Monitor lifting mechanism

Abstract

In an exemplary embodiment, an electronic device housing is provided. The electronic device housing includes a display housing, a lifting mechanism, a base housing, and a secondary display. The lifting mechanism is coupled to one side of the display housing. The base housing is coupled to the display housing. The secondary display is coupled to the far side of the base housing. The lifting mechanism lifts the secondary display when the display housing rotates.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A laptop computer is a portable computing device. The laptop computer provides the convenience of a full desktop computer, but is packaged in a portable form factor that allows the user to travel with the laptop computer. The laptop computer may include a display and input / output devices combined into a single housing.

[0002] Laptop computers may have a clamshell (i.e., flip) design. For example, a display may be on a first half of the clamshell, and a keyboard / touchpad may be on a second half of the clamshell opposite the first half. Thus, a user may close the laptop computer to protect the display and keyboard, or open the laptop computer to view the display and use the keyboard / touchpad. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Figure 1 is an isometric side view of an exemplary electronic device case having a lifting mechanism of the present disclosure in an open position;

[0004] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary lifting mechanism of the present disclosure in a closed position;

[0005] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary lifting mechanism of the present disclosure in an open position;

[0006] Figure 4 is a front cross-sectional view of an exemplary lifting mechanism of the present disclosure in a closed position;

[0007] Figure 5 is a front cross-sectional view of the exemplary lifting mechanism of the present disclosure in an open position;

[0008] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary lifting mechanism of the present disclosure in a closed position; and

[0009] Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary lifting mechanism of the present disclosure in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Examples described herein provide a lifting mechanism for a laptop computer. As described above, a laptop computer may have a clamshell design. When the laptop computer is opened, the bottom portion of the housing, including the keyboard and many electrical components, may rest on a surface (e.g., a countertop or desktop). Due to the smaller design and limited amount of space occupied by the laptop computer, there may be a lack of cooling airflow to properly cool the electronic components. In addition, the demand for higher performance laptop computers is increasing.

[0011] Some laptop computers may include a secondary screen on a portion of the "C" deck (e.g., a portion of the top side of the keyboard housing). However, when the secondary screen is lying flat, it may be difficult to view the secondary screen.

[0012] Examples herein provide a lifting mechanism that can lift a portion of a "C" cover of a laptop computer housing. As a result, more air can flow through the laptop computer from the rear of the keyboard housing portion and out through the opening created when the portion of the "C" cover is lifted. The increased airflow can help improve cooling of electrical components within the keyboard housing portion of the laptop computer.

[0013] In addition, when the secondary screen is included in a portion of the "C" cover, lifting the portion of the "C" cover with the secondary screen can improve the viewing angle of the secondary screen. Therefore, the lifting mechanism can help improve the user experience of the secondary screen.

[0014] Finally, the lifting mechanism can help improve the sound performance of the laptop's internal speakers. For example, the internal speakers can be located below the portion of the "C" cover that is raised by the lifting mechanism. Raising the portion of the "C" cover above where the speakers are located can allow more sound to escape from the internal speakers to provide a fuller sound.

[0015] Figure 1 A block diagram of an electronic device 100 of the present disclosure having a lift mechanism 106 is illustrated. Figure 1 The electronic device 100 is shown in an open position. The electronic device 100 may be a laptop computer.

[0016] The electronic device 100 may include a display housing 102 and a base housing 104. The display housing 102 may be coupled to the base housing 104 via a lifting mechanism 106. The display housing 102 may enclose a display (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) display, a touch screen display, etc.). The display in the display housing 102 may serve as a primary display or a main display.

[0017] In one example, the base housing 104 may include a keyboard 130, a connection interface 132, and a secondary display 108. The base housing 104 may also enclose internal electronic components (e.g., motherboard, hard drive, memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), power supply, etc.) not shown.

[0018] In one example, the secondary display 108 can be coupled to the distal side of the base housing 104 and can function as a second display that works with the display in the display housing 102 or can function as an independent display. Compared to the display in the display housing 102, the secondary display 108 can have a smaller size.

[0019] Figure 1 The secondary display 108 is illustrated as being lifted by the lifting mechanism 106. The lifting mechanism 106 can lift the secondary display 108 from a side 112 (e.g., bottom side) opposite to the secondary display 108. For example, the lifting mechanism 106 can push the secondary display 108 upward from below the secondary display 108. In other words, the lifting mechanism 106 can lift the portion of the "C"-shaped cover of the base housing 104 that includes the secondary display 108. It is worth noting that the lifting mechanism 106 does not lift the entire base housing 104.

[0020] Elevating the secondary display 108 via the lifting mechanism 106 may improve the viewing angle of the secondary display 108. The improved viewing angle of the secondary display 108 may enhance the overall user experience.

[0021] In addition, when the secondary display 108 is raised, an opening 110 may be formed between the base housing 104 and the secondary display 108. The opening 110 may provide improved cooling of components inside the base housing 104. For example, air may flow from the back and bottom sides of the base housing 104. The opening 110 may provide more volume for the air to exit. The more airflow caused by the opening 110 may provide more efficient cooling of the internal electronic components.

[0022] The opening 110 may also improve the sound performance of the laptop's internal speakers (not shown). These internal speakers may be located in a portion of the base housing 104 below the secondary display 108. The opening 110 may allow more sound from the internal speakers to escape the base housing to provide a fuller sound.

[0023] In one example, the lifting mechanism 106 can be any type of mechanical system. Multiple lifting mechanisms 106 can be deployed in the housing of the electronic device 100. For example, two lifting mechanisms 106 can be used to couple the display housing 102 to the base housing 104, such as Figure 1 The two lifting mechanisms may be located on opposite ends along the width of the display housing 102 .

[0024] The lifting mechanism 106 can provide a rotational coupling of the display housing 102 and the base housing 104. The lifting mechanism 106 is operable to lift the secondary display 108 when the display housing 102 is moved or rotated to the open position. In other words, the lifting mechanism 106 is operable to lift or close the secondary display 108 according to the movement of the display housing 102.

[0025] In one example, the lifting mechanism 106 can be independent of the coupling between the display housing 102 and the base housing 104. For example, a separate rotatable hinge can be deployed to couple the display housing 102 to the base housing 104. The rotatable hinge can allow the display housing 102 to open when the lifting mechanism 106 lifts the secondary display 108.

[0026] In addition, the lifting mechanism 106 can be designed to ensure that the secondary display 108 does not begin to lift upward until the display housing 104 is opened a predetermined amount. Therefore, the secondary display 108 may not be lifted too quickly to hit the display housing 102.

[0027] In one example, the lifting mechanism 106 can be a single mechanical piece. A flex member can be coupled to the bottom side 112 of the display housing 102 and the secondary display 108. As the display housing 102 rotates to the open position, the movement of the display housing 102 can cause the flex member to push or lift the secondary display 108 upward to a desired viewing angle. As the display housing 102 rotates to the closed position, the movement of the display housing 102 can cause the flex member to pull or close the secondary display 108 downward to a flat position.

[0028] In some examples, lift mechanism 106 may be deployed as multiple mechanical pieces. Figure 2-7 Various examples of lift mechanisms 106 are illustrated that include multiple mechanical parts and provide the design features described above. Figure 2-7 Two examples of lift mechanisms 106 are illustrated in FIG. 1 , but it should be noted that other mechanical designs may provide the design features of the lift mechanisms 106 described above and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary lift mechanism 106 is illustrated. Figure 2 The secondary display 108 is shown coupled to the base housing 104 via a rotatable hinge 114. The rotatable hinge 114 can allow the secondary display 108 to move upward when lifted by the lifting mechanism 106. Figure 2 and Figure 3 One lifting mechanism 106 is shown in FIG. 1 , but it should be noted that two lifting mechanisms may be deployed (eg, one on each side of the secondary display 108 ).

[0030] In one example, the lifting mechanism 106 may include a slot 202, a movable member 204, and a rotating member 206. The movable member 204 may be movably coupled to the slot 202. The movable member 204 may be vertically (e.g., up and down) movable within the slot 202. For example, the slot 202 may include a guide rail, and the movable member 204 may be inserted into the guide rail of the slot 202.

[0031] In one example, the first end 210 of the movable member 204 can be coupled to or adjacent to the bottom side 112 of the secondary screen 108. The second end 212 of the movable member 204 can be positioned proximate to the rotating member 206. Figure 2 In the example shown in , the proximity can be a predetermined distance 208 between the second end 212 and the end 214 of the rotating member 206. The predetermined distance 208 can be a function of the amount of movement or rotation of the rotating member 206 that allows the display housing 102 to clear the end 220 of the secondary display 108.

[0032] In one example, the rotating member 206 may be a curved hook or a J-shaped hook. The rotating member 206 may be coupled to the display housing 102. When the display housing 102 is opened, the end 214 of the rotating member 206 may engage the second end 212 of the movable member 204. As the display housing 102 continues to rotate to a more open position or a larger viewing angle, the end 214 of the rotating member 206 may continue to push the movable member 204 vertically upward toward the secondary display 108. As a result, the first end 210 of the movable member 204 may push the secondary display 108 upward.

[0033] Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of an example of the display housing 102 in an open position is illustrated, wherein the secondary display 108 is lifted upward by the lifting mechanism 106. As described above, when the display housing 102 is opened, the rotating member 206 can rotate as indicated by arrow 213. The display housing 102 can pass over the end 220 of the secondary display 108. Once the display housing 102 passes over the end 220 of the secondary display 108, the end 214 of the rotating member 206 can engage the second end 212 of the movable member 204. The movable member 204 can be pushed upward as indicated by arrow 216 to lift the secondary display 108 from the bottom side 112.

[0034] In one example, the width of the slot 202 can be wide enough to accommodate the end 214 of the rotating member 206 when the end 214 is further inserted into the slot 202. In one example, the rotating member 206 can be composed of a series of parts coupled together by joints. As the end 214 is further inserted into the slot 202, these joints can allow the series of parts to straighten out inside the slot 202. The end 214 can then push the movable member 204 upward through the slot 202 toward the bottom side 112 of the secondary display 108 and lift the secondary display 108.

[0035] In one example, when the display housing 102 returns to the closed position (eg, Figure 2), the end 214 of the rotating member 206 can leave the slot 202 and disengage the second end 212 of the movable member 204. As a result, the movable member 204 can fall vertically away from the bottom side 112 of the secondary display 108. When the first end 210 of the movable member 204 is disengaged from the bottom side 112 of the secondary display 108, the secondary display 108 can fall back into the base housing 104 in a closed or flat position (as shown in FIG. Figure 2 ).

[0036] Figure 4 A cross-sectional front view of an exemplary lift mechanism 106 is illustrated. Figure 4 The secondary display 108 is shown to be movable via a rotatable hinge (similar to the above Figure 2 and Figure 3 The secondary display 108 can be moved against the rotatable hinge when lifted by the lifting mechanism 106.

[0037] In one example, the lifting mechanism 106 may include a rotating member 402 and an L-shaped member 404. The rotating member 402 may be coupled to an end of the display housing 102. For example, the rotating member 402 may be coupled to an end of the display housing 102 that is adjacent to a distal end of the base housing 104 where the secondary display 108 is located.

[0038] The L-shaped member 404 may include a first end 410 and a second end 408. The first end 410 may be coupled to or adjacent to the bottom side 112 of the secondary display 108. The second end 408 may be coupled to one end of the rotating member 402.

[0039] The portion 406 of the L-shaped member 404 having the second end 408 may include an irregular shape. For example, the portion 406 may have sections 420 and 422 that are rotatably coupled to each other. The sections 420 and 422 may be located on opposite ends of the coupling plate 424. Thus, when the display housing 102 is in the closed position, the section 420 may be positioned higher than the section 422.

[0040] Figure 5 The display housing 102 is shown in an open position. When the display housing 102 is opened, the rotating member 402 can rotate about the axis 418. The movement of the rotating member 402 can cause the section 420 to move downward as shown by the arrow 414. At the same time, the section 422 can move upward as shown by the arrow 416. When the section 422 moves upward, the first end 410 of the L-shaped member 404 can press against the bottom side 112 of the secondary display 108 to lift the secondary display 108, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 as shown in .

[0041] In other words, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The design of the exemplary lifting mechanism 106 in can convert the rotational motion into linear motion. The rotating member 402 and the L-shaped member 404 can work together and move similarly to a mechanical piston.

[0042] In one example, the length of the rotating member 402 may be a function of the amount of rotation that is allowed for the display housing 102 to pass over the end of the secondary display 108, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 For example, a gap may be provided between the first end 410 of the L-shaped member 404 and the bottom side 112 of the secondary display 108. The length of the rotating member 402 may be such that the first end 410 of the L-shaped member 404 engages the bottom side 112 after the display housing 102 has passed over the end of the secondary display 108.

[0043] In one example, when the display housing 102 is closed, the rotating member 402 can rotate about the axis 418 in a direction opposite to the arrow 412. As a result, the segment 420 can move higher than the segment 422. When the segment 422 is lowered, the first end 410 of the L-shaped member 404 can be disengaged from the secondary display 108 to allow the secondary display 108 to return to a closed or flat position, such as Figure 4 In another example, if the first end 410 of the L-shaped member 404 is coupled to the bottom side 112 of the secondary display 108, the L-shaped member 404 can pull the secondary display 108 downward into a closed or flat position.

[0044] Figure 6 A cutaway side view of an exemplary lift mechanism 106 is illustrated in a closed position. Figure 6 The secondary display 108 is shown coupled to the base housing 104 via a rotatable hinge 114. The rotatable hinge 114 can allow the secondary display 108 to move upward when lifted by the lifting mechanism 106. Figure 6 and Figure 7 One lifting mechanism 106 is illustrated in FIG. 1 , but it should be noted that two lifting mechanisms 106 may be deployed (eg, one on each side of the secondary display 108 ).

[0045] In one example, the lifting mechanism 106 may include a movable member 604 and a rotating member 602. A first end 610 of the movable member 604 may be adjacent to an end 620 of the secondary display 108 opposite the hinge 114. In one example, the first end 610 of the movable member 604 may be rotatably coupled to an outer side of the end 620 of the secondary display 108 opposite the hinge 114. A second end 612 of the movable member 604 may be rotatably coupled to the rotating member 602. In one example, the second end 612 of the movable member 604 may be coupled to an outer portion (e.g., near an outer edge) of the rotating member 602.

[0046] In one example, when the display housing 102 is rotated to the open position, the rotating member 602 may also rotate. The rotation of the rotating member 602 may also cause the movable member 604 to move in the vertical direction. When the movable member 604 moves in the vertical direction, the movable member 604 may lift the secondary display 108 to a desired viewing angle.

[0047] Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary lifting mechanism 106 in an open position is illustrated. As described above, when the display housing 102 is opened, the rotating member 602 can rotate as indicated by arrow 606. The display housing 102 can pass over the end 620 of the secondary display 108. Once the display housing 102 passes over the end 620 of the secondary display 108, the movable member 604 can lift the secondary display 108 upward in the direction indicated by arrow 608.

[0048] In one example, the starting position of the second end 612 of the movable member 604 and the diameter of the rotating member 602 can be based on when the display housing 102 passes the end 620 of the secondary display 108. In other words, the diameter of the rotating member 602 can be large enough so that rotation of the rotating member 602 does not allow the movable member 604 to lift the secondary display 108 until the display housing 102 has passed the end 620 of the secondary display 108.

[0049] In one example, when the display housing 102 returns to Figure 6 , the rotating member 602 can be rotated in the opposite direction. The rotation of the rotating member 602 can move the movable member 604 downward and pull the secondary display 108 into the closed or flat position. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The design of the lifting mechanism 106 can also convert the rotational movement into linear movement to move the secondary display 108.

[0050] although Figure 2-7 , but it should be noted that other designs of the lifting mechanism 106 also fall within the scope of the present disclosure. As described above, any design of the lifting mechanism 106 can be used that can lift the secondary display 108 and ensure that the secondary display 108 does not begin to rise upward until the display housing 104 is opened a predetermined amount (e.g., past the end of the secondary display 108).

[0051] As a result, the present disclosure provides an electronic device with a lifting mechanism that can lift the secondary display of the electronic device. The lifting mechanism can have a variety of different designs disclosed in the examples described herein. Lifting the secondary display of the electronic device can provide an improved viewing angle of the secondary display, and an opening is formed between the base housing and the secondary display. The opening can provide improved airflow, which can provide more efficient cooling of components located inside the base housing of the electronic device. In addition, the opening can improve the speaker performance of the speaker located inside the base housing.

[0052] It will be appreciated that variations or alternatives to the above disclosed and other features and functions may be incorporated into many other different systems or applications. Various currently unforeseeable or unforeseen substitutions, modifications, variations or improvements may subsequently be made therein by those skilled in the art, which substitutions, modifications, variations or improvements are also intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device housing, comprising: Display housing; a lifting mechanism coupled to one side of the display housing; a base housing coupled to the display housing; as well as a secondary display coupled to a distal side of the base housing, wherein the lifting mechanism lifts the secondary display based on rotation of the display housing, Wherein, the lifting mechanism comprises: a rotating member; and a movable member, wherein a first end of the movable member is adjacent to a bottom side of the secondary display and a second end of the movable member is positioned proximate an end of the rotating member, wherein the end of the rotating member engages the second end of the movable member to lift the distal side of the base housing having the secondary display from the bottom side of the secondary display once the display housing passes over the end of the secondary display, Wherein, the lifting mechanism further includes: A slot includes an opening formed by walls that protrude from a top side of the base housing into the base housing to guide movement of the movable member within the slot.

2. The electronic device housing according to claim 1, wherein: The lifting mechanism includes a plurality of lifting mechanisms located on opposite ends on the side of the display housing.

3. The electronic device housing according to claim 1, wherein: One end of the distal portion of the base housing includes a rotatable hinge to allow movement of the secondary display.

4. The electronic device housing according to claim 1, wherein: The lifting mechanism engages the secondary display from a bottom side of the distal side of the base housing.

5. The electronic device housing according to claim 1, wherein: The rotating member includes a curved hook, wherein the second end of the movable member is located in a slot and an end of the curved hook is aligned with the second end of the movable member to vertically move the movable member in the slot.

6. The electronic device housing as claimed in claim 5, wherein: The proximity includes a predetermined distance such that the end of the lifting mechanism contacts the second end of the movable member after the display housing is rotated a predetermined amount.

7. The electronic device housing according to claim 1, wherein: The access includes the second end of the movable member being rotatably coupled to the end of the rotating member.

8. A lifting mechanism, comprising: a J-shaped hook coupled to an end of the display housing; a slot coupled to an interior portion of the base housing, wherein the slot includes an opening formed by a wall protruding from a top side of the base housing; and a vertical moving member located in the groove, wherein the movement of the vertical moving member in the groove is guided by the wall forming the opening, wherein a first end of the vertical moving member is coupled to an end of a distal side of the base shell, and when the display shell is in a closed position, a second end of the vertical moving member is located above the J-shaped hook, wherein rotation of the J-shaped hook in an opening direction when the end of the J-shaped hook engages with the second end of the vertical moving member causes the vertical moving member to lift the distal side of the base shell from the bottom side of the base shell once the display shell passes over the end of the secondary display.

9. The lifting mechanism according to claim 8, wherein: The rotation of the J-hook in the closing direction causes the vertical moving member to drop and lower the distal side of the base housing.

10. The lifting mechanism according to claim 8, wherein: The elevated distal side of the base housing portion includes a secondary display.

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