Rotating a connection port in a computing device

Abstract

A computing device includes a housing, electronic components located in the housing, a stand supporting the housing, and a connection port. The connection port is in electrical communication with the electronic components. The housing has an outer surface, and the connection port is movable relative to the housing to change a port angle of the connection port relative to the outer surface of the housing as a housing angle of the housing changes relative to the stand.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Background and related technologies

[0002] Computing devices include one or more connection ports to allow cables or wires to connect the computing device to a power supply, input devices, video displays, storage devices, audio output components, other peripherals, and other external resources such as network communications. Connection ports are typically located on the rear or bottom surface of the computing device to conceal them from the user's view during use while maintaining accessibility. When the computing device's housing moves relative to a stand or table surface, the connection ports move with the housing, potentially causing damage to cables, wires, or peripherals inserted into the connection ports. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some embodiments, a computing device includes a housing, electronic components located within the housing, a support bracket supporting the housing, and a connection port. The connection port is in electrical communication with the electronic components. The housing has an outer surface, and the connection port is movable relative to the housing to change the port angle of the connection port relative to the outer surface of the housing as the housing angle changes relative to the support bracket.

[0004] In some embodiments, the computing device includes a gear mechanism to rotate the connection port relative to the housing in proportion to the movement of the housing relative to the support.

[0005] In some embodiments, the computing device includes a counterweight orientation mechanism to rotate the connection port relative to the housing relative to the direction of gravity.

[0006] In some embodiments, the computing device includes a port hub that is movable relative to the housing to change the port angle of the port hub relative to the outer surface of the housing as the housing changes relative to the support.

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts also described in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the teachings herein. The features and advantages of this disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. The features of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure as set forth below. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To describe how the features listed above and others of this disclosure can be obtained, a more specific description will be presented by reference to particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For better understanding, the same elements have been designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings. Although some drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some drawings are drawn to scale. It will be understood that the drawings depict some exemplary embodiments, which will be described and explained with additional features and details using the drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1-1 This is a perspective view of a conventional computing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 1-2 According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure Figure 1-1 A side view of the computing device;

[0012] Figure 2-1 This is a perspective view of a computing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2-2 According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure Figure 2-1 The side view of the computing device in a reading posture;

[0014] Figure 2-3 According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure Figure 2-1 The computing device is in a drafting position, as shown in the side view.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a rear perspective view of a computing device housing according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a side view of a computing device having a rotatable connection port according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a side view of a computing device housing having a rotatable connection port according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 6 According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure Figure 5 A side view of the computing device housing;

[0019] Figure 7-1 This is a side view of another computing device in a reading posture according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 7-2 According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure Figure 7-1 The computing device is in a drafting position, as shown in the side view.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a side view of a computing device housing having a counterweighted connection port according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 9-1 This is a side view of a belt-driven computing device in a reading posture according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 9-2 According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure Figure 9-1 The computing device is in a drafting position, shown in a side view. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for providing movable input / output (I / O) ports on computing devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to I / O ports on the monitors of rotating desktop computers, all-in-one (AIO) computers, laptop computers, hybrid computers, or desktop computers (collectively, "computing devices"). Figure 1-1 and 1-2 As shown, computing device 100 may include one or more connection ports 102 to allow connection of cables 104 or wires between computing device 100 and power supply, input devices, video displays, storage devices, audio output components, other peripherals, and other external resources such as network communications. Connection ports 102 are typically located on the rear surface 106 or bottom surface 108 of computing device 100 to conceal connection ports 102 from the user's line of sight during use of computing device 100 while maintaining accessibility to connection ports 102.

[0025] In some embodiments, the computing device including I / O ports may be movable relative to the surface on which the computing device is located. In some embodiments, the computing device including I / O ports may be movable relative to a support that supports the computing device on the surface. Figures 2-1 to 2-3 It shows that it can be used Figure 2-2 The reading posture shown and Figure 2-3 An embodiment of a computing device 200 shown is movable between drafting postures. Movement of the computing device 200 relative to the bracket 210 and / or relative to the surface 212 where the computing device 200 and / or the bracket are located can exert stress on the cable 204 or wire connected to the connection port 202 by compression, impact, torsion, or other means. In some embodiments according to this disclosure, the computing device 200 includes a rotatable I / O port, connection port, or port hub movable relative to the housing 214 of the computing device 200.

[0026] In some embodiments, the rotatable I / O port, connection port 202, or port hub rotates relative to the housing 214 of the computing device 200 to provide wired communication with one or more electronic components 216 located within the housing 214. The rotatable I / O port, connection port 202, or port hub allows the cable 204 or wire to be connected to the computing device 200 with a certain range of motion relative to the surface of the housing 214, which limits and / or prevents accidental disconnection of the cable 204 and wire during use, and / or limits and / or prevents premature wear and / or failure of the cable 204, wire, or connection port 202.

[0027] In some embodiments, the display 218 is integrated into the housing 214 and moves together with the housing 214 and other electronic components 216. In some embodiments, a user can tilt and translate the display 218 to access the device. Figure 2-3 The drafting posture is shown. In conventional computing devices that can be placed relative to a support or surface on which the computing device is mounted, when the cable 204 is pulled away from the connection port 202 or laterally relative to the connection port 202, the connection port 202 or the cable 204 or wire attached to the connection port 202 may be subjected to stress or damage. Additionally, when the cable 204 or wire is bent in a small-radius curve, the cable 204 or wire may be subjected to stress or damage.

[0028] Now for reference Figure 3 In some embodiments, the rotatable connection port 302 or port hub 320 can allow cables or wires to remain in a favorable orientation and / or wiring path away from the computing device. In some embodiments, the connection port 302 is an I / O port of an electronic component 316 within the housing 314 of the computing device 300. In some embodiments, the connection port 302 is in wired communication with the I / O port of the electronic component 316. For example, the actual I / O port of the electronic component 316 may be located at the center of a circuit board or near another electronic component 316 that is inconvenient or impossible to access using cables or wires. In some embodiments, the connection port 302 or port hub 320 is located at a corner 322 of the housing 314 of the computing device 300, such that rotation of the connection port 302 relative to the housing 314 allows for a greater range of motion 324.

[0029] In some embodiments, connection port 302 is part of a port hub 320 having multiple connection ports 302. In some embodiments, connection ports 302 and / or port hub 320 include connections for power ports, network communication ports (e.g., Ethernet ports), universal serial bus (USB) ports (e.g., USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, miniUSB, microUSB), audio ports (e.g., 3.5 mm jacks), DisplayPort, Thunderbolt ports, optical ports, or other types of connection ports, from which wires, cables, or other peripheral devices protrude when connected. While cables and / or wires are flexible, some peripheral devices (such as USB memory drives) rigidly protrude from connection ports 302 when connected.

[0030] Figure 4 An embodiment of an AIO computing device 400 with a rotatable port hub 420 is shown. When the housing 414 is oriented nearly flat relative to the support 410, the port hub 420 is rotatable and oriented the cable 404 rearward and between the surfaces of the housing 414 and the support 410.

[0031] Now for reference Figure 5 A rotatable connection port 502 is shown, into which a cable 504 is inserted. In some embodiments, the connection port 502 has a rotational range of motion 524 greater than 45°. In some embodiments, the connection port 502 has a rotational range of motion 524 greater than 60°. In some embodiments, the connection port 502 has a rotational range of motion 524 greater than 90°. In some embodiments, the connection port 502 has a rotational range of motion 524 greater than 120°.

[0032] like Figure 6As shown, the connection port 502 can be positioned relative to the housing surface 526 such that a cable 504, wire, or peripheral device connected to the connection port 502 forms a port angle 528 with the housing surface 526. In some embodiments, the minimum or maximum port angle 528 (e.g., a limit of the range of motion) is a range having an upper limit, a lower limit, or both, including any one of 0° (i.e., parallel to the housing surface), 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, 90° (i.e., perpendicular to the housing surface), 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, 140°, 150°, or any value in between. In some embodiments, the minimum port angle 528 is greater than 0°. In some embodiments, the maximum port angle 528 is less than 150°. In some embodiments, the connection port 502 has a range of motion of 120° from the 0° port angle to the 120° port angle. In some embodiments, the connection port 502 has a 90° range of motion from a 45° port angle to a 135° port angle. In some embodiments, the connection port 502 has a 100° range of motion from a 0° port angle to a 100° port angle.

[0033] In some embodiments, the connection port (or port hub) is rotated and the port angle is manually changed. In some embodiments, the connection port rotates automatically in response to movement of the computing device housing. In some embodiments, the connection port rotates automatically in response to movement of the bracket supporting the computing device.

[0034] In some embodiments, the connection port can rotate relative to the computing device housing via a friction hinge or between multiple pawls in the hinge. The connection port can rotate about a rotation axis by the user applying torque to it. In some embodiments, the torque is applied directly, such as by the user manually manipulating the connection port or inserting cables, wires, or peripherals into the port to change the port angle. In some embodiments, the torque is applied indirectly, such as through contact between cables, wires, or peripherals inserted into the port, which contact a portion of the support or the surface on which the device rests as the computing device moves or rotates. For example, instead of the cable contacting the surface on which the device rests and bending into a small radius turn, contact with the surface simply rotates the connection port.

[0035] Figure 7-1 and 7-2 This is a side view of an embodiment of a computing device 600 that uses indirect torque to rotate a connection port 502. Figure 7-1This is a side view of a computing device 600 in a reading posture. A bracket 610 supports the housing 614 in a vertical position, with the cable 604 extending downwards from the housing 614 to the bracket 610. As the computing device 600 moves toward a drafting posture, as... Figure 7-2 As shown, the contact between cable 604 and bracket 610 applies torque to connection port 602. This torque causes connection port 604 to rotate relative to housing 614 to change port angle 628.

[0036] In some embodiments, the port angle changes automatically as the computing device housing moves relative to the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, the connection port is counterweighted and allowed to rotate on a bearing or other low-friction rotating shaft. In these embodiments, when the computing device housing tilts relative to the direction of gravity, the orientation of the connection port and the connection relative to the direction of gravity remains substantially constant within the range of motion of the connection port.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a side view of one embodiment of the connection port 702 according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the connection port 702 is configured to rotate freely relative to the housing 714 (e.g., with little or no friction about the axis of rotation 730 of the connection port 702). In some embodiments, the connection port 702 has a counterweight 732 that applies a force in the direction of gravity 734 to maintain the connection port 702 at a constant angle relative to the direction of gravity 734 when the housing 714 rotates.

[0038] In some embodiments, the port angle changes automatically in response to movement of the computing device housing relative to a portion of the support bracket that supports the computing device. In some embodiments, a gear mechanism or other linkage in the support bracket of the computing device converts the movement and / or rotation of the housing relative to the support bracket portion into rotation of the connected port. In some embodiments, the gear mechanism includes a chain or belt drive. In some embodiments, the gear mechanism causes the port angle to change proportionally to the movement of the housing relative to the support bracket portion. In some embodiments, the gear mechanism includes a cam that causes the port angle to change in a non-linear relationship with the movement of the housing relative to the support bracket portion.

[0039] Figure 9-1 and 9-2This is a side sectional view illustrating a belt drive system that rotates a connection port 802 based on the relative movement of a housing 814 and a bracket 810. In some embodiments, a first gear 836-1 (or wheel, drum, etc.) is connected to the connection port 802, while a second gear 836-2 is located in a hinge of the bracket 810. In some embodiments, the first gear 836-1 is connected to the second gear 836-2 via a belt 838 that crosses between the first gear 836-1 and the second gear 836-2 to reverse the direction of rotation of the torque transmitted by the belt 838. For example, clockwise rotation of the second gear 836-2 is transmitted by the belt 838 as counterclockwise rotation of the first gear 836-1. Therefore, in some embodiments, when the housing 814 moves downward relative to the bracket 810, the movement of the housing 814 relative to the second gear 836-2 causes rotation of the first gear 836-1 and the connection port 802 to keep the cable 804 away from the bracket 810.

[0040] Now for reference Figure 9-2 When the housing 814 moves downward relative to the support 810, the belt 838 converts the movement of the housing 814 relative to the second gear 836-2 into rotation of the first gear 836-1. The rotation of the first gear 836-1 increases the port angle 828. In some embodiments, the first gear 836-1 and the second gear 836-2 have the same dimensions and / or the same number of teeth, such that the first gear 836-1 and the second gear 836-2 rotate at a 1:1 ratio. In some embodiments, the first gear 836-1 and the second gear 836-2 rotate at a ratio greater than 1:1. In some embodiments, the first gear 836-1 and the second gear 836-2 rotate at a ratio less than 1:1.

[0041] In some embodiments, rotation of the connection port is electrically powered to change the port angle. In some embodiments, a sensor provides attitude information to a motor connected to the connection port. The sensor may include an accelerometer that measures the orientation of the housing relative to the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, the sensor is located in the hinge of the bracket and / or housing to measure the rotational position of the hinge. In some embodiments, the motor changes the port angle when the housing approaches the surface on which the contact bracket and / or computing device rests. In some embodiments, the motor changes the port angle when the housing is within a certain distance of the surface on which the contact bracket and / or computing device rests when the cable, wire, or peripheral device inserted into the connection port approaches.

[0042] Industrial applicability

[0043] This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for providing movable input / output (I / O) ports on computing devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to I / O ports on the monitors of rotating desktop computers, all-in-one (AIO) computers, laptop computers, hybrid computers, or desktop computers (collectively, "computing devices"). A computing device includes one or more I / O ports to allow cable or wire connections between the computing device and power supplies, input devices, video displays, storage devices, audio output components, other peripherals, and other external resources such as network communications. I / O ports are typically located on the rear or bottom surface of the computing device to conceal the I / O ports from the user's line of sight during use of the computing device while maintaining accessibility to the I / O ports.

[0044] In some embodiments, the computing device including the I / O ports may be movable relative to the surface on which the computing device is situated. In other embodiments, the computing device including the I / O ports may be movable relative to a support that supports the computing device on the surface. Movement of the computing device relative to the support and / or relative to the surface on which the computing device and / or the support is situated may compress, impact, twist, or otherwise stress the cables or wires connected to the I / O ports. In some embodiments according to this disclosure, the computing device includes a rotatable I / O port, connection port, or port hub that is movable relative to the housing of the computing device.

[0045] In some embodiments, a rotatable I / O port, connection port, or port hub rotates relative to the housing of the computing device to provide wired communication with one or more electronic components located within the housing. The rotatable I / O port, connection port, or port hub allows cables or wires to be connected to the computing device with a certain range of motion relative to the surface of the housing, which limits and / or prevents accidental disconnection of cables and wires during use, and / or limits and / or prevents premature wear and / or failure of cables, wires, or connection ports.

[0046] In conventional computing devices that can be mounted on a bracket or surface relative to the computing equipment, the connection port or the cable or wire attached to it may be subjected to stress or damage when the cable is pulled away from or lateral to the connection port. Additionally, the cable or wire may be subjected to stress or damage when bent in a small-radius curve. A rotatable connection port or port hub allows the cable or wire to be kept in a favorable orientation and / or wiring path away from the computing equipment.

[0047] In some embodiments, the connection port is an I / O port of an electronic component within the housing of the computing device. In some embodiments, the connection port is in wired communication with the I / O port of the electronic component. For example, the actual I / O port of the electronic component may be located at the center of the circuit board or near another electronic component that is inconvenient or impossible to access using cables or wires. In some embodiments, the connection port is located at the center of the housing, allowing for a greater range of motion when the connection port is rotated relative to the housing.

[0048] In some embodiments, the connection port has a rotational range of motion greater than 45°. In some embodiments, the connection port has a rotational range of motion greater than 60°. In some embodiments, the connection port has a rotational range of motion greater than 90°. In some embodiments, the connection port has a rotational range of motion greater than 120°.

[0049] In some embodiments, a connection port is part of a port hub having multiple connection ports. In some embodiments, the connection port and / or port hub includes connections for power ports, network communication ports (e.g., Ethernet ports), universal serial bus (USB) ports (e.g., USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, miniUSB, microUSB), audio ports (e.g., 3.5 mm jacks), DisplayPort, Thunderbolt ports, optical ports, or other types of connection ports, from which wires, cables, or other peripheral devices protrude when connected. While cables and / or wires are flexible, some peripheral devices (such as USB memory drives) rigidly protrude from the connection port when connected.

[0050] The connection port can be positioned relative to the housing surface such that a cable, wire, or peripheral device connected to the connection port forms a port angle with the housing surface. In some embodiments, the minimum or maximum port angle (e.g., a limit of the range of motion) is a range having an upper limit, a lower limit, or both, including any one of 0° (i.e., parallel to the housing surface), 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, 90° (i.e., perpendicular to the housing surface), 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, 140°, 150°, or any value in between. In some embodiments, the minimum port angle is greater than 0°. In some embodiments, the maximum port angle is less than 150°. In some embodiments, the connection port has a 120° range of motion from a 0° port angle to a 120° port angle. In some embodiments, the connection port has a 90° range of motion from a 45° port angle to a 135° port angle. In some embodiments, the connection port has a 100° range of motion from a 0° port angle to a 100° port angle.

[0051] In some embodiments, the connection port (or port hub) is rotated and the port angle is manually changed. In some embodiments, the connection port rotates automatically in response to movement of the computing device housing. In some embodiments, the connection port rotates automatically in response to movement of the bracket supporting the computing device.

[0052] In some embodiments, the connection port can rotate relative to the computing device housing via a friction hinge or between multiple pawls in the hinge. The connection port can rotate about a rotation axis by the user applying torque to it. In some embodiments, the torque is applied directly, such as by the user manually manipulating the connection port or inserting cables, wires, or peripherals into the port to change the port angle. In some embodiments, the torque is applied indirectly, such as through contact between cables, wires, or peripherals inserted into the port, which contact a portion of the support or the surface on which the device rests as the computing device moves or rotates. For example, instead of the cable contacting the surface on which the device rests and bending into a small radius turn, contact with the surface simply rotates the connection port.

[0053] In some embodiments, the port angle changes automatically as the computing device housing moves relative to the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, the connection port is counterweighted and allowed to rotate on a bearing or other low-friction rotating shaft. In these embodiments, when the computing device housing tilts relative to the direction of gravity, the orientation of the connection port and the connection relative to the direction of gravity remains substantially constant within the range of motion of the connection port.

[0054] In some embodiments, the port angle changes automatically in response to movement of the computing device housing relative to a portion of the support bracket that supports the computing device. In some embodiments, a gear mechanism or other linkage in the support bracket of the computing device converts the movement and / or rotation of the housing relative to the support bracket portion into rotation of the connected port. In some embodiments, the gear mechanism includes chain or belt drive. In some embodiments, the gear mechanism causes the port angle to change proportionally to the movement of the housing relative to the support bracket portion. In some embodiments, the gear mechanism includes a cam that causes the port angle to change non-linearly with respect to the movement of the housing relative to the support bracket portion.

[0055] In some embodiments, rotation of the connection port is electrically powered to change the port angle. In some embodiments, a sensor provides attitude information to a motor connected to the connection port. The sensor may include an accelerometer that measures the orientation of the housing relative to the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, the sensor is located in the hinge of the bracket and / or housing to measure the rotational position of the hinge. In some embodiments, the motor changes the port angle when the housing approaches the surface on which the contact bracket and / or computing device rests. In some embodiments, the motor changes the port angle when the housing is within a certain distance of the surface on which the contact bracket and / or computing device rests when the cable, wire, or peripheral device inserted into the connection port approaches.

[0056] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for computing devices having removable connectivity ports, based on examples provided in at least the following subsections:

[0057] 1. A computing device, comprising:

[0058] A housing including an outer surface (e.g., outer surface 526) (e.g., 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814);

[0059] Electronic components (e.g., 316) located within the housing;

[0060] Support brackets for the housing (e.g., 210, 410, 610, 810); and

[0061] Connection ports (e.g., 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802) located near the outer surface of the housing, wherein the connection ports are in wired communication with the electronic components, and the connection ports are movable relative to the housing to change the port angle (528, 628, 828) of the connection ports relative to the outer surface of the housing when the housing angle of the housing changes relative to the bracket.

[0062] 2. The computing device according to section 1, wherein the change in port angle reduces the curling of external cables (e.g., 204, 404, 504, 604, 804) connected to the connection port.

[0063] 3. The computing device according to section 1, wherein the connection port is in wired communication with the input / output (I / O) port of the electronic component.

[0064] 4. The computing device according to section 1, wherein the connection port is the I / O port of the electronic component.

[0065] 5. The computing device according to any of the preceding subsections, wherein the connection port is movable within a range of motion (e.g., 524) of more than 100° relative to the outer surface of the housing.

[0066] 6. The computing device according to any of the preceding subsections, wherein the connection port is a power supply port.

[0067] 7. The computing device according to any of the preceding subsections, wherein the connection port is an optical fiber port.

[0068] 8. The computing device according to any of the preceding subsections, wherein the connection port is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

[0069] 9. The computing device according to any of the preceding subsections further includes a port hub (e.g., 320, 420) comprising multiple types of ports, wherein the connection ports are part of the port hub, and wherein the port hub is movable relative to the housing to change the port angle of the port hub relative to the outer surface of the housing as the housing angle of the housing changes relative to the support.

[0070] 10. The computing device according to any of the preceding subsections further includes a gear mechanism (e.g., 836-1,

[0071] 836-2), the gear mechanism converts the first movement of the housing relative to the bracket into a second movement of the connection port relative to the housing.

[0072] 11. The computing device according to section 9, wherein the rotational component of the second movement is greater than the rotational component of the first movement.

[0073] 12. The computing device according to any of the preceding subsections further includes a counterweight orientation mechanism (e.g., counterweight 732) that, when the housing changes orientation relative to the direction of gravity (e.g., 734), converts a first movement of the housing relative to the direction of gravity into a second movement of the connection port relative to the housing.

[0074] 13. The computing device according to any of the preceding subsections further includes a friction hinge that holds the connection port at an angle relative to the outer surface of the housing when no additional external force is applied to the connection port relative to the outer surface of the housing.

[0075] 14. The computing device according to any of the preceding subsections, wherein the housing further includes a display (e.g., 218) movable relative to the bracket and the housing.

[0076] 15. The computing device according to any of the preceding subsections, wherein the support rotates the housing at least partially based on a translation of the housing relative to a portion of the support, and the connection port rotates relative to the housing at least partially based on the rotation and translation of the housing relative to the support.

[0077] 16. The computing device according to any of the preceding subsections further includes a motor that changes the port angle at least in part based on the position of the housing relative to the support.

[0078] The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to indicate that one or more of the elements are present in the foregoing description. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and indicate that additional elements may be present in addition to those listed. Additionally, it will be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described features. For example, any element described in relation to an embodiment herein may be combined with any element of any other embodiment described herein. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values ​​set forth herein are intended to include such values, as well as other values ​​described with the words “about” or “approximately”, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art as covered by embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the values ​​set forth should be interpreted broadly enough to cover values ​​that are at least sufficiently close to those used to perform the desired function or achieve the desired result. The values ​​set forth include at least the variations that would be anticipated in a suitable processing or production process and may include values ​​within 5%, 1%, 0.1%, or 0.01% of the values ​​set forth.

[0079] In view of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Equivalent constructions including the "device plus function" clause are intended to cover structures described herein as performing said function, including both structural equivalents operating in the same manner and equivalent structures providing the same function. The applicant's explicit intention is that no claim shall invoke a device plus function or other functional statement unless the term 'device for…' appears with the associated function. Every addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments within the meaning and scope of the claims shall be accepted by the claims.

[0080] It should be understood that any direction or frame of reference described above 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 element.

[0081] This disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Thus, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Changes falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims should be covered by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A computing device, comprising: The casing, including the outer surface; Electronic components located within the housing; A support bracket for the housing; as well as A connection port located near the outer surface of the housing, wherein the connection port is in electrical communication with the electronic components, and wherein the connection port is movable relative to the housing to change the port angle of the connection port relative to the outer surface of the housing as the housing angle changes relative to the bracket. The connection port is capable of moving within a range of motion greater than 100° relative to the outer surface of the housing.

2. The computing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The change in port angle reduces the curling of the external cable connected to the connection port.

3. The computing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection port is in wired communication with the input / output I / O port of the electronic component.

4. The computing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection port is the I / O port of the electronic component.

5. The computing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The connection port is a power supply port.

6. The computing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The connection port is an optical fiber port.

7. The computing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The connection port is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

8. The computing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes a port hub comprising various types of ports, wherein the connection ports are part of the port hub, and wherein the port hub is movable relative to the housing to change the port angle of the port hub relative to the outer surface of the housing as the housing angle of the housing changes relative to the bracket.

9. The computing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes a gear mechanism that converts a first movement of the housing relative to the bracket into a second movement of the connection port relative to the housing.

10. The computing device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The rotational component of the second movement is greater than the rotational component of the first movement.

11. The computing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes a counterweight orientation mechanism, which converts the first movement of the housing relative to the direction of gravity into a second movement of the connection port relative to the housing when the housing changes orientation relative to the direction of gravity.

12. The computing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes a friction hinge that holds the connection port at an angle relative to the outer surface of the housing when no additional external force is applied to the connection port relative to the outer surface of the housing.

13. The computing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The housing also includes a display that is movable relative to the support along with the housing.

14. The computing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The bracket rotates the housing at least partially based on a translation of the housing relative to a portion of the bracket, and the connection port rotates relative to the housing at least partially based on the rotation and translation of the housing relative to the bracket.

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