Foldable computing device with counterbalance member

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to foldable computing devices and, more particularly, to a foldable computing device having a counterbalance member.

2. Description of Related Art

Generally, foldable electronic devices, such as notebook computers and DVD players, include a main body and a display rotatably connected to the main body by a shaft. If a user tips the display back too much (for example, 145 degrees or more), the device may tip over towards the display side.

It is desirable to provide a foldable computing device with a counterbalance member.

FIG. 3 is a partial, cutway view showing printed circuit board, a counterbalance member, and a bottom case staying in contact with each other.

The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the foldable computing device with a counterbalance member. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a foldable computing device with a counterbalance member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the structure of a main body of the foldable computing device in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a partial, cutaway view showing a printed circuit board, a counterbalance member, and a bottom case staying in contact with each other.

The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a foldable computing device 1 includes a main body 10 , a rotary member 20 , and a shaft 30 . The rotary member 20 is rotatably connected to the main body 10 by the shaft 30 . In the embodiment, the rotary member 20 is a display, and the device 1 is a notebook computer. In an alternate embodiment, the device 1 may be a DVD player, an electronic book, or other foldable device.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the main body 10 includes, from top to bottom, a top cover 101 , a printed circuit board (PCB) 102 , a counterbalance member 103 , and a bottom case 104 . The counterbalance member 103 has sheet like structure, is arranged between and stays in contact with the PCB 102 and the bottom case 104 (see FIG.3 ). The counterbalance member 103 can be made of material having excellent electrical conductivity, and can have substantially the same size as the PCB 102 in order to provide EMI shielding. In the embodiment, the counterbalance member 103 can be configured to have more of its weight distributed towards the front of the device 1 to better counteract tipping forces when the angle 0 between the rotary member 20 and the main body 10 is very large. The counterbalance member 103 can be made of iron, copper and the like and be more wedge-shaped with the thicker heavier part towards the front of the device 1 . Additionally, the counterbalance member 103 can conduct electrostatic charges on the PCB 102 to the bottom case 104 , and thus to ground. The electronic components on the PCB 102 are thus further protected.

Although the current disclosure has been specifically described on the basis of the exemplary embodiment thereof, the disclosure is not to be construed as being limited thereto. Various changes or modifications may be made to the embodiment without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.