Locking mechanisms to lock key movement of keyboards

An example device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes a base housing, display housing, and locking mechanism. The base housing includes a keyboard, and the display housing is pivotably coupled to the base housing. The locking mechanism is to lock key movement of the keyboard based on the display housing being pivoted according to a first range. The locking mechanism is to unlock key movement based on the display housing being pivoted according to a second range.

BACKGROUND

A computing device may disable keyboard functionality using electrically-based or software-based approaches. When so disabled, the keyboard keys remain physically depressible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples provided herein enable a keyboard to be physically, e.g., mechanically, locked, e.g., when a hinged portable computing device (laptop, notebook, etc.) is converted into a tablet mode. The portable computing device may include a hinged display that may be rotated through a range of 360 degrees of motion, including ranges that lock or unlock the keyboard. In an example tablet mode, a display may be fully, open, locating the keyboard at an underside of the convertible portable computing device. A user's hands may grip at least a portion of the keyboard, feeling the keys in this tablet mode. Regardless of whether the keys are electrically enabled or disabled, any key movement may provide an unsettling user experience, reducing confidence and the ability to safely grip the portable computing device.

Thus, mechanically locking the keyboard in accordance with the examples provided herein may prevent such undesirable user experiences, enabling keys of the keyboard to remain undepressed, to provide a reassuring solid gripping surface and enhanced user experience, e.g., in tablet mode. Examples may be used on various styles of keyboards including keyboards for portable and non-portable computing devices.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a computing device100including a locking mechanism120in an unlocked position according to an example. The computing device100includes a display housing106and display108, coupled via hinge130with a base housing102and keyboard104including keys110, The locking mechanism120may include a linkage150, locking plate160, and hinge130.

The computing device100is shown in a laptop configuration with the display in an upright position relative to the keyboard, and the display housing106is pivotable toward the keyboard side of the base housing102to close, and backward toward the opposite side of the base housing102for tablet mode.

The locking mechanism120may mechanically lock at least one key110of the keyboard104, in response to positioning of the display housing106relative to the base housing102. In an example, the locking mechanism120may respond to the display housing106and base housing102exceeding a threshold angle relative to each other. The locking mechanism120may identify the angle of the display housing106based on the hinge130, causing the linkage150to actuate the locking plate160to lock the key(s)110.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of a computing device including a locking mechanism in a locked position according to an example. The display housing206is rotated about hinge230away from the keyboard204, placing the computing device into a tablet configuration. Accordingly, the linkage250of the locking mechanism is moved in the direction indicated by its corresponding arrow, thereby causing the locking plate260to move in the direction indicated by its corresponding arrow, to lock the keyboard204.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of a computing device including a locking mechanism in a locked position according to an example. The computing device is shown positioned for use of the display308in the tablet configuration, with the display housing306rotated about hinge330away from the keyboard304and against the based housing302. The locking mechanism may lock the keyboard304in this arrangement, enabling the keyboard304to provide a rigid surface for handling the computing device easily and confidently.

FIG. 4is a top view of a computing device $00including a locking mechanism420in an unlocked position according to an example. The computing device400includes display housing406, base housing402, and keyboard404having keys410. The locking mechanism420includes hinge430, linkage450, and locking plate460. The hinge430includes wheel440, shown as a cam having a lobe446rotated away from the linkage450. The linkage450includes linkage tabs452, linkage bevels454, and linkage spring458. The locking plate460includes key cutout(s)462, locking plate bevels464, and locking plate spring(s)466.

The locking mechanism420may operate according to whether the display housing406has been rotated beyond a threshold angle to lock the keyboard404. For example, the display housing406may rotate beyond a threshold angle contained within a rotation of 360 degrees from fully closed to fully open (with other threshold angles being supported in alternate examples). The wheel440may rotate along with rotation of the hinge430, selectively causing the linkage450to move closer or farther to/from the hinge430, according to a profile of the wheel440and location of at least one lobe446. The linkage450may be biased toward the wheel440based on linkage spring458.

The linkage450may transmit the force from wheel440to the locking plate460, based on the linkage tabs452. In the illustrated example device400, the linkage tabs452include linkage bevels454that cooperate with corresponding locking plate bevels464, to transmit the direction of motion to move the locking plate460approximately perpendicular to the motion of the linkage450. The locking plate460may be biased toward the linkage450based on locking plate spring(s)466. Although bevels are shown, other techniques may be used, such as slanted grooves and pins, levers, and so on.

The locking plate460may be positioned in a gap between a cap of the keys410, and the underlying support board of the keyboard404, to slide back and forth underneath the key caps. Thus, when in a locked position, the locking plate460may physically prevent the key caps from being depressed, providing a reassuring solid feeling. The locking plate460may move between the locked and unlocked positions based on very minor overall displacement, ensuring easy and rapid response based on a slight movement of the locking plate460.

FIG. 5is a top view of a computing device including a locking mechanism in a locked position according to an example. Base housing502is shown, wherein the display housing (not shown) may be folded underneath the base housing502to lock the keyboard504. Keyboard504, having keys510, is disposed in the base housing502. The locking mechanism includes hinge530, linkage550, and locking plate560. The hinge530includes wheel540, shown as a cam having a lobe546rotated toward the linkage550. The linkage550includes linkage tabs552, linkage bevels554, and linkage spring558. The locking plate560includes key cutout(s)562, locking plate bevels564, and locking plate spring(s)566.

The linkage550has been pushed downward by wheel540as indicated by the corresponding arrow, compressing spring558and causing the linkage tabs552to push the locking plate560laterally as indicated by the corresponding arrows. Accordingly, the key cutouts562are not aligned to allow the keys510to be depressed, and the keys510are prevented from being depressed. As shown inFIG. 5, a key510may be supported by the locking plate560at a periphery of the key cap. In an example, corners and/or edges of the key cap may be supported simultaneously, resulting in a stable mechanical locking of the key and minimizing wobble in the locked keys. In the locked position, the locking plate560may support additional portions of the periphery of the key cap, such as one or more full edges.

FIG. 6is a side sectional view, along arrows6-6inFIG. 4, of a computing device including a locking plate660in an unlocked position according to an example. The locking plate660is positioned relative to the base housing602to align the key cutouts662of the locking plate660with key supports612of the keys610. Accordingly, keys610may freely be depressed without being mechanically blocked by the locking plate660.

FIG. 7is a side sectional view, along arrows7-7inFIG. 5, of a computing device including a locking plate760in a locked position according to an example. The locking plate760is positioned relative to the base housing702to prevent the key cutouts762of the locking plate760from being aligned with key supports712of the keys710. Accordingly, keys710are mechanically blocked by the locking plate760from being depressed.

FIG. 8is a side sectional view of a computing device including a locking plate860in an unlocked position, and a cover plate803, according to an example. The locking plate860is slidable relative to the base housing802. The cover plate803may protect and isolate the locking plate860(e.g., prevent dust or debris from blocking operation of the locking plate860), as well as visibly conceal operation of the locking plate860.

FIG. 9is a side sectional view of a computing device including a beveled key support912and locking plate960in a locked position according to an example. The key support912is shaped with a key support angle914, to reduce a likelihood of binding between the key support912and the locking plate960. The locking plate960similarly may include a locking plate angle968. The angles may compensate for situations when the key910is slightly misaligned and/or depressed into the key cutout962when the locking plate960is in the unlocked position, and actuation of the locking plate960may urge the key910upward to the fully non-depressed position when moving back to the locked position as illustrated.FIG. 9shows the key support912and locking plate960being angled, and in alternate examples one or more features may include or omit the angle.

FIG. 10is a side sectional view of a computing device including a rounded key support1012and locking plate1060in a locked position according to an example. The key support1012is shown having a key support curve1015. Similarly, the locking plate1060is shown having a locking plate curve1069. The curves may compensate for slight misalignment/depressing of the key1010, and reduce likelihood of binding between the key support1012and the locking plate1060. For example, the curves may cause a slightly depressed or tilted key to be urged upward to a fully extended position, in response to the locking plate1060being moved from the unlocked position to the locked position.FIG. 10shows the key support1012and locking plate1060being curved, and in alternate examples one or more features may include or omit the curve, and/or combine curves, angles, and other shaped features.

FIG. 11Ais a side view, along arrows11-11inFIG. 4, of a computing device1100A including a locking mechanism1120A in an unlocked position according to an example. The display housing1106A is coupled to the base housing1102A based on the display mount1134A, first hinge1130A, second hinge1132A, and base mount1136A. Wheel1140A is coupled to the first hinge1130A, to rotate with the display housing1106A and interact with contact1156A of the linkage1150A. The wheel1140A is shown as a cam, having a first radius1142A corresponding to lobe1146A, and a second radius1144A. Computing device1100A is shown in the closed arrangement, such that the linkage1150A may be positioned toward the wheel1140A according to the shorter second radius1144A. The characteristics of the wheel1140A may be chosen to correspond to a desired threshold angle of rotation of the hinge1130A. Alternate examples may vary a size, radius, and angle of cam lobes for desired effects, such as providing a desired range of display angles corresponding to unlocked and/or locked positions of the locking plate.

The linkage1150A may be formed of metal, and provide the contact1156A based on a bend, to provide a curved surface for smooth interaction with the surface of the wheel1140A, preventing the wheel1140A from getting stuck. In an alternate example, the linkage1150A may provide contact1156A based on non-metal materials that may involve a non-curved surface. The linkage1150A (as well as the locking plate, not shown) may be slidable along a plane that is off-center relative to the wheel1140A. For example, the bend in the linkage1150A may provide a point of contact1156A to accommodate the wheel1140A located below a plane of the linkage1150A. Accordingly, linkage1150A and locking plate may be located upward in the base housing higher than the hinge1130A, near a surface of the base housing1102A toward a keyboard.

FIG. 11Bis a side view, along arrows11-11inFIG. 4, of a computing device1100B including a locking mechanism1120B in an unlocked position according to an example. The display housing1106B is shown rotated to an intermediate position relative to the base housing1102B and base mount1136B, with the wheel1140B positioned within a second range1145B of rotation. The range of motion of the second hinge1132B may be chosen to facilitate rotation of the wheel1140B (e.g., limiting the second hinge1132B to a maximum of 90 degrees forward/backward rotation). The second range1145B of the wheel1140B corresponds to an unlocked position wherein the linkage1150B is positioned toward the wheel1140B according to contact1156B. The second range1145B is shown as approximately equal to the first range1143B. In alternate examples, the two ranges may differ from each other. As the display housing1106B is rotated toward the back of the base housing1102B (i.e., away from the keyboard side of the base housing1102B), the wheel1140B reaches a threshold angle, transitioning between the second and first ranges1143B,1145B.

System1100B illustrates an example of a display housing1106B that is movable relative to the base housing1102B based on multiple pivots. In contrast, alternate examples may include a display housing1106B that is directly hinged to the base housing1102B, e.g., based on a single pivot about the wheel1140B. Further, alternate examples may use non-hinge arrangements (e.g., mechanical linkages, sliders) to achieve the movable coupling between the display housing1106B and base housing1102B.

FIG. 11Cis a side view, along arrows11-11inFIG. 4, of a computing device1100C including a locking mechanism1120C in a locked position according to an example. The display housing1106C is positioned in the tablet configuration, against a surface of the base housing1102C away from the keyboard. Accordingly, the wheel1140C is rotated beyond a threshold angle to mechanically lock the keyboard, within the first range1143C corresponding to first radius1142C. The wheel1140C has thereby pushed the contact1156C of the linkage1150C, causing the linkage1150C to move relative to the base mount1136C and base housing1102C and lock the keyboard.

FIG. 12is an exploded perspective view of a key1210and locking plate1260according to an example. The key1210includes key supports1212formed by generally elongated extensions. The key cutouts1262are shaped to accommodate the key supports1212. For example, the locking plate1260may achieve mechanical lock of one or more keys based on moving a relatively slight mount relative to the key supports1212(e.g., based on actuation according to the locking plate bevel1264). Furthermore, the key supports1212may provide a stable mechanical locking support for the key1210, preventing any wobble or lack of solid feeling when locked. In the example ofFIG. 12, the key supports1212enable the key1210to be supported by the locking plate1260at four corners of the key and at two full edges. Accordingly, the key cap itself of the key1210may directly support the locked position, without a need to lock a key actuation mechanism (illustrated as a cylindrical structure located toward a center of the key1210). In other words, a mechanism for providing locking support may be separate from the key actuation mechanism. The orientation/layout of the key supports1212and key cutouts1262may be oriented to accommodate a direction of sliding of the locking plate1260. Furthermore, the key cutouts1262may be shaped differently than the key supports1212as illustrated throughout the figures, while still enabling the key1210to be stably supported when locked.

FIG. 13is an exploded perspective view of a key1310and locking plate1360according to an example. The key supports1312are provided as columns, and the key cutouts1362are provided as corresponding holes. Accordingly, the orientation/layout of the key supports1312and key cutouts1362is symmetric and functional regardless of whether the locking plate1360slides side-to-side or up-and-down. The key supports1312enable symmetric four-corner support of the key1310when mechanically locked, resulting in a stable configuration. Further, when unlocked, the key supports1312(and other example key supports/cutouts as shown throughout the drawings) encourage smooth, wobble-free, proper actuation of the key1310.

FIG. 14is an exploded perspective view of a key1410and locking plate1460according to an example. The key supports1412are provided as recessed elongations, and the key cutout1462is provided as a corresponding accommodating shape.

FIG. 15is an exploded perspective view of a key1510and locking plate1560according to an example. The key supports1512are provided as recessed elongations, and the key cutouts1562are provided as corresponding accommodating shapes. The key1510is somewhat elongated, illustrating the use of multiple key supports1512to provide a stable foundation when the key is locked. Furthermore, the key supports1512may serve as stabilizers that enable a smooth depressing motion of the key1510when the locking plate1560is in the unlocked position.

FIG. 16Ais a side view of a computing device1600A including a locking mechanism in an unlocked position according to an example. The computing device1600A is in a closed configuration, with display housing1606A facing a surface of the base housing1602A toward a keyboard. The linkage1650A may be actuated based on a pin1656A that rides in a channel1648A of the wheel1640A. The channel1648A follows a path including a first radius1642A and second radius1644A, to actuate the linkage1650A. Furthermore, the channel1648A enables the wheel1640A to pull as well as push, on the linkage1650A, enabling the embodiment to achieve full actuation of the linkage1650A without a need for a linkage spring not shown).

FIG. 16Bis a side view of a computing device1600B including a locking mechanism in an unlocked position according to an example. The display housing1606B is shown rotated to an intermediate position relative to the base housing1602B, with the wheel1640B positioned within a second range1645B of rotation. The second range1645B corresponds to an unlocked position wherein the linkage1650B is positioned toward the wheel1640B according to pin1656B riding in the channel1648C. The second range1645B is shown as having a range of rotation that is less than the first range1643B, although these ranges may vary in alternate examples. As the display housing1606B is rotated toward the back of the base housing1602B (i.e., away from the keyboard side of the base housing1602B), the wheel1640B reaches a threshold angle, to transition between the second and first ranges1645B,1643B associated with causing movement of the linkage1650B.

FIG. 16Cis a side view of a computing device1600C including a locking mechanism in a locked position according to an example. The display housing1606C is positioned in the tablet configuration, against a surface of the base housing1602C away from the keyboard. Accordingly, the wheel1640C is rotated beyond a threshold angle to mechanically lock the keyboard, within the first range1643C corresponding to first radius1642C. The wheel1640C thereby may push the pin1656C of the linkage1650C, causing the linkage1650C to move relative to the base housing1602C as indicated by the corresponding arrow. Conversely, rotation of the wheel1640C toward the laptop configuration can cause the pin1656C to ride in channel1648C to assume the lower second radius associated with an unlocked position.

FIG. 17is a top view of a locking mechanism1720in a locked position according to an example. The locking mechanism1720includes first and second wheels1740,1741, first and second linkages1750,1751, first and second linkage springs1758,1759, and locking plate1760. The locking plate includes a plurality of key cutouts1762. The first and second linkages1750,1751are shown with first and second linkage springs1758,1759. However, alternate examples may include alternate linkages that do not need linkage springs (e.g., using a channel-based wheel and pin to ride the wheel channel).

The first wheel1740and the second wheel1741may be coupled to corresponding hinges that are actuated together according to movement of a display housing (not shown). However, the first wheel1740may be arranged to rotate out of phase along with rotation of the second wheel1741. Accordingly, in response to the single movement of a display, one linkage may be moved to a displaced position, and the other linkage may be moved to a retracted position. For example, the first linkage1750is shown in the extended position, pushing the locking plate1760toward the left as shown in the drawing, moving the key cutouts1762into a locked position. The second linkage1751, however, is shown in the retracted position based on the same display orientation used to arrange the first linkage1750, allowing the locking plate1760to be moved toward the second linkage1751. An opposite movement of the locking plate1760and linkages1750,1751may similarly be accomplished in response to display housing movement, by retracting the first linkage1750while extending the second linkage1751based on the same motion of the display housing and the out-of-phase wheels1740,1741. Accordingly, the locking plate1760is actively controlled during locking and unlocking motions, without a need for a locking plate spring to unlock the locking plate1760. Accordingly, the locking plate1760may be used in examples having tighter tolerances (e.g., keyboard/base/key-cap and mechanism housings) associated with higher friction, without needing to overcome that friction through the use of a spring. Furthermore, the locking plate1760may serve as a damper for the motion of the hinges, preventing operation of the hinges from becoming loose and/or augmenting or replacing a damping feature of the hinges.

In an alternate example, the plate and linkages may be incorporated as a single piece, accommodated by allowing the locking plate1760to be slidable along an axis that is rotated 90 degrees from that as illustrated inFIG. 17, e.g., parallel to the slidable axis of the first and second linkages1750,1751. For example, the unified locking plate/linkage piece may move together, along the same path/direction as the linkages would be displaced by the first and second wheels1740,1741. In such an example, the first and second wheels1740,1741would no longer be out-of-phase with each other. The orientation of the key cutouts may be rotated 90 degrees, corresponding to this new direction that the locking plate1760would be slidable. For example, the keys may be unlocked when the locking plate1760is an the upper position corresponding to the position shown for the second linkage1751, and locked when the locking plate1760is in a lower position corresponding to the position shown for the first linkage1750. Accordingly, the locking plate1760in this alternate example would no longer move along a side-to-side direction as shown inFIG. 17but rather an up-and-down motion in synch with the paired up-and-down motion of the linkages that would be in phase with each other in this alternate example.