Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an electronic device supporting mechanism, and more particularly to an electronic device supporting mechanism applicable to a portable computer and a portable communication device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Portable computers such as tablet computers are thin and light to be carried by the users and have computing capability similar to the general personal computers. Consequently, portable computers are gradually loved by the user and widely found in the market. Generally, during operations, the tablet computer lies flat on the desk surface. For adjusting the tilt angle of the tablet computer, the tablet computer should be leant against other supporting article so as to be supported by the supporting article. The way of supporting the tablet computer is troublesome because it is time-consuming for the user to find out the proper supporting article. Since the tablet computer is not equipped with a physical keyboard, characters are inputted into the tablet computer by using the virtual keyboard shown on the touch screen, or in a handwriting means, or in a voice input means. Due to the size limitation of the tablet computer, the virtual keyboard is usually very small. In addition, since the arrangement of the virtual keyboard is different from the general keyboard, it is inconvenient to operate the virtual keyboard. Whereas, the character recognition rate of the tablet computer in the handwriting means or the voice input means is usually unsatisfied. In most circumstances, the user needs to correct the character shown on the virtual keyboard or even re-enter the character. For solving these drawbacks, many supporting devices and external keyboards for the tablet computers have been introduced into the market. 
     Please refer to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 C.  FIG. 1A  is a schematic exploded view illustrating an electronic device supporting mechanism according to the prior art.  FIG. 1B  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the electronic device supporting mechanism of  FIG. 1A  and located at a supporting position.  FIG. 1C  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the electronic device supporting mechanism of  FIG. 1A  and located at a storing position. The supporting mechanism as shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 C is disclosed in for example U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,576. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , the electronic device supporting mechanism  1  comprises a base  11 , a supporting arm  12 , a stepless shaft  13 , a supporting block  14 , a supporting plate  15  and a keyboard  16 . The base  11  comprises a first pivoting structure  11   a , a second pivoting structure  11   b  and a receptacle  11   c . The supporting arm  12  comprises a first pivotal end  12   a , a fixing part  12   b  and two sliding grooves  12   c . The supporting plate  15  comprises a first coupling part  15   a  and a second coupling part  15   b.    
     Please also refer to  FIG. 1B . The supporting arm  12  is pivotally coupled to the first pivoting structure  11   a  of the base  11  through the first pivotal end  12   a . The stepless shaft  13  is disposed on the fixing part  12   b  of the supporting arm  12 . The supporting block  14  is disposed on the stepless shaft  13 . The both ends of the first coupling part  15   a  at the upper edge of the supporting plate  15  are inserted into the sliding grooves  12   c  of the supporting arm  12 . The second coupling part  15   b  at the lower edge of the supporting plate  15  is pivotally coupled to the second pivoting structure  11   b  of the base  11 . The keyboard  16  is accommodated within the receptacle  11   c  of the base  11 . 
     In a case that the electronic device supporting mechanism  1  is located at the supporting position (as shown in  FIG. 1B ), an electronic device may be placed on the supporting block  14 . In addition, by adjusting the angle of the supporting block  14  through the stepless shaft  13 , the viewing angle of the electronic device is changeable. 
     In a case that the electronic device supporting mechanism  1  is no longer used by the user, the both ends of the first coupling part  15   a  at the upper edge of the supporting plate  15  are moved downwardly along the sliding grooves  12   c , and then the supporting arm  12  is pressed down until the supporting plate  15  and the supporting arm  12  are both in close contact with the base  11 . Then, the supporting block  14  is rotated to lie flat on the supporting plate  15  (see  FIG. 1C ). Under this circumstance, the electronic device supporting mechanism  1  is located at the storing position. 
     From the above discussion, the electronic device supporting mechanism  1  is capable of supporting the external electronic device through the supporting arm  12 , the supporting block  14  and the supporting plate  15  and capable of adjusting the viewing angle of the electronic device through the stepless shaft  13 . 
     However, the conventional electronic device supporting mechanism still has some drawbacks. For example, the supporting arm, the stepless shaft, the supporting block, the supporting plate and the keyboard of the conventional electronic device supporting mechanism are all exposed outside. Consequently, during the process of carrying and moving the electronic device supporting mechanism, the supporting arm, the stepless shaft, the supporting block, the supporting plate or the keyboard is possibly entangled by other foreign articles and the problem is difficultly found by the user. When the electronic device supporting mechanism is removed by the user, the foreign article is readily hurt, or even the supporting arm, the stepless shaft, the supporting block or the supporting plate is suffered from deformation fracture, or the keys of the keyboard are detached. Moreover, the symbols marked on the keys of the keyboard are possibly worn away and difficult to be identified. Under this circumstance, the use life and the carrying convenience of the electronic device supporting mechanism will be impaired. 
     Therefore, there is a need of providing an improved electronic device supporting mechanism so as to obviate the drawbacks encountered from the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an electronic device supporting mechanism with a keyboard function and a protecting function. 
     The present invention also provides an electronic device supporting mechanism that is easily carried. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device supporting mechanism. The electronic device supporting mechanism includes a base, a top cover, a first supporting member and a second supporting member. The base includes a first receiving space and a second receiving space. The first receiving space is located at a corner of a first edge and a second edge of the base. The second receiving space is located at a corner of the first edge and a third edge of the base. The second edge and the third edge are respectively perpendicular to both ends of the first edge. The top cover includes a first cover body and a second cover body. The first cover body is disposed on the base and rotatable relative to the base. The second cover body is pivotally coupled to the first cover body. The second cover body is rotatable relative to the first cover body. The first supporting member includes a first side plate, a second side plate and at least one first notch. A first angle is defined between the first side plate and the second side plate. The first notch is formed in the first side plate. The first supporting member is pivotally coupled to the first receiving space, so that the first supporting member is rotated to a first supporting position or a first storing position relative to the base. The second supporting member includes a third side plate, a fourth side plate and at least one second notch. A second angle is defined between the third side plate and the fourth side plate. The second notch is formed in the third side plate. The second supporting member is pivotally coupled to the second receiving space, so that the second supporting member is rotated to a second supporting position or a second storing position relative to the base. 
     In an embodiment, the first angle and the second angle are both 90 degrees. 
     In an embodiment, a first protruding shaft is further disposed within the first receiving space, and a second protruding shaft is further disposed within the second receiving space. The first protruding shaft is located at a connecting region between the first edge and the second edge of the base. The second protruding shaft is located at a connecting region between the first edge and the third edge of the base. 
     In an embodiment, the first supporting member further includes a first pivotal hole, and the second supporting member further includes a second pivotal hole. The first protruding shaft is penetrated through the first pivotal hole. The second protruding shaft is penetrated through the second pivotal hole. 
     In an embodiment, when the first supporting member is located at the first supporting position, the first side plate of the first supporting member is parallel with the second edge of the base, and the second side plate of the first supporting member is parallel with the first edge of the base. Whereas, when the first supporting member is located at the first storing position, the first side plate of the first supporting member is parallel with the first edge of the base, and the second side plate of the first supporting member is parallel with the second edge of the base. 
     In an embodiment, when the second supporting member is located at the second supporting position, the third side plate of the second supporting member is parallel with the third edge of the base, and the fourth side plate of the second supporting member is parallel with the first edge of the base. Whereas, when the second supporting member is located at the second storing position, the third side plate of the second supporting member is parallel with the first edge of the base, and the fourth side plate of the second supporting member is parallel with the third edge of the base. 
     In an embodiment, the first supporting member further includes a first attractable element and a second attractable element, and the second supporting member further includes a third attractable element and a fourth attractable element. The first attractable element is disposed on the first side plate of the first supporting member. The second attractable element is disposed on the second side plate of the first supporting member. The third attractable element is disposed on the third side plate of the second supporting member. The fourth attractable element is disposed on the fourth side plate of the second supporting member. 
     In an embodiment, the first attractable element, the second attractable element, the third attractable element and the fourth attractable element are iron parts. 
     In an embodiment, a fifth attractable element is further disposed within the first receiving space, and a sixth attractable element is further disposed within the second receiving space. 
     In an embodiment, the fifth attractable element and the sixth attractable element are both magnetic elements. 
     In an embodiment, when the first supporting member is located at the first supporting position, the second attractable element is magnetically attracted by the fifth attractable element. When the first supporting member is located at the first storing position, the first attractable element is magnetically attracted by the fifth attractable element. 
     In an embodiment, when the second supporting member is located at the second supporting position, the fourth attractable element is magnetically attracted by the sixth attractable element. Whereas, when the second supporting member is located at the second storing position, the third attractable element is magnetically attracted by the sixth attractable element. 
     In an embodiment, the base further includes a recess for receiving an electronic device. 
     In an embodiment, the base further includes a keyboard. 
     The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a schematic exploded view illustrating an electronic device supporting mechanism according to the prior art; 
         FIG. 1B  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the electronic device supporting mechanism of  FIG. 1A  and located at a supporting position; 
         FIG. 1C  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the electronic device supporting mechanism of  FIG. 1A  and located at a storing position; 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic exploded view illustrating an electronic device supporting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic exploded view illustrating the base of the electronic device supporting mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the electronic device supporting mechanism in a storing status according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic exploded view illustrating the relationship between the base, the first supporting member and the first supporting member of the electronic device supporting mechanism in the storing status according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic exploded view illustrating the relationship between the base, the first supporting member and the first supporting member of the electronic device supporting mechanism in the supporting status according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic exploded view illustrating the electronic device supporting mechanism at a first supporting angle according to the embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic exploded view illustrating the electronic device supporting mechanism at a second supporting angle according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention provides an electronic device supporting mechanism. The electronic device supporting mechanism is applied to a portable electronic device. 
       FIG. 2A  is a schematic exploded view illustrating an electronic device supporting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 2A , the electronic device supporting mechanism  2  comprises a base  21 , a top cover  22 , a first supporting member  23  and a second supporting member  24 . 
     Please also refer to  FIG. 2B .  FIG. 2B  is a schematic exploded view illustrating the base of the electronic device supporting mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention. The base  21  comprises a first receiving space  211 , a second receiving space  212 , a recess  213  and a keyboard  214 . A first protruding shaft  211   a  and a fifth attractable element  211   b  are disposed within the first receiving space  211 . A second protruding shaft  212   a  and a sixth attractable element  212   b  are disposed within the second receiving space  212 . The top cover  22  comprises a first cover body  221  and a second cover body  222 . The first supporting member  23  has a first side plate  231 , a second side plate  232 , two first notches  233 , a first pivotal hole  234 , a first attractable element  235  and a second attractable element  236 . The second supporting member  24  comprises a third side plate  241 , a fourth side plate  242 , two second notches  243 , a second pivotal hole  244 , a third attractable element  245  and a fourth attractable element  246 . 
     A process of assembling the electronic device supporting mechanism  2  according to the embodiment of the present invention will be illustrated as follows. Firstly, a base  21  including at least a first edge  215 , a second edge  216  and a third edge  217  is provided, wherein the second edge  216  and the third edge  217  are perpendicular to the first edge  215 . The first receiving space  211  is located at the corner of the first edge  215  and the second edge  216  of the base  21 . The first protruding shaft  211   a  is disposed within the first receiving space  211 , and located at a connecting region between the first edge  215  and the second edge  216 . The fifth attractable element  211   b  is accommodated within the first receiving space  211  and parallel with the first edge  215  of the base  21 . The second receiving space  212  is located at the corner of the first edge  215  and the third edge  217  of the base  21 . The second protruding shaft  212   a  is disposed within the second receiving space  212 , and located at a connecting region between the first edge  215  and the third edge  217 . The sixth attractable element  212   b  is accommodated within the second receiving space  212  and parallel with the first edge  215  of the base  21 . The recess  213  and the keyboard  214  are located at the top surface of the base  21 . Then, a first side of the first cover body  221  of the top cover  22  is pivotally coupled to the base  21 , and the second cover body  222  is pivotally coupled to a second side of the first cover body  221 . A first angle between the first side plate  231  and the second side plate  232  of the first supporting member  23  is 90 degrees. The two first notches  233  and the first attractable element  235  are located at the first side plate  231 . The second attractable element  236  is located at the second side plate  232 . The first protruding shaft  211   a  within the first receiving space  211  is penetrated through the first pivotal hole  234 , so that the first supporting member  23  is pivotally coupled to the first receiving space  211 . A second angle between the third side plate  241  and the fourth side plate  242  of the second supporting member  24  is 90 degrees. The two second notches  243  and the third attractable element  245  are located at the third side plate  241 . The fourth attractable element  246  is located at the fourth side plate  242 . The second protruding shaft  212   a  within the second receiving space  212  is penetrated through the second pivotal hole  244 , so that the second supporting member  24  is pivotally coupled to the second receiving space  212 . 
     In this embodiment, the first attractable element  235 , the second attractable element  236 , the third attractable element  245  and the fourth attractable element  246  are iron parts (e.g. iron nails); and the fifth attractable element  211   b  and the sixth attractable element  212   b  are magnetic elements (e.g. magnets). 
     Hereinafter, the operations of the electronic device supporting mechanism  2  will be illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 .  FIG. 3  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the electronic device supporting mechanism in a storing status according to the embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4  is a schematic exploded view illustrating the relationship between the base, the first supporting member and the first supporting member of the electronic device supporting mechanism in the storing status according to the embodiment of the present invention. In a case that the electronic device supporting mechanism  2  is in the storing status, the first cover body  221  and the second cover body  222  of the top cover  22  are coplanar to cover the top surface of the base  21 . In addition, the first supporting member  23  and the second supporting member  24  are located at a first storing position and a second storing position (see  FIG. 4 ). Meanwhile, the first side plate  231  of the first supporting member  23  is parallel with the first edge  215  of the base  21 , and the second side plate  232  of the first supporting member  23  is parallel with the second edge  216  of the base  21 . In addition, the first attractable element  235  of the first supporting member  23  is magnetically attracted by the fifth attractable element  211   b  within the first receiving space  211  in order to avoid loosening the first supporting member  23 . The third side plate  241  of the second supporting member  24  is parallel with the first edge  215  of the base  21 , and the fourth side plate  242  of the second supporting member  24  is parallel with the third edge  217  of the base  21 . In addition, the third attractable element  245  of the second supporting member  24  is magnetically attracted by the sixth attractable element  212   b  within the second receiving space  212  in order to avoid loosening the second supporting member  24 . 
     Please refer to  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7 .  FIG. 5  is a schematic exploded view illustrating the relationship between the base, the first supporting member and the first supporting member of the electronic device supporting mechanism in the supporting status according to the embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  is a schematic exploded view illustrating the electronic device supporting mechanism at a first supporting angle according to the embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7  is a schematic exploded view illustrating the electronic device supporting mechanism at a second supporting angle according to the embodiment of the present invention. In a case that a portable electronic device (e.g. a tablet computer) is disposed on the electronic device supporting mechanism  2 , the user needs to push against the second side plate  232  of the first supporting member  23  and the fourth side plate  242  of the second supporting member  24 . Consequently, the first supporting member  23  and the second supporting member  24  are rotated relative to the base  21  to be respectively located at a first supporting position and a second supporting position (see  FIG. 5 ). Meanwhile, the first side plate  231  of the first supporting member  23  is parallel with the second edge  265  of the base  21 , and the second side plate  232  of the first supporting member  23  is parallel with the first edge  215  of the base  21 . In addition, the second attractable element  236  of the first supporting member  23  is magnetically attracted by the fifth attractable element  211   b  within the first receiving space  211  in order to avoid loosening the first supporting member  23 . The third side plate  241  of the second supporting member  24  is parallel with the third edge  217  of the base  21 , and the fourth side plate  242  of the second supporting member  24  is parallel with the first edge  215  of the base  21 . In addition, the fourth attractable element  246  of the second supporting member  24  is magnetically attracted by the sixth attractable element  212   b  within the second receiving space  212  in order to avoid loosening the second supporting member  24 . 
     After the above process is completed, the front side of the second cover body  222  of the top cover  22  is uplifted, so that the second cover body  222  is rotated relative to the first cover body  221  toward the first edge  215  of the base  21 . Correspondingly, the first cover body  221  of the top cover  22  is uplifted through a linking action. That is, the first cover body  221  of the top cover  22  is rotated relative to the base  21  to define a slant surface. Then, according to the desired tilt angle of the first cover body  221 , the both ends of the front side of the second cover body  222  of the top cover  22  are respectively inserted into one of the first notches  233  and one of the second notches  243 . Consequently, the top cover  22  is fixed by the base  21  (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). Afterwards, the portable electronic device is accommodated within the recess  213 , and the portable electronic device is leant against the first cover body  221 . Under this circumstance, the portable electronic device has the same tilt angle as the first cover body  221 . 
     In the above embodiment, the electronic device supporting mechanism  2  is capable of supporting the electronic device and adjusting the supporting angle by means of the base  21 , the top cover  22 , the first supporting member  23  and the second supporting member  24 . 
     From the above description, the first supporting member  23  and the second supporting member  24  are disposed within the first receiving space  211  and the second receiving space  212  of the base  21 , respectively. Since the first supporting member  23  and the second supporting member  24  have small volume and simple structures, the rotatable spaces of the first supporting member  23  and the second supporting member  24  are not too large. In other words, the first receiving space  211  and the second receiving space  212  will not largely increase the volume of the base  21 . Moreover, since the first supporting member  23  and the second supporting member  24  are respectively received within the first receiving space  211  and the second receiving space  212 , the top cover  22  can lie flat on the top surface of the base  21  to protect the keyboard  214 . In such way, the possibility of damaging the electronic device supporting mechanism  2  during transportation will be minimized, and thus the use life thereof is prolonged. 
     While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.

Technology Category: g