Tablet case with keyboard

Abstract

This allows the use of wired headphones even if the tablet device does not have a headphone jack. [Solution] The tablet case with keyboard 10 comprises a case body 15 that covers the tablet device 1, and a keyboard 20 connected to the case body 15 and connectable to the tablet device 1 so as to allow communication with the tablet device 1. The keyboard 20 is provided with an earphone jack 24 into which the connection terminal 7a of a wired earphone 7 is inserted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a keyboard-equipped case for a tablet terminal.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a case for protecting a tablet terminal. The case includes a first protective cover for accommodating the tablet terminal and a second protective cover for accommodating the keyboard, and can hold the tablet terminal in a posture inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the keyboard. An exposure hole for exposing the power button and terminal connection portion of the tablet terminal is provided in the outer peripheral portion of the first protective cover.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, tablet terminals can wirelessly connect peripheral devices such as earphones via Bluetooth communication or the like, and tend not to have an earphone jack for connecting wired earphones. On the other hand, in recent years, an environment has been prepared for online learning in which a large number of children gather and use tablet terminals individually. In such a situation, the use of earphones is inevitable, but from the perspective of wire entanglement, the use of wireless earphones is not appropriate. Therefore, regardless of whether the tablet terminal has an earphone jack, it is necessary to enable the use of wired earphones.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention focuses on a keyboard-equipped case for a tablet terminal, and an object thereof is to enable the use of wired earphones even when the tablet terminal does not have an earphone jack.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention provides a case with a keyboard for a tablet device, comprising a case body that covers the tablet device, and a keyboard connected to the case body and capable of connecting to the tablet device so as to allow communication with the tablet device, wherein the keyboard is provided with an earphone jack for inserting a wired earphone connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The keyboard, which can be connected to a tablet device, is equipped with an earphone jack for inserting wired earphones. Therefore, if the tablet device does not have an earphone jack, wired earphones can be used by inserting the earphone jack into the keyboard's earphone jack, allowing communication between the keyboard and the tablet device without interference with other tablets. Thus, this tablet device keyboard case is effective for use in settings where many children gather and use tablet devices individually for online learning. In addition, because wired earphones are used, setting up the tablet device is easier compared to using wireless earphones.

[0008] In this invention, wired earphones can be used even if the tablet device does not have an earphone jack. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a tablet device case with a keyboard according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the device in use. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the tablet case with keyboard from a different angle. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tablet case with a keyboard in an unused state. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is an oblique view from a different orientation. [Figure 5]A perspective view of a tablet device case with a keyboard according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing the device in use. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a tablet case with a keyboard in an unused state. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (First Embodiment) Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the tablet device case with keyboard (hereinafter referred to as "case") 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used to protect and operate the attached tablet device 1.

[0012] In the attached drawing, the X direction is the width direction of case 10, with the direction indicated by the arrow being the left side and the opposite direction being the right side. The Y direction is the depth direction of case 10, with the direction indicated by the arrow being the front side and the opposite direction being the rear side. The Z direction is the vertical direction (thickness direction) of case 10, with the direction indicated by the arrow being the top side and the opposite direction being the bottom side.

[0013] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the case 10 comprises a case body 15 that covers the tablet terminal 1, a keyboard 20 for operating the tablet terminal 1, and a connecting member 30 that integrally connects the case body 15 and the keyboard 20.

[0014] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the case body 15 is made of a cushioning resin and is rotatable so as to overlap the keyboard 20 by deformation of the connecting portion 30e provided by the connecting member 30. The case body 15 comprises an outer plate 16 that covers the back of the tablet terminal 1 and a fitting frame 17 that fits onto the outer periphery of the tablet terminal 1.

[0015] The outer plate 16 is provided with a through exposure hole 16a for exposing the camera 2 of the tablet terminal 1. The fitting frame 17 is in the shape of a square cylinder and protrudes toward the keyboard 20 protruding from the outer peripheral portion of the outer plate 16. The fitting frame 17 is provided with a plurality of through exposure holes 17a for exposing the power switch 3 and the terminal connection portion 4 of the tablet terminal 1. Further, the fitting frame 17 is provided with a storage portion 17b for storing a touch pen (pen-type pointing device) 5 for operating the tablet terminal 1.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the keyboard 20 includes a resin housing 21 having an outer shape equivalent to that of the case body 15. On the upper surface of the housing 21, keys 22, which are a number of mechanically operable input portions that can move up and down, are provided. The keys 22 may be software keys displayed on a touch panel type display. On the outer peripheral portion of the housing 21, a connection cable 23, an earphone jack 24, an input / output port (power port) 25, and a wiring groove 26 and insertion portion 27 are provided.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the connection cable 23 is configured to connect the keyboard 20 and the tablet terminal 1 in a wired manner. The connection cable 23 can communicate the input signal of the keys 22 from the keyboard 20 to the tablet terminal 1. Further, the connection cable 23 can communicate audio signals and image signals bidirectionally between the keyboard 20 and the tablet terminal 1. Furthermore, the connection cable 23 can transmit power for operating the keyboard 20 and the tablet terminal 1 bidirectionally between the keyboard 20 and the tablet terminal 1.

[0018] The connection cable 23 protrudes to the outside from the rear side of the central portion in the depth direction of the right side portion 21a of the housing 21, more specifically, near the rear end. At the tip of the connection cable 23, a terminal portion 23a that can be inserted into the terminal connection portion 4 of the tablet terminal 1 is provided. A USB-TypeC connector with an unrestricted insertion direction can be used for the terminal portion 23a and the terminal connection portion 4. However, the terminal portion 23a and the terminal connection portion 4 may be configured with a connector other than USB-TypeC as long as they can be connected to each other.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, the earphone jack 24 is configured to connect the wired earphone 7 by inserting the connection terminal 7a. The earphone jack 24 is composed of a stereo mini jack capable of inputting and outputting audio by inserting the connection terminal 7a consisting of a 3.5 mm diameter stereo mini plug. However, the earphone jack 24 can be changed as needed as long as it is configured to be able to input and output audio.

[0020] The earphone jack 24 is provided at the rear side of the center in the depth direction of the left side portion 21b of the housing 21, more specifically, near the rear end. The earphone jack 24 is connected to the connection cable 23 via a processing unit that processes audio signals.

[0021] The input / output port 25 has a function as a power supply port for connecting the power cable 8 by inserting the terminal 8a and inputting the power to operate the keyboard 20 and the tablet terminal 1. In order to enable input / output of signals other than power and connection to the Internet, a USB-TypeC connector with an unrestricted insertion direction can be used for the input / output port 25 and the terminal 8a. However, the terminal portion 23a and the terminal connection portion 4 may be configured by a connector other than USB-TypeC as long as they are configured to be connectable to each other. Also, the input / output port 25 may be a dedicated power supply port that can only input power. Also, input / output of signals other than power may be performed by a separately provided input / output port.

[0022] The input / output port 25 is provided adjacent to the front side of the earphone jack 24 at the rear side of the center in the depth direction of the left side portion 21b of the housing 21. The input / output port 25 is connected to the connection cable 23 via a power supply processing unit that converts the input external power (AC power) into power (DC power) usable by the keyboard 20 and the tablet terminal 1. Also, the input / output port 25 is connected to the connection cable 23 via a processing unit that processes audio signals and image signals.

[0023] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the wiring groove 26 and the insertion part 27 are configured to house the connecting cable 23 so that it does not interfere with other external components when not in use.

[0024] The wiring groove 26 is formed by a recessed groove that extends inward in the width direction from the outer surface of the right side portion 21a of the housing 21, and extends from the portion where the connecting cable 23 protrudes toward the front side portion 21c. The total length of the wiring groove 26 in the front-to-back direction is the same as the total length of the connecting cable 23 excluding the terminal portion 23a.

[0025] The insertion portion 27 is provided at the corners of the right side 21a and the front side 21c of the housing 21. The insertion portion 27 is composed of a recess that curves downward from the top surface and is connected to the front end of the wiring groove 26. When viewed from above, the shape of the insertion portion 27 is the same as the shape of the terminal portion 23a of the connecting cable 23. In other words, the insertion portion 27 and the terminal portion 23a have complementary shapes. The insertion portion 27 is provided with an insertion hole 27a into which the connector of the terminal portion 23a can be inserted.

[0026] Referring to Figures 1 and 4, the connecting member 30 is configured to connect the case body 15 and the keyboard 20 so that they can move relative to each other. The connecting member 30 comprises a fixing portion 30a, a support portion 30b, a holding portion 30d, and a connecting portion 30e, and is made of a resin that has cushioning and flexibility properties.

[0027] The fixing portion 30a is concave when viewed from the rear, and is fixed to the lower half of the outer plate 16 with adhesive or the like when the case body 15 is in an upright position with the case body tilted.

[0028] The support portion 30b is shaped like an inverted U-shape when viewed from the rear, and is connected to the upper ends on both sides of the fixing portion 30a. It is rotatable to a position folded back relative to the fixing portion 30a. When the support portion 30b is rotated to be positioned flat with respect to the fixing portion 30a, it covers the upper half of the outer plate 16. The support portion 30b has a notch 30c formed therein that exposes the camera 2 of the tablet terminal 1.

[0029] The holding portion 30d supports the space between the fixing portion 30a and the support portion 30b, and is configured to hold the support portion 30b in an inclined position relative to the fixing portion 30a. In the width direction, the holding portion 30d is connected to the intermediate portion of the fixing portion 30a and the intermediate portion of the support portion 30b. The holding portion 30d is positioned flat between the fixing portion 30a and the support portion 30b when the support portion 30b is rotated so that it is positioned flat relative to the fixing portion 30a.

[0030] The connecting portion 30e is a flexible, deformable sheet-like material with a certain thickness, and is configured to rotatably connect the case body 15 and the keyboard 20. One end of the connecting portion 30e is connected to the lower end of the fixing portion 30a and is fixed to the case body 15 via the fixing portion 30a. The other end of the connecting portion 30e is attached to the rear side portion 21d of the keyboard 20.

[0031] Next, we will explain an example of how to use Case 10.

[0032] First, the tablet terminal 1 shown in Figures 3 and 4 is fitted into the fitting frame 17 of the case body 15. Next, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the terminal portion 23a of the connection cable 23 on the keyboard 20 is inserted into the terminal connection portion 4 of the tablet terminal 1 through the exposed hole 17a of the case body 15, thereby connecting the keyboard 20 and the tablet terminal 1 so that they can communicate with each other via the connection cable 23.

[0033] In settings where many children gather and individually use tablet devices 1 for online learning, wired earphones 7 are used. Specifically, if tablet device 1 has an earphone jack, the connector 7a of the wired earphones 7 is inserted into the earphone jack of tablet device 1. On the other hand, if tablet device 1 does not have an earphone jack, the connector 7a of the wired earphones 7 is inserted into the earphone jack 24 of keyboard 20, and the keyboard 20 and tablet device 1 are connected via a connection cable 23 to enable voice communication. Even if tablet device 1 has an earphone jack, the connector 7a of the wired earphones 7 may be inserted into the earphone jack 24 of keyboard 20.

[0034] If the tablet device 1 has sufficient charge capacity, it is not necessary to connect the power cable 8 to the input / output port 25 of the keyboard 20. In this case, the keyboard 20 operates using power supplied from the tablet device 1 via the connection cable 23. On the other hand, if the tablet device 1 has insufficient charge capacity, the terminal 8a is inserted into the input / output port 25 and the power cable 8 is connected to the keyboard 20. As a result, the keyboard 20 operates using external power supplied from the power cable 8. The tablet device 1 also operates using external power supplied via the connection cable 23 and is charged.

[0035] As described above, the wired earphones 7 can be used even if the tablet device 1 does not have an earphone jack, by inserting the connection terminal 7a into the earphone jack 24 of the keyboard 20. Moreover, the keyboard 20 and the tablet device 1 are connected by a wired connection cable 23. Therefore, even in a setting where many children gather and use the tablet device 1 individually for online learning, it can be used without interference with other tablet devices 1.

[0036] When online learning is finished, disconnect the wired earphone 7's connector 7a from the tablet device 1 or keyboard 20. If a power cable 8 is connected to the keyboard 20, disconnect the connector 8a from the input / output port 25. Also, disconnect the connector 23a of the connection cable 23 from the tablet device 1 and insert it into the connector 27 of the keyboard 20. At this time, fit the connection cable 23 into the wiring groove 26 of the keyboard 20. As a result, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the connection cable 23 is routed along the right side 21a without protruding from the keyboard 20, thus preventing interference with other components.

[0037] Case 10, configured as described above, has the following characteristics.

[0038] The keyboard 20, which can be connected to the tablet device 1, is equipped with an earphone jack 24 into which the connector 7a of wired earphones 7 is inserted. Therefore, if the tablet device 1 does not have an earphone jack, the wired earphones 7 can be used without interference with other tablet devices 1 by inserting the connector 7a into the earphone jack 24 of the keyboard 20 through communication between the keyboard 20 and the tablet device 1. Thus, this configuration of case 10 is effective for use in settings where many children gather and use tablet devices 1 individually for online learning. In addition, because wired earphones 7 are used, setting up the tablet device 1 is easier compared to using wireless earphones.

[0039] The keyboard 20 is provided with a connection cable 23 having a terminal 23a for connecting to the tablet device 1. Therefore, reliable communication can be established between the keyboard 20 and the tablet device 1, and interference with other tablet devices 1 can be prevented. Furthermore, because the keyboard 20 is connected to the tablet device 1 via a wired connection, setting up the tablet device 1 is easier compared to a wireless connection.

[0040] Since the connection cable 23 is capable of transmitting power, the keyboard 20 can be reliably operated using the power charged by the tablet device 1.

[0041] The keyboard 20 is equipped with an input / output port 25 to which terminal 8a of the power cable 8 can be connected, so the keyboard 20 can be reliably operated by external power supplied from the power cable 8. In addition, the keyboard 20 can charge the tablet device 1 via the connection cable 23, so the tablet device 1 can be charged while the keyboard 20 is in use. Thus, user convenience can be improved.

[0042] The keyboard 20 is provided with a wiring groove 26 along the right side 21a for routing the connection cable 23, and a socket 27 into which the terminal portion 23a of the connection cable 23 can be inserted. This allows the connection cable 23 to be positioned without protruding from the right side 21a of the keyboard 20 when the tablet terminal 1 is not in use, by routing the connection cable 23 in the wiring groove 26 and inserting the terminal portion 23a into the socket 27. Therefore, interference between the connection cable 23 and other components can be suppressed, improving ease of use for the user. Moreover, even though the keyboard 20 is wired to the tablet terminal 1, the stylishness of the case 10 can be improved when not in use.

[0043] Other embodiments and various modifications of the present invention will be described below, but unless otherwise specified, they will be the same as in the first embodiment. In the drawings referred to below, the same elements as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0044] (Second Embodiment) Referring to Figures 5 and 6, Case 10 of the second embodiment differs from Case 10 of the first embodiment in that the wiring of the connection cable 23 and the arrangement of the earphone jack 24 and input / output port 25 have been changed.

[0045] First, the mating frame 17 of the case body 15 is formed with a width larger than the outer dimensions of the connecting cable 23. The width of the mating frame 17 is formed to be as narrow as possible while still allowing the connecting cable 23 to be routed. In the upper part of the mating frame 17, as shown in Figure 5, there is a housing section 17b for housing the stylus pen 5. Next to the housing section 17b of the mating frame 17, there is a spacer 18 for operating the power switch 3 of the tablet terminal 1.

[0046] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the connection cable 23 is routed from the keyboard 20 into the case body 15. More specifically, the connection cable 23 protrudes from the rear side 21d of the keyboard 20 and is routed from the lower end of the case body 15 into the right-hand portion of the fitting frame 17 of the case body 15 in Figure 6. A wiring hole 17c for routing the connection cable 23 is formed in the right-hand portion of the fitting frame 17. The wiring hole 17c extends upward from the lower end of the fitting frame 17 in Figure 7. The upper end of the wiring hole 17c communicates with an exposed hole 17d that exposes the terminal portion 23a of the connection cable 23.

[0047] Here, a portion of the connecting cable 23 is exposed between the keyboard 20 and the case body 15. The total length of this exposed portion is set to be as short as possible without hindering the rotation of the case body 15 relative to the keyboard 20. As a result, the connecting cable 23 in the second embodiment is configured so that it hardly protrudes (is exposed) from the keyboard 20 and the case body 15 to the outside. However, at least the portion of the connecting cable 23 that is exposed from the keyboard 20 and the case body 15 to the outside can be made of a flat cable and integrated with the connecting portion 30e of the connecting member 30 to make it difficult to see from the outside.

[0048] The terminal portion 23a of the connection cable 23 is exposed to the outside through the exposed hole 17d of the mating frame 17 in the case body 15. A portion of the connection cable 23, including the terminal portion 23a, can be pulled out to the outside through the exposed hole 17d. This ensures ease of installation when mounting the tablet terminal 1 inside the mating frame 17 and inserting the terminal portion 23a into the terminal connection portion 4 of the tablet terminal 1. In other words, the connection cable 23 is routed inside the case body 15 while ensuring connectivity between the keyboard 20 and the tablet terminal 1.

[0049] Referring to Figure 5, the earphone jack 24 is located on the right side 21a of the housing 21, in front of the center in the depth direction, more specifically near the front end. The input / output port 25 is located on the right side 21a of the housing 21, in front of the center in the depth direction, more specifically adjacent to the front of the earphone jack 24.

[0050] Case 10 of the second embodiment, configured in this way, is used in the same way as Case 10 of the first embodiment. If the tablet terminal 1 does not have an earphone jack, a wired earphone 7 can be used by inserting the connection terminal 7a into the earphone jack 24 of the keyboard 20, thereby enabling communication between the keyboard 20 and the tablet terminal 1 without interference with other tablet terminals 1. Furthermore, since the keyboard 20 is provided with a connection cable 23 having a terminal portion 23a, reliable communication can be ensured between the keyboard 20 and the tablet terminal 1, and interference with other tablet terminals 1 can be prevented. Therefore, it is effective for use in settings where many children gather and use tablet terminals 1 individually for online learning. In addition, since wired earphones 7 are used and the keyboard 20 is connected to the tablet terminal 1 via a wired connection, setting up the tablet terminal 1 is easier compared to a wireless connection.

[0051] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the connection cable 23 is routed from the keyboard 20 into the case body 15. This allows the keyboard 20 to be connected to the tablet terminal 1 without the connection cable 23 protruding significantly from the case body 15 and the keyboard 20. Therefore, interference between the connection cable 23 and other external components can be suppressed, improving ease of use for the user. Moreover, while the keyboard 20 is connected to the tablet terminal 1 via a wired connection, the stylishness of the case with the keyboard 20 can be improved.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0053] For example, the tablet terminal 1 and the keyboard 20 may be connected wirelessly by Bluetooth communication or the like, without providing a connection cable 23 to the keyboard 20.

[0054] The connection cable 23 may be configured in a way that allows communication between the input signal of the key 22 and the audio signal of the wired earphone 7, but does not allow communication of image signals or transmission of power.

[0055] The keyboard 20 does not need to have an input / output port (power port) 25 to which terminal 8a of the power cable 8 is connected.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the keyboard 20 may be configured without a wiring groove 26 and a plug-in portion 27, provided that the connection cable 23 does not get in the way when not in use. Also in the first embodiment, a wiring groove for routing the connection cable 23 may be provided on the side of the case body 15. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1. Tablet device 2 cameras 3 Power switch 4 Terminal connection section 5. Stylus pen 7 Wired earphones 7a Connection terminal 8 Power Cables 8a terminal 10 Tablet cases with keyboards 15 Case body 16 Outer panels 16a exposure hole 17 Fitting frame 17a Exposure hole 17b Storage area 17c Wiring hole 17d exposure hole 18 Spacers 20 keyboards 21 cabinets 21a Right side 21b Left side 21c Front side 21d Rear side 22 keys 23 Connection Cables 23a Terminal section 24 Earphone jack 25 Input / Output Ports (Power Ports) 26 Wiring groove 27 Insertion part 27a Insertion hole 30 Connecting member 30a Fixing part 30b Support part 30c Notch 30d holding part 30e connection part

Claims

1. The case that covers the tablet device, A keyboard connected to the case body and capable of connecting to the tablet device so as to allow communication with the tablet device, Equipped with, The aforementioned keyboard case for a tablet device is equipped with an earphone jack for inserting wired earphones.

2. The case with a keyboard for a tablet terminal according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard is provided with a connecting cable having a terminal portion for connecting to the tablet terminal, for communication with the tablet terminal.

3. The aforementioned connection cable is capable of transmitting power, as described in claim 2, for a tablet device with a keyboard.

4. The case with a keyboard for a tablet device according to claim 3, wherein the keyboard has a power port to which a power cable terminal can be connected, and the tablet device can be charged via the connection cable.

5. The aforementioned connection cable protrudes externally from the keyboard. The keyboard case for a tablet terminal according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the keyboard is provided with a wiring groove for routing the connection cable along the side of the keyboard and a plug-in portion into which the terminal portion can be inserted.

6. The case with a keyboard for a tablet device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the connection cable is routed from the keyboard into the case body.

Images