TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a support arrangement for an electronic apparatus, the support arrangement comprising a pivotable support member and a hinge structure configured for connecting the support member to the electronic apparatus along a pivot axis.

BACKGROUND

Current larger foldable electronic apparatuses such as laptops or tablet and keyboard combinations face stability issues, since the display section of the laptop or the tablet is usually heavier than the corresponding keyboard. When opening or unfolding the apparatus, such that the display or tablet is at a suitable viewing angle with respect to the keyboard, the apparatus is prone to topping over and fall onto the back of the display or tablet.

One solution to such stability issues is to increase the weight of the keyboard, which is contrary to current development towards as lightweight electronic apparatuses as possible. A further solution is to place the apparatus in a separate stand, holding the apparatus in position. In order to avoid having to use separate, additional components, the display or tablet can be arranged away from the edge of the keyboard, towards the center of the keyboard, effectively reducing the useful area of the keyboard.

Optionally, the apparatus can be provided with a support member, preferably a member which can be folded out from the back of the display or the tablet and find support against the surface onto which the apparatus is placed. Present support members are folded manually, requiring separate action from the user to open, close and adjust its position, which is a nuisance to the user.

Hence, there is a need for providing an improved support arrangement that is lightweight, and requires no action to be taken by the user.

SUMMARY

It is an object to provide an improved support arrangement for an electronic apparatus, particularly a portable electronic apparatus. The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a support arrangement for an electronic apparatus, which arrangement comprises a pivotable support member and a hinge structure configured for connecting the support member to the electronic apparatus along a pivot axis. The hinge structure comprises a first shaft element and a second shaft element extending along the pivot axis, the first shaft element being rotatably connected to the electronic apparatus, and the second shaft element being fixedly connected to the support member. A synchronization mechanism is operably connected to the first shaft element and the second shaft element and configured to move along the pivot axis. The synchronization mechanism is configured to, when located at a first position along the pivot axis, engage the first shaft element such that, when rotating the first shaft element, the second shaft element rotates along with the first shaft element both clockwise and anticlockwise so that the support member is pivoted with regard to the electronic apparatus. Furthermore, the synchronization mechanism is configured to, when located at a second position along the pivot axis, disengage the first shaft element and interlock the second shaft element with the electronic apparatus such that the second shaft element is prevented from rotating along with the first shaft element so as to lock the support member with regards to the electronic apparatus.

Such a configuration as defined by claims of the present application provides a support member which does not require any separate action to be taken by the user. The support member takes up substantially no extra space when the electronic apparatus is closed but still provides fully reliable support when the electronic apparatus is open.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the synchronization mechanism engages a surface of the electronic apparatus by means of at least one protrusion and corresponding recess, one of the protrusion and the recess being arranged on a surface of the synchronization mechanism, and the other of the protrusion and the recess being arranged on the surface of the electronic apparatus, allowing for small, reliable, and cost-efficient engagement.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the synchronization mechanism comprises a hollow element configured to at least partially enclose the first shaft element when in the first position, and to at least partially enclose the first shaft element and the second shaft element when in the second position, avoiding any negative influence on the movement of the synchronization mechanism while providing extra stability to the engagement with the first shaft element and the second shaft element.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the hollow element engages the second shaft element by means of at least one ridge and corresponding groove, one of the ridge and the groove extending along a peripheral surface of the second shaft element, and the other of the ridge and the groove extending along an inner surface of the hollow element, allowing for small, reliable, and cost-efficient engagement.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the hollow element engages the first shaft element by means of at least one ridge and corresponding groove, one of the ridge and the groove being arranged on a peripheral surface of the first shaft element, and the other of the ridge and the groove being arranged on an inner surface of the hollow element, allowing for small, reliable, and cost-efficient engagement.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the ridge and groove and/or the protrusion and recess extend in parallel with the pivot axis, such that there is no negative influence on the movement of the synchronization mechanism.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the synchronization mechanism further comprises a sliding element configured to move the hollow element in a first direction along the pivot axis, from the first position to the second position, generating movement of the hollow element while not affecting the movement of the first member negatively.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the synchronization mechanism further comprises a return element configured to move the hollow element in a second direction along the pivot axis, from the second position to the first position, providing a simple and efficient solution for returning the hollow element to the first position.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first shaft element comprises a friction element configured to engage a surface of the electronic apparatus such that rotation of the first shaft element requires a force above a friction coefficient of the friction element, providing enough resistance for the first member of the electronic apparatus to remain at a stable angular position to the second member.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the sliding element is configured to move the hollow element by means of a cam mechanism, providing a simple and reliable solution for moving the hollow element.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the sliding element is arranged between the hollow element and the friction element, providing a well-functioning and spatially efficient configuration.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the return element is a spring element or a cam element, allowing the hollow element to be returned by means of an automatic, simple, and reliable solution.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second shaft element comprises a first shaft and a second shaft, the first shaft being operably connected to the synchronization mechanism, the second shaft being fixedly connected to the support member, allowing the second shaft element to rotate at different angular speeds.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second shaft element further comprises a gear arrangement interconnecting the first shaft and the second shaft such that the second shaft rotates simultaneously with, and at a higher angular speed than, the first shaft, allowing the support member and the first member to rotate simultaneously without affecting each other.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an electronic apparatus comprising a first member, a second member, and the support arrangement according to the above. The first member is pivotally connected to the second member at least partially by means of the support arrangement along the pivot axis of the support arrangement, and the first shaft element of the support arrangement is fixedly connected to the first member and rotatably connected to the second member. Such a configuration provides an electronic apparatus comprising a support member the operation of which does not require any separate action to be taken by the user. The support member takes up substantially no extra space when the electronic apparatus is closed but still provides fully reliable support when the electronic apparatus is open.

In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the first member comprises a display and the second member comprises a keyboard, allowing the electronic apparatus to be any kind of laptop or 2-in-l device.

In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the second member comprises a hollow cylindrical section configured to receive the hinge structure, a center axis of the hollow cylindrical section being coaxial with the pivot axis, the synchronization mechanism of the support arrangement being configured to engage an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical section, providing extra stability to the hinge structure and the electronic apparatus.

In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the pivotable support member of the support arrangement pivots simultaneously with, and at a higher angular speed than, the first member, around the pivot axis as long as the synchronization mechanism is in the first position, allowing the support member and the first member to rotate simultaneously without affecting each other.

In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the synchronization mechanism is moved from the first position to the second position when the first member reaches a preset viewing angle relative the second member, allowing the support member to be folded inwards towards the second member simultaneously, and automatically, with the first member.

In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the preset viewing angle is between 45° and 110° relative the second member, preferably less than 90°, more preferably less than 100°, allowing the support member to be folded outwards and provide support to the electronic apparatus at a wide and useful range of viewing angles.

In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the synchronization mechanism is moved from the second position to the first position when the first member reaches an angle of less than 100° relative the second member, preferably less than 90°, allowing the support member to start being folded inwards towards the second member as soon as the angular position of the first member prevents the first member from being comfortably viewed by the user.

In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, when the electronic apparatus is closed, the first member, the second member, and the support member are superimposed on top of each other, i.e. extending substantially at 0°, allowing for an as thin electronic apparatus as possible.

In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, when the electronic apparatus is open, the first member extends at between 90° and 179° to the second member, and the support member extends at between 180° and 200° to the second member, allowing an electronic apparatus which is well supported and stable at a range of viewing angles.

In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the first member is configured to be releasably connected to the second member at least partially by means of the hinge structure, allowing the electronic apparatus to be a 2-in-l device.

These and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiment s) described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the aspects, embodiments, and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

Fig. la shows a perspective view of a support arrangement for an electronic apparatus or a portable electronic apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein components of said support arrangement and electronic apparatus have assumed a first position and a support member of the support arrangement to be pivotable with regards to the electronic apparatus;

Fig. lb is a partial perspective view of the support arrangement shown in Fig. la; Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of a support arrangement for an electronic apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein components of said support arrangement and electronic apparatus have assumed a second position and a support member of the support arrangement to be fixed with regards to the electronic apparatus;

Fig. 2b is a partial perspective view of the support arrangement shown in Fig. 2a;

Fig. 3 shows a partial perspective view of a support arrangement for an electronic apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 4a shows a perspective view of an electronic apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the support arrangement and electronic apparatus are in an intermediate position between a closed and fully open position;

Fig. 4b shows a partial perspective view of the support arrangement when in the intermediate position shown in Fig. 4a;

Fig. 5a shows a perspective view of an electronic apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the support arrangement and electronic apparatus are in a fully open position;

Fig. 5b shows a partial perspective view of the support arrangement when in the fully open position shown in Fig. 5a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figs. 4a and 5a show an electronic apparatus 2 comprising a first member 17, a second member 18, and a support arrangement 1 described in more detail below. The first member 17 may comprise a display and the second member 18 may comprise a keyboard. The first member 17 may be a tablet and the second member 18 may be a keyboard that is releasably connected to the first member 17. The electronic apparatus 2 may be a 2-in-l device such as a laptop with a removable display, i.e. the first member 17 being a display and the second member 18 a keyboard which is releasably connected to the first member 17. Furthermore, the electronic apparatus 2 may be a laptop wherein the first member 17 is a display and the second member 18 a keyboard which is fixedly connected to the first member 17. Support arrangement 1 comprises a support member 3 and a hinge structure 4. The first member 17 may be pivotally connected to the second member 18 at least partially by means of the hinge structure 4 along a pivot axis A. The pivot axis A of the support arrangement 1 is parallel to, and may be colinear with, the pivot axis of the electronic apparatus 2.

The second member 18 of the electronic device 2 may comprise a hollow cylindrical section 19 configured to receive the hinge structure 4, a center axis of the hollow cylindrical section 19 being coaxial with the pivot axis A. Support arrangement 1 may be configured to engage an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical section 19. The hollow cylindrical section 19 may, oppositely, be arranged in the first member 17.

When the electronic apparatus 2 is closed, the first member 17, the second member 18, and the support member 3 of the support arrangement 1 may be superimposed on top of each other, i.e. extending substantially at 0° (not shown). Support member 3 may be a plate-shaped element connected along one edge to the hinge structure 4. The support member 3 may pivot simultaneously with, and at a higher angular speed than, the first member 17 around the pivot axis A when said electronic apparatus 2 is being opened or closed, as suggested in Fig. 4a. When the electronic apparatus 2 is open, as shown in Fig. 5a, the first member 17 may extend at an angle of between 90° and 179° to the second member 18, a so-called viewing angle, and the support member 3 may simultaneously extend at an angle of between 180° and 200° to the second member 18.

The present invention also relates to a support arrangement 1 for an electronic apparatus 2, the support arrangement 1 comprising a pivotable support member 3 and a hinge structure 4 configured for connecting the support member 3 to the electronic apparatus 2 along a pivot axis A. The hinge structure 4 comprises a first shaft element 5 and a second shaft element 6 extending along the pivot axis A, the first shaft element 5 being rotatably connected to the electronic apparatus 2, the second shaft element 6 being fixedly connected to the support member 3, and a synchronization mechanism 7 operably connected to the first shaft element 5 and the second shaft element 6 and configured to move along the pivot axis A. The synchronization mechanism 7 is configured to, when located at a first position PI along the pivot axis A, engage the first shaft element 5 such that, when rotating the first shaft element 5, the second shaft element 6 rotates along with the first shaft element 5 both clockwise and anticlockwise so that the support member 3 is pivoted with regard to the electronic apparatus 2. The synchronization mechanism 7 is also configured to, when located at a second position P2 along the pivot axis A, disengage the first shaft element 5 and interlock the second shaft element 6 with the electronic apparatus 2 such that the second shaft element 6 is prevented from rotating along with the first shaft element 5 so as to lock the support member 3 with regards to the electronic apparatus 2.

More specifically, as shown in Figs. 4a and 5a, the support arrangement 1 comprises the pivotable support member 3 and the hinge structure 4. The hinge structure 4, as shown in Figs la to 2b, is configured for connecting the support member 3 to the electronic apparatus 2 along the above-mentioned pivot axis A. The hinge structure 4 comprises a first shaft element 5 and a second shaft element 6 extending coaxially along the pivot axis A. The first shaft element 5 is connected to the electronic apparatus 2, preferably fixedly connected to the first member 17 and rotatably connected to the second member 18. The second shaft element 6 is fixedly connected to support member 3.

A synchronization mechanism 7 is operably connected to the first shaft element 5 and the second shaft element 6 and is configured to move, preferably slide, along the pivot axis A, as shown in Figs la and 2a, lb and 2b, and 4b and 5b.

The synchronization mechanism 7 is configured to, when located at a first position PI along the pivot axis A shown in Figs la, lb, and 4b, engage the first shaft element 5. As a result, the second shaft element 6 rotates along with the first shaft element 5, when rotating the first shaft element 5. The second shaft element 6 rotates together with the first shaft element 5 both clockwise and anticlockwise, i.e., both when opening and closing the electronic apparatus 2. This engagement allows support member 3, which is connected to the second shaft element 6, to pivot with regard to the electronic apparatus 2, more specifically with regard to the second member 18.

The synchronization mechanism 7 is also configured to, when located at a second position P2 along the pivot axis A shown in Figs. 2a, 2b, and 5b, disengage the first shaft element 5. In the second position P2, the synchronization mechanism 7 instead interlocks the second shaft element 6 with the electronic apparatus 2 such that the second shaft element 6 is prevented from rotating along with the first shaft element 5. This interlocking prevents support member 3, which is connected to the second shaft element 6, from pivoting any further such that it instead can function as a support member for the electronic apparatus 2.

The synchronization mechanism 7 may engage a surface of the electronic apparatus 2 by means of at least one protrusion 8a and a corresponding recess 8b, as illustrated in Figs 2a and 2b. One of the protrusion 8a and the recess 8b may be arranged on a surface of the synchronization mechanism 7, such as a short end of hollow element 9, and the other of the protrusion 8a and the recess 8b may be arranged on one surface of the electronic apparatus 2, such as a surface of a further element fixed to the second member 18 or an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical section 19. The protrusions 8a and the recesses 8b may together have a saw-toothed outline, or may have any other suitable, complementary shapes. The saw-tooth outline allows the synchronization mechanism 7 to slide along the pivot axis A as the first member 17, and hence the first shaft element 5 rotates, allowing the synchronization mechanism 7 to move between the first position PI and the second position P2.

As mentioned, the synchronization mechanism 7 may comprise a hollow element 9. The hollow element 9 is preferably coaxial with the first shaft element 5 and configured to at least partially enclose the first shaft element 5 only when in the first position PI, as shown in Figs la and lb. The hollow element 9 is configured to, when in the second position P2, at least partially enclose the first shaft element 5 as well as the second shaft element 6 as shown in Figs. 2a and 2b. By enclosing both the first shaft element 5 and the second shaft element 6, the hollow element 9 provides an additional interlocking of the first shaft element 5 and the second shaft element 6.

The hollow element 9 may engage the second shaft element 6 by means of at least one ridge 11a and corresponding groove lib. One of the ridge 11a and the groove lib may extend along a peripheral surface of the second shaft element 6, longitudinally as shown in Fig. 3, and the other of the ridge 11a and the groove 1 lb may extend along an inner surface of the hollow element 9 (not shown). The ridge 1 la is configured to slide into, or out of, groove 1 lb as the hollow element 9 slides along pivot axis A.

Correspondingly, the hollow element 9 may engage the first shaft element 5 by means of at least one ridge 12a and corresponding groove 12b. As shown in Figs lb and 2b, one of the ridge 12a and the groove 12b may be arranged on a peripheral surface of the first shaft element 5, and the other of the ridge 12a and the groove 12b may be arranged on an inner surface of the hollow element 9.

The ridges 11a, 12a, the grooves 1 lb, 12b, the protrusions 8a, and/or the recesses 8b may extend longitudinally, parallel to the pivot axis A.

The first shaft element 5 may furthermore comprise a friction element 15 configured to engage a surface of the electronic apparatus 2 such that rotation of the first shaft element 5 requires a force above a friction coefficient of the friction element 15. The friction element 15 may be pivotally fixed to the first shaft element 5, and configured to engage an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical section 19 connected to the second member 18.

The friction element 15 may instead be fixedly connected to the hollow cylindrical section 19 and configured to engage a surface of the first member 17.

The synchronization mechanism 7 may further comprise a sliding element 13 configured to move the hollow element 9 in a first direction D1 along the pivot axis A, from the first position PI to the second position P2 as the electronic apparatus 2 is being opened, and the first member 17 pivoted away from the second member 18. The sliding element 13 may be configured to move the hollow element 9 by means of a cam mechanism, as suggested in Fig. 2b. The sliding element 13 may form a first part of the cam mechanism, while a second part 20 of the cam mechanism may be formed by a section of the first shaft element 5. The sliding element 13 may be arranged between the hollow element 9 and the friction element 15, optionally between the second part 20 of the cam mechanism and the hollow element 9.

The synchronization mechanism 7 may also comprise a return element 14 configured to move the hollow element 9 in a second direction D2 along the pivot axis A, from the second position P2 to the first position PI, as the electronic apparatus 2 is being closed, and the first member 17 pivoted towards the second member 18. The return element 14 may be a spring element, as suggested in Fig. 3, or a cam element (not shown).

The second shaft element 6 may comprise a first shaft 6a and a second shaft 6b, the first shaft 6a being operably connected to the synchronization mechanism 7, and the second shaft 6b being fixedly connected to the support member 3. The second shaft element 6 may further comprise a gear arrangement 16 interconnecting the first shaft 6a and the second shaft 6b such that the second shaft 6b rotates simultaneously with, and at a higher angular speed than, the first shaft 6a.

The pivotable support member 3 of the support arrangement 1 may pivot simultaneously with, and at a higher angular speed than, the first member 17, around the pivot axis A as long as the synchronization mechanism 7 is in the first position PI and the first shaft element 5 is interconnected with the second shaft element 6.

The synchronization mechanism 7 may be moved from the first position PI to the second position P2 when the first member 17 reaches a preset viewing angle a relative the second member 18. Conversely, the synchronization mechanism 7 may be moved from the second position P2 to the first position PI when the first member 17 reaches an angle b of less than 100° relative the second member 18, preferably less than 90°. The preset viewing angle a may be between 45° and 110° relative the second member 18, preferably less than 90°, as suggested in Fig. 5a, more preferably less than 100°. As long at the synchronization mechanism 7 is in the second position P2, the viewing angle of the first member 17 may be adjusted by the user without moving the support member 3. However, as soon as the first member 17 is pivoted, from an open position, to an angle which is less than the preset viewing angle a, the synchronization mechanism 7 moves to the first position PI and interconnects the first shaft element 5 with the second shaft element 6 such that the support member 3 pivots along with the first member 17 towards a position in which the electronic apparatus 2 is closed and, preferably, the support member 3, the first member 17, and the second member 18 are stacked on top of each other. Support member 3 is, in other words, moved completely without any separate action having to be taken by the user.

The various aspects and implementations have been described in conjunction with various embodiments herein. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject-matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

The reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this disclosure. As used in the description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.