Hinge device installed between a rotatable panel and a computing module

• US 6,791,826 B2
• Filed: 01/17/2002
• Issued: 09/14/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/19/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Wistron Corporation
• Original Assignee: Acer, Inc., Wistron Corporation
• Inventors: Ho, Pei-Jan
• Primary Examiner(s): Urban, Edward F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Aminzay, Shaima Q.
• Application Number:
  US09/683,550
• Publication Number:
  US 20020097217A1
• Time in Patent Office: 971 Days
• Field of Search: 345/158, 345/156, 341/22, 162/82, 361/83, 361/683, 361/681
• US Class Current: 361/679.27
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1666 Arrangements for reducing the size of the integrated keyboard for transport, e.g. foldable keyboards, keyboards with collapsible keys G06F1/1664 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1681 Details related solely to hinges hinge details related to the transmission of signals or power are classified in G06F1/1683

Abstract

A hinge device installed between a rotatable panel and a computing module, having a keyboard installed thereon, has a first connection rod and a second connection rod. The first connection rod has a connection end connected to the rotatable panel, and a protruding end. The second connection rod has a hollow cylinder, a connection end connected to the keyboard for transferring torque to rotate the rotatable panel, and an indented end, having an engaging groove, for connecting with the protruding end of the first connection rod. When the protruding end engages with the engaging groove, the second connection rod will rotate with the first connection rod.

Claims

1. A hinge device installed between a rotatable panel and a computing module which has a keyboard installed thereon, the hinge device comprising:

a first connection rod having a connection end connected to the rotatable panel, and a protruding end; and

a second connection rod comprising;

a first connection end connected to the computing module;

a second connection end for transferring torque to a moveable base; and

a hollow cylinder comprising an indented end for connecting with the protruding end of the first connection rod, the indented end having an engaging groove wherein when the protruding end engages with the engaging groove, at least the hollow cylinder will rotate with the first connection rod.

2. The hinge device of claim 1 wherein the protruding end of the first connection rod and the indented end of the second connection rod are both of a V-shape.

3. The hinge device of claim 1 wherein the second connection rod further comprises a connection shaft and a transmission shaft, the connection shaft having an end inserted to the hollow cylinder, and another end connected to the transmission shaft for transferring torque to the moveable base, another end of the transmission shaft being the first connection end of the second connection rod.

4. The hinge device of claim 3 further comprising a gag lever for inserting into an arc-shaped guide groove on the hollow cylinder for limiting movements of the connection shaft in the hollow cylinder.

5. A hinge device installed between a rotatable panel and a computing module which has a keyboard installed thereon, the hinge device comprising:

a first connection rod having a connection end connected to the rotatable panel, and an indented end; and

a second connection rod comprising;

a first connection end connected to the computing module;

a second connection end for transferring torque to a moveable base; and

a hollow cylinder comprising a protruding end for connecting with the indented end of the first connection rod, the indented end having an engaging groove wherein when the protruding end engages with the engaging groove, at least the hollow cylinder will rotate with the first connection rod.

6. The hinge device of claim 5 wherein the indented end of the first connection rod and the protruding end of the second connection rod are bath of a V-shape.

7. The hinge device of claim 5 wherein the second connection rod further comprises a connection shaft and a transmission shaft, the connection shaft having an end inserted to the hollow cylinder, and another end connected to the transmission shaft for transferring torque to the moveable base, another end of the transmission shaft being the first connection end of the second connection rod.

8. The hinge device of claim 7 further comprising a gag lever for inserting into an arc-shaped guide groove on the hollow cylinder for limiting movements of the connection shaft in the hollow cylinder.

9. A notebook computer comprising:

a computing module having a keyboard installed thereon;

a panel rotatable with respect to the computing module; and

a hinge connected between the computing module and the rotatable panel comprising;

a first connection rod having a connection end connected to the rotatable panel, and a first engaging end; and

a second connection rod having a hollow cylinder, a connection end connected to the moveable base for transferring torque to the moveable base, and a second engaging end for connecting with the first engaging end of the first connection rod, the second engaging end having an engaging groove wherein when the first engaging end engages with the engaging groove, at least the hollow cylinder will rotate with the first connection rod.

10. The notebook computer of claim 9 wherein the first engaging end of the first connection rod and the second engaging end of the second connection rod are both of a V-shape.

11. The notebook computer of claim 9 wherein the second connection rod further comprises a connection shaft and a transmission shaft, the connection shaft having an end inserted to the hollow cylinder, and another end connected to the transmission shaft for transferring torque to the moveable base, another end of the transmission shaft being the first connection end of the second connection rod.

12. The notebook computer of claim 11 further comprising a gag lever for inserting into an arc-shaped guide groove on the hollow cylinder for limiting movements of the connection shaft in the hollow cylinder.