Electronic device

Abstract

The present application provides an electronic device capable of stably supporting a bent display. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge device that rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing, and a display disposed between the first housing and the second housing. The hinge device includes a hinge body, a first support plate, and a second support plate. The hinge body includes a first locking piece that locks the back side of the first support plate and a second locking piece that locks the back side of the second support plate. The first support plate includes a first plate-side locking piece that locks the back side of the hinge body, and the second support plate includes a second plate-side locking piece that locks the back side of the hinge body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic device that uses a hinge device to connect multiple frames. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, electronic devices such as PCs and smartphones with touch panel LCD displays but no physical keyboards have become increasingly popular. For the displays of such electronic devices, it is desirable for them to be large when in use and small when not in use. Therefore, an electronic device has been proposed that uses flexible displays such as organic EL (Electro Luminescence) to allow both the frame and the display to be bent (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6453413

[0004] Flexible displays must withstand repeated bending. Therefore, electronic devices must have a structure that allows the display to bend at a desired radius of curvature. Furthermore, flexible displays are very thin and less resistant to impacts. Therefore, the back of a flexible display needs to be supported with a high degree of flatness without any steps. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the problems of the prior art described above, and its object is to provide an electronic device capable of stably supporting a bent display.

[0006] The electronic device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: a first frame; a second frame adjacent to the first frame; a hinge device rotatably connecting the first frame and the second frame between a first posture in which they are stacked in a planar direction and a second posture in which they are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the planar direction; and a display disposed between the first frame and the second frame, and having a bending region that bends as the first frame and the second frame rotate relative to each other. The hinge device includes: a hinge body extending along the adjacent ends of the first frame and the second frame, and configured to support the back surface of the display by a surface across the adjacent ends; a first support plate adjacent to a first edge portion of the hinge body on the first frame side, and disposed movably relative to the first edge portion. The surface supports the back of the display; and the second support plate is adjacent to the second edge portion of the second frame side of the hinge body and is movably disposed relative to the second edge portion. The hinge body supports the back of the display by the surface. The hinge body has: a first locking piece that protrudes toward the first support plate side and is locked onto the back side of the first support plate in the second posture; and a second locking piece that protrudes toward the second support plate side and is locked onto the back side of the second support plate in the second posture. The first support plate has a first plate-side locking piece that protrudes toward the hinge body side and is locked onto the back side of the hinge body in the second posture. The second support plate has a second plate-side locking piece that protrudes toward the hinge body side and is locked onto the back side of the hinge body in the second posture.

[0007] According to the above-described method of the present invention, a bent display can be stably supported. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically representing the state in which an electronic device according to one embodiment is turned off and in a 0-degree orientation.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a schematic representation of what will Figure 1 The image shows a 3D view of the electronic device in a 180-degree orientation when it is turned on.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a schematic representation Figure 2 A top view of the internal structure of the electronic device shown.

[0011] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of line IV-IV in the diagram.

[0012] Figure 5It is along Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the VV line.

[0013] Figure 6 It means to make Figure 4 The electronic device shown is a schematic cross-sectional view in a 0-degree orientation state.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a schematic side sectional view illustrating a structural example of using a hinge body to directly lock the side locking piece of the plate.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0016] 10…Electronic device; 12A…First frame; 12B…Second frame; 14…Hinge assembly; 16…Display; 20A…First plate; 20B…Second plate; 22A…First support plate; 22B…Second support plate; 28…Hinge body; 30A…First link arm; 30B…Second link arm; 31A…First bracket; 31B…Second bracket; 40A…First locking piece; 40B…Second locking piece; 41A…First plate side locking piece; 41B…Second plate side locking piece. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments are listed, and the electronic device involved in the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically showing the state in which the electronic device 10 according to one embodiment is turned off and in a 0-degree position. Figure 2 It is a schematic representation of what will Figure 1 The diagram shows the electronic device 10 in a 180-degree orientation when it is turned on. Figure 3 It is a schematic representation Figure 2 A top view of the internal structure of the electronic device 10 shown.

[0019] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the electronic device 10 includes a first frame 12A and a second frame 12B, a hinge device 14, and a display 16. The electronic device 10 of this embodiment exemplifies a tablet PC or laptop PC that can be folded like a book. The electronic device 10 could also be a smartphone or a portable game console, etc.

[0020] Each frame 12A and 12B is arranged adjacent to each other. Each frame 12A and 12B appropriately houses various electronic components such as a motherboard with a CPU installed, a battery device, an antenna module, and a communication module.

[0021] The first frame 12A includes a frame member 17A and a cover member 18A. The frame member 17A is a rectangular frame-shaped member with upright walls formed on three sides other than the adjacent end 12Aa adjacent to the second frame 12B. The cover member 18A is a plate-shaped member that closes the rear opening of the frame member 17A (see also...). Figure 4 Similarly, the second frame 12B includes a frame member 17B that forms vertical walls on three sides other than the adjacent end 12Ba adjacent to the first frame 12A, and a cover member 18B that closes the rear opening of the frame member 17B. The surface openings of the frame members 17A and 17B are closed by the display 16.

[0022] Each component 17A, 17B, 18A, and 18B is made of metal components such as stainless steel, magnesium, and aluminum, or fiber-reinforced resin boards containing reinforcing fibers such as carbon fiber.

[0023] Hinges 14 connect frames 12A and 12B in a rotatable manner between 0-degree and 180-degree positions. Figure 1 The ridge covering the gap between adjacent ends 12Aa and 12Ba formed in the 0-degree orientation shown functions as a cover. The display 16 extends across the frame between 12A and 12B.

[0024] Hereinafter, for the electronic device 10, the arrangement direction of the frames 12A and 12B will be referred to as the X direction, the direction orthogonal to them along the adjacent ends 12Aa and 12Ba will be referred to as the Y direction, and the thickness direction of the frames 12A and 12B will be referred to as the Z direction. Furthermore, regarding the angular orientation between the frames 12A and 12B, the state in which they are stacked in an overlapping manner in the planar direction will be referred to as the 0-degree orientation (see [reference]). Figure 1 The state in which two objects are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the plane (X direction) is called a 180-degree pose (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 3 To illustrate, we can use the following: Angles between 0 degrees and 180 degrees can be considered appropriate angles. For example, the orthogonal orientation of the faces of frames 12A and 12B is considered a 90-degree angle. These angles are for ease of explanation, but in actual products, they may deviate slightly from the precise angle positions indicated by the numerical angles.

[0025] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of line IV-IV in the diagram. Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the VV line. Figure 6 It means to make Figure 4 The illustrated electronic device 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view in a 0-degree orientation state.

[0026] exist Figure 1 and Figure 6 In the 0-degree orientation shown, frames 12A and 12B are folded in half. The display 16 is a paper-like flexible display formed from organic EL. In the 0-degree orientation, the display 16 is configured as follows: Figure 2 The region R1 on the side of the first frame 12A is opposite to the region R2 on the side of the second frame 12B. The boundary region between regions R1 and R2, i.e., the bending region R3, is bent into an arc shape. Figure 2 In the 180-degree orientation shown, frames 12A and 12B are arranged side-by-side. At this time, areas R1, R2, and the bent area R3 of the display 16 are arranged on the XY plane, forming a flat panel shape (see also...). Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0027] Region R1 of the display 16 is fixed relative to the first frame 12A, and region R2 is fixed relative to the second frame 12B. Specifically, the back surface 16a of region R1 is fixed to the first frame 12A via the first plate 20A, and the back surface 16a of region R2 is fixed to the second frame 12B via the second plate 20B. The first plate 20A is adjacent to the first support plate 22A of the hinge device 14, and the second plate 20B is adjacent to the second support plate 22B of the hinge device 14 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0028] like Figures 3-5 As shown, plates 20A and 20B are arranged on the left and right sides with the hinge device 14 sandwiched in the middle, and the back surface 16a of the display 16 is supported by their respective surfaces 20Aa and 20Ba. Region R1 of the back surface 16a of the display 16 is bonded and fixed to surface 20Aa of the first plate 20A, and region R2 is bonded and fixed to surface 20Ba of the second plate 20B.

[0029] Plates 20A and 20B are, for example, composed of a substrate 24 and a metal frame 25. The substrate 24 is, for example, a carbon fiber reinforced resin plate made by impregnating carbon fibers with a matrix resin such as epoxy resin. The metal frame 25 is, for example, formed of a magnesium alloy, and is fixed to the outer periphery of the back surface 24a of the substrate 24.

[0030] Plates 20A and 20B are formed of carbon fiber reinforced resin, thus ensuring high flatness and achieving thinness and lightness. However, there is a concern that carbon fibers may flake off in powder form from the outer peripheral end face (edge) of carbon fiber reinforced resin, and shaping and threading are also difficult. Therefore, metal frames 25 are provided for plates 20A and 20B to surround their respective outer peripheral end faces and the outer edge of their back surface 24a. Plates 20A and 20B are fixed to the frame components 17A and 17B of the frame bodies 12A and 12B by screwing screws 27 into threaded holes 26 formed in the metal frame 25. Plates 20A and 20B may also be formed of metal or resin materials instead of carbon fiber reinforced resin. In this case, the metal frame 25 may be omitted.

[0031] The bending area R3 of the display 16 is movable relative to the frames 12A and 12B. In a 180-degree orientation, the back surface 16a of the bending area R3 is supported by the hinge body 28 and the support plates 22A and 22B (see reference). Figure 4 In the 0-degree position, the bending region R3 is bent into an arc shape, a portion of the back surface 16a is supported by support plates 22A and 22B, and most of it is separated from the hinge device 14 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0032] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the hinge device 14 of this embodiment has a hinge body 28, a first support plate 22A and a second support plate 22B.

[0033] The hinge body 28 is positioned at the adjacent ends 12Aa and 12Ba of the frames 12A and 12B, extending substantially the entire length along the adjacent ends 12Aa and 12Ba in the Y direction. The hinge body 28 is a block-shaped component made of a metal material such as aluminum. Two hinge axes 14A and 14B, arranged in the X direction in a 180-degree position, are supported on the hinge body 28.

[0034] The first end of the first link arm 30A is supported on the first hinge axis 14A in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis. The first end of the second link arm 30B is supported on the second hinge axis 14B in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis. The link arms 30A and 30B have a dart-shaped curved shape that gradually approaches the inner surfaces 12Ab and 12Bb of the frames 12A and 12B in a direction away from the hinge axes 14A and 14B.

[0035] The second end of the first link arm 30A is rotatably connected to the first bracket 31A via a rotating shaft 34. The first bracket 31A is fixed to the inner surface 12Ab of the first frame 12A using screws 27 or the like. The second end of the second link arm 30B is rotatably connected to the second bracket 31B via a rotating shaft 35. The second bracket 31B is fixed to the inner surface 12Bb of the second frame 12B using screws 27 or the like.

[0036] Link arms 30A and 30B, and brackets 31A and 31B are arranged in multiple configurations along the length of the hinge body 28, i.e., the Y direction (see reference). Figure 3 Thus, the hinge body 28 connects the frames 12A and 12B in a rotatable manner. Within the hinge body 28, there are also gear mechanisms that synchronize the rotational movements of the frames 12A and 12B, and torque mechanisms that impart a predetermined rotational torque to the rotational movements of the frames 12A and 12B. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, a ridge member 36 serving as a decorative cover is installed on the back of the hinge body 28.

[0037] exist Figure 4 In the 180-degree orientation shown, the hinge body 28 supports the back 16a of the bent region R3 of the display 16 by its surface 28a. At this time, the hinge body 28 is housed within the frames 12A and 12B, and is configured to span the adjacent ends 12Aa and 12Ba in the X direction, where they approach or abut each other. Figure 6 In the 0-degree position shown, the hinge body 28 is configured to block the gap between the significantly separated adjacent ends 12Aa and 12Ba, forming a spine for the electronic device 10 folded like a book. At this time, by exposing the spine member 36 on the outermost side, the aesthetic design of the folded electronic device 10 is prevented from being compromised (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0038] Support plates 22A and 22B are plates made of metal materials such as aluminum and have a symmetrical shape. Support plates 22A and 22B are disposed on the inner surfaces 12Ab and 12Bb of the frames 12A and 12B and extend along the adjacent ends 12Aa and 12Ba in the Y direction, covering approximately the entire length.

[0039] The first support plate 22A is disposed between the first plate 20A and the hinge body 28. The edge portion 22Aa of the first support plate 22A on the first plate 20A side is rotatably connected to the first bracket 31A via a rotation shaft 38. The edge portion (boundary edge portion 22Ab) of the first support plate 22A on the hinge body 28 side is movable relative to the hinge body 28.

[0040] The second support plate 22B is disposed between the second plate 20B and the hinge body 28. The edge portion 22Ba of the second support plate 22B on the second plate 20B side is rotatably connected to the second bracket 31B via a rotation shaft 39. The edge portion (boundary edge portion 22Bb) of the second support plate 22B on the hinge body 28 side is movable relative to the hinge body 28.

[0041] Support plates 22A and 22B swing about rotation axes 38 and 39 as the frames 12A and 12B rotate. In a 180-degree position, support plates 22A and 22B support the back surface 16a of the bent area R3 of the display 16 via their surfaces 22Ac and 22Bc. In angles other than 180 degrees, support plates 22A and 22B contact the display 16 with a gap between them or with a small force that will not deform the display 16 (see reference). Figure 6 The support plates 22A and 22B can also be configured to support the bending region R3 of the display 16 and correct its shape even in angular postures other than 180 degrees. In this way, the support plates 22A and 22B support the bending region R3 of the display 16 in a planar and stable manner in a 180-degree posture without hindering the bending action of the bending region R3.

[0042] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the 180-degree orientation shown, the edges of the support plates 22A and 22B on the sides of plates 20A and 20B need to form a flat plane without steps. Similarly, the boundary edges 22Ab and 22Bb of the support plates 22A and 22B also need to form a flat plane without steps between them and the edges 28b and 28c of the hinge body 28.

[0043] Assuming that these edges are offset in the Z direction, creating steps between surfaces 20Aa and 22Ac, between surfaces 22Ac and 28a, between surfaces 28a and 22Bc, or between surfaces 22Bc and 20Ba, the effects of these steps will affect the display 16. Therefore, there is a possibility that the display 16 may bend or fluctuate at a 180-degree angle, resulting in product defects such as poor visual confirmation or display defects. Furthermore, if the display 16 bends, there is a possibility that the display 16 may become immobile on its designed opening and closing track during opening and closing operations between a 180-degree and 0-degree angle. Therefore, there is also a concern that the display 16, especially in and around the bending area R3, may be subjected to excessive load, leading to damage or defects.

[0044] However, the edges 22Aa and 22Ba of the plate 20A and 20B sides of the support plates 22A and 22B are connected to the brackets 31A and 31B via rotating shafts 38 and 39. Furthermore, the brackets 31A and 31B are fixed to the frames 12A and 12B. Therefore, the relative position of the first support plate 22A with respect to the first frame 12A is fixed, and the first plate 20A is also fixed to the first frame 12A. Similarly, the relative position of the second support plate 22B with respect to the second frame 12B is fixed, and the second plate 20B is also fixed to the second frame 12B. Therefore, no steps other than those due to manufacturing tolerances are formed between surfaces 20Aa and 22Ac and between surfaces 20Ba and 22Bc; in essence, no steps are formed.

[0045] Therefore, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment has a structure for suppressing the step between the surfaces 22Ac and 22Bc of the support plates 22A and 22B and the surface 28a of the hinge body 28. Specifically, the electronic device 10 includes a first locking piece 40A, a second locking piece 40B, a first plate-side locking piece 41A, and a second plate-side locking piece 41B.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the first locking piece 40A is a claw-shaped component formed on the edge portion 28b of the first support plate 22A side of the hinge body 28. The first locking piece 40A protrudes towards the first support plate 22A side beyond the boundary line between the hinge body 28 and the first support plate 22A. The surface of the first locking piece 40A is locked onto the back side of the first support plate 22A in a 180-degree position. At this time, the boundary edge portion 22Ab of the first support plate 22A is configured to be sandwiched between the first locking piece 40A and the display 16.

[0047] The second locking piece 40B is a claw-shaped component formed on the edge portion 28c of the second support plate 22B side of the hinge body 28. The second locking piece 40B protrudes towards the second support plate 22B side beyond the boundary line between the hinge body 28 and the second support plate 22B. The surface of the second locking piece 40B is locked onto the back side of the second support plate 22B in a 180-degree position. At this time, the boundary edge portion 22Bb of the second support plate 22B is configured to be sandwiched between the second locking piece 40B and the display 16.

[0048] The protruding length of the locking tabs 40A and 40B is, for example, about 2 mm. A conical surface 42 is formed on the surface of the locking tabs 40A and 40B, that is, on the contact surface with the support plates 22A and 22B. Furthermore, a conical surface 43 is also formed on the back surfaces 22Ad and 22Bd of the boundary edges 22Ab and 22Bb of the support plates 22A and 22B at the positions where the conical surface 42 contacts.

[0049] Conical surface 42 is an inclined surface that gradually slopes downward away from surface 28a as it approaches the protruding front ends of locking tabs 40A and 40B. Conical surface 43 is an inclined surface that gradually slopes downward away from surfaces 22Ac and 22Bc as it approaches the protruding direction of locking tabs 40A and 40B. Thus, during the rotational movement between frames 12A and 12B, when support plates 22A and 22B rotate and move relative to hinge body 28, the locking tabs 40A and 40B are prevented from locking onto support plates 22A and 22B, ensuring smooth swinging movement of support plates 22A and 22B.

[0050] Figure 3 and Figure 5 Reference numeral 44 in the accompanying drawings refers to a ramp member protruding from the edge of the support plates 22A, 22B of the plates 20A, 20B. Multiple ramp members 44 (e.g., four) are arranged along the edges 22Aa, 22Ba. The ramp members 44 slide on the back surface 16a of the display 16 during rotation from a 180-degree position to a 0-degree position, assisting in correcting the bending area R3 to an appropriate shape (straight shape, curved shape) corresponding to the rotation angle. Recessed clearance portions are formed at the boundary edges 22Ab, 22Bb of each support plate 22A, 22B to prevent interference with the ramp members 44 during the 180-degree position.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, the first plate-side locking piece 41A is a claw-shaped component formed on the back side 22Ad of the boundary edge 22Ab of the first support plate 22A. The first plate-side locking piece 41A has, for example, a hook-shaped cross-section and protrudes towards the hinge body 28 beyond the boundary line between the first support plate 22A and the hinge body 28. The first plate-side locking piece 41A is locked onto the back side of the hinge body 28 in a 180-degree position.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first plate-side locking piece 41A enters the elongated hole 30Aa formed in the X direction of the first connecting arm 30A and locks onto the back surface 30Ab of the first connecting arm 30A. That is, the first connecting arm 30A is rotatably connected to the hinge body 28 via the first hinge shaft 14A and is restricted in a 180-degree position. Figure 5 The position is the one where the rotation is greatest in the clockwise direction. Therefore, the first plate side locking piece 41A locks onto the first link arm 30A, thereby locking onto the back of the hinge body 28, and further upward movement is restricted.

[0053] like Figure 5As shown, the second plate-side locking piece 41B is a claw-shaped component formed on the back surface 22Bd of the boundary edge 22Bb of the second support plate 22B. The second plate-side locking piece 41B, for example, has a hook-shaped cross-section and protrudes towards the hinge body 28 beyond the boundary line between the second support plate 22B and the hinge body 28. The second plate-side locking piece 41B is locked onto the back surface of the hinge body 28 in a 180-degree position.

[0054] In this embodiment, the second plate-side locking piece 41B also enters the elongated hole 30Ba formed in the X direction of the second link arm 30B and locks onto the back surface 30Bb of the second link arm 30B. That is, the second link arm 30B is rotatably connected to the hinge body 28 via the second hinge shaft 14B, and is restricted in a 180-degree position. Figure 5 The position is where the rotation is at its maximum counterclockwise. Therefore, the second plate side locking piece 41B locks onto the second link arm 30B, thereby locking onto the back of the hinge body 28, further upward movement is restricted.

[0055] The protruding length of the side locking tabs 41A and 41B is, for example, about 2 mm. Furthermore, the surfaces of the side locking tabs 41A and 41B may not be formed with the conical surfaces of the locking tabs 40A and 40B, but rather with flat surfaces. This is because when the side locking tabs 41A and 41B rotate between the frames 12A and 12B, they simply move in the direction of connection or separation relative to the back faces 30Ab and 30Bb, without producing the complex relative rotation or relative movement of the support plates 22A and 22B and the hinge body 28.

[0056] like Figure 7 As shown, the side locking plates 41A and 41B can also be configured not to lock onto the connecting arms 30A and 30B, but to lock directly onto the back surface 28d of the hinge body 28. Furthermore, in Figure 7 The diagram only shows the second plate side locking piece 41B and its surrounding area, but the first plate side locking piece 41A and its surrounding area could also be the same. Figure 7 The structure shown is a bilaterally symmetrical structure.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the first locking tab 40A and the first plate-side locking tab 41A are configured to be offset from each other in the Y direction. Similarly, the second locking tab 40B and the second plate-side locking tab 41B are configured to be offset from each other in the Y direction. In addition, in this embodiment, the locking tabs 40A, 40B and the plate-side locking tabs 41A, 41A are arranged in multiple groups along the Y direction, for example, four groups.

[0058] Next, the rotation of frames 12A and 12B and their effects will be explained.

[0059] First of all, Figure 6 In the 0-degree orientation shown, the frames 12A and 12B are stacked in a highly aesthetically pleasing folded state with their surfaces approximately parallel to each other. At this time, the display 16 is formed into a bell shape with the bending region R3 bent at a desired curvature. That is, the display 16 bends the bending region R3 into the desired bell shape by means of the plates 20A and 20B stacked parallel to each other with a predetermined gap. As a result, the electronic device 10 makes the frames 12A and 12B as thin as possible and suppresses breakage of the display 16 during bending.

[0060] Next, the case where frames 12A and 12B rotate from a 0-degree position to a 180-degree position will be explained. In this case, as... Figures 4-6 As shown, with the opening action between the frames 12A and 12B, the support plates 22A and 22B swing around the rotation axes 38 and 39 and move relative to the hinge body 28. The bending area R3 of the display 16 is gradually released from its bending state by the plates 20A and 20B, which move integrally with the frames 12A and 12B.

[0061] Then, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the 180-degree orientation shown, plates 20A and 20B, the hinge body 28, and support plates 22A and 22B are arranged on the same XY plane. Their respective surfaces 20Aa, 20Ba, 28a, 22Ac, and 22Bc are roughly flush, forming a flat panel. The entire back 16a of the display 16 is supported on this flat panel, forming a large, flat screen (see also...). Figure 2 ).

[0062] Next, the case where the frames 12A and 12B rotate from a 180-degree position to a 0-degree position will be explained. In this case, as the frames 12A and 12B close, the support plates 22A and 22B swing again and move relative to the hinge body 28. The display 16 is subjected to bending forces from the plates 20A and 20B that move integrally with the frames 12A and 12B, and the bending area R3 is gradually bent. As a result, the bending area R3... Figure 6 In the 0-degree position shown, it re-forms into a roughly bell shape.

[0063] During this rotational motion, the locking plates 40A and 40B are in... Figure 4 The device is positioned at 180 degrees and secured to the back surfaces 22Ad and 22Bd of the support plates 22A and 22B. Additionally, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, the plate-side locking tabs 41A and 41B are indirectly locked to the back surface 28d of the hinge body 28 via connecting arms 30A and 30B. Furthermore, in Figure 6In the 0-degree position shown, the locking plates 40A and 40B separate from the support plates 22A and 22B, and the locking plates 41A and 41B on the side of the plates also separate from the connecting arms 30A and 30B.

[0064] Thus, when the frames 12A and 12B move from a 0-degree position to a 180-degree position, the locking plates 40A and 40B engage with the opposing support plates 22A and 22B, pushing up their back sides 22Ad and 22Bd. Similarly, the plate-side locking plates 41A and 41B, which are staggered from the locking plates 40A and 40B, engage with the opposing connecting rod arms 30A and 30B connected to the hinge body 28, pushing them up.

[0065] Therefore, at the boundary between the hinge body 28 and the first support plate 22A, the force of the first locking piece 40A pushing up the first support plate 22A and the force of the first plate-side locking piece 41A pushing up the first connecting arm 30A and the hinge body 28 mutually restrict each other. As a result, no steps are formed in the Z direction at the edges 28b and 22Ab of the hinge body 28 and the first support plate 22A, and their surfaces 28a and 22Ac are arranged on the same plane and are stable.

[0066] Similarly, at the boundary between the hinge body 28 and the second support plate 22B, the force of the second locking piece 40B pushing up the second support plate 22B and the force of the second plate-side locking piece 41B pushing up the second connecting arm 30B and the hinge body 28 are mutually restrained. As a result, no steps are generated in the Z direction at the edges 28c and 22Bb of the hinge body 28 and the second support plate 22B, and their surfaces 28a and 22Bc are arranged on the same plane and are stable.

[0067] Furthermore, as described above, the relative positions of the support plates 22A, 22B and the plates 20A, 20B are fixed, so no steps are created between them.

[0068] Therefore, when the electronic device 10 is in a 180-degree position, the surfaces 20Aa, 20Ba, 28a, 22Ac, and 22Bc supporting the display 16 stably form a flat plane. Thus, the electronic device 10 can stably support the display 16 in a 180-degree position, suppressing deformation of the display 16 or product defects.

[0069] In this electronic device 10, when in a 180-degree orientation, the boundary edge 22Ab of the first support plate 22A is positioned between the first locking tab 40A and the display 16. Additionally, the boundary edge 22Bb of the second support plate 22B is also positioned between the second locking tab 40B and the display 16. Therefore, as... Figure 4As shown, although the electronic device 10 is equipped with locking tabs 40A and 40B, it can ensure the smooth movement of the support plates 22A and 22B and the high flatness of the surfaces 28a, 22Ac and 22Bc simply by ensuring a small gap between the surface 28a and the surfaces 22Ac and 22Bc.

[0070] In this electronic device 10, the plate-side locking tabs 41A and 41B abut against the connecting arms 30A and 30B in a 180-degree position, thereby locking them relative to the hinge body 28. Thus, the electronic device 10 can reliably rotate the connecting arms 30A and 30B to the appropriate position relative to the hinge body 28 and press the hinge body 28 down via the plate-side locking tabs 41A and 41B. As a result, when used in a 180-degree position, wobbling between the hinge body 28 and the connecting arms 30A and 30B can be suppressed.

[0071] In this electronic device 10, the sets of locking tabs 40A and 40B and plate-side locking tabs 41A and 41B, which are staggered relative to each other with respect to the Y direction, are arranged in multiple sets along the Y direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the formation of steps between the hinge body 28 and the support plates 22A and 22B throughout the length direction. Furthermore, it is sufficient that there is at least one set of each of the sets of the first locking tab 40A and the first plate-side locking tab 41A, and the second locking tab 40B and the second plate-side locking tab 41B.

[0072] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can of course be freely modified within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0073] The above example illustrates an electronic device 10 that can be folded in half like a book. However, in addition to the structure of folding frames of the same shape in half, the present invention can also be applied to various structures, such as a double-door structure in which smaller frames are foldably connected to the left and right edges of a larger frame, an S-shaped folding structure in which frames with different folding directions are connected to the left and right edges of a frame, and a J-shaped folding structure in which smaller frames are foldably connected to the left and right edges of a larger frame. The number of frames connected can also be 4 or more.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that, have: First frame; The second frame is adjacent to the first frame; A hinge device that rotatably connects the first frame and the second frame in a first posture in which they are stacked in a manner that overlaps each other in the planar direction, and in a second posture in which they are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the planar direction. as well as The display is disposed between the first frame and the second frame, and has a bending region that bends as the first frame and the second frame rotate relative to each other. The hinge device has: A hinge body extends along the adjacent ends of the first frame and the second frame and is configured to support the back of the display by a surface across the adjacent ends; A first support plate is adjacent to a first edge portion on the first frame side of the hinge body and is relatively movable relative to the first edge portion, and supports the back of the display by its surface; as well as The second support plate is adjacent to the second edge portion of the second frame side of the hinge body, and is movably disposed relative to the second edge portion, supporting the back of the display by its surface. The hinge body has: The first locking piece protrudes toward the side of the first support plate and locks onto the back side of the first support plate in the second posture; and The second locking tab protrudes towards the second support plate and locks into the back side of the second support plate in the second posture. The first support plate has a first plate-side locking piece that protrudes toward the hinge body and locks onto the back side of the hinge body in the second posture. The second support plate has a second plate-side locking piece that protrudes toward the hinge body and locks onto the back side of the hinge body in the second posture.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: The first plate is fixed to the first frame and is adjacent to the edge of the first support plate opposite to the hinge body side, and supports the back of the display by its surface. and The second plate, fixed to the second frame, and adjacent to the edge of the second support plate opposite to the hinge body side, supports the back of the display by its surface. The first support plate is rotatably supported relative to the first frame by its edge portion, thereby fixing the relative position of the edge portion relative to the first plate. The second support plate is supported relative to the second frame by the edge portion on the side of the first plate, thereby fixing the relative position of the edge portion relative to the second plate.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge of the hinge body side of the first support plate is configured to be clamped between the first locking piece and the display in the second posture. The edge of the hinge body side of the second support plate is configured to be clamped between the second locking piece and the display in the second posture.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first locking tab and the first support plate each have a conical surface on their interlocking surfaces that tilt away from the surface of the hinge body as they move toward the protruding direction of the first locking tab. The second locking piece and the second support plate each have a conical surface that is inclined away from the surface of the hinge body as they tend toward the protruding direction of the second locking piece.

5. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The hinge device also has: The first bracket is fixed to the first frame; The second bracket is fixed to the second frame. The first link arm has a first end that is rotatably supported on the hinge body and a second end that is rotatably supported on the first bracket. as well as The second linkage arm has its first end rotatably supported on the hinge body and its second end rotatably supported on the second bracket. In the second position, the first plate-side locking piece abuts against the first connecting arm, thereby locking itself relative to the hinge body. The second plate side locking piece abuts against the second linkage arm in the second posture, thereby locking relative to the hinge body.

6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Multiple sets of the first locking tab and the first plate-side locking tab, which are staggered relative to each other in the length direction of the adjacent end, are provided along the length direction of the adjacent end. The second locking tab and the second plate-side locking tab are arranged in a group that are staggered relative to each other in the length direction of the adjacent end, and multiple groups are provided along the length direction of the adjacent end.

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