Grip for mobile terminal

Abstract

To provide a grip for a mobile terminal that not only can be stored in a non-bulky state when it is not used but also can be handled when the mobile terminal is held in a portrait orientation or a landscape orientation when it is used, with a structure that is robust and resistant to breakage.SOLUTION: In order to make a portable terminal easy to hold, a grip for a portable terminal 10 used by being fixed to the portable terminal or a rear surface of a case thereof comprises: a base 11 whose rear surface side is fixed to the rear surface; a rotating base 12 rotatably supported on a front surface side of the base 11; and a grip main body 13 which is provided on the front surface side of the rotating base 12 and has a mechanical structure capable of advancing and retreating between a retracted position along the rotating base 12 and a use position protruding from the rotating base 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a grip for a mobile terminal that is attached to the back of a mobile terminal or its case to make it easier to hold the mobile terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Grips (mobile device grips) are now being attached to the back of mobile devices such as smartphones or their cases. Attaching a mobile device grip allows users to hold the mobile device firmly in their hands to prevent it from being dropped while operating the device. Various types of mobile device grips have been proposed.

[0003] For example, Figure 1 of Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile device grip device 100 (grip for mobile terminals) that includes a base portion 110 that is attached to a mobile terminal and a band portion 140 that forms a portion into which a finger is inserted.

[0004] 1 of Patent Document 2 discloses a telescopic device 10 (grip for a mobile terminal) including a platform 22, a button 14, and a main body 18 provided between the platform 22 and the button 14. In the grip for a mobile terminal of Patent Document 2, the platform 22 is fixed to the back of the mobile terminal or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3231318 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2021-501862 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the mobile terminal grip of Patent Document 1 has the drawback that it is bulky when carrying the mobile terminal, because band portion 140 protrudes from base portion 110. Furthermore, mobile terminals such as smartphones can be held not only in portrait orientation (with the long sides of the mobile terminal facing up and down) but also in landscape orientation (with the long sides of the mobile terminal facing horizontally), and the mobile terminal grip of Patent Document 1 also has the drawback that once it is attached to the mobile terminal, the orientation of band portion 140 cannot be changed.

[0007] In contrast, the mobile terminal grip of Patent Document 2 is switchable between a state in which the main body 18 protrudes from the platform 22, as shown in FIG. 4 of the document, and a state in which the main body 18 is close to the platform 22, as shown in FIG. 5 of the document. Therefore, when carrying the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal grip can be kept compact by being in the state shown in FIG. 5 of the document. Furthermore, the mobile terminal grip of Patent Document 2 has an advantage that the main body 18 has a conical shape (a rotationally symmetrical shape) as shown in FIG. 1 of the document, and therefore there is no need to worry about the orientation of the mobile terminal grip whether the mobile terminal is used in portrait or landscape orientation.

[0008] However, in the mobile terminal grip of Patent Document 2, in order to make the main body 18 deformable as shown in Figures 4 and 5 of the same document, the main body 18 needs to be made of a flexible material such as an elastomer (paragraph 0037 of the same document). For this reason, with repeated use of the mobile terminal grip of Patent Document 2, there is a risk that the main body 18 will deteriorate and break, such as torn.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a grip for a mobile terminal with a robust and break-resistant structure that can be stored in a compact state when not in use, and that can be used whether the mobile terminal is held vertically or horizontally when in use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The above issues are: A grip for a mobile device that is attached to the back of a mobile device or its case to make it easier to hold the mobile device, a base whose rear surface is fixed to the rear surface; a rotating base supported on the front surface of the base in a rotatable state; a grip body provided on the front surface side of the rotating base and having a mechanical structure that can move back and forth between a storage position along the rotating base and a use position protruding from the rotating base; A grip for a mobile terminal, comprising: This is solved by providing

[0011] The mobile device grip of the present invention can be made compact by placing the grip body in a storage position along the rotating base when not in use. Furthermore, since a mechanical mechanism is used to switch the grip body between the storage position and the usage position, the mobile device grip is robust and resistant to breakage. Furthermore, since the grip body is attached to the base via the rotating base, the grip body can be rotated relative to the base. Therefore, the orientation of the grip body can be changed depending on the orientation of the mobile device.

[0012] In the grip for a mobile terminal of the present invention, the rotating base is not particularly limited in its support structure as long as it is rotatably supported on the base. For example, a structure in which a locking protrusion with an enlarged tip is provided on the back surface of the rotating base and the locking protrusion is rotatably engaged with a bearing hole provided in the base can be preferably adopted.

[0013] In the grip for a mobile terminal of the present invention, the mechanical structure that allows the grip body to be advanced and retreated is not particularly limited, but may be: Grip body, Grip top and a pair of folding arms connecting the grip top and the rotating base; and Each folding arm, a first arm attached to the front surface side of the rotating base so as to be able to swing; a second arm attached to the tip end of the second arm so as to be swingable; and When the grip body is in the storage position, the pair of first arms are tilted inward, and the second arms are folded back relative to the first arms. When the grip body is in the use position, the pair of first arms stand up, and the pair of folding arms form a drum-like shape in side view (the pair of folding arms are constricted at the connection point between the first arm and the second arm). It is preferable to do so.

[0014] This allows the grip body to have a simple and robust structure while still being mechanically movable between the storage position and the usage position. Furthermore, the height of the grip top (the height from the base to the grip top) can be adjusted according to the thickness of the user's fingers, allowing the user to use the mobile device grip in a comfortable position. When the grip body is in the usage position, the pair of folding arms are constricted at the connection point between the first arm and the second arm (the pair of folding arms are close to each other), allowing the user's fingers to be firmly supported at that connection point.

[0015] In the mobile device grip of the present invention, it is preferable that the cap displaying the design be rotatably attached to the front side of the grip top. This allows the design, consisting of letters, figures, etc., to be displayed on the cap, improving the appearance of the mobile device grip. However, the design displayed on the cap may have a top and bottom. In this case, if the mobile device grip is used with the design upside down, the appearance of the mobile device grip during use will be poor. In this regard, by making the cap rotatable, the cap displaying the design can be rotated to a more aesthetically pleasing orientation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, the present invention makes it possible to provide a grip for a mobile device with a robust and break-resistant structure that can be stored in a compact state when not in use, and that can be used whether the mobile device is held vertically or horizontally when in use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the grip body is in a use position and a state in which the grip body is in a storage position in a mobile terminal grip. FIG. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views showing a state in which the grip body is in a use position and a state in which the grip body is in a storage position in the mobile terminal grip. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the mobile terminal grip as viewed from the side. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a mobile terminal grip disassembled into its individual components; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The grip for a mobile terminal of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The contents described below are merely preferred embodiments, and the technical scope of the grip for a mobile terminal of the present invention is not limited to the configuration described below. The grip for a mobile terminal of the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention.

[0019] Grips for mobile devices are attached to the back of a mobile device, such as a smartphone, or to the back of a case (such as a smartphone case) that can be detachably attached to the mobile device, making it easier to hold the device.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a mobile terminal grip 10, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the mobile terminal grip 10 cut along a plane including a center line L. FIGS. 1(a) and 2(a) show a state in which a grip main body 13, which will be described later, is in a use position, and FIGS. 1(b) and 2(b) show a state in which the grip main body 13 is in a storage position. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the mobile terminal grip 10 as viewed from the side. FIG. 3(a) shows a front view of the mobile terminal grip 10, and FIG. 3(b) shows a side view of the mobile terminal grip 10. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the mobile terminal grip 10 disassembled into its individual components.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 4, the mobile terminal grip 10 of this embodiment is configured by combining a base 11, a rotating pedestal 12, a grip body 13, and a cap 14. These components that make up the mobile terminal grip 10 are made of synthetic resin such as polypropylene or polyethylene, or metal such as aluminum. By forming the mobile terminal grip 10 from such a material (a rigid, hard material), the mobile terminal grip 10 can be made robust.

[0022] Hereinafter, each of the components constituting the mobile terminal grip 10 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0023] [base] The base 11 is a part for fastening the mobile terminal grip 10 to the back of the mobile terminal or case. By fastening the back side of the base 11 to the back of the mobile terminal or the like, the mobile terminal grip 10 can be firmly fixed to the mobile terminal or the like. The shape of the base 11 is not particularly limited, but is usually a plate shape, and in this embodiment, it is a circular plate shape.

[0024] The method for fastening the base 11 to the rear surface of the mobile terminal or the like is not particularly limited, and may employ adhesion (fastening using an adhesive), suction (fastening using a suction cup), magnetic adhesion (fastening using magnetic force), etc. In this embodiment, an adhesive sheet 11b is attached to the rear surface of the base 11, and the adhesive surface of the adhesive sheet 11b is pressed against the rear surface of the mobile terminal or the like, so that the base 11 is fastened (adhered) to the rear surface of the mobile terminal or the like.

[0025] [Rotating base] The rotating base 12 is attached in a state overlapping the front surface side of the base 11. This rotating base 12 is supported on the base 11 in a state where it can rotate around a center line L. The shape of the rotating base 12 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, it is in the shape of a circular plate. As shown in FIG. 2(a), a locking protrusion 12a is provided on the back surface side of the rotating base 12. This locking protrusion 12a is inserted into and locked into a bearing hole 11a provided in the center of the base 11, whereby the rotating base 12 is supported on the base 11. The tip of the locking protrusion 12a has an expanded diameter (its cross section is larger than other parts).

[0026] The locking projection 12a is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and its peripheral wall portion is composed of multiple segments separated in the circumferential direction. When the locking projection 12a is inserted into the bearing hole 11a, the segments elastically deform and are pushed inward (toward the center line L), and the enlarged diameter portion is pressed into the bearing hole 11a. When the enlarged diameter portion passes through the bearing hole 11a and emerges on the opposite side of the bearing hole 11a, the segments elastically return to their original position and expand outward, becoming locked onto the back surface of the base 11. This makes it difficult for the locking projection 12a, which is locked into the bearing hole 11a, to come out of the bearing hole 11a.

[0027] 4, a pair of arm shaft supports 12b are provided on the front surface side of the rotating base 12. These arm shaft supports 12b serve as portions that support the base ends of a pair of folding arms 13b of the grip body 13, which will be described later. In this embodiment, a pair of horizontal shafts that are provided parallel to each other on one side and the other side of the front surface side of the rotating base 12 serve as the arm shaft supports 12b.

[0028] [Grip body] Grip body 13 is a part that allows a person holding a mobile terminal to hold it between their fingers. When holding a mobile terminal, the thumb of the non-dominant hand is usually placed on the edge of the mobile terminal, and the other four fingers (index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger) are placed around the back side of the mobile terminal, but in this case, grip body 13 is held between the index finger and middle finger of that hand. This makes it possible to hold the mobile terminal firmly in a stable state that makes it less likely to be dropped.

[0029] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the grip body 13 is composed of a circular plate-shaped grip top 13a and a pair of folding arms 13b. Each folding arm 13b is composed of a first arm 13b1 and a second arm 13b2 connected together. The base end of the first arm 13b1 is pivotally supported by the arm pivot support 12b of the rotating base 12. Specifically, a bearing portion having an open ring shape (C-shaped in cross section) is provided at the base end of the first arm 13b1, and this bearing portion is fitted onto the arm pivot support 12b (horizontal shaft portion). This allows the first arm 13b1 to swing (stand up or lie down) relative to the rotating base 12, as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b).

[0030] The second arm 13b2 has its base end pivotally supported on the tip end (swinging end) of the first arm 13b1. Specifically, a bearing having an open ring shape (C-shaped in cross section) is provided on the base end of the second arm 13b2, and this bearing is fitted onto a horizontal shaft provided on the tip end of the first arm 13b1. This allows the second arm 13b2 to swing relative to the first arm 13b1. The tip end of the second arm 13b2 of each folding arm 13b is pivotally supported on a common grip top 13a. Specifically, a horizontal shaft is provided on the tip end (swinging end) of the second arm 13b2, and a bearing having an open ring shape (C-shaped in cross section) (see FIG. 3(a)) is provided on the back side of the grip top 13a, and this bearing is fitted onto the horizontal shaft provided on the tip end of the second arm 13b2. The grip top 13a has a function of connecting the tip ends of the pair of folding arms 13b (the tip ends of the second arms 13b2).

[0031] By giving the grip body 13 the above-described structure, the grip body 13 has a simple and robust structure, yet can be mechanically moved back and forth between a use position in which it protrudes from the rotating base 12, as shown in Figure 2(a), and a storage position along the rotating base 12, as shown in Figure 2(b).

[0032] When using the mobile terminal grip 10 (e.g., when holding and operating the mobile terminal in one's hand), the grip body 13 can be placed in a usable state by placing the grip body 13 in the use position and protruding significantly from the rear surface of the mobile terminal, as shown in FIG. 2(a). In this state (when the grip body 13 is in the use position), the first arm 13b1 and the second arm 13b2 of each folding arm 13b stand upright, forming a V-shape in a side view, and the pair of folding arms 13b form a drum-like shape. That is, the pair of folding arms 13b are constricted at a connection point α between the first arm 13b1 and the second arm 13b2 (the pair of folding arms 13b are close to each other). Hereinafter, the connection point α of the folding arm 13b when the grip body 13 is in the use position may be referred to as a "constricted portion α." The constricted portion α is formed in pairs on the pair of folding arms 13b. By fitting one finger (for example, the index finger) into one of the constricted portions α and fitting another finger (for example, the middle finger) into the other constricted portion α, the grip body 13 can be firmly held between the two fingers.

[0033] However, if the pair of constricted portions α are oriented toward a side where fingers are not positioned, it becomes difficult to place fingers on those constricted portions α. For example, if the orientation of grip body 13 is set so that fingers can be placed on constricted portions α when the mobile terminal is held vertically, when the mobile terminal is held horizontally, the orientation of grip body 13 changes by 90°, making it difficult to place fingers on those constricted portions α. In this regard, in mobile terminal grip 10 of the present invention, as described above, grip body 13 is attached to rotating base 12 (rotating base 12 pivotally supported in a rotatable state relative to base 11), so that grip body 13 can rotate around center line L relative to base 11. Therefore, it is possible to rotate grip body 13 to change the orientation of grip body 13 depending on the orientation in which the mobile terminal is held, and bring constricted portions α to a position where fingers can be placed easily.

[0034] On the other hand, when the mobile terminal grip 10 is not in use (such as when the mobile terminal is put in a pocket or bag), the grip body 13 can be placed in the storage position as shown in FIG. 2(b), so that the grip body 13 is aligned with the back surface of the mobile terminal (does not protrude significantly from the back surface of the mobile terminal), thereby reducing the bulk of the mobile terminal grip 10. At this time (when the grip body 13 is placed in the storage position), the first arm 13b1 and the second arm 13b2 of each folding arm 13b are folded over one another. That is, each first arm 13b1 is folded inward (the tip of the first arm 13b1 faces toward the center line L), and each second arm 13b2 is folded outward (the tip of the second arm 13b2 faces away from the center line L).

[0035] Here, if the first arm 13b1 and the second arm 13b2 interfere with each other when attempting to fold the folding arm 13b, the folding arm 13b cannot be further folded from that state. Therefore, even when the grip body 13 is in the storage position, the grip body 13 does not become sufficiently low, which may prevent the mobile terminal grip 10 from becoming compact. In this regard, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(b), an opening β (the portion indicated by the hatched area in the figure) is provided in the center of the width of the first arm 13b1. This allows the second arm 13b2 to fit into the opening β without interfering with the first arm 13b1 when the folding arm 13b is folded. Therefore, when the grip body 13 is in the storage position, the grip body 13 becomes low, allowing the mobile terminal grip 10 to become compact.

[0036] The pair of folding arms 13b may have different lengths, but in this embodiment, they are made the same. Specifically, the length of the first arm 13b1 of one folding arm 13b is made equal to the length of the first arm 13b1 of the other folding arm 13b, and the length of the second arm 13b2 of one folding arm 13b is also made equal to the length of the second arm 13b2 of the other folding arm 13b. The lengths of the first arm 13b1 and the second arm 13b2 of each folding arm 13b may also be equal, but in this embodiment, the first arm 13b1 is made longer than the second arm 13b2 (the second arm 13b2 is made shorter than the first arm 13b1). By making the second arm 13b2 shorter than the first arm 13b1, the second arm 13b2 fits completely within the opening β of the first arm 13b1 when the grip body 13 is in the retracted position.

[0037] [cap] As shown in FIG. 4, the cap 14 is attached to the front surface side of the grip top 13a of the grip body 13. The shape of the cap 14 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the cap 14 is formed in a circular plate shape, and a peripheral wall portion that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface to the back side is formed at the outer peripheral edge of the cap 14. The appearance of the mobile terminal grip 10 can be improved by displaying a design consisting of letters, figures, etc. on the cap 14. The design may be displayed on the cap 14 itself, or on a sheet (not shown) arranged on the back side of the cap 14 (the gap between the cap 14 and the grip top 13a). In the latter case, the cap 14 is formed of a transparent material, and the sheet arranged on the back side of the cap 14 can be seen from the front side of the cap 14.

[0038] However, the design shown on the cap 14 may have a specific direction (up and down, left and right, etc.). In this case, if the design is not oriented correctly, the appearance of the mobile terminal grip 10 during use will be poor. For this reason, in this embodiment, the cap 14 is attached to the grip top 13a in a state where it can rotate around the center line L. Specifically, 2(a), a locking projection 14a protruding from the back surface is provided in the center of the cap 14. This locking projection 14a is inserted into and locked in a bearing hole 13a1 provided in the center of the grip top 13a, thereby supporting the cap 14 relative to the grip top 13a. The shape of the locking projection 14a is the same as that of the locking projection 12a of the rotating base 12.

[0039] [others] As described above, the mobile terminal grip 10 of this embodiment has a structure in which the grip body 13 can be advanced and retracted. Therefore, when not in use, the grip body 13 can be stored in a compact position, and when in use, the grip body 13 can be placed in a usage position to make it easier to hold. Additionally, because the advancement and retraction of the grip body 13 is achieved by a mechanical structure, the mobile terminal grip 10 is robust and resistant to breakage. Furthermore, because the grip body 13 can be rotated around the center line L, the orientation of the grip body 13 can be changed depending on the orientation of the mobile terminal, allowing the grip body 13 to be firmly gripped.

[0040] The mobile terminal grip 10 of this embodiment is attached to a mobile terminal or its case. Examples of mobile terminals include mobile phones such as smartphones, tablet computers, and portable electronic devices such as portable audio players. By fastening the mobile terminal grip 10 of this embodiment to the back of such a mobile terminal or its case, it becomes possible to hold and operate the mobile terminal firmly without dropping it. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 10 types of grips for mobile devices 11. Base 11a Bearing hole 11b Adhesive sheet 12 Rotating base 12a Locking protrusion 12b Arm pivot support 13 Grip body 13a Grip Top 13a1 bearing hole 13b Folding Arm 13b1 First Arm 13b2 Second Arm 14 Cap 14a Locking protrusion L center line α Connection point between the first arm and the second arm (constricted part) β opening

Claims

1. A grip for a mobile device that is attached to the back of a mobile device or its case to make it easier to hold the mobile device, a base whose rear surface is fixed to the rear surface; a rotating base supported on the front surface of the base in a rotatable state; a grip body provided on the front surface side of the rotating base and having a mechanical structure that can move back and forth between a storage position along the rotating base and a use position protruding from the rotating base; A grip for a mobile terminal, comprising:

2. A locking protrusion with an enlarged tip is provided on the back surface of the rotating base, The locking projection is rotatably locked in the bearing hole provided in the base, The rotating base can be rotated relative to the base. The grip for a mobile terminal according to claim 1.

3. The grip body is Grip top and a pair of folding arms connecting the grip top and the rotating base; Equipped with Each folding arm, a first arm attached to the front surface side of the rotating base so as to be able to swing; a second arm attached to the tip end of the second arm so as to be swingable; and When the grip body is in the storage position, the pair of first arms are tilted inward, and the second arms are folded back relative to the first arms. When the grip body is in the use position, the pair of first arms stand up, and the pair of folding arms form a drum-like shape when viewed from the side. The grip for a mobile terminal according to claim 2.

4. 4. The grip for a mobile terminal according to claim 3, wherein a cap for displaying a design is rotatably attached to the front surface of the grip top.

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