Bistable hinge with deterministic motion

Abstract

An electronic device hinge includes a first body, a second body, and a link. The link can rotate relative to the first body around a first pivot point, and can rotate relative to the second body around a second pivot point. The first pivot point has a first rotation resistance, and the second pivot point has a second rotation resistance different from the first rotation resistance. The hinge further includes a third body, which can be selectively positioned in a first configuration relative to the first body. The third body limits a first rotational motion range around the first pivot point when positioned in the first configuration.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Background and Related Technology

[0002] The use of computing devices is becoming increasingly popular. Computing devices range from standard desktop computers to wearable computing technology and the like. One area of ​​computing devices that has gained growth in recent years is hybrid computers. A hybrid computer can function as a tablet computer or a laptop computer.

[0003] Some hybrid computers are clamshell devices that are used in different orientations. For example, some hybrid computers can be oriented to place the touch-sensitive surface flat on a table or other surface on which a user is operating the hybrid computer. Some hybrid computers have a keyboard in a first part of the computer and a touch-sensitive display in a second part of the computer, where the first and second parts are connected by a hinge.

[0004] Conventional hinges have a single pivot point, limiting the geometries in which the first and second portions can be positioned. Some conventional hinges will not allow the first and second portions to be oriented greater than 180°. Other multi-pivot hinges allow movement of the first and second portions of the hybrid computer greater than 180°, but do not provide control over which pivot point within the hinge is active during movement of the hinge.

[0005] A multi-pivot hinge with indeterminate motion does not control the live hinge, resulting in possible damage to the hybrid computer, rotation of the pivot point with pinched or kinked wires, and bending of the keyboard or touch-sensitive surface when a portion of the first or second portion of the hybrid computer is not flat on a table or other surface.

[0006] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above.Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced. Summary of the invention

[0007] In one embodiment, an electronic device hinge includes a first body, a second body, and a link. The link can rotate relative to the first body around a first pivot point, and can rotate relative to the second body around a second pivot point. The first pivot point has a first rotational resistance, and the second pivot point has a second rotational resistance different from the first rotational resistance. The hinge further includes a third body, which can be selectively positioned in a first configuration relative to the first body. When positioned in the first configuration, the third body limits a first rotational motion range around the first pivot point.

[0008] In some embodiments, a method of providing bistable motion in a hinge includes: rotating a first body relative to a link about a first pivot point to a first pivot point angle between the first body and the link; and detecting a positioning of a third body relative to the first body. When the third body is in a first configuration relative to the first body at the first pivot point angle, the method includes rotating the link relative to the second body about a second pivot point. When the third body is not in the first configuration at the first pivot point angle, the method includes continuing to rotate the first body relative to the link about the first pivot point.

[0009] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are also described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the teachings herein. The features and advantages of the present invention may be realized and obtained by means of the tools and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. The features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by practicing the present invention as set forth below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order to describe the manner in which the above-listed and other features of the present disclosure can be obtained, a more specific description will be presented by reference to specific embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For better understanding, the same elements have been designated by the same reference numerals throughout the various drawings. Although some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. It will be understood that the drawings depict some example embodiments, which will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device including a hinge having multiple rotation axes according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a device having a deterministic motion hinge according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 Open to 90° Figure 2 A schematic side view of a device having a deterministic kinematic hinge;

[0015] Figure 4 Opens to 180° Figure 2 A schematic side view of a device having a deterministic kinematic hinge;

[0016] Figure 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a device including a cam lock hinge with a locked pivot point according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 Open to 90° Figure 5 A schematic side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a device having a cam lock hinge;

[0018] Figure 7 Is the moving follower Figure 5 A schematic side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a device having a cam lock hinge;

[0019] Figure 8 Opens to 180° Figure 5 A schematic side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a device having a cam lock hinge;

[0020] Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of an apparatus including a differential bearing hinge having multiple pivot points in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Fig.10 Open to 90° Fig. 9 A schematic side view of an embodiment of a device having a differential bearing hinge;

[0022] Fig.11 Opens to 180° Fig. 9 A schematic side view of an embodiment of a device having a differential bearing hinge;

[0023] Fig.12 Open to 90° Fig. 9 A schematic side view of an embodiment of a device having a differential bearing hinge;

[0024] Fig.13 is returned to the clamshell configuration Fig. 9 A schematic side view of an embodiment of a device having a differential bearing hinge;

[0025] Fig.14 is a perspective view of an electronic device having a bistable hinge according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig.15 Is in clamshell configuration Fig.14 a side view of an electronic device;

[0027] Fig.16 It is in the tablet configuration Fig.14 a side view of an electronic device;

[0028] Fig.17is an exploded perspective view of a hinge with a locking mechanism according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig.18 The locking mechanism is in the retracted position Fig.17 An exploded perspective view of a hinge;

[0030] Fig.19 According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.17 A side view of a locking mechanism;

[0031] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an electronic device having a hinge including a hard stop according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig.21 is a perspective view of another electronic device having a third body including a hard stop according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Fig. 22 A method of closing a hinged electronic device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is disclosed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present disclosure generally relates to electronic device hinges. More specifically, the present disclosure generally relates to apparatus, systems and methods for selectively changing the rotation axis of a hinge to allow the electronic device to achieve various postures for use and transportation or storage.

[0035] A hinge for an electronic device may have multiple pivot points. The hinge may pivot at only one pivot point at a time. At any given time, at least one pivot point may be locked so that applying force to one side of the hinge may cause only one pivot point to rotate at a time. The controlled movement of a particular pivot point in a hinge is referred to as deterministic motion. At any given position of the hinge, only one pivot point may rotate freely. In other embodiments, the pivot points may all be able to rotate, but the pivot points have different resistances. The different resistances around each axis of rotation produce preferential rotation around an axis or pivot point with lower resistance at that position within the range of motion of the hinge. The lower resistance pivot point serves as an active pivot point. The resistance may be different in different rotational directions or at different positions within the range of rotational motion.

[0036] By controlling the position of the active pivot point and the locking pivot point in the hinge, the position and relative position of the first side of the hinge and the second side of the hinge can be controlled. For example, a laptop computer having a hinge with fully deterministic motion according to the present disclosure can be moved from a closed position (e.g., a 0° relationship between the screen and keyboard of the laptop computer) to an open position (e.g., a 90° relationship between the screen and keyboard of the laptop computer) by rotating only about the first pivot point. Movement of the hinge beyond the 90° position can lock the first pivot point and unlock the second pivot point, so that the force applied to the hinge rotates about the second pivot point until a flat position (e.g., a 180° relationship between the screen and keyboard of the laptop computer).

[0037] Deterministic movement up to 90° can ensure that the active pivot point is positioned to expand the footprint of the device. For example, the stability of a laptop or other clamshell device can be based at least in part on how large the footprint of the device is. When the portion of the hinge between the first pivot point and the second pivot point can be positioned in line with the first body of the device (e.g., the keyboard of a laptop), the base on which the device sits becomes larger and the center of mass of the device is lower than if the active pivot point is the second pivot point that is closer to the second body of the device (e.g., the display of a laptop).

[0038] Deterministic motion up to 180° ensures that the device can predictably and reliably move from a clamshell configuration at the 0° position to a fully flat configuration. For example, a hybrid laptop computer may have a touch-sensitive display or surface incorporated into one or both bodies of the device. Applying force or pressure to the touch-sensitive surface while not lying flat on a table or other supporting surface may bend or damage the laptop computer or the hinges.

[0039] In returning to the 0° positioning of the hinge, a bistable hinge according to the present disclosure may behave differently when a first portion of the device (e.g., a display) is connected to the hinge than when the first portion is disconnected from the hinge or otherwise moved away from the hinge. For example, when the display is connected to the hinge, the hinge can provide a deterministic motion around two pivot points to return to the original clamshell configuration to close a laptop computer. In some embodiments, the display can be removed, rotated, or translated relative to the hinge when opened to change the device to a tablet configuration. When the display is removed, rotated, or translated relative to the hinge, closing the hinge may result in rotation only about one of the pivot points and allow the device to enter a tablet or nested configuration with a smaller hinge height.

[0040] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a hinge 100 that connects a first body 102 of an electronic device to a second body 104 of the electronic device. The hinge 100 includes a first pivot point 106 and a second pivot point 108. The first pivot point 106 and the second pivot point 108 of the hinge 100 are connected by a link 110. When the link 110 rotates relative to the first pivot point 106, the link 110 can move the second pivot point 108. For example, when the link 110 rotates around the second pivot point connected to the second body 104 (e.g., the base of the electronic device), the first pivot point 106 connected to the first body 102 (e.g., the display of the electronic device) can move relative to the second body 104. At different positions in the range of motion of the hinge 100 and / or in the direction of motion of the hinge 100, the first pivot point 106 or the second pivot point 108 will be the active pivot point.

[0041] In some embodiments, the hinge 100 can connect a first body 102 of the electronic device to a second body 104 of the electronic device. For example, the first body 102 can house a display (such as a touch-sensitive display), and the second body 104 can house one or more computing components, such as a CPU, a GPU, one or more storage devices, one or more input devices, a power source, or other computing components that can be configured to communicate with (e.g., receive information from, send information to, or send power to) the display in the first body 102.

[0042] The hinge 100 may allow the first body 102 and the second body 104 to communicate data or electronic signals through the hinge 100. The deterministic movement of the hinge 100 may reduce the possibility of damaging data or electrical leads across the hinge 100 that provide data or electronic communication.

[0043] In some embodiments, the movement of the hinge 100 may change depending on the presence and / or position of the first body 102 or another body relative to the hinge 100. For example, a display may be supported by the first body 102 and may be separated therefrom. In such embodiments, removing or moving the display of the electronic device changes the mode of the hinge 100 so that the hinge 100 closes and / or opens differently when the display is not connected to the first body 102.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , the hinge 200 may have a closed position in which the first body 202 and the second body 204 are oriented in a substantially 0° relationship to each other. Although the present disclosure describes the operation of the hinge between 0° and 180°, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the hinge according to the present disclosure may be configured to operate in any range of 0° to 360°, such as 0° to 135°, 30° to 120°, 45° to 315°, or any other angular range between the first body and the second body.

[0045] The hinge 200 can pivot about the first pivot point 206 and the second pivot point 208 using a link 210 between the first pivot point 206 and the second pivot point 208. The link 210 can be any length to provide sufficient clearance between the first body 202 and the second body 204 during operation of the hinge 200.

[0046] Figure 3 Explained Figure 2 In an embodiment of a hinge 200, the hinge 200 rotates about a second pivot point 208 so that the first body 202 and the second body 204 are oriented at a 90° relationship to each other. During the movement of the second pivot point 208, the first pivot point 206 can be locked at (or maintained at) the first pivot point angle 212 until the second pivot point reaches a predetermined second pivot point angle 214 (such as 180°). The initial rotation about the second pivot point 208 expands the footprint of the electronic device by effectively adding the length of the link 210 to the second body 204. This can allow the electronic device to be more stable compared to a hinge with non-deterministic motion or a hinge that rotates about the first pivot point 206 before rotating about the second pivot point 208.

[0047] When the second pivot point angle 214 reaches 180°, the second pivot point 208 can be locked and the first pivot point 206 can be unlocked. The hinge 200 can then rotate around the first pivot point 206 until the first pivot point angle 212 reaches a predetermined position (such as 180°), as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The first body 202, the link 210, and the second body 204 may be located in a single plane.

[0048] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the first pivot point 206 or the second pivot point 208 is a friction hinge. For example, a greater amount of force than the amount of force required to move the hinge 200 about the second pivot point 208 may be applied to the hinge 200 to move the hinge 200 about the first pivot point 206. In other examples, a greater amount of force than the amount of force required to move the hinge 200 about the first pivot point 206 may be applied to the hinge 200 to move the hinge 200 about the second pivot point 208. In some embodiments, as described with respect to Figures 9 to 12 As described, the hinge includes a one-way bearing that provides different resistances in different directions of rotation.

[0049] Figures 5 to 8 Shown is provided as Figures 2 to 4 An embodiment of a hinge 300 with up to 180° of deterministic motion is illustrated in FIG. Figure 5The hinge 300 is illustrated in a closed configuration, wherein the first body 302 and the second body 304 are oriented at 0° relative to each other. The first body 302 is movable about a first pivot point 306 and the second body 304 is movable about a second pivot point 308.

[0050] exist Figure 5 , the first pivot point 306 is locked by a follower 318 protruding from the inner slide 316. The first body 302 cannot rotate about the first pivot point 306 because the first cam 320 has a cam surface 324 thereon and the follower 318 is positioned in the cam surface 324. The follower 318 (and the associated inner slide 316) can move relative to the first pivot point, but the second cam 322 is positioned to limit and / or prevent movement of the follower 318.

[0051] The hinge 300 can move about the second pivot point 308 because the follower 318 can move along the outer surface 326 of the second cam 322 until the second pivot point angle 314 reaches 180°, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 Once the second pivot point angle 314 reaches 180°, the follower 316 can be aligned with the cam surface 328 of the second cam 322. The cam surface 328 of the second cam 322 can provide clearance for the follower 318 and the associated inner slide 316 to move relative to the pivot points 306, 308.

[0052] Figure 7 The movement of the first body 302 about the first pivot point 306 is illustrated, which pushes the follower 318 and the associated inner slide 312 toward the second cam 322. The cam surface 324 of the first cam 320 has a release edge 332 and a drive edge 330. When the follower 318 is positioned in the cam surface 324 of the first cam 320, the release edge 332 is configured to limit and / or prevent the rotation of the first cam 320 relative to the follower 318. The drive edge 330 is rounded to facilitate movement of the follower 318 away from the first cam 320 as the first cam 320 rotates about the first pivot point 306. For example, when the follower 318 is aligned with the cam surface 328 of the second cam 322, the drive edge 330 of the first cam 320 can push the follower 318 toward the second cam 322 upon rotation of the first cam 320. The release edge 332 can rotate away from the follower 318.

[0053] The driving edge 330 can be rounded so that the driving edge 330 remains in contact with the follower 318 through a certain amount of rotation of the first cam 320 about the first pivot point 306. In some embodiments, the first cam 320 can be rotated up to 45° about the first pivot point 306 before the driving edge 330 passes the follower 318. In other embodiments, the first cam 320 can be rotated up to 40° about the first pivot point 306 before the driving edge 330 passes the follower 318. In still other embodiments, the first cam 320 can be rotated up to 30° about the first pivot point 306 before the driving edge 330 passes the follower 318. In at least one embodiment, the first cam 320 can be rotated up to 20° about the first pivot point 306 before the driving edge 330 passes the follower 318.

[0054] refer to Figure 8 , after the follower 318 and the associated inner slide 316 move relative to the pivot points 306, 308, the follower 318 can be received by the cam surface 328 of the second cam 322, and the follower 318 can no longer restrict the rotation of the first cam 322 about the first pivot point 306, thereby unlocking the first pivot point 306 and allowing the first body 302 and the first cam 320 to rotate freely, with the follower 318 adjacent to the outer surface 334 of the first cam 320. The first body 302 and the first cam 320 can rotate until the first pivot point angle 312 is 180° and the first body 302 and the second body 304 are located in a single plane (or at another predetermined angle).

[0055] Figures 5 to 8 The depicted embodiment provides deterministic movement of the first and second bodies of the hinge from 0° to 180° orientations through the use of a single lock. In other embodiments, a hinge according to the present disclosure may have more than two cams and / or more than one follower to provide multiple locks. Multiple locks can provide deterministic movement in a larger range of orientations and / or in both rotational directions of the hinge.

[0056] Figures 9 to 11 Another embodiment of a hinge for providing determinate movement from a closed flap position to an open position is illustrated. Fig. 9 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a hinge 400 connecting a first body 402 to a second body 404. The hinge 400 includes a first pivot point 406 adjacent to the first body 402 and a second pivot point 408 adjacent to the second body 404. The first pivot point 406 and the second pivot point 408 are connected by a link 410 therebetween.

[0057] The hinge 400 includes bearings at a first pivot point 406 and a second pivot point 408, which regulate the rotation of the first body 402 and the link 410 and the second body 404 and the link 410, respectively. The first bearing 436 provides a first rotational resistance around the first pivot point 406 in a first rotational direction 440 of the hinge 400. The second bearing 438 provides a second rotational resistance around the second pivot point 408 in the first rotational direction 440 of the hinge 400. In some embodiments, the first rotational resistance is different from the second rotational resistance. For example, when the second rotational resistance of the second bearing 438 around the second pivot point 408 is less than the first rotational resistance of the first bearing 436 around the first pivot point 406, a force applied to the hinge 400 to move the first body 402 relative to the second body 404 will preferentially rotate the hinge 400 around the second pivot point 408. The larger first rotational resistance of the first bearing 436 will maintain the first pivot point 406 at a constant angle as the link 410 and the second body 404 move relative to each other about the second pivot point 408 .

[0058] Fig.10 The link 410 is rotated relative to the second body 404 about the second pivot point 408. Fig. 9 408. The link 410 and the second body 404 can reach a second pivot point angle 414 at which point the rotation about the second pivot point 408 ends. In some embodiments, the link 410 and the second body 404 contact each other in a hard stop that limits further rotation. In other embodiments, the second bearing 438 includes a hard stop or stopper that limits and / or prevents further rotation of the second pivot point 408 to prevent contact between the link 410 and the second body 404.

[0059] When further rotation toward the open position of the hinge 400 is limited about the second pivot point 408, the second rotational resistance of the second pivot point effectively increases over the first rotational resistance of the first pivot point 406 and / or the first bearing 436. Further application of force to the first body 402 toward the open position produces relative rotation of the first body 402 and the link 410 about the first pivot point 406, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 as shown in .

[0060] The first body 402 will continue to rotate relative to the link 410 about the first pivot point 406 until the first body 402 and the link 410 reach the pivot point angle 412 of the open position. In some embodiments, further movement of the first pivot point 406 is limited by contact between the first body 402 and the link 410. In other embodiments, further movement of the first pivot point 406 is limited by the first bearing 436 to limit and / or prevent contact between the first body 402 and the link 410.

[0061] In some embodiments, the second pivot point 414 is maintained at the second pivot point angle 414, thereby allowing the hinge 400 to reach the open position. Fig.11 The open position of the hinge 400 illustrated in the figure is 180° between the first body 402 and the second body 404. In other embodiments, the open position of the hinge 400 is greater than 180° between the first body 402 and the second body 404. In yet other embodiments, the open position of the hinge 400 is less than 180° between the first body 402 and the second body 404. For example, the open position may be approximately 135° between the first body 402 and the second body 404. In a specific example, the open position is approximately 135° between the first body 402 and the second body 404, wherein the first pivot point angle 412 is approximately 45°, and the second pivot point angle 414 is approximately 90°. In at least one example, the open position can be adjusted by adjusting at least one of the first bearing 436 and the second bearing 438.

[0062] In some embodiments, when the first body 402 is rotated in a first direction (eg, toward an open position), the first rotational resistance is different from the rotational resistance when rotating in a second direction (eg, returning to a closed position). Figures 9 to 11 The preferential rotation of the second pivot point 408 relative to the first pivot point 406 is illustrated when the first rotational resistance is greater than the second rotational resistance. When the hinge is rotated in the second direction toward the closed position, the first rotational resistance is less than the second rotational resistance. By changing the first rotational resistance based on the direction of rotation, the hinge 400 behavior will be reversed when moving toward the closed position. For example, by reducing the first rotational resistance to less than the second rotational resistance when closing the hinge 400, the hinge 400 will preferentially rotate around the first pivot point 406 and then around the second pivot point (e.g., first around the first pivot point 406 and then around the second pivot point).

[0063] Fig.12 The hinge 400 is shown moving from the open position toward the closed position in the second rotational direction 442. In some embodiments, the first bearing 436 is a one-way bearing that provides a rotational direction (e.g., about the first rotational direction) in the second rotational direction 442. Fig. 9 The hinge 400 has different resistances in the first rotational direction 440 described above. The first rotational resistance of the first pivot point 406 in the second rotational direction 442 is less than the second rotational resistance of the second pivot point 408 in the second rotational direction 442. Therefore, the hinge 400 rotates around the first pivot point 406 before rotating around the second pivot point 408 when moving in the second rotational direction 442.

[0064] The first body 402 rotates about the first pivot point 406 until a closed first pivot point angle 412 is reached. The first rotational resistance is then increased (either by contact between the first body 402 and the link 410 or by a restriction in the first bearing 436), and the rotation of the hinge 400 (e.g., rotation of the link 410 relative to the second body 404) continues about the second pivot point 408 until the first pivot point angle 412 is reached. Fig.13 The closed position of the flap is illustrated in FIG.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first pivot point 406 includes a one-way first bearing 436 that provides a first resistance to rotation that varies with the direction of rotation, and the second pivot point 408 includes a second bearing 438 that provides a constant resistance to rotation that is independent of the direction of rotation. In other embodiments, the first pivot point 406 includes a one-way first bearing 436 that provides a first resistance to rotation that varies with the direction of rotation, and the second pivot point 408 includes a one-way second bearing 438 that provides a second resistance to rotation that varies with the direction of rotation.

[0066] Even when the second bearing 438 changes the second rotational resistance with the rotation direction, the first rotational resistance is greater than the second rotational resistance in the first rotational direction, and the first rotational resistance is less than the second rotational resistance in the second rotational direction. This stipulates that the second pivot point 408 is the active pivot point when initially moving in the first rotational direction, and the first pivot point 406 is the active pivot point when initially moving in the second rotational direction.

[0067] In other words, when the hinge 400 is positioned at an angle between 0° and 90° between the first body 402 and the second body 404, the active pivot point is the second pivot point 408, and when the hinge 400 is positioned at an angle between 90° and 180° between the first body 402 and the second body 404, the active pivot point is the first pivot point 406.

[0068] In some embodiments, the hinge behaves differently depending on the state of the first body. For example, the hinge can have a different range of motion when the first body is connected to the hinge. In another example, the first pivot point has a first range of motion when the third body is connected to the first body, and has a different second range of motion when the third body is disconnected from the first body or moves relative to the first body.

[0069] Fig.14An embodiment of another electronic device having a hinge 500 connected to a first body 502 and a second body 502 is illustrated. The first body 502 supports a third body 544. The first body 502 serves as a stand for the third body 544. In some embodiments, the first body 502 provides electronic and / or data communication between the second body 504 and the third body 544. In other embodiments, the first body 502 supports the third body 544, while the third body 544 and the second body 504 communicate via wireless data communication. For example, the third body 544 may include a processor that communicates with a first wireless communication device, and the second body 504 may include a hardware storage device that communicates with a second wireless communication device. The processor of the third body 544 may access information stored on the hardware storage device of the second body 504 via the first and second wireless communication devices.

[0070] The first body 502 supports the third body 544 in the depicted "laptop configuration" with the link 510 in line with the second body 504. When the user closes the hinge 500 in the laptop configuration, the first pivot point 506 rotates to the 90° orientation (between the first body 504 and the link 510) shown, stops, and the rotation about the second pivot point 508 lifts the link 510 to the 90° configuration with the second body 504. The link 510 then provides displacement of the first body 502 and the second body 504 in the z-direction to enter the Figure 5 The clamshell configuration shown in FIG.

[0071] In some embodiments, the third body 544 contacts the second body in the laptop configuration. The contact between the third body 544 and the link 504 provides a physical hard stop on the range of rotational motion of the first pivot point 506 and forces any further rotation about the second pivot point 508. In other embodiments, the presence of the third body 212 with the first body 202 in the laptop configuration actuates a locking mechanism in the hinge 500 to limit the range of rotational motion of the first pivot point 506 and forces any further rotation about the second pivot point 508.

[0072] Fig.16 is the second closed configuration Fig.14 and 15 The hinge 500 has a second stable closed configuration in a "nested configuration" of the hinge 500, wherein the link 510 remains aligned with the second body 504 (e.g., oriented 180° to the second body 204). The alignment of the link 510 with the second body 504 does not provide any stability in the clamshell configuration. Fig.15In some embodiments, the nested configuration allows the first body 502 to be nested on the second body 504, wherein the surface of the first body 502 is flush with the surface of the second body 504. In the nested configuration, the first pivot point 506 is rotated to a 0° orientation between the first body 502 and the second body 504 (e.g., rotated and closed more than about Fig.15 In some embodiments, the third body 544 is repositioned on the back side 546 of the first body 502, which provides a tablet configuration for the electronic device.

[0073] When the third subject 544 is in the laptop configuration (about Fig.14 502 ), the hinge 500 has a first stable closed mode in which each of the pivot points 506, 508 is active during closing to the clamshell configuration. When the third body 544 is not in the laptop configuration (e.g., removed from the first body 502 and / or repositioned to a different position on the first body 502, as described with respect to Fig.16 ), the hinge 500 has a second stable closed mode in which only the first pivot point 506 is active and the first pivot point 506 has a greater range of motion.

[0074] Figures 17 to 21 Various exemplary embodiments of mechanisms for limiting rotation of a first pivot point and transitioning a hinge between a first stable closed mode and a second stable closed mode are provided. Fig.17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hinge 600 including a locking mechanism 648. In some embodiments, the first pivot point 606 includes the locking mechanism 648. In other embodiments, the second pivot point 608 includes the locking mechanism 648. In still other embodiments, both the first pivot point 606 and the second pivot point 608 include the locking mechanism 648. Fig.17 The illustrated embodiment includes a locking mechanism 648 on the first pivot point 606 that selectively limits the range of rotational motion of the first pivot point 606 (eg, rotation of the first body 602 relative to the link 610 ).

[0075] The hinge 600 includes an arcuate track 650 positioned in the first body 602 that engages with the link 610 to determine the range of rotational motion of the first body 602 relative to the link 610 in the hinge 600. The track 650 terminates at an end wall 652 at either end of the track 650 around the first pivot point 606. In some embodiments, the track 650 is positioned at least 135° around the first pivot point 606. In other embodiments, the track 650 is positioned at least 180° around the first pivot point 606. In still other embodiments, the track 650 is positioned at least 225° around the first pivot point 606. In further embodiments, the track 650 is positioned at least 270° around the first pivot point 606. The first body 602 can rotate relative to the link 610 about the first pivot point 606 until a portion of the link 610 contacts the end wall 652 of the track 650, thereby preventing the first body 602 from rotating further.

[0076] The locking mechanism 648 includes a pin 654 that is movable relative to the first body 602 to selectively enter the track 650. When the pin 654 enters the track 650, the pin 654 limits the range of rotational motion of the first body 602 relative to the link 610 by effectively shortening the track 650. The pin end 656 can interfere with the movement of a portion of the link 610 relative to the first body 602.

[0077] In some embodiments, when the pin 654 is inserted into the track 650, the pin 654 limits the range of rotational motion of the first body 602 relative to the link 610 to 45°. In other embodiments, when the pin 654 is inserted into the track 650, the pin 654 limits the range of rotational motion of the first body 602 relative to the link 610 to 60°. In still other embodiments, when the pin 654 is inserted into the track 650, the pin 654 limits the range of rotational motion of the first body 602 relative to the link 610 to 90°. In at least one example, the first pivot point 606 has a range of rotational motion of 135° when the pin is retracted (e.g., not in the track 650) and a range of rotational motion of 45° when the pin is inserted.

[0078] In some embodiments, the pin 654 can be moved relative to the first body 602 based on the position and / or orientation of the third body 644 relative to the first body 602. For example, when the third body 644 is positioned in a laptop configuration, such as Fig.17 As shown in (and as Fig.14 and 15), the third body 644 physically contacts the mechanical link 658 of the first body 602, which applies a force to the pin 654 to move the pin 654 into the track 650. Thus, when the third body 644 is positioned in the laptop configuration, the range of rotational motion of the hinge 600 about the first pivot point 606 is limited, and the closing of the first body rotates the link 610 about the second pivot point 608.

[0079] Reference now Fig.18 And with Fig.17 In contrast, when the third body 644 is not in the laptop configuration relative to the first body 602 (e.g., removed for use as a tablet or rotated away from the second body to be nested in the laptop configuration relative to the first body 602), the third body 644 is not in the laptop configuration relative to the first body 602 (e.g., removed for use as a tablet or rotated away from the second body to be nested in the laptop configuration relative to the first body 602). Fig.16 ), the force on the link 658 is removed and the pin 654 is free to move toward a retracted position away from the track 650. When the pin 654 is in the retracted position, the range of rotational motion of the first pivot point 606 is limited by the end wall 652 of the track 650 and not by contact with the pin 654.

[0080] Fig.19 is with the pin 654 in the retracted position Fig.18 602. In some embodiments, the pin 654 is biased toward the retracted position. For example, Fig.19 A magnet 660 is illustrated positioned on a side of the pin 654 opposite the track 650. The pin 654 may include a magnetic or ferromagnetic material such that the magnet 660 applies an attractive force 662 to the pin 654 to bias the pin 654 toward the magnet 660. When the mechanical linkage 658 or other mechanism removes the reaction force from the pin 654, the attractive force 662 can move the pin 654. Thus, the pin 654 can move toward the retracted position when the mechanical linkage 658 or other biasing mechanism is not in contact with the third body. In at least one embodiment, the magnet is positioned in the third body to apply a force to the pin 654 to move the pin when the third body is in a laptop configuration.

[0081] In other embodiments, the pin 654 is biased toward the retracted position by other biasing mechanisms. For example, the biasing mechanism can be an elastically deformable member coupled to the pin 654 (or an elastically deformable portion of the pin 654) and the first body 602 that pulls the pin 654 toward the retracted position. In some examples, the biasing mechanism is a spring, such as a coil spring or a leaf spring. In other examples, the biasing mechanism is an elastic polymer. In yet other examples, the biasing mechanism is a combination of such elements (such as a coil spring and a magnet).

[0082] In other embodiments, the hinge 600 may lack a biasing element that passively biases the pin 654 toward the retracted position, and instead (or additionally) includes an actuable moving device actuated by the position of the third body. For example, the pin 654 can be moved between the retracted position and the inserted position (i.e., inserted into the track 650) by electromagnetic actuation. The magnet 660 can be an electromagnet that selectively applies an attractive force 662 or an opposite repulsive force to move the pin 654. When the third body is positioned in the laptop configuration, the electromagnet applies a repulsive force to move the pin 654 into the track 650, thereby limiting the range of rotational motion of the first body 602. When the third body moves away from the laptop configuration, the electromagnet applies an attractive force 662, thereby allowing a larger range of rotational motion between the end walls 652 of the track 650.

[0083] In other embodiments, the actuable moving device that moves the pin 654 is a motor. For example, the motor can be a linear actuator motor. In other examples, the motor can be a screw motor. Fig.18 and Fig.19 The described embodiment uses a mechanical linkage 658, but the actuatable mobile device is also actuated by other devices. In some embodiments, the actuatable mobile device is in data communication with a pressure switch. The pressure switch can detect the presence or position of the third body relative to the first body 602 to selectively actuate the actuatable mobile device when the third body is in a laptop configuration, a tablet configuration, or other positions. In at least one embodiment, the actuatable mobile device is actuated by computerized control. For example, the actuatable mobile device can be in data communication with a processor in the first body, the second body, or the third body, which allows the actuatable mobile device to be selectively actuated by software and / or firmware of the electronic device.

[0084] Reference now Fig. 20 In some embodiments, the hinge 700 includes a mechanical hard stop 764 on the third body 744 and / or the link 710 to limit the range of rotational motion about the first pivot point 706 when the third body 744 is in the laptop configuration. When the third body 744 is not in the laptop configuration, the hard stop on the third body 744 and / or the link 710 does not contact and does not limit the range of rotational motion, thereby allowing a larger range of rotational motion about the first pivot point 706.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first body 702 and the third body 744 are rotatably coupled to each other by a polymer tab 766. The polymer tab 766 allows the third body 744 to hinge relative to the first body 702 and flip to the rear surface 746 of the first body 702. In other embodiments, the first body 702 and the third body 744 are rotatably coupled by a hinge, such as a piano hinge.

[0086] Fig. 20 An embodiment of the hinge 700 having a hard stop 764 positioned on the link 710 is illustrated. Fig. 20 ) and when the first body 702 is positioned at a 90° angle relative to the link 710, the hard stop 764 contacts the third body 744. When the third body 744 is rotated about the polymer tab 766 toward the rear surface 746 of the first body 702, the first body 702 can be rotated beyond the 90° orientation relative to the link 710 and approach the 0° orientation relative to the link 710.

[0087] Fig.21 An embodiment of the hinge 800 having a hard stop 864 positioned on the third body 844 is illustrated. Fig.21 810) and when the first body 802 is positioned at a 90° angle relative to the link 810, the hard stop 864 contacts the link 810. When the third body 844 rotates about the polymer fin 766, the first body 802 can rotate beyond the 90° orientation relative to the link 710 and approach a 0° orientation relative to the link 810 (such as Fig.16 ) and is in the same plane as the second body 806.

[0088] Fig. 22 968 is a flow chart illustrating a method of moving a hinge between an open configuration and a plurality of closed configurations. The hinge has a plurality of pivot points, each of which can be active at different times and / or locations within the hinge rotation. For example, the hinge has a first body and a second body that can rotate about a first pivot point and a second pivot point, respectively. The first body and the second body are connected by a link therebetween, wherein the first body can rotate relative to the link about the first pivot point, and the second body can rotate relative to the link about the second pivot point.

[0089] The method 968 includes, at 970, rotating the first body about the first pivot point relative to the link to a first pivot point angle between the first body and the link. For example, the first pivot point angle can be 90°. In some embodiments, when the first body is rotated relative to the second body, the first pivot point is active and the second pivot point is inactive. In some examples, the inactive second pivot point is locked by a follower or other locking mechanism that mechanically interferes with the rotation of the link and the second body relative to each other (such as with respect to Figures 5 to 8In other examples, the first pivot point has a first resistance to rotation and the second pivot point has a second resistance to rotation, wherein the second resistance to rotation is greater than the first resistance to rotation. A force applied to move the first body relative to the second body will preferentially rotate the hinge about the first pivot point relative to the second pivot point due to the difference in resistance to rotation (such as about Figures 9 to 13 described).

[0090] Method 968 further includes detecting a position of the third body relative to the first body at 972. In some embodiments, detecting the position of the third body includes contacting a portion of a locking mechanism of the first body with the third body (such as with respect to Fig.17 and Fig.18 In other embodiments, detecting the positioning of the third body includes contacting a pressure switch of the first body with the third body. In still other embodiments, detecting the positioning of the third body includes reading an electronic file using a microprocessor in data communication with the locking mechanism. In further embodiments, detecting the positioning of the third body includes contacting a portion of the link with the third body. In some embodiments, the link has a hard stop that selectively engages the third body (such as a Fig. 20 In other examples, the third body has a hard stop that selectively engages the link (such as with respect to Fig.21 described).

[0091] Method 968 further includes, after detecting at 972 the positioning of the third body relative to the first body, checking at 974 whether the third body is in a first configuration. In some embodiments, the first configuration is a laptop configuration of the electronic device. For example, the third body may include a display and the second body may include a keyboard or other human-machine interface device. When the display is positioned on the first body so that the display faces the keyboard (such as Figure 1 When the display is not positioned in the laptop configuration, the first body can be in the laptop configuration. When the display is not positioned in the laptop configuration, the third body can be disconnected from the first body (such as with respect to Fig.18 described) or repositioned on the first body in a different orientation or position (such as with respect to Fig.16 In other embodiments, the first configuration is another configuration of the first body and the third body.

[0092] After the decision at 976, the hinge can continue to rotate the first body toward the second body in one of a plurality of rotation modes. When the decision confirms that the third body is in the first configuration (e.g., a "yes" decision at 976), the first pivot point becomes inactive and at 978, the hinge begins to rotate the link relative to the second body about the second pivot point (such as about Fig.12 and Fig.13When the decision result does not confirm that the third body is in the first configuration (e.g., a "no" decision result at 976), the first pivot point remains active and at 980, the hinge continues to rotate the first body relative to the link about the first pivot point (such as about Fig.12 and Fig.13 ), the first pivot point remains active with a greater range of rotational motion compared to a “yes” decision outcome.

[0093] In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge has multiple stable positionings achieved by different active pivot points during rotation of the hinge. The hinge allows an electronic device or other device to arrange the first body and the second body of the device differently depending on how the hinge is opened and closed. The hinge can allow multiple operating modes of the device by positioning the first body and the second body relative to each other depending on the configuration of the third body relative to the first body.

[0094] The articles "one", "an" and "the" are intended to indicate that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding description. The terms "including", "comprising" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and indicate that there may be additional elements in addition to the listed elements. Additionally, it will be understood that the reference to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the present disclosure is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the features. For example, any element described in relation to an embodiment of this invention may be combined with any element of any other embodiment described herein. The numerals, percentages, ratios or other values ​​set forth herein are intended to include the value, as well as other values ​​of the values ​​set forth "about" or "approximately", as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art as encompassed by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the values ​​set forth should be interpreted broadly enough to cover values ​​that are at least close enough to the values ​​set forth to perform the desired function or achieve the desired result. The values ​​set forth include at least the changes that will be expected in a suitable processing or production process, and may include values ​​within 5%, 1%, 0.1% or 0.01% of the values ​​set forth.

[0095] In view of this disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions including "means-plus-function" clauses are intended to cover structures described herein as performing the functions described, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner and equivalent structures that provide the same functions. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function or other functional claims in any claim unless the term 'means for' appears together with the associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments within the meaning and scope of the claims will be accepted by the claims.

[0096] It should be understood that any direction or reference frame in the foregoing description is only a relative direction or movement. For example, any reference to "front" and "back" or "top" and "bottom" or "left" and "right" merely describes the relative position or movement of the relevant elements.

[0097] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Thus, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Changes within the meaning and scope of the equivalent schemes of the claims should be covered by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hinge system for bistable motion, the hinge system comprising: First subject; Second subject; a link, wherein the link is rotatable relative to the first body about a first pivot point and is rotatable relative to the second body about a second pivot point, wherein the first pivot point has a first rotational resistance and the second pivot point has a second rotational resistance different from the first rotational resistance; as well as a third body selectively positionable in a first configuration relative to the first body, the third body limiting a first range of rotational motion about the first pivot point when positioned in the first configuration, In the first configuration, the first body serves as a bracket supporting the third body.

2. The hinge system of claim 1, further comprising: A lock, comprising: a link positioned between the first body and the second body; a first cam connected to the first body and having a first cam surface, the first cam being rotatable about the first pivot point; a second cam connected to the second body having a second cam surface, the second cam being rotatable about the second pivot point; and A follower is movable relative to the first cam and the second cam, the follower being configured to be received by the first cam surface and the second cam surface.

3. The hinge system of claim 1, further comprising: A one-way bearing at the first pivot point, the one-way bearing providing a first rotational resistance about the first pivot point in a first rotational direction and a third rotational resistance about the first pivot point in a second rotational direction, wherein the first rotational resistance is different from the third rotational resistance. 4 . The hinge system of claim 3 , wherein the first rotation resistance is smaller than the second rotation resistance, and the second rotation resistance is smaller than the third rotation resistance.

5. The hinge system of claim 1, the first body comprising a locking mechanism having a pin movable between an inserted position and a retracted position, the inserted position limiting the first range of rotational motion of the link and the first body about the first pivot point.

6. The hinge system of claim 5, wherein the pin is in an inserted position when the third body is in the first configuration.

7. The hinge system of claim 5, the locking mechanism comprising a mechanical linkage that moves the pin when the third body contacts the mechanical linkage.

8. The hinge system of claim 5, the locking mechanism comprising a biasing mechanism that biases the pin toward the retracted position.

9. The hinge system of claim 5, the locking mechanism comprising an actuatable movement device for selectively actuating movement of the pin between the retracted position and the inserted position.

10. The hinge system of claim 1, further comprising a hard stop between the link and the third body, the hard stop mechanically limiting the first range of rotational motion when the third body is in the first configuration.

11. A hinge system for providing bistable motion, the hinge system comprising: First subject; Second subject; a link, wherein the link is rotatable relative to the first body about a first pivot point and is rotatable relative to the second body about a second pivot point, wherein the first pivot point has a first rotational resistance and the second pivot point has a second rotational resistance different from the first rotational resistance; a third body selectively positionable in a first configuration relative to the first body; as well as means for selectively limiting a first range of rotational motion of the first pivot point based on the positioning of the third body relative to the first body, In the first configuration, the first body serves as a bracket supporting the third body.

12. The hinge system of claim 11, the first pivot point having a first range of rotational motion greater than 90° about the first pivot point when the third body is not connected to the second body.

13. The hinge system of claim 11, wherein the means for selectively limiting the first range of rotational motion limits rotation about the first pivot point to 90° or less when the third body is connected to the second body.

14. The hinge system of claim 11, wherein the second rotational range of motion of the second pivot point is at least 90°.

15. The hinge system of claim 11, wherein the third body is rotatably coupled to the first body to be rotated in the first configuration, and the second configuration is adjacent to a rear surface of the first body.

16. A method of providing bistable motion in a hinge, the method comprising: rotating the first body about a first pivot point relative to the link to a first pivot point angle between the first body and the link; detecting a position of a third body relative to the first body; When the third body is in a first configuration relative to the first body at the first pivot point angle: rotating the link relative to the second body about a second pivot point, wherein in the first configuration, the first body functions as a bracket supporting the third body; as well as When the third body is not in the first configuration at the first pivot point angle: Continue rotating the first body relative to the link about the first pivot point.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first pivot point angle is 90°.

18. The method of claim 16, the first pivot point having a greater resistance to rotation than the second pivot point.

19. The method of claim 16, detecting the positioning of the third body relative to the first body comprising contacting a portion of the link with a portion of the third body at the first pivot point angle.

20. The method of claim 16, detecting the positioning of the third body comprising contacting a portion of a locking mechanism of the first body with the third body.

Images