Mechanical actuation of retractable keyboard
US10101774B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/1681
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments provide mechanisms for actuating the retraction of the keys of a retractable keyboard based on the angle of the rotation of a coupled display, such as in a 2-in-1 IHS (Information Handling System) that may be operated as a tablet or a laptop. In a first mode, where the display of the IHS is in a laptop configuration, the provided mechanisms actuate the retractable keys to their extended positions allowing use of the IHS as a laptop. As the user rotates the display to various tablet configurations, the provided mechanisms actuate the keycaps to a second mode, in which the keycaps are retracted and may be further disabled to promote use of IHS as a tablet. Certain embodiments utilize a gear and cam mechanism to link the rotation of the display to the actuation of the keycaps. Certain other embodiments utilize a gear and crank mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.