TWI769729B - Computing devices with stowable keyboards - Google Patents

Abstract

Example implementations relate to computing devices with stowable keyboards. In some examples, a computing device may include a keyboard, a housing including a cavity, where the cavity includes a vent, and a kickstand attached to the housing, where when the computing device is in a closed orientation, the keyboard is to be in a stowed position in the cavity and the kickstand is to cover the cavity and the keyboard, and when the computing device is in an open orientation, the kickstand is to be in a deployed orientation such that the vent is exposed to provide airflow between the housing and an external environment.

Description

Computing device with stowable keyboard

The present invention relates to a computing device with a stowable keyboard.

A computing device may allow a user to operate the computing device for work, education, gaming, multimedia and/or other purposes. The computing device may be utilized in a non-mobile environment, such as a desk, and/or be portable to allow a user to carry or carry the computing device while in a mobile environment.

In one form of the invention, a computing device is disclosed that includes: a keyboard; a housing including a cavity, wherein the cavity includes a vent; and a foot stand attached to the housing, wherein : when the computing device is in a closed orientation, the keyboard will be in a stowed position in the cavity, and the foot stand will cover the cavity and the keyboard; and when the computing device is in an open orientation, the foot The shelf will be in a deployed orientation such that the vents are exposed to provide airflow between the housing and an external environment.

A user may utilize a computing device for various purposes, such as for business and/or leisure purposes. As used herein, the term "computing device" refers to an electronic system having processing resources, memory resources, and/or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that can process information. A computing device can be, for example, a laptop computer, a notebook computer and/or a tablet computer, as well as other types of computing devices.

Such computing devices may include a keyboard. As used herein, the term "keyboard" refers to a device that utilizes a configuration of buttons (eg, keys) to enter information into a computing device. A user using the computing device can input information into the computing device via the keyboard. For example, a user may use the computing device to work by entering information into the computing device, among other examples.

Some computing devices can be oriented in a traditional laptop form factor. For example, a computing device can be oriented in a clamshell form factor with a display device, keyboard, and other computing device components in two separate housings.

A laptop form factor can provide a user with a keyboard and a display device so that the user can efficiently use the computing device for work, school, leisure, and the like. As used herein, the term "display device" refers to an output device that includes a display area that displays provided information in a visual and/or tactile form by means of an electrical signal. As used herein, the term "display area" refers to an area of a display device that displays information. For example, a computing device may include a display device having a display area that may display information such as text, video, and/or images as a result of an electrical signal provided from the computing device to the display.

A computing device in the form of a traditional laptop computer with a display device, keyboard, and other computing device components in two separate housings, providing an easy-to-use and familiar mechanism for users to perform work, school tasks and/or recreational use. However, the inclusion of a keyboard in a separate housing can result in wasted space within the housing that includes the keyboard.

Other computing device form factors can be introduced, allowing users to utilize their computing devices in different modes. For example, some computing devices may include a housing having a display device and other computing components and a detachable keyboard, housings that are rotatable relative to each other, and the like. Additionally, certain computing devices may include a housing and a keyboard rotatable to the back of the computing device. Furthermore, these computing devices may allow use in different modes such as laptop mode, tablet mode, and the like. However, such form factors can include various disadvantages. For example, the keyboard that can be rotated to the back of the computing device can be exposed so that a user may not feel comfortable using the computing device in a tablet mode while the keys can be pressed. Furthermore, such computing devices may include expensive hinges for the rotation of the housing. Such designs can be expensive, limited by size, ergonomics, functionality, inconvenience, and design inefficiencies.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a computing device with a stowable keyboard may allow a computing device having a keyboard and a housing, wherein the keyboard is in a cavity in the housing when the computing device is in a closed orientation a stowed position with a tripod covering the keyboard. When the computing device is in an open orientation, a vent in the cavity can be exposed to provide airflow between the computing device housing and an external environment. Accordingly, a computing device with a stowable keyboard can utilize a casing and a keyboard to optimize space utilization, while providing a cost, size and weight optimized computing device. Additionally, the stand may shield the cavity from liquid, thereby allowing liquid-resistant computing device designs.

1 illustrates a side view of an example of a computing device 100 having a stowable keyboard in a second open orientation consistent with the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1 , the computing device 100 may include a casing 102 , a tripod 108 and a keyboard 110 . The housing 102 may include a cavity 104 , a sensor 114 , a hinge 116 , a hinge 118 and a processor 119 . Cavity 104 may include a vent 106 .

The computing device 100 may include a keyboard 110 . As described above, a user using the computing device 100 can input information into the computing device 100 via the keyboard 110 . For example, a user may use the computing device 100 to work by entering information into the computing device 100, among other examples.

The keyboard 110 may be a touchpad activation keyboard. As used herein, the term "touchpad-activated keyboard" refers to a device configured with one of buttons (eg, keys) that includes a specialized surface and a tactile sensor such that the specialized surface can be Translate the specialized surface relative to a location on a graphical user interface (GUI) of a display device when a user taps a button and/or slides his or her finger across the button configuration containing the specialized surface The movement and position of the last user's finger. For example, a user may use (eg, press) keys on keyboard 110 to enter information into computing device 100 , and/or slide his or her finger across the keys on keyboard 110 in order to move buttons on the display device of computing device 100 . A position of a cursor.

The computing device 100 may include a housing 102 . As used herein, the term "housing" refers to a housing of a device. For example, the housing 102 may be a housing that forms part of the computing device 100 . The housing 102 may include components of the computing device 100, including a display device such as a motherboard, power supply, drives (eg, floppy disk drives or other devices such as CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, etc. optical drives), hard drives (eg, hard drives, hybrid hard drives, solid-state drives (SSD), etc.), video cards, sound cards, and other components of a computing device 100 .

The keyboard 110 can be connected to the housing 102 via a hinge 116 . As used herein, the term "hinge" refers to a device about which two attached parts can move. For example, keyboard 110 may rotate relative to computing device 100 about hinge 116, as further described herein.

In some examples, hinge 116 may be a friction hinge. As used herein, the term "friction hinge" refers to a hinge that provides resistance to motion. For example, the friction hinge 116 may provide resistance when the keyboard 110 is rotated relative to the housing 102 about the friction hinge 116 . A friction hinge may provide physical resistance through friction so that when a user rotates keyboard 110 about friction hinge 116, keyboard 110 does not rotate freely, which may prevent keyboard 110 from being inadvertently (eg, such as by swinging) desktop or other surface) to contact the surface and prevent damage to the keyboard 110 and/or the computing device 100 .

In some examples, hinge 116 may be a spring loaded hinge. As used herein, the term "spring loaded hinge" refers to a hinge that automatically moves from a first position to a second position when actuated. For example, the hinge 116 may be spring loaded, such that when the spring 116 is actuated, the keyboard 110 may automatically rotate from a stowed position to a deployed orientation (eg, as illustrated in FIG. 1 ). A spring-loaded hinge may allow a user to easily cause the keyboard 110 to rotate to the deployed position by actuating the spring-loaded hinge.

In some examples, keyboard 110 may be electrically connected to computing device 100 via a dedicated electrical path. For example, the keyboard 110 may be wired to the computing device 100 to send electrical signals directly to and receive electrical signals directly from the computing device 100 .

In some examples, keyboard 110 may be wirelessly connected to computing device 100 . For example, keyboard 110 may be wirelessly connected to processor 119 . In these examples, the keyboard 110 may be wirelessly connected to the processor 119 of the computing device 100 via a wireless network relationship. Examples of such a network relationship may include a wireless local area network (WLAN), wide area network (WAN), personal area network (PAN), distributed computing environment (eg, cloud computing environment), storage area network ( SAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Cellular Communication Network, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Visible Light Communication (VLC), Bluetooth, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Infrared (IR) Communication, Public Switched Telephone Network road (PSTN), radio waves and/or the Internet, and other types of network relationships.

Although the keyboard 110 is described above as being connected to the housing 102 of the computing device 100, examples of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In some examples, keyboard 110 is detachable from housing 102 . In this example, the keyboard 110 may communicate with the computing device 100 via a wired or wireless connection.

The housing 102 may include a cavity 104 . As used herein, the term "cavity" refers to a hollow space within an object. For example, cavity 104 may be a space within housing 102 that may be exposed to an external environment around computing device 100 when stand 108 is in a deployed orientation, as further described herein.

Cavity 104 may include a vent 106 . As used herein, the term "vent" refers to an opening in a wall of an object. For example, the ventilation hole 106 may be an opening in a wall of the cavity 104 . The vents 106 may serve as inlets and/or outlets between the interior of the housing 102 and the external environment surrounding the computing device 100 . For example, airflow into and/or out of the housing 102 may occur through the vents 106 when the vents 106 are exposed to the external environment surrounding the computing device 100, as further described in relation to FIG. 5A.

The computing device 100 may include a stand 108 . As used herein, the term "stand" refers to a piece of material used to support another object. For example, the stand 108 can be used to support the housing 102 . As illustrated in FIG. 1, the stand 108 may be in a deployed orientation. For example, the stand 108 can prop up the housing 102 when the stand 108 is in the deployed orientation so that a user can utilize the computing device 100 when the computing device 100 is in the second open orientation (eg, as illustrated in FIG. 1 ), such as further explained in this article.

The stand 108 can be attached to the housing 102 via a hinge 118 . For example, the stand 108 can be rotated relative to the housing 102 via the hinge 118 . In some examples, hinge 118 may be a friction hinge. For example, the friction hinge 118 may provide resistance when the hinge 118 is rotated relative to the housing 102, so that when a user rotates the hinge 118, the user can select a particular angle of the foot stand 108 relative to the housing 102 so as to A comfortable viewing angle of the housing 102 (eg, and a display device located in the housing 102 ) is selected relative to a desktop or other surface on which the computing device 100 may be located.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the computing device 100 may be in a second open orientation. As used herein, the term "second open orientation" refers to an orientation in which the stand 108 is in an extended orientation and the keyboard 110 is in an extended position such that the computing device 100 is oriented in a laptop form factor. As used herein, the term "laptop form factor" refers to a computing device in which a first portion of the computing device is oriented as an open clamshell form factor relative to a second portion of the computing device one of the orientations. For example, the housing 102 may be oriented relative to the keyboard 110 in an open clamshell form factor. Accordingly, computing device 100 may be oriented in a laptop form factor when computing device 100 is in the second open orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 1 .

When the computing device 100 is in the second open orientation, the keyboard 110 may be in a deployed position outside the cavity 104 . For example, the keyboard 110 can be moved from a stowed position in the cavity 104 (eg, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 , 3 , 5A and 6 ) to the deployed position as illustrated in FIG. 1 . For example, keyboard 110 can be rotated about hinge 116 from a stowed position in cavity 104 to the deployed position as illustrated in FIG. 1 .

When the stand 108 is in the deployed orientation, the vents 106 may be exposed to provide airflow between the housing 102 and the external environment. For example, airflow may occur between housing 102 and the external environment in order to cool components of computing device 100 located in housing 102, as further described in relation to FIG. 5A.

The keyboard 110 can be actuated in the deployed position. As used herein, the term "actuating" refers to a processor causing a hardware device to function. For example, the processor 119 can cause the keyboard 110 to function so that the keyboard 110 can receive input from a user and send the input to the processor 119 .

The processor 119 can determine an orientation of the computing device 100 and actuate the keyboard 110 in response to the keyboard 110 being in the deployed position (eg, the computing device 100 is in the second open position). The processor 119 may determine the orientation of the computing device 100 via a sensor 114 . As used herein, the term "sensor" refers to a device used to detect events and/or changes in its environment and transmit the detected events and/or changes for processing and/or analysis. For example, the sensor 114 can determine whether the keyboard 110 is in a deployed position (eg, as illustrated in FIG. 1 ) or in a stowed position (eg, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 , 3 , 5A and 6 ). In response to the determination of the position of the keyboard 110, the processor 119 may cause the keyboard 110 to change states, as further described herein.

In some examples, sensor 114 may be a Hall effect sensor. As used herein, the term "Hall effect sensor" refers to a device used to measure the magnitude of a magnetic field. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the keyboard 110 may include a magnet. In response to the Hall effect sensor measuring the magnitude of a magnetic field (eg, from the magnet) below a threshold value, the processor 119 may determine that the keyboard 110 is in the deployed position. In response to the Hall effect sensor measuring a magnitude of a magnetic field (eg, from the magnet) that exceeds a threshold value, the processor 119 can determine that the keyboard 110 is in a stowed position, as further related to FIG. 2 and 3 explained.

In some examples, the sensor 114 may be a switch. As used herein, the term "switch" refers to a device that can connect or disconnect a conductive path in an electrical circuit. For example, in response to the switch having severed a conductive path in a circuit (eg, in response to the keyboard 110 being in the deployed position), the processor 119 may determine that the keyboard 110 is in the deployed position.

The processor 119 may cause the keyboard 110 to change states based on the determination of the position of the keyboard 110 via the sensor 114 . As used herein, the term "transition state" refers to switching from one state to another. For example, in response to the sensor 114 determining that the keyboard 110 is in the deployed position, the processor 119 may determine that the computing device 100 is in the second open orientation, and the keyboard 110 may be activated.

When computing device 100 is in the second open orientation, in some examples, processor 119 may cause computing device 100 to operate in a high power mode. As used herein, the term "high power mode" refers to a mode of operation of computing device 100 in which an operating voltage of a computing device and/or a clock rate of a computing device is increased relative to a low power mode to An operating speed of the computing device components is increased relative to the low power mode. For example, computing device 100 may be utilized for certain tasks that may require additional processing power. For example, certain video editing, gaming, and/or other programs may require additional processing, video processing and/or clock speed, and other criteria, which may in turn increase power consumption and heating of computing device 100 . As explained above, when computing device 100 is in this second open orientation, vent 106 may be exposed to the external environment to allow airflow between the external environment and housing 102, which may counteract when computing device 100 is in a high power mode Increased fever.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 1 , the housing 102 may include a fan. As used herein, the term "fan" refers to a device used to generate airflow. For example, the fan may be actuated to increase airflow between the outside environment of computing device 100 and an interior of housing 102 through vent 106 . When computing device 100 is in the second open orientation, the fan can be actuated to provide airflow between housing 102 and the external environment via vent 106 .

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the computing device 100 is in the second open orientation. The computing device 100 can be moved to the first open orientation. For example, keyboard 110 can be rotated about hinge 116 to a stowed position in cavity 104 such that the computing device is in a first open orientation, as further described in relation to FIGS. 2-4 .

2 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a computing device 200 having a stowable keyboard in a first open orientation consistent with the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the computing device 200 may include a casing 202 , a cavity 204 , a stand 208 and a keyboard 210 .

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the computing device 200 may be in a first open orientation. As used herein, the term "first open orientation" refers to an orientation in which stand 208 is in a deployed orientation and keyboard 210 is in a stowed position in cavity 204 such that computing device 200 is in a media mode factor orientation. As used herein, the term "media style factor" refers to an orientation of a computing device in which a first portion of the computing device is supported by a second portion of the computing device. In some examples, this may also be referred to as a tent or a display mode. For example, the housing 202 may be supported by the stand 208 . Accordingly, when the computing device 200 is in the first open orientation, the computing device 200 can be oriented with a media type factor.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the keyboard 210 may be in a stowed position in the cavity 204 . As used herein, the term "stored" refers to an object being placed in a receptacle such that the object is at least partially surrounded by the receptacle. For example, keyboard 210 can be sized such that keyboard 210 can be rotated into cavity 204 from a deployed position (eg, as previously described in connection with FIG. 1 ) such that keyboard 210 can be positioned in cavity 204 , such as Illustrated in FIG. 2 .

When the computing device 200 is in the first open orientation, the keyboard 210 can be rotated from the stowed position in the cavity 204 about a hinge to the deployed position such that the computing device 200 is in the second open orientation, as previously described in relation to FIG. 1 . illustrate. In some examples, the keyboard 210 can be rotated about a hinge (eg, the hinge 116 previously described in connection with FIG. 1 ) such that when a user presses a button, the keyboard 210 can be released from the stowage in the cavity 204 The position is released and rotated to the deployed position. In some examples, a user can manually rotate keyboard 210 from the stowed position in cavity 204 to the deployed position.

3 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a computing device 300 having a stowable keyboard in a first open orientation consistent with the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the computing device 300 may include a casing 302 , a tripod 308 and a keyboard 310 . The housing 302 may include a cavity 304 , a ventilation hole 306 and a sensor 314 . The stand 308 may include a polymer seal 315 .

As previously described in relation to FIG. 1 , the housing 302 may include a sensor 314 . A processor may determine an orientation of computing device 300 and deactivate keyboard 310 in response to keyboard 310 being in a stowed position (eg, computing device 300 being in a first open position).

The processor may determine the orientation of computing device 300 via sensor 314 . For example, the sensor 314 can determine whether the keyboard 310 is in a deployed position (eg, as previously illustrated in FIG. 1 ) or in a stowed position (eg, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 , 3 , 5A and 6 ). In response to the determination of the position of keyboard 310, the processor may cause keyboard 310 to transition states, as further described herein.

The processor may cause the keyboard 310 to change states based on the determination of the position of the keyboard 310 via the sensor 314 . For example, in response to the sensor 314 determining that the keyboard 310 is in the stowed position, the processor may determine that the computing device 300 is in the first open orientation, and the keyboard 310 may be disabled. Disabling keyboard 310 prevents a user from accidentally providing input via keyboard 310 (eg, by inadvertently pressing a key, sliding his finger across a key/specialized trackpad surface, etc.) to computing device 300 .

When computing device 300 is in the first open orientation, feet 308 may be in a deployed orientation, and keyboard 310 may be in a stowed position in cavity 304 such that vents 306 are exposed to provide between housing 302 and the external environment airflow. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the ventilation holes 306 may be located above the location of the stowed keyboard 310 such that the ventilation holes 306 may allow airflow between the interior of the housing 302 and the external environment surrounding the computing device 300 .

Although not illustrated in FIG. 3 , in some examples, the vents 306 may be located behind the keyboard 310 when the keyboard 310 is in the stowed position. In this example, the vents 306 may allow airflow between the housing 302 and the external environment through the vents and/or other spaces in the keyboard 310 . For example, keyboard 310 may include spaces and/or gaps between keyboard components (eg, keys, frames, specialized surfaces, and tactile sensors, etc.) to allow airflow to occur through keyboard 310 and enter through vents 306 and/or or out of the housing 302.

When computing device 300 is in the first open orientation, in some examples, the processor may cause computing device 300 to operate in a high power mode, as described above.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, computing device 300 is in a first open orientation. The computing device 300 can be moved to a closed orientation. For example, the keyboard 310 can be held in a stowed position in the cavity 304, and the foot stand 308 can be rotated to a covering orientation to cover the cavity 304, as further described in connection with FIG. 5A.

Polymer seal 315 may provide a seal between cavity 304 and foot stand 308 when computing device 300 is moved to the closed orientation. As used herein, the term "polymer seal" refers to an object of a specific substance that provides a mechanical seal between two or more mating surfaces. For example, when computing device 300 is moved to the closed orientation, foot stand 308 can press polymer seal 315 against a mating surface of housing 302 . The polymer seal 315 may shield the cavity 304 from liquid, dust, or other contaminants to prevent damage to the computing device 300 due to interaction with such contaminants.

A polymer seal 315 may be positioned around an edge of the foot stand 308 . In some examples, the polymer seal 315 can be attached to the foot stand 308 via thermal bonding. In some examples, polymer seal 315 may be attached to foot stand 308 by co-molding.

Although the polymer seal 315 is described above as being positioned around the edge of the stand 308, examples of the present disclosure are not so limited. In some examples, the polymer seal 315 may be positioned on the keyboard 310 . In some examples, a polymer seal 315 is tied around the cavity 304 on the housing 302 .

The polymer seal 315 may be a polymer material. For example, the polymer seal 315 may be a rubber material, such as a rubber gasket (eg, rubber gasket 528, as further described in relation to FIG. 5). However, examples of the present disclosure are not so limited. For example, the polymer seal 315 can be any other kind of polymer material to provide a seal between the cavity 304 and the foot bracket 308 .

4 is a perspective view of an example of a computing device 400 having a stowable keyboard in a first open orientation consistent with the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the computing device 400 may include a housing 402 and a tripod 408 .

As illustrated in FIG. 4, computing device 400 may be in a first open orientation. A user may use the display device 420 with the computing device 400 in the first open orientation to view media, browse the Internet, and the like.

When the computing device 400 is in the first open orientation, the stand 408 can be rotated to a covered position such that the computing device 400 is in a closed orientation. The foot stand 408 can cover the cavity and keyboard in the covered position, as further described in relation to FIG. 5A.

5A illustrates a partial side detail view of an example of a computing device 500 having a stowable keyboard in a closed orientation, consistent with the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5 , the computing device 500 may include a casing 502 , a tripod 508 , a keyboard 510 , a first hinge 516 and a second hinge 518 . The housing 502 may include a cavity 504 , a fan 522 , an audio output device 524 and an I/O port 526 . The stand 508 may include a spacer 528 .

As illustrated in Figure 5A, computing device 500 is in a closed orientation. As used herein, the term "closed orientation" refers to an orientation in which keyboard 510 is in a stowed position within cavity 504 and foot stand 508 is in a covering orientation to cover both keyboard 510 and cavity 504 such that Computing device 500 is oriented with a tablet form factor. As used herein, the term "tablet form factor" refers to an orientation of a computing device in which the computing device is oriented on a surface and not supported by any other part of the computing device. For example, keyboard 510 may be in a stowed position within cavity 504 and foot stand 508 may be in a covering orientation to cover both keyboard 510 and cavity 504 . Accordingly, computing device 500 may be oriented with a tablet-type factor when computing device 500 is in the closed orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 5A.

When in tablet form factor, computing device 500 may have a thin profile. For example, housing 502 of computing device 500 when computing device 500 is in a closed orientation (eg, when keyboard 510 is in a stowed position within cavity 504 and stand 508 is in a covering orientation to cover cavity 504 and keyboard 510 ) There may be a same width along the height of the housing 502 .

In some examples, computing device 500 may be powered off when in the closed orientation. The closed orientation of computing device 500 may allow computing device 500 to be handled, stored, or the like. For example, the computing device 500 can be powered off, put into a sleep state, etc., so that a user can transport the computing device 500 from one location to another, store the computing device 500 for later use, and the like.

In some examples, the computing device 500 may be powered and utilized in a tablet form factor. For example, a user may utilize a display device of computing device 500 to view display information such as text, video and/or images as a result of an electrical signal provided from computing device 500 to the display.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 , cavity 504 may include an I/O port 526 . As used herein, the term "I/O port" refers to a hardware interface that connects a processor of a computing device to a peripheral device. I/O port 526 can be a USB port (eg, a USB Type-C port or any other type of USB port), serial port, parallel port, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) port, IEEE (eg, FireWire ( FireWire) port, PS/2 port, SPDIF audio port, Bluetooth port, infrared port, and other types of I/O ports.

The computing device 500 may include a fan 522 . The fan 522 may generate airflow between the housing 502 and the external environment surrounding the computing device 500 via the vent 506 . Fan 522 may be activated or deactivated based on the orientation of computing device 500, as further described herein.

In some examples, the fan 522 may be positioned substantially adjacent to a vent 506 on the right side of one of the cavities 504 (eg, as oriented in FIG. 5A ). In some examples, the fan 522 may be located substantially adjacent to a vent 506 (eg, oriented in FIG. 5A ) located on a top side of the cavity 504 , as seen in FIG. 5A .

When computing device 500 is in the closed orientation as illustrated in FIG. 5A, fan 522 may be disabled. For example, computing device 500 may include a processor (eg, not illustrated in FIG. 5A ) that may utilize a sensor to determine the orientation of computing device 500 . The sensor can be, for example, a Hall effect sensor, a switch, or any other type of sensor that can determine whether the tripod 508 is in an overlay orientation or an extended orientation. In response to the sensor determining that the stand 508 is in the covered orientation, the processor may determine that the computing device 500 is in the closed orientation, and may cause the fan 522 to be disabled.

Fan 522 may be actuated when computing device 500 is in an open orientation (eg, a first open orientation as previously described in connection with FIGS. 2-4 , or a second open orientation as previously described in connection with FIG. 1 ). . For example, a processor (eg, not illustrated in FIG. 5A ) may utilize a sensor to determine the orientation of computing device 500 . The sensor can determine whether the stand 508 is in a covered or deployed orientation. In response to the sensor determining that the stand 508 is in the extended orientation, the processor can determine that the computing device 500 is in an open orientation and can cause the fan 522 to be actuated. Fan 522 may accordingly provide airflow between housing 502 and the external environment surrounding computing device 500 via vent 506 .

The computing device 500 may include an audio output device 524 . As used herein, the term "audio output device" refers to a device capable of converting electrical signals into sound and/or pressure waves. For example, the computing device 500 may include an audio output device 524 to output commands, alerts, speech, multimedia including video and/or music, and/or other types of sounds. For example, a user may view a video via computing device 500, and audio output device 524 may play music and/or other sounds associated with the video, among other examples.

When the computing device 500 is in the closed orientation, the audio output device 524 may be covered by the stand 508, as illustrated in FIG. 5A. Audio output device 524 may be exposed (eg, to the external environment) when computing device 500 is in the first open orientation or the second open orientation.

The stand 508 attached to the housing 502 may include a spacer 528 . As used herein, the term "gasket" refers to an object that provides a mechanical seal between two or more mating surfaces. For example, gasket 528 may provide a seal between cavity 504 and foot stand 508 .

Accordingly, the gasket 528 may shield the cavity 504 from liquid when the computing device 500 is in the closed orientation. For example, when the stand 508 is in the covering orientation, the stand 508 may press against the spacer 528 to form a cavity including the keyboard 510 , the vent 506 , the fan 522 , the audio output device 524 and/or the I/O port 526 504 shields the liquid. Thus, when computing device 500 is in the closed orientation, liquid may not interact with cavity 504, which may prevent computing device 500 (and any associated components) from being damaged by interaction with the liquid.

As illustrated in Figure 5A, computing device 500 is in a closed orientation. The computing device 500 is moveable from the closed orientation to the first open orientation. For example, the stand 508 can be rotated about the second hinge 518 from a covered orientation to a deployed orientation (eg, as previously described in connection with FIGS. 2-4 ). From the first open orientation, computing device 500 can be moved to a second open orientation. For example, keyboard 510 can be rotated about first hinge 516 from a stowed position in cavity 504 to a deployed position such that computing device 500 is in this second open orientation (eg, as previously described in connection with FIG. 1 ).

5B illustrates a top view of an example of a computing device having a stowable keyboard in a closed orientation consistent with the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 5B , the computing device 500 may include a housing 502 and a display device 520 .

In the closed orientation illustrated in Figure 5B, the computing device 500 may be oriented in a tablet style factor. For example, keyboard 510 may be in a stowed position within cavity 504 and foot stand 508 may be in a covering orientation to cover both keyboard 510 and cavity 504 . Accordingly, when the computing device 500 is in the closed orientation, the computing device 500 may be oriented in a tablet form factor.

The computing device 500 can be powered and utilized in a tablet form factor. For example, a user may utilize the display device 520 of the computing device 500 to view display information such as text, video and/or images as a result of an electrical signal provided from the computing device 500 to the display.

When computing device 500 is in a closed orientation, in some examples, a processor (eg, not illustrated in FIG. 5B ) may cause computing device 500 to operate in a low power mode. As used herein, the term "low power mode" refers to a mode of operation of computing device 500 in which an operating voltage of a computing device and/or a clock rate of a computing device is reduced relative to a high power mode , to reduce an operating speed of the computing device components relative to the high power mode. For example, computing device 500 may be utilized for certain tasks that may require lower processing power relative to the high power mode. For example, certain operations, such as viewing video, presenting, browsing the Internet, word processing and/or other programs may require a lower processing, video processing and/or clock speed level, and other criteria, which may in turn be relative to A high power mode reduces power consumption and heat generation of the computing device 500 . Accordingly, although the ventilation holes may be covered by the stand when the computing device 500 is in the closed orientation, which may restrict airflow between the external environment and the housing 502, increased airflow through the ventilation holes is not necessarily provided.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an example of an arithmetic device 600 in a plurality of orientation and pattern factors consistent with the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the plurality of orientation and type factors may include a closed orientation 630 , a tablet type factor 632 , a media type factor 634 , and a laptop type factor 636 .

As illustrated in FIG. 6 , computing device 600 may be in a closed orientation 630 . In the closed orientation 630 , a keyboard can be in a stowed position in a cavity of the housing 602 , and a foot stand can be in a covering orientation to cover the keyboard in the cavity of the housing 602 . In the closed orientation 630, the computing device 600 may be handled, stored, or the like.

The computing device 600 may be in a closed orientation and a tablet form factor 632 . In tablet form factor 632, a keyboard can be in a stowed position in a cavity of housing 602, and a foot stand can be in a covering orientation to cover the keyboard in the cavity of housing 602. Computing device 600 may be powered and utilized in tablet form factor 632 . For example, a user may utilize a display device of computing device 600 to view display information such as text, video and/or images as a result of an electrical signal provided from computing device 600 to the display. In addition, the user can use the display device to input information into the computing device 600 .

Computing device 600 may be in a first open orientation and a media type factor 634 . In the media form factor 634, a keyboard can be in a stowed position in a cavity of the housing 602, and a foot stand 608 can be in a deployed orientation such that the foot stand 608 can support the housing 602. Similar to tablet form factor 632 , computing device 600 may be powered and utilized at media form factor 634 . For example, a user may utilize a display device of computing device 600 to view display information such as text, video and/or images as a result of an electrical signal provided from computing device 600 to the display. In addition, the user can use the display device to input information into the computing device 600 .

Computing device 600 may be in a second open orientation and a laptop form factor 636 . In the laptop form factor 636, a keyboard 610 can be in a deployed position, and a foot stand 608 can be in a deployed orientation such that the foot stand 608 can support the housing 602. Similar to tablet type factor 632 and media type factor 634 , computing device 600 may be powered and utilized at laptop type factor 636 . For example, a user may utilize a display device of computing device 600 to view display information such as text, video and/or images as a result of an electrical signal provided from computing device 600 to the display. In addition, the user may input information into the computing device 600 using the keyboard 610 and/or the display device.

A computing device with a stowable keyboard in accordance with the present disclosure can provide a computing device with different form factors that allow the computing device to be utilized by a user in various ways, while optimizing the Use the space. In addition, a variety of these form factors can provide an easy-to-use platform with optimized size and weight, and cost. Additionally, the stand may provide liquid resistance to allow the computing device to be liquid resistant when the computing device is in a closed orientation.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an example computing device 700 having a stowable keyboard consistent with the present disclosure. As described herein, computing device 700 may perform functions associated with a computing device having a stowable keyboard. Although the following descriptions are directed to a single processor 719 and a single memory resource 740, the descriptions may also apply to a system with multiple processors and multiple memory resources. In these examples, computing device 700 may be distributed across multiple memory resources/machine-readable storage media and across multiple processors. In other words, instructions executed by computing device 700 may be stored across multiple memory resources/machine-readable storage media, and executed across multiple processors, such as in a distributed or virtual computing environment.

The processor 719 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a semiconductor-based microprocessor, and/or other hardware suitable for retrieving and executing non-transitory machine-readable instructions stored in a memory resource 740. body device. The processor 719 can extract, decode, and execute stored instructions to perform actions associated with a computing device having a stowable keyboard. Alternatively or in addition to retrieving and executing stored instructions, the processor 719 may include a plurality of electronic circuits, including electronic components, for executing the functionality of the stored instructions to perform actions associated with a computing device having a hinged lever.

Memory resource 740 may be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that stores non-transitory machine-readable executable instructions and/or data. Thus, the memory resource 740 can be, for example, random access memory (RAM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a storage drive, an optical disc, and the like. Memory resources 740 may be located within computing device 700 . Additionally, the memory resource 740 may be a portable, external or remote storage medium, such as one that causes the computing device 700 to download commands from the portable/external/remote storage medium.

The computing device 700 may include a display device 720 . Display device 720 may display information such as text, video and/or images to a user based on computing device 700 rendering: the second open orientation/laptop type factor as previously described in connection with FIG. 1; The first open orientation/media type factor as previously described in relation to Figures 2-4; or the closed orientation/tablet type factor as previously described in relation to Figures 5A and 5B.

Computing device 700 may include keyboard 710 . When the computing device 700 is in the closed orientation and the first open orientation, the keyboard 710 may be in a stowed position. When the computing device 700 is in the second open orientation, the keyboard 710 may be in a deployed position.

Computing device 700 may include sensor 714 . Sensor 714 can be, for example, a sensor used to determine a position of a keyboard, or a sensor used to determine an orientation of a tripod. The sensor 714 can be, for example, a Hall effect sensor, a switch, or the like.

In the foregoing detailed description of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this disclosure, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, examples of how the disclosure may be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, and it is understood that other examples may be utilized and procedural, electrical, and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the present disclosure range.

The drawings herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the drawing number of the drawing and the remaining numbers identify an element or component in the drawing. Similar elements or components between different figures can be identified by using similar numbers. For example, 102 may refer to element "02" in FIG. 1 , and a similar element may be referenced as 202 in FIG. 2 .

Elements illustrated in the various figures herein may be added, exchanged, and/or subtracted to provide additional examples of the present disclosure. In addition, the proportions and relative dimensions of elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate examples of the present disclosure and should not be regarded as limiting. As used herein, the "plurality" of an element and/or feature may refer to more than one such element and/or feature.

100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700: computing devices 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602: Shell 104, 204, 304, 504: Cavities 106,306,506: Ventilation holes 108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608: tripod 110, 210, 310, 510, 610, 710: Keyboard 114,314,714: Sensors 116: (friction) hinge; spring 118: (friction) hinge 119,719: Processor 315: Polymer Seals 420, 520, 720: Display devices 516: First hinge 518: Second hinge 522: Fan 524: Audio output device 526: I/O port 528: (rubber) gasket 630: Closed Orientation 632: Tablet PC Form Factor 634: Media Type Factor 636: Laptop Form Factor 740: Memory Resources

1 illustrates a side view of an example of a computing device having a stowable keyboard in a second open orientation consistent with the present disclosure.

2 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a computing device having a stowable keyboard in a first open orientation consistent with the present disclosure.

3 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a computing device having a stowable keyboard in a first open orientation consistent with the present disclosure.

4 is a perspective view of an example of a computing device having a stowable keyboard in a first open orientation consistent with the present disclosure.

5A illustrates a partial side detail view of an example of a computing device having a stowable keyboard in a closed orientation, consistent with the present disclosure.

5B illustrates a top view of an example of a computing device having a stowable keyboard in a closed orientation consistent with the present disclosure.

6 illustrates a side view of an example of an arithmetic device in a plurality of orientations and form factors consistent with the present disclosure.

7 is a diagram of an example computing device having a stowable keyboard consistent with the present disclosure.

100: Computing device

102: Shell

104: Cavity

106: Ventilation holes

108: Tripod

110: Keyboard

114: Sensor

116: (friction) hinge; spring

118: (friction) hinge

119: Processor

Claims (14)

A computing device, comprising: a keyboard; a casing including a cavity, wherein the cavity includes a ventilation hole; and a tripod attached to the casing, wherein: when the computing device is in a closed state When oriented, the keyboard will be in a stowed position in the cavity, and the stand will cover the cavity and the keyboard; when the computing device is in an open orientation, the stand will be in an unfolded orientation, so that The vent is exposed to provide airflow between the housing and an external environment; and the stand includes a spacer such that the spacer will be the cavity when the computing device is in the closed orientation Block out liquids. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the keyboard is in the stowed position in the cavity when the computing device is in the open orientation. 4. The computing device of claim 1, wherein: the keyboard is movable from the stowed position in the cavity to a deployed position when the computing device is in the open orientation; and the keyboard is actuated in the deployed position. The computing device of claim 1, wherein: the computing device further comprises a fan; and the fan is deactivated when the computing device is in the closed orientation. The computing device of claim 4, wherein when the computing device is in the open orientation, the fan is actuated to provide the airflow between the housing and the external environment through the vent. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the keyboard is a touchpad to activate the keyboard. A computing device comprising: a keyboard; a housing that includes a cavity, wherein the cavity includes an input/output (I/O) port; a stand attached to the housing, the stand including a spacer, wherein: When the computing device is in a closed orientation, the keyboard will be in a stowed position in the cavity, and the stand will cover the cavity and the keyboard so that the gasket will shield the cavity from liquid; And when the computing device is in a first open orientation, the stand will be in an unfolded orientation. 7. The computing device of claim 7, wherein when the computing device is in the closed orientation, the foot stand is rotatable about a friction hinge to the deployed orientation such that the computing device is in the first open orientation. 8. The computing device of claim 8, wherein when the computing device is in the first open orientation, the keyboard is rotatable about a hinge from the stowed position in the cavity to a deployed position such that the computing device is in a Second open orientation. 7. The computing device of claim 7, wherein the cavity further includes an audio output device such that the audio output device: is covered by the stand when the computing device is in the closed orientation; and when the computing device is in the closed orientation In this first open orientation, the tether is exposed. A computing device comprising: a keyboard; a housing including a cavity, wherein the cavity includes a vent; a foot stand attached to the housing, the foot comprising a gasket, wherein: When the computing device is in a closed orientation, the keyboard will be in a stowed position in the cavity, and the stand will cover the cavity and the keyboard so that the gasket will shield the cavity from liquid; and when the computing device is in a first open orientation, the stand will be in a deployed orientation such that the vent is exposed to provide airflow between the housing and an external environment, and the keyboard will be in the null the stowed position in the cavity; and when the computing device is in a second open orientation, the stand will be in the deployed orientation, and the keyboard will be in a deployed position outside the cavity; and a processor for using To: determine a certain orientation of the computing device via a sensor; and change the state of the keyboard based on the determination. The computing device of claim 11, wherein the processor is to cause the keyboard to transition states by: deactivating the keyboard in response to determining that the computing device is in the closed orientation or the first open orientation; and in response to determining The computing device actuates the keyboard in the second open orientation. The computing device of claim 11, wherein the sensor is a Hall effect sensor or a switch. 11. The computing device of claim 11, wherein the processor is used to: cause the computing device to operate in a low power mode when the computing device is in the closed orientation; and cause the computing device to operate when the computing device is in the first In the open orientation or the second open orientation, it operates in a high power mode.

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