TWI750740B - Supporting device and electronic device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A supporting device is provided, including a support member, a positioning element, a base plate, a slider, a resilient element, and a hinge mechanism pivotally connects the support member, the base plate, and the positioning element. The slider is movably disposed on the base plate and has a protrusion. The resilient element connects the base to the slider. When the support member is in a first position relative to the base plate, the protrusion is joined in the first recess of the positioning element to restrict rotation of the main body relative to the base.

Description

Supporting device and electronic device using the same

The present invention relates to a support device, especially a rotatable support device and an electronic device using the same.

Generally speaking, the common Point of Sales (POS) terminal devices in stores or stores are equipped with touch display screens. Users can view the display screen from different viewing angles.

On the other hand, because the conventional point-of-sale terminal device lacks an angle-adjustable mechanism design, it usually has the disadvantage of being bulky and unfavorable for storage and transportation.

In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, how to design a support device that can be easily adjusted by a user and can be easily accommodated and an electronic device using the same has become an important issue.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a supporting device, which includes a supporting member, a limiting element, a bottom plate, a sliding member, an elastic element, and a pivoting mechanism. The limiting element has a first groove, the sliding member is movably disposed on the bottom plate and has a protrusion, and the elastic element is connected to the bottom plate and the sliding member. The pivoting mechanism is pivotally connected to the supporting member, the bottom plate and the limiting element, wherein when the supporting member is located at a first position relative to the bottom plate, the protruding block is engaged with the first groove to limit the supporting member The piece rotates relative to the aforementioned base plate.

In one embodiment, when the sliding member is pressed by an external force, the sliding member slides relative to the bottom plate, and the protrusion is separated from the first groove, so that the supporting member can rotate relative to the bottom plate.

In one embodiment, the limiting element further has a second groove. When the supporting member rotates from the first position to a second position relative to the bottom plate and the external force is released, the elastic element acts an elastic force to drive the support member. The sliding member is displaced relative to the bottom plate, and the protruding block is engaged with the second groove.

In one embodiment, the first groove and the second groove are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the limiting element.

In one embodiment, the angle difference between the first position and the second position is 10-30 degrees.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned elastic element is a tension spring.

In one embodiment, the pivoting mechanism includes a plurality of friction elements and a shaft, wherein the shaft passes through a through hole of the support member, a through hole of the bottom plate, the limit element and the friction element, and the aforesaid The friction elements generate a resistance torque through frictional force between each other.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides an electronic device, including the support device and a host, wherein the host is fixed on the support member.

In one embodiment, the host includes a main body and a display unit pivotally connected to one end of the main body.

In one embodiment, when the display unit rotates to a limit angle relative to the main body, the display unit and the main body form an acute angle, and the acute angle is less than 45 degrees.

In one embodiment, the electronic device further includes a base, wherein the limiting element, the bottom plate, the sliding member, the elastic element and the pivoting mechanism of the support device are accommodated in an accommodating space of the base.

In one embodiment, the base has an opening, and the sliding member is exposed on a front side surface of the base through the opening.

The following describes the supporting device according to the embodiment of the present invention and the electronic device using the same. It can be readily appreciated, however, that embodiments of the invention provide many suitable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments disclosed are merely illustrative of particular ways to use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It is to be understood that these terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the relevant art and the context or context of this disclosure, and not in an idealized or overly formal manner Interpretation, unless specifically defined herein.

The foregoing and other technical contents, features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings. The directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as: up, down, left, right, front or rear, etc., are only for referring to the directions of the attached drawings. Accordingly, the directional terms used are illustrative and not limiting of the present invention.

First, please refer to Figures 1 and 2 together. Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the electronic device 100 of this embodiment is, for example, a point of sale (POS) terminal device, which mainly includes a display unit 10 , a main body 20 and a base 30 , wherein the display unit 10 pivots Connected to the upper end (the first end) of the main body 20 , so that the display unit 10 can perform actions such as angle adjustment and flipping relative to the main body 20 . The base 30 is disposed on one side of the main body 20 opposite to the display unit 10 , and provides an angle adjustment function at the lower end (second end) of the main body 20 . It should be understood that the aforementioned display unit 10 and the main body 20 constitute the host of the electronic device 100 , and the base 30 serves as the base of the electronic device 100 for carrying the host. In actual use, the base 30 can be placed on a desktop, and the angles of the display unit 10 and the main body 20 can be adjusted appropriately, so that the user can view the screen on the display unit 10 and operate the host from a better viewing angle.

In one embodiment, the base 30 includes an accommodating space for accommodating a supporting device (not shown). The supporting device of the base 30 provides functions such as fixing the main body 20 of the host, bearing force and adjusting the angle. The specific structure of the supporting device will be described in detail in subsequent embodiments.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the base 30 is formed with an opening 31, wherein a sliding member S of the supporting device is slidably disposed on the front side of the base 30, and a part of the sliding member S passes through the opening 31. The hole 31 is exposed on the front side surface of the base 30, wherein the user can apply an external force along the direction of arrow D1 to press the sliding member S to unlock the limiting mechanism of the support device in the base 30, so that the load of the base 30 can be adjusted smoothly angle. It is worth mentioning that, since the main body 20 is fixed on the base 30 , the user can adjust the angle of the object on the base 30 to achieve the effect of adjusting the display angle of the host.

Next, please refer to FIG. 3 , wherein FIG. 3 shows a side view of the electronic device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . As shown in FIG. 3 , circuit elements such as a circuit board and a processor are arranged inside the main body 20 , wherein the circuit elements can be electrically connected to a display module (such as a liquid crystal display module or an organic light-emitting device) inside the display unit 10 through wires. Diode display module) or display module with integrated touch function. As shown in FIG. 3 , when the limiting mechanism of the support device in the base 30 is adjusted to make the base 30 be in the bearing state at the first position, the loading angle provided by the base 30 is an included angle A1, and more Specifically, the angle formed between the surface of the body 20 fixed to the base 30 and the horizontal surface (such as a desktop) on which the base 30 is placed, wherein the aforementioned angle A1 is about 60 degrees to 80 degrees, preferably The angle is 70 degrees, so that it is convenient for the user to view the screen on the display unit 10 or operate the host.

Please refer to FIG. 4 again, wherein FIG. 4 shows a side view when the supporting state of the base 30 of the electronic device 100 is adjusted from the first position shown in FIG. 3 to a second position. As shown in FIG. 4 , when the user wants to view the screen on the display unit 10 from a higher viewing angle, he can first apply an external force with his hand to press the sliding member S in the direction of the arrow D1 as shown in FIG. 1 to unlock the door The limit mechanism of the support device in the base 30, and then apply pressure (as follows) to adjust the bearing state of the base 30 from the first position shown in Figure 3 to the second position (Figure 4). At this time, the base The loading angle provided by 30 is an included angle A2, wherein the aforementioned included angle A2 is approximately between 40 degrees and 60 degrees, preferably 50 degrees.

It should be understood that, once the user releases the external force on the aforementioned sliding member S, the limiting mechanism of the support device in the base 30 and the sliding member S can be automatically reset by the elastic force of an elastic element, so that the load on the base 30 can be automatically reset. The object angle cannot be adjusted, so that the bearing state of the base 30 can be fixed in the aforementioned second position (FIG. 4).

In an embodiment, the angle difference between the first position and the second position is about 10-30 degrees, preferably 20 degrees, but not limited to the numerical range disclosed in this embodiment.

Please refer to FIG. 5 again, wherein FIG. 5 shows a side view when the bearing state of the base 30 of the electronic device 100 is further adjusted from the second position shown in FIG. 4 to a third position. As shown in FIG. 5, when the user wants to view the screen on the display unit 10 from a higher viewing angle, he can also apply an external force by hand to press the sliding member S in the direction of the arrow D1 shown in FIG. Unlock the limiting mechanism of the support device in the base 30, and then apply pressure (as follows) to adjust the bearing state of the base 30 from the second position shown in Figure 4 to the third position (Figure 5). The loading angle provided by the base 30 is an included angle A3, wherein the aforementioned included angle A3 is about 20 degrees to 40 degrees, preferably 30 degrees.

Similarly, once the user releases the external force on the aforementioned sliding member S, the limiting mechanism of the support device in the base 30 and the sliding member S can be automatically reset by the elastic force of an elastic element, and make the load angle of the base 30 It cannot be adjusted, so that the bearing state of the base 30 can be fixed in the aforementioned third position (FIG. 5).

Please refer to FIG. 6 again, wherein FIG. 6 shows a side view when the supporting state of the base 30 of the electronic device 100 is adjusted from the third position shown in FIG. 5 to a horizontal position. As shown in FIG. 6 , when the user wants to store the electronic device 100 or view the screen on the display unit 10 from a top-to-bottom perspective, he can also apply an external force by hand along the arrow D1 shown in FIG. 1 . Press the sliding member S in the direction to unlock the limiting mechanism of the support device in the base 30, and then apply pressure (as follows) to adjust the bearing state of the base 30 from the third position shown in Figure 5 to a horizontal position ( 6 ), so that the surface of the main body 20 fixed to the base 30 is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane (such as a desktop) on which the base 30 is placed, and the electronic device 100 can have a smaller height as a whole.

Similarly, once the user releases the external force on the sliding member S, the limiting mechanism of the support device in the base 30 and the sliding member S can be automatically reset by the elastic force of the elastic element, so that the load angle of the base 30 cannot be adjusted. Adjustment, so that the bearing state of the base 30 can be fixed in the aforementioned horizontal position (FIG. 6).

It should be added that the positions of the four different bearing states of the base 30 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 above are only examples and are not limited by the present invention. The angles between the positions (each section) are The difference can be designed as the same or different angle difference, for example, designed to be 10~30 degrees. However, the limiting mechanism of the support device in the base 30 can be designed according to specific design requirements, so as to provide more sections and different load-bearing angles.

Next, please refer to Figures 7 and 8, wherein Figure 7 is an exploded view of the mechanism of the support device, and Figure 8 is a perspective view of the support device. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the supporting device of this embodiment includes a supporting member H, at least one limiting element 50, a bottom plate P, a sliding member S, at least one elastic element C, and at least one pivoting mechanism. Wherein, grooves are designed on the outer peripheral surface of the limiting element 50 . The sliding member S is movably arranged on the bottom plate P and has a protrusion S1. The elastic element C connects the bottom plate P and the slider S. The pivoting mechanism includes a plurality of friction elements 40 and at least one shaft B for pivotally connecting the support H, the bottom plate P and the limiting element 50 . From the perspective of the electronic device 100 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 , the limiting element 50 , the bottom plate P, the sliding element S, the elastic element C and the pivoting mechanism of the supporting device are accommodated inside the base 30 . The accommodating space, and the support member H is fixed inside the main body 20 , so that the host is fixed on the support member H. In this way, the angle between the bottom plate P and the support H can be adjusted through the pivot connection of the pivot mechanism, so that the base 30 can provide different bearing modes, and then the main body 20 of the host can be driven by the support H to be relative to each other. The base 30 is used for angle adjustment.

Regarding the pivot mechanism, the shaft B passes through the aforementioned friction element 40 , the through hole P1 on the bottom plate P, the limiting element 50 and the through hole H1 on the support member H, and when the support member H rotates relative to the base plate P, the aforementioned friction member 40 can generate a resistance torque through frictional force between each other, so as to improve the comfort and convenience in use.

On the other hand, as can be seen from Figure 7, the two ends of the aforementioned elastic element C (such as a tension spring) are respectively connected to the sliding member S and the bottom plate P; When the base 30 is in the first position (Fig. 3), the second position (Fig. 4), the third position (Fig. 5) or the horizontal position (Fig. 6), the elastic element C can move along the In the direction of the arrow D2 in Fig. 7, an elastic force acts on the sliding member S to force the protrusion S1 on the sliding member S to engage with the corresponding groove on the outer peripheral surface of the limiting member 50, so as to prevent the supporting member H and the bottom plate P from being locked. The main body 20 can be restricted relative to the base 30 to be fixed at the first position (FIG. 3), the second position (FIG. 4), and the third position (FIG. 5) from the perspective of the entire electronic device 100. Figure) or horizontal position (Figure 6).

It is further explained that when the user applies an external force to press the sliding member S in the direction of the arrow D1 shown in FIG. 1, the protrusion S1 on the sliding member S will temporarily disengage from the groove on the limiting element 50. At this time, use The user can adjust the body 20 (support H) to rotate relative to the base 30 (bottom P) in a timely manner; but once the external force is released, the elastic element C will use the elastic force provided by itself to make the sliding part rotate. S is automatically reset, and the protrusion S1 on the sliding member S engages with the corresponding groove on the outer peripheral surface of the limiting element 50 again, so as to limit the rotation of the main body 20 relative to the base 30 .

Next, please refer to FIGS. 9 to 11 together. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 100 when the main body 20 is in the first position relative to the base 30 , and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the limiting element 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. , FIG. 11 shows a three-dimensional view in which the bump S1 on the slider S and the limiting element 50 are engaged with each other, and the circuit elements inside the display unit 10 and the main body 20 are omitted in FIG. 9 . As shown in Figs. 9 to 11, when the body 20 (support member H) is in the first position relative to the base 30 (base plate P), the protrusion S1 on the sliding member S is clamped by the elastic force of the aforementioned elastic member C. It fits into a first groove 51 on the outer peripheral surface of the limiting element 50 , so as to limit the rotation of the support H relative to the bottom plate P, so that the body 20 can be fixed in the aforementioned first position relative to the base 30 .

However, when the user applies an external force to press the sliding member S in the direction of the arrow D1 shown in FIG. 1 , the sliding member S slides relative to the bottom plate P, and the protrusion S1 on the sliding member S will temporarily disengage from the sliding member S1 on the limiting element 50 . The first groove 51 enables the support H to rotate relative to the base plate P, and the user can selectively adjust the main body 20 to the second position (Fig. 4), the third position (Fig. 5) or Horizontal position (Fig. 6); for example, if the user chooses to rotate the aforementioned main body 20 (support H) relative to the base 30 (bottom P) to the second position (Fig. 4), the limiting element 50 will follow The main body 20 rotates together, and after the aforesaid external force is released, the elastic element C can drive the sliding element S to displace relative to the base plate P by the elastic force provided by the elastic element C, so that the protrusion S1 on the sliding element S and the limiting element 50 are connected. A second groove 52 on the upper part is engaged, so that the main body 20 is fixed in the aforementioned second position relative to the base 30 (FIG. 4).

Similarly, a third groove 53 and a fourth groove 54 are further provided on the outer peripheral surface of the limiting element 50 for engaging with the protrusion S1 on the sliding member S, thereby restricting the main body 20 to be fixed on the The aforementioned third position (Fig. 5) or horizontal position (Fig. 6). It is added that, the distance between the first groove 51 to the fourth groove 54 between two adjacent grooves can be designed to be the same or different, and the distance can be used to determine the angle difference between the positions.

Next, please refer to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram when the user applies an external force to press the sliding member S along the direction of arrow D1, and Figure 13 shows that the elastic element C uses its own elastic force along the arrow D2. A schematic diagram of the sliding member S being pushed in the direction to make the protrusion S1 on the sliding member S engage with the first groove 51 on the limiting element 50 . As can be seen from Figures 12 and 13, when the user applies an external force to press the sliding member S in the direction of the arrow D1, the elastic element C will be stretched by force, and the protrusion S1 on the sliding member S will be separated from the limiting member The first groove 51 on the 50; on the contrary, once the aforementioned external force is released, the elastic element C will push the slider S along the direction of arrow D2 by the elastic force provided by itself, so that the protrusion S1 on the slider S returns to As shown in Figure 12, the protrusion S1 on the slider S and the first groove 51 on the limiting element 50 are engaged with each other (assuming that the body 20 does not rotate relative to the base 30).

Finally, please refer to FIG. 14 . FIG. 14 shows a side view when the display unit 10 is rotated to a limit angle relative to the main body 20 . The design of the support device through the base 30 has been described in the foregoing embodiment, so that the user can adjust the angle of the host relative to the base 30. As shown in FIG. 14, except that the host can rotate relative to the base 30, the host In other words, since the display unit 10 is pivotally connected to one end of the main body 20, the angle between the display unit 10 and the main body 20 is also adjustable, so that the display unit 10 can also be rotated appropriately relative to the main body 20, so as to greatly enhance the electronic device 100 flexibility and convenience in use. For example, when the display unit 10 rotates to a limit angle relative to the main body 20, an acute angle A4 is formed between the display unit 10 and the main body 20, and the acute angle A4 is less than 45 degrees, preferably 40 degrees.

To sum up, the present invention can effectively improve the flexibility of the electronic device 100 in use by enabling the body 20 of the electronic device 100 to rotate relative to the base 30 and the display unit 10 to rotate relative to the body 20 ; In the invention, the sliding member S is provided on the base 30, and the user can press the sliding member S to unlock the limiting mechanism (limiting element 50) of the supporting device of the base 30, so as to properly adjust the relative position of the body 20 (supporting member H). The angle of the base 30 (the bottom plate P) is convenient for the user to view the screen on the display unit 10 , so as to greatly improve the convenience and comfort during operation.

Although the embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been disclosed above, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make changes, substitutions and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the process, machine, manufacture, material composition, device, method and steps in the specific embodiments described in the specification. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field can learn from the present disclosure. It is understood that processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, devices, methods and steps developed in the present or in the future can be used in accordance with the present invention as long as they can perform substantially the same functions or achieve substantially the same results in the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention includes the above-mentioned process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, device, method and steps. In addition, each claimed scope constitutes a separate embodiment, and the protection scope of the present invention also includes the combination of each claimed scope and the embodiments.

Although the present invention is disclosed in the foregoing several preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains may make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the appended patent application. Furthermore, each claimable scope constitutes a separate embodiment, and various claims and combinations of embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

100: Electronics 10: Display unit 20: Ontology 30: base 31: Opening 40: Friction element 50: Limit element 51: First groove 52: Second groove 53: Third groove 54: Fourth groove A1: Included angle A2: Included angle A3: Included angle A4: acute angle B: Axle C: elastic element D1: Arrow D2: Arrow H: support H1: perforated P: Bottom plate P1: perforated S: Slider S1: bump

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a side view of the electronic device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . FIG. 4 shows a side view when the supporting state of the base 30 of the electronic device 100 is adjusted from the first position shown in FIG. 3 to a second position. FIG. 5 shows a side view when the supporting state of the base 30 of the electronic device 100 is further adjusted from the second position shown in FIG. 4 to a third position. FIG. 6 shows a side view when the supporting state of the base 30 of the electronic device 100 is adjusted from the third position shown in FIG. 5 to a horizontal position. Fig. 7 shows an exploded view of the mechanism of the support device. Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the support device. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 100 when the main body 20 is located in the aforementioned first position relative to the base 30 . FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a limiting element 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing that the protrusion S1 on the slider S and the limiting element 50 are engaged with each other. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram when the user applies an external force to press the sliding member S in the direction of the arrow D1. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing that the elastic element C pushes the sliding member S in the direction of arrow D2 by the elastic force provided by the elastic member C, and makes the protrusion S1 on the sliding member S engage with the first groove 51 on the limiting member 50 . FIG. 14 shows a side view when the display unit 10 is rotated to a limit angle relative to the main body 20 .

40: Friction element

50: Limit element

B: Axle

C: elastic element

H: support

P: Bottom plate

S: Slider

Claims (12)

A supporting device comprises: a supporting member; a limiting element having a first groove; a bottom plate, wherein the limiting element rotates relative to the bottom plate along with the supporting member; a sliding member is movably arranged on the bottom plate A protruding block is provided on the bottom plate; an elastic element is connected to the bottom plate and the sliding piece; In a first position, the protruding block is engaged with the first groove to limit the rotation of the supporting member relative to the base plate. The supporting device of claim 1, wherein when the sliding member is pressed by an external force, the sliding member slides relative to the bottom plate, and the protrusion is disengaged from the first groove, so that the supporting member can rotate relative to the bottom plate . The supporting device of claim 2, wherein the limiting element further has a second groove, and when the supporting element rotates relative to the base plate from the first position to a second position and the external force is released, the elastic element acts An elastic force drives the sliding member to displace relative to the bottom plate, and makes the protruding block engage with the second groove. The supporting device of claim 3, wherein the first groove and the second groove are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the limiting element. The support device of claim 3, wherein the angle difference between the first position and the second position is 10-30 degrees. The supporting device of claim 3, wherein the elastic element is a tension spring. The support device of claim 1, wherein the pivoting mechanism comprises a plurality of friction elements and a shaft, wherein the shaft passes through a through hole of the support, a through hole of the bottom plate, the limiting element and the friction elements, and the friction elements generate a resistance torque through frictional force between each other. An electronic device, comprising: a supporting device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7; and a host fixed on the supporting member. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the host comprises a body and a display unit pivotally connected to one end of the body. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein when the display unit rotates to a limit angle relative to the body, the display unit and the body form an acute angle, and the acute angle is less than 45 degrees. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the electronic device further comprises a base, wherein the limiting element, the bottom plate, the sliding member, the elastic element and the pivoting mechanism of the supporting device are accommodated in an accommodation of the base set space. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the base has an opening, and the sliding member is exposed on a front side surface of the base through the opening.

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