Tablet holder for mounting a mobile device

Abstract

Holder (1) for holding a mobile device (ME) with a clamping device (2) with two jaws (4, 5) mounted on a guide carriage (3) so as to be displaceable against each other in a longitudinal direction (L), which are coupled to each other via a movement mechanism (6) such that when one of the jaws (4, 5) moves relative to the guide carriage (3), the opposite jaw is moved synchronously relative to the guide carriage (3), wherein the clamping device (2) is a locking device (10) with - comprising an adjustable blocking element (11) which, in a blocking position (I), blocks the movement mechanism (6), and wherein the locking device (10) is characterized in that it - has a locking mechanism (13) with a locking tool receptacle (18) to move the blocking element (11) from or into the blocking position (I) by means of a separate, removable locking tool (SW) received in the locking tool receptacle (18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tablet holder for mounting a mobile device, comprising a clamping device with two jaws mounted on a guide carriage so as to be slidably relative to each other in a longitudinal direction, for clamping the mobile device. The jaws are coupled to each other via a movement mechanism such that when one jaw moves relative to the guide carriage, the opposite jaw moves synchronously relative to the guide carriage. For the purposes of this invention, a mobile device is understood to be, in particular, a flat communication device with a display on one flat surface, for example, a tablet PC (referred to simply as a tablet), a smartphone, an eBook reader, or similar device. Holders of the type mentioned above for holding tablets, smartphones, eBook readers, or the like are now also referred to in the market as "tablet holders."Therefore, this term will also be adopted in the following, whereby the term "tablet holder" is not to be understood restrictively within the scope of the invention, but rather as a holder that can hold not only tablets but also other mobile devices, in particular smartphones and eBook readers. Examples can be found in US 2015 / 0 196 140 A1 and US 2014 / 0 263 931 A1.

[0002] Normally, users carry such devices with them. However, in many situations, there is also a need to operate the device conveniently and to position it so that the screen is easily visible to several people without having to hold the device themselves. For this purpose, the devices must be held in a holder in such a way that one flat side, namely the display area with the touchscreen, is as unobstructed as possible. Typical locations for such tablet holders include, for example, in vehicles, at presentation booths such as in museums, at trade fairs or sales exhibitions, in shops where mobile devices are to be presented, and also at desks.

[0003] Especially in presentation and sales areas, there is a high risk of mobile devices being stolen without authorization. To prevent this, the device can be secured with additional elements, such as eyelets firmly glued to the back of the device and connected to a holder via a security cable. However, such locks require modification or intervention on the mobile device's casing. Furthermore, it would be desirable for the device to be secured as discreetly as possible.

[0004] A holder of the aforementioned type for mobile phones was already described in DE 92 16 190 U1. Here, two jaws are coupled to each other via rack-like elements and a common gear. Springs normally push the two jaws apart, unless the mechanism is blocked by a locking mechanism. This lock can be easily released from the outside with a button, allowing the jaws to move apart. When the lock is engaged, the jaws can only be pushed together in the clamping direction, thus allowing the mobile phone to be clamped securely with one hand. To remove the mobile phone, the locking button must be released again. While this mechanism allows for one-handed operation of the mobile phone holder, it does not offer any theft protection.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a holder of the type mentioned at the outset with an alternative safeguard or at least a very effective inhibition against unauthorized removal of the mobile device from the holder.

[0006] This problem is solved by a holder according to claim 1.

[0007] The holder according to the invention for mounting a mobile device, in particular a tablet PC and / or smartphone, has, as described above, a clamping device with two jaws mounted on a guide carriage so as to be slidable relative to each other in a longitudinal direction, i.e., in an opening / closing direction. The guide carriage can, for example, be designed as a type of frame or housing with guides for the jaws. It can be attached, preferably movably, to any base element or structure, such as a stand, arm, or the like. The jaws serve to clamp the mobile device securely.These jaws are coupled to each other via a mechanism, which, as described in more detail below, can be housed in a cavity of the guide carriage. This mechanism ensures that when one jaw moves relative to the guide carriage, the opposite jaw moves synchronously relative to the guide carriage. That is, if one jaw moves towards the center of the guide carriage, the other jaw automatically moves as well, since the jaws move towards each other and, conversely, move apart when one jaw is pulled outwards. The jaws thus perform a synchronous, but opposing, movement relative to each other.

[0008] According to the invention, this clamping device has a locking device with at least the following elements: - an adjustable locking element which, in a locking position, blocks the movement mechanism and - a locking mechanism with a locking tool receptacle to move the blocking element from or into the blocking position by means of a separate, removable locking tool held in the locking tool receptacle.

[0009] The locking tool must be adapted to the locking tool holder, or vice versa. Examples of such locking tools and locking tool holders include a key as the locking tool and a corresponding lock as the locking tool holder, or, in simpler cases, an Allen key as the locking tool. ® -key, a triangular key, a Torx ® A wrench, or in the simplest case a screwdriver with a specific profile at the tip, is used. However, more complex shapes are preferred, such as at least an Allen key. ® -key or a Torx ®-Key. The locking tool receptacle is then shaped accordingly. Using this locking tool, the locking element can now be moved out of the locked position to unlock the movement mechanism, allowing the jaws to be moved relative to the guide carriage and thus enabling the removal of a device held in the tablet holder. It is clear that with such a locking tool, the locking element can also be moved back into the locked position when it is in the open position, in which the movement mechanism is not blocked. Since, as mentioned above, the locking tool is separate from the holder according to the invention—i.e., not attached to it, but rather removable and portable like a key—the owner of the tablet holder or the mobile device can keep this locking tool for safekeeping.

[0010] Unlike previous security devices, the locking tool receptacle for a special locking tool is integrated into the tablet holder as part of the locking mechanism. This ensures that the movement mechanism can be securely blocked, and under normal circumstances, free movement is impossible without the appropriate locking tool. Therefore, external additional security devices, especially those that are immediately visible from the outside and thus easily destroyed by a potential thief, such as cables or chains, are unnecessary.

[0011] Further particularly advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention result from the dependent claims and the following description, whereby features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments.

[0012] There are various options for the specific design of the locking mechanism.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the locking device is designed such that, in the locked position, the locking element engages positively with at least one movable element of the movement mechanism, thus blocking it. Alternatively, it would also be possible for the locking element not to engage positively, but merely to be pressed against it in a clamping manner, without a positive locking action; in this case, the locking is achieved essentially by friction. If, for example, the movement mechanism comprises at least one toothed element, the locking device is preferably designed such that, in the locked position, the locking element engages with the toothed element, i.e., with its teeth.

[0014] The movement mechanism can, for example, as explained above, comprise at least opposing rack elements as gearing elements, i.e., racks or bars with at least one toothed edge, each assigned to one of the jaws, i.e., coupled to it or integrated into the jaw part. The movement mechanism can then also include at least one suitable gear as a further gearing element, via which these rack elements are coupled to one another. In such a movement mechanism, the locking device can preferably be designed such that the locking element engages in the gear and / or one of the rack elements or its teeth in the locking position.

[0015] The movement mechanism may preferably also include at least one return element, such as a spring. This element preferably pushes the jaws into a closed position, i.e., the jaws are moved towards each other by the return element. A compression spring is preferably used, as it operates particularly quietly or silently. Several such return elements can also be used in parallel.

[0016] Preferably, the locking element comprises at least one tooth for engaging a tooth of the toothed element, which has a pressure surface chamfered with respect to a direction of movement of the locking element such that, when the locking element is moved along the direction of movement into the locking position, this pressure surface presses the toothed element in a direction that moves the jaws towards each other. That is, when such a tooth of the locking element engages in the tooth of the toothed element, the jaws are automatically pressed further in the clamping direction.

[0017] The locking element can advantageously be movably mounted in a locking element guide, which, for example, can particularly preferably be arranged in or on the guide slide, and preferably be linearly displaceable. Most preferably, the locking element is mounted linearly displaceable parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide slide, i.e., also parallel to the direction of movement of the jaws.

[0018] The locking mechanism preferably includes a gear for coupling the locking element to the locking tool receptacle, in order to move the locking element from or into the locking position when a locking tool held in the locking tool receptacle is rotated about an axis of rotation (hereinafter also referred to as the "key rotation axis"). Since such a gear converts the type of movement from a rotation of the locking tool about the key rotation axis to a linear movement of the locking element, there is a reduced risk of the locking mechanism being released without a locking tool simply by applying outward pressure to the jaws. A preferred, because particularly simple, embodiment of such a gear is a screw drive.

[0019] Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a drive rod coupled to the locking element, which can be adjusted by means of the locking tool so that the locking element is moved from or into the locking position. In a particularly simple and therefore preferred embodiment, this drive rod has the locking tool receptacle at one end face; that is, it is connected at a free end facing away from the locking element, for example, by an Allen key. ® - or Torx- ® -equipped with a wrench holder or the like. To create a screw thread, such a drive rod can preferably be designed as a threaded spindle with at least one threaded section, which is mounted in a spindle nut. The spindle nut can, for example, be mounted in the guide slide. Instead of a threaded section, the drive rod can also be designed entirely as a threaded rod.

[0020] The locking mechanism is preferably designed such that the locking tool receptacle itself is located inside a housing of the tablet holder, preferably in a housing of the guide carriage. The locking tool receptacle is only accessible via a channel leading to the outside of the housing. Thus, the locking tool receptacle is not visible from the outside, and a potential thief unfamiliar with the complete mechanism cannot determine, even by visual inspection, which tool could be used to open it. This would require a more thorough examination of the tablet holder, which would typically be noticed in presentation rooms. Particularly preferably, the housing is designed such that the channel can also be closed or covered on the outside, so that the locking tool receptacle would not be visible even through the channel.

[0021] The jaws can be designed as simple clamping jaws, which, for example, have flat pressure surfaces that press against the terminal device at the side edge.

[0022] To hold the device as securely as possible between the jaws and prevent it from being pried out between the closed jaws, which cannot be opened due to the improved locking mechanism, the jaws preferably have claws that grip the mobile device being held at two opposite edges. A single claw may be present on each jaw, but preferably several – e.g., two – arranged parallel to each other, which may also be connected to each other via bridges or similar means. A space may remain between the claws to allow for the routing of a cable for the device.

[0023] The claws are preferably designed such that a claw overhang, i.e. the length of a part of the claw with which it can grip the tablet to be held on the front, is at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 6 mm.

[0024] Preferably, the tablet holder has at least one contact surface against which the mobile device being held rests with its back facing away from the display, and / or at least one inner surface of the claws is provided with a non-slip surface. This prevents or at least significantly hinders the mobile device from being pulled out of the jaws laterally, especially if they have claws. This design is therefore advantageous even without the special locking mechanism, but it complements it effectively.

[0025] Preferably, the inner surface of each claw can be provided with a rubber-elastic surface. A rubber-elastic surface is understood to be a surface or surface part made of a material such as an elastomer, rubber, silicone rubber, or similar material, which significantly hinders or even prevents the sliding of a smooth surface relative to this material. A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is particularly preferred for this purpose.

[0026] The non-slip surfaces, particularly those made of rubber-elastic material, can preferably be implemented as claw inserts, which can be clipped inside the claws or otherwise attached to them. Ideally, these claw inserts should be removable from the claws even when the tablet holder is not in use, for example, by unclipping them for replacement. This may be necessary to replace them after extended use, or to use different claw inserts for different mobile devices, ensuring a better fit to the edge shape of each device. Alternatively, the claws can have a non-slip coating on their inner surfaces.

[0027] In addition to the claws, or alternatively, the jaws can each have a contact surface against which the back of a mobile device rests. This contact surface is coated with a non-slip, particularly rubber-elastic, material. This coating can be applied to the jaws themselves or be a separate, flat component that is bonded to the jaw. The non-slip surface can also be made of a material such as elastomer (especially TPE), rubber, silicone rubber, or similar. This provides more resistance to lateral movement of the mobile device, which typically has a very smooth back. Such rubber-elastic surfaces are particularly effective when the mobile device's casing is made of metal, which is often the case with high-end mobile devices.In one variant, both jaws have such a rubbery, elastic surface. However, it is also possible for only one jaw to have such a rubbery, elastic surface.

[0028] In a particularly preferred variant, the tablet holder features a non-slip surface and a contact area against which the back of a mobile device rests. This contact area is equipped with an adhesive surface. In addition to the rubber-elastic surface, for example, a contact area is designed so that the back of the mobile device adheres to it. Such adhesive surfaces can be formed with an adhesive backing, similar to that found on sticky notes. Preferably, the adhesive surface can be formed by a microstructured silicone film. Here, the adhesion is based on van der Waals forces. The silicone film can preferably be microstructured to have approximately 29,000 adhesive elements per cm². 2 It exhibits [something]. However, it can also have an even finer structure.

[0029] The adhesive surface does not allow any lateral movement of the mobile device relative to this adhesive surface; rather, it is only possible to remove the mobile device essentially perpendicular to the adhesive surface, whereby no adhesive material is released onto the surface of the tablet by the adhesive surface, i.e., the adhesive surface detaches from the back of the tablet without leaving any residue.

[0030] Such a contact surface area with an adhesive coating can also be part of the contact surface of one of the jaws. Preferably, this is the jaw that is at the bottom when the mobile device is clamped onto the tablet holder, so that the tablet can be positioned in the lower claws and placed against the surface area with the adhesive coating. When the jaws are slid together, the upper jaw then slides onto the mobile device, and the claws of the upper jaw also grip the device at its upper edge.

[0031] In a particularly preferred variant, the adhesive surface is arranged on a separate mounting surface element, which can be coupled to the guide carriage in an area between the at least partially opened jaws. For example, this mounting surface element can have a suitable profile that allows it to be fitted precisely onto the guide carriage. It can also have projections or similar features to provide a secure grip in the guide rails of the guide carriage. With the aid of such a separate mounting surface element, tablet holders with additional protection against the mobile device being pulled out laterally between the jaws or claws can also be retrofitted.

[0032] The guide carriage is preferably pivotably attached to a base of the tablet holder, particularly preferably about an axis that is perpendicular to the surface of the mobile device, so that the mobile device can be pivoted, in particular, from a portrait to a landscape position and back.

[0033] The base itself can, in principle, be designed in any form, e.g., as a swivel arm that can pivot in several directions, as a foldable stand that can be placed on a table surface, as a base with a fastening element for screwing it to a table, a shelf, a wall or even a ceiling, or with a clamp for attaching it to any object, etc. Likewise, the base can also be designed as a stand that can be placed on the floor.

[0034] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures and exemplary embodiments. Identical components in the various figures are designated with identical reference numerals. The figures are generally schematic. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective front view of an embodiment of a tablet holder according to the invention with a tablet PC held therein, Fig. 2 a side view of a detailed perspective top view of the tablet holder from Fig. 1 with the tablet PC contained therein, Fig. 3 a perspective front view of the exemplary embodiment of the tablet holder according to Fig. 1, but without a tablet PC, Fig. 4. A top view of one jaw of the tablet holder. Fig. 1 to 3, but without a tablet PC, Fig. 5 a perspective under-view of the cheek after Fig. 4 without lids, Fig. 6. A lower view of the cheek. Fig. 5 with lids, Fig. 7 a top view of a base part of a housing of the guide carriage of the tablet holder of the Fig. 1 to 4, Fig. 8 a bottom view of a housing cover of a housing of the guide carriage of the tablet holder of the Fig. 1 to 4, Fig. 9 a cross-section through the clamping device of the tablet holder of the Fig. 1 to 4, Fig. 10. a longitudinal section (parallel to the tablet surface) through the clamping device of the tablet holder of the Fig. Figures 1 to 9, viewed from the rear, illustrate an embodiment of the movement mechanism and the locking device, with a blocking element in the blocking position. Fig. 11 a section through the clamping device of the tablet holder as in Fig. 10, however with the locking element in the open position, Fig. 12 a perspective view of an embodiment of a claw insert of the tablet holder of the Fig. 1 to 4, Fig. 13 a perspective view of an embodiment of an additional mounting surface element for a tablet holder of the Fig. 1 to 4.

[0035] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the tablet holder 1 has a base 90 in the form of a table leg, which includes a base plate 91 for placing the tablet holder 1 on a tabletop (not shown). A swivel arm 92 is arranged on this base plate 91 via a swivel joint 94. The clamping device 2 of the tablet holder 1 is attached to this arm at an upper end region 95 via a coupling element 97. The mobile device ME is held in this clamping device 2. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 a standard tablet PC (hereinafter, the mobile device ME will also be referred to simply as "tablet" without restriction to the general public).

[0036] With the aid of the swivel joint 94, the arm 92 can be pivoted about a pivot axis S2 extending perpendicular to the tabletop or base plate 91, so that the tilt of the tablet relative to the viewer can be adjusted. Preferably, the swivel joint 94 is self-locking and remains in any set position.

[0037] The coupling element 97 interacts with a coupling element 77 on the guide carriage 3 such that the clamping device 2 with a tablet ME located therein can be rotated about a rotary axis S1 perpendicular to the surface of the tablet holder or the display surface of the held tablet ME, thus allowing the tablet to be moved from the Fig. The horizontal position shown in Figure 1 can be changed to a vertical position. The axis of rotation S1 runs perpendicular to the pivot axis S2 of the swivel arm 92. The swivel arm 92 has an opening 96 through which a cable for the tablet ME can be routed.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows the tablet holder 1 in an open position to receive a tablet ME, but without the tablet ME. The clamping device 2 has a guide carriage 3, which is visible here in a central area, and two jaws 4, 5 arranged to be slidable in a longitudinal direction L on it, each jaw having claw parts 46 at its ends. These claw parts 46, which will be described in more detail later, are used to clamp the tablet ME, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown, gripped at two opposite edges and thus clamped between jaws 4, 5.

[0039] Inside the guide carriage 3 there is a movement mechanism 6, by which the two jaws 4, 5 are coupled to each other in such a way that when one of the jaws 4, 5 moves relative to the guide carriage 3, the opposite jaw 5, 4 is moved synchronously relative to the guide carriage 3.

[0040] An essential component of this movement mechanism 6 are two racks 41, each rack 41 being assigned to a jaw 4, 5. The jaws 4, 5 are located in the Fig. Figures 4 to 6 are shown in more detail. Each has a housing 40 in which a mounting section 45 of a rack 41 running parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the clamping device 2 is attached on the inside. This rack 41 has a toothed edge 42 on a section projecting beyond the respective jaw 4, 5. The rack 41 is arranged laterally to a central axis running parallel to the longitudinal direction L in each of the two clamping jaws 4, 5, which are otherwise identical in construction, and the toothed edge 42 is directed towards this virtual central axis. If two such jaws 4, 5 are arranged as in the position shown in Fig. 3. When arranged opposite each other, the two tooth edges 42 of the racks 41 of the two jaws 4, 5 point towards each other, leaving a gap between them. In this area between the racks 41 is located (see e.g. Fig. 9) a matching gear 7 mounted in the guide slide 3, which meshes with the tooth edges 42, thereby providing mechanical coupling of the racks 41 and thus of the jaws 4, 5.

[0041] On the housings 40 of the jaws 4, 5, the claw parts 46 with claws 47 are attached at the end opposite the side where the rack 42 protrudes from the housing 40. To prevent the inner side with the rack 41 attached therein from being accessible to the user from the rear, even with the jaws 4, 5 pulled far apart, the jaws 4, 5 are provided with a cover 50 on their rear side (see Fig. 6), which has a semicircular cutout 51 in the direction of the racks to allow sufficient clearance for the coupling element 77 when the guide slide is retracted. This cover 50 then rests against the rear of the guide slide 3, i.e., the housings 40 of the jaws 4, 5 each enclose one end of the guide slide 3, or, when the jaws 4, 5 are retracted, each half of the guide slide 3 is almost completely enclosed by a housing 40 of the jaws 4, 5.

[0042] The racks 41 each have, on their side facing away from the tooth edge 42, a spring-loaded support rod 43 coupled to the main part of the rack 41 via a web 44, which runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rack 41. One end of a compression spring 54 is inserted over this spring-loaded support rod 43 (see e.g. Fig. 4 and Fig. 6), each of which rests with its other end on a support surface 64 in the guide carriage 3 (see e.g. Fig. 9). These compression springs 54 act as return elements 54 to ensure that the jaws 4, 5 are pressed into the closed position.

[0043] The construction of a guide carriage 3 usable in conjunction with these jaws 4, 5 is derived from the Fig. Figures 7 to 9 are shown. The guide carriage 3 has a housing 30, which includes a base part 70 and a cover 60. Fig. Figure 7 shows this base part 70 and Fig. 8 the lid 60 and Fig. Figure 9 shows a cross-section through the clamping device 2 in the central area of ​​the guide carriage 3, from which the assembly of the housing 30 is clearly visible. As can be seen, the cover 60, like the base part 70, is U-shaped in cross-section, but slightly narrower, so that the cover 60 can be precisely fitted with its side edges between the side edges of the base part 70.

[0044] The base part 70 of the housing 30 of the guide carriage 3 is connected in a central area to a gear bearing counterpart 75 for coupling with a gear bearing 68 (see Fig. 8) for the gear 7 and a coaxially arranged annular coupling element 77 for coupling with the coupling element 97 on the swivel arm 95. Furthermore, this base part 70 contains guide rails 71 for guiding the racks 41, each of which has a groove adapted to these guide rails 71 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the rack 41. This is shown, for example, in the cross-section of the Fig. 9 can be seen quite well. Furthermore, this base part contains guides 72 in the form of grooves for the compression springs 54. In an area between the central gear bearing 75 and an edge facing one of the jaws, the base part 70 also has a bearing 73 in which a spindle nut 17 can be received, which is used for the locking mechanism 13 of the movement mechanism 6, as will be shown later with reference to the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 is explained.

[0045] The gear bearing 68 is centrally located in the cover 60. The gear 7 is rotatably mounted on this gear bearing 68, which is supported by the gear bearing counterpart 75 in the base part 70, about a central axis ZA running perpendicular to the flat side of the cover 60 (see Fig. 8 and Fig. 9) A screw 74 can be inserted through the gear bearing 68 from the front through the housing 30 of the guide carriage 3 to fasten it to the coupling element 97 on the swivel arm 92 of the base 90, which interacts with the coupling element 77 on the housing 30 of the guide carriage 3. The screw 74 can be covered at the top by a cover 76.

[0046] Guide rails 62 run laterally alongside this gear 7 in the longitudinal direction L, engaging in grooves on the upper sides of the racks 41 (see Fig. 9) Matching the racks 41 of the jaws 4, 5, slots 61 are also arranged in the cover 60 between the guide rails 62, extending from the opposite end face to just above a center line of the cover 60, i.e., to behind the gear 7. In the area of ​​these slots 61, the racks 41 are coupled to the jaws 4, 5. These slots 61 also have a good cross-section of Fig. 9. Parallel to the guide rails 62, guides 63 in the form of grooves for the compression springs 54 also run here. These are each closed at an end face adjacent to the slot 61 provided for the rack 41 to which the respective compression spring 54 is assigned, by a support surface 64 for the compression springs 54. The compression spring 54 of a rack 41 is thus clamped between this support surface 64 and the web 44 of the respective rack 41 to the spring bearing rod 43 arranged thereon (see e.g. Fig. 10), so that the compression spring 54 pushes the respective jaw 4, 5 towards the center of the guide carriage 3. This ensures that the jaws 4, 5 are pressed together again without external force.

[0047] Furthermore, the cover 60 of the guide carriage 3 contains a locking element guide 65 for a locking element 11, as well as a bearing 66 for the spindle nut 17 of the locking device 10, which will be explained later. Additionally, a channel 67 for a locking tool SW is arranged here, which is coaxial with the locking element guide 65 and the bearing 66 for the spindle nut 17 (in Fig. 8 in the lower area of ​​the housing cover). When the base part 70 and the cover 60 are assembled, the spindle nut 17 of the locking device 10 is securely held between the bearings 66 and 73.

[0048] The entire movement mechanism 6 for coupling the two jaws 4, 5 in the guide carriage 3 and the locking device 10 are now described using the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 explained in more detail. The following are shown Fig. Figures 10 and 11 each show a section through the assembled clamping device 2 with jaws 4, 5 pushed together, viewed from the rear, i.e. from the direction of the back of the clamping device 2 (where the front of the clamping device 2 is the side on which the tablet is clamped).

[0049] As can be seen here, the dimensions of the two racks 41 and the gear 7 are chosen such that the gear 7 engages with the tooth edges 42 of the racks 41. If one of the two jaws 4, 5 is now pulled out of the housing 30 of the guide slide 3, the gear 7 is moved via the tooth edge 42 of the corresponding rack 41, which then automatically moves the other jaw 5, 5 via the tooth edge 42 of the rack 41. Thus, both jaws 4, 5 always move in opposite directions in a synchronous manner.

[0050] To keep a Tablet ME as secure as possible and to prevent unauthorized opening or sliding apart of the jaws 4, 5, so that the Tablet ME can be removed from the clamping device 2, a locking device 10 is used.

[0051] This includes, as an essential component, the locking element 11, which is slidably mounted in the locking element guide 65 in a direction of movement B. This locking element 11 consists of a relatively stable, 5 mm high (measured perpendicular to the image plane) plastic block with teeth 12 molded onto it, pointing towards the gear 7.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 10 shows this locking element 11 in a locking position I, in which the teeth 12 of the locking element 11 engage with the teeth of the gear 7. Fig. Figure 11 shows the locking element 11 in an open position II, in which the jaws 4, 5 can be moved. The teeth 12 have a shape that is chosen such that when the locking element 11 is inserted from the open position II to the locking position I, the gear 7 is preferably rotated in one direction, so that the racks 41 are moved slightly in a direction in which the jaws 4, 5 contract further.

[0053] As can be seen here, the locking element 11 is arranged between the racks 41 in the housing 30 of the guide slide 3, and the linear displacement of the locking element in the locking element guide 65 in the direction of movement B occurs parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the guide slide 3, i.e., parallel to the direction of movement of the jaws 4, 5. To displace the locking element 11 linearly in direction B, it is coupled to a drive rod 19. This drive rod 19 has a head 15 facing the locking element 11, with a diameter that is thickened at the end face and thinned at a distance from this end face, i.e., an annular groove. By means of this thickened head 15, the locking element 11 is positively coupled to the drive rod 19 and thus follows the movement of the drive rod 19 in the direction of movement B.

[0054] In a central section, the drive rod 19 has a threaded section 14 which, together with the spindle nut 17, which is held stationary in the housing 30 of the guide slide 3 in the bearings 66, 73, forms a relatively simple screw drive 20. When the drive rod 19 is rotated about its longitudinal axis, the key rotation axis R, this automatically causes the drive rod 19 to screw in or out, and thus a linear displacement of the locking element 11 in the direction of movement B. Consequently, by rotating the drive rod 19, it is possible to move the locking element 11 from the open position II to the locked position I or vice versa.

[0055] The locking tool receptacle 18 is integrated into the end face of the outer end region 16 of the drive rod 19, which points away from the blocking element 11. This locking tool receptacle 18 is adapted to the shape of a suitable locking tool SW, so that this locking tool SW can engage in the locking tool receptacle 18 to rotate the drive rod 19 about the key rotation axis R. The drive rod 19 of the locking tool receptacle 18 and the spindle nut 17 thus form a locking mechanism 13 for moving the blocking element 11 from or into the locked position I by means of a locking tool held in the locking tool receptacle 18.

[0056] In Fig. 11 is schematically represented as a simple locking tool SW, an Allen key. ®-key shown. To enable the locking tool SW to engage with its tip in the locking tool receptacle 18 of the drive rod 19, locking tool channels 67, 53 are located on separate axes in both the housing 30 of the guide slide 3 and in the housing of at least one of the jaws 4, 5. The claw parts 46 have a locking tool opening 52 at the corresponding location, through which the locking tool can be inserted into the channel 53, 67. Without a more detailed examination, it is not possible to discern from the outside what the locking tool receptacle 18 looks like or which locking tool SW could be used to actuate the locking mechanism 13 or open the locking device 10.

[0057] Each claw part 46 of the jaws 4, 5 has two claws 47 connected to each other by a bridge 48. This creates a passage 49 between the claws 47 for a cable to connect to the tablet ME, since the cable connection is located in the middle of one edge of most tablets.

[0058] The claws 47 have a claw projection k of at least 5–6 mm. This makes it virtually impossible to pry open the claws 47 against the normal tolerances of the components of the movement mechanism 6 and the locking device 10 without tools.

[0059] To prevent the tablet ME from being pulled laterally out of the claws 47, which are securely locked in the holding position by means of the locking device 10, the claws 47 are provided on their inner sides with special claw inserts 80. The claw inserts 80 are designed in the form of a block with a bottom surface 81 and a top surface 82, such that they can be clipped into the claws 47, with the bottom surface 81 facing towards the top surface of the respective jaw 4, 5, against which the back of a held tablet ME rests. Additionally, the claw inserts can also have fastening elements on the sides facing the claws, i.e., on the bottom surface 81, the top surface 82, and / or back surface, which interact positively with corresponding fastening elements (not shown), e.g., to form tongue-and-groove connections, etc.Towards the open side, the claw inserts 80 have a recess 83, preferably with a ridge 84, which presses against the front of the tablet ME when the claw 47 or the claw insert 80 grips the tablet ME at its edge. An example of such a claw insert 80 is shown in perspective in . Fig. 12 shown. Differently shaped claw inserts 80, optimized for different tablet types, can also be provided for a tablet holder 1.

[0060] For additional security, at least one of the two jaws 4, 5 is provided with a special contact surface 8 with a rubber-elastic surface. This can be a rubber-elastic insert, preferably made of TPE, or a rubber-elastic coating or the like. The rubber-elastic surface ensures that parallel displacement of the back of the tablet ME on the surface is strongly hindered.

[0061] Furthermore, it can also be ensured that at least one of the surfaces is equipped with an adhesive surface that adheres slightly to the back of the tablet. This adhesive surface is created by a microstructured silicone film with approximately 29,000 adhesive elements per cm². 2 or more educated.

[0062] Such an adhesive surface 102, which is not required for every tablet type, can also be arranged in a contact area 101 of a separate contact surface element 100, which can be coupled to the guide carriage 3 between the jaws 4, 5. Such a contact surface element 100 is in Fig. Figure 13 shows a U-shaped, bridge-like profile with a flat U-shaped web 104, on which the contact surface area 101 with the adhesive surface 102 is located, and two U-shaped legs 103 extending downwards from this contact surface area 101, i.e., towards its rear side, perpendicular to this contact surface area 101. The clear internal dimension between these U-shaped legs 103 has a width e, which corresponds to the width b (see Figure 13). Fig. 7) of the housing 30 of the guide carriage 3 corresponds so that this contact surface element 100 can be placed on the guide carriage 3 between the open jaws 4, 5 and can be moved on it in the longitudinal direction L.

[0063] The height a of this additional contact surface element 100 in the longitudinal direction L is only 16 mm. The thickness d of the U-shaped web 104 corresponds to the thickness of the housing of the jaws 4, 5, including the contact surface 8 in the area of ​​the wall facing the rear of the tablet ME. That is, when the contact surface element 100 is slid onto the guide carriage 3 between the open jaws 4, 5, the contact surfaces 8 of the jaws 4, 5, together with the contact surface area 101 of the contact surface element 100, form a continuous flat surface. The adhesive surface 102 is located in the area of ​​the contact surface area 100. This surface adheres stickily to the rear of a mobile device ME placed against it and prevents lateral movement of the rear of the tablet ME relative to this contact surface element 100.Since the contact surface element 100 is laterally fixed to the guide carriage 3 via the U-shaped legs 103, the tablet ME can no longer be pulled out laterally between the jaws 4 and 5. To remove the tablet ME, the contact surface element 100 simply needs to be placed against the already separated jaws on the guide carriage 3 and pushed against the lower jaw. The tablet ME is then placed with its lower edge behind the claws of the lower jaw and leaned against the adhesive surface 102 of the contact surface element 100. The jaws 4 and 5 can then be pushed together again, and the movement mechanism 6 can be securely closed using the locking device 10, as described previously.

[0064] Finally, it should be noted once again that the devices described in detail above are merely exemplary embodiments which can be modified in various ways by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the special features of the variants described above can also be combined with one another, if necessary. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite articles "a" or "an" does not preclude the possibility that the features in question may be present multiple times. Reference symbol list 1 tablet holder 2 clamping device 3 guide carriages 4 cheek 5 cheek 6 Movement mechanism 7 Gear / gear element / movable element 8 contact surfaces 10 Locking device 11 Blocking element 12 teeth 13 Locking mechanism 14 Thread section 15 heads 16 End range 17 Spindle nut 18 Locking tool holder 19 Connecting rod 20 screw gearboxes 30 cases 40 cases 41 Rack / gear element / movable element 42 Tooth edge 43 Spring bearing rod 44 Bridge 45 Fastening section 46 claw part 47 Claw 48 Bridge 49 Passage 50 lids 51 Excerpt 52 Locking tool opening 53 Locking tool channel 54 Return element / compression spring 60 lids 61 slots 62 guide rails 63 guided tours 64 Support surface 65 Locking element guide 66 Storage 67 Locking tool channel 68 gear bearings 70 Base part 71 guide rails 72 guided tours 73 Storage 74 screw 75 Gear bearing counterpart 74 Fastening part 76 lids 77 Coupling element 80 claw inserts 81 Underside 82 Top 83 Indentation 84 bulge 90 base 91 Base plate 92 Swivel arm 94 Swivel joint 95 End range 96 Breakthrough 97 Coupling element 100 attachment surface elements 101 Plant area 102 Adhesive surface 103 U-leg 104 U-bridge ME mobile device / tablet SW locking tool S2 swivel axis S1 rotary axis ZA central axis R key rotation axis B Direction of movement L Longitudinal direction a height b width d thickness e width k claw overhang I Blocking position II Opening position

Claims

[1] Holder (1) for holding a mobile terminal device (ME) with a clamping device (2) having two jaws (4, 5) mounted on a guide carriage (3) so as to be displaceable relative to each other in a longitudinal direction (L), which are coupled to each other via a movement mechanism (6) such that when one of the jaws (4, 5) moves relative to the guide carriage (3), the opposite jaw is moved synchronously relative to the guide carriage (3), wherein the clamping device (2) is a locking device (10) with - comprising an adjustable blocking element (11) which, in a blocking position (I), blocks the movement mechanism (6), and wherein the locking device (10) characterized by is that they - has a locking mechanism (13) with a locking tool receptacle (18) to move the blocking element (11) from or into the blocking position (I) by means of a separate, removable locking tool (SW) received in the locking tool receptacle (18). [2] Holder according to claim 1, wherein the locking device (10) is designed such that the blocking element (11) engages in at least one movable element (7) of the movement mechanism (6) in the blocking position (I). [3] Holder according to claim 2, wherein the movement mechanism (6) comprises at least one toothing element (7, 41) and wherein the locking device (10) is designed such that the blocking element (11) engages in the toothing element (7, 41) in the blocking position (I). [4] Holder according to claim 3, wherein the movement mechanism (6) comprises at least two racks (41) as toothing elements (7, 41), each of which is assigned to one of the jaws (4, 5), and at least one gear (7) via which the racks (41) are coupled to each other, and wherein the locking device (10) is designed such that the locking element (11) engages in the gear (7) and / or one of the rack elements (41) in the locking position (I). [5] Holder according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (11) is movably mounted in a locking element guide (65), preferably in a linearly displaceable manner. [6] Holder according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism (13) comprises a gear (20), preferably a screw gear (20), to move the locking element (11) out of or into the locking position (7) when a locking tool (SW) received in the locking tool receptacle (18) is rotated about an axis of rotation (R). [7] Holder according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism (13) has a drive rod (19) coupled to the locking element (11), which can be adjusted by means of the locking tool (SW) so that the locking element (11) is moved out of or into the locking position (I). [8] Holder according to claim 7, wherein the connecting rod (19) is designed as a threaded spindle and comprises at least one threaded section (14) with which it is mounted in a spindle nut (17). [9] Holder according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking tool receptacle (18) is arranged inside a housing (30, 40) of the tablet holder, preferably in a housing (30) of the guide carriage (3), and is accessible through a channel (67, 53) leading to the outside of the housing (30, 40). [10] Holder according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one return element (54), preferably a compression spring (54) which moves the jaws (4, 5) towards each other. [11] Holder according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the jaws (4, 5) comprise claws (47) which grip a mobile terminal device (ME) to be held at two opposite edges, wherein a claw projection (k) is preferably at least 5 mm, particularly preferably at least 6 mm. [12] Holder according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one support surface (8) on which a mobile terminal device (ME) to be held rests with its rear side, preferably on at least one of the jaws (4, 5), and / or at least an inner side of claws (47) which grip a mobile terminal device (ME) to be held at two opposite edges, are provided with a non-slip, preferably adhesive, surface. [13] Holder according to claim 12, wherein the bearing surface (8) of the jaw (4, 5) and / or the inner surfaces of the claws (47) are each provided with a rubber-elastic surface. [14] Holder according to one of claims 12 or 13, with a support surface area (101) against which a mobile terminal device (ME) to be held rests with its rear side, which is equipped with an adhesive surface (102). [15] Holder according to claim 14, wherein the adhesive surface (102) is arranged on a separate contact surface element (100) which can be coupled between the jaws (4, 5) with a guide rail of the guide carriage (3).

Images