 50 mounted on the first cover 2, the connector 6a can be inserted or removed relative to the USB Type-C port 53 by grasping the L-shaped connector portion 6b with a finger. Figure 3 shows the state with the L-shaped connector portion 6b removed.

[0086] The periphery 5b of the housing 5 has sufficient strength, so it is suitable to store the Type-C cable 6 along the inside of the periphery 5b of the housing 5 from the viewpoint of protecting it. Specifically, the Type-C cable 6 is stored in the periphery 5b, including the corners of the housing 5.

[0087] The Type-C cable 6 has a connector 6a and an L-shaped connector portion 6b extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the cable 6 extends. Therefore, when the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6 is inserted into the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50, the Type-C cable 6 does not bulge outwards, allowing it to be routed along the frame 5. The tablet terminal housing 1 makes the Type-C cable 6 invisible from the outside, thus providing a simple and ingeniously designed electronic device 100.

[0088] As shown in Figures 3 and 9, the frame 5 is provided with a surrounding part 5a for housing the L-shaped connector part 6b of the Type-C cable 6. The surrounding part 5a is a wall that surrounds the L-shaped connector part 6b. Considering that it is easy to pinch the L-shaped connector part 6b with fingers when installing or removing it, a part of the wall is missing.

[0089] When connector 6a is inserted into the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50, the L-shaped connector portion 6b is surrounded by the surrounding portion 5a. Furthermore, the thickness of the L-shaped connector portion 6b is the same as the thickness of the surrounding portion 5a, so the L-shaped connector portion 6b does not protrude. Therefore, when using the electronic device 100 by inserting the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6 into the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50, accidents such as students hooking their hands on the L-shaped connector portion 6b and causing the connector 6a to detach, or the electronic device 100 falling off the table due to hooking, are prevented. Additionally, excessive force applied to the connector 6a is avoided, preventing it from becoming a cause of malfunction.

[0090] The left horizontal frame portion 13b of the frame 5 contacts and covers the left side 50d of the tablet terminal 50. The inner peripheral surface of the left horizontal frame portion 13b is a concave curved surface extending along the extending direction of the left side 50d. The left horizontal frame portion 13b has a top button hole 18. The top button hole 18 is configured opposite to the top button 56 of the tablet terminal 50.

[0091] As shown in Figures 4 and 5(a), the first cover 2 has a wiring substrate 8 mounted on the frame 5 and connecting the Type-C cable 6 to the flat cable 7. Specifically, the flat cable 7 is a flexible printed circuit board 7a.

[0092] The flexible printed circuit board 7a, also known as an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit), as shown in Figure 5(b), is a bendable printed circuit board with columns of conductors 7ab arranged between two thin insulating films 7aa using an adhesive 7ac. The insulating film 7aa is, for example, a polyimide-based plastic film. The conductors 7ab are specifically made of copper foil. The adhesive 7ac is, for example, an epoxy-based adhesive.

[0093] The flat cable 7 passes through the connecting portion 4 inside the connecting portion 4 that connects the first cover 2 and the second cover 3. The flat cable 7 is configured to pass through the interior of the connecting portion 4 and cross the connecting portion 4. As the flat cable 7, for example, FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) can also be used, but if a flexible printed circuit board 7a is used, it has the advantage of excellent flexibility and bending resistance. The bending operation between the first cover 2 and the second cover 3 is repeated daily, but if a flexible printed circuit board 7a is used, it can also withstand sliding bending in narrow spaces.

[0094] The wiring substrate 8 is disposed near the lower frame portion 14b of the frame 5. The end 6c of the Type-C cable 6, opposite to the end where the connector 6a is located, is connected to the wiring substrate 8. Additionally, a flexible printed circuit board 7a is connected to the wiring substrate 8. The wiring substrate 8 serves as the substrate for exchanging data signals between the Type-C cable 6 and the flexible printed circuit board 7a.

[0095] As shown in Figures 3 and 9, the first cover 2 has a back panel 21 and a back cover 22. A window 21a is provided in the back panel 21.

[0096] The back panel 21 is made of PC (polycarbonate) material. The back panel 21 protects the back of the tablet terminal 50. Because the back panel 21 is made of polycarbonate, it has excellent impact resistance. The back cover 22 is made of PU (polyurethane). The back cover 22 has a skin-like feel and a texture close to natural leather. To prevent stains from easily adhering and to reduce the risk of slipping off the table, the back cover 22 uses a polyurethane fabric with the highest possible coefficient of static friction.

[0097] (Main structure of the second cover 3)

[0098] The second cover 3 includes a housing 11, a keyboard section 12, and an external interface section 9 that connects to a flat cable 7.

[0099] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the second cover 3 covers the opening 2a of the first cover 2 in a manner that allows the opening to be opened and closed. The second cover 3 includes a housing 11 and a keyboard portion 12 mounted on the housing 11 and formed in the center of the second cover 3.

[0100] The housing 11 is box-shaped and has internal storage space. The housing 11 is made of ABS resin, but other plastics can also be used. The housing 11 has a flat rectangular shape. Four rubber feet 11a are installed at the corners of the back side of the housing 11 to stabilize the electronic device 100 when placed on a table or similar surface.

[0101] A keyboard section 12 is disposed in the disc-shaped portion of the second cover 3. The keyboard section 12 has multiple keys and a back plate. The multiple keys are arranged in the left-right and front-back directions. The back plate is disposed in the portion of the keyboard section 12 located inside the housing 11 and supports the multiple keys.

[0102] The keyboard unit 12 receives power from the tablet terminal 50 via the USB Type-C port 53.

[0103] The second cover 3 has an external interface section 9 that is mounted on the housing 11 and connected to the flat cable 7. The external interface section 9 is a substrate equipped with terminals and ports for connecting to external devices.

[0104] The tablet terminal housing 1 includes a connecting portion 4 that connects the first cover 2 and the second cover 3. As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 8, the connecting portion 4 includes: a first fabric 4a, which forms the back side (right side of the paper in Figure 8) of the tablet terminal housing 1; and a second fabric 4b, which forms the side opposite to the first fabric 4a (left side of the paper in Figure 8). A flat cable 7 is configured to be sandwiched between the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b, and extends in a direction intersecting the length direction of the connecting portion 4.

[0105] The external interface section 9 has a headphone jack 9a. Students and other users using the tablet terminal housing 1 place the tablet terminal 50 in the opening 2a of the first housing and insert the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6 into the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50 to connect it.

[0106] At this time, in the electronic device 100, the Type-C cable 6 is electrically connected to the wiring board 8 of the frame 5 installed in the first cover 2, the wiring board 8 is electrically connected to the flat cable 7 configured to cross the connecting part 4, and the flat cable 7 is electrically connected to the external interface part 9 of the housing 11 installed in the second cover 3.

[0107] Therefore, if the plug of a wired headphone is inserted into the headphone jack 9a of the external interface 9, the user can use a wired headphone to listen to the sound output to the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50.

[0108] By using the tablet terminal housing 1, even if the tablet terminal 50 is a 10th generation iPad (registered trademark) that does not have a headphone jack on its main body, students are able to listen to English listening exercises, etc., without using a conversion adapter.

[0109] (Other structures)

[0110] In addition to the above, the casing 1 for the tablet terminal also has the following structures (1) to (6) suitable for use in primary and junior high school education.

[0111] 1) As shown in Figure 2, the external interface section 9 located on the second cover 3 also has a Type-C port 9b capable of supplying power to the tablet terminal 50. When the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6 is inserted into the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50, the Type-C port 9b of the external interface section 9 becomes usable. Therefore, if the user inserts a charging cable into the Type-C port 9b, the tablet terminal 50 can be charged.

[0112] Assuming that the Type-C port 9b is not set, whenever the power of the tablet terminal 50 is depleted, the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6 needs to be unplugged from the tablet terminal 50, and the charging cable needs to be plugged into the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50 to supply power. When fully charged, the charging cable is unplugged again, and the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6 is plugged into the USB Type-C port 53.

[0113] When users are elementary or middle school students, the handling of the device is relatively casual. Therefore, the more times the Type-C cable 6 is plugged and unplugged, the higher the probability of damage to either the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50 or the Type-C cable 6. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the Type-C port 9b together with the external interface part 9 of the second cover 3. This reduces the opportunities for plugging and unplugging the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6.

[0114] 2): As shown in Figures 6-8, a reinforcing member 4c, which increases the tear strength of the connecting part 4, is installed between the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b. The reinforcing member 4c is made of nylon, for example. As shown in Figure 7, the reinforcing member 4c has a horizontally elongated rectangular shape and is a member with the same length in the left-right direction as the connecting part 4. Mounting holes 4ca and 4cb are provided at both ends of the reinforcing member 4c in the vertical direction. The reinforcing member 4c is fastened to the ends of the first cover 2 and the second cover 3 by threads using the mounting holes 4ca and 4cb.

[0115] As shown in Figure 8(b), the interior of the connector 4, starting from the back side of the flat panel terminal housing 1, is sequentially arranged with a first fabric 4a, a flat cable 7 (flexible printed circuit board 7a), a reinforcing member 4c, and a second fabric 4b. The reinforcing member 4c is sandwiched between the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b and is not visually visible from the outside. The reinforcing member 4c can significantly improve the tear strength of the connector 4.

[0116] When the users are elementary or middle school students, the equipment may be handled carelessly, potentially causing tearing forces on the connecting portion 4 located between the first cover 2 and the second cover 3. By providing the reinforcing member 4c, damage to the connecting portion 4 can be prevented. Furthermore, if tearing forces are applied to the connecting portion 4, the flat cable 7 housed within it may also be damaged. Increasing the strength of the connecting portion 4 by providing the reinforcing member 4c also prevents damage to the flat cable 7.

[0117] 3): The frame 5 covers the speaker 54 (see Figure 9) which is provided on the side of the tablet terminal 50 by the side 5c of the frame 5. As shown in Figure 1, a speaker hole 17 for emitting the sound output from the speaker 54 to the outside is provided on the front edge 5d of the frame 5 near the speaker 54.

[0118] Therefore, the speaker 54 of the tablet terminal 50 is covered by the frame 5, which prevents dust and water from entering the speaker 54. On the other hand, since the speaker hole 17 is located near the speaker 54 and rotated 90 degrees, the user of the tablet terminal 50 can hear the same sound as usual.

[0119] 4): As shown in Figure 9, a holder 19 for holding the pen input device 40 is provided on the upper edge 5e of the frame 5. The holder 19 has a protective part 19a that covers the pen tip of the pen input device 40 to prevent the pen tip from being exposed to the outside. Thus, if the student puts the pen input device 40 into the holder 19, the pen tip is covered by the protective part 19a, so the pen tip will not be exposed to the outside, and the student can be prevented from being injured by the pen tip.

[0120] The upper edge 5e of the frame 5, which is equipped with the retainer 19, is the upper surface of the upper frame portion 14a of the frame 5. The upper frame portion 14a contacts and covers the upper edge 50c of the tablet terminal 50. The upper frame portion 14a has a volume button notch 20. The volume button notch 20 is configured opposite to the volume button 59 of the tablet terminal 50.

[0121] 5) As shown in Figure 9, the first cover 2 includes: a back plate portion 21 that supports the back of the flat plate terminal 50; a lower fixing portion 24 that is fixed to the back plate portion 21; and an upper folding portion 23 that can be separated from the back plate portion 21 and can be bent outwards with the upper end 24c of the lower fixing portion 24 as a fulcrum. The back cover 22 is composed of the upper folding portion 23 and the lower fixing portion 24. The back cover 22 is a quadrilateral plate, specifically a rectangular plate.

[0122] The back panel 21 has a partial window 21a that allows visual identification of the back side of the tablet terminal 50 when the upper folding section 23 is folded. The window 21a is covered by a transparent resin 21b. The resin 21b constituting the window 21a is transparent polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a resin that can achieve high transparency and excellent impact resistance.

[0123] Therefore, in primary and junior high schools, a sticker with the management number is usually pasted on the back of the tablet terminal 50, but the management number can be confirmed when the tablet terminal 50 is installed in the first cover 2.

[0124] The back panel 21 has a rear camera hole 29. The rear camera hole 29 is an oval-shaped hole that penetrates the back panel 21 in the wall thickness direction. Additionally, the upper folding portion 23 also has a rear camera hole 28. The rear camera hole 28 is an oval-shaped hole that penetrates the upper folding portion 23 in the wall thickness direction. The rear camera holes 28 and 29 have the same shape and size, and are arranged opposite to the rear camera 58 of the tablet terminal 50. Because the rear camera holes 28 and 29 are oval-shaped, not only the rear camera 58 can be exposed, but also the rear microphone 61 located near the rear camera 58 can be exposed.

[0125] The tablet terminal housing 1 has a locking plate 25 mounted on the upper side of the first cover 2. A magnet is mounted on the locking plate 25 as a locking unit, as shown in FIG2(b). When the electronic device 100 is in the storage state, the magnet engages with a magnet mounted on the second cover 3 (not shown) to maintain the storage state of the electronic device 100.

[0126] Additionally, as explained below, the locking plate 25 is also used when the electronic device 100 is in an upright position during use.

[0127] 6) As shown in Figure 3, the housing 1 for the tablet terminal includes a support portion 26. When the upper folding portion 23 is separated from the back plate portion 21, the support portion 26 can be bent toward the back plate portion 21 using the first bending line 23a provided on the upper folding portion 23 and the second bending line 24a provided on the lower fixing portion 24 as fulcrums. The left and right ends of the support portion 26 have cutouts 26a and 26b in the vertical direction. The support portion 26 is composed of a first piece 23b and a second piece 24b, and can be bent at the junction of the first piece 23b and the second piece 24b. A magnet capable of engaging with the surface of the locking piece 25 is provided on the second piece 24b.

[0128] Therefore, when using the tablet terminal 50, by engaging the locking piece 25 with the second piece 24b of the support portion 26, as shown in FIG10, the triangular structure 27 formed by the upper folding portion 23 and the first piece 23b, the second piece 24b and the locking piece 25, and the lower fixing portion 24 is maintained, keeping the tablet terminal 50 mounted on the first cover 2 in an upright position. Furthermore, the locking unit provided on the locking piece 25 and the second piece 24b can also be a surface-type snap fastener.

[0129] According to the above description of the tablet terminal housing 1 of this embodiment, if the user connects the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6 to the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50, the Type-C cable 6 and the wiring board 8, the wiring board 8 and the flat cable 7, and the flat cable 7 and the headphone jack 9a of the external interface section 9 are electrically connected.

[0130] Therefore, if the plug of a wired headphone is inserted into the headphone jack 9a of the tablet terminal housing 1, the user can use a wired headphone to listen to the sound output to the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50.

[0131] According to this embodiment, in addition to the tablet terminal 50 being protected by the first cover 2 from impacts when it is dropped, even when the electronic device 100 is used for educational purposes in elementary or junior high schools, the addition of the above-described detailed structure can suppress damage to the tablet terminal 50 and the tablet terminal housing 1.

[0132] This invention is not limited to the examples described above. As long as it falls within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims, the implementation method can be appropriately modified.

[0133] That is, the above-described embodiments are preferred examples of the present invention, and other embodiments can also be adopted by various methods. Unless otherwise specified in this specification, the present invention is not limited to the shape, size, and structural configuration of the components shown in the drawings.

[0134] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the structures described in the above embodiments can be combined, and structures can be added, omitted, or replaced with other structures.

[0135] For example, the structure in which a window portion 21a is provided in the back panel portion 21 has been described, but the size of the window portion 21a is not limited to the size shown in FIG1, etc., and may also be a smaller window portion 21a. In addition, the shape of the window portion 21a is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may also be, for example, an oval shape.

[0136] In addition, a structure in which a nylon reinforcing member 4c is provided between the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b for the purpose of improving the strength of the connecting part 4 has been described, but a structure in which both the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b are made of nylon and no reinforcing member 4c is provided is also possible.

[0137] [Postscript]

[0138] Hereinafter, the structures of the embodiments and variations described above, including those other than those described in the claims, will be noted.

[0139] (Note 1)

[0140] A casing 1 for a tablet terminal, wherein,

[0141] The tablet terminal housing 1 includes:

[0142] The first cover 2 has an opening 2a that exposes the display surface 51 of the tablet terminal 50, and the first cover 2 is capable of accommodating the tablet terminal 50.

[0143] The second cover 3 covers the opening 2a of the first cover 2 in a manner that allows the opening to be opened and closed; and

[0144] Connecting part 4 connects the first cover 2 and the second cover 3.

[0145] The first cover has:

[0146] The frame 5 covers the outer periphery 52 of the tablet terminal 50 and holds the tablet terminal 50 in place.

[0147] Type-C cable 6, which is electrically connected to USB Type-C port 53 of tablet terminal 50; and

[0148] The wiring board 8, mounted on the frame 5, connects the Type-C cable 6 to the flat cable 7.

[0149] The second cover has:

[0150] Casing 11;

[0151] The keyboard section 12 is mounted on the housing 11 and formed in the center of the second cover 3;

[0152] External interface 9, which is mounted on housing 11, is connected to flat cable 7; and

[0153] The headphone jack 9a is located on the external interface section 9.

[0154] The flat cable 7 is configured to pass through the interior of the connector 4 and cross the connector 4.

[0155] (Note 2)

[0156] According to Appendix 1, the casing 1 for the tablet terminal, wherein,

[0157] The connecting portion 4 has a first fabric 4a forming the back side and a second fabric 4b forming the side opposite to the first fabric 4a, and the flat cable 7 is arranged between the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b.

[0158] Furthermore, a reinforcing member 4c is installed between the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b to increase the tear strength of the connecting part 4.

[0159] (Note 3)

[0160] According to Appendix 1 or 2, the casing 1 for the tablet terminal, wherein,

[0161] The flat cable 7 is a flexible printed circuit board 7a.

[0162] (Note 4)

[0163] According to Appendix 1 or 2, the casing 1 for the tablet terminal, wherein,

[0164] The Type-C cable 6 has a connector 6a and an L-shaped connector portion 6b extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the cable 6 extends. The frame 5 is provided with a surrounding portion 5a for accommodating the L-shaped connector portion 6b.

[0165] (Note 5)

[0166] According to Appendix 4, the tablet terminal housing 1, wherein...

[0167] The Type-C cable 6 is stored along the inside of the perimeter 5b of the housing 5.

[0168] (Note 6)

[0169] According to Appendix 1 or 2, the casing 1 for the tablet terminal, wherein,

[0170] The external interface section 9 also has a Type-C port 9b that can supply power to the tablet terminal 50.

[0171] (Note 7)

[0172] According to Appendix 1 or 2, the casing 1 for the tablet terminal, wherein,

[0173] The frame 5 covers the speaker 54 located on the side of the tablet terminal 50 by means of the side portion 5c of the frame 5, and a speaker hole 17 for emitting the sound output from the speaker 54 to the outside is provided on the front edge 5d of the frame 5 near the speaker 54.

[0174] (Postscript 8)

[0175] According to Appendix 1 or 2, the casing 1 for the tablet terminal, wherein,

[0176] A holder 19 for holding a pen-type input device is provided on the upper edge of the frame 5. The holder 19 has a protective part 19a that covers the pen tip of the pen-type input device to prevent the pen tip from being exposed to the outside.

[0177] (Note 9)

[0178] According to Appendix 1 or 2, the casing for the tablet terminal, wherein,

[0179] The first cover has the following features:

[0180] The back panel 21 supports the back of the flat plate terminal 50;

[0181] The lower fixing part 24 is fixed to the back plate part 21; and

[0182] The upper folding portion 23 can be separated from the back panel portion 21 and can be bent outward with the upper end 24c of the lower fixing portion 24 as a fulcrum.

[0183] The back panel 21 is provided with a partial window 21a that allows visual identification of the back side of the tablet terminal 50 when the upper folding part 23 is folded. The window 21a is made of transparent polycarbonate.

[0184] (Postscript 10)

[0185] According to Appendix 2, the tablet terminal housing 1, wherein,

[0186] The reinforcing component 4c is made of nylon.

[0187] (Postscript 11)

[0188] According to Appendix 1, the casing 1 for the tablet terminal, wherein,

[0189] The connecting portion 4 has a first fabric 4a forming the back side and a second fabric 4b forming the side opposite to the first fabric 4a, and the flat cable 7 is arranged between the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b.

[0190] Furthermore, both the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b are made of nylon.

[0191] (Postscript 12)

[0192] According to Appendix 1 or 2, the casing for the tablet terminal, wherein,

[0193] The first cover has the following features:

[0194] The back panel 21 supports the back of the flat plate terminal 50;

[0195] The lower fixing part 24 is fixed to the back plate part 21;

[0196] The upper folding portion 23 can be separated from the back panel portion 21 and can be bent outwards using the upper end 24c of the lower fixing portion 24 as a fulcrum; and

[0197] The support portion 26, when separating the upper folding portion 23 from the back plate portion 21, can be bent toward the back plate portion 21 using the first bending line 23a provided on the upper folding portion 23 and the second bending line 24a provided on the lower fixing portion 24 as fulcrums.

[0198] The support portion 26 is composed of a first piece 23b and a second piece 24b having a locking unit. It can be bent at the junction of the first piece 23b and the second piece 24b. The left and right ends of the support portion 26 are provided with cutouts 26a and 26b in the vertical direction.

[0199] By engaging the locking piece 25 with locking unit installed on the upper side of the first cover 2 with the second piece 24b, the triangular structure 27 formed by the upper folding part 23 and the first piece 23b, the second piece 24b and the locking piece 25, and the lower fixing part 24 is maintained, thus keeping the flat plate terminal 50 installed on the first cover 2 in an upright position.

[0200] (Postscript 13)

[0201] According to Appendix 12, the casing for the tablet terminal, wherein,

[0202] The locking units provided on locking plate 25 and second plate 24b are magnets or planar fasteners.

[0203] (Postscript 14)

[0204] According to Appendix 1 or 2, the casing 1 for the tablet terminal, wherein,

[0205] The frame 5 has: a connector hole 15 for exposing the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50; and a through hole 16 located near the connector hole 15 for a portion of the Type-C cable 6 to pass through, with only the portion of the Type-C cable 6 near the letter L-shaped connector portion 6b exposed to the outside of the frame 5.

[0206] (Postscript 15)

[0207] An electronic device 100, wherein,

[0208] The electronic device 100 includes a flat panel terminal housing 1 as described in any of Appendices 1 to 14 and a flat panel terminal 50 housed in a first cover 2.

[0209] Industrial availability

[0210] This invention was conceived for educational use in schools, private academies, etc., but its application is not limited. It can be widely used as a keyboard cover for tablet terminals. For example, it can also be used in commercial facilities such as showrooms and office reception areas.

Claims

1. A casing for a tablet terminal, wherein, The tablet terminal housing includes: a first cover having an opening that exposes the display surface of the tablet terminal and is capable of housing the tablet terminal; a second cover that covers the opening of the first cover in a manner that allows the first cover to be opened and closed; and a connecting portion that connects the first cover and the second cover. The first cover has a frame that covers the outer periphery of the tablet terminal and holds the tablet terminal. A Type-C cable is provided, which is electrically connected to the USB Type-C port of the tablet terminal. The second cover includes: a housing; a keyboard portion mounted on the housing and formed in the center of the second cover; and an external interface portion mounted on the housing and connected to the flat cable. And an earphone jack, which is located in the external interface portion, and the flat cable is configured to pass through the interior of the connector portion and traverse the connector portion.

2. The housing for a tablet terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting portion has: a first fabric forming a back side surface; and a second fabric forming a side surface opposite to the first fabric, the flat cable being configured to be sandwiched between the first fabric and the second fabric, and a reinforcing member capable of increasing the tear strength of the connecting portion being installed between the first fabric and the second fabric.

3. The housing for a tablet terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The flat cable is a flexible printed circuit board.

4. The housing for a tablet terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The Type-C cable has an L-shaped connector portion extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of cable extension, and the frame is provided with a surrounding portion for receiving the L-shaped connector portion.

5. The housing for a tablet terminal according to claim 4, wherein, The Type-C cable is stored along the inside of the perimeter of the frame.

6. The housing for a tablet terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The external interface section also has a Type-C port that can supply power to the tablet terminal.

7. The housing for a tablet terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The frame covers the speaker unit located on the side of the tablet terminal using the side portion of the frame, and a speaker hole for emitting sound output from the speaker unit to the outside is provided on the front edge of the frame, near the speaker unit.

8. The housing for a tablet terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A holder for holding a pen-type input device is provided at the upper edge of the frame. The holder has a protective part that covers the pen tip of the pen-type input device to prevent the pen tip from being exposed to the outside.

9. The housing for a tablet terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first cover includes: a back panel portion that supports the back of the tablet terminal; a lower fixing portion that is fixed to the back panel portion; and an upper folding portion that can be separated from the back panel portion and can be bent outward with the upper end of the lower fixing portion as a fulcrum. The back panel portion is provided with a window portion that allows visual identification of a portion of the back side of the tablet terminal when the upper folding portion is folded. The window portion is made of transparent resin.

Images