Electronic equipment and sliding mechanism

Abstract

An electronic device (100), adapted to operate in a compact configuration, a portrait configuration, and a landscape configuration, includes a first housing (102) and a second housing (104) coupled to the first housing. A data coupler (502) electrically couples the first housing to the second housing, and a linkage mechanism that enables non-linear movement of the first housing and the second housing relative to each other.

Description

field of invention [0001] The present invention relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to sliding mechanisms in electronic devices. Background technique [0002] Due to the development of modern communication technology, a large number of electronic devices such as mobile phones, pagers, cameras, MP3 players, remote controls, personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc. have been introduced into the market. In order to keep up with this trend and gain a competitive advantage, manufacturers of electronic devices are concentrating on improving the functionality of the electronic devices and making them compact at the same time. However, the small size of electronic devices reduces the available area for their components, such as keyboards and displays. To counteract the limitations caused by the reduced area, electronic devices with multiple housings have been developed. When they are not in use, these electronic devices can be folded or otherwise made co...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, electronic devices having multiple housings suffer from one or more of the limitations described below

First, multiple enclosures add weight to the electronics

Second, multiple housings increase the thickness of the electronics

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