Keyboard cover and protective case for flat panel electronic device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a keyboard protective cover and protective shell of flat-panel electronic equipment, the keyboard protective cover includes keyboard assembly, the protective shell for the separable storage flat-panel electronic equipment and support, the support includes base and the support plate that can open a certain angle or close to base, keyboard assembly sets up in the base, the support plate is equipped with a plurality of first conductor, a plurality of first conductor and keyboard assembly wired connection, make the signal that keyboard assembly produces can be passed to first conductor. The protective shell and support plate are detachably combined together and are supported by the support plate, the protective shell is equipped with a plurality of second conductor, a plurality of first conductor and a plurality of second conductor one-to-one corresponding contact and electrically conductive, the protective shell is equipped with the connector with second conductor electricity, the connector is used for the interface cooperation connection with flat-panel electronic equipment, makes keyboard signal input for flat-panel electronic equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of accessories for tablet electronic devices, and more particularly to a keyboard cover and protective shell for tablet electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] Tablet-based electronic devices, such as tablets and e-readers, are popular due to their portability. For protection and ease of operation, users typically equip these devices with keyboard cases. A keyboard case generally includes a keyboard and a protective cover, housing both the tablet and keyboard. When using the tablet, users can input and control it via the keyboard; after use, both the keyboard and the tablet are stored in the protective cover.

[0003] However, existing keyboard protectors generally use Bluetooth to enable wireless communication between the keyboard and tablet electronic devices. Due to the signal delay in Bluetooth signals, problems such as unsmooth operation occur. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a keyboard cover and protective shell for a tablet electronic device with limited connectivity.

[0005] In a first aspect, a keyboard protective case for a tablet electronic device includes a keyboard assembly, a protective shell for detachably housing the tablet electronic device, and a support. The support includes a base and a support plate that can open at a certain angle or close relative to the base. The keyboard assembly is disposed on the base. The support plate has a plurality of first conductors electrically connected to the keyboard assembly, allowing keyboard signals generated by the keyboard assembly to be transmitted to the first conductors. The protective shell is detachably combined with and supported by the support plate. The protective shell has a plurality of second conductors, with each of the first and second conductors making corresponding contact and electrically conducting. The protective shell also has a connector electrically connected to the second conductors, which is used to connect with the interface of the tablet electronic device, allowing keyboard signals to be input to the tablet electronic device.

[0006] Furthermore, the connector is retractably fitted to the protective shell, allowing the connector to have an extended state and a retracted state; in the extended state, the connector is detached from the interface; in the retracted state, the connector is inserted into the interface.

[0007] Furthermore, in the extended state, the plurality of first conductors and the second plurality of conductors are separated; in the contracted state, the plurality of first conductors and the second plurality of conductors are in contact.

[0008] Furthermore, the protective shell is provided with a telescopic structure for retractably assembling the connector onto the protective shell.

[0009] Furthermore, the telescopic structure includes a sliding connection portion disposed on the protective shell and a limiting structure disposed on the protective shell. The sliding connection portion is connected to the connector and can slide back and forth relative to the protective shell under the action of external force. The limiting structure is used to restrict the sliding connection portion from sliding within a preset range of the protective shell.

[0010] Furthermore, the sliding connection slides relative to the protective shell along a straight line.

[0011] Furthermore, the sliding connection includes a flexible circuit board electrically connected to the connector, and an operating part fixed on the flexible circuit board and connected to the connector. The plurality of second conductors are disposed on the flexible circuit board and exposed outside the protective shell. One of the flexible circuit board and the limiting structure is provided with a slot, and the other is provided with a locking part. The slot and the locking part cooperate to restrict the sliding connection from sliding within the slot.

[0012] Furthermore, the sliding connection is disposed on the front side of the protective shell, the front side of the protective shell is opposite to the support plate, the flexible circuit board is provided with the slot, and the limiting structure is provided with a locking part, which is a protrusion disposed on the front side of the protective shell.

[0013] Furthermore, the base is also provided with a power interface, and the power interface and the keyboard assembly are electrically connected to the first conductor via wires. At least two of the first conductors are connected to the live wire.

[0014] Secondly, this application also provides a protective case for a tablet electronic device, wherein the protective case is the same as the keyboard protective case for the aforementioned tablet electronic device.

[0015] In the above embodiments, the protective case can be wired to the interface via a connector, enabling wired communication between the tablet electronic device and the keyboard assembly, ensuring that the tablet electronic device can stably and quickly receive signals generated by the keyboard. Furthermore, the protective case is detachable from the stand, allowing for easy handheld operation of the tablet electronic device. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario for the keyboard protective cover of a tablet electronic device provided in this application embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The first exploded perspective view of the keyboard cover for a tablet electronic device shown is shown, the keyboard cover for the tablet electronic device including a protective shell.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Another angle view of the keyboard cover for the board-type electronic device shown.

[0020] Figure 4 The first exploded perspective view of the protective case for the flat-panel electronic device shown in Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 5 The first embodiment of this application provides a schematic diagram of the first state of the protective shell, wherein the protective shell is provided with a sliding connection portion.

[0022] Figure 6 The diagram shows the second state of the protective shell as shown in Figure 5.

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 5 The exploded 3D view of the protective shell is shown.

[0024] Figure 8 for Figure 5 Another exploded perspective view of the protective shell shown.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the sliding connection shown in Figure 5.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the sliding connection shown in Figure 9 from another angle.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a first exploded view of the protective shell provided in the second embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 12 for Figure 11 The second exploded view of the protective shell is shown.

[0029] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] To provide a clearer and more accurate understanding of the contents of this application, a detailed description will now be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate examples of embodiments of this application, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements. It is to be understood that the scale shown in the accompanying drawings is not the actual scale of this application, and is for illustrative purposes only, and is not a drawing based on the original dimensions.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 1 A keyboard protective case 1 for a tablet electronic device includes a keyboard assembly 10, a protective shell 20 for detachably housing the tablet electronic device 9, and a stand 30. The stand 30 can be opened or closed. When the stand 30 is open, it supports the tablet electronic device 9 at an adjustable angle; when closed, it houses the tablet electronic device 9. The support for the tablet electronic device 9 includes, but is not limited to, portable electronic devices such as tablet computers, PDAs, and e-readers. In this embodiment, the tablet electronic device 9 is provided with an interface 91, which can be a signal interface, a power interface, or an integrated signal and power interface. The following description uses an integrated interface 91 as an example.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 2-3 The bracket 30 includes a base 31 and a support plate 32 that can open or close relative to the base 31 at a certain angle. The support plate 32 is provided with a plurality of first conductors 320, which are electrically and wiredly connected to the keyboard assembly 10. In this embodiment, each first conductor 320 is a pin. The structure and connection relationship between the base 31 and the support plate 32 can be implemented using any existing technology and are not limited herein.

[0036] The base 31 is also equipped with a connection interface (not shown) for electrical connection between the charging interface 33 and the charging interface 33.

[0037] The keyboard assembly 10 is disposed on the base 31. The keyboard assembly 10 is provided with a signal interface (not shown). The signal interface is also electrically connected to the connection interface. The connection interface is wired and electrically connected to the first conductor 320 via a wire 35, so that the keyboard signals generated by the keyboard assembly 10 and the power signals (charging current) of the keyboard protective cover 1 can be transmitted through several first conductors 320. The wire 35 is a flexible ribbon cable. In this embodiment, the wire 35 has at least two live wires, and at least two first conductors 320 are respectively connected to the live wires, so that it can withstand a large current.

[0038] The protective shell 20 is detachably assembled with and supported by the support plate 32. The protective shell 20 has a plurality of second conductors 201, and the plurality of first conductors 320 and the plurality of second conductors 201 are detachably coupled and electrically conductive, and can also withstand large currents. In this embodiment, the second conductors 201 are contacts. The protective shell 20 also has a connector 22 electrically connected to the second conductors 201. The connector 22 is used to connect with the interface 91 of the tablet electronic device 9, so that the keyboard signals generated by the keyboard assembly 10 are input to the tablet electronic device 9. The keyboard signals generated by the keyboard assembly 10 are generated by user pressing operations and are used to input corresponding instructions to the tablet electronic device 9 to control the tablet electronic device 9 to perform corresponding operations.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The connector 22 is retractably fitted to the protective housing 20, allowing the connector 22 to have an extended state and a retracted state. In the extended state, the connector 22 is detached from the interface 91; in the retracted state, the connector 22 is inserted into the interface 91.

[0040] Specifically, the connector 22 is telescopic through the telescopic structure 23 provided on the protective housing 20. That is, the telescopic structure 23 is used to allow the connector 22 to be telescopically assembled onto the protective housing 20.

[0041] Please refer to the following: Figures 7-8 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the protective shell 20 in the first embodiment. The protective shell 20 includes a shell 21 that is generally semi-enclosed. When the tablet electronic device 9 is housed in the protective shell 20, the tablet electronic device 9 is located inside the shell 21 and is attached to the inner surface 210. The shape of the tablet electronic device 9 is adapted to the shape of the inner surface 21.

[0042] The housing 21 includes a bottom 211 and a side portion 213 surrounding the bottom 211. The bottom 211 includes a back surface 212 that abuts against the support plate 32 and a front surface 214 disposed opposite to the back surface 212. The housing 21 also has a notch 215. In this embodiment, a protective layer 217 covers the front surface 214. In some embodiments, the protective layer 214 may be made of fabric or leather. The entire inner surface 210 of the housing 21 is covered with a protective layer 217.

[0043] In this embodiment, the telescopic structure 23 is disposed inside the protective shell 20. Specifically, the telescopic structure 23 is disposed between the inner surface 210 of the shell 21 and the protective layer 217. The telescopic structure 23 includes a sliding connection portion 231 disposed on the protective shell 20 and a limiting structure 233 disposed on the protective shell 20. The sliding connection portion 231 is connected to the connector 22 and can reciprocate relative to the protective shell 20 under the action of external force. The limiting structure 233 is used to restrict the sliding connection portion 231 from sliding within a preset range of the protective shell 20.

[0044] Please refer to 9- Figure 10 Specifically, the sliding connection portion 231 and the limiting structure 233 are both disposed on the front side 214 of the housing 21. The sliding connection portion 231 includes a flexible circuit board 2310 electrically connected to the connector 22, and an operating portion 2312 fixed on the flexible circuit board 2310 and connected to the connector 22. A plurality of second conductors 201 are disposed on the flexible circuit board 2310 and exposed outside the protective housing 20. The flexible circuit board 2310 is provided with a slot 2314. The operating portion 2312 is located at the notch 215. The operating portion 2312 is generally L-shaped and is an integrally molded injection part. The operating portion 2312 includes a first part 23120 located on the front side 214 and a second part 23122 perpendicularly connected to the first part 23120. The first part 23120 is provided with an opening 23124, through which a plurality of second conductors 201 are exposed. Connector 22 is located inside the second part 23122 and is arranged parallel to the first part 23120. The width of the second part 23122 is greater than the width of the first part 23120, and the two sides of the second part 23122 that protrude from the first part 23120 are also provided with notches 23126 to facilitate the user to operate the operating part 2312 to slide the connecting part 231, thereby extending and retracting the connector 22.

[0045] The limiting structure 233 is provided with a locking part 2330, which is located on the front side 214 of the protective shell 20. The locking part 2330 and the locking groove 2314 cooperate with each other to restrict the sliding connection part 231 from sliding within the locking groove 2314. Specifically, when the sliding connection part 231 is assembled with the shell 21, the locking part 2330 is located within the locking groove 2314 and close to the side 213.

[0046] In this embodiment, the protective shell 20 is further provided with an isolation pad 219, which is disposed on one side of the limiting structure 233 and is used to cover the flexible circuit board 2310. That is, the flexible circuit board 2310 located on the front 214 and exposed is covered by the isolation pad 219.

[0047] After the telescopic structure 23 is installed on the housing 21 and the isolation pad 219 covers the flexible circuit board 2310, the protective layer 217 is fixed to the front surface 214, thereby covering the front surface 214 with the protective layer 217 and concealing the telescopic structure 23 and other components located on the front surface 214 of the housing 21. In this embodiment, the protective layer 217 is fixed to the front surface 214 with adhesive. Since the isolation pad 219 covers the flexible circuit board 2310, the adhesive is prevented from sticking to the flexible circuit board 2310, thus ensuring that the sliding connection 231 can slide smoothly.

[0048] Therefore, the sliding connection 231 can slide back and forth a preset distance in the slot 2314, allowing the connector 22 to extend and retract relative to the protective shell 20. Specifically, the extendable distance of the connector 22 is equal to the preset distance of the sliding connection 231 in the sliding direction. More specifically, the preset distance is the length of the slot 2314. Since the second conductor 201 is disposed on the sliding connection 231, the second conductor 201 can move with the sliding connection 231, causing the positional relationship between the second conductor 201 and the first conductor 320 to change accordingly (e.g., Figures 5-6 Specifically, in the extended state, the first connecting conductor 320 and the second connecting conductor 21 are separated. In the retracted state, the first connecting conductor 320 and the second connecting conductor 21 are in contact.

[0049] When connector 22 is plugged into interface 91, the first connecting conductor 320 and the second connecting conductor 21 come into contact, allowing keyboard signals and power signals to be transmitted to interface 91 through connector 22. This enables wired communication between the tablet electronic device 1 and the keyboard assembly 10, and also allows charging of the tablet electronic device 1. Since the first conductor 320 and the second conductor 201 can withstand a large current, fast charging of the tablet electronic device 1 is possible.

[0050] In the above embodiments, the protective case 20 can be wired to the interface 91 via the connector 21, enabling wired communication between the tablet electronic device 1 and the keyboard assembly 10, ensuring that the tablet electronic device 1 can stably and quickly receive keyboard signals. Furthermore, the protective case 20 can be detached from the stand 30, allowing the tablet electronic device 1 to be easily handheld and operated.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 11-12 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the protective shell 20' in the second embodiment. The difference between the protective shell 20' in the second embodiment and the protective shell 20 in the first embodiment lies in the telescopic structure 23' and the cooperation relationship between the telescopic structure 23' and the shell 21'.

[0052] Specifically, the telescopic structure 23' includes a limiting structure 233' disposed on the back surface 212 of the protective shell 20', and a sliding connecting portion 231' disposed on the back surface 212 and connected to the connector 22. The sliding connecting portion 231 includes a flexible circuit board 2310' electrically connected to the connector 22, and an operating portion 2312' disposed on the flexible circuit board 2310'. A locking portion 2330' is provided at one end of the flexible circuit board 2310' away from the operating portion 2312. A plurality of second conductors 201 are disposed on the flexible circuit board 2310'. The locking portion 2330' is a lug that symmetrically protrudes outward from both sides of the flexible circuit board 2310'.

[0053] The limiting structure 233' includes a slot 2314' provided on the back side 212. The slot 2314' has a latch 2316 near the side 213. Along the sliding direction perpendicular to the sliding connection 231', the width of the position where the flexible circuit board 2310' has the locking part 2330' is greater than the width of the flexible circuit board 2310' and the width of the latch 2301, but smaller than the width of the slot 2314', so that the sliding connection 231' is restricted by the locking part 2312 and the latch 2301 and can only move within the slot 2314'. That is, the size at one end of the slot 2314' is reduced, thereby restricting the moving connection 231' to move only within the slot 2314'.

[0054] Correspondingly, since the telescopic structure 23' is provided on the back side 212, the back side 212 is also provided with a protective layer 217'.

[0055] Understandably, the telescopic structure can be fixed to either the front or back of the protective shell. Meanwhile, the slot in the telescopic structure can be located on either the flexible circuit board or the limiting structure, and the locking part can be located on the other.

[0056] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

[0057] The above-listed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of this application shall still fall within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A keyboard protective case for a tablet electronic device, comprising a keyboard assembly, a protective shell for detachably housing the tablet electronic device, and a stand, characterized in that: The bracket includes a base and a support plate that can open or close relative to the base at a certain angle. The keyboard assembly is disposed on the base. The support plate is provided with a plurality of first conductors. The plurality of first conductors are electrically connected to the keyboard assembly, so that the keyboard signals generated by the keyboard assembly can be transmitted to the first conductors. The protective shell is detachably combined with the support plate and supported by the support plate. The protective shell is provided with a plurality of second conductors. The plurality of first conductors and the plurality of second conductors are in one-to-one contact and electrically connected. The protective shell is also provided with a connector electrically connected to the second conductors. The connector is used to connect with the interface of the tablet electronic device to enable the keyboard signal to be input to the tablet electronic device.

2. The keyboard cover of claim 1, wherein, The connector is retractably fitted to the protective shell, allowing the connector to have an extended state and a retracted state; in the extended state, the connector is detached from the interface; in the retracted state, the connector is inserted into the interface.

3. The keyboard cover of claim 2, wherein, In the extended state, the plurality of first conductors and the second plurality of conductors are separated; in the contracted state, the plurality of first conductors and the second plurality of conductors are in contact.

4. A protective cover for a keyboard as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein, The protective shell is provided with a telescopic structure for retractable assembly of the connector onto the protective shell.

5. The keyboard cover of claim 4, wherein, The telescopic structure includes a sliding connection portion disposed on the protective shell and a limiting structure disposed on the protective shell. The sliding connection portion is connected to the connector and can slide back and forth relative to the protective shell under the action of external force. The limiting structure is used to restrict the sliding connection portion from sliding within a preset range of the protective shell.

6. The keyboard cover of claim 5, wherein, The sliding connection slides relative to the protective shell along a straight line.

7. The keyboard cover of claim 6, wherein, The sliding connection includes a flexible circuit board electrically connected to the connector, and an operating part fixed on the flexible circuit board and connected to the connector. The plurality of second conductors are disposed on the flexible circuit board and exposed on the protective shell. One of the flexible circuit board and the limiting structure is provided with a slot, and the other is provided with a locking part. The slot and the locking part cooperate to restrict the sliding connection from sliding within the slot.

8. The keyboard cover of claim 7, wherein, The sliding connection part is disposed on the front side of the protective shell, the front side of the protective shell is opposite to the support plate, the flexible circuit board is provided with the slot, the limiting structure is provided with a locking part, and the locking part is a protrusion disposed on the front side of the protective shell.

9. The keyboard cover of claim 2, wherein, The base is also provided with a power interface, and the power interface and the keyboard assembly are electrically connected to the first conductors via wires. At least two of the first conductors are connected to the live wire.

10. A protective case for a flat panel electronic device, characterized by, The protective shell is the protective shell in the keyboard protective cover of the tablet electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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