Electronic equipment holding device

Abstract

To provide an electronic equipment holding device which facilitates arrangement of an electronic equipment at an appropriate position.SOLUTION: An electronic equipment holding device 1 includes a holding part 2, a leg part 3, a support 4, and an arm 5. The holding part 2 holds an electronic equipment A1 having at least a display part. The leg part 3 has a tabular shape. The support 4 protrudes from the leg part 3 upward. The arm 5 laterally protrudes from the support 4 so as to support the holding part 2, and is configured to be rotatable in a horizontal plane relative to the support 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device holder for holding an electronic device having a display unit. [Background technology]

[0002] As a related art, for example, an electronic device holder (bedside TV stand) for an electronic device (television) equipped with a display unit that is installed next to a bed is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the electronic device holder according to the related art, the legs are movable using casters and have fixed supports for mounting the electronic device. The supports are formed by a fixed lower support, a sliding outer support, a sliding inner support, and a rotating part, and are capable of being raised and lowered. Furthermore, because the supports are curved and tilt inward, an appropriate screen angle can be provided relative to the user's (patient's) line of sight even when the electronic device is in the uppermost position.

[0003] In the related art, the legs are formed into a roughly square shape using square pipes or the like, and casters are provided at the four corners for ease of movement. In the electronic device holder according to the related art, the casters are used to move the device, and the legs are inserted under the bed, allowing the electronic device to be placed near the bed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-222792 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the electronic device holder according to the above-mentioned related art, the legs are formed of square pipes and have casters at the four corners of the legs. Therefore, since there is a certain height from the floor to the top of the legs, for example, in a low-profile bed or other bed with insufficient space under the bed, it may be impossible to insert the legs under the bed, and the electronic device may not be placed in an appropriate position.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device holder that makes it easy to place an electronic device in an appropriate position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electronic device holder according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a holder, legs, a support, and an arm. The holder holds an electronic device having at least a display. The legs are plate-shaped. The support protrudes upward from the legs. The arms protrude laterally from the support and support the holder. The arms are configured to be rotatable along a horizontal plane relative to the support. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electronic device holder that makes it easy to place an electronic device in an appropriate position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of an electronic device holding device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the electronic device holding device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic rear view showing the appearance of the electronic device holder. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic left side view showing the external appearance of the electronic device holding device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the electronic device holder of the same. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a main part of the electronic device holder. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a main part of the electronic device holding device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of the electronic device holder. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of an electronic device holding device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a main part of the electronic device holder. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of an electronic device holding device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a main part of the electronic device holder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are examples of specific embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) [1] Overview First, an overview of an electronic device holding device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] The electronic device holding device 1 is a device for holding the electronic device A1. The electronic device A1 to be held by the electronic device holding device 1 includes at least a display unit A11 (see FIG. 2). The electronic device holding device 1 holds the electronic device A1 in a position that allows the user to easily view the electronic device A1 (the display unit A11).

[0013] In this embodiment, as an example, the electronic device A1 is a communication device. A communication device is a device (including equipment and facilities) used for communication by users who have difficulty communicating through speech and writing, and includes devices defined in Japan as "communication devices for severely disabled persons" or "portable conversation assistive devices." Users of the communication device include, for example, disabled persons who have difficulty communicating with those around them (communication partners) due to speech and language impairments and / or limb impairments, as well as patients with incurable diseases accompanied by speech and language impairments and / or neuromuscular disorders. Because these users have difficulty communicating through speech and writing, the communication device is used to assist these users in communicating with those around them.

[0014] This type of communication device allows a user to select input elements such as characters using a simple input method, and generates input information consisting of one or more selected input elements. The input information input (selected) by the user in this way reflects the user's intention. The communication device outputs the generated input information (information reflecting the user's intention) in a form such as display or read-out (audio output), thereby enabling the user's intention to be communicated to those around them (the communication partner). This makes it possible for even users who have difficulty communicating their intentions through speech or writing to have conversations using the communication device.

[0015] However, the users listed in this disclosure are merely examples, and it is not intended to limit the users of the electronic device holding device 1 (the same as the users of the communication device as the electronic device A1) to the above-mentioned disabled people and patients with incurable diseases, etc.; for example, the users may be healthy people.

[0016] The electronic device holder 1 is used while being placed on an installation surface F1 (see FIG. 3) such as the floor of a room in a house. The electronic device holder 1 includes a holder 2 that holds the electronic device A1, as well as legs 3, a support 4, and an arm 5. The support 4 protrudes upward from the legs 3, and the arm 5 protrudes laterally from the support 4 to support the holder 2. In other words, the electronic device holder 1 is a stand-type (freestanding) holder that is installed by placing the legs 3 on the installation surface F1, causing the support 4 to stand independently on the installation surface F1.

[0017] That is, the electronic device holder 1 according to this embodiment is a self-contained and portable power supply device, and a person can freely carry the electronic device holder 1 and set it at any position on the installation surface F1. As a result, the electronic device holder 1 holds the electronic device A1 in the air, spaced apart from the installation surface F1.

[0018] Here, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic device holder 1 is used with at least a part of its leg portion 3 inserted under the bed B1. The bed B1 is installed on the same installation surface F1 as the electronic device holder 1. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the bed B1 is shown with an imaginary line (two-dot chain line), but this is not intended to limit the shape of the bed B1. When the electronic device holder 1 is used in this state, the electronic device A1 is held in the air above the bed B1. Therefore, the user can view the electronic device A1 while lying on the bed B1 without holding the electronic device A1 in their hands.

[0019] In a related art of this type of electronic device holder, the legs are formed of square pipes and casters are provided at the four corners of the legs. In the electronic device holder according to the related art, since there is a certain height from the floor surface (installation surface F1) to the upper surface of the legs, for example, in a bed B1 such as a low bed that does not have sufficient space height below the bed B1, it may be impossible to insert the legs under the bed B1, and the electronic device A1 may not be placed in an appropriate position.

[0020] In contrast to this, the electronic device holding device 1 according to this embodiment employs the following configuration to realize an electronic device holding device 1 that makes it easy to place the electronic device A1 in an appropriate position.

[0021] That is, the electronic device holder 1 according to this embodiment includes a holder 2, legs 3, a support 4, and an arm 5. The holder 2 holds an electronic device A1 that includes at least a display A11. The legs 3 are plate-shaped. The support 4 protrudes upward from the legs 3. The arms 5 protrude laterally from the support 4 and support the holder 2. Here, the arms 5 are configured to be rotatable along a horizontal plane relative to the support 4.

[0022] According to this configuration, the height from the installation surface F1 to the upper surface of the plate-shaped leg 3 is kept lower than that of the electronic device holder according to the related art. Therefore, with this electronic device holder 1, even if the bed B1 does not have sufficient space below it, such as a low-profile bed, the leg 3 can be inserted under the bed B1 to easily place the electronic device A1 in an appropriate position. Moreover, the arm 5 supporting the holder 2 (which holds the electronic device A1) is configured to be rotatable along the horizontal plane (installation surface F1) relative to the support 4. Therefore, for example, when providing care to a user on the bed B1, the electronic device A1 can be temporarily removed from the bed B1 by rotating the arm 5 along with the electronic device A1. This prevents the electronic device A1 from getting in the way of care without moving the entire electronic device holder 1.

[0023] [2] Definition In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the vertical direction when the electronic device holder 1 is placed on the installation surface F1 is defined as the up-down direction D1. The longitudinal direction of the legs 3 is defined as the front-rear direction D2, and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction D2 in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane (installation surface F1) is defined as the left-right direction D3. In particular, the front-rear direction D2 and the left-right direction D3 are defined based on the direction when the bed B1 is viewed from the side, as shown in FIG. 1 . That is, when viewed from the side of the bed B1, the bed B1 side is defined as the front, and the opposite side is defined as the rear. Furthermore, when viewed from the side of the bed B1, the right-hand side is defined as the right side, and the opposite side is defined as the left side. However, these directions are not intended to limit the usage direction (direction during use) of the electronic device holder 1.

[0024] The communication device as electronic device A1 is used for communication by users including, for example, persons with disabilities who have difficulty communicating with others (communication partners) due to speech and language impairments and / or limb impairments, and patients with incurable diseases accompanied by speech and language impairments and / or neuromuscular disorders. Here, the user uses the communication device when communicating (including intentions, thoughts, and feelings) such as conversations, requests, or instructions in daily life. Therefore, the communication device is used in places where the user spends their daily life, such as homes, nursing homes, commercial facilities, or hospitals. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the communication device as electronic device A1 is used while being held in midair above a bed B1 by an electronic device holding device 1.

[0025] [3] Communication device First, we will explain in more detail the communication device used as the electronic device A1 held by the electronic device holding device 1. The communication device includes a display unit A11.

[0026] The communication device displays multiple input elements on the display unit A11. In this embodiment, the display unit A11 presents the multiple input elements using a dial and a light-emitting device arranged behind the dial. Specifically, the display unit A11 sequentially illuminates multiple light-emitting areas of the light-emitting device to sequentially present multiple input elements that correspond one-to-one to these multiple light-emitting areas. That is, in this embodiment, the display unit A11 illuminates a partial area of ​​the dial to display (present) the input elements included in this area. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device can also present the input elements by reading them out loud.

[0027] The communication device allows the user to select one or more input elements from a plurality of input elements displayed on the display unit A11 using a predetermined selection method. Then, the communication device generates input information including the selected one or more input elements. The predetermined selection method is a selection method that does not involve a direct selection operation with the user's fingers. In other words, the predetermined selection method is a selection method that allows the user to select one or more input elements without a direct selection operation with the user's fingers, such as keyboard input or tapping any input element on a touch panel.

[0028] Such a predetermined selection method includes at least one of an eye-gaze input method and a scanning input method. The eye-gaze input method is a method of selecting one or more input elements according to the user's gaze. On the other hand, the scanning input method is a method of sequentially displaying (presenting) multiple input elements and selecting one or more input elements according to the user's operation of a single input device (such as a push button device), also known as an auto-scan method. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the predetermined selection method is an eye-gaze input method of selecting one or more input elements according to at least the user's gaze. In this case, the electronic device A1 includes an eye-gaze input device (eye-gaze sensor) that optically detects information about the user's gaze, i.e., where the user is looking. As an example, by gazing at an input element, such as "a" on a dial, the user can select that one input element ("a") from the multiple input elements displayed on the dial. In other words, the user can select a desired input element by performing an eye-gaze input to visually recognize the desired input element displayed on the display unit A11.

[0029] [4] Configuration The configuration of the electronic device holding device 1 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0030] 1 to 7, the electronic device holder 1 includes a holder 2, a leg 3, a support 4, and an arm 5. The electronic device holder 1 also includes (a pair of) auxiliary legs 6 and 7, a first connecting member 81, and a second connecting member 82. That is, the electronic device holder 1 according to this embodiment includes the holder 2, the leg 3, the support 4, the arm 5, the auxiliary legs 6 and 7, the first connecting member 81, and the second connecting member 82.

[0031] The holder 2 is a device for holding the electronic device A1 and is supported by an arm 5. In this embodiment, the holder 2 is a clamp-type holder that clamps the electronic device A1 from both sides in the up-down direction D1. In this embodiment, when the arm 5 is in a reference position (the position in FIGS. 1 and 2, etc.) described below, the holder 2 holds the electronic device A1 in a position in which the display unit A11 of the electronic device A1 faces leftward.

[0032] The holder 2 is supported by the arm 5 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction. In other words, when the arm 5 is in the reference position, the holder 2 is movable in the front-to-rear direction D2. Furthermore, the holder 2 is rotatable around the central axis (axial center) of the arm 5. In other words, when the holder 2 rotates relative to the arm 5, the electronic device A1 held by the holder 2 is swung, and the angle (elevation / depression angle) of the display unit A11 in the up-down direction D1 changes. A fixing screw 21 for fixing the holder 2 to the arm 5 is provided on the rear side of the electronic device A1 (the right side in FIG. 1 etc.). When the fixing screw 21 is tightened, the holder 2 is fixed to the arm 5 and cannot move (slide or rotate).

[0033] The leg 3 is a flat plate-like member having a thickness in the up-down direction D1. In a plan view, the leg 3 has a substantially rectangular (strip-like) shape having a length in the front-rear direction D2. The corners of the front end of the leg 3 are chamfered (R-processed). In this embodiment, the leg 3 is made of metal and is painted. The thickness of the leg 3 is set to about a few mm (for example, 2 mm to 8 mm) so as to be as thin as possible while ensuring sufficient strength for the leg 3.

[0034] In this embodiment, the legs 3 are configured to be able to be placed on the installation surface F1 without using casters. In other words, the legs 3 are placed directly on the installation surface F1. The electronic device holder 1 is basically used with at least a part of the legs 3 inserted under the bed B1, and there is no need to move the legs 3 as a whole. Therefore, there is no need to provide the legs 3 with moving means such as casters, and it is possible to make the legs 3 thinner (lower in height).

[0035] The support pillar 4 is a member having a length in the vertical direction D1, and its lower end is fixed directly or indirectly to the leg 3, thereby standing upright on the leg 3. In this embodiment, the support pillar 4 is a rectangular tubular member that is approximately square in plan view. In this embodiment, the support pillar 4 is made of metal and is painted. The thickness of the support pillar 4 is set to about a few mm (for example, 1 mm to 5 mm) so as to be as thin as possible while ensuring sufficient strength as the support pillar 4.

[0036] In this embodiment, the support column 4 has a first support column 41 and a second support column 42 with different thicknesses (inner diameters) to form a telescopic structure. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the first support column 41 and the second support column 42 are joined together by inserting the relatively thin (small-diameter) second support column 42 into the first support column 41 through an opening in the top surface of the first support column 41. The second support column 42 is slidable in the up-down direction D1 relative to the first support column 41, thereby changing the overall height of the support column 4 (the amount of protrusion upward from the leg portion 3). A fixing screw 401 for fixing the second support column 42 to the first support column 41 is provided on the left side of the first support column 41. When the fixing screw 401 is tightened, the second support column 42 is fixed to the first support column 41 and cannot move (slide).

[0037] The electronic device holder 1 also has a latch structure 43 that gradually changes the height of the entire support column 4. The latch structure 43 holds the second support column 42 at one of one or more latch positions set within the sliding range of the second support column 42 relative to the first support column 41, thereby gradually changing the height of the entire support column 4.

[0038] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, the latch structure 43 includes a latch pin 431 and a plurality of latch holes 432. The latch pin 431 is provided on the right side surface of the first support post 41 in a state in which it can advance and retreat from the inner circumferential surface of the first support post 41. The plurality of latch holes 432 are arranged side by side in the up-down direction D1 on the right side surface of the second support post 42. The latch pin 431 is inserted into one of the plurality of latch holes 432. The latch structure 43 configured in this manner holds the second support post 42 with respect to the first support post 41 at one of the latch positions corresponding to the number of latch holes 432 (eight, for example) depending on which of the plurality of latch holes 432 the latch pin 431 is inserted into.

[0039] When the arm 5 is in the above-described reference position, the arm 5 is a member having a length in the front-rear direction D2, and its rear end is directly or indirectly supported by the support column 4, thereby protruding laterally (forward) from the support column 4. In this embodiment, the arm 5 is a cylindrical member. In this embodiment, the arm 5 is made of metal and is painted. The thickness of the arm 5 is set to about several mm (for example, 1 mm to 5 mm) so as to be as thin as possible while ensuring sufficient strength for the arm 5.

[0040] The arm 5 is supported on the upper end of the support column 4 (the second support column 42) in a state in which it can rotate around a rotation axis Ax1. The rotation axis Ax1 is set coaxially with the central axis of the support column 4 along the up-down direction D1. This allows the arm 5 to rotate relative to the support column 4 along a horizontal plane (installation surface F1).

[0041] Specifically, the arm 5 has a cylindrical shaft 51 that protrudes downward from its rear end. The arm 5 is supported by the support 4 by inserting the shaft 51 into the support 4 (the second support 42) through an opening in the top surface of the support 4 (the second support 42). This makes the arm 5 rotatable around the rotation axis Ax1. Furthermore, a fixing screw 402 is provided on the left side surface of the second support 42 to fix the shaft 51 to the second support 42. When the fixing screw 402 is tightened, the arm 5 (the shaft 51) is fixed to the second support 42 and cannot move (rotate).

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, a restriction groove 501 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 51 along the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 51. The restriction groove 501 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 51 facing rightward over approximately half the circumference (180 degrees) when the arm 5 is in the reference position. A restriction screw 502 that is fastened to the right side surface of the second support column 42 is inserted into the restriction groove 501. This prevents the arm 5 from coming off the second support column 42 and restricts the rotation range of the arm 5 relative to the second support column 42. In this embodiment, as an example, the rotation range of the arm 5 is limited to a range of approximately 180 degrees, which is approximately ±90 degrees around the reference position.

[0043] The electronic device holder 1 further includes a holding structure 52 that changes the rotation position (rotation angle) of the arm 5 in stages. The holding structure 52 holds the arm 5 at one or more holding positions set within the rotation range. This allows the rotation position (rotation angle) of the arm 5 to be changed in stages.

[0044] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, the holding structure 52 includes a holding pin 521 and a plurality of holding holes 522. The holding pin 521 is provided on the right side surface of the second support column 42 in a state in which it can advance and retreat from the inner peripheral surface of the second support column 42. The plurality of holding holes 522 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 51 and aligned in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 51. The holding pin 521 is inserted into one of the plurality of holding holes 522. The holding structure 52 configured in this manner holds the arm 5 at one of the holding positions equal to the number of holding holes 522 (for example, seven), depending on which of the plurality of holding holes 522 the holding pin 521 is inserted into.

[0045] Here, the multiple holding holes 522 are arranged at equal intervals over a range of approximately half the circumference (180 degrees) of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 51 on which the restriction groove 501 is provided. As an example, seven holding holes 522 are arranged at intervals of approximately 30 degrees. As a result, when the reference position is set to "0 degrees," the holding structure 52 can hold the arm 5 at seven holding positions: "-90 degrees," "-60 degrees," "-30 degrees," "0 degrees," "+30 degrees," "+60 degrees," and "+90 degrees."

[0046] In this embodiment, as described above, it is assumed that, for example, when providing care to a user on bed B1, the electronic device A1 can be temporarily removed from bed B1 by rotating the arm 5 together with the electronic device A1 without moving the entire electronic device holder 1. Therefore, in order to return the electronic device A1 that has been temporarily removed from bed B1 to its original position, the rotation position of the arm 5 needs to be returned to the position before the removal.

[0047] The electronic device holder 1 according to this embodiment includes the holding structure 52, which allows the arm 5 to be held at one of one or more holding positions set within the rotation range, and makes it easy to return the rotation position of the arm 5 to the position before it was retracted. For example, consider a case in which the arm 5 is in the reference position (0 degrees) and the arm 5 is rotated together with the electronic device A1 to a position of "-90 degrees" to temporarily retract the electronic device A1 from the bed B1. In this case, the arm 5 can be accurately returned to the reference position (0 degrees) before it was retracted.

[0048] In this embodiment, the communication device used as the electronic device A1 employs an eye-gaze input method as a method for selecting an input element. That is, the electronic device A1 has at least an eye-gaze input function. The eye-gaze input function is calibrated according to the positional relationship between the user's (head) position and the electronic device A1. Therefore, if the position of the electronic device A1 is changed, the calibration must be redone.

[0049] In this embodiment, even when the electronic device A1 is retracted by rotating the arm 5, the electronic device A1 can be easily returned to its original position, making it unnecessary to redo such calibration. Therefore, the configuration according to this embodiment is particularly useful for an electronic device holder 1 that holds an electronic device A1 with an eye-gaze input function.

[0050] The auxiliary legs 6, 7 extend in a direction different from that of the leg 3 from a joint portion of the leg 3 with the support column 4. In this embodiment, the leg 3 is joined to the support column 4 at its rear end portion, and therefore the auxiliary legs 6, 7 are configured to extend from the joint portion (the rear end portion of the leg 3) in the left-right direction D3. By providing such auxiliary legs 6, 7, the support column 4 is less likely to tip over in the direction (left-right direction D3) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the leg 3 (front-rear direction D2), and the stability of the electronic device holder 1 is improved.

[0051] The auxiliary legs 6, 7 include at least a first auxiliary leg 6 and a second auxiliary leg 7 that extend in opposite directions across the support column 4. The first auxiliary leg 6 extends leftward from the rear end of the leg 3, and the second auxiliary leg 7 extends rightward from the rear end of the leg 3. As a result, the leg 3, the first auxiliary leg 6, and the second auxiliary leg 7 together form a substantial T-shape in a plan view. With this configuration, the support column 4 is less likely to tip over in both the left-right direction D3, improving the stability of the electronic device holder 1.

[0052] Each of the first auxiliary leg 6 and the second auxiliary leg 7 is a flat plate-like member having a thickness in the up-down direction D1. Each of the first auxiliary leg 6 and the second auxiliary leg 7 has a substantially rectangular (strip-like) shape having a length in the left-right direction D3 in a plan view. The corner of the left end of the first auxiliary leg 6 is chamfered (R-processed). The corner of the right end of the second auxiliary leg 7 is chamfered (R-processed). In this embodiment, each of the first auxiliary leg 6 and the second auxiliary leg 7 is made of metal and painted. The thickness of each of the first auxiliary leg 6 and the second auxiliary leg 7 is set to about a few mm (for example, 2 mm to 8 mm) so as to be as thin as possible while ensuring sufficient strength for the auxiliary legs 6, 7. In this embodiment, the thickness of each of the first auxiliary leg 6 and the second auxiliary leg 7 is the same as that of the leg portion 3.

[0053] The first connecting member 81 is a member that connects the leg 3 and the auxiliary legs 6, 7. The first connecting member 81 is a flat plate-like member that has a thickness in the up-down direction D1. In a plan view, the first connecting member 81 has a substantially rectangular (strip-like) shape that has a length in the left-right direction D3. In this embodiment, the first connecting member 81 is made of metal and is painted. The thickness of the first connecting member 81 is set to about several mm (for example, 2 mm to 8 mm) so as to be as thin as possible while ensuring sufficient strength for the first connecting member 81. In this embodiment, the thickness of the first connecting member 81 is set to be larger (thicker) than that of the leg 3.

[0054] The first connecting member 81 is placed on top of the leg 3, the first auxiliary leg 6, and the second auxiliary leg 7, and is fastened to the leg 3, the first auxiliary leg 6, and the second auxiliary leg 7 with fasteners such as bolts (screws) and / or nuts. As a result, the first connecting member 81, the leg 3, the first auxiliary leg 6, and the second auxiliary leg 7 are integrated, and the leg 3 and the auxiliary legs 6, 7 are connected via the first connecting member 81.

[0055] Specifically, the holes formed in the first connecting member 81 are "threaded holes" larger than the nominal diameter of the bolts used as fasteners, and the holes formed in the leg 3 and auxiliary legs 6, 7 are "threaded holes" into which the bolts used as fasteners are tightened. As a result, the fasteners (bolts) pass through the first connecting member 81 and are tightened to the leg 3 and auxiliary legs 6, 7, thereby fastening the first connecting member 81 to the leg 3 and auxiliary legs 6, 7. Illustration of the fasteners is omitted here.

[0056] As another example, the holes formed in the first connecting member 81 are "threaded holes" into which bolts serving as fasteners are tightened, and the holes formed in the leg 3 and auxiliary legs 6, 7 are "unscrew holes" larger in diameter than the nominal diameter of the bolts serving as fasteners. As a result, the fasteners (bolts) pass through the leg 3 and auxiliary legs 6, 7 from below and are tightened to the first connecting member 81, thereby fastening the first connecting member 81 to the leg 3 and auxiliary legs 6, 7. In this case, it is preferable that countersunk portions into which the heads of the fasteners (bolts) fit are formed around the holes on the undersides of the leg 3 and auxiliary legs 6, 7.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 5, the second connecting member 82 is a member that connects the leg 3 and the support column 4. The second connecting member 82 is a flange-shaped member that extends from the lower end of the support column 4 toward the outer periphery of the support column 4. In this embodiment, the second connecting member 82 is made of metal and is painted. The thickness of the second connecting member 82 is set to about several mm (for example, 2 mm to 8 mm) so as to be as thin as possible while ensuring sufficient strength as the second connecting member 82.

[0058] The second connecting member 82 is joined to the lower end of the support 4 by joining means such as welding and / or adhesive, and is integrated with the support 4 (the first support 41 thereof). The second connecting member 82 is placed on top of the first connecting member 81 and fastened to the first connecting member 81 by fasteners such as bolts (screws) and / or nuts. The leg 3 and the support 4 are connected via the second connecting member 82.

[0059] Specifically, the holes formed in the second connecting member 82 are "clear holes" larger than the nominal diameter of the bolts used as fasteners, and are located at positions corresponding to the holes formed in the leg 3. As a result, the fasteners (bolts) pass through the second connecting member 82 and the first connecting member 81 and are tightened to the leg 3, thereby fastening the second connecting member 82 together with the first connecting member 81 to the leg 3. Here, illustration of the fasteners is omitted.

[0060] According to the electronic device holder 1 configured as described above, the arm 5 can rotate from a position on the leg 3 (reference position) toward the side where the auxiliary legs 6 and 7 extend, as shown in Fig. 8. In Fig. 8, the arm 5 in the reference position is shown by a solid line, and the arm 5 in the holding positions of "-90 degrees" and "+90 degrees" is shown by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line).

[0061] In other words, the arm 5 can rotate from the reference position (0 degrees) on the leg 3 toward the side (left side) where the first auxiliary leg 6 extends and toward the side (right side) where the second auxiliary leg 7 extends, as shown by the dashed arrows. In other words, since the arm 5 rotates toward the auxiliary legs 6 and 7, the support column 4 is less likely to tip over even when the arm 5 is rotated from the reference position, and the stability of the electronic device holder 1 is improved.

[0062] Furthermore, in a plan view, the arm 5 can rotate within a range between the leg 3 and the auxiliary legs 6, 7. In other words, the rotation range of the arm 5 is limited to approximately 180 degrees, and therefore the arm 5 is prohibited from rotating beyond the auxiliary legs 6, 7 (behind the auxiliary legs 6, 7). As a result, as long as the arm 5 rotates within the rotation range, the leg 3 and the auxiliary legs 6, 7 provide sufficient support, improving the stability of the electronic device holder 1.

[0063] In addition, in this embodiment, the center of gravity region R1 defined by the arc through which the center of gravity of the electronic device A1 passes when the arm 5 rotates is contained within the leg 3 and the auxiliary legs 6 and 7, as shown in Fig. 8. This prevents the load of the electronic device A1 from acting beyond the leg 3 and the auxiliary legs 6 and 7, improving the stability of the electronic device holder 1.

[0064] Furthermore, the electronic device holder 1 having the above-described configuration can be separated into at least the holder 2, the leg 3, the support 4, the arm 5, the auxiliary legs 6 and 7, and the first connecting member 81. Therefore, for example, when transporting or storing the electronic device holder 1, the electronic device holder 1 can be separated into multiple parts, allowing it to be packed relatively compactly.

[0065] [5] Variation Embodiment 1 is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications of Embodiment 1 can be made depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. The drawings described in this disclosure are schematic drawings, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Modifications of Embodiment 1 are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0066] The auxiliary legs 6 and 7 are not essential components and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0067] Furthermore, the leg 3 and the auxiliary legs 6, 7 are not limited to being T-shaped in plan view, but may also be, for example, circular, square, triangular, A-shaped, B-shaped, C-shaped, D-shaped, E-shaped, H-shaped, K-shaped, L-shaped, M-shaped, X-shaped or U-shaped.

[0068] In addition, in the communication device as the electronic device A1, the predetermined selection method for allowing the user to select one or more input elements is not limited to the eye-gaze input method, but may include at least one of the scanning input method and the eye-gaze input method. Furthermore, the communication device may use, as the predetermined selection method, a selection method such as a biological phenomenon method that determines the user's thoughts (yes / no) by utilizing the user's biological phenomena such as brain waves or cerebral blood flow.

[0069] Furthermore, the electronic device A1 to be held by the electronic device holding device 1 is not limited to a communication device, but may be, for example, a notebook personal computer, a monitor, an electronic book, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[0070] (Embodiment 2) 9 and 10, the electronic device holder 1A according to this embodiment differs from the electronic device holder 1 according to embodiment 1 in the configuration around the leg 3 and auxiliary legs 6 and 7. Hereinafter, the same configuration as in embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0071] That is, in this embodiment, the first auxiliary leg 6 and the second auxiliary leg 7 are fastened to the leg portion 3 by fasteners such as bolts (screws) and / or nuts in a state where they are stacked in the vertical direction D1. This integrates the leg portion 3, the first auxiliary leg 6, and the second auxiliary leg 7, and the leg portion 3 and the auxiliary legs 6, 7 are directly connected to each other.

[0072] Specifically, the first auxiliary leg 6 has a connecting portion 61 at its right end, and the second auxiliary leg 7 has a connecting portion 71 at its left end. A step is formed in the first auxiliary leg 6 so that the connecting portion 61 is located higher than the portion of the first auxiliary leg 6 other than the connecting portion 61. Similarly, a step is formed in the second auxiliary leg 7 so that the connecting portion 71 is located higher than the portion of the second auxiliary leg 7 other than the connecting portion 71. Then, with the connecting portion 71 of the second auxiliary leg 7 and the connecting portion 61 of the first auxiliary leg 6 stacked in this order on the rear end of the leg 3, fasteners (bolts) are passed through the auxiliary legs 6, 7 and tightened to the leg 3, thereby fastening the auxiliary legs 6, 7 to the leg 3. Here, illustration of the fasteners is omitted.

[0073] The various configurations described in the second embodiment can be adopted in appropriate combination with the various configurations (including modified examples) described in the first embodiment.

[0074] (Embodiment 3) 11 and 12, the electronic device holder 1B according to this embodiment differs from the electronic device holder 1 according to embodiment 1 in the configuration around the leg 3 and auxiliary legs 6 and 7. Hereinafter, the same configuration as in embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0075] That is, in this embodiment, the first auxiliary leg 6 and the second auxiliary leg 7 have a caster 62 and a caster 72, respectively. The caster 62 is located at the tip (left end) of the first auxiliary leg 6, and the caster 72 is located at the tip (right end) of the second auxiliary leg 7. On the other hand, as in the first embodiment, the leg 3 is configured to be able to be placed on the installation surface F1 without using casters. Therefore, it is possible to make the leg 3 thin (low profile), and it is possible to insert the leg 3 under the bed B1 even for a bed B1 that does not have sufficient height under it, such as a low-profile bed.

[0076] In this way, the electronic device holder 1B according to this embodiment has the legs 3 inserted under the bed B1 as casterless to achieve a slim (low profile) design, and the first auxiliary legs 6 and the second auxiliary legs 7 as equipped with the casters 62, 72 to enable easy movement. The electronic device holder 1B has such a hybrid structure that combines a casterless fixed structure with a movable structure equipped with the casters 62, 72, and can be used stably when installed (i.e., when placed on a floor), but can be easily moved on the installation surface F1 by tilting the electronic device holder 1B so that the front legs 3 are lifted off the installation surface F1 by using the rear 62, 72 when moving.

[0077] Specifically, the first auxiliary leg 6 and the second auxiliary leg 7 are integrated and constituted by a square pipe 9. That is, the left half of the square pipe 9 having a length in the left-right direction D3 constitutes the first auxiliary leg 6, and the right half constitutes the second auxiliary leg 7. Casters 62, 72 are arranged at both ends of the square pipe 9 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction D3).

[0078] The leg 3 has a step 31 at its rear end that protrudes upward. The step 31 is one step higher than the rest of the leg 3, so that even when the leg 3 is installed on the installation surface F1, the step 31 is raised above the installation surface F1. Here, the lower surface of the square pipe 9 is raised above the floor surface (installation surface F1) by the casters 62, 72, so that the square pipe 9 and the leg 3 can be temporarily assembled by placing the square pipe 9 on the step 31. In other words, when the square pipe 9 and the leg 3 are temporarily assembled, the upper surface of the step 31 comes into contact with the lower surface of the square pipe 9, and the square pipe 9 is supported by the step 31.

[0079] With the square pipe 9 and the leg 3 temporarily assembled in this manner, the second connecting member 82 is placed on top of the square pipe 9 so as to sandwich the square pipe 9 between it and the stepped portion 31, and is fastened to the stepped portion 31 with fasteners 83 such as bolts (screws) and / or nuts. As an example, the fasteners 83 made of bolts pass through through holes (skirt holes) formed in the second connecting member 82 and the square pipe 9, and are tightened into threaded holes (which may be welded nuts) formed in the stepped portion 31, thereby fastening the second connecting member 82 integrated with the support 4, the auxiliary legs 6 and 7 (square pipe 9), and the leg 3.

[0080] With this configuration, assembly can be carried out relatively easily by simply placing the square pipe 9 on the step 31 of the leg 3 with the casters 62, 72 facing downward, and then standing the support 4 on the square pipe 9, and then tightening the fastener 83 from above the second connecting member 82. In particular, since the step 31 has a screw hole, it is only necessary to tighten the fastener 83 from above, which not only reduces the number of parts but also improves assembly workability.

[0081] Furthermore, because the auxiliary legs 6, 7 are made of square pipes 9, the dimensions of the auxiliary legs 6, 7 in the width direction (front-rear direction D2) in plan view can be reduced while achieving the same strength as the flat auxiliary legs 6, 7. Therefore, for example, when the legs 3 are inserted under the bed B1, the amount of protrusion of the electronic device holder 1B from the side (rearward) of the bed B1 can be reduced, and the bed B1 can be brought closer to a wall or the like and the support 4 can be sandwiched between the bed B1 and the wall or the like, thereby enabling a more stable installation of the electronic device holder 1B.

[0082] The various configurations described in the third embodiment can be adopted in appropriate combination with the various configurations (including modified examples) described in the first or second embodiment.

[0083] [Appendix to the invention] The following is a summary of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0084] <Appendix 1> a holder for holding an electronic device having at least a display; Plate-shaped legs and A support pillar protruding upward from the leg portion; an arm that protrudes laterally from the support and supports the holding portion, The arm is configured to be rotatable along a horizontal plane relative to the support. Electronic device holding device.

[0085] <Appendix 2> Further provided is an auxiliary leg extending from the joint of the leg with the support in a direction different from that of the leg. 2. The electronic device holder of claim 1.

[0086] <Appendix 3> The auxiliary legs include at least a first auxiliary leg and a second auxiliary leg extending in opposite directions across the support pillar. 3. The electronic device holder according to claim 2.

[0087] <Appendix 4> The arm is rotatable from a position on the leg toward the side from which the auxiliary leg extends. 4. An electronic device holder according to claim 2 or 3.

[0088] <Appendix 5> The arm is rotatable within a range between the leg portion and the auxiliary leg in a plan view. 5. The electronic device holder according to any one of Supplementary notes 2 to 4.

[0089] <Appendix 6> The auxiliary legs have casters. 6. The electronic device holder according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 5.

[0090] <Appendix 7> Further provided is a holding structure that holds the arm at one or more holding positions set within a rotation range. 7. The electronic device holder according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

[0091] <Appendix 8> The legs are configured to be able to be placed on a surface without using casters. 8. An electronic device holder according to any one of appendices 1 to 7.

[0092] <Appendix 9> The electronic device has at least an eye-gaze input function. 9. An electronic device holder according to any one of appendices 1 to 8. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1,1A,1B Electronic device holding device 2 Holding part 3 legs 4 pillars 5 Arm 6 (1st) Auxiliary leg 7 (2nd) Auxiliary leg 52 Retention structure 62,72 Caster A1 Electronic Equipment F1 Setting page

Claims

1. a holder for holding an electronic device having at least a display; Plate-shaped legs and A support pillar protruding upward from the leg portion; an arm that protrudes laterally from the support and supports the holding portion, The arm is configured to be rotatable along a horizontal plane relative to the support. Electronic device holding device.

2. Further provided is an auxiliary leg extending from the joint of the leg with the support in a direction different from that of the leg. The electronic device holder according to claim 1 .

3. The auxiliary legs include at least a first auxiliary leg and a second auxiliary leg extending in opposite directions across the support pillar. The electronic device holder according to claim 2 .

4. The arm is rotatable from a position on the leg toward the side from which the auxiliary leg extends. The electronic device holder according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The arm is rotatable within a range between the leg portion and the auxiliary leg in a plan view. The electronic device holder according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The auxiliary legs have casters. The electronic device holder according to claim 2 or 3.

7. Further provided is a holding structure that holds the arm at one of one or more holding positions set within a rotation range. The electronic device holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The legs are configured to be able to be placed on a surface without using casters. The electronic device holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The electronic device has at least an eye-gaze input function. The electronic device holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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