Hinge adapters

In an example, a hinge adapter may include a first connector portion to removably engage with a first electronic device, and a second connector portion to removably operably engage with a second electronic device. Further, the hinge adapter may include a hinge connecting the first connector portion and the second connector portion. The first connector portion may rotate relative to the second connector portion via the hinge.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices may include computing devices such as laptops or notebook computers, personal computers (PCs), desktop computers, tablet computers, smartphones, e-readers, and other types of computing devices. Notebook or laptop computers may include traditional clamshell-style computing devices, as well as hybrid notebooks such as 2-in-1 laptops, 360 degree laptops, and/or convertible laptops, which may operate in a traditional clamshell-style, as well as have the ability to mechanically re-orient to a tablet-style computing device. Such devices may include a touch-screen display to enable tablet-style functionality.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Electronic devices may include computing devices. Computing devices are designed to fulfill usage needs and user preferences, and thus may take on different forms such as laptops or notebook computers, personal computers (PCs), desktop computers, tablet computers, smartphones, e-readers, and other types of computing devices. Notebook or laptop computers may further include traditional clamshell-style computing devices, as well as hybrid notebooks such as 2-in-1 laptops, 360 degree laptops, and/or convertible laptops, which may operate in a traditional clamshell-style, as well as have the ability to mechanically re-orient to a tablet-style computing device. Such devices may include a touch-screen display to enable tablet-style functionality.

Some types of 2-in-1 computing dev ices may provide dual functionalities of both a clamshell notebook and a tablet computer, but, as a result, may have bulky and/or relatively heavy characteristics. In some situations, it may be desirable to have a computing device that may operate as a tablet or as a clamshell notebook, but still retain a thin and light design. Accordingly, other types of computing devices may include a display portion with a removable keyboard portion, to provide a lighter and thinner device when used in tablet-style mode. Often times, the keyboard portion can only function as a keyboard, and, when detached from the display portion, serves no purpose at all.

Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a computing device that may operate in both a clamshell notebook mode and a tablet mode, while also maintaining a thin and light design. Further, it may be desirable that such a computing device be separable into different devices, both or each of which maintain a usefulness when detached from one another. Finally, it may be further desirable that one of the separable devices be able to provide more functionality than just a standard keyboard. In other situations, it may be desirable to take two existing computing devices and be able to combine them together to achieve additional functionality, e.g., functionality similar to a clamshell-style computing device.

Implementations of the present disclosure provide hinge adapters which may enable two different electronic dev ices to be assembled together and to operate as a single combined device. The example lunge adapters may include a hinge such that the combined devices may operate as a clamshell notebook, a tablet-style device, a device in a tent or presentation mode, or other modes of use. Additionally, such combined devices maintain die ability to be fully separated into two fully-functional electronic devices.

Referring now toFIG. 1A, a perspective view of an example hinge adapter100is illustrated. Hinge adapter100may include a first connector portion102to removably operably engage with a first electronic device, and a second connector portion104to removably operably engage with a second electronic device. In this context, removably engage may refer to the ability of each connector portion to be able to attach to an electronic device, and then to be able to subsequently be detached or removed, and such attachment and detachment ability is repeatable. Additionally, in this context, operably engage may refer to the ability of each connector portion to both mechanically and communicatively connect with an electronic device, e.g., through a communication port. Stated differently, first and second connector portions102and104may each be able to mechanically and/or or structurally engage with a separate electronic device, and, in some implementations, may also be able to electrically or communicatively engage with each respective electronic device. Thus, in some examples, each of the first connector portion102and the second connector portion204may include an electrical connector and a mechanical connector so as to both electrically and mechanically engage with complementary electrical connectors and mechanical connectors of the respective electronic device. Each of the first and second connector portions102and104may include any number of latches, posts, magnets, clips, pins, contacts, or other types of mechanical and electrical connectors and/or interfaces to accomplish such engagement.

Further, the hinge adapter100may include a hinge106connecting the first connector portion102and the second connector portion104such that either of the first connector portion102and the second connector portion104can move or rotate relative to the other. For example, the hinge106may enable the first connector portion102to rotate along direction103relative to the second connector portion104, and the hinge106may enable the second connector portion104to rotate along direction105relative to rise first connector portion102. Thus, the movement of either the first or second connector portions102and104, plus the movement of the hinge106itself, may enable either of the first and second connector portions102and104to rotate relative to the other. The degree of rotation of each of the connector portions may be anywhere between zero and 360 degrees, relative to the other connector portion. In other words, the rotation103of the first connector portion102relative to the hinge106may be at least 180 degrees, and the rotation105of the hinge106relative to the second connector portion104may also be at least 180 degrees, resulting in a total rotation of the first connector portion102relative to the second connector portion104of at least 360 degrees. Rotation of the second connector portion104relative to the first connector portion102may have a similar range. Referring additionally toFIG. 1B, another perspective view of example hinge adapter100is illustrated to further describe such movement of the first and second connector portions102and104.

FIG. 1Billustrates first connector portion102in a stationary position, with second connector portion104in two different positions, represented as second connector portion104aand second connector portion104b, shown in phantom lines. Second connector portion104amay start in the position illustrated inFIG. 1A, and then may move along direction107relative to first connector portion102so as to be disposed in a position relatively above first connector portion102. Such movement is enabled by rotation103between the hinge106and the first connector portion102, with first connector portion102remaining stationary, and also by rotation105abetween the hinge106and the second connector portion104a. Such movement results in a 180 degree movement of the second connector portion104arelative to the first connector portion102, from facing in opposite directions as illustrated inFIG. 1A, to facing the same direction as illustrated inFIG. 1B. A similar movement is possible to dispose the second connector portion104brelatively below the first connector portion102. Further, second connector portion104acan also be moved from the position directly above first connector portion102, along direction107, to the position illustrated by second connector portion104b, directly below first connector portion102and vice versa. Such movement results in second connector portion104moving 360 degrees relative to first connector portion102, with the second connector portion104facing the same direction in both the starting and ending positions. 180 degrees of such movement is carried out by rotation105a, and an additional 180 degrees of such movement is carried out by rotation103. Although described as motion of the second connector portion104relative to the first connector portion102, it should be noted that similar motion of the first connector portion102relative to the second connector portion104is also able to occur.

Referring now toFIGS. 2A-2B, a perspective view and a partially-exploded perspective view of another example hinge adapter200is illustrated. Example hinge adapter200may be similar to example hinge adapter100, described above. Further, the similarly-named elements of example hinge adapter200may be similar in function and/or structure to the respective elements of example hinge adapter100, as they are described above. Hinge adapter200may include a first connector portion202, a second connector portion204, and a hinge206.

The hinge206may be engaged with a first end of the first and second connector portions202and204such that either or each of the first connector portion202and second connector portion204can move or rotate 360 degrees around or relative to the other. In some examples, the first connector portion202may have a first tubular structure, e.g., first sleeve222, and the second connector portion204may have a second tubular structure, e.g., second sleeve224, such that the hinge206enables each of the first and second connector portions202and204to rotate axially relative to the other, i.e., about a central axis of each connector portion. In some implementations, the first and second connector portions202and204may be arranged or aligned with one another in a substantially parallel configuration.

The first connector portion202and the second connector portion204may each mechanically and electrically engage with a separate electronic device. The first connector portion202may have a first electrical connector214and a first mechanical connector212. In some examples, the first connector portion202may have a first engagement portion210, of which the first electrical connector214and the first mechanical connector212are a part. In some examples, the first engagement portion210may be a boss, protrusion, shelf, or other member that extends radially from a side of the first sleeve222. The first engagement portion210may removably attach to or engage with a complementary communication port on the respective electronic device. Similarly, in some examples, the second connector portion204may have a second engagement portion216, which may include a second electrical connector220and a second mechanical connector218. The second engagement portion216may also be a boss, protrusion, shelf, or other suitable member that extends radially from a side of the second sleeve224. The second engagement portion216may removably attach to or engage with a complementary communication port on the other respective electronic device. In some implementations, the first and second engagement portions210and216may be centrally disposed along a length of tire respective connector portion. Additionally, in further implementations, the first and second engagement portions210and216may face in opposing directions, i.e., the electrical and/or mechanical connectors thereof may be pointed in opposing directions to one another, when the hinge206is flat and/or unrotated, as illustrated inFIG. 2A.

The first and second mechanical connectors212and218may mechanically and/or structurally engage the respective first and second connector portions202and204with the communication port, or complementary mechanical connectors thereof, of the respective electronic devices such that the hinge adapter200is attached to each of the two separate electronic devices to form a combined electronic device. Accordingly, each of the first and second mechanical connectors212and218may include any number of latches, pins, posts, bosses, clips or other suitable mechanical fastening components. In some implementations, each of the first and second mechanical connectors212and218may include specific attachment components to be able to interface with the specific communication port of the electronic device with which that connector portion is to engage. In other words, the first and second connector portions202and201may have differing mechanical connectors from one another if they are to each attach to a different type or style electronic device. In other situations, i.e., when the combined electronic device is to be comprised of two of the same type of electronic devices, the first and second connector portions202and204may have the same type of mechanical connectors. In some implementations, one or both of the mechanical connectors212and218may include a magnetic interface or post to mechanically engage with the communication port, or complementary mechanical connectors thereof, of the respective electronic device.

The first and second electrical connectors214and220may be similar to one another in some examples, and may be different from one another in other examples, depending on the types of electronic devices that the first and second connector portions202and204are to attach to or engage with. In some implementations, the first and second electrical connectors214and220may include electrical contacts, traces, pads, pins, or, in further examples, spring-loaded electrical pins or contacts. The first and second electrical connectors214and220may have a suitable structure so as to electrically and/or communicatively engage with complementary electrical connectors of the respective electronic device, or communication port thereof. In further examples, the first and second electrical connectors214and220may be spring-loaded pogo pins.

In some implementations, hinge adapter200may include an electrical cable226, or another type of component to transmit electrical or communication signals. The electrical cable226, or other suitable component, may enable electrical communication between the first connector portion202and the second connector portion204, or the electrical connectors thereof. Thus, when the first connector portion202is operably engaged with a first electronic device, and the second connector portion204is operably engaged with a second electronic device, the first and second electronic devices may be able to electrically communicate with one another through the hinge adapter200. In some examples, the electrical cable226, or other suitable component, may be engaged with the first and second electrical connectors214and220, and may be disposed, or may run along a second end of the first and second connector portions202and204, opposite from the first end.

In some examples, the hinge adapter200may further include a first hinge cover208aand a second hinge cover208b, referred to collectively as hinge covers208. The first hinge cover208amay enclose, at least partially, the first end of the first and second connector portions202and204. In further, examples, the first hinge cover208amay enclose, either partially or wholly, the hinge206. Similarly, the second hinge cover208bmay enclose, either partially or wholly, the second end of the first and second connector portions202and204, and/or the electrical cable226. The hinge covers208each may be a sleeve, end cap, housing portion, or other at least partially hollow and/or tubular component to slide on and protect the respective first and second ends of the connector portions. The hinge covers208may protect the components within from dirt, dust, moisture, or other potential contaminants, and further protect the components within from impacts, drops, or other potentially damage-inducing events.

Referring now toFIGS. 3A-3B, perspective views of another example hinge adapter300is illustrated. Example hinge adapter300may be similar to other example hinge adapters described above. Further, the similarly-named elements of example hinge adapter300may be similar in function and/or structure to the respective elements of other example hinge adapters, as they are described above. Hinge adapter300may include a first connector portion302and a second connector portion304.FIG. 3Aillustrates the hinge adapter300as it is being engaged with or attached to an electronic device328, for example, along attachment direction309. Specifically, second connector portion304includes a second engagement portion316, which is to be operably engaged with a complementary communication port332of the electronic device328. Complementary communication port332may be disposed on a chassis or housing330of the electronic device328and may have a complementary electrical connector336and complementary mechanical connector334. Second engagement portion316may include an electrical connector320and a mechanical connector318to respectively operably engage with the complementary electrical connector336and the complementary mechanical connector334of the complementary communication port332. Communication port332may be considered complementary in the sense that it may be sized and structured so as to receive and be able to engage with the second engagement portion316. Similarly, the electrical connector336and the mechanical connector334of the electronic device328may each be considered complementary in the sense that each may be able to receive, interface with, or operably engage with electrical connector320and mechanical connector318, respectively, of the second connector portion304.

The mechanical connector318may operably engage with the complementary mechanical connector334such that the hinge adapter300is removably attached to the electronic device328. The electrical connector320may operably engage with the complementary electrical connector336such that electrical or signal communication may occur between the electrical connector320and the complementary electrical connector336.

FIG. 3Billustrates the hinge adapter300as being fully and operably engaged or attached to the electronic device328. After the second connector portion304is fully and operably engaged with the electronic device328, the first connector portion302may also be fully and operably engaged with another, separate, electronic device (not shown) so as to form a complete combined electronic device. It should be noted that either the first or second connector portions302and304may be attached to an electronic device before the other, and no particular connection or engagement order may be necessary.

Referring now toFIGS. 4A-4B, perspective views of an example combined electronic device401having an example hinge adapter400are illustrated as the hinge adapter400is attached to or engaged with a first electronic device438and a second electronic device428of the combined electronic device401. Example hinge adapter400may be similar to other example lunge adapters described above. Further, the similarly-named elements of example hinge adapter400may be similar in function and/or structure to the respective elements of other example hinge adapters, as they are described above.

As mentioned above, combined electronic device401may include a first electronic device438and a second electronic device428. Each of the electronic devices may be a computing device, for example, a tablet computer, smartphone, e-reader, or another type of computing device which may benefit from being mechanically hinged and electrically engaged with an additional electronic device. First electronic device438may have a first complementary communication port440, and second electronic device428may have a second complementary communication port432. Further, hinge adapter400may include a first connector portion having a first engagement portion410, and a second connector portion having a second engagement portion416. First and second connector portions, or first and second engagement portions410and416thereof, may operably engage with first and second complementary communication ports440and432, respectively. Further, first and second connector portions, or first and second engagement portions410and416thereof, may each have an electrical connector to engage with a complementary electrical connector of the respective first electronic device or second electronic device. The complementary electrical connectors may be a part of or may be disposed within the complementary communication ports of the first and second electronic devices438and428. The electrical connectors of the first and second connector portions, or first and second engagement portions410and416thereof, may electrically engage with the complementary electrical connectors of the first and second electronic device438and428so as to enable electrical communication between the first and second electronic devices438and428.

First and second connector portions, or first and second engagement portions410and416thereof, may further each include a mechanical connector to mechanically and/or structurally attach the hinge adapter400to complementary mechanical connectors of the first and second electronic devices438and428. In other words, the complementary communication ports440and432of the first and second electronic devices438and428may be attached to the first and second engagement portions410and416, respectively, such that the hinge adapter400and the first and second electronic devices438and428collectively form the combined electronic device401, as illustrated inFIG. 4B. The mechanical connectors of the first and second connector portions may removably attach to or engage with the complementary mechanical connectors of the first and second electronic devices438and428such that each electronic device is subsequently able to be removed or detached from the hinge adapter400, and also subsequently reattached. In some examples, each of the first and second electronic devices438and428may mechanically engage with the respective first and second connector portions (or first and second engagement portions410and416thereof) through a magnetic interface, such as magnetic lugs or posts, and complementary magnetic receptacles or pockets. It should be noted that, in some implementations, the hinge adapter400may omit the electrical connectors in the first and second connector portions and may only have the mechanical connectors. In such an implementation, the first and second electronic devices may electrically communicate with one another through wireless communication protocols, e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the like.

Referring now toFIGS. 4C-4E, perspective views of the example combined electronic device401are illustrated wherein the combined electronic device401is arranged in different orientations. Hinge adapter400may include a hinge such that, upon being engaged mechanically with the first and second electronic devices438and428, the hinge adapter400may enable the first and second electronic devices438and428to be moved relative to one another, e.g., in a folding and unfolding manner. In some implementations, the hinge enables each of the first and second electronic device438and428to move or rotate at least 360 degrees relative to the other. For example, second electronic device428may be rotated by way of the hinge adapter400from a flat position, illustrated inFIG. 4Band wherein the combined electronic device401may be used as a large tablet-style computing device, along direction411, to an open position, illustrated inFIG. 4C. In such an open position, combined electronic device401may resemble and function as a traditional clamshell-style notebook computing device, with second electronic device428operating as a display, and first electronic device438operating as a user input, keyboard, and/or trackpad. If second electronic device428is moved or rotated further along direction411, the hinge may enable the first and second electronic device438and428to be able to fold or close against one another in a closed position, e.g., if the device is not in use, as illustrated inFIG. 4D. Such an orientation may resemble or mimic the closing action of a clamshell-style notebook computing device.

In yet further examples, from the closed position, second electronic device428may be moved in an opening direction413, opposite from direction411, back to the open clamshell position shown inFIG. 4C, the flat open configuration ofFIG. 4B, or may continue along opening direction413for a 360 degree rotation to fold against the first electronic device438in a back-to-back configuration, as illustrated inFIG. 4E. In such an orientation, combined electronic device401may be used in a more compact tablet-style mode or a convertible notebook mode. Note, the illustrated positions and configurations are examples only, and other positions and configurations are contemplated, e.g., a tent or presentation mode, or other orientations of use. Additionally, whileFIGS. 4C-4Eare described with reference to second electronic device428moving relative to first electronic device438, it should be noted that similar movement and reconfigurations are able to occur with first electronic device438moving relative to second electronic device428. Further, if desirable, either or both of the two electronic devices may be separated from the hinge adapter, and each may be able to function independently as a standalone device.