WO2003017513A1

WO2003017513A1 - Receptacle for a mobile communications terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2003017513A1
Application number: PCT/DE2002/002382
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip Christal
Original assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2001-08-07
Filing date: 2002-07-01
Publication date: 2003-02-27
Also published as: DE10138769A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a receptacle (10) for a mobile communications terminal (14), in particular a mobile radio terminal, a PDA or similar. Said receptacle (10) comprises at least one, preferably fabric, flexible web (12), which can be unfolded into a flat unfolded state (fig. 6) and folded into a receiving state (figs. 1 and 2) for receiving the mobile communications terminal (14). The flexible web or webs (12) has/have active areas (42) for inputting information. The mobile communications terminal (14) can be inserted into or removed from a cavity (36) formed in the receiving state of the receptacle (10) (figs. 1 and 2) and can be coupled to the flexible web (12) in the unfolded state (fig. 6) for transmitting information.

Description

description

Recording device for a mobile communication terminal

The present invention relates to a recording device for a mobile communication terminal, in particular a mobile radio terminal, a PDA or the like.

With the increase in technical possibilities and capacities in the field of mobile communication and mobile data exchange, it is more and more necessary and desirable to carry a mobile communication terminal, such as a mobile radio terminal, a PDA or the like, in every situation in order to be reachable for an information exchange, i.e. for conversations or data exchange, regardless of time and location. Since the mobile communication terminal devices are generally technically complex and therefore costly to buy, electronic devices must be adequately protected against external mechanical and weather-related influences in order to avoid damage. Furthermore, it is desirable to design a mobile communication terminal device in such a way that it can easily be carried in almost any situation in life without noticeably hindering the user.

It is known to accommodate a mobile communication terminal in a protective cover, which protects it from external influences and yet permits its use. Such a protective cover is usually designed for a specific type of device and does not permit the inclusion of additional devices that functionally expand the mobile communication terminal used. Due to the increase in non-voice data exchange, which is due in particular to the expansion of existing mobile radio standards, such as in the case of the GSM (Global System For Mobile Communication) standards by the short message service SMS (Short Message Service) and the data transmission service GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), or by However, the introduction of new, more powerful mobile radio standards, such as the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) standard, is currently in demand, however, to make it easier to enter text information via mobile communication devices. However, this is contrary to the trend of advancing miniaturization of mobile communication devices. In order to do justice to both tendencies, additional devices, for example in the form of a fold-out keyboard, are offered in addition to the available small-sized mobile communication terminals, which can be connected in an active state to a mobile communication terminal for information input.

For example, EP 0 989 509 A2 describes a position sensor made of a textile material, which in a further development can also be designed as a keyboard.

However, such additional devices are to be carried separately from the respective mobile communication terminal, which makes their use uncomfortable. In particular, there is the problem that the functional expansion of the mobile communication terminal by the additional input device is purchased by the fact that two separate devices must always be carried, which can then be connected and used by the user in the event of use.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a recording device of the type described in the introduction, which, in addition to the protective properties in the conventional use of the mobile communication terminal, additionally improves its use by expanding the function.

This object is achieved by a recording device for a mobile communication terminal, in particular a mobile radio terminal, a PDA or the like, the recording has at least one, in particular textile, flexible web, which can be folded into a flat unfolding state and into a recording state provided for receiving the mobile communication terminal, the at least one flexible web having active areas for inputting and / or outputting information and wherein the mobile communication terminal can be inserted into or removed from a cavity formed by the receiving device in the receiving state and can be coupled to the flexible web for the transmission of information in the unfolding state.

Depending on the present state, the receiving device according to the invention fulfills two functions: in the receiving state it forms a cavity into which the mobile communication terminal device can be inserted and removed from it, as in the case of a conventional protective cover initially described with reference to the prior art. In this recording state, the recording device fulfills protective functions corresponding to a conventional protective cover. In the unfolded state, however, the active areas of the flexible web become the user

Operation offered, the user can use these active areas after coupling the mobile communication terminal with the flexible train for entering information. The user of the recording device according to the invention thus has the option of using it as a conventional protective cover, for example "cell phone pocket", wherein he can, for example, remove the mobile communication terminal from the recording device in order to carry out a telephone call and can insert it again after the call or can make the call by means of a headset, possibly voice-controlled, while the mobile communication terminal is in the receiving device. Due to the relatively low material thickness of the flexible web, the receiving device is compact in its receiving state and does not hinder the user any more than a conventional protective cover. Does the user need the additional functions, for example for simple input of longer text messages by means of the active areas, he folds the recording device according to the invention from its recording state into the unfolding state, in which he can use the active areas presented to him.

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the active areas are sensitive to touch and / or that the flexible web with its active areas is designed as a keyboard. The active areas can thus be designed, for example, in the form of a multiplicity of pressure-sensitive surface sections, with each surface section being assigned specific characters or character groups in the style of a conventional keyboard. Likewise, at least one active area can be designed as a touchpad, which, for example, follows a movement of a pressurized pen and, when detecting the movement path, assigns it to a specific character or group of characters. In both cases, in addition to a keyboard provided on the mobile communication terminal, it is possible to provide an input means which has a user-friendly format and thus considerably facilitates the entry of information into the mobile communication terminal compared to conventional solutions.

In order to ensure that the receiving device according to the invention has a compact appearance in the receiving state, it can further be provided according to the invention that the flexible web has fixing means by means of which it can be fixed in an essentially dimensionally stable shape at least in the _# receiving state. For example, Velcro fasteners, snap fasteners, magnets, buckle fasteners, lace fasteners or the like are suitable as fixing means. It must be ensured for the fixing means that they hold the flexible web with a sufficiently high resistance in the dimensionally stable shape assigned to the receiving state and are nevertheless relatively easy to release to bring about the unfolding state. To couple the mobile communication terminal and the flexible path, it can further be provided that the flexible path has contacting means by means of which the communication terminal and the flexible path can be mechanically coupled for information transmission. For example, a plug socket can be provided on the mobile communication terminal and a corresponding complementary plug can be formed on the flexible track, which plug can be inserted into the plug socket for coupling and signal transmission.

In order to fix the mobile communication terminal in the unfolded state in an ergonomically favorable position for the user, it can be provided in a further development of the invention that the contacting means are designed such that the mobile communication terminal in the unfolded state essentially in a relative to the flexible path stable docking position for entering information on the flexible track is dockable. In this docking position, the mobile communication terminal can be presented to the user, for example at a predetermined angle of inclination to the flexible path, in such a way that the user can read off a display provided on the mobile communication terminal when using the active areas of the flexible path in an ergonomically favorable manner.

Furthermore, the contacting means can be designed in such a way that, in the recording state, they limit the cavity at least in sections against removal of the mobile communication terminal. If, for example, the flexible web can be folded up to produce the recording state in such a way that it essentially surrounds a communication terminal inserted into the cavity formed in the longitudinal direction thereof, the communication terminal can only be inserted and removed from the cavity at one end of the folded flexible path possible, while the other end through the contacting means against a pushing or removing the communication terminal is blocked.

As an alternative to a mechanical coupling of flexible web and mobile communication terminal, it can be provided in a further development of the invention that the flexible web has transmitting / receiving means for transmitting information with the mobile communication terminal via an air interface. The air interface can be based, for example, on the Bluetooth standard, the IrDa standard or another mobile radio standard.

In a further development of the invention, holding means can be provided for fixing the receiving device according to the invention, which is in the receiving state, to a body. Such holding means can be designed, for example, in the form of an elastically deformable hook or resiliently articulated clip, by means of which the receiving device can be attached, for example, to a belt, a belt, a waistband, a bag or the like.

In a further development of these holding means, it can be provided according to the invention that they are arranged on the flexible web and can be displaced relative to it in such a way that, when they are unfolded, they are used to fix the mobile in place

Communication devices contribute to the flexible path. This can be done in that the holding means are arranged in an articulated manner near the contacting means and, in the unfolded state, support the communication terminal device mechanically coupled to the contacting means in the predetermined docking position. For this purpose, it can be provided that the holding means can be displaced, in particular pivoted, relative to the flexible web from a holding position assigned to the pick-up state, in which they serve for fixation on the body, into a basic position assigned to the unfolding state for docking onto the mobile communication terminal , are. In this context it can further be provided that the Holding means comprise a positioning projection, which in the pick-up state hinders detachment of the pick-up device from the body and which holds the mobile communication terminal in the docking position in the unfolded state.

As already stated at the beginning, the receiving device according to the invention can also have all the functional features of conventional protective covers for mobile communication terminals. In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the flexible web has at least one, preferably flexible, transparent window, through which operating components of the recorded mobile communication terminal are visible and operable in the recording state. In this embodiment of the invention, the mobile communication terminal can thus also be operated and used in a conventional manner in the state recorded in the receiving device.

In a further development of the invention it can further be provided that a display device for displaying information is integrated in the flexible web. In this embodiment, a flexible display can be used as a display device, for example, so that the flexible web in the unfolded state can be used like a terminal, which, as already explained above, can, if desired, only exchange information with the mobile communication terminal via a radio interface.

The invention is described below using a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying figures. They represent:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective front view of a receiving device according to the invention in a receiving state; Figure 2 shows the receiving device according to Figure 1 in rear view;

Figures 3 - 5 steps for transferring the recording device according to the invention from the recording state into a unfolding state and

FIG. 6 the receiving device according to the invention in the unfolded state with a mobile phone in the docking position.

In Figure 1, a recording device according to the invention is shown in a perspective front view in the recording state and generally designated 10. The receiving device 10 is closed, a textile, flexible web 12 being folded in such a way that it envelops a mobile telephone 14. A button 16 is provided on the textile, flexible web 12, by means of which two overlapping regions 18 and 20 of the textile, flexible web 12 can be fixed to one another.

If one looks at the rear view corresponding to FIG. 1 of the receiving device 10 according to the invention, it can be seen that a plastic plate 24 is formed on the rear side 22 of the receiving device 10, which carries a fastening barb 26 at its upper end and which has a positioning projection 28 at its lower end essential triangular cross-section. Between the

Plastic plate 24 and the textile, flexible web 12 are inserted and fixed at the upper end of the plastic plate 24 in FIG. 2, a locking tab 30, by means of which the receiving device 10 can be closed. As indicated in FIG. 1, a further push button 32 is provided to fix the closing tab 30 to the area 18 of the textile, flexible web 12.

If one looks at FIG. 3, it can be seen that the push button 32 is open in that its components 32a and 32b have been separated, and that the closure flap 30 has been opened in accordance with arrow Pi. FIG. 3 also shows that the two overlapping areas 18 and 20 of the textile, flexible web 12 in addition to the push button 16 are further fixed to one another by a further push button 34. In the intermediate position according to FIG. 3, the mobile telephone 14 has been removed from a cavity 36 surrounded by the textile, flexible web 12 for clarification. Apart from the closing flap 30 folded upwards, the receiving device 10 nevertheless retains its shape essentially in a stable manner.

In FIG. 4, starting from FIG. 3, a next intermediate stage - now again with the mobile telephone 14 inserted - is shown, which intermediate stage is reached when a state of unfolding of the receiving device 10 according to the invention is brought about. According to arrow P ₂ , the plastic plate 24 is pivoted together with the closure flap 30 fastened to it via a rivet 38 to form the textile, flexible web 12. This is possible because the plastic plate 24 is fastened to the textile, flexible web 12 about an axis A via a swivel joint 40. The pivoting of the plastic plate 24 takes place - starting from the position shown in FIG. 2 in the receiving state of the receiving device according to the invention - by an angle of approximately 180 ° according to arrow P about the axis A.

If, after this pivoting, the receiving device 10 is placed on its rear side 22 and the two push buttons 16 and 34 are opened, the intermediate stage according to the perspective illustration of FIG. 5 is reached. In this state, the two areas 18 and 20 are each opened in opposite directions and the mobile phone 14 lies on the textile, flexible web 12. After the areas 18 and 20 are opened, the user is presented with buttons 42, which are implemented in the textile, flexible web 12. Such active areas in the form of buttons realized in a textile, flexible web are known from the prior art. For this, reference is made, for example, to EP 0 989 509 A2. FIG. 5 also shows a bearing block 44 which is U-shaped in plan view and in the center of which a contact plug 46 is arranged. The bearing block 44 is firmly connected to the textile, flexible web 12. Likewise, the contact plug 46 and the bearing block are in a fixed relation to each other. In order to get into the unfolded position, the sealing tab fastened on the plastic plate 24 above the rivet 38 is folded over according to arrow P ₃ and brought into register with the plastic plate 24. In this state, the mobile telephone 14 with its not shown in the figures

Plug socket on its underside 48 are plugged onto the contact plug 46, the lower region 48 being held stable in the bearing block 44 and the mobile telephone 14 with its rear housing being supported on the positioning projection 28 for mechanical relief of the contact plug 46. In this state, the mobile telephone 14 is inclined by the angle α relative to the textile, flexible web 12 which is essentially folded into one plane and is in the docking position. In this docking position, a display 50 is presented in an ergonomically favorable manner to a user who operates the keys 42 of the textile, flexible web 12 in the manner of a keyboard.

When the mobile phone 14 is in the docking position, the user can use the keys 42 in the style of a keyboard in the unfolded state to enter information, for example text information, which is transmitted to the mobile phone 14 via the contact connector 46, in particular its contacts, and the corrosponding plug socket. On whose

Display 50 displayed and - if desired - can be transmitted via a radio interface 52 to a base station and in a network. Likewise, information can be received via the mobile phone via the radio interface 52, displayed on the display 50 and further processed using the buttons 42 of the textile, flexible web 12. In the receiving position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the receiving device 10 according to the invention fulfills all the protective functions of a conventional “cell phone pocket”. Furthermore, in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 6, the unfolded, textile, flexible web 12 of the receiving device 10 according to the invention serves as an additional input device in the style of a keyboard, in order thus to enable easy entry of data, in particular text data. This is particularly advantageous against the background of the growing range of functions of the mobile telephones in particular and the mobile communication terminals in general. The invention offers a cost-effective, practical, space-saving and yet functional combination of a protective receiving device for a mobile communication terminal and an input means for functional expansion and easier operation of the mobile communication terminal.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 holding device

12 textile, flexible web 14 mobile phone

16 push button

18, 20 lane areas

22 back

24 plastic plate 26 fastening barbs

28 Positioning lead

30 patches

32, 34 push button

36 cavity 38 rivet

40 swivel joint

42 keys

44 bearing block

46 contact plug 48 lower area

50 display

52 radio interface

A swivel axis

Pi to P ₃ folding direction

Claims

claims

1. receiving device (10) for a mobile communication terminal (14), in particular a mobile radio terminal, a PDA or the like, the receiving device (10) having at least one, preferably textile, flexible web (12), which in a flat Unfolded state (Figure 6) and in a receiving state provided for receiving the mobile communication terminal (14) (Figure 1, Figure 2) is foldable, the at least one flexible web (12) active areas (42) for input or / and Outputting information and wherein the mobile communication terminal (14) (FIG. 1, FIG. 2) can be inserted or removed from a cavity (36) formed by the receiving device (10) in the receiving state and in the unfolded state (FIG. 6 ) can be coupled to the flexible web (12) for information transmission.

2. Recording device according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n e z e i c h n e t that the active areas (42) are touch-sensitive and / or the flexible track (12) is designed as a keyboard.

3. On recording device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flexible web (12) has fixing means (16, 32, 34), by means of which it can be fixed in an essentially dimensionally stable shape at least in the recording state (Figure 1, Figure 2) ,

4. Recording device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flexible web (12) has contacting means (46), by means of which the mobile communication terminal (14) and the flexible web (12) can be mechanically coupled for information transmission.

5. Recording device according to claim 4, since you rchgek characterized in that the contacting means (46) are designed such that the mobile communication terminal (14) in the unfolded state (Figure 6) in a relatively stable position relative to the flexible path (12) Docking position (Figure 6). for input or / and output of information on the flexible web (12) is dockable.

6. Receiving device according to claim 5, so that the contacting means (46) secure the cavity (36) at least in sections against removal of the mobile communication terminal (14) in the receiving state.

7. Recording device according to one of claims 1 to 3, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the flexible web (12) has transmitting / receiving means for information transmission to and from the mobile communication terminal (14) via an air interface.

8. Receiving device according to one of the preceding claims, holding devices (26, 28), which serve in the receiving state (FIG. 1, FIG. 2) for fixing the holding device to a body.

9. On recording device according to claim 5 and 8, characterized in that the holding means (26, 28) are arranged on the flexible web (12) and can be displaced relative to this in such a way that they are in the unfolded state for the location-stable fixing of the mobile communication terminal (14) contribute to the flexible web (12).

10. Recording device according to claim 9, since you rchgekennzeic hn et that the holding means (24, 26, 28) from a holding position assigned to the recording state (FIG. 1, FIG. 2), in which they serve to fix the body, into a the basic position assigned to the unfolding state (FIG. 6) for docking the mobile communication terminal (14) can be shifted, in particular pivoted.

11. Receiving device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the holding means comprise a positioning projection (28) which in the receiving state (FIG. 1, FIG. 2) prevents the receiving device (10) from detaching from the body and which in the unfolded state (FIG. 6) holds the mobile communication terminal (14) in the docking position.

12. Recording device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible web (12) has at least one, preferably flexible, transparent window, through which in the recording state (Figure 1, Figure 2) operating components (50) of the inserted mobile communication terminal ( 14) are visible and / or operable.

13. Recording device according to one of the preceding claims, that a display device is integrated in the flexible web (12) for displaying information.