Hinge assembly for a multi-configuration portable electronic device

Abstract

A hinge assembly ( 2100 ) includes a hinge body ( 2102 ) made of two hinge body halves ( 900 ). Each hinge body half is identical so that only one part need be manufactured, and two of them used to form the hinge body. Each hinge body half has a first leg ( 902 ) that is longer than a second leg ( 904 ). The first leg has a retaining lip ( 912 ) at the end which forms a retaining feature. Each leg of the hinge body defines an axis of rotation for the body elements ( 104, 106 ). A portion ( 1508 ) of a flexible circuit board ( 1506 ) is captured between the hinge body halves so as to electrically interconnect circuitry placed in each body element. A detent mechanism is provided to hold the body element in preselected positions with respect to each other, and includes a spring ( 2106 ), a cam ( 2108 ) and a cap ( 2110 ) having cam follower features ( 2118 ). The cam is held in place with respect to the body element housing, while the cap is fixed in position with respect to the hinge body. To stabilize the rotation of the body elements, a hook ( 2404 ) retains a collar edge ( 2402 ) upon rotation of the respective body element.

1 . A multi-configuration portable electronic device, comprising: 
 a first body element having electrical circuitry disposed therein;    a second body element having electrical circuitry disposed therein;    a hinge for allowing configuration of the first and second body elements into at least portrait, landscape, and closed positions, and for routing a flexible circuit board between the first and second body elements wherein upon movement of the first and second body elements the hinge prevents twisting of the flexible circuit board.    
     
     
         2 . A multi-configuration portable electronic device as defined by  claim 1 , further comprising a detent mechanism in the hinge for holding the first and second body elements in at least portrait, landscape, and closed positions.  
     
     
         3 . A multi-configuration portable electronic device as defined by  claim 2  wherein the detent mechanism comprises a spring, a cam, and a cap having cam followers, all coaxially located, and wherein the cam is held in position with respect to one of the body elements of the multi-configuration portable electronic device, and the cap is help in position with respect to the hinge.  
     
     
         4 . A multi-configuration portable electronic device as defined by  claim 1  further comprising a hook member disposed each of the first and second body elements and each in correspondence with a collar portion of the other body element, wherein the hook member retains the collar portion upon rotation of one of the body elements about the hinge.