JOINT DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED INPUT DEVICE

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] US 9 880585 B2 describes an electronic device that includes a first body, a second body, a rotating mechanism, an enclosing mechanism, and a flexible display screen. The first body and the second body are pivotally connected by the rotating mechanism, and the enclosing mechanism encloses the rotating mechanism. The flexible display screen is arranged on the enclosing mechanism. The electronic device according to the present disclosure can add an auxiliary display device, i.e. a flexible display screen, apart from main display devices, and according to different settings, the auxiliary display device can achieve an external image output independent from the main display device, and can also achieve a larger area image output than that of the main display device.

[0002] US 9 983 627 B1 describes a device comprising a first housing and a second housing attached by one or more hinges. The first housing may house a first set of components, including a first display device. The second housing may house a second set of components, including a second display device. The one or more hinges may enable the first housing and the second housing to be placed at an angle of between about 0 degrees to about 360 degrees relative to each other. When the first housing is placed at an angle of about 180 degrees relative to the second housing, the one or more hinges may pull the first housing and the second housing towards each other, resulting in a gap between a first edge of the first housing and a second edge of the second housing of 2mm or less.SUMMARY

[0003] The invention is set out in the appended set of claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the concepts conveyed in the present document. Features of the illustrated implementations can be more readily understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Like reference numbers in the various drawings are used wherever feasible to indicate like elements. Further, the left-most numeral of each reference number conveys the FIG. and associated discussion where the reference number is first introduced. Where space permits, elements and their associated reference numbers are both shown on the drawing page for the reader's convenience. Otherwise, only the reference numbers are shown. FIGS. 1A-1C show perspective views of example devices and associated wedge-shaped input devices in accordance with some implementations of the present concepts. FIGS. 2A-2D, 3, and 4show side elevational views of example devices and associated wedge-shaped input devices in accordance with some implementations of the present concepts. DESCRIPTION

[0005] The present concepts relate to devices, such as computing devices employing hinge assemblies that can rotationally secure first and second device portions. The computing devices can employ an associated input device to augment user interactions and to ultimately enhance the user experience. The input devices can have a wedge-shaped profile that allows the first and second portions to be closed on the input device without damaging the device or the input device (e.g., wedge-shaped input device).

[0006] Introductory FIGS. 1A-1C shows an example device 100 and an associated input device 102 that can communicate with device 100. In this example, the associated input device 102 is a wireless detachable input device that can communicate with device 100 via one or more wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth, and / or near field communication (NFC), among others. The device 100 has first and second portions 104 and 106 that are rotatably secured together by a hinge assembly 108.

[0007] The first portion 104 can extend from a hinge end 110 to a distal end 112 to define a length L 1 . The second portion 106 also can extend from a hinge end 114 to a distal end 116 to define a length L 2 . The first portion can define a width W 1 and the second portion can define a width W 2 .

[0008] The first portion 104 can include opposing first and second major planar surfaces 118 and 120 (hereinafter, first and second surfaces). Similarly, the second portion 104 can include opposing first and second major planar surfaces 122 and 124 (hereinafter, first and second surfaces). (Note the second surfaces 120 and 124 are facing away from the viewer and as such are not directly visible in this view, but similar surfaces are visible in FIGS. 2A-2C).

[0009] In some implementations, displays 126 are supported by housing 128 (e.g., first portion housing 128(1) and second portion housing 128(2)). For example, the displays 126 can be positioned on the first and / or second surfaces 118, 120, 122, and / or 124, respectively. In the illustrated configuration, the displays 126 are positioned on first surfaces 118 and 122, respectively. The displays can be rigid displays (e.g., include a planar glass layer) or can be flexible displays. For instance, a single flexible display could span the first and second portions 104 and 106 as well as the hinge assembly 108.

[0010] The hinge assembly 108 can allow the first and second portions to rotate through a range of rotations, such as from the first surfaces 118 and 122 proximate to one another to the second surfaces 120 and 124 proximate to one another, for example.

[0011] In this example, the input device 102 is manifest as a keyboard device. In other implementations, the input device can be manifest as a trackpad or game controller, among others. The input device 102 has a first end 130 and a second end 132 and opposing major surfaces 134 (facing upwardly) and 136 (facing downwardly and away from the reader). The input device 102 can define a width W 3 and a length L 3 . The first end 130 can have a thickness T 1 and the second end 132 can have a thickness T 2 . The input device 102 has a wedge profile 138 that tapers from the first end 130 (e.g., thinner end) to the second end 132 (e.g., thicker end) (e.g., wedge-shaped input device).

[0012] The input device 102 can also include alignment assemblies 140. Similarly, the device 100 can include alignment assemblies 142. (Alignment assemblies 140 and 142 are shown in ghost (e.g., dotted lines) to indicate they likely would not be visible to the user).

[0013] FIG. 1A shows the device 100 with the first and second portions 104 and 106 oriented at slightly more than 90 degrees. In this case, the input device 102 is physically separated from (but in range to communicate with) device 100.

[0014] FIG. 1B shows the first and second portions 104 and 106 at the same orientation as FIG. 1A. However, in this case, input device 102 is positioned on second portion 106 of device 100.

[0015] The alignment assemblies 140 and 142 can function cooperatively to bias the position of the input device 102 relative to second portion 106. In this case, alignment assemblies 140(1) and 140(2) interact with alignment assemblies 142(1) and 142(2), respectively to bias the input device to specific relative positions and orientations relative to the second portion 106. For instance, the alignment assemblies 140 and 142 can bias the input device to a defined distance from the hinge assembly 108 in the y-reference direction and the x-reference direction (e.g., align the edges and / or the centers). Other implementations may dedicate alignment assemblies for biasing in the x-reference direction and dedicate others for biasing in the y-reference direction. In this example, the alignment assemblies 140 and 142 are manifest as magnets.

[0016] FIG. 1C shows the first and second portions 104 and 106 rotated to the zero-degree or closed orientation (e.g., closed on input device 102). Note that the input device's wedge profile 138 ensures that the first and second portions 104 and 106 contact the input device along the wedge profile from the first end 130 to the second end 132 (e.g., along its length L 3 ). The wedge profile 138 can more fully support the first and second portions 104 and 106. This support can reduce or eliminate damage from downward forces (represented by arrow F) on the first portion. For instance, such forces may be encountered when the device is shoved into a backpack and / or when a user leans back on the backpack. In previous designs, the first and second portions tended to contact the input device at a single point or along a single line that is parallel to the hinge axis (e.g., the x-reference axis). This created a torque arm or cantilever such that the force likely caused damage to the displays (e.g., cracking) and / or damaged the hinge assembly. The wedge profile thus protects the device 100 from damage when closed on the input device 102. Stated another way, in previous designs such damage could occur when the displays contacted a small region of the input device and were subject to damaging stresses that could cause display breakage. These previous designs could impart leverage against the hinge assembly that would cause failure of the hinge assembly. In contrast, the wedge profile avoids such concentrations of stress forces and protects the device 100 and / or the input device 102.

[0017] FIGS. 2A-2D collectively show details of another example device 100A and associated input device 102A. In this example, the input device 102A can be a wireless input device or a wired input device. For instance, in a wired input device implementation, electrical conductors (not shown) could extend from the distal end 116A of the second portion into the second end 132A of the input device 102A. The conductors could provide power and / or data connectivity with the input device.

[0018] FIGS. 2A-2D are side views taken along the hinge axis. FIGS. 2A and 2B show the first and second portions 102A and 104A oriented at 90 degrees relative to one another. FIG. 2C shows the first portion closed against the second portion in a zero-degree orientation. FIG. 2D shows the first portion closed against the second portion in a 360-degree orientation.

[0019] In this implementation, the second end 132A of the input device 102A is rotatably secured (e.g., hinged) to the distal end 116A of second portion 106A. FIG. 2A shows the input device oriented out in front of the second portion. FIG. 2B shows the input device rotated 180 degrees counter-clockwise until its first surface 134A is positioned against first surface 122A of second portion 106A. As such, the thinner first end 130A (e.g., thickness T 1 ) is positioned relatively closer to the second portion's hinge end 114A (e.g., from the hinge assembly 108A) and the thicker second end 132A (e.g., thickness T 2 ) is positioned relatively farther from to the second portion's hinge end 114A. This wedge-shaped configuration with the thinner end proximate to the hinge assembly can allow the first portion and the second portion to be shut without risk of damage. Such an example is shown in FIG. 2C.

[0020] FIG. 2C shows the first and second portions 104A and 106A closed against the wedge-shaped input device 102A. In this case, the first portion's first surface 118A contacts the input device's first surface 134A along the length L 3 of the input device (e.g., the first surface 118A is planar and co-extensive with first surface 134A, which is also planar). Similarly, the second portion's first surface 122A contacts the input device's second surface 136A along the length L 3 (e.g., they are planar and co-extensive). This configuration offers protection to the input device 102A, user convenience through a smaller form factor (e.g., smaller footprint for transport), and / or reduces or eliminates potential damage to the first and second portions if they are forced together.

[0021] FIG. 2D shows another orientation where input device 102A is rotated 360 degrees clockwise from FIG. 2C and the first portion 104A is rotated 360 degrees counter-clockwise (e.g., second portion 106A is now on the top and the first portion is on the bottom). At this point, the first portion's second surface 120A is positioned against the input device's second surface 136A and the second portion's second surface 124A is positioned against the input device's first surface 134A. Again, in this orientation, the surfaces of the first and second portions and the input device are planar and co-extensive. As with the orientation of FIG. 2C, this orientation offers protection to the input device, reduced footprint for transport, and / or reduced risk of damage to the first and second portions and the hinge assembly. Such advantages can also be achieved with other input device configurations. One such configuration is illustrated relative to FIG. 3.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows another example device 100B and associated input device 102B. FIG. 3 is similar to the view of FIG. 2C with the first and second portions 104B and 106B closed against input device 102B at a zero-degree orientation. In this case, the input device's first surface 134B is not planar. In this example the first surface 134B is generally curved from the first end 130B to the second end 132B. Thus, while the first portion's first surface 122B does not contact all of first surface 134B along its length L 3 , the first portion's first surface 122B does simultaneously contact first surface 134B at both ends of the input device (e.g., at the first end 130B and the second end 132B). This configuration can eliminate the cantilevered torque arm effect described above in relation to previous technologies. As such, this implementation can offer protection to the input device, reduced footprint during transportation of the device, and / or reduced risk of damage to the first and second portions and the hinge assembly. Note, that this discussion of first surface 134B can also be applied to the input device's second surface 136B.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows still another example device 100C and associated input device 102C. In this case, the device 100C has a profile when closed on the input device 102C where an overall thickness (OT 1 ) at the hinge end is equal to or greater than an overall thickness (OT 2 ) at the distal end. This configuration can be achieved by the first and second portions 104C and 106C having an inverse wedge profile to the input device 102C. Thus, the first and second portions are thicker at their hinge ends and thinner at their distal ends. The wedge profile 138C of the input device is thinner proximate to the device's hinge assembly 108C and thicker at the distal ends 112C and 116C.

[0024] The present device concepts can be utilized with any type of hinged devices and associated input devices, such as but not limited to notebook computers, smart phones, wearable smart devices, tablets, and / or other types of existing, developing, and / or yet to be developed devices.

[0025] Various methods of manufacture, assembly, and / or use for these hinged devices and associated input devices are contemplated beyond those shown above relative to FIGS. 1A-3.

[0026] Although techniques, methods, devices, systems, etc., pertaining to hinged devices and associated input devices are described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claimed methods, devices, systems, etc.

Claims

1. A device (100), comprising: a first portion (104) associated with a first planar display (126(1)) and a second portion (106) associated with a second planar display (126(2)); a hinge assembly (108) rotatably securing the first portion and the second portion through a range of orientations from a first closed orientation with the first planar display and the second planar display facing toward one another to a second closed orientation with the first planar display and the second planar display facing away from one another; a wireless detachable input device (102); and characterized in that: the wireless detachable input device having first and second major planar surfaces (134, 136) that are non-parallel to one another creating a wedge profile that tapers from a first end (130) to a second end (132), and in the first closed orientation when the wireless detachable input device (102) is placed between the first and second planar displays, with the second end (132) towards the hinge assembly (108), the first planar display is parallel to and in contact with the first major planar surface from the first end (130) to the second end (132) and the second planar display is parallel to and in contact with the second major planar surface from the first end (130) to the second end (132).

2. The device of claim 1, wherein in the second closed orientation, the first planar display is parallel to the second major planar surface and the second planar display is parallel to the first major planar surface.

3. The device of claims 1 or 2, wherein the wireless detachable input device comprises a keyboard, a touch pad, or a game controller.

4. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge assembly defines at least one hinge axis and the first portion and the second portion have widths measured along the hinge axis.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein a width of the wireless detachable input device is equal to the widths of the first and second portions.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein a width of the wireless detachable input device is less than the widths of the first and second portions.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the wireless detachable input device has a width and wherein the wireless detachable input device includes an alignment assembly along the width that interacts with an assembly on the second portion to automatically align the wireless detachable input device with the second portion.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the alignment assembly of the wireless detachable input device comprises magnets.

9. The device of claims 7 or 8, wherein the alignment assembly of the wireless detachable input device biases a center of the width of the assembly of the wireless detachable input device to a center of the width of the second portion.

10. The device of claim 7 or 8, wherein the alignment assembly of the wireless detachable input device biases an edge of the wireless detachable input device to an edge of the second portion.

11. The device of claim 7 or 8, wherein the wireless detachable input device includes another alignment assembly that biases the wireless detachable input device a defined distance on the second portion from the hinge assembly.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the alignment assembly of the wireless detachable input device and the another alignment assembly of the wireless detachable input device are the same alignment assembly or are different alignment assemblies.

13. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein an overall thickness of the first and second portions is greater proximate to the hinge assembly and lesser distal from the hinge assembly.