WO2008058556A1 - A portable and foldable electronic device - Google Patents

A portable and foldable electronic device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008058556A1
WO2008058556A1 PCT/EP2006/010941 EP2006010941W WO2008058556A1 WO 2008058556 A1 WO2008058556 A1 WO 2008058556A1 EP 2006010941 W EP2006010941 W EP 2006010941W WO 2008058556 A1 WO2008058556 A1 WO 2008058556A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
module
electronic device
planes
modules
interconnecting
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2006/010941
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Nigel Richardson
Original Assignee
Nokia Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nokia Corporation filed Critical Nokia Corporation
Priority to PCT/EP2006/010941 priority Critical patent/WO2008058556A1/en
Publication of WO2008058556A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008058556A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
    • H04M1/0208—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings characterized by the relative motions of the body parts
    • H04M1/0214—Foldable telephones, i.e. with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
    • H04M1/0216—Foldable in one direction, i.e. using a one degree of freedom hinge
    • H04M1/022—The hinge comprising two parallel pivoting axes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1615—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function
    • G06F1/1616—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
    • G06F1/162—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position changing, e.g. reversing, the face orientation of the screen with a two degrees of freedom mechanism, e.g. for folding into tablet PC like position or orienting towards the direction opposite to the user to show to a second user
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1637—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
    • G06F1/1647—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing including at least an additional display
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
    • H04M1/0208—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings characterized by the relative motions of the body parts
    • H04M1/0214—Foldable telephones, i.e. with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
    • H04M1/0216—Foldable in one direction, i.e. using a one degree of freedom hinge
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
    • H04M1/0208—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings characterized by the relative motions of the body parts
    • H04M1/0214—Foldable telephones, i.e. with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
    • H04M1/0222—Foldable in two directions, i.e. using a two degree of freedom hinge

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a portable electronic device.
  • Portable electronic devices are known to have a keypad module/housing and a display module/housing, the relative positions of which can be adjusted to define different configurations of the device.
  • a portable electronic device comprising a first module arranged to extend along a first plane, a second module arranged to extend along a second plane, and an interconnecting element for interconnecting the first and second modules together via the interconnecting element about respective first and second parallel interconnection axes, the relative positions of the first and second planes providing first and second device configurations, wherein the first module and the interconnecting element are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the first module about the first interconnection axis, the second module and the interconnecting element are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the second module about the second interconnection axis, and wherein the first device configuration is provided by the first and second planes being substantially in the same plane, and the second configuration is provided by the first and second planes being in substantially different planes.
  • the device when in the first configuration resembles a monoblock form factor optimised for certain uses (e.g. conventional mobile telephony applications), and when in the second configuration is optimised for viewing by allowing the user increased flexibility in adjustment of the viewing angle as compared with the prior art arrangements described herein.
  • the use of parallel interconnection axes permits independent adjustment of both the viewing angle and height of a display element on the first module in relation to the second module, which serves as a base for the device.
  • the interconnecting element may comprise an H-shaped frame.
  • At least one of the first and second modules may be rotatable through at least 180° about its interconnection axis.
  • At least one of the first and second modules may be rotatable through 360° about its interconnection axis.
  • the electronic device may comprise one or more latching elements arranged to releasably latch at least one of the first and second modules in the first device configuration.
  • the interconnecting element may comprise connecting circuitry arranged for electrically connecting the first and second modules.
  • At least one of the first and second modules may comprise user-interface circuitry.
  • At least one of the first and second modules may comprise a display element.
  • a portable electronic device comprising a first means for housing arranged to extend along a first plane, a second means for housing arranged to extend along a second plane, and means for interconnecting the first and second means for housing together about respective first and second parallel interconnection axes, the relative positions of the first and second planes providing first and second device configurations, wherein the first means for housing and the means for interconnecting the first and second means for housing are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the first means for housing about the first interconnection axis, the second means for housing and the means for interconnecting the first and second means for housing are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the second means for housing about the second interconnection axis, and wherein the first device configuration is provided by the first and second planes being substantially in the same plane, and the second configuration is provided by the first and second planes being in substantially
  • the present invention includes one or more aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation.
  • Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 in a second configuration
  • Figure 3 shows the device of Figure 1 in a third configuration
  • Figure 4 shows another prior art electronic device in a first configuration
  • Figure 5 shows the device of Figure 4 in a second configuration
  • Figure 6 shows the device of Figure 4 in a third configuration
  • Figure 7 shows first and second modules of a portable electronic device
  • Figure 8 shows an interconnecting element of a portable electronic device
  • Figure 9 shows the components of Figures 7 and 8 assembled to form the device in a first configuration
  • Figure 10 shows the device of Figure 9 in a first configuration
  • Figures 11 and 12 show the device of Figure 9 in a second configuration.
  • Figures 1 to 3 show a known portable electronic device 10 in which a display module 12 is movable with respect to a keypad module 14 via first and second perpendicular rotation axes 16, 18.
  • the first rotation axis 16 allows the display and keypad modules 12, 14 to rotate with respect to one another to define a clamshell arrangement.
  • the second rotation axis 18 is perpendicular to the first rotation axis 16 and lies parallel with a longitudinal axis of the keypad module 14 to allow the display module 12 to rotate away from the keypad module 14 into a viewing configuration.
  • Roll is defined as rotation about a longitudinal axis of the display element
  • pitch is defined as rotation about a transverse axis
  • yaw is defined as rotation about a normal axis.
  • a user can adjust the viewing angle of the display module 12 by rotation about the second rotation axis 18, causing the display module 12 to roll about that axis 18 ( Figure 3).
  • height adjustment of the display module 12 above the keypad module 14 is not satisfactory. This is because, although the display module 12 can be rotated about the first rotation axis 16, causing its height above the keypad module 14 to increase, the display module 12 is not able to yaw in order to compensate for the disrupted viewing angle.
  • the arrangement limits the user's ability to adjust the display in response to varying lighting conditions.
  • Figures 4 to 6 show a known portable electronic device 20 in which a display module 22 is movable with respect to a keypad module 24 via first and second perpendicular rotation axes 26, 28.
  • the first rotation axis 26 allows the display and keypad modules 22, 24 to rotate with respect to one another to define a clamshell arrangement.
  • the second rotation axis 28 is perpendicular to the first rotation axis 26 and lies parallel with a normal axis of the display module 22.
  • a user can adjust the viewing angle of the display module 22 by rotation about the second rotation axis 28, causing the display module 22 to yaw. Again, height adjustment of the display module 22 above the keypad module 24 is not satisfactory.
  • the display module 22 can be rotated about the first rotation axis 26, causing its height above the keypad module 24 to increase, the display module 22 is not able to roll in order to compensate for the disrupted viewing angle.
  • Figures 7 to 12 show a portable electronic device 100 including a first module 102, a second module 104 and an interconnecting element 106 in the form of an H-shaped frame.
  • the interconnecting element 106 comprises connecting circuitry (not shown) arranged for electrically connecting the first and second modules 102, 104.
  • the first module 102 is a display module including a display element 112.
  • the second module 104 is a keypad module including a user input (e.g. a keypad, not shown).
  • the first module 102 extends along a first plane 108 and the second module 104 extends along a second plane 110.
  • the first and second planes are shown as the surfaces of the modules 102, 104. In other embodiments, the first and second planes could be internal (e.g. central) to the modules 102, 104.
  • the interconnecting element 106 interconnects the first and second modules 102, 104 together about respective first and second parallel interconnection axes 114, 116.
  • the first module 102 and the interconnecting element 106 are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the first module 102 about the first interconnection axis 114.
  • the second module 104 and the interconnecting element 106 are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the second module 104 about the second interconnection axis 116.
  • Each of the first and second modules 102, 104 is rotatable through 360° about its interconnection axis 114, 116.
  • the interconnecting element 106 includes two pairs of opposing bosses, for example that designated by the numeral 118.
  • a first pair of opposing bosses 118 is arranged around the first interconnection axis 114 and a second pair of opposing bosses 118 is arranged around the second interconnection axis 116.
  • the bosses 118 act as journals for rotation within corresponding holes (not shown) acting as plain bearings in the first and second modules 102, 104.
  • the relative positions of the first and second planes 108, 110 provide first and second device configurations.
  • the first device configuration is provided by the first and second planes 108, 110 being substantially in the same plane, as shown in Figure 10.
  • the electronic device 100 resembles a monoblock form factor in the first configuration, and is optimised for conventional mobile telephony applications including making and receiving telephone calls, sending and receiving text messages and carrying in a pocket.
  • the second configuration is provided by the first and second planes 108, 110 being in substantially different planes, as shown in Figure 11.
  • the second module 104 serves as a base for the electronic device 100.
  • the electronic device 100 can be optimised for use as a viewer (e.g. to view video images), and allows a user to adjust the height and viewing angle of the display element 112 by manipulation of the first and second modules 102, 104 about their respective interconnection axes 114, 116.
  • the electronic device 100 includes latching detent elements (not shown) arranged to releasably latch detent each of the first and second modules 102, 104 in the first device configuration. Latching/detent elements may also be provided to hold the modules 102, 104 in a number of fixed configurations. For example, to define a number of preset viewing/use "second" configurations.
  • the first module 102 includes a second display element on the reverse side to the first display element 112, such that 180° rotation of the first module 102 about the first interconnection axis 114 reveals the second display element.
  • the second module 104 may comprise user input elements one more than one face parallel to the second plane 110.
  • the first and second modules 102, 104 may both comprise user interface elements (for input and/or output) in various combinations. These may be on more than one face parallel to the planes 108, 110.

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable electronic device. A portable electronic device comprising a first module arranged to extend along a first plane, a second module arranged to extend along a second plane, and an interconnecting element for interconnecting the first and second modules together via the interconnecting element about respective first and second parallel interconnection axes, the relative positions of the first and second planes providing first and second device configurations, wherein the first module and the interconnecting element are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the first module about the first interconnection axis, the second module and the interconnecting element are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the second module about the second interconnection axis, and wherein the first device configuration is provided by the first and second planes being substantially in the same plane, and the second configuration is provided by the first and second planes being in substantially different planes.

Description

A PORTABLE AND FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE
The invention relates to a portable electronic device.
Background
Portable electronic devices are known to have a keypad module/housing and a display module/housing, the relative positions of which can be adjusted to define different configurations of the device.
The listing or discussion of a prior-published document in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.
Summary
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable electronic device comprising a first module arranged to extend along a first plane, a second module arranged to extend along a second plane, and an interconnecting element for interconnecting the first and second modules together via the interconnecting element about respective first and second parallel interconnection axes, the relative positions of the first and second planes providing first and second device configurations, wherein the first module and the interconnecting element are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the first module about the first interconnection axis, the second module and the interconnecting element are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the second module about the second interconnection axis, and wherein the first device configuration is provided by the first and second planes being substantially in the same plane, and the second configuration is provided by the first and second planes being in substantially different planes. In certain embodiments, the device when in the first configuration resembles a monoblock form factor optimised for certain uses (e.g. conventional mobile telephony applications), and when in the second configuration is optimised for viewing by allowing the user increased flexibility in adjustment of the viewing angle as compared with the prior art arrangements described herein. In particular, the use of parallel interconnection axes permits independent adjustment of both the viewing angle and height of a display element on the first module in relation to the second module, which serves as a base for the device.
The interconnecting element may comprise an H-shaped frame.
At least one of the first and second modules may be rotatable through at least 180° about its interconnection axis.
At least one of the first and second modules may be rotatable through 360° about its interconnection axis.
The electronic device may comprise one or more latching elements arranged to releasably latch at least one of the first and second modules in the first device configuration.
The interconnecting element may comprise connecting circuitry arranged for electrically connecting the first and second modules.
At least one of the first and second modules may comprise user-interface circuitry.
At least one of the first and second modules may comprise a display element.
At least one of the first and second modules may be arranged to serve as a base for the electronic device when in the second device configuration. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable electronic device comprising a first means for housing arranged to extend along a first plane, a second means for housing arranged to extend along a second plane, and means for interconnecting the first and second means for housing together about respective first and second parallel interconnection axes, the relative positions of the first and second planes providing first and second device configurations, wherein the first means for housing and the means for interconnecting the first and second means for housing are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the first means for housing about the first interconnection axis, the second means for housing and the means for interconnecting the first and second means for housing are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the second means for housing about the second interconnection axis, and wherein the first device configuration is provided by the first and second planes being substantially in the same plane, and the second configuration is provided by the first and second planes being in substantially different planes.
The present invention includes one or more aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation.
Brief Description of the Drawings
A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 shows a prior art electronic device in a first configuration;
Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 in a second configuration;
Figure 3 shows the device of Figure 1 in a third configuration;
Figure 4 shows another prior art electronic device in a first configuration;
Figure 5 shows the device of Figure 4 in a second configuration; Figure 6 shows the device of Figure 4 in a third configuration;
Figure 7 shows first and second modules of a portable electronic device;
Figure 8 shows an interconnecting element of a portable electronic device; Figure 9 shows the components of Figures 7 and 8 assembled to form the device in a first configuration;
Figure 10 shows the device of Figure 9 in a first configuration; Figures 11 and 12 show the device of Figure 9 in a second configuration.
Detailed Description
Figures 1 to 3 show a known portable electronic device 10 in which a display module 12 is movable with respect to a keypad module 14 via first and second perpendicular rotation axes 16, 18. The first rotation axis 16 allows the display and keypad modules 12, 14 to rotate with respect to one another to define a clamshell arrangement. The second rotation axis 18 is perpendicular to the first rotation axis 16 and lies parallel with a longitudinal axis of the keypad module 14 to allow the display module 12 to rotate away from the keypad module 14 into a viewing configuration.
The viewing angle of a display will be described herein using the terms roll, pitch and yaw. Roll is defined as rotation about a longitudinal axis of the display element, pitch is defined as rotation about a transverse axis and yaw is defined as rotation about a normal axis.
In the portable electronic device 10, a user can adjust the viewing angle of the display module 12 by rotation about the second rotation axis 18, causing the display module 12 to roll about that axis 18 (Figure 3). However, in this arrangement, height adjustment of the display module 12 above the keypad module 14 is not satisfactory. This is because, although the display module 12 can be rotated about the first rotation axis 16, causing its height above the keypad module 14 to increase, the display module 12 is not able to yaw in order to compensate for the disrupted viewing angle. The arrangement limits the user's ability to adjust the display in response to varying lighting conditions.
Figures 4 to 6 show a known portable electronic device 20 in which a display module 22 is movable with respect to a keypad module 24 via first and second perpendicular rotation axes 26, 28. The first rotation axis 26 allows the display and keypad modules 22, 24 to rotate with respect to one another to define a clamshell arrangement. The second rotation axis 28 is perpendicular to the first rotation axis 26 and lies parallel with a normal axis of the display module 22. A user can adjust the viewing angle of the display module 22 by rotation about the second rotation axis 28, causing the display module 22 to yaw. Again, height adjustment of the display module 22 above the keypad module 24 is not satisfactory. Although the display module 22 can be rotated about the first rotation axis 26, causing its height above the keypad module 24 to increase, the display module 22 is not able to roll in order to compensate for the disrupted viewing angle.
Figures 7 to 12 show a portable electronic device 100 including a first module 102, a second module 104 and an interconnecting element 106 in the form of an H-shaped frame. In this particular embodiment, the interconnecting element 106 comprises connecting circuitry (not shown) arranged for electrically connecting the first and second modules 102, 104.
The first module 102 is a display module including a display element 112. The second module 104 is a keypad module including a user input (e.g. a keypad, not shown). The first module 102 extends along a first plane 108 and the second module 104 extends along a second plane 110. In this embodiment, the first and second planes are shown as the surfaces of the modules 102, 104. In other embodiments, the first and second planes could be internal (e.g. central) to the modules 102, 104.
The interconnecting element 106 interconnects the first and second modules 102, 104 together about respective first and second parallel interconnection axes 114, 116. The first module 102 and the interconnecting element 106 are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the first module 102 about the first interconnection axis 114. The second module 104 and the interconnecting element 106 are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the second module 104 about the second interconnection axis 116. Each of the first and second modules 102, 104 is rotatable through 360° about its interconnection axis 114, 116.
As best seen in Figure 8, the interconnecting element 106 includes two pairs of opposing bosses, for example that designated by the numeral 118. A first pair of opposing bosses 118 is arranged around the first interconnection axis 114 and a second pair of opposing bosses 118 is arranged around the second interconnection axis 116. The bosses 118 act as journals for rotation within corresponding holes (not shown) acting as plain bearings in the first and second modules 102, 104.
In use, the relative positions of the first and second planes 108, 110 provide first and second device configurations.
The first device configuration is provided by the first and second planes 108, 110 being substantially in the same plane, as shown in Figure 10. In the embodiment shown, the electronic device 100 resembles a monoblock form factor in the first configuration, and is optimised for conventional mobile telephony applications including making and receiving telephone calls, sending and receiving text messages and carrying in a pocket.
The second configuration is provided by the first and second planes 108, 110 being in substantially different planes, as shown in Figure 11. As seen in Figure 11 , when in the second device configuration, the second module 104 serves as a base for the electronic device 100. In the second configuration, the electronic device 100 can be optimised for use as a viewer (e.g. to view video images), and allows a user to adjust the height and viewing angle of the display element 112 by manipulation of the first and second modules 102, 104 about their respective interconnection axes 114, 116. For example, rotation of the interconnection element 106 about the second interconnection axis 116 allows adjustment of the height of the display element 112 above the second module 104, while rotation of the first module 102 about the first interconnection axis 114 allows adjustment of the viewing angle (by rolling) of the display element 112. The electronic device 100 includes latching detent elements (not shown) arranged to releasably latch detent each of the first and second modules 102, 104 in the first device configuration. Latching/detent elements may also be provided to hold the modules 102, 104 in a number of fixed configurations. For example, to define a number of preset viewing/use "second" configurations.
In a variant, the first module 102 includes a second display element on the reverse side to the first display element 112, such that 180° rotation of the first module 102 about the first interconnection axis 114 reveals the second display element. Similarly, the second module 104 may comprise user input elements one more than one face parallel to the second plane 110. In other variants, the first and second modules 102, 104 may both comprise user interface elements (for input and/or output) in various combinations. These may be on more than one face parallel to the planes 108, 110.
The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.
While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. Furthermore, in the claims means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.

Claims

1. A portable electronic device comprising a first module arranged to extend along a first plane, a second module arranged to extend along a second plane, and an interconnecting element for interconnecting the first and second modules together via the interconnecting element about respective first and second parallel interconnection axes, the relative positions of the first and second planes providing first and second device configurations, wherein the first module and the interconnecting element are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the first module about the first interconnection axis, the second module and the interconnecting element are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the second module about the second interconnection axis, and wherein the first device configuration is provided by the first and second planes being substantially in the same plane, and the second configuration is provided by the first and second planes being in substantially different planes.
2. The electronic device of any preceding claim wherein the interconnecting element comprises an H-shaped frame.
3. The electronic device of any preceding claim wherein at least one of the first and second modules is rotatable through at least 180° about its interconnection axis.
4. The electronic device of any preceding claim wherein at least one of the first and second modules is rotatable through 360° about its interconnection axis.
5. The electronic device of any preceding claim comprising one or more latching elements arranged to releasably latch at least one of the first and second modules in the first device configuration.
6. The electronic device of any preceding claim wherein the interconnecting element comprises connecting circuitry arranged for electrically connecting the first and second modules.
7. The electronic device of any preceding claim wherein at least one of the first and second modules comprises user-interface circuitry.
8. The electronic device of any preceding claim wherein at least one of the first and second modules comprises a display element.
9. The electronic device of any preceding claim wherein at least one of the first and second modules is arranged to serve as a base for the electronic device when in the second device configuration.
10. A portable electronic device comprising a first means for housing arranged to extend along a first plane, a second means for housing arranged to extend along a second plane, and means for interconnecting the first and second means for housing together about respective first and second parallel interconnection axes, the relative positions of the first and second planes providing first and second device configurations, wherein the first means for housing and the means for interconnecting the first and second means for housing are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the first means for housing about the first interconnection axis, the second means for housing and the means for interconnecting the first and second means for housing are arranged to be interconnected to allow rotation of the second means for housing about the second interconnection axis, and wherein the first device configuration is provided by the first and second planes being substantially in the same plane, and the second configuration is provided by the first and second planes being in substantially different planes.
PCT/EP2006/010941 2006-11-14 2006-11-14 A portable and foldable electronic device WO2008058556A1 (en)

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Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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PCT/EP2006/010941 WO2008058556A1 (en) 2006-11-14 2006-11-14 A portable and foldable electronic device

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Cited By (2)

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US9052874B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2015-06-09 Nokia Technologies Oy Handheld device with a user interface
CN107329529A (en) * 2017-08-01 2017-11-07 合肥利元杰信息科技有限公司 A kind of computer display adjustment structure

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