Flexible heat dissipation hinge and electronic device

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application relates to a heat dissipation structure, and discloses a flexible heat dissipation hinge and electronic equipment. In the present application, the flexible heat dissipation hinge is applied to equipment with a foldable first shell and a second shell, and the flexible heat dissipation hinge comprises: a first fixed end and a second fixed end, the first fixed end is fixedly connected with the first shell, and the second fixed end is fixedly connected with the second shell; the first fixed end and the second fixed end are connected through a plurality of flow guide pipes, the end portions of the plurality of flow guide pipes are provided with pipe supports, the pipe supports are used for integrally fixing the plurality of flow guide pipes, so that the plurality of flow guide pipes integrally deform under the action of external force. When the first fixed end rotates relative to the second fixed end, the stress generated by the rotation can be evenly distributed to the plurality of flow guide pipes, the flow guide pipes are not easy to be damaged, the sealing effect of the flow guide pipes used for heat dissipation is improved without affecting the torsion function of the hinge, and the reliability of the flow guide pipes is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat dissipation structure, and more particularly to a flexible heat dissipation hinge and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] As electronic devices tend towards higher frequencies, higher speeds, and denser and smaller integrated circuits, the heat generated by electronic devices per unit volume is increasing. To prevent heat from affecting the quality and lifespan of electronic devices, it is necessary to equip high-performance electronic devices with heat dissipation devices.

[0003] However, as electronic devices are currently being developed with a focus on being thinner, lighter, and smaller, the traditional method of using fans for heat dissipation—which is bulky, noisy, and prone to bringing dust into the device—is gradually being phased out. For miniaturized electronic devices, heat pipes will be used to transfer the heat from the electronic components to the outside to achieve the purpose of heat dissipation.

[0004] The inventors discovered that the heat pipe cooling method has at least the following problems: When the heat pipe is combined with the hinge of electronic device, since the heat pipe is a rigid structure, a circumferentially rotatable dynamic seal is usually used, which relies on axial compression to seal the filling material inside the heat pipe. However, since the hinge structure is usually used frequently, the dynamic seal effect deteriorates with the increase of use. If the seal fails, it will not only lead to poor heat dissipation, but also lead to leakage of the heat transfer medium. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flexible heat dissipation hinge and electronic device that improves the sealing effect of the heat dissipation guide tube without affecting the hinge's torsional function.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a flexible heat dissipation hinge, applicable to a device having a foldable first housing and a second housing. The flexible heat dissipation hinge includes: a first fixed end and a second fixed end, the first fixed end being fixedly connected to the first housing, and the second fixed end being fixedly connected to the second housing; the first fixed end and the second fixed end are connected by a plurality of guide tubes, the ends of which are provided with tube supports, the tube supports being used to fix the plurality of guide tubes as a whole, so that the plurality of guide tubes deform as a whole under the action of external force.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention also provide an electronic device, comprising: a first housing and a second housing that can be folded relative to each other, and the aforementioned flexible heat dissipation hinges that are respectively fixedly connected to the first housing and the second housing.

[0008] Compared to existing technologies, the flexible heat dissipation hinge of this invention includes a first fixed end and a second fixed end. The first fixed end is fixedly connected to the first housing of the foldable device, and the second fixed end is fixedly connected to the second housing of the foldable device. When the first housing and the second housing of the foldable device move relative to each other, the first fixed end rotates relative to the second fixed end. Since the first and second fixed ends are connected by multiple guide tubes, and the ends of the multiple guide tubes are provided with tube supports, the tube supports are used to fix the multiple guide tubes as a whole, so that the multiple guide tubes deform as a whole under external force. When the first fixed end rotates relative to the second fixed end, the stress generated by the rotation can be evenly distributed to the multiple guide tubes, making the guide tubes less prone to damage. This improves the sealing effect of the heat dissipation guide tubes and enhances their reliability without affecting the hinge's torsional function.

[0009] In addition, the first fixed end includes: a plurality of first sealing tube male connectors, the number of which is the same as the number of guide tubes; the second fixed end includes: a plurality of second sealing tube male connectors, the number of which is the same as the number of guide tubes; the guide tube includes: a guide tube body and a first female connector and a second female connector located at the end of the guide tube body; the thread structure of the first sealing tube male connector has a one-to-one correspondence with the thread structure of the first female connector, and each first sealing tube male connector is threadedly connected to the corresponding first female connector; the thread structure of the second sealing tube male connector has a one-to-one correspondence with the thread structure of the second female connector, and each second sealing tube male connector is threadedly connected to the corresponding second female connector.

[0010] In addition, the threaded structures of both the first and second female connectors are located on the inner wall.

[0011] In addition, the first fixed end also includes: a first sleeve respectively fitted on each first sealing tube male connector, and a first bracket fixedly connected to all the first sealing tube male connectors, the first bracket being fixed on the side away from the threaded structure of the first sealing tube male connector; the second fixed end also includes: a second sleeve respectively fitted on each second sealing tube male connector, and a second bracket fixedly connected to all the second sealing tube male connectors, the second bracket being fixed on the side away from the threaded structure of the second sealing tube male connector.

[0012] In addition, the tube support, the first support, and the second support are all provided with multiple through holes, and the number of through holes provided on the tube support, the first support, and the second support is the same.

[0013] In addition, the multiple through holes on the tube support, the first support, and the second support are arranged in an array.

[0014] In addition, the guide tube also includes a first connecting pipe connecting the guide tube body to the first female connector, and a second connecting pipe connecting the guide tube body to the second female connector.

[0015] In addition, there are two tube supports, which are fixed at the junction of the main body of the guide tube and the first connecting tube, and at the junction of the main body of the guide tube and the second connecting tube, respectively. Attached Figure Description

[0016] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible heat dissipation hinge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first sealing pipe male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guide tube body according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first female connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first sealing tube male connector and the first female connector after assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the first fixed end according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first sleeve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the guide tube according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the pipe support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible heat dissipation hinge before torsion according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible heat dissipation hinge after twisting according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been presented in the various embodiments of the present invention to enable the reader to better understand this application. However, the technical solutions claimed in this application can be implemented even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments.

[0029] The division of the following embodiments is for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of the present invention. The various embodiments can be combined with and referenced by each other without contradiction.

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a flexible heat-dissipating hinge, applied to a device having a foldable first housing and a foldable second housing, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the flexible heat dissipation hinge includes: a first fixed end 1 and a second fixed end 2. The first fixed end 1 is fixedly connected to the first housing, and the second fixed end 2 is fixedly connected to the second housing. The first fixed end 1 and the second fixed end 2 are connected by multiple guide tubes 3. The ends of the multiple guide tubes 3 are provided with tube supports 4. The tube supports 4 are used to fix the multiple guide tubes 3 as a whole so that the multiple guide tubes deform as a whole under the action of external force.

[0031] In practical applications, the first fixed end 1 of the flexible heat dissipation hinge can be fixedly connected to the second housing of the foldable device, and the second fixed end 2 of the flexible heat dissipation hinge can be fixedly connected to the first housing of the foldable device. It is only necessary to ensure that the two fixed ends of the flexible heat dissipation hinge are respectively located on the two components of the foldable device that need to be folded; which fixed end needs to be fixed for each component is not limited here.

[0032] Compared to existing technologies, the flexible heat dissipation hinge of this invention includes a first fixed end and a second fixed end. The first fixed end is fixedly connected to the first housing of the foldable device, and the second fixed end is fixedly connected to the second housing of the foldable device. When the first housing and the second housing of the foldable device move relative to each other, the first fixed end rotates relative to the second fixed end. Since the first and second fixed ends are connected by multiple guide tubes, and the ends of the multiple guide tubes are provided with tube supports, the tube supports are used to fix the multiple guide tubes as a whole, so that the multiple guide tubes deform as a whole under external force. When the first fixed end rotates relative to the second fixed end, the stress generated by the rotation can be evenly distributed to the multiple guide tubes, making the guide tubes less prone to damage. This improves the sealing effect of the heat dissipation guide tubes and enhances their reliability without affecting the hinge's torsional function.

[0033] In this embodiment, as Figure 2As shown, the first fixed end includes: a plurality of first sealing tube male connectors 11, the number of which is the same as the number of guide tubes; similarly, the second fixed end includes: a plurality of second sealing tube male connectors, the number of which is the same as the number of guide tubes; the shape of the second sealing tube male connectors is approximately the same as the shape of the first sealing tube male connectors. Additionally, as... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the guide tube includes: a guide tube body 31 and a first female connector 32 and a second female connector located at the ends of the guide tube body 31; the shape of the second female connector is approximately the same as that of the first female connector. The thread structure of the first sealing tube male connector 11 corresponds one-to-one with the thread structure of the first female connector 32, and each first sealing tube male connector 11 is threadedly connected to the corresponding first female connector 32; the thread structure of the second sealing tube male connector corresponds one-to-one with the thread structure of the second female connector, and each second sealing tube male connector is threadedly connected to the corresponding second female connector.

[0034] like Figure 5 The diagram shows a schematic of the assembly of the first sealing male connector 11 and the first female connector 32. The threaded structures of both the first and second female connectors are located on their inner walls. During assembly, the threaded structure of the first sealing male connector 11 is screwed into the threaded structure of the first female connector 32, achieving a fixed connection between the two connectors. Similarly, the threaded structure of the second sealing male connector is screwed into the threaded structure of the second female connector, achieving a fixed connection between the two connectors.

[0035] Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 6 to 7 As shown, the first fixed end further includes: a first sleeve 12 respectively fitted onto each first sealing tube male connector 11, and a first bracket 14 fixedly connected to all the first sealing tube male connectors 11. The first bracket 14 is fixed on the side away from the threaded structure of the first sealing tube male connector 11. The first bracket 14 and the first sealing tube male connector 11 can be connected by a connecting pipe 15 to improve the sealing performance of the first sealing tube male connector 11.

[0036] Similarly, the second fixed end structure is similar to the first fixed end structure. The second fixed end includes: a second sleeve respectively fitted onto each second sealing tube male connector, and a second bracket fixedly connected to all second sealing tube male connectors. The second bracket is fixed on the side away from the threaded structure of the second sealing tube male connector. The second bracket and the second sealing tube male connector can also be connected via a connecting pipe to improve the sealing performance of the second sealing tube male connector.

[0037] The installation of the first and second sleeves can protect the male and female joints of the sealing pipe.

[0038] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the guide tube also includes a first connecting pipe 34 connecting the guide tube body 31 and the first female connector 32, and a second connecting pipe 35 connecting the guide tube body 31 and the second female connector 33. A fluid medium circulates within the guide tube. When the flexible heat dissipation hinge is connected to the electronic device, the flow direction of the fluid medium within the guide tube is from the heat-generating components in the electronic device to other locations. Taking a laptop as an example, the flow direction of the fluid medium within the guide tube is from the bottom surface where the laptop keyboard is located to the top surface where the laptop display is located, so as to transfer the heat dissipated by the multiple functional devices distributed on the bottom surface to the top surface, utilizing natural convection to dissipate heat from the fluid medium flowing to the top surface, thereby achieving a heat dissipation effect.

[0039] In addition, there are two pipe supports, one fixed at the junction of the main body 31 of the guide pipe and the first connecting pipe 34, and the other fixed at the junction of the main body 31 of the guide pipe and the second connecting pipe 35. The first female connector 32 is fixed to the pipe support 4 through the first connecting pipe 34, and the second female connector 33 is fixed to the pipe support 4 through the second connecting pipe 35 to ensure the sealing of the female connector when connected to the pipe.

[0040] In this embodiment of the invention, the tube support, the first support, and the second support are all provided with multiple through holes, and the number of through holes provided on the tube support, the first support, and the second support are the same, and the arrangement of the through holes is also the same, so as to ensure that the tubular structures in the flexible heat dissipation hinge do not squeeze each other, and that the guide tube in the flexible heat dissipation hinge does not deform in the non-torsional state, so as to ensure that the medium in the guide tube can circulate normally.

[0041] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, multiple through holes on the tube support, the first support, and the second support are arranged in an array. The density of the through holes can be designed according to the heat dissipation requirements of the electronic device. If the heat dissipation requirement is high, the density of the through holes will be increased, and more guide tubes will be set in the flexible heat dissipation hinge to achieve the heat dissipation function; conversely, if the heat dissipation requirement is low, the density of the through holes will be decreased, and fewer guide tubes will be set in the flexible heat dissipation hinge to achieve the heat dissipation function.

[0042] This invention, through a multi-tube bundle sealed hinge structure, can meet the opening and closing requirements of foldable devices such as laptops that require large opening angles. It can also conduct heat generated by various components within the device to other locations via a circulating fluid medium in the guide tubes, thus achieving heat dissipation. In this invention's flexible heat dissipation hinge, multiple guide tubes form a bundle, which can withstand extremely small-angle torsion and large-radius bending, ensuring that the static sealing structure remains reliable and effective even when the hinge's coaxial tubing is torn at angles exceeding 90°.

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention also relate to an electronic device, including: a first housing and a second housing that can be folded relative to each other, and the aforementioned flexible heat dissipation hinges respectively fixedly connected to the first housing and the second housing. When the first housing and the second housing are in a preset state, such as... Figure 10 As shown, none of the multiple airflow channels of the flexible heat dissipation hinge deform; the preset states include: a folded state, or a preset angle between the first and second housings. When the states of the first and second housings change, such as Figure 11 As shown, the movement or rotation of the housing causes a change in the posture of the fixed end on one side of the flexible heat dissipation hinge, which in turn causes the guide tube of the flexible heat dissipation hinge to twist and deform. Since the guide tube is made of flexible material and has a certain deformation capability, the flexible heat dissipation hinge will not affect the folding function of the electronic device. At the same time, the medium circulating in the guide tube can play a role in heat dissipation.

[0044] Furthermore, electronic devices include, but are not limited to, foldable devices such as laptops and tablets. The flexible heat dissipation hinge in this invention can be fixed not only between housings but also to two different components that undergo relative positional changes within a specific range.

[0045] The implementation details of the flexible heat dissipation hinge in this embodiment are consistent with those in the previous flexible heat dissipation hinge embodiments. The relevant technical details mentioned in the flexible heat dissipation hinge embodiments are still valid in this embodiment, and will not be repeated here to reduce repetition.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific embodiments for implementing the present invention, and in practical applications, various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible heat dissipating hinge, characterized in that, The flexible heat dissipation hinge, which is applied to a device having a foldable first housing and a second housing, includes: a first fixed end and a second fixed end, wherein the first fixed end is fixedly connected to the first housing and the second fixed end is fixedly connected to the second housing; The first fixed end and the second fixed end are connected by multiple guide tubes. The ends of the multiple guide tubes are provided with tube supports. The tube supports are used to fix the multiple guide tubes as a whole so that the multiple guide tubes deform as a whole under the action of external force. The first fixed end includes: a plurality of first sealing tube male connectors, the number of which is the same as the number of the guide tubes; the second fixed end includes: a plurality of second sealing tube male connectors, the number of which is the same as the number of the guide tubes; The guide tube includes: a guide tube body and a first female connector and a second female connector located at the ends of the guide tube body; the thread structure of the first sealing tube male connector has a one-to-one correspondence with the thread structure of the first female connector, and each first sealing tube male connector is threadedly connected to the corresponding first female connector; the thread structure of the second sealing tube male connector has a one-to-one correspondence with the thread structure of the second female connector, and each second sealing tube male connector is threadedly connected to the corresponding second female connector. The first fixed end further includes: a first bracket fixedly connected to all the first sealing tube male connectors, the first bracket being connected to the first sealing tube male connectors via a connecting pipe.

2. The flexible heat dissipation hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The threaded structures of both the first female connector and the second female connector are located on the inner wall.

3. The flexible heat dissipation hinge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first fixed end further includes: a first sleeve respectively fitted on each of the first sealing tube male connectors, and the first bracket is fixed on the side away from the threaded structure of the first sealing tube male connector; The second fixed end further includes: a second sleeve respectively fitted on each of the second sealing tube male connectors, and a second bracket fixedly connected to all the second sealing tube male connectors, the second bracket being fixed on the side away from the threaded structure of the second sealing tube male connector.

4. The flexible heat dissipation hinge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The tube support, the first support, and the second support are all provided with multiple through holes, and the number of through holes provided on the tube support, the first support, and the second support is the same.

5. The flexible heat dissipation hinge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The multiple through holes provided on the tube support, the first support, and the second support are arranged in an array.

6. The flexible heat dissipation hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide tube further includes a first connecting pipe connecting the guide tube body to the first female connector, and a second connecting pipe connecting the guide tube body to the second female connector.

7. The flexible heat dissipation hinge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of tube supports is two, which are respectively fixed at the junction of the main body of the guide tube and the first connecting tube, and fixed at the junction of the main body of the guide tube and the second connecting tube.

8. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: A first and second housing that can be folded relative to each other, and a flexible heat dissipation hinge as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 that is fixedly connected to the first and second housings respectively.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the first housing and the second housing are in a preset state, none of the plurality of flow guides of the flexible heat dissipation hinge will deform; wherein, the preset state includes: a folded state, or a preset angle between the first housing and the second housing.

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