electronic devices
By using a locking structure and a dual-axis hinge design, the flexible screen is prevented from folding when pulled out, thus solving the problems of scratches and device malfunctions when the flexible screen is closed and enabling stable use of electronic devices.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Flexible screens can easily cause scratches or malfunctions when closing electronic devices while in the extended state.
A locking structure is used to restrict the rotation of the first axis. Through the cooperation of the limiting connector and the elastic element, it is ensured that the flexible screen does not fold when it is pulled out. Combined with the dual-axis hinge, the predetermined trajectory movement is achieved.
This avoids scratches and malfunctions when the flexible screen is closed in the extended state, ensuring the normal operation of electronic devices.
Smart Images
Figure CN115599168B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to an electronic device. Background Technology
[0002] Electronic devices are frequently used by people. With the development of science and technology, more and more electronic devices are using flexible screens. When in use, flexible screens are usually pulled out by structural components to increase the display area. However, if the electronic device is closed while the flexible screen is in the pulled-out state, it is easy to cause scratches on the flexible screen or cause abnormal operation of the electronic device. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In view of the above, according to this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, the technical solution of which is as follows.
[0004] An electronic device, comprising:
[0005] first ontology;
[0006] The second body has a first part and a second part, the second part being slidable to be pulled out relative to the first part having an extended portion or retracted having a hidden portion;
[0007] A connecting device, connecting the first body and the first part; and
[0008] A flexible screen covers the first body and the first part, and when the second part slides out relative to the first part, it can cover the protruding part;
[0009] The first part is provided with a locking structure, and the connecting device has a first shaft connected to the first part. When the second part is retracted relative to the first part, the locking structure has a first state in which the first part can rotate with the first shaft to allow the second body to fold relative to the first body. When the second part is pulled out relative to the first part, the locking structure has a second state in which the locking structure restricts the rotation of the first shaft to prevent the second body from folding relative to the first body.
[0010] In one embodiment, a body connector is provided on the shaft end of the first shaft, and a slot is provided on the body connector; the locking structure includes a limiting connector and an elastic member corresponding to the limiting connector, the elastic member being able to engage the limiting connector with the slot or disengage the limiting connector from the slot. When the limiting connector is engaged with the slot, the first shaft is restricted from rotating; when the limiting connector is disengaged from the slot, the rotation restriction on the first shaft is released.
[0011] In one possible implementation, when the second part is retracted relative to the first part, the second part presses against the limiting connector to compress the elastic member, and the limiting connector disengages from the slot; when the second part is pulled out relative to the first part, the second part disengages from the limiting connector, and the limiting connector moves to engage with the slot under the rebound action of the elastic member.
[0012] In one embodiment, the locking structure further includes a limiting mounting member disposed on the first part. The limiting mounting member has a receiving groove. One end of the elastic member is disposed on the bottom wall of the receiving groove, and the other end is disposed on the limiting connector. The limiting connector is at least partially located in the receiving groove and can slide along the receiving groove.
[0013] In one embodiment, the connecting device further includes a second shaft disposed on the first body, and when the second body unfolds relative to the first body from a folded state to a first angular position, the second body rotates with the first shaft, and when the second body unfolds relative to the first body from the first angular position to a second angular position, the second body rotates about the second shaft.
[0014] In one possible implementation, when the second body is at a first angular position relative to the first body, the slot is in a position corresponding to the limiting connector.
[0015] In one embodiment, the limiting mounting member has a first connecting portion, which is sleeved on the first shaft and rotatably connected to the first shaft.
[0016] In one embodiment, the limiting mounting member further has a second connecting part, which is sleeved on the second shaft and rotatably connected to the second shaft.
[0017] In one embodiment, the body connector has a hinge portion and a plate-shaped portion. The hinge portion is fixedly connected to the first shaft by a locking structure, and the plate-shaped portion is fixedly disposed on the first portion.
[0018] In one embodiment, the locking structure includes:
[0019] The limiting connection portion disposed on the first axis; and
[0020] A limiting docking hole is provided on the hinge portion;
[0021] The relative movement between the main body connector and the first shaft is restricted by the cooperation between the limiting connection part and the limiting docking hole.
[0022] Based on the locking structure, this disclosure can restrict the rotation of the first axis to prevent the second body from folding relative to the first body when the second part of the second body is pulled out relative to the first part to drive the flexible screen out; when the second part is retracted relative to the first part, the locking of the first axis can be released so that the second body can fold relative to the first body.
[0023] The advantages and features of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0024] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this disclosure, are provided for understanding the disclosure. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings,
[0025] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an electronic device (in a folded state) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] Figure 2a This is a structural diagram of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure (in an unfolded state, with the second part retracted relative to the first part);
[0027] Figure 2b This is a structural diagram of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure (in an unfolded state, with the second part pulled out relative to the first part);
[0028] Figure 3 This is a partial view of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the connection means and locking structure;
[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Exploded view of the central locking structure;
[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the locking structure in its first state.
[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the locking structure in its second state;
[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 3 Structural diagram of the main body connector;
[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 3 A partial view of the first axis in the diagram;
[0034] Figure 9This is a simplified structural diagram of a connection device for an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure (the second body is extended to a first angle relative to the first body);
[0035] Figure 10 This is a simplified structural diagram of a connection device for an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure (the second body is extended to a second angle relative to the first body).
[0036] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:
[0037] 10. First body; 20. Second body; 22. Second part; 30. Connecting device; 31. First shaft; 32. Second shaft; 50. Locking structure; 51. Limiting connector; 511. First mating part; 512. Second mating part; 52. Elastic element; 53. Limiting mounting part; 531. Receiving groove; 532. First connecting part; 533. Second connecting part; 54. Pressure plate; 60. Body connector; 61. Slot; 62. Hinge part; 63. Plate-shaped part; 71. Limiting connector; 711. Flat edge; 72. Limiting mating hole; 721. Flat wall. Detailed Implementation
[0038] In the following description, numerous details are provided to enable a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following description merely illustrates alternative embodiments of this disclosure by way of example, and that this disclosure can be implemented without one or more of these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion with this disclosure, some technical features well-known in the art have not been described in detail.
[0039] The following combination Figures 1 to 10 The electronic devices described in the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail.
[0040] like Figure 1 , Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown, the electronic device includes a first body 10, a second body 20, a connecting device 30, and a flexible screen (not shown in the figure). The connecting device 30 connects the first body 10 and the second body 20, enabling the second body 20 and the first body 10 to be folded together (e.g., ...). Figure 1 As shown, at this time, the second body 20 and the first body 10 are in a folded state (i.e., the electronic device is in a folded state) or unfolded (e.g. Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown, at this time, the second body 20 and the first body 10 are in an unfolded state, that is, the electronic device is in an unfolded state.
[0041] In the embodiments disclosed herein, the structure of the electronic device is not limited. For example, the electronic device may be an all-in-one computer, a television, or a laptop computer.
[0042] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the structure of the first body 10 is not limited. For example, the first body 10 can be a block structure, or a plate structure, or a support structure with a base. Based on the base, the first body 10 can place electronic devices on a supporting surface, which can be a desktop or the ground.
[0043] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the second body 20 has a first portion (not marked in the figure) and a second portion 22. The second portion 22 is slidable to extend outward relative to the first portion or retract to retract relative to the first portion, having a protruding portion. Here, the second portion 22 and the first portion can be connected by a slide rail so that the second portion 22 can be extended or retracted relative to the first portion. The flexible screen covers the first body 10 and the first portion, and when the second portion 22 is slid out relative to the first portion, it can cover the protruding portion. That is, when the second portion 22 is slid out relative to the first portion, the flexible screen can be extended out along with the second portion 22, thereby expanding the display area.
[0044] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the structure of the connecting device 30 is not limited. For example, it can be a commonly used dual-axis hinge with a rotation limiting mechanism (or a rotation switching mechanism).
[0045] As an example, the first body 10 is located at the keyboard end of the laptop, and the second body 20 is located at the screen end of the laptop. The connecting device 30 enables the electronic device to open and close between a folded state and an unfolded state. Here, the first body 10 can be the D-shell of the laptop, and the second body 20 can be the A-shell of the laptop.
[0046] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, a locking structure 50 is provided on the first part, and the connecting device 30 adopts a common dual-axis hinge including a first axis 31 and a second axis 32. The first axis 31 is used to connect with the first part. When the second part 22 is retracted relative to the first part, the locking structure 50 has a first state. In the first state, the first part can rotate with the first axis 31 so that the second body 20 can be folded relative to the first body 10. When the second part 22 is pulled out relative to the first part, the locking structure 50 has a second state. In the second state, the locking structure 50 restricts the rotation of the first axis 31 to prevent the second body 20 from folding relative to the first body 10.
[0047] The electronic device of this embodiment is based on a locking structure 50. When the second part 22 of the second body 20 is pulled out relative to the first part to pull out the flexible screen, the first axis 31 can be restricted from rotating to prevent the second body 20 from folding relative to the first body 10. When the second part 22 is retracted relative to the first part, the locking of the first axis 31 can be released so that the second body 20 can fold relative to the first body 10. This avoids the problem of the flexible screen being scratched or the electronic device malfunctioning when the flexible screen closes the electronic device in the pulled-out state.
[0048] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the locking structure 50 is not directly connected to the first shaft 31 to restrict the rotation of the first shaft 31, but a body connector 60 is provided on the shaft end of the first shaft 31. Through the body connector 60, the first part is connected to the first shaft 31 as a whole, so that when the first shaft 31 rotates, the second body 20 can rotate with the first shaft 31, and when the first shaft 31 is restricted from rotating, the second body 20 is also restricted from rotating.
[0049] like Figure 7 As shown, to facilitate the locking structure 50 in restricting the rotation of the first shaft 31, a slot 61 is provided on the main body connector 60. Figure 4 As shown, the locking structure 50 includes a limiting connector 51 and an elastic member 52 corresponding to the limiting connector 51. The elastic member 52 can engage the limiting connector 51 with the slot 61 or disengage the limiting connector 51 from the slot 61. When the limiting connector 51 is engaged with the slot 61, the first shaft 31 is restricted from rotation (e.g., ...). Figure 6 When the limiting connector 51 disengages from the slot 61, the rotation restriction on the first shaft 31 is released (e.g., ...). Figure 5 The limiting connector 51 can be stepped in shape, for example, it may include a first mating part 511 and a second mating part 512. The projection of the first mating part 511 toward the second mating part 512 falls into the second mating part 512, and the first mating part 511 and the second mating part 512 are integrally formed. The elastic element 52 can be a spring, or a plastic part with elasticity, etc. Here, the locking and unlocking of the limiting connector 51 and the slot 61, and the disengagement of the limiting connector 51 from the slot 61 are mainly achieved through the deformation characteristics of the elastic element 52.
[0050] In one embodiment of this disclosure, when the second portion 22 is retracted relative to the first portion, the second portion 22 presses against the limiting connector 51 to compress the elastic member 52 (e.g., Figure 5As shown, at this time, the elastic element 52 is in a compressed state, and the limiting connector 51 is disengaged from the slot 61; when the second part 22 is pulled out relative to the first part, the second part 22 is disengaged from the limiting connector 51, and the limiting connector 51 is retracted under the elastic force of the elastic element 52 (as shown). Figure 6 As shown, at this time, the elastic element 52 is in its natural state and moves to engage with the slot 61.
[0051] See again Figure 4 The locking structure 50 also includes a limiting mounting member 53 disposed on the first part. The limiting mounting member 53 has a receiving groove 531. One end of the elastic member 52 is disposed on the bottom wall of the receiving groove 531, and the other end is disposed on the limiting connector 51. The limiting connector 51 is at least partially located within the receiving groove 531 and can slide along the receiving groove 531. In this way, by providing the receiving groove 531, the limiting connector 51 can slide on a specified path to smoothly achieve engagement or disengagement with the slot 61. When the limiting connector 51 has a first mating part 511 and a second mating part 512, the first mating part 511 is used to mate with the slot 61, and the second mating part 512 is used to mate with the receiving groove 531. Here, in order to prevent the second mating part 512 from coming out of the receiving groove 531 during the process of the limiting connector 51 moving to engage with the slot 61, a pressure plate 54 can be provided on the receiving groove 531. The pressure plate 54 has a hole through which the first mating part 511 can pass. By limiting the second mating part 512 with the pressure plate 54, the purpose of preventing the second mating part 512 from coming out of the receiving groove 531 can be achieved.
[0052] It should be understood that, as a dual-axis hinge, the connecting device 30 also includes a second axis 32, which is disposed on the first body 10. In one embodiment of this disclosure, when the second body 20 unfolds from a folded state to a first angular position relative to the first body 10, the second body 20 rotates with the first axis 31. When the second body 20 unfolds from the first angular position to a second angular position relative to the first body 10, the second body 20 rotates around the second axis 32. In this way, the electronic device can move along a predetermined trajectory during the opening process, preventing the flexible screen from undergoing abnormal deformation during the opening process.
[0053] Here, the electronic device can be made to move along a predetermined trajectory during the opening process by rotating a limiting mechanism, in conjunction with the reference. Figure 9 and Figure 10The unfolding process of the electronic device disclosed herein, the division of labor of the rotation of the first axis 31 and the second axis 32, and the opening and closing states of the electronic device are as follows: In the initial 0-degree state, the angle between the first body 10 and the second body 20 is 0 degrees, that is, the electronic device is in a folded state. The second body 20 is fixed to the first axis 31 via the body connector 60, and the first axis 31 can rotate around its own center line. When the electronic device is in the initial 0-degree state, it rotates by a first specified angle (e.g., 75 degrees). During the rotation from 0 degrees to 75 degrees, the second body 20 rotates 75 degrees around the center line of the first axis 31 (e.g., 75 degrees). Figure 9 When the electronic device is in the first angle (open 75 degrees) state, the card slot 61 rotates with the first shaft 31 to the position corresponding to the limiting connector 51, and the first shaft 31 is restricted from rotating around its center line; when the electronic device is in the first angle (open 75 degrees) state, and then rotates to the second specified angle (e.g., 60 degrees), during the rotation from 75 degrees to 135 degrees, the second body 20 and the first shaft 31 together rotate 60 degrees around the center line of the second shaft 32 (e.g., 60 degrees). Figure 10 The rotation limiting structure can adopt the common cam-slider structure, which will not be elaborated on here.
[0054] It should be noted that the above angle positions are for illustrative purposes only. In actual applications, the rotation switching position can be adjusted according to actual needs, but the rotation method and switching principle are basically the same, so we will not go into details here.
[0055] Since the flexible screen is typically pulled out to increase the display area after the electronic device is opened to the first angle, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the second body 20 is in the first angle position relative to the first body 10, the slot 61 is in the position corresponding to the limiting connector 51. In this way, after the electronic device is opened to the first angle, the rotation of the first axis 31 can be restricted to avoid scratches on the flexible screen or abnormal use of the electronic device caused by closing the electronic device.
[0056] See again Figure 4 In order to prevent the limiting mounting part 53 from affecting the opening of the electronic device and to ensure that the electronic device moves along a predetermined trajectory during the opening process, the limiting mounting part 53 has a first connecting part 532, which is sleeved on the first shaft 31 and rotatably connected to the first shaft 31.
[0057] Furthermore, the limiting mounting part 53 also has a second connecting part 533, which is sleeved on the second shaft 32 and rotatably connected to the second shaft 32.
[0058] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the body connector 60 has a hinge portion 62 and a plate-shaped portion 63. The hinge portion 62 is used to fix itself to the first shaft 31 on one hand, and to cooperate with the locking structure 50 on the other hand. Specifically, a slot 61 is engaged with the hinge portion 62, and the hinge portion 62 is fixedly connected to the first shaft 31 through the locking structure. The plate-shaped portion 63 is fixedly disposed on the first portion. In this way, the body connector 60 can be connected to the first shaft 31 as a whole, thereby enabling the second body 20 to be connected to the first shaft 31 as a whole.
[0059] Here, the locking structure may include a limiting connecting portion 71 and a limiting mating hole 72. The relative movement between the main body connector 60 and the first shaft 31 is restricted through the engagement of the limiting connecting portion 71 and the limiting mating hole 72. The limiting connecting portion 71 is disposed on the first shaft 31, or it may be a part of the first shaft 31. For example, the limiting connecting portion 71 can be formed by milling two opposing flat edges 711 at the end of the first shaft 31. The limiting mating hole 72 is disposed on the hinge portion 62, and the limiting mating hole 72 has a flat wall 721 corresponding to the flat edge 711.
[0060] It should be understood that the locking structure is not limited to the structure in which the limiting connection part 71 and the limiting docking hole 72 cooperate. Other methods, such as tight fit or fastener connection, are also feasible, as long as they can limit the relative movement between the main body connector 60 and the first shaft 31.
[0061] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.
[0062] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," and "above" are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship between one or more components or features shown in the figures and other components or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms include not only the orientation of the component as depicted in the figures but also different orientations during use or operation. For example, if the components in the figures are inverted as a whole, "above" or "above other components or features" will include cases where the component is "below" or "under" other components or features. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." Furthermore, these components or features may also be positioned at other different angles (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and this document intends to include all such cases.
[0063] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to limit the exemplary implementations according to this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or combinations thereof.
[0064] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this disclosure described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.
[0065] This disclosure has been described through the above embodiments; however, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this disclosure to the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this disclosure, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed by this disclosure. The scope of protection of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. An electronic device, comprising: first ontology; The second body has a first part and a second part, the second part being slidable to be pulled out relative to the first part having an extended portion or retracted having a hidden portion; A connecting device that connects the first body and the first part; as well as A flexible screen covers the first body and the first part, and when the second part slides out relative to the first part, it can cover the protruding part; The first part is provided with a locking structure, and the connecting device has a first shaft connected to the first part. When the second part is retracted relative to the first part, the locking structure has a first state in which the first part can rotate with the first shaft to allow the second body to fold relative to the first body. When the second part is pulled out relative to the first part, the locking structure has a second state in which the locking structure restricts the rotation of the first shaft to prevent the second body from folding relative to the first body.
2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a body connector is provided on the shaft end of the first shaft, and a slot is provided on the body connector; the locking structure includes a limiting connector and an elastic member corresponding to the limiting connector, the elastic member being able to engage the limiting connector with the slot or disengage the limiting connector from the slot; when the limiting connector engages with the slot, the first shaft is restricted from rotating; when the limiting connector disengages from the slot, the rotation restriction on the first shaft is released.
3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein when the second part is retracted relative to the first part, the second part presses against the limiting connector to compress the elastic member, and the limiting connector disengages from the slot; when the second part is withdrawn relative to the first part, the second part disengages from the limiting connector, and the limiting connector moves to engage with the slot under the rebound action of the elastic member.
4. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the locking structure further includes a limiting mounting member disposed on the first part, the limiting mounting member having a receiving groove, one end of the elastic member being disposed on the bottom wall of the receiving groove and the other end being disposed on the limiting connector, and the limiting connector being at least partially located within the receiving groove and capable of sliding along the receiving groove.
5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the connecting device further comprises a second shaft disposed on the first body, and when the second body unfolds relative to the first body from a folded state to a first angular position, the second body rotates with the first shaft, and when the second body unfolds relative to the first body from the first angular position to a second angular position, the second body rotates about the second shaft.
6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein when the second body is at a first angular position relative to the first body, the slot is at a position corresponding to the limiting connector.
7. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the limiting mounting member has a first connecting portion, the first connecting portion being sleeved on the first shaft and rotatably connected to the first shaft.
8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the limiting mounting member further comprises a second connecting portion, the second connecting portion being sleeved on the second shaft and rotatably connected to the second shaft.
9. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the body connector has a hinge portion and a plate-shaped portion, the hinge portion is fixedly connected to the first shaft by a locking structure, and the plate-shaped portion is fixedly disposed on the first portion.
10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the locking structure comprises: The limiting connection portion disposed on the first axis; and A limiting docking hole is provided on the hinge portion; The relative movement between the main body connector and the first shaft is restricted by the cooperation between the limiting connection part and the limiting docking hole.