Computing device

Abstract

An apparatus may include: a first housing including a hinge recess and a pivot; a second housing including a hinge recess and a pivot; an articulated link coupled to the pivot, where the pivot coupling between the articulated link and the pivot of the second housing includes an eccentric post, and where the articulated link includes a scissor member pivot; and a scissor member coupled to the scissor member pivot, the scissor member guiding the pivot of the second housing via an eccentric post to create a gap between the ends of the first housing and the second housing when transitioning the first housing and the second housing between the closed position and the fully open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to technologies for computing devices. Background Art

[0002] A computing device may include a display housing assembly and a keyboard housing assembly coupled via one or more hinge components. For example, a laptop computing device (e.g., a laptop computer) may be a clamshell device having such housing assemblies. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A device may include: a first housing including a hinge recess and a pivot; a second housing including a hinge recess and a pivot; a hinge link coupled to the pivot, wherein the pivot coupling between the hinge link and the pivot of the second housing includes an eccentric post, and wherein the hinge link includes a scissor member pivot; and a scissor member coupled to the scissor member pivot, the scissor member guiding the pivot of the second housing via the eccentric post to create a gap between the ends of the first housing and the second housing when transitioning the first housing and the second housing between a closed position and a fully open position. Various other devices, systems, methods, etc. are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] The features and advantages of the described implementations can be more easily understood through the following description in conjunction with examples of the accompanying drawings.

[0005] Figure 1 is a diagram of an example of a computing device;

[0006] Figure 2 is a series of diagrams of an example of a computing device or a computing system;

[0007] Figure 3 is a series of diagrams of an example of a hinge assembly;

[0008] Figure 4 is a series of diagrams of an example of a computing device;

[0009] Figure 5 is a series of diagrams of an example of a computing device;

[0010] Figure 6 is a series of diagrams of examples of components of an example of a hinge assembly;

[0011] Figure 7 is a series of diagrams of an example of a hinge assembly;

[0012] Figure 8 is a series of diagrams of an example of a hinge assembly;

[0013] Figure 9 is a series of diagrams of an example of a hinge assembly; and

[0014] Figure 10 A diagram that is an example of a system including one or more processors. Detailed implementation

[0015] The following description includes the best mode currently contemplated for practicing the described implementations. The description should not be understood in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the various implementations. The scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the issued claims.

[0016] Figure 1 An example of a computing device 100 (e.g., a computing system) including a keyboard housing 120 and a display housing 140 is shown. The keyboard housing 120 and the display housing 140 can pivot relative to each other via movement about one or more hinge members 132-1 and 132-2 (e.g., a hinge assembly). The computing device 100 can be a system such as, for example, a computing system (e.g., an information processing device, etc.).

[0017] As an example, the computing device 100 can include one or more processors 112, a memory 114 (e.g., one or more memory devices), one or more network interfaces (NI) 116, and one or more power supplies 118. Such components can be housed, for example, within the keyboard housing 120, the display housing 140, or both the keyboard housing 120 and the display housing 140.

[0018] As Figure 1 shown in the example of, the keyboard housing 120 includes a keyboard 124 having keys 125, and the display housing 140 includes a display 144 and can include a camera device 141 mounted in a bezel area around the bezel of the display 144. In such an example, the keyboard 124 is defined in a first Cartesian coordinate system as having a width along the x-axis (x1), a depth along the y-axis (y1), and a height or thickness along the z-axis (z1) extending in a direction outward from the touch surface of the keys 125 of the keyboard 124, and the display 144 is defined in a second Cartesian coordinate system as having a width along the x-axis (x2), a depth along the y-axis (y2), and a height or thickness along the z-axis (z2) extending in a direction outward from the viewing surface of the display 144. As an example, the coordinate system can be a right-handed coordinate system or a left-handed coordinate system.

[0019] As Figure 1As shown in the example, one or more hinges 132-1 and 132-2 pivotally connect the keyboard housing 120 and the display housing 140 to orient the display housing 140 relative to the keyboard housing 120. For example, the orientation can include an orientation defined relative to an axis such as axis ζ (e.g., or multiple axes) and an angle Φ about that axis.

[0020] Figure 1 Some examples of orientations 101, 103, 105, 107, and 109 are shown. Orientations 101, 103, 105, 107, and 109 can correspond to the orientations of a clamshell computing system; note that some clamshell computing systems may be limited in the open angle orientation. For example, a clamshell computing system can be able to open to orientation 109 (e.g., substantially 180 degrees) but not to orientation 107 (e.g., substantially 360 degrees).

[0021] As Figure 1 shown, orientation 101 can be a notebook orientation, where the angle Φ is about 90 degrees or greater (e.g., or optionally slightly less than about 90 degrees depending on the user's position, etc.). As shown, for orientation 101, a user can use one or more fingers of one or both hands to press the keys 125 of the keyboard 124 (e.g., touch typing), for example, while viewing information presented to the display 144 of the display housing 140 (e.g., using one or more processors 112, memories 114, etc. that can be included in the keyboard housing 120, the display housing 140, or both).

[0022] As an example, the keyboard housing 120 can include a front surface 122 and can include a touch input surface 123 (e.g., of a touch input device such as a touchpad). As an example, the keyboard 124 can include one or more other input devices (e.g., a joystick, etc.). As an example, the front surface 122 can be a surface adapted to rest one or more palms of one or both hands. For example, as Figure 1 shown, the touch input surface 123 can be defined by an x dimension and a y dimension, where the left palm rest surface is on the left side of the touch input surface 123, and where the right palm rest surface is on the right side of the touch input surface 123. In such an example, the left palm rest surface and the right palm rest surface can be defined by the respective x and y dimensions and the spacing between them. In the case where the system does not include a touch input surface such as the touch input surface 123, the front surface 122 can extend generally from the left side to the right side of the keyboard housing 120 in the y direction. Such a surface can be the left palm rest surface and the right palm rest surface.

[0023] While a user may type (e.g., touch type) using keys of a keyboard that is part of a keyboard housing, a palm rest surface may enable the user to rest one or more palms. For example, a user may rest a palm on the palm rest surface while using one or more fingertips (e.g., or finger pads) to touch keys, thereby instructing the computing device to receive input commands. In such an example, the keys of the keyboard may be depressible keys. The depressible keys may include a spring mechanism that enables the keys to be depressed a distance in the z direction of a Cartesian coordinate system of the keyboard housing in response to a force applied by a finger to a level that may be a maximum depression level, wherein, upon release of the force, the keys may then return to an undepressed level.

[0024] Regarding orientation 103, it may correspond to a display orientation for viewing the display 144, wherein the keyboard 124 faces downward and the computing device 100 is supported by the keyboard housing 120 (e.g., supported by an edge surrounding the keyboard 124, a front surface 122, etc.). Regarding orientation 105, it may correspond to a "tent" orientation, wherein the display 144 faces outward on one side of the tent for viewing and the keyboard 124 of the keyboard housing 120 faces outward on the other side of the tent.

[0025] Orientation 107 may be a tablet orientation, wherein the angle Φ is approximately 360 degrees such that a normal outward vector N1 of the keyboard 124 of the keyboard housing 120 and a normal outward vector N2 of the display 144 of the display housing 140 are oriented in opposite pointing directions, thereby pointing away from each other; however, in contrast, for a closed orientation of the computing device 100 (e.g., wherein the angle Φ is approximately 0 degrees), the vectors N1 and N2 will point towards each other.

[0026] In orientation 107, the keys 125 of the keyboard 124 point outward in the direction of vector N1. In the case where the keys 125 are pressable keys, when the user grasps the computing device 100, the keys 125 may be contacted by one or more hands of the user. The user may find the resilience of the keys 125 somewhat undesirable. For example, resilient keys may interfere with the user's ability to understand or sense the force sufficient to grasp the computing device 100, which may cause the user to grasp too lightly or too strongly, which may affect the integrity of the keys (e.g., springs, spring mechanisms, contacts, etc.). In contrast, a surface without such pressable keys may have a more uniform feel for the user and may be less distracting. An arrangement allowing such a surface may include a single hinge that enables the keyboard housing to pivot relative to the display housing such that the keys of the keyboard housing can be oriented to face the back side (the side opposite the display) of the display housing. In such a method, the user can rotate the keyboard housing 180 degrees about the central axis of the single hinge (e.g., an axis orthogonal to axis ζ), and then rotate the keyboard housing such that the keys face the back side of the display in the folded orientation. In such an example, a single centrally located hinge provides symmetry such that the computing system can be aligned in a clamshell closed orientation and a tablet orientation, optionally, in the case of the tablet orientation, the keys of the keyboard housing face the back side of the display of the display housing.

[0027] Orientation 109 may be a planar orientation where the angle Φ is approximately 180 degrees such that the normal outward vector N1 of the keyboard 124 of the keyboard housing 120 and the normal outward vector N2 of the display 144 of the display housing 140 are oriented in substantially the same pointing direction.

[0028] Various computing systems such as laptop computers or notebook computing devices can be characterized at least in part by their footprint. For example, Figure 1 the computing device 100 can be characterized at least in part by the x and y dimensions with respect to the keyboard housing 120 and / or with respect to the display housing 140. As an example, the footprint can be the area defined by the plane in the x and y directions of the Cartesian coordinate system as shown in Figure 1 .

[0029] Figure 2 An example of a computing device 400 including a base housing 500 and a display housing 600 is shown, and the base housing 500 and the display housing 600 can be coupled together via one or more hinge assemblies. As shown, the base housing 500 can include a front edge 502, a rear edge 504, and opposite side edges 506 and 508, and the display housing 400 can include a front edge 602, a rear edge 604, and opposite side edges 606 and 608. In Figure 2In the example, the rear edges 504 and 604 can be hinged side edges, and one or more hinge assemblies couple the housings 500 and 600 together.

[0030] As shown, the computing device 400 can include one or more hinge assemblies that can provide a substantially planar arrangement of the housings 500 and 600 when opened to about 180 degrees, or for example, the computing device 400 can include one or more hinge assemblies that can provide a stepped arrangement of the housings 500 and 600 when opened to about 180 degrees. In a non-stepped arrangement, if the rear edge 504 includes any features, these features may become unavailable once the computing device 400 is opened to about 180 degrees; however, in a stepped arrangement, if the rear edge 504 includes any features, these features can still be available once the computing device 400 is opened to about 180 degrees.

[0031] Regarding some examples of rear edge features, these features can include one or more vents, one or more connectors, one or more memory card slots, etc. Thus, in some cases, a stepped arrangement can provide some benefits over a non-stepped arrangement.

[0032] As Figure 2 shown, the housings 500 and 600 can have a housing width dx, which can be substantially the same (e.g., less than 5 mm positive or negative). Regarding the stepped arrangement, the step size dy can be greater than about 1 mm (e.g., 0.5 mm positive or negative) and less than about 10 mm (e.g., 2 mm positive or negative). As an example, in the stepped arrangement, the housings 500 and 600 can contact each other on at least a portion of the step size (e.g., step distance). As an example, one or more step surfaces can provide contact that helps limit further opening of the computing device 400 beyond about 180 degrees. As an example, one or more hinge assemblies can include one or more features for limiting the opening of the computing device 400 to beyond about 180 degrees.

[0033] Figure 3 A perspective view of example hinge assemblies 530-1 and 530-2 is shown. As shown, each of the hinge assemblies 530-1 and 530-2 can include a shaft 531 that defines a rotational axis for the base housing blade 535 and the display housing blade 536, where each of the blades 535 and 536 can include corresponding openings 537 and 538 for receiving one or more fasteners to couple the blades 535 and 536 to the respective housings. As an example, one or more fasteners can be cooperatively coupled to the respective housings using one or more hinge mounting features.

[0034] Figure 4An example of a portion of a computing device is shown, which includes a base housing 500, a display housing 600, and a hinge assembly 700 that couples the housings 500 and 600 together. As shown, the hinge assembly 700 provides a closed position where edges 504 and 604 can be stacked and aligned, and an open position where edges 504 and 604 can be offset to define a step, as in a stepped arrangement.

[0035] As Figure 4 shown in the example, the base housing 500 may have a thickness or height dzb at or near the rear edge 504, and the display housing 600 may have a thickness or height dzd at or near the rear edge 604. As shown, in the open position, the rear edge 504 may be exposed. As Figure 4 shown in the example, the rear edge 504 may include one or more features, such as for example one or more ports 591 and 593 and / or one or more vents 592. As an example, the device may include one or more instances of the hinge assembly 700, for example, considering one or more hinge assemblies 700-1 and 700-2.

[0036] As Figure 4 shown in the example, the display housing 600 may include a pivot 672, and the base housing 500 may include a pivot 572. As an example, the hinge assembly 700 may include hinge links and a scissor member, where the hinge links utilize the pivots 572 and 672.

[0037] As an example, the device may include: a first housing that includes a hinge recess and a pivot; a second housing that includes a hinge recess and a pivot; a hinge link that is coupled to the pivot, where the pivot coupling between the hinge link and the pivot of the second housing includes an eccentric post, and where the hinge link includes a scissor member pivot; and a scissor member that is coupled to the scissor member pivot, and the scissor member guides the pivot of the second housing via the eccentric post to create a gap between the ends of the first housing and the second housing when transitioning the first housing and the second housing between a closed position and a fully open position. In such an example, the second housing may have a thickness that is less than the thickness of the first housing. As an example, the device may be a computing device, where the first housing is a base housing (e.g., a keyboard housing, etc.), and where the second housing is a display housing.

[0038] Figure 5 Examples of the hinge assembly 700 transitioning from a closed position to a first open position, a second open position, a third open position, and a fourth open position relative to the base housing 500 and the display housing 600 are shown, and the fourth open position may be an approximately 180-degree open position.

[0039] In Figure 5In the example, the base housing 500 includes a hinge recess 520, and the display housing 600 includes a hinge recess 620. As illustrated, the base housing 500 may include a pivot 572, and the display housing 600 may include a pivot 672, and the pivot 672 may further include a post 674, wherein the axis of the post 674 is offset from the axis of the pivot 672 (e.g., the post 674 may be an eccentric post). In Figure 5 the example, the pivots 572 and 672 and the post 674 are shown relative to the hinge link 720 and the scissor member 740. As shown, the hinge link 720 may include a scissor member pivot 721 for pivoting the scissor member 740 relative to the hinge link 720. In such an example, the base housing 500 may include a guiding feature 543, such as an oval hole, which may guide the guiding pivot 743 of the scissor member 740. In such an example, the lower end or lower protrusion of the scissor member 740 is constrained relative to the guiding feature 543 of the base housing 500, while the scissor member 740 is also constrained by the scissor member pivot 721 of the hinge link 720. In such an example, the hinge link 720 and the scissor member 740 act like a pair of scissors (e.g., or multiple pairs of scissors). Scissors may be defined as including blades that can separate and close. In Figure 5 the example, the scissor member 740 may cooperate with the post 674 to assist in guiding the movement of the display housing 600 relative to the base housing 500, e.g., to provide a gap between the housings 500 and 600 such that the display housing 600 can rotate about the pivot 672 without the rear corner of the rear edge 604 contacting the rear corner of the rear edge 504 of the base housing 500.

[0040] In Figure 5 the example, in the closed position, the recess 520 of the base housing 500 may be covered by the display housing 600, wherein a portion of the hinge link 720 may be exposed at the side of the rear edge 604 of the display housing 600. As an example, the rear edge 504 of the base housing 500 may include a lip 505 that extends upwardly, e.g., toward the display housing 600, when the housings 500 and 600 are in the closed position. As an example, the display housing 600 may include a chamfered edge (e.g., a chamfered rear edge). As Figure 5As shown in the closed position view, the lower part of the scissor member 740 can contact the part of the hinge member 720 to the left of the scissor member pivot 721, while the top of the scissor member 740 can have a gap relative to the part of the hinge member 720 to the right of the scissor member pivot 721. In contrast, in the fourth open position, the lower part of the scissor member 740 can have a gap relative to the part of the hinge member 720 to the left of the scissor member pivot 721, while the top of the scissor member 740 can contact the part of the hinge member 720 to the right of the scissor member pivot 721. As shown, the top of the scissor member 740 can contact the column 674 such that the movement between the two cooperates (e.g., is coupled) within the range of the opening angles of the various open positions of the display housing 600 relative to the base housing 500.

[0041] In Figure 5 the example of, in the first open position, a small gap or clearance is created between the display housing 600 and the base housing 500. As shown, the position of the column 674 changes relative to the scissor member 740. As mentioned, the axis of the column 674 can be offset from the axis of the pivot 672 such that when the display housing 600 rotates via the pivot 672 (e.g., about a rotation axis that remains fixed), the column 674 moves in a circular manner (e.g., sweeps through an arc). In such an example, the scissor member 740 and the column 674 can engage, which can effectively actuate the scissor member 740, thereby causing an upward lifting movement of the display housing 600 via the hinge assembly 700. In such an example, the scissor member 740 pivots about the pivot 721, for example guided by a guiding pivot 743 relative to the guiding feature 543 of the base housing 500. For example, the guiding pivot 743 can be a column (e.g., an axle or a shaft) received by a hole of the scissor member 740 and the guiding feature 543, and the guiding feature 543 can be an oval hole of the base housing 500, where such a feature guides and restricts the movement of the scissor member 740 when the scissor member 740 pivots about the pivot 721 while contacting the column 674.

[0042] In the second open position and the third open position, the path of the column 674 relative to the scissor member 740 can be discerned; note that when transitioning from the third open position to the fourth open position, the scissor member 740 can be substantially stationary (e.g., its lifting task is being completed, etc.). For example, from the third open position to the fourth open position, the display housing 600 can rotate about the pivot 672 while the column 674 follows the common contour shape of the pivot 672 and the scissor member 740. In these two open positions, the shape of the end of the scissor member 740 that can contact the column 674 is shown to be different from the circular shape of the pivot 672. In such a manner, the contact between the scissor member 740 and the column 674 of the display housing 600 can guide the direction of travel of the display housing 600; note that the lower portion of the scissor member 740 can be guided by the guiding feature 543 of the base housing 500.

[0043] As an example, in the third open position of the display housing 600 relative to the base housing 500, the articulated link 720 can be substantially static. For example, the stopper 727 of the articulated link 720 can contact the stopper surface 527 of the recess 520 of the base housing 500, which can be discerned in various other views (see, for example Figure 8 ). In such a manner, when the display housing 600 rotates about the pivot 672 to, for example, the fully open fourth open position (e.g., approximately 180 degrees), the articulated link 720 can remain relatively stable. As Figure 5 shown in the example of, the gap between the base housing 500 and the display housing 600 is sufficient for the rear corner of the rear edge 604 of the display housing 600 to clear the base housing 500 such that the display housing 600 can be rotated to the fourth open position. Additionally, as shown, the guiding feature 543 of the base housing 500 remains stationary since it is part of the base housing 500 while the guiding pivot 743 can translate within the guiding feature 543.

[0044] As an example, the transition of the display housing 600 between the third open position and the fourth open position can be referred to as the second motion stage. For example, in such a second motion stage, the articulated link 720 and the scissor member 740 can be relatively stationary, whereby the display housing 600 rotates about the pivot 762 in such a manner that the column 674 can follow the common contour of the surfaces of the pivot 672 and the scissor member 740. In such an example, the first stage can be referred to as a lifting stage or lift stage that provides sufficient clearance for the second stage. In such an example, the articulated link 720 and the scissor member 740 can be referred to as components of the lifting mechanism.

[0045] As Figure 5As shown in the example, in the fourth open position, the back side of the display housing 600 can contact the lip 505 of the base housing 500, so that the lip 505 can act as a stop (e.g., a stop surface, etc.). As an example, the lip 505 can be made of an elastic material and / or one or more other types of materials, which can, for example, reduce the risk of damage to the back side of the display housing 600.

[0046] Figure 5 Also shown are various examples of the biasing member 790, which can include one or more springs, one or more motors, one or more magnets, and / or ferromagnetic materials, etc. As an example, the spring can be a torsion-type spring, which can be positioned relative to a pivot to bias a component or components, for example, to assist the hinge assembly 700 in moving towards a position (e.g., a closed position, an open position, etc.) and / or to assist in holding one or more components in a certain position. As an example, the motor can be actuated in response to a signal to move one or more components of the hinge assembly 700 towards a position (e.g., a closed position, an open position, etc.) and / or to assist in holding one or more components in a certain position. As an example, one or more magnets (e.g., permanent magnets, electro-permanent magnets, electromagnets, etc.) can be used to move one or more components towards a position (e.g., a closed position, an open position, etc.) and / or to assist in holding one or more components in a certain position. As an example, one or more housings can include one or more magnets and / or ferromagnetic materials, which can operate as a latch to hold the housing in the closed position, where, for example, when the latch is released, one or more hinge assemblies can be forced to bias such that one housing transitions to an open position relative to the other housing.

[0047] Figure 6 A series of perspective views showing examples of the hinge link 720 and the scissor member 740 are presented. As shown, the scissor member 740 can include a hole 741 for the scissor member pivot 721 of the hinge link 720, a guide pivot 743 that can accommodate a post (e.g., an axle or a shaft), and a formed end 744 that can be an open end. As illustrated, the formed end 744 can be non-circular and can include one or more arcuate portions that can correspond to a portion of the arc of the pivot 672, and the arcuate portions can cooperate with the through hole 724 of the hinge link 720. As illustrated, the pivot 672 can include a post 674 as a feature extending therefrom. For example, the pivot 672 itself can be a post (e.g., an axle or a shaft), where the post 674 serves as a cam-like feature to at least partially control the direction of travel of the display housing 600 via contact with the formed end 744 of the scissor member 740.

[0048] InFigure 6 In the example, the hinge member 720 is shown as including two sides 726-1 and 726-2 (e.g., walls, etc.), with a recess 729 between the two sides 726-1 and 726-2, where a through-hole 725 can extend between the two sides 726-1 and 726-2, and the through-hole 725 can accommodate a shaft (e.g., a rod) that can be part of or otherwise form the pivot 572 (e.g., considering a complete shaft, multiple shafts, etc. that can be set into the base housing 500). As an example, the hinge link 720 can include an edge as a stop 727 and another edge 728. In such an example, the stop 727 can be disposed in the recess 520 of the base housing 500, and the edge 728 can be disposed in the recess 620 of the display housing 600. In such an example, the edge 728 can be a surface that does not form a stop or a stop surface; note that it can be positioned to facilitate the positioning and / or movement of the scissor member 740.

[0049] As Figure 6 shown in the example of, the scissor member 740 can be located in the recess 729 of the hinge link 720, where the scissor member pivot 721 cooperates with the hole 741 for the pivotal movement of the scissor member 740 relative to the hinge link 720. As illustrated, the pivot guide 743 can cooperate with a pivot guiding feature that can be part of the base housing 500 or otherwise coupled to the base housing 500 (see, for example Figure 8 ).

[0050] As Figure 6 shown in the example of, the hinge link 720 can be defined as including protrusions, such as a first protrusion and a second protrusion, where each of the protrusions includes a corresponding pivot feature, such as a hole (which can be a partial hole or a through-hole). For example, the hole 725 can be associated with a lower protrusion disposed in the recess 520 of the base housing 500, and the hole 724 can be associated with an upper protrusion disposed in the recess 620 of the display housing 600. As an example, the scissor member 740 can include a shaped end 744 that is substantially aligned with the hole 724 of the upper protrusion of the hinge link 720, and the alignment of the shaped end 744 may change due to pivoting about the scissor member pivot 721. As an example, the shaped end 744 of the scissor member 740 can be defined by one or more radii that may be smaller than the radius of the hole 724 of the hinge link 720.

[0051] Figure 7A series of perspective views showing examples of a portion of a device, including examples of articulated link 720 and scissor member 740. As shown, base housing 500 may include recess 520, and display housing 600 may include recess 620. Recesses 520 and 620 serve as articulated recesses that can at least partially accommodate the corresponding portions of articulated link 720 operably coupled to pivots 572 and 672. Each of pivots 572 and 672 can be a single pivot or a split pivot. For example, a split pivot can include two or more instances of pivots aligned along a common axis (e.g., hole and shaft arrangements, etc.). As illustrated, articulated link 720 can be a single plate or can include multiple plates that can be referred to as sides. As illustrated, in the case where multiple plates or multiple sides are included in articulated member 720, a recess can be provided between the two sides, where, for example, scissor member 740 can be received within the recess; note that scissor member 740 can be adapted to couple to one or more sides that may not be within the recess.

[0052] As Figure 7 shown in the example of, scissor member 740 can be disposed between one side of a feature defining a stop surface 527 of base housing 500 and one side of articulated link 720. In such an example, scissor member 740 can be constrained, for example, with respect to side-to-side movement, which can provide proper engagement of scissor member 740 with post 674. As an example, post 674 and scissor member 740 can form a kind of cam, such as a cam that guides the movement of display housing 600 during the transition of display housing 600 relative to base housing 500.

[0053] As Figure 7 shown in the example of, articulated link 720 can include a back side 722, and back side 722 can provide at least partial coverage of recess 520, such that the risk of debris entering recess 520 can be reduced.

[0054] Figure 8 A series of cross-sectional views showing examples of a portion of a device with various examples with and without articulated component parts and / or features. As shown, base housing 500 can include a stop surface 527 that can contact stop 727 of articulated link 720, and stop 727 can be an edge of articulated link 720 or another surface thereof. In Figure 8In an example, the pivot guiding feature 543 is shown as an oval hole disposed in a side surface of the recess 520. In such an example, when received in the recess 520, the scissor member pivot 721 can be located on one side of the scissor member 740, and the pivot guiding feature 543 can be located on the other opposite side of the scissor member 740. As an example, the scissor member 740 can be disposed between a side of the articulated link 720 and a wall of the recess 520 of the base housing 500. As an example, a post can be positioned in the hole 743 of the scissor member 740 and at least partially received by the pivot guiding feature 543 of the base housing 500.

[0055] Figure 9 A series of cross-sectional views showing a portion of an example of a device having various examples with and without articulated component parts and / or features are shown. As shown, the scissor member 740 can be disposed between a side of the articulated link 720 and a side of the recess 520 of the base housing 500. In such an example, the scissor member 740 can be fixed for pivotal movement in response to the opening of the display housing 600 relative to the base housing 500 and in response to the closing of the display housing 600 relative to the base housing 500.

[0056] As an example, a computing device can include one or more tower articulated assemblies that can allow access to the back of the computing device, and the tower articulated assemblies can include one or more ports, one or more cooling features, etc. As an example, the tower articulated assemblies can provide a notch-free display housing outer cover or casing (e.g., the back side opposite the display side). As illustrated, the articulated assembly can utilize a crossed four-bar linkage that serves as an articulation member, and the articulation member can also position the display housing in a manner that provides a suitable clearance to rotate a full 180 degrees without requiring a notch in the outer casing of the display housing or without requiring a large chamfer at the back of the base housing (e.g., the keyboard housing). As an example, the terms A cover, B cover, C cover, and D cover can be used to define the computing device. For example, the display housing can include an A cover as an outer or back side casing and a B cover as a display side casing, the B cover can be or can include a display bezel, and the base housing (e.g., the keyboard housing) can include a D cover as a bottom side casing and a C cover as an opposite side casing, and the C cover can be a keyboard bezel. As an example, the articulated assembly can provide desired A cover and C cover features.

[0057] As an example, the articulated assembly can utilize a double-pivot articulated link having scissor members that form a scissor mechanism that can lift one housing away from another housing, such as, for example, the display housing away from the keyboard housing, such that a clearance is created to rotate the housing to approximately 180 degrees. In such an example, the computing device can be formed without requiring a notch in the A cover or a large chamfer at the back of the C cover.

[0058] As an example, the hinge assembly can provide for lifting the display housing from a closed position, where for example a scissor mechanism is engaged to cause such a lift, which can provide a clearance for the rear edge corners of the display housing relative to the base housing. In such an example, when the display housing is opened in response to rotation, the clearance may increase and ultimately reach a maximum clearance. In such an example, when the maximum clearance is reached, the display housing can be further rotated to a desired position, which can be up to about 180 degrees. In such an example, the display housing can be laid flat in a stepped manner, where the display housing can be supported by a C-cover of the base housing (e.g., the C-cover of the keyboard housing).

[0059] As an example, the device can include: a first housing including a hinge recess and a pivot; a second housing including a hinge recess and a pivot; a hinge link coupled to the pivot, where the pivot coupling between the hinge link and the pivot of the second housing includes an eccentric post, and where the hinge link includes a scissor member pivot; and a scissor member coupled to the scissor member pivot, the scissor member guiding the pivot of the second housing via the eccentric post to create a gap between the ends of the first housing and the second housing when transitioning the first housing and the second housing between a closed position and a fully open position. In such an example, the pivot of the second housing can include a shaft and a hole and an eccentric post extending from the shaft, where the diameter of the hole exceeds the diameter of the eccentric post by at least 10%. As illustrated, the post can operate as a kind of cam.

[0060] As an example, the hinge link can include opposing pivot ends, and the scissor member pivot can be disposed on the hinge link between the opposing pivot ends.

[0061] As an example, the pivot of the second housing can include a shaft and a hole and a post extending from the shaft, where the scissor member includes an open end, and where the radius of the post is less than the radius of the open end.

[0062] As an example, the scissor member can include an open end, where during transition, the post of the pivot of the second housing contacts the surface of the open end. As illustrated, the scissor member can include an open end, which can be an open hole or a closed hole that can cooperate with the post, where the scissor member and the post can operate as a kind of cam to guide the movement of a housing (e.g., the display housing) via the hinge assembly that couples the housing to another housing.

[0063] As an example, the articulated linkage may include a first protrusion having a first closed hole and a second protrusion having a second closed hole, wherein the first closed hole includes a center that coincides with the center of the pivot of the first housing, wherein the second closed hole includes a center that coincides with the center of the pivot of the second housing, and wherein a post offset from the center of the second closed hole engages the scissor member in response to rotation of the second housing relative to the first housing.

[0064] As an example, the thickness of the first housing may exceed the thickness of the second housing. In such an example, the first housing may be a base housing, and the second housing may be a display housing. In such an example, the base housing may include a keyboard.

[0065] As an example, the first housing may be a base housing of a computing device, the base housing including a processor and a memory accessible by the processor, and the second housing may be a display housing including a display.

[0066] As an example, the device may be in a closed position including an angle of about 0 degrees between the second housing and the first housing, or the device may be in a fully open position including an angle of about 180 degrees between the second housing and the first housing. In such an example, in the closed position, the second housing may be adjacent to and parallel to the first housing.

[0067] As an example, in the fully open position, a portion of the second housing may extend outward beyond the end of the hinge recess of the first housing, wherein another portion of the second housing overlaps the first housing. In such an example, in the fully open position, the second housing may be parallel to the first housing.

[0068] As an example, the second housing (e.g., the display housing) may include a chamfered corner at the end of the hinge recess of the second housing. As an example, the first housing may include a lip at the end of the hinge recess of the first housing. In such an example, the second housing may include a chamfered corner at the end of the hinge recess of the second housing, wherein, in the closed position, the chamfered corner accommodates the lip.

[0069] As an example, the articulated linkage may include opposite sides and a recess disposed between the opposite sides. In such an example, the scissor member may be at least partially disposed within the recess. In such an example, the scissor member may include a pivot hole, wherein one of the opposite sides includes a pivot shaft, and wherein the pivot shaft is received by the pivot hole. As an example, the articulated linkage may include opposite sides (e.g., walls, etc.), wherein each of the opposite sides includes a first protrusion having a first hole and a second protrusion having a second hole.

[0070] As an example, the method can include: in a computing device including a base housing and a display housing that are articulated and coupled via a linkage and a scissor member, supporting the display housing in an open position relative to the base housing, wherein, in the open position, the display housing is oriented orthogonally to the base housing at about 90 degrees and is set at a distance away from the base housing to form a corner clearance gap for a corner of the display housing, so that the display housing is fully opened relative to the base housing to an angle of about 180 degrees.

[0071] As an example, a computer program product can include instructions for instructing a computing device, a computing system, etc. to perform one or more methods.

[0072] The terms "circuit" or "circuitry" are used in the Summary of the Invention, the Description, and / or the Claims. As is well known in the art, the term "circuitry" includes all levels of available integration (e.g., from discrete logic circuits to the highest levels of circuit integration such as VLSI, and includes programmable logic components programmed to perform the functions of the embodiments, and general or special-purpose processors programmed to have instructions for performing these functions), all levels of available integration including at least one physical component, such as at least one hardware. A processor can be circuitry. A memory can be circuitry. Circuitry can be based on a processor, accessible to the processor, operatively coupled to the processor, etc. Circuitry can optionally rely on one or more computer-readable media including computer-executable instructions. As described herein, a computer-readable medium can be a storage device (e.g., a memory chip, a memory card, a storage disk, etc.) and is referred to as a computer-readable storage medium, which is non-transitory and is not a signal or a carrier.

[0073] Although various examples of circuits or circuitry have been discussed, Figure 10 A block diagram of an illustrative computer system 1000 is depicted. System 1000 can be a computer system, such as one of the THINKCENTRE or THINKPAD series of personal computers sold by Lenovo (USA) Inc. of Morrisville, North Carolina, or can be a workstation computer system, such as the THINKSTATION sold by Lenovo (USA) Inc. of Morrisville, North Carolina; however, as is apparent from the description herein, the system or other machines can include other features or only some of the features of system 1000.

[0074] As Figure 10As shown in the figure, system 1000 includes a so-called chipset 1010. A chipset refers to a group of integrated circuits or chips that are designed (e.g., configured) to work together. Chipsets are typically sold as a single product in the market (e.g., consider the chipsets of brands such as INTEL and AMD sold in the market).

[0075] In Figure 10 the example of, chipset 1010 has a specific architecture, and its architecture can vary to some extent according to the brand or manufacturer. The architecture of chipset 1010 includes a core and memory control group 1020 and an I / O controller hub 1050 that exchange information (e.g., data, signals, commands, etc.) via, for example, a direct management interface or a direct media interface (DMI) 1042 or a link controller 1044. In Figure 10 the example of, DMI 1042 is a chip-to-chip interface (sometimes referred to as the link between the "north bridge" and the "south bridge").

[0076] The core and memory control group 1020 includes one or more processors 1022 (e.g., single-core or multi-core processors) and a memory controller hub 1026 that exchange information via a front-side bus (FSB) 1024. As described herein, various components of the core and memory control group 1020 can be integrated onto a single processor die to, for example, manufacture a chip that replaces the conventional "north bridge" architecture.

[0077] The memory controller hub 1026 interfaces with the memory 1040. For example, the memory controller hub 1026 can provide support for DDR SDRAM memory (e.g., DDR, DDR2, DDR3, etc.). Generally, the memory 1040 is a type of random access memory (RAM). The memory 1040 is typically referred to as "system memory".

[0078] The memory controller hub 1026 also includes a Low Voltage Differential Signaling interface (LVDS) 1032. The LVDS 1032 can be a so-called LVDS Display Interface (LDI) for supporting a display device 1092 (e.g., CRT, flat panel, projector, etc.). Block 1038 includes some examples of technologies that can be supported via the LVDS interface 1032 (e.g., Serial Digital Video, HDMI / DVI, DisplayPort). The memory controller hub 1026 also includes one or more Peripheral Component Interconnect-Express interfaces (PCI-E) 1034, for example, for supporting discrete graphics 1036. Discrete graphics using a PCI-E interface has become an alternative to the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP). For example, the memory controller hub 1026 can include a 16-lane (x16) PCI-E port for an external PCI-E-based graphics card. The system can include an AGP or PCI-E for supporting graphics. As described herein, the display can be a sensor display (e.g., configured to receive input using a stylus, finger, etc.). As described herein, the sensor display can rely on resistive sensing, optical sensing, or other types of sensing.

[0079] The I / O hub controller 1050 includes various interfaces. Figure 10 Examples include a SATA interface 1051, one or more PCI-E interfaces 1052 (optionally one or more legacy PCI interfaces), one or more USB interfaces 1053, a LAN interface 1054 (more generally a network interface), a General Purpose I / O interface (GPIO) 1055, a Low Pin Count (LPC) interface 1070, a power management interface 1061, a clock generator interface 1062, an audio interface 1063 (e.g., for a speaker 1094), a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) interface 1064, a system management bus interface (e.g., a multi-master serial computer bus interface) 1065, and a Serial Peripheral Flash / Controller interface (SPI flash) 1066, which in Figure 10 examples includes a BIOS 1068 and boot code 1090. Regarding network connectivity, the I / O hub controller 1050 can include an integrated gigabit Ethernet controller line multiplexed with a PCI-E interface port. Other network features can operate independently of the PCI-E interface.

[0080] The interface of the I / O hub controller 1050 provides communication with various devices, networks, etc. For example, the SATA interface 1051 is configured to read, write, or both read and write information on one or more drives 1080 such as HDDs, SDDs, or a combination of HDDs and SDDs. The I / O hub controller 1050 may also include an Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) to support one or more drives 1080. The PCI-E interface 1052 allows for wireless connection 1082 to devices, networks, etc. The USB interface 1053 is configured for input devices 1084 such as keyboards (KBs), one or more optical sensors, mice, and various other devices (e.g., microphones, camera devices, telephones, storage devices, media players, etc.). One or more other types of sensors may optionally rely on the USB interface 1053 or another interface (e.g., I 2 C, etc.). Regarding the microphone, Figure 10 the system 1000 may include hardware (e.g., an audio card) that is appropriately configured to receive sound (e.g., user voice, ambient sound, etc.).

[0081] In Figure 10 the example, the LPC interface 1070 is configured for the use of one or more ASICs 1071, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1072, Super I / O 1073, Firmware Hub 1074, BIOS support 1075, and various types of memories 1076 - such as ROM 1077, flash memory 1078, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) 1079. Regarding the TPM 1072, the module may be in the form of a chip that can be used to authenticate software and hardware devices. For example, the TPM can be capable of performing platform authentication and can be used to verify that the system seeking access is the intended system.

[0082] The system 1000 may be configured to execute, upon power-on, the boot code 1090 for the BIOS 1068 stored in the SPI flash memory 1066, and thereafter process data under the control of one or more operating systems and application software (e.g., the operating system and application software stored in the system memory 1040). The operating system may be stored in any of various locations and may be accessed, for example, according to the instructions of the BIOS 1068. Similarly, as described herein, a satellite, base station, server, or other machine may include fewer or more features than those shown in the Figure 10 system 1000. Additionally, Figure 10 the system 1000 is shown as optionally including cellular phone circuitry 1095, which may include circuitry of types such as GSM, CDMA, etc. that is configured to operate in coordination with one or more of the other features of the system 1000. InFigure 10 Also shown therein is a battery circuit system 1097, which may provide one or more features associated with a battery, a power supply, etc. (e.g., optionally to indicate one or more other components of the system 1000). As an example, the SM bus may be capable of operating via the LPC (e.g., see the LPC interface 1070), via the I 2 C interface (e.g., see the SM / I 2 C interface 1065), etc.

[0083] Although examples of methods, apparatuses, systems, etc. have been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as examples of forms for implementing the claimed methods, apparatuses, systems, etc.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a first housing including a hinge recess and a pivot; a second housing including a hinge recess and a pivot; an articulated link coupled to the pivot, wherein the pivot coupling between the articulated link and the pivot of the second housing comprises an eccentric post, and wherein the articulated link comprises a scissor-type component pivot; and A scissor member is coupled to the scissor member pivot, and the scissor member guides the pivot of the second shell via the eccentric column to generate a gap between the ends of the first shell and the second shell when the first shell and the second shell are transformed between the closed position and the fully open position.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The pivot of the second housing includes a shaft and a hole, and wherein the eccentric post extends from the shaft, wherein a diameter of the hole exceeds a diameter of the eccentric post by at least 10%.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The hinge link includes opposing pivot ends, and wherein the scissor member pivot is disposed on the hinge link between the opposing pivot ends.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The pivot of the second housing includes a shaft and a hole, and wherein the eccentric post extends from the shaft, wherein the scissor member includes an open end, and wherein a radius of the eccentric post is smaller than a radius of the open end.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The scissor member includes an open end, and wherein, during the transition, an eccentric post of a pivot of the second housing contacts a surface of the open end.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The hinge link includes a first protrusion having a first enclosed hole and a second protrusion having a second enclosed hole, wherein the first enclosed hole includes a center that coincides with the center of the pivot of the first shell, wherein the second enclosed hole includes a center that coincides with the center of the pivot of the second shell, and wherein the eccentric column is offset from the center of the second enclosed hole and engages the scissor-type component in response to rotation of the second shell relative to the first shell.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the first shell exceeds the thickness of the second shell.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing comprises a base housing of a computing device, the base housing comprising a processor and a memory accessible by the processor, and wherein the second housing comprises a display housing, the display housing comprising a display.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The closed position includes an angle of approximately 0 degrees between the second shell and the first shell, and wherein the fully open position includes an angle of approximately 180 degrees between the second shell and the first shell.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein: In the closed position, the second housing is adjacent and parallel to the first housing.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein: In the fully open position, a portion of the second housing extends outwardly beyond an end of the hinge recess of the first housing, and another portion of the second housing overlaps the first housing.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein In the fully open position, the second housing is parallel to the first housing.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The second housing includes chamfered corners at ends of a hinge recess of the second housing.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing includes a lip at an end of the hinge recess of the first housing.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The second shell includes a chamfered corner at an end of the hinge recess of the second shell, and wherein, in the closed position, the chamfered corner receives the lip.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The hinge link includes opposing sides and a recessed portion disposed between the opposing sides.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The scissor-type member is at least partially disposed within the recess.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein: The scissor-type member includes a pivot hole, wherein one of the opposing sides includes a pivot axis, and wherein the pivot axis is received by the pivot hole.

19. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein: Each of the opposing sides includes a first protrusion having a first hole and a second protrusion having a second hole.

20. A method comprising: In a computing device including a base shell and a display shell hingedly coupled via a link and a scissor-type component, the display shell is supported in an open position relative to the base shell, wherein in the open position, the display shell is oriented approximately 90 degrees orthogonal to the base shell and is disposed a distance away from the base shell to form a corner clearance gap for the corner of the display shell so that the display shell is fully opened to an angle of approximately 180 degrees relative to the base shell.

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