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US 2018/0003245 A1Published application
Hinge clutch
AssigneeMicrosoft Technology Licensing, LLC
InventorsMarlo E. CASTILLO, Daniel C. PARK, Anthony J. HEWETT
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The description relates to devices that include hinged portions and controlling rotation of the portions. One example can include a display that is configured to rotate relative to an axis. The example can also include a clutch assembly interposed between first and second planet gear assemblies positioned along the axis. The first and second planet gears configured to multiply resistance to rotation around the axis that is supplied by the clutch assembly.
Claims26
A device, comprising:
- a display that is configured to rotate relative to an axis;
- a clutch assembly interposed between first and second planet gear assemblies and comprising a first clutch element and a second clutch element coupled to a clutch shaft that terminates at opposing first and second geared ends;
- the first planet gear assembly including a first set of planet gears supported by a first annulus bracket that is positioned relative to a first shaft and the first set of planet gears positioned relative to a first annular gear and the first geared end of the clutch shaft, and the second planet gear assembly including a second set of planet gears supported by a second annulus bracket that is positioned relative to a second shaft and the second set of planet gears is positioned relative to a second annular gear and the second end of the clutch shaft, the first shaft, second shaft, and the clutch shaft are co-extensive with the axis;
- the first annulus bracket comprising the first annular gear that is secured to the display and the second annulus bracket comprising the second annular gear that is secured to the display;
- and,
- the clutch assembly configured to transition between a rotatable position where the first clutch element is separated from the second clutch element to allow the display to rotate around the axis and a locked position that locks rotation of the display by engaging the first clutch element against the second clutch element.
3 more elements
A device, comprising:
- a display that is configured to rotate relative to opposing first and second display shafts;
- and,
- a clutch assembly interposed between first and second planet gear assemblies positioned on the first and second display shafts and that are coupled to the display via a shared central mount where clutch engagement locks the display relative to the opposing first and second display shafts and clutch disengagement allows rotation of the display relative to the opposing first and second display shafts.
A device, comprising:
- a display that is configured to rotate relative to an axis;
- and,
- a clutch assembly interposed between first and second planet gear assemblies positioned along the axis, the first and second planet gears configured to multiply resistance to rotation around the axis that is supplied by the clutch assembly.
A device, comprising:
- clutch elements located on a clutch shaft and driven by a motor via an actuator;
- a clutch controller configured to power the motor to control relative positions of the clutch elements;
- and,
- a single flexible printed circuit that extends from the clutch controller to the motor to enable the clutch controller to power the motor and that also includes sensors positioned proximate to the clutch elements to provide an indication to the clutch controller relating to the relative position of the clutch elements.
1 more element
A device, comprising:
- a display that is configured to rotate relative to a display shaft;
- and,
- a clutch assembly that includes a sun gear configured to engage a planet gear assembly positioned on the display shaft and that is coupled to the display, wherein clutch engagement locks the display relative to the display shaft and clutch disengagement allows rotation of the display relative to the display shaft.
A device, comprising:
- a display that is configured to rotate relative to a shaft;
- and,
- a clutch assembly with a first clutch element secured relative to the display, a planet gear assembly with a planet carrier secured relative to the shaft and a sun gear secured relative to a second clutch element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.