Foldable input device
AssigneeMicrosoft Technology Licensing, LLC
InventorsPengfei Lei, Stephen chi hung Chiu, Kelong Zhao, Haiji Sun, Simon Cameron Dearsley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Examples are disclosed that relate to an input device foldable between a flat orientation in which both ends of a module comprising a sensor are within the input device and a curved orientation in which one end of the module protrudes. A head portion comprises a recess containing the module. A foldable tail portion is coupled to the head portion. A slidable frame comprises an anchor portion affixed to the foldable tail portion and a connecting portion configured to slide relative to the tail portion. A linkage is affixed to the slidable frame and configured to engage and move the module relative to the head portion upon sliding of the slidable frame.
Claims20
An input device foldable between a flat orientation in which both ends of a module comprising a sensor are within the input device and a curved orientation in which one of the ends of the module protrudes from the input device, the input device comprising:
- a head portion comprising a recess, the module comprising a pivoting end rotatably coupled about a hinge at a distal end of the head portion within the recess;
- a foldable tail portion coupled to the head portion;
- a slidable frame comprising an anchor portion affixed to the foldable tail portion and a connecting portion configured to slide relative to the tail portion as the foldable tail portion is folded;
- and
- a linkage affixed to the slidable frame and configured to engage and move the module to cause the module to rotate about the hinge upon sliding of the slidable frame relative to the tail portion.
A method of folding an input device between a flat orientation in which both ends of a module comprising a sensor are within the input device and a curved orientation in which one of the ends of the module protrudes from the input device, the input device comprising a head portion comprising a recess, the module comprising a pivoting end rotatably coupled about a hinge at a distal end of the head portion within the recess, a foldable tail portion coupled to the head portion, a slidable frame comprising an anchor portion affixed to the foldable tail portion and a connecting portion configured to slide relative to the tail portion as the foldable tail portion is folded, and a linkage affixed to the slidable frame and configured to engage and move the module to cause the module to rotate about the hinge upon sliding of the slidable frame relative to the tail portion, the method comprising:
- bending the foldable tail portion from the flat orientation to the curved orientation, thereby causing the linkage to move toward the head portion and to thereby cause the module to rotate about the hinge and to move from a recessed position within the recess to a protruding position beyond the recess.
An input device foldable between a flat orientation in which both ends of a module comprising a sensor are substantially flush with the input device and a curved orientation in which one of the ends of the module protrudes from the input device, the input device comprising:
- a head portion comprising a recess, the module comprising a pivoting end rotatably coupled about a hinge at a distal end of the head portion within the recess;
- a foldable tail portion coupled to the head portion;
- a slidable frame comprising an anchor portion affixed to the foldable tail portion and a connecting portion configured to slide relative to the tail portion as the foldable tail portion is folded;
- and
- a linkage coupled to the slidable frame, the linkage comprising:
- a first arm positioned in a first groove within the module, the first arm comprising a first lateral protrusion constrained to move within a first slot located in a first sidewall that defines the first groove;
- and
- a second arm positioned in a second groove within the module, the second arm spaced from the first arm and coupled to the first arm by a coupling member, the second arm comprising a second lateral protrusion constrained to move within a second slot located in a second sidewall that defines the second groove,
- wherein the first arm and the second arm are configured to rotate the module about the hinge upon movement of the slidable frame.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.