Portable electronic device

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a portable electronic device, and in particular to a portable electronic device having a cover.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Recently, common portable electronic devices are personal digital assistants (PDAs) and cell phones. Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional portable electronic device 10 comprises a base 11, a cover 12 and a connecting mechanism 13. The cover 12 is pivoted to the base 11 via the connecting element 13. The cover 12 is opened to reveal a display 121 before using the portable electronic device 10. When a user opens the cover 12, the volume of the portable electronic device 10 increases. Thus, controlling the portable electronic device 10 when in a user's palm is not convenient.

[0005] A detailed description is given in the following embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention provides a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device comprises a base, a cover and a linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism comprises a first linkage assembly and a second linkage assembly. The first linkage assembly is pivoted to the cover. The second linkage assembly is pivoted to the first linkage assembly and the base, and is movably installed on the base.

[0006] The invention provides a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device comprises a base, a cover and a linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism comprises a first linkage assembly and a second linkage assembly. The first linkage assembly is pivoted to the display. The second linkage assembly is pivoted to the first linkage assembly and the base, and is movably installed on the base.

[0011] The following description is of the best-contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and should not be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is best determined by reference to the appended claims.

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2F, the portable electronic device 20 of the invention comprises a base 21, a cover 22 and a linkage mechanism 23. The base 21 comprises a third surface 211. The linkage mechanism 23 comprises a first linkage assembly 24 and a linkage assembly 25. The first linkage assembly 24 is pivoted to the cover 22. The cover 22 comprises a first surface 221, a second surface 223 and a display surface 225. The first surface 221 is located on the back surface of the cover 22. The first surface 221 and the second surface 223 respectively comprises a first space 222 to accommodate the first linkage assembly 24 and a second space 224 to accommodate the second linkage assembly 25. One end of the second linkage assembly 25 is pivoted to the first linkage assembly 24 and the other end of the second linkage assembly 25 is pivoted to the base 21. The second linkage assembly 25 comprises two linkages 251 and 252 to respectively connect to two sides of the first linkage assembly 24.

[0013] FIGS. 2A to 2F show the portable electronic device 20 when opened. Referring to FIG. 2A, the cover 22 is closed. When the cover 22 is closed, the first linkage assembly 24 is located in the first space 222, the display surface 225 faces the third surface 211, and the second linkage assembly 25 is approximately perpendicular on the base 21.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 2B, the cover 22 rotates along an arrow P to drive the second linkage assembly 25 to rotate in the same direction. Referring to FIGS. 2C and 2D, the first linkage assembly 24 is pivoted to the first space 222. The cover 22 rotates along an arrow Q to make the display surface 225 upward. Then, the first linkage assembly 24 rotates along an arrow Q to make the cover 22 move until covering the base 21 (shown by FIG. 2E). Referring to FIGS. 2E and 3, the base 21 comprises two grooves 212 and 213. One end of the linkage 251 connected to the base 21 comprises a protrusion 253. The protrusion 253 is installed in the groove 212. Moreover, one end of the linkage 252 connected to the base 21 comprises a protrusion (not shown). When the cover 22 stays near the base 21, the first linkage assembly 24 located in the groove 213 slides therein. Then, the cover 22 is forced along an arrow S until the cover 22 covers the base 21 completely. FIG. 2F shows the cover 22 in an open position. When the cover 22 is in the open position, the display surface 225 faces the third surface 211, and the second linkage assembly 25 and the base 21 are on the same surface (shown by FIG. 3). When a user opens the portable electronic device 20 of the invention, the cover 22 overlaps the base 21. Thus, control of the portable electronic device 10 in a user's palm is more convenient.

[0015] Note that the cover may be a display. The structure of this embodiment is approximately similar, thus further description is omitted.

[0016] While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.