Tablet case

Abstract

This tablet case allows the use of wired headphones without the need for a conversion adapter, even for tablets that lack an earphone jack. [Solution] The first cover 2 includes a frame 5 that covers the outer periphery of the tablet device and can hold the tablet device, a Type-C cable 6 that is electrically connected to the USB Type-C port of the tablet device, and a wiring board 8 that is attached to the frame 5 and connects the Type-C cable 6 and the flat cable 7. The second cover 3 includes an external interface section 9 that is attached to the housing 11 and connected to the flat cable 7, and an earphone jack provided on the external interface section 9. The flat cable 7 is arranged to pass inside the connecting section 4 and cross the connecting section 4.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a case for a tablet terminal (tablet-type computer device) that is attached and used to a tablet terminal.

[0002] The "case for tablet terminal" referred to in the present invention is synonymous with what is generally referred to as "case for mobile terminal", "cover for tablet terminal", "cover for mobile terminal", etc., and includes all of these.

Background Art

[0003] A tablet terminal is a portable multifunctional terminal equipped with a display having a resolution comparable to that of a small notebook computer and having various functions such as music and video playback, Internet search, email, e-book browsing, online meetings, document creation, and spreadsheet calculation.

[0004] Efforts are underway to use this type of portable multifunctional terminal in educational settings such as schools. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology proposed the "GIGA School Concept" in 2019 to improve the educational ICT environment and maximize the capabilities of teachers and students. It is promoting the installation of high-speed and large-capacity communication networks in elementary, junior high, and senior high schools across the country, and the provision of one tablet terminal per child or student.

[0005] Assuming the use of a tablet terminal for educational purposes or the like, a keyboard may be provided on a protective cover that prevents damage to the tablet terminal. In addition, proposals have been made to provide a mechanism on the protective cover that prevents damage to the tablet terminal so that it can be used in a state where the tablet terminal is erected.

[0006] For example, the cover for a foldable computer described in Patent Document 1 allows the tablet device to stand upright by locking one of its lower edges onto a locking block on a third plate on which the keyboard is provided. Similarly, the leather cover for a tablet computer described in Patent Document 2 allows the tablet computer to stand upright by forming a triangular support base that fixes the front leather cover and the front circuit board at an appropriate angle. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-24178 [Patent Document 2] Registered Utility Model No. 3160806 Gazette [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] "2022 Apple 10.9-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Pink (10th Generation)", [online], Amazon, [Searched October 10, 2024], Internet<https: / / amzn.asia / d / 5LvG8Ta> [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Tablet devices are offered by multiple manufacturers both domestically and internationally, but one of the most well-known flagship products among consumers is the iPad®. In the second phase of the "GIGA School Initiative," announced in April 2024, it was announced that schools would choose their operating system for tablet devices from three different overseas manufacturers, and one of the three options is iOS®.

[0010] While newer iPad models have been released over the years, Apple announced in May 2024 that it would discontinue the practice of selling previous generations alongside older models and would consolidate sales to the latest generation, including in the Japanese market. As shown in Non-Patent Document 1, the latest generation, the 10th generation iPad, unlike the 9th generation and earlier, does not have an earphone jack on the iPad body.

[0011] On the other hand, earphones are used in English listening comprehension classes in elementary and junior high schools. Generally, earphones come in two types: wireless (e.g., using Bluetooth®) and wired. However, in educational settings where many students gather in the same classroom, wireless earphones may cause interference between tablet devices used by different students. For this reason, wired earphones, which do not cause interference, are required for school lessons.

[0012] Therefore, if the 10th generation iPad (registered trademark) is adopted as a tablet device for use in elementary, junior high, and high schools, it will be necessary to purchase a separate conversion adapter because the device does not have an earphone jack. Conventionally, technologies such as those shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have been proposed for tablet device cases, but none of them solve the above problem.

[0013] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its first objective is to realize a tablet case that allows the use of wired earphones without the need for a conversion adapter, even for tablet devices that do not have an earphone jack.

[0014] Furthermore, a second objective of the present invention is to provide a tablet device case equipped with a structure that eliminates or overcomes several problems that may be anticipated when used in elementary and junior high schools. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The case for a tablet terminal of the present invention includes a first cover having an opening for exposing the display surface of the tablet terminal and capable of housing the tablet terminal, a second cover that can open and close the opening of the first cover, and a connecting portion that connects the first cover and the second cover. The first cover includes a frame that covers the outer peripheral portion of the tablet terminal and can hold the tablet terminal, a Type-C cable electrically connected to the USB Type-C port of the tablet terminal, and a wiring board attached to the frame and connecting the Type-C cable and a flat cable. The second cover includes a housing, a keyboard portion formed at the center of the second cover and attached to the housing, an external interface portion attached to the housing and connected to the flat cable, and a headphone jack provided in the external interface portion. The flat cable is arranged to pass through the inside of the connecting portion and cross the connecting portion.

[0016] In the present invention, the following configurations can be adopted. The connecting portion has a first fabric forming a surface on the back side and a second fabric forming a surface opposite to the first fabric, and the flat cable is arranged to be sandwiched between the first fabric and the second fabric. At the same time, a reinforcing member capable of increasing the tearing strength of the connecting portion can be attached between the first fabric and the second fabric.

[0017] The flat cable connecting between the wiring board of the first cover and the external interface portion of the second cover can be a flexible printed board.

[0018] The Type-C cable has an L-shaped connector portion where the connector extends in a direction generally orthogonal to the direction in which the cable extends, and a surrounding portion for housing the L-shaped connector portion can be provided in the frame body.

[0019] The Type-C cable can be housed so as to run along the inner side of the peripheral edge of the frame of the first cover.

[0020] The external interface portion can be provided with a Type-C port capable of supplying power to the tablet terminal.

[0021] The frame body can cover the speaker portion provided on the side portion of the tablet terminal at the side portion of the frame body, and can be provided with a speaker hole for emitting the sound output from the speaker portion to the outside near the speaker portion at the front edge portion of the frame body.

[0022] A holder for holding the pen-type input device is provided at the upper edge portion of the frame body, and the holder can be provided with a protection portion for covering the pen tip so that the pen tip of the pen-type input device is not exposed to the outside.

[0023] The first cover includes a back plate portion that supports the back surface of the tablet terminal, a lower fixing portion fixed to the back plate portion, and an upper folding portion that is separable from the back plate portion and can be folded outward with the upper end of the lower fixing portion as a fulcrum. The back plate portion is provided with a window portion through which a part of the back surface of the tablet terminal can be seen when the upper folding portion is folded back, and the window portion can be configured to be covered with a transparent resin.

Effect of the Invention

[0024] The case for a tablet terminal of the present invention has a first cover having a frame body for holding the tablet terminal, and is provided with a Type-C cable that is electrically connected to the USB Type-C port of the tablet terminal. A wiring board for connecting this Type-C cable and a flat cable is attached to the frame body.

[0025] Furthermore, the tablet terminal case of the present invention has a second cover with a keyboard section in the center of the housing, which is equipped with an external interface section connected to a flat cable, and an earphone jack is provided in this external interface section.

[0026] The connecting portion that links the first cover and the second cover comprises a first fabric that is continuous with the fabric covering the outside of the first and second covers, and a second fabric that covers the side opposite to the first fabric and covers the side on which the keyboard section is formed, and the flat cable is positioned to be sandwiched between the first fabric and the second fabric.

[0027] A user of the tablet case of the present invention places the tablet device into the opening of the first cover and connects the connector of the Type-C cable, which is located on the periphery of the first cover, to the USB Type-C port of the tablet device. As a result, the Type-C cable, the wiring board attached to the frame of the first cover, the flat cable arranged to cross the wiring board and the connecting part, and the earphone jack of the external interface part located on the housing of the second cover are all electrically connected.

[0028] Therefore, by plugging wired earphones into the earphone jack of the tablet case, the user can listen to the audio output from the tablet's USB Type-C port through the wired earphones. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view showing the tablet device case according to the embodiment in an open state. [Figure 2] Figure 2(a) is a right side view of the tablet case shown in Figure 1 (with the Type-C cable removed) in the open state, and Figure 2(b) is a right side view showing the case in the closed state. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a rear view of the tablet case shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a view from the rear, showing the internal structure of the first and second covers (with the reinforcing members and first fabric removed). [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) is an enlarged view of the wiring board in Figure 4, and Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the wiring board in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram similar to Figure 4, showing the mounting positions of the reinforcing members. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the reinforcing member shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8(a) is a diagram illustrating the position of the connecting portion 4, and Figure 8(b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the connecting portion. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a tablet case with the stand extended, seen from a diagonal rearward angle. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a side view of the electronic device in use with the stand extended. [Figure 11] Figure 11(a) shows the front surface of a tablet device fitted into the tablet device case of the embodiment, and Figure 11(b) shows the back surface. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0031] This embodiment is a tablet case 1 intended for use in elementary and junior high school classes. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the tablet case 1 consists of a first cover 2 in which a tablet device 50 is housed and a second cover 3 equipped with a keyboard section 12, which are connected via a connecting section 4 to form an integrated case. The first cover 2 has an opening 2a that exposes the display 51 of the tablet device 50, and the tablet device 50 can be housed in the frame 5.

[0032] In this specification, the entire system in which the tablet device 50 is mounted in the tablet device case 1 is collectively referred to as the electronic device 100. Before describing the configuration of the tablet device case 1 in detail, the structure of the tablet device 50 will be described first.

[0033] (Structure of tablet device 50) The tablet device 50 is specifically the 10th generation iPad (registered trademark). Therefore, the tablet device 50 does not have an earphone jack.

[0034] As shown in Figure 11, the tablet device 50 is rectangular in plan view and has rounded corners. The external shape of the tablet device 50 is that of a flattened plate. The tablet device 50 has a display 51 mounted on its surface. The display 51 is an LED-backlit display. The display 51 corresponds to the display surface of the tablet device 50.

[0035] In the startup state, numerous icons are displayed on the display 51. When a user touches an icon with their finger, the application associated with that icon is launched. Various buttons and connectors are provided on the outer perimeter 52, which is the side of the tablet device 50, the front edge where the display 51 is located, and the back edge of the tablet device 50.

[0036] The outer perimeter 52 of the tablet device 50 includes a USB Type-C port 53, speakers 54, a tablet connector 55, a top button 56, and volume buttons 59. The speakers 54 are located in two places on each side, near the top and bottom, when the tablet device 50 is placed in a horizontal orientation. When the tablet device 50 is placed in a horizontal orientation, the speakers 54 are positioned on the left and right, creating a stereo speaker effect. The tablet connector 55 is specifically a Smart Connector (registered trademark). The top button 56 is used to wake the tablet device 50 from sleep mode and to return it to sleep mode. Pressing and holding the top button 56 turns the tablet device 50 on and off.

[0037] The USB Type-C port 53 and the speaker 54 are located on the right side 50b of the outer perimeter 52 of the tablet device 50. The top button 56 is located on the left side 50d of the outer perimeter 52 of the tablet device 50. The tablet terminal 55 is located on the bottom side 50a of the outer perimeter 52 of the tablet device 50. The bottom side 50a is the side located at the bottom end of the tablet device 50 when the tablet device 50 is in an upright position, and the tablet terminal 55 is exposed on the bottom side 50a. The volume buttons 59 are located on the top side 50c of the outer perimeter of the tablet device 50.

[0038] The front edge of the tablet device 50 has a front camera 57 and a front microphone 60. The front camera 57 and the front microphone 60 are positioned side by side in the center of the upper edge adjacent to the top edge 50c, specifically on the edge of the surface on which the display 51 is located.

[0039] The peripheral edge of the back of the tablet device 50 has a rear camera 58 and a rear microphone 61. The rear camera 58 is located in the corner of the side where the display 51 is not present, specifically in the corner adjacent to the left edge 50d and the top edge 50c. The rear microphone 61 is located near the rear camera 58.

[0040] A tablet terminal 50 having the above structure is mounted on the frame 5 of the first cover 2 of the tablet terminal case 1 to constitute an electronic device 100.

[0041] (Main components of Cover 1, Section 2) As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the first cover 2 includes a frame 5, a Type-C cable 6, and a wiring board 8 connected to a flat cable 7.

[0042] The frame 5 covers the outer periphery 52, which is the side of the tablet terminal 50, and also holds the tablet terminal 50. The frame 5 is connected to the outer edge of the back cover 22. The frame 5 is composed of a right side frame 13a, a left side frame 13b, an upper frame 14a, and a lower frame 14b, and each frame 13a faces one of the four sides of the outer periphery 52 of the tablet terminal 50.

[0043] The frame 5 is made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer), thus possessing both the flexible elasticity of rubber and the strength of plastic. Because the frame 5 is elastically deformable, attaching and detaching the tablet device 50 is easy. The frame 5 securely holds the tablet device 50 and protects the area around it. Although the frame 5 is made of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, other elastomers may also be used.

[0044] The first cover 2 includes a Type-C cable 6 that is electrically connected to the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet device 50.

[0045] The right horizontal frame portion 13a of the frame body 5 contacts and covers the right side 50b of the tablet terminal 50. The inner circumferential surface of the right horizontal frame portion 13a is a concave curved surface that extends in the direction of extension of the right side 50b. As shown in Figure 2(a), the right horizontal frame portion 13a has a connector hole 15 and a cable insertion hole 16. The cable insertion hole 16 is provided in the vicinity of the connector hole 15.

[0046] The connector hole 15 is an elongated hole that penetrates the right side frame portion 13a in the direction of its thickness and extends in the direction of the extension of the right side frame portion 13a. The connector hole 15 is a hole that exposes the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50. The cable insertion hole 16 is a perfect circle that penetrates the right side frame portion 13a in the direction of its thickness. The cable insertion hole 16 is a hole through which the cable portion of the Type-C cable 6 passes. The connector hole 15 and the cable insertion hole 16 are positioned opposite the outer periphery 52 of the tablet terminal 50.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the Type-C cable 6 is housed along the inside of the peripheral edge 5b of the frame 5. Since most of the Type-C cable 6 is hidden inside the frame 5, it is not visible from the outside.

[0048] Most of the Type-C cable 6 is hidden inside the frame 5, but only the vicinity of the connector 6a and the L-shaped connector portion 6b is exposed to the outside of the frame 5. This allows the L-shaped connector portion 6b to be grasped with a finger and the connector 6a to be inserted into or removed from the USB Type-C port 53 while the tablet terminal 50 is still attached to the first cover 2. Figure 3 shows the state with the L-shaped connector portion 6b removed.

[0049] Since the peripheral edge 5b of the frame 5 provides sufficient strength, housing the Type-C cable 6 along the inside of the peripheral edge 5b of the frame 5 is also suitable from the standpoint of protecting the Type-C cable. Specifically, the Type-C cable 6 is housed in the peripheral edge 5b, including the corner portion of the frame 5.

[0050] The Type-C cable 6 has an L-shaped connector section 6b in which the connector 6a extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the cable 6 extends. This allows the Type-C cable 6 to be routed along the frame 5 without bulging outwards when the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6 is plugged into the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet device 50. Because the Type-C cable 6 is not visible from the outside of the tablet device case 1, it is possible to provide an electronic device 100 with a clean and smart design.

[0051] As shown in Figures 3 and 9, the frame 5 is provided with an enclosure 5a for housing the L-shaped connector portion 6b of the Type-C cable 6. The enclosure 5a is a wall surrounding the L-shaped connector portion 6b, and a part of the wall is cut out to allow for easy gripping with fingers when attaching or detaching the L-shaped connector portion 6b.

[0052] When connector 6a is plugged into the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet device 50, the L-shaped connector portion 6b is enclosed by the wall of the enclosure portion 5a. Furthermore, since the thickness of the L-shaped connector portion 6b and the thickness of the enclosure portion 5a are approximately the same, the L-shaped connector portion 6b does not protrude. This prevents accidents such as students accidentally catching their hand or other object on the L-shaped connector portion 6b and causing the connector 6a to detach, or the electronic device 100 falling from the desk as a result of being caught on it, while using the electronic device 100 with the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6 plugged into the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet device 50. It also prevents excessive force from being applied to the connector 6a, which could cause it to malfunction.

[0053] The left side frame portion 13b of the frame 5 contacts and covers the left edge 50d of the tablet terminal 50. The inner surface of the left side frame portion 13b is a concave curved surface that extends in the direction of the left edge 50d. The left side frame portion 13b has a top button hole 18. The top button hole 18 is positioned opposite the top button 56 of the tablet terminal 50.

[0054] As shown in Figures 4 and 5(a), the first cover 2 is attached to the frame 5 and includes a wiring board 8 that connects the Type-C cable 6 and the flat cable 7. Specifically, the flat cable 7 is a flexible printed circuit board 7a.

[0055] The flexible printed circuit board 7a, also known as an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits), is a bendable printed circuit board as shown in Figure 5(b), in which rows of conductors 7ab are arranged between two thin insulating films 7aa with adhesive 7ac in between. The insulating film 7aa is, for example, a polyimide-based plastic film. The material of the conductors 7ab is specifically copper foil. The adhesive 7ac is, for example, an epoxy-based adhesive.

[0056] The flat cable 7 traverses the connecting portion 4, which connects the first cover 2 and the second cover 3, within the connecting portion 4. The flat cable 4 is arranged to pass through the inside of the connecting portion 4 and traverse the connecting portion 4. While it is possible to use, for example, an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) as the flat cable 7, using a flexible printed circuit board 7a offers the advantage of superior flexibility and bending resistance. The bending operations of the first cover 2 and the second cover 3 are repeated on a daily basis, but using a flexible printed circuit board 7a allows it to withstand sliding bending in confined spaces.

[0057] The wiring board 8 is located near the lower frame portion 14b of the frame 5. The other end 6c of the Type-C cable 6, opposite to the end on which the connector 6a is located, is connected to the wiring board 8. A flexible printed circuit board 7a is also connected to the wiring board 8. The wiring board 8 is a board that transmits data signals between the Type-C cable 6 and the flexible printed circuit board 7a.

[0058] As shown in Figures 3 and 9, the first cover 2 comprises a back panel 21 and a rear cover 22. The back panel 21 is provided with a window portion 21a.

[0059] The back panel 21 is made of PC material (polycarbonate). The back panel 21 protects the back of the tablet device 50. Because the back panel 21 is made of polycarbonate, it has excellent impact resistance. The back cover 22 is made of PU (polyurethane). The back cover 22 has a skin-like texture and a feel close to genuine leather. The back cover 22 uses polyurethane fabric with the highest possible coefficient of static friction to make it resistant to dirt and reduce the risk of it sliding off the desk.

[0060] (Main components of Cover 2, Section 3) The second cover 3 comprises a housing 11, a keyboard section 12, and an external interface 9 connected to a flat cable 7.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the second cover 3 covers the opening 2a of the first cover 2 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. The second cover 3 comprises a housing 11 and a keyboard section 12 that is attached to the housing 11 and formed in the center of the second cover 3.

[0062] The housing 11 is box-shaped and has storage space inside. The housing 11 is made of ABS resin, but other plastics may be used. The external shape of the housing 11 is a flattened rectangular parallelepiped. Four rubber feet 11a are attached to the corners on the back side of the housing 11 to stabilize the electronic device 100 when placed on a desk or other surface.

[0063] The keyboard section 12 is positioned in the dish portion of the second cover 3. The keyboard section 12 has multiple keys and a back plate. The multiple keys are arranged in the left-right and front-back directions. The back plate is located inside the housing 11 of the keyboard section 12 and supports the multiple keys.

[0064] The keyboard unit 12 receives power from the USB tablet device 50 via the USB Type-C port 53.

[0065] The second cover 3 is attached to the housing 11 and has an external interface section 9 connected to the flat cable 7. The external interface section 9 is a circuit board equipped with terminals and ports for connecting to external devices.

[0066] The tablet case 1 includes a connecting portion 4 that connects a first cover 2 and a second cover 3. As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 8, the connecting portion 4 has a first fabric 4a that forms the back side (right side of the page in Figure 8) of the tablet case 1, and a second fabric 4b that forms the opposite side (left side of the page in Figure 8) from the first fabric 4a. The flat cable 7 is positioned between the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b and extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 4.

[0067] The external interface unit 9 is equipped with an earphone jack 9a. Users such as students using the tablet case 50 place the tablet 50 into the opening 2a of the first cover and connect the Type-C cable 6 by plugging the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6 into the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet 50.

[0068] At this time, the electronic device 10 is electrically connected to the Type-C cable 6, the wiring board 8 attached to the frame 5 of the first cover 2, the wiring board 8, the flat cable 7 arranged to cross the connecting part 4, and the external interface part 9 attached to the housing 11 of the second cover.

[0069] Therefore, when a wired earphone plug is inserted into the earphone jack 9a of the external interface unit 9, the user can listen to the audio output to the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet device 50 using wired earphones.

[0070] By using the tablet case 1, students can listen to English listening exercises and other materials using wired earphones, even if their tablet device 50 is a 10th generation iPad (registered trademark) that does not have an earphone jack on its main body, without using a conversion adapter.

[0071] (Other configurations) In addition to the above, tablet case 1 has the following configurations 1) to 6) which are suitable for use in elementary and junior high school education.

[0072] 1) The external interface unit 9 provided on the second cover 3 also includes a Type-C port 9b capable of supplying power to the tablet terminal 50, as shown in Figure 2. When the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6 is plugged into the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50, the Type-C port 9b of the external interface unit 9 becomes usable. Therefore, when a user plugs a charging cable into the Type-C port 9b, the tablet terminal 50 can be charged.

[0073] If a Type-C port 9b were not provided, every time the tablet device 50 ran out of battery, it would be necessary to unplug the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6 from the tablet device 50, plug the charging cable into the USB Type-C port 53 on the tablet device 50 to supply power, and then unplug the charging cable again and plug the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6 into the USB Type-C port 53 once it was fully charged.

[0074] If the user is an elementary or junior high school student, they may handle the device roughly, and the more often the Type-C cable 6 is plugged in and unplugged, the higher the probability that both or either the USB Type-C port 53 on the tablet device 50 and the Type-C cable 6 will be damaged. Therefore, it is preferable to have a Type-C port 9b adjacent to the external interface section 9 on the first cover 2. This reduces the opportunities to plug in and unplug the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6.

[0075] 2) As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the connecting portion 4 has a reinforcing member 4c attached between the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b, which can increase the tear strength of the connecting portion 4. The reinforcing member 4c is made of nylon, for example. As shown in Figure 7, the external shape of the reinforcing member 4 is a horizontally elongated rectangle, and it is a member with a length in the left-right direction that is about the same as that of the connecting portion 4. The reinforcing member 4c is provided with mounting holes 4ca and 4cb at both ends in the vertical direction, and is fixed to the ends of the first cover 2 and the second cover 3 by screw fastening using the mounting holes 4ca and 4cb.

[0076] As shown in Figure 8(b), the interior of the connecting section 4 is arranged in the following order from the back side of the tablet terminal case 1: first fabric 4a, flat cable 7 (flexible printed circuit board 7a), reinforcing member 4c, and second fabric. The reinforcing member 4c is sandwiched between the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b and is not visible from the outside. The reinforcing member 4c can significantly improve the tear strength of the connecting section 4.

[0077] If the user is an elementary or junior high school student, they may handle the equipment roughly, which could cause tearing force to be applied to the connecting part 4 located between the first cover 2 and the second cover 3. By providing a reinforcing member 4c, damage to the connecting part 4 can be prevented. Furthermore, if tearing force is applied to the connecting part 4, the flat cable 7 located inside it may be damaged. By providing a reinforcing member 4c to increase the strength of the connecting part 4, damage to the flat cable 7 can also be prevented.

[0078] 3) The frame 5 covers the speaker 54 located on the side of the tablet terminal 50 with its side portion 5c (see Figure 9), and a speaker hole 17 is provided on the front edge 5d of the frame 5 near the speaker 54, as shown in Figure 1, for emitting sound output from the speaker 54 to the outside.

[0079] As a result, the speaker 54 of the tablet device 50 is covered by the frame 5, preventing dust and water from entering the speaker 54. On the other hand, since the speaker hole 17 is provided near the speaker 54 but rotated 90 degrees, users of the tablet device 50 can hear sound as usual.

[0080] 4) As shown in Figure 9, a holder 19 for holding the pen-type input device 40 is provided on the upper edge 5e of the frame 5. The holder 19 is equipped with a protective part 19a that covers the tip of the pen-type input device 40 so that the tip is not exposed to the outside. As a result, when a student places the pen-type input device pen in the holder 19, the tip is covered by the protective part 19a, so the tip is not exposed to the outside and it is possible to prevent the student from getting injured by the tip of the pen.

[0081] The upper edge 5e of the frame 5 on which the holder 19 is provided is the upper surface of the upper frame portion 14a of the frame 5. The upper frame portion 14a contacts and covers the upper edge 50c of the tablet terminal 50. The upper frame portion 14a has a cutout 20 for the volume buttons. The cutout 20 for the volume buttons is positioned opposite the volume buttons 59 of the tablet terminal 50.

[0082] 5) As shown in Figure 9, the first cover 2 comprises a back plate portion 21 that supports the back of the tablet terminal 50, a lower fixing portion 24 fixed to the back plate portion 21, and an upper folding portion 23 that is detachable from the back plate portion 21 and can be folded outward with the upper end 24c of the lower fixing portion 24 as a pivot point. The back cover 22 consists of the upper folding portion 23 and the lower fixing portion 24. The back cover 22 is rectangular in shape, specifically a rectangular plate.

[0083] The back panel 21 is provided with a window 21a that allows a portion of the back side of the tablet terminal 50 to be seen when the upper folding portion 23 is folded back, and the window 21a is covered with a transparent resin 21b. The resin 21b that makes up the window 21a is transparent polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a resin that provides high transparency and excellent impact resistance.

[0084] As a result, while elementary and junior high schools often attach a sticker with a management number to the back of the tablet device 50, the management number can be checked while the tablet device 50 is still attached to the first case 2.

[0085] The back panel 21 has a rear camera hole 28. The rear camera hole 28 is an oval-shaped hole that penetrates the back panel 21 in the direction of its thickness. The upper folded portion 23 also has a rear camera hole 29. The rear camera hole 29 is an oval-shaped hole that penetrates the upper folded portion 23 in the direction of its thickness. The rear camera holes 28 and 29 are the same shape and size, and are positioned opposite the rear camera 58 of the tablet terminal 50. Because the rear camera holes 28 and 29 are oval-shaped, not only the rear camera 58 but also the rear microphone 61 located near the rear camera 58 can be exposed.

[0086] The tablet case 1 includes a locking tab 25 attached to the upper end of the first cover 2. A magnet is attached to the locking tab 25 as a locking means, and as shown in Figure 4(b), when the electronic device 100 is placed inside, it adheres to a magnet attached to a second cover 3 (not shown) to maintain the stored state of the electronic device 100.

[0087] The locking tab 25 is also used to set the electronic device 100 upright when in use, as described below.

[0088] 6) As shown in Figure 3, the tablet case 1 includes a stand portion 26 that can be folded towards the back plate portion 21 when the upper folded portion 23 is separated from the back plate portion 21, using the first folding line 23a provided on the upper folded portion 23 and the second folding line 24a provided on the lower fixing portion 24 as pivot points. The left and right ends of the stand portion 26 are provided with notches 26a and 26b in the vertical direction. The stand portion 26 consists of a first piece 23b and a second piece 24b, and can be folded at the boundary between the first piece 23b and the second piece 24b. A magnet that can adhere to the locking tab 25 is provided on the second piece 24b.

[0089] As a result, when using the tablet terminal 50, the locking tab 25 and the second piece 24b of the stand portion 26 are bonded together, maintaining the triangular structure 27 formed by the upper folded portion 23 and the first piece 23b, the second piece 24b and the locking tab 25, and the lower fixing portion 24, as shown in Figure 10, thereby holding the tablet terminal 50 attached to the first cover 2 in an upright position. Note that the locking means provided on the locking tab 25 and the second piece 24b may be hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0090] According to the tablet terminal case 1 of this embodiment described above, when a user connects the connector 6a of the Type-C cable 6 to the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50, the Type-C cable 6 and the wiring board 7, the wiring board 7 and the flat cable 8, and the flat cable 8 and the earphone jack 9a of the external interface unit 9 are electrically connected.

[0091] Therefore, when a wired earphone plug is inserted into the earphone jack 9a of the tablet case 1, the user can listen to the audio output from the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet 50 using the wired earphone.

[0092] According to this embodiment, in addition to the tablet terminal 50 being housed in the first cover 2 and protected from impacts such as drops, damage to the tablet terminal 50 and the tablet terminal case 1 is suppressed even when the electronic device 100 is used for educational purposes in elementary and junior high schools, etc., due to the addition of the detailed configuration described above.

[0093] The present invention is not limited to the examples described above, and it goes without saying that the embodiments may be modified as appropriate, as long as they fall within the scope of the technical ideas described in each claim.

[0094] In other words, the embodiments described above are preferred examples of the present invention, and other embodiments can be adopted in various ways. Unless otherwise stated in this specification, the present invention is not limited to the shape, size, and configuration of the parts shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0095] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the configurations described in the above embodiments may be combined, and configurations can be added, omitted, or replaced with other configurations.

[0096] For example, although a configuration in which a window portion 21a is provided in the back panel portion 21 has been described, the size of the window portion 21a is not limited to that shown in Figure 1, etc., and a smaller window portion 21a may also be used. Also, the shape of the window portion 21a is not limited to a rectangle, but may be an oval shape, for example.

[0097] Furthermore, although a configuration in which a nylon reinforcing member 4c is provided between the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b for the purpose of improving the strength of the connecting portion 4 has been described, a configuration in which both the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b are made of nylon and no reinforcing member 4c is provided can also be adopted.

[0098] [Note] The configurations of the embodiments and modified examples described above, including configurations other than those described in the claims, are listed below.

[0099] (Note 1) A first cover 2 has an opening 2a that exposes the display surface 51 of the tablet terminal 50 and is capable of housing the tablet terminal 50, A second cover 3 that can open and close to cover the opening 2a of the first cover 2, It includes a connecting part 4 that connects the first cover 2 and the second cover 3, Cover 1, Section 2 is A frame 5 that covers the outer periphery 52 of the tablet terminal 50 and can hold the tablet terminal 50, A Type-C cable 6 is electrically connected to the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet device 50, It has a wiring board 8 attached to the frame 5 that connects the Type-C cable 6 and the flat cable 7, Cover 2, Section 3 is Casing 11 and The keyboard section 12, which is attached to the housing 11 and is formed in the center of the second cover 3, An external interface unit 9 is attached to the housing 11 and connected to a flat cable 7, The external interface unit 9 has an earphone jack 9a, Flat cable 4 is, It is arranged to pass through the interior of the connecting part 4 and cross the connecting part 4. Tablet case 1.

[0100] (Note 2) The connecting portion 4 has a first fabric 4a that forms the back side surface and a second fabric 4b that forms the side opposite to the first fabric 4a, and the flat cable 7 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b, The tablet device case 1 described in Appendix 1, wherein a reinforcing member 4c capable of increasing the tear strength of the connecting portion 4 is attached between the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b.

[0101] (Note 3) The flat cable 7 is a flexible printed circuit board 7a, as described in Appendix 1 or 2, for the tablet terminal case 1.

[0102] (Note 4) The tablet terminal case 1 according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the Type-C cable 6 has an L-shaped connector portion 6b in which the connector 6a extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the cable 6 extends, and the frame 5 is provided with an enclosure portion 5a for housing the L-shaped connector portion 6b.

[0103] (Note 5) The Type-C cable 6 is housed along the inside of the peripheral edge 5b of the frame 5 in the tablet device case 1 described in Appendix 4.

[0104] (Note 6) The external interface section 9 further includes a Type-C port 9b capable of supplying power to the tablet terminal 50, as described in Appendix 1 or 2 for the tablet terminal case 1.

[0105] (Note 7) The case for a tablet terminal 1 as described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the frame 5 covers a speaker 54 located on the side of the tablet terminal 50 with the side portion 5c of the frame 5, and a speaker hole 17 is provided on the front edge 5d of the frame 5 near the speaker 54 for emitting sound output from the speaker 54 to the outside.

[0106] (Note 8) A holder 19 for holding a pen-type input device is provided on the upper edge of the frame 5, and the holder 19 is equipped with a protective part 19a that covers the tip of the pen-type input device so that the tip of the pen is not exposed to the outside, as described in Appendix 1 or 2, for a tablet terminal case 1.

[0107] (Note 9) The first cover 2 includes a back plate portion 21 that supports the back of the tablet device 50, It comprises a lower fixing portion 24 fixed to the back plate portion 21, and an upper folding portion 23 that is detachable from the back plate portion 21 and can be folded outward using the upper end 24c of the lower fixing portion 24 as a pivot point. The back panel portion 21 is provided with a window portion 21a that allows a part of the back side of the tablet terminal 50 to be seen when the upper folding portion 23 is folded back, and transparent polycarbonate is used for the window portion 21a, as described in Appendix 1 or 2 for a tablet terminal case.

[0108] (Note 10) The reinforcing member 4c is made of nylon, as described in Appendix 2 for the tablet device case 1.

[0109] (Note 11) The connecting portion 4 has a first fabric 4a that forms the back side surface and a second fabric 4b that forms the side opposite to the first fabric 4a, and the flat cable 7 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b, The first fabric 4a and the second fabric 4b are both made of nylon, as described in Appendix 1 for the tablet device case 1.

[0110] (Note 12) The first cover 2 includes a back plate portion 21 that supports the back of the tablet device 50, It comprises a lower fixing portion 24 fixed to the back plate portion 21, and an upper folding portion 23 that is detachable from the back plate portion 21 and can be folded outward using the upper end 24c of the lower fixing portion 24 as a pivot point. The device includes a stand portion 26 that can be folded towards the back plate portion 21 when the upper folded portion 23 is separated from the back plate portion 21, using the first folding line 23a provided on the upper folded portion 23 and the second folding line 24a provided on the lower fixing portion 24 as pivot points, respectively. The stand portion 26 consists of a first piece 23b and a second piece 24b having a locking mechanism, and is bendable at the boundary between the first piece 23b and the second piece 24b, and both ends in the left and right directions are provided with notches 26a and 26b in the up and down directions. A tablet terminal case according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein a locking tab 25 having a locking means attached to the upper end of the first cover 2 is bonded to the second piece 24b, thereby maintaining a triangular structure 27 formed by the upper folded portion 23 and the first piece 23b, the second piece 24b and the locking tab 25, and the lower fixing portion 24, thereby holding the tablet terminal 50 attached to the first cover 2 in an upright position.

[0111] (Note 13) The locking means provided on the locking tab 25 and the second piece 24b is a magnet or hook-and-loop fastener, as described in Appendix 12, for the tablet device case.

[0112] (Note 14) The tablet case 1 according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the frame 5 has a connector hole 15 for exposing the USB Type-C port 53 of the tablet terminal 50, and a through hole 16 provided near the connector hole 15 for passing a portion of the Type-C cable 6, and only the vicinity of the L-shaped connector portion 6b of the Type-C cable 6 is exposed to the outside of the frame 5.

[0113] (Note 15) An electronic device 100 comprising a tablet device case 1 described in any one of appendices 1 to 14, and a tablet device 50 housed in a first cover 2. [Industrial applicability]

[0114] Although this invention was developed with educational use in mind, such as in schools and cram schools, its applications are not limited and it can be widely used as a keyboard-equipped case to cover tablet devices. For example, it can be used in commercial facilities such as showrooms and office reception areas. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 1. Case for tablet devices 2. Cover 1 2a opening 3. Second cover 4 Connecting part 4a First fabric 4b Second fabric 4c Reinforcement member 5 Frame 5a Enclosure 5b Peripheral area 5c Side 5d front edge 5e Upper edge 6 Type-C Cables 6a connector 6b L-shaped connector section 7 Flat Cable 7a Flexible printed circuit board 8 Wiring board 9. External Interface Section 9a earphone jack 9b Type-C port 11 cabinets 12 Keyboard section 19 holder 19a Protective part 21 Back plate part 21a Window section 21b Transparent resin 22 Back cover 23 Upper folded portion 24 Lower fixing part 40 Pen-type input devices 50 tablet devices 51 displays 52 Outer perimeter 53 USB Type-C ports 100 Electronic equipment

Claims

1. A first cover having an opening that exposes the display surface of the tablet device and capable of housing the tablet device, A second cover that can open and close to cover the opening of the first cover, It comprises a connecting portion that connects the first cover and the second cover, The first cover is, A frame that covers the outer periphery of the tablet terminal and is capable of holding the tablet terminal, A Type-C cable that is electrically connected to the USB Type-C port of the aforementioned tablet device, The frame is attached to a wiring board that connects the Type-C cable and the flat cable, The second cover is, The casing and The keyboard section, which is attached to the housing and formed in the center of the second cover, An external interface unit attached to the housing and connected to the flat cable, The external interface section includes an earphone jack, The flat cable is arranged to pass through the inside of the connecting portion and cross the connecting portion. Tablet case.

2. The aforementioned connecting portion is The first fabric forms the back surface, A second fabric forming the opposite side from the first fabric, It has, The flat cable is positioned so as to be sandwiched between the first fabric and the second fabric, The tablet case according to claim 1, wherein a reinforcing member capable of increasing the tear strength of the connecting portion is attached between the first fabric and the second fabric.

3. The tablet terminal case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flat cable is a flexible printed circuit board.

4. The tablet terminal case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the Type-C cable has an L-shaped connector portion in which the connector extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the cable extends, and the frame is provided with an enclosure portion for housing the L-shaped connector portion.

5. The tablet case according to claim 4, wherein the Type-C cable is housed along the inside of the peripheral edge of the frame.

6. The tablet terminal case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the external interface section further comprises a Type-C port capable of supplying power to the tablet terminal.

7. The case for a tablet terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame covers a speaker portion provided on the side of the tablet terminal with the side of the frame, and a speaker hole is provided on the front edge of the frame near the speaker portion for emitting sound output from the speaker portion to the outside.

8. A holder for holding a pen-type input device is provided on the upper edge of the frame, and the holder is equipped with a protective part that covers the tip of the pen-type input device so that the tip of the pen is not exposed to the outside, as described in claim 1 or 2.

9. The first cover includes a back plate portion that supports the back of the tablet device, It comprises a lower fixing portion fixed to the back plate portion, and an upper folding portion that is detachable from the back plate portion and can be folded outward with the upper end of the lower fixing portion as a pivot point, The case for a tablet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the back panel portion is provided with a window portion that allows a part of the back surface of the tablet device to be seen when the upper folded portion is folded back, and transparent resin is used for the window portion.

Images