electronic devices

Abstract

This disclosure provides an electronic device, including a first body, a second body, a support body, and a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism connects the first body and the second body. The hinge mechanism includes a bracket and a gear set disposed on the bracket. The first body is connected to the gear set via a first rotating shaft. The support body is connected to the gear set via a second rotating shaft. When the first body unfolds relative to the second body from a first angle to a second angle, the first body drives the support body to rotate from being attached to the first body to a supported state via the gear set, so that the support body supports the electronic device. During the process of the first body unfolding relative to the second body from the second angle to a third angle, the gear set interrupts the transmission between the first body and the support body, so that the support body remains in the supported state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of computers, and more particularly to an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Foldable electronic devices are easy to carry, but in some cases, when unfolded to a certain angle, the center of gravity shifts backward, causing the device to tip over. Providing support for the electronic device can solve this problem. The support components can be independent or integrated onto the device itself, but in both cases, the support components must be manually operated after the device is unfolded to maintain its stability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides an electronic device to at least solve the above-mentioned technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] According to this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, including a first body, a second body, a support body, and a hinge mechanism, wherein the hinge mechanism connects the first body and the second body and enables the first body and the second body to be folded or unfolded relative to each other.

[0005] The hinge mechanism includes a bracket and a gear set disposed on the bracket, and the first body is connected to the gear set through a first rotating shaft;

[0006] The support body is connected to the gear set via a second rotating shaft;

[0007] When the first body unfolds from a first angle to a second angle relative to the second body, the first body drives the support body to rotate from being attached to the first body to a supporting state through the gear set, so that the support body supports the electronic device.

[0008] During the process of the first body unfolding from the second angle to the third angle relative to the second body, the gear set interrupts the transmission between the first body and the support body, so that the support body remains in the supported state;

[0009] During the process of the first body folding relative to the second body from the third angle to the second angle, the gear set interrupts the transmission between the first body and the support body, so that the support body remains in the supported state;

[0010] When the first body is folded from the second angle to the first angle relative to the second body, the first body drives the support body to rotate from a supporting state to an attachment state through the gear set;

[0011] Between the first angle and the second angle, the rotational speed of the first body is less than the rotational speed of the support.

[0012] The first angle is greater than or equal to 0°, and the third angle is the maximum angle at which the first body unfolds relative to the second body.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first angle is greater than 0°;

[0014] During the process of the first body unfolding from 0° to the first angle relative to the second body, the gear set interrupts the transmission between the first body and the support body, and the support body is attached to the first body and rotates synchronously under the drive of the first body;

[0015] During the process of the first body folding relative to the second body from the first angle to 0°, the gear set interrupts the transmission between the first body and the support body. The support body is attached to the first body and rotates synchronously under the drive of the first body.

[0016] In one embodiment, the gear set includes:

[0017] An intermittent main gear, wherein the intermittent main gear includes a first toothed portion and a first hollow toothed portion in the circumferential direction;

[0018] An intermittent driven gear, which meshes with the intermittent master gear;

[0019] When the first body unfolds or folds relative to the second body between the first angle and the second angle, the first tooth meshes with the intermittent follower gear, so that the first body drives the support to rotate through the gear set;

[0020] When the first body is unfolded or folded relative to the second body outside the first angle and the second angle, the first hollow tooth portion engages with the intermittent follower gear to interrupt the transmission between the first body and the support body.

[0021] In one embodiment, the gear set further includes:

[0022] A locking gear, which is coaxially arranged with the intermittent driven gear;

[0023] One of the locking gear and the intermittent gear has a protrusion on one side and an arcuate groove on the other side, and the bottom of the arcuate groove has an axial through hole. A locking pin assembly is provided in the through hole. The locking pin assembly includes a locking pin that can slide along the through hole between a first position and a second position. The bracket has a locking hole.

[0024] The protrusion is disposed within the arc-shaped groove, and when the locking gear and the intermittent follower gear rotate relative to each other, the protrusion can slide along the arc-shaped groove;

[0025] When the first body unfolds from a first angle to a second angle relative to the second body, the intermittent main gear drives the intermittent driven gear to rotate. Under the action of the protrusion and the locking pin located at the first position, the intermittent driven gear drives the locking gear to rotate. When the through hole is opposite to the locking hole, under the action of the protrusion, the locking pin slides to the second position. In the second position, the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole to fix the locking gear. The intermittent driven gear rotates relative to the locking gear until the protrusion abuts against the end of the locking pin. The intermittent main gear rotates until the hollow tooth part engages with the intermittent driven gear.

[0026] In one embodiment, the transmission ratio of the gear set is determined by the ratio of the number of teeth of the gear connected to the second rotating shaft and the intermittent main gear.

[0027] In one embodiment, the gear set includes a first group and a second group, the number of gear shafts in the first group and the number of gear shafts in the second group are the same, the output gear of the first group is connected to the input gear of the second group through a transmission shaft, the first rotating shaft is drivenly connected to the input gear of the first group, and the second rotating shaft is drivenly connected to the output gear of the second group.

[0028] In one embodiment, the axis of the gears in the first group is coplanar with the axis of the gears in the second group; the intermittent main gear is the input gear of the second group.

[0029] In one embodiment, a magnetic structure is provided between the first body and the support, and the support is attached to the first body through the magnetic structure between 0° and the first angle.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the axis of the first rotating shaft is collinear with the axis of the second rotating shaft.

[0031] In one embodiment, the bracket is fixedly connected to the second body.

[0032] In the electronic device disclosed herein, the support rotates to a supported state as the electronic device unfolds, preventing the laptop from tipping over due to the center of gravity shifting backward after unfolding. No additional operation is required, making it convenient to use and providing a good user experience.

[0033] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated in the drawings by way of example and not limitation, in which:

[0035] In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 2 ;

[0038] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 3 ;

[0039] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 4 ;

[0040] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 5 ;

[0041] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 6 ;

[0042] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0043] Figure 8 A partially exploded structural diagram of a gear set in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0044] Figure 9 A perspective structural diagram of the locking gear in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure before locking is shown;

[0045] Figure 10 A perspective view of the locking structure of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 ;

[0046] Figure 11A perspective view of the locking structure of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 .

[0047] The following are the labels in the diagram: 1-First body, 11-Connecting part, 12-Expanding part, 13-Receiving groove, 2-Second body, 3-Hinge mechanism, 31-Bracket, 311-Locking hole, 312-Connecting plate, 32-Gear set, 321-First rotating shaft, 322-Second rotating shaft, 323-Intermittent main gear, 3231-First tooth, 3232-First hollow tooth, 324-Intermittent driven gear, 3241-Protrusion, 325-Locking gear, 3251-Arc-shaped groove, 326-First gear, 327-Second gear, 328-Third gear, 329-Fourth gear, 33-First group, 34-Second group, 35-Washer, 36-Locking pin, 37-Elastic element, 38-Drive shaft, 4-Support body, 5-First stroke. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0049] See Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure is shown where the first body 1 is completely folded relative to the second body 2. Figure 2 A schematic diagram is shown where the first body 1 is opened at a first angle relative to the second body 2, and at this time the support 4 is attached to the first body 1. Figure 3 A schematic diagram is shown showing the angle at which the first body 1 opens relative to the second body 2 between a first angle and a second angle, at which point the support 4 is away from the first body 1. Figure 4 A schematic diagram is shown showing the first body 1 opening at a second angle relative to the second body 2.

[0050] Figure 5A schematic diagram is shown where the first body 1 is opened relative to the second body 2 at a third angle. This disclosure provides an electronic device including a first body 1, a second body 2, a support 4, and a hinge mechanism 3. The hinge mechanism 3 connects the first body 1 and the second body 2, allowing the first body 1 and the second body 2 to fold or unfold relative to each other. The electronic device in this disclosure includes a laptop computer. Taking a laptop computer as an example, the first body 1 can be a display terminal, and the second body 2 can be a control terminal. The display terminal and the control terminal are connected by the hinge mechanism 3, thereby allowing the display terminal and the control terminal to fold or unfold relative to each other.

[0051] In this embodiment of the disclosure, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 The hinge mechanism 3 includes a bracket 31 and a gear set 32 ​​mounted on the bracket 31. The first body 1 is connected to the gear set 32 ​​via a first rotating shaft 321, and the support body 4 is connected to the gear set 32 ​​via a second rotating shaft 322. See also Figures 2 to 4 When the first body 1 unfolds relative to the second body 2 from a first angle to a second angle, the first body 1 drives the support body 4 through the gear set 32, causing the support body 4 to rotate from being attached to the first body 1 to a supporting state, so that the support body 4 supports the electronic device. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, during the process of the first body 1 unfolding relative to the second body 2 from a first angle to a second angle, the first body 1 drives the gear set 32 ​​to rotate through the first rotating shaft 321, the gear set 32 ​​drives the second rotating shaft 322 to rotate, and the support body 4 connected to the second rotating shaft 322 rotates accordingly. See [link to previous section] Figure 4 When the first body 1 unfolds to a second angle relative to the second body 2, the support body 4 rotates from being attached to the first body 1 to a supporting state. In the supporting state, the support body 4 can support the electronic device. For example, when the display end of a laptop unfolds to a second angle relative to the control end, the support body 4 rotates to the supporting state under the drive of the gear set 32. When the control end is placed on a supporting surface such as a desktop, the free end of the support body 4 rests on the desktop, supporting the laptop and preventing it from tipping over due to the center of gravity shifting backward after the laptop is opened. Since the support body 4 rotates to the supporting state as the electronic device unfolds, no additional operation is required, making it convenient to use and providing a good user experience.

[0052] During the use of the electronic device, the first body 1 needs to be extended to different angles relative to the second body 2 to adapt to different usage scenarios or habits. For example, in different situations, the first body 1 may need to be extended to 90°, 110°, 150°, or 170° relative to the second body 2. In order to enable the support body 4 to support the electronic device at commonly used extension angles, in some embodiments, see... Figure 5During the process of the first body 1 unfolding relative to the second body 2 from a second angle to a third angle, the gear set 32 ​​interrupts the transmission between the first body 1 and the support body 4, so that the support body 4 remains in a supported state. In this embodiment, during the process of the first body 1 unfolding relative to the second body 2 from a first angle to a second angle, the first body 1 drives the support body 4 to rotate to a supported state through the gear set 32. During the process of the first body 1 continuing to unfold relative to the second body 2 from the second angle to the third angle, the gear set 32 ​​disconnects the transmission between the first body 1 and the support body 4, so that the support body 4 can remain in a supported state, providing stable support for the electronic device and improving the user experience. The second angle can be, for example, 90°, 100°, 110°, etc., and can be determined according to different usage scenarios and usage habits, etc., which will not be elaborated here. Taking the second angle as 110° as an example, when the first body 1 unfolds to 110° relative to the second body 2, the support body 4 rotates to the support state. The support body 4 supports the electronic device placed on the table. As the first body 1 continues to unfold relative to the second body 2, the gear set 32 ​​disconnects the transmission between the first body 1 and the support body 4, so the support body 4 can remain in the support state and provide continuous and stable support for the electronic device.

[0053] In one embodiment, during the folding process of the first body 1 relative to the second body 2 from a third angle to a second angle, the gear set 32 ​​interrupts the transmission between the first body 1 and the support body 4, so that the support body 4 remains in a supported state. When the angle between the first body 1 and the second body 2 is between the second angle and the third angle, the gear set 32 ​​interrupts the transmission between the first body 1 and the support body 4. At this time, whether the first body 1 and the second body 2 are unfolded or folded together, the support body 4 maintains a supported state, allowing the user to freely adjust the opening angle of the first body 1 relative to the second body 2 within the range of the second angle and the third angle, and enabling the support body 4 to provide continuous and stable support for the electronic device.

[0054] In one embodiment, when the first body 1 is folded from a second angle to a first angle relative to the second body 2, the first body 1 drives the support body 4 to rotate from a supporting state to an attachment state via the gear set 32. After the first body 1 is folded to the second angle relative to the second body 2, during the process of continuing to fold from the second angle to the first angle, the gear set 32 ​​restores the transmission between the first body 1 and the support body 4, and the first body 1 drives the support body 4 to rotate from a supporting state to an attachment state via the gear set 32. When the support body 4 is attached to the first body 1, the support body 4 is in a retracted state, reducing the space occupied by the electronic device. As the electronic device is folded, the first body 1 drives the support body 4 to rotate from a supporting state to a retracted state via the gear set 32, without the need for additional operation.

[0055] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, between the first angle and the second angle, the rotational speed of the first body 1 is less than the rotational speed of the support 4, so that the first body 1 can drive the support 4 to switch between the storage state and the support state through the gear set 32.

[0056] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first angle can be greater than 0° or equal to 0°. When the first angle is equal to 0°, when the electronic device starts to unfold, the first body 1 drives the support body 4 to rotate through the gear set 32. Since the rotation speed of the support body 4 is greater than that of the first body 1, the support body 4 starts to move away from the first body 1 from being attached to the first body 1, and gradually rotates to the support state.

[0057] In this embodiment, the third angle can be the maximum angle at which the first body 1 unfolds relative to the second body 2. In a specific implementation, the third angle is 180°.

[0058] In one embodiment, when the first angle is greater than 0°, during the process of the first body 1 unfolding relative to the second body 2 from 0° to the first angle, the gear set 32 ​​interrupts the transmission between the first body 1 and the support body 4. The support body 4 is attached to the first body 1 and rotates synchronously under the drive of the first body 1. Before the first body 1 unfolds relative to the second body 2 to the first angle, the first body 1 and the support body 4 cannot be transmitted through the gear set 32. Since the support body 4 is attached to the first body 1, when the first body 1 rotates relative to the second body 2, the support body 4 will rotate synchronously, keeping the support body 4 attached to the first body 1 and preventing the support body 4 from unfolding relative to the first body 1 between the first angle and 0°.

[0059] In one embodiment, during the process of the first body 1 folding relative to the second body 2 from a first angle to 0°, the gear set 32 ​​interrupts the transmission between the first body 1 and the support body 4. The support body 4 is attached to the first body 1 and rotates synchronously under the drive of the first body 1.

[0060] In this embodiment, when the angle between the first body 1 and the second body 2 is between a first angle and a second angle, the first body 1 can drive the support body 4 to rotate via the gear set 32, and the rotation speed of the support body 4 is greater than the rotation speed of the first body 1, so that the support body 4 can switch between a retracted state and a supported state. In the retracted state, the support body 4 is attached to the first body 1; in the supported state, the support body 4 supports the electronic device. When the angle between the first body 1 and the second body 2 exceeds the range of the first angle to the second angle, the gear set 32 ​​interrupts the transmission between the first body 1 and the support body 4, and the support body 4 remains in either the retracted state or the supported state. For example, when the angle between the first body 1 and the second body 2 is greater than the second angle, the rotation of the first body 1 relative to the second body 2 cannot be transmitted to the support body 4 via the gear set 32, and the support body 4 remains in the supported state. When the angle between the first body 1 and the second body 2 is less than the first angle, the rotation of the first body 1 relative to the second body 2 cannot be transmitted to the support body 4 via the gear set 32, and the support body 4 is attached to the first body 1 and remains in the retracted state. The support body 4 can support or store electronic devices in contact with the first body 1 by rotating the first body 1 relative to the second body 2, which is simple and convenient.

[0061] In one embodiment, the first body 1 is a foldable structure. Specifically, the first body 1 includes a connecting part 11 and an unfolding part 12, which can be folded or unfolded relative to each other. Taking a laptop as an example, the first body 1 is the display end. When the connecting part 11 and the unfolding part 12 are folded, the size of the electronic device can be reduced, making it easier to carry. When the connecting part 11 and the unfolding part 12 are unfolded, the display size of the electronic device can be increased.

[0062] In one possible implementation, see Figure 4 The first body 1 may be provided with a receiving groove 13. When the support body 4 is attached to the first body 1, the support body 4 is located in the receiving groove 13, which can keep the surface of the electronic device flat.

[0063] In one possible implementation, see Figure 7 The gear set 32 ​​includes an intermittent main gear 323 and an intermittent driven gear 324. When the angle between the first body 1 and the second body 2 is between a first angle and a second angle, the intermittent main gear 323 and the intermittent driven gear 324 mesh with each other, and the first body 1 can drive the support body 4 to rotate through the gear set 32. When the angle between the first body 1 and the second body 2 is outside the range of the first angle and the second angle, the intermittent main gear 323 and the intermittent driven gear 324 do not mesh with each other, the gear set 32 ​​interrupts the transmission between the first body 1 and the support body 4, and the first body 1 cannot drive the support body 4 to rotate through the gear set 32.

[0064] In one possible implementation, see Figure 7When the intermittent main gear 323 is close to the first rotating shaft 321 and the intermittent driven gear 324 is close to the second rotating shaft 322, when the first body 1 drives the support body 4 to rotate through the gear set 32, the intermittent main gear 323 drives the intermittent driven gear 324 to rotate.

[0065] In one possible implementation, see Figure 8 The intermittent main gear 323 includes a first toothed portion 3231 and a first hollow toothed portion 3232 in the circumferential direction. The intermittent driven gear 324 engages with the intermittent main gear 323. When the first body 1 is unfolded or folded relative to the second body 2 between a first angle and a second angle, the first toothed portion 3231 engages with the intermittent driven gear 324, causing the first body 1 to drive the support body 4 to rotate via the gear set 32. When the first body 1 is unfolded or folded relative to the second body 2 outside the first angle and the second angle, the first hollow toothed portion 3232 engages with the intermittent driven gear 324, causing the gear set 32 ​​to interrupt the transmission between the first body 1 and the support body 4. Since the first hollow toothed portion 3232 has no teeth, when the first hollow toothed portion 3232 engages with the intermittent driven gear 324, the two cannot transmit power, thereby interrupting the transmission between the first body 1 and the support body 4.

[0066] In one embodiment, the intermittent driven gear 324 may include a second toothed portion and a second hollow toothed portion in the circumferential direction, while the intermittent main gear 323 is a full gear. The intermittent transmission of the gear set 32 ​​is achieved through the cooperation of the second toothed portion and the second hollow toothed portion with the intermittent main gear 323, which will not be described in detail here.

[0067] In this embodiment, the intermittent main gear 323 and the intermittent driven gear 324 cooperate to achieve transmission or interruption of the gear set 32, which is not limited to a structure in which the intermittent main gear 323 or the intermittent driven gear 324 has teeth spaced apart. Alternatively, one of the intermittent main gear 323 and the intermittent driven gear 324 can reciprocate axially with rotation, thereby achieving intermittent transmission by meshing or disengaging the intermittent main gear 323 and the intermittent driven gear 324.

[0068] In one possible implementation, see Figures 8 to 10 The gear set 32 ​​also includes a locking gear 325, which is coaxially arranged with the intermittent driven gear 324. One of the locking gear 325 and the intermittent driven gear 324 has a protrusion 3241 on one side, and the other has an arcuate groove 3251 on the other side. The bottom of the arcuate groove 3251 has an axial through hole, and a locking pin assembly is provided in the through hole. The locking pin assembly includes a locking pin 36 that can slide along the through hole between a first position and a second position. The bracket 31 has a locking hole 311. The protrusion 3241 is located in the arcuate groove 3251, and when the locking gear 325 and the intermittent driven gear 324 rotate relative to each other, the protrusion 3241 can slide along the arcuate groove 3251. Figure 9A perspective view of the structure before the locking gear 325 is locked relative to the bracket 31 is shown. During the process of the first body 1 unfolding from the first angle to the second angle relative to the second body 2, the intermittent main gear 323 drives the intermittent slave gear 324 to rotate, and under the action of the protrusion 3241 and the locking pin 36 located in the first position, the intermittent slave gear 324 drives the locking gear 325 to rotate. Figure 10 A perspective view of the structure when the locking gear 325 is locked relative to the bracket 31 is shown. When the through hole is opposite to the locking hole 311, the locking pin 36 slides to the second position under the action of the protrusion 3241. In the second position, the locking pin 36 is inserted into the locking hole 311 to fix the locking gear 325. The intermittent driven gear 324 rotates relative to the locking gear 325 until the protrusion 3241 abuts against the end of the locking pin 36. The intermittent master gear 323 rotates to the hollow tooth part to cooperate with the intermittent driven gear 324.

[0069] See Figures 8 to 10 Taking the example of an arc-shaped groove 3251 on the locking gear 325 and a protrusion 3241 on the intermittent driven gear 324, during the process of the first body 1 unfolding from the first angle to the second angle relative to the second body 2, the first tooth 3231 of the intermittent master gear 323 meshes with the intermittent driven gear 324, thereby driving the intermittent driven gear 324 to rotate. The protrusion 3241 abuts against the locking pin 36, thereby causing the locking gear 325 and the intermittent driven gear 324 to rotate synchronously. The first body 1 drives the support body 4 to rotate through the gear set 32. When the locking gear 325 rotates to the point where the locking pin 36 is opposite to the locking hole 311, the axial force of the protrusion 3241 on the locking pin 36 causes the locking pin 36 to move axially and insert into the locking hole 311, thereby locking the locking gear 325 relative to the bracket 31. The locking gear 325 cannot rotate. At this time, the first body 1 unfolds to the second angle relative to the second body 2, and the support body 4 rotates to the support state.

[0070] At least one of the protrusion 3241 and the locking pin 36 is provided with a bevel to provide an axial force for the locking pin 36 to insert into the locking hole 311. Before the locking pin 36 is inserted into the locking hole 311, the beveled portion of the protrusion 3241 acts on the end of the locking pin 36. When the locking pin 36 is opposite the locking hole 311, as the protrusion 3241 and the locking pin 36 move relative to each other, the bevel on the protrusion 3241 pushes the locking pin 36 into the locking hole 311. The end of the protrusion 3241 may include a bevel and a flat surface. After the bevel pushes the locking pin 36 into the locking hole 311, the flat surface of the end of the protrusion 3241 abuts against the end of the locking pin 36.

[0071] See Figure 11 , Figure 11A partial perspective view of the structure when the locking gear 325 is locked to the bracket 31 is shown. In one embodiment, when the locking pin 36 is inserted into the locking hole 311, the protrusion 3241 still has a first stroke 5 distance from one end of the arc-shaped groove 3251, allowing the intermittent driven gear 324 to continue rotating relative to the locking gear 325 for the first stroke 5 distance. Setting the first stroke 5 distance ensures that the intermittent master gear 323 can switch from the engagement of the first tooth 3231 with the intermittent driven gear 324 to the engagement of the first empty tooth 3232 with the intermittent driven gear 324, thereby avoiding the inability to smoothly switch from the engagement of the first tooth 3231 with the intermittent driven gear 324 to the engagement of the first empty tooth 3232 with the intermittent driven gear 324 due to errors in design, manufacturing, assembly, etc.

[0072] When the first body 1 is extended beyond the second body 2 by more than the second angle, the first empty tooth 3232 of the intermittent main gear 323 engages with the intermittent driven gear 324. The rotation of the first body 1 will not drive the intermittent driven gear 324 and the gears that follow it to rotate. Therefore, when the user adjusts the angle between the first body 1 and the second body 2 within the range of the second angle to the third angle, the support body 4 can remain in the support state and provide continuous and stable support for the electronic device.

[0073] During the folding process of the first body 1 relative to the second body 2, within the range of the third angle to the second angle, the support body 4 remains in a supported state because the first tooth 3232 of the intermittent main gear 323 engages with the intermittent driven gear 324. When the first body 1 is folded relative to the second body 2 to the second angle, the first tooth 3231 of the intermittent main gear 323 meshes with the intermittent driven gear 324, and the intermittent driven gear 324 rotates accordingly. The protrusion 3241 moves along the arc-shaped groove 3251, releasing the axial force acting on the locking pin 36. The locking pin 36 can then be reset axially and disengaged from the locking hole 311. The protrusion 3241 acts on the inner wall of the arc-shaped groove 3251, causing the locking gear 325 to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the support body 4 to rotate and gradually move closer to the first body 1. When the first body 1 is folded relative to the second body 2 to the first angle, the support body 4 adheres to the first body 1.

[0074] See Figure 9 and Figure 10The force for the locking pin 36 to return axially can be provided by the elastic element 37. The locking pin assembly may include the elastic element 37, which is used to provide the force for the locking pin 36 to return axially. The elastic element 37 is disposed in the through hole and can be a spring. The spring is sleeved on the locking pin 36, with one end of the spring acting on the locking pin 36 and the other end acting on the inner wall of the through hole. Specifically, the inner wall of the through hole may be provided with a boss to act on the end of the spring. When the locking pin 36 is inserted into the locking hole 311, the spring is compressed. After the protrusion 3241 moves away from the end of the locking pin 36, the force provided by the compressed spring enables the locking pin 36 to return axially.

[0075] When the first angle is greater than 0°, the first body 1 continues to fold relative to the second body 2 from the first angle. At this time, the support body 4 is attached to the first body 1. The intermittent main gear 323 rotates from the first tooth 3231 meshing with the intermittent driven gear 324 to the first empty tooth 3232 engaging with the intermittent driven gear 324. The gear set 32 ​​interrupts the transmission between the first body 1 and the support body 4. During the process of the first body 1 folding relative to the second body 2 from the first angle to 0°, the first body 1 directly drives the support body 4 to rotate synchronously.

[0076] When the first angle is greater than 0°, during the process of the first body 1 unfolding from 0° to the first angle relative to the second body 2, the first empty tooth 3232 of the intermittent main gear 323 engages with the intermittent driven gear 324, and the gear set 32 ​​interrupts the transmission between the first body 1 and the support body 4. Since the support body 4 is attached to the first body 1, the first body 1 will push the support body 4 to rotate synchronously during the process. When the first body 1 unfolds to the first angle relative to the second body 2 and continues to unfold, the intermittent main gear 323 rotates until the first tooth 3231 meshes with the intermittent driven gear 324, and the first body 1 drives the support body 4 to rotate through the gear set 32.

[0077] Between 0° and the first angle, when the first body 1 is unfolded or folded relative to the second body 2, the rotation of the first body 1 is transmitted to the gear set 32 ​​through the first rotating shaft 321, and then to the intermittent main gear 323 in sequence. The rotation of the support body 4 is transmitted to the gear set 32 ​​through the second rotating shaft 322, and then to the intermittent driven gear 324 in sequence. Since the first empty tooth portion 3232 of the intermittent main gear 323 is engaged with the intermittent driven gear 324, the transmission between the intermittent main gear 323 and the intermittent driven gear 324 is cut off.

[0078] In one embodiment, a magnetic structure is provided between the first body 1 and the support 4. Between 0° and a first angle, the support 4 is attached to the first body 1 through the magnetic structure. Under the action of magnetic force, as the first body 1 folds relative to the second body 2 from the first angle to 0°, the support 4 can rotate synchronously with the first body 1.

[0079] Of course, a snap-fit ​​structure can also be provided between the support body 4 and the first body 1. When the support body 4 is attached to the first body 1, the support body 4 and the first body 1 are snap-fitted together, so that the support body 4 can rotate synchronously with the first body 1 during the process of the first body 1 folding from the first angle to 0° relative to the second body 2.

[0080] When the first body 1 unfolds beyond the first angle relative to the second body 2, the rotational speed of the support body 4 is greater than that of the first body 1 due to the transmission of the gear set 32. This allows the support body 4 to overcome the force that causes it to adhere to the first body 1, detach from the first body 1, and rotate to the supported state. The force that causes the support body 4 to adhere to the first body 1 includes the aforementioned magnetic force or the frictional force of engagement.

[0081] In one embodiment, the gear ratio of the gear set 32 ​​can be determined based on the specific values ​​of the first angle and the second angle, as well as the length of the support body 4. In an exemplary embodiment, the first angle is 70° and the second angle is 110°. During the 40° stroke from 70° to 110°, the support body 4 needs to rotate at least 110° from opening at 70° to its free end touching the table. Of course, the specific angle required for rotation is also related to the length of the support body 4. In a specific embodiment, the gear ratio of the gear set 32 ​​is 7:11. The gear ratio of the gear set 32 ​​can be determined by some of the gears. For example, the gear ratio of the gear set 32 ​​can be determined by the number of teeth of the gear directly connected to the second rotating shaft 322 to the intermittent main gear 323. In a specific implementation, the gear ratio of the gear set 32 ​​can be determined by the ratio of the number of teeth of the gear directly connected to the second rotating shaft 322 and the intermittent main gear 323. By setting the gear ratio of the gear set 32, when the first body 1 drives the support body 4 to rotate through the gear set 32, the support body 4 can rotate at a faster speed than the first body 1.

[0082] In one possible implementation, see Figure 7 The gear set 32 ​​includes a first group 33 and a second group 34. The number of gear shafts in the first group 33 is the same as the number of gear shafts in the second group 34. The output gear of the first group 33 and the input gear of the second group 34 are connected by a transmission shaft 38. A first rotating shaft 321 is driven by the input gear of the first group 33, and a second rotating shaft 322 is driven by the output gear of the second group 34. In this embodiment, each gear of the gear set 32 ​​is mounted on a bracket 31 via a gear shaft. For ease of description, the gear shaft shared by the output gear of the first group 33 and the input gear of the second group 34 is referred to as the transmission shaft 38. The first rotating shaft 321 and the second rotating shaft 322 can each serve as a gear shaft, with the corresponding gear mounted on the bracket 31. For example, the input gear of the first group 33 is mounted on the bracket 31 via the first rotating shaft 321, and the output gear of the second group 34 is mounted on the bracket 31 via the second rotating shaft 322.

[0083] In this embodiment, the number of gear shafts in the hinge mechanism 3 can be determined according to specific circumstances. In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge mechanism 3 has five gear shafts. Other gear shafts may be located on the same side of the drive shaft 38.

[0084] In one embodiment, the bracket 31 includes two sets of fixing plates, each set of fixing plates including two parallel fixing plates, with the gears of the first group 33 and the gears of the second group 34 respectively disposed between the sets of fixing plates. A connecting plate 312 is connected between the two sets of fixing plates, and the connecting plate 312 is used to connect to the second body 2.

[0085] In one embodiment, the gear set 32 ​​includes a first gear 326, a second gear 327, a third gear 328, an intermittent main gear 323, an intermittent driven gear 324, a locking gear 325, and a fourth gear 329. The first gear 326, the second gear 327, and the third gear 328 constitute a first group 33, and the intermittent main gear 323, the intermittent driven gear 324, the locking gear 325, and the fourth gear 329 constitute a second group 34. The first gear 326 serves as the input gear of the first group 33 and is connected to the first rotating shaft 321. The third gear 328 serves as the output gear of the first group 33 and is connected to the intermittent main gear 323 of the second group 34 via a transmission shaft 38. The fourth gear 329 serves as the output gear of the second group 34 and is connected to the second rotating shaft 322.

[0086] During the process of the first body 1 unfolding from 0° to the first angle relative to the second body 2, the first empty tooth 3232 of the intermittent main gear 323 engages with the intermittent driven gear 324. The first body 1 drives the first gear 326, the second gear 327 and the third gear 328 to rotate in sequence through the first rotating shaft 321. The third gear 328 drives the intermittent main gear 323 to rotate synchronously through the transmission shaft 38. The support body 4 attached to the first body 1 rotates synchronously under the push of the first body 1. The support body 4 drives the fourth gear 329, the locking gear 325 and the intermittent driven gear 324 to rotate in sequence through the second rotating shaft 322.

[0087] During the process of the first body 1 unfolding from a first angle to a second angle relative to the second body 2, the first tooth 3231 of the intermittent main gear 323 engages with the intermittent driven gear 324. The first body 1 drives the first gear 326, the second gear 327, the third gear 328, the intermittent main gear 323, the intermittent driven gear 324, the locking gear 325, and the fourth gear 329 to rotate sequentially via the first rotating shaft 321. The fourth gear 329 drives the support body 4 to rotate via the second rotating shaft 322. Due to the transmission ratio of the gear set 32, the rotational speed of the support body 4 is greater than that of the first body 1. The support body 4 gradually moves away from the first body 1 and eventually rotates to the supporting state. During this process, the inclined surface of the protrusion 3241 on the intermittent driven gear 324 acts on the end of the locking pin 36, providing a force to rotate the locking gear 325 and an axial force to move the locking pin 36 axially. When the support body 4 rotates to...

[0088] During the process of the first body 1 unfolding from the second angle to the third angle relative to the second body 2, the first empty tooth 3232 of the intermittent main gear 323 engages with the intermittent driven gear 324. The first body 1 drives the first gear 326, the second gear 327 and the third gear 328 to rotate in sequence through the first rotating shaft 321. The third gear 328 drives the intermittent main gear 323 to rotate synchronously through the transmission shaft 38. The locking gear 325 is locked relative to the bracket 31 through the locking pin 36. The fourth gear 329, the locking gear 325 and the intermittent driven gear 324 remain relatively stationary, and the support body 4 remains in the supported state.

[0089] In one embodiment, a shim 35 is provided on the drive shaft 38 to provide friction, allowing the first body 1 and the second body 2 to be held at any open angle. The shim 35 may be disposed between the first group 33 and the second group 34 of the gear set 32.

[0090] In one embodiment, the axes of the gears in the first group 33 are coplanar with the axes of the gears in the second group 34; the intermittent main gear 323 is the input gear of the second group 34. The coplanarity of the gear axes allows the hinge mechanism 3 to have a smaller thickness.

[0091] Of course, the axes of each gear in the gear set 32 ​​are distributed on at least two planes, which can reduce the height of the hinge mechanism 3.

[0092] In one embodiment, the axis of the first rotating shaft 321 is collinear with the axis of the second rotating shaft 322.

[0093] In one embodiment, the bracket 31 is fixedly connected to the second body 2.

[0094] This disclosure provides a hinge mechanism 3, which is the hinge mechanism 3 in the above-mentioned electronic device.

[0095] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used to rearrange, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in this disclosure can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution disclosed in this disclosure can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0096] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0097] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising a first body, a second body, a support body and a hinge mechanism, the hinge mechanism connecting the first body and the second body for enabling the first body and the second body to be folded or unfolded relative to each other; the hinge mechanism comprising a bracket and a gear set arranged on the bracket, the first body being connected to the gear set through a first rotating shaft; the support body being connected to the gear set through a second rotating shaft; when the first body is unfolded relative to the second body from a first angle to a second angle, the first body drives the support body to rotate from being attached to the first body to a supporting state through the gear set, so that the support body supports the electronic device; during unfolding of the first body relative to the second body from the second angle to a third angle, the gear set interrupts the transmission between the first body and the support body, so that the support body remains in the supporting state; during folding of the first body relative to the second body from the third angle to the second angle, the gear set interrupts the transmission between the first body and the support body, so that the support body remains in the supporting state; when the first body is folded relative to the second body from the second angle to the first angle, the first body drives the support body to rotate from the supporting state to being attached to the first body through the gear set; between the first angle and the second angle, the rotating speed of the first body is less than the rotating speed of the support body; the third angle is the maximum angle at which the first body is unfolded relative to the second body; wherein the first angle is greater than 0°; during unfolding of the first body relative to the second body from 0° to the first angle, the gear set interrupts the transmission between the first body and the support body, the support body is attached to the first body and rotates synchronously under the driving of the first body; during folding of the first body relative to the second body from the first angle to 0°, the gear set interrupts the transmission between the first body and the support body, the support body is attached to the first body and rotates synchronously under the driving of the first body; wherein the gear set comprises: an intermittent main gear comprising a first tooth portion and a first toothless portion in the circumferential direction; an intermittent follower gear cooperating with the intermittent main gear; wherein when the first body is unfolded or folded relative to the second body between the first angle and the second angle, the first tooth portion is engaged with the intermittent follower gear, so that the first body drives the support body to rotate through the gear set; when the first body is unfolded or folded relative to the second body outside the first angle and the second angle, the first toothless portion cooperates with the intermittent follower gear, so that the gear set interrupts the transmission between the first body and the support body. the gear set further comprises: a locking gear coaxially arranged with the intermittent follower gear. ​ ​ wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, ​ ​ The side of one of the locking gear and the intermittent from gear is provided with a protrusion, the side of the other is provided with an arc-shaped groove, and the bottom of the arc-shaped groove is provided with an axial through hole, a locking pin assembly is arranged in the through hole, the locking pin assembly comprises a locking pin capable of sliding along the through hole between a first position and a second position, and the bracket is provided with a locking hole; The protrusion is arranged in the arc-shaped groove, and the protrusion can slide relative to the arc-shaped groove when the locking gear and the intermittent from gear rotate relative to each other; When the first body is unfolded from a first angle to a second angle relative to the second body, the intermittent main gear drives the intermittent from gear to rotate, and under the action of the protrusion and the locking pin located at the first position, the intermittent from gear drives the locking gear to rotate, the through hole is opposite to the locking hole, under the action of the protrusion, the locking pin slides to the second position, in the second position, the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole to fix the locking gear, the intermittent from gear rotates relative to the locking gear until the protrusion abuts against the end of the locking pin, and the intermittent main gear rotates to the empty tooth part cooperates with the intermittent from gear.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein, The gear ratio of the gear set is determined by the ratio of the number of teeth of the gear connected with the second rotating shaft and the intermittent main gear.

4. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein, The gear set comprises a first group and a second group, the number of gear shafts of the first group is the same as the number of gear shafts of the second group, the output gear of the first group is connected with the input gear of the second group through a transmission shaft, the first rotating shaft is in transmission connection with the input gear of the first group, and the second rotating shaft is in transmission connection with the output gear of the second group.

5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein, The axes of the gears of the first group are coplanar with the axes of the gears of the second group; and the intermittent main gear is the input gear of the second group.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, A magnetic structure is arranged between the first body and the support body, and between 0° and the first angle, the support body is attached to the first body through the magnetic structure.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The axis of the first rotating shaft is collinear with the axis of the second rotating shaft.

8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the bracket is fixedly connected with the second body.

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