Foldable structures for electronic devices

Abstract

A foldable structure (1) for an electronic device (2) is provided, the foldable structure (1) including a first body (3), a second body (4), a third body (5) operably connected to the first body (3) and the second body (4), and at least one hinge assembly (6) for supporting rotation of the first body (3) relative to the third body (5) about a rotation axis (A). The hinge assembly (6) includes a engagement structure and an actuator (9) connected to the first body (3) and the engagement structure. The actuator (9) is fixed to the first body (3) such that the actuator (9) rotates simultaneously with the first body (3) about the rotation axis (A). The engagement structure includes a first engagement element (7) and a second engagement element (8). The first engagement element (7) is pivotally connected to the third body (5) and is used to pivot in a plane (L1) parallel to the axis of rotation (A) in response to rotation of the actuator (9) about the axis of rotation (A). The second engagement element (8) is fixedly disposed on the second body (4). When the first engagement element (7) engages with the second engagement element (8), the pivoting movement of the first engagement element (7) produces a sliding movement of the second body (4) relative to the third body (5) in the plane (L1). This allows the electronic device (2) to be folded and unfolded without negatively impacting the display screen (15), while maintaining the display screen in a stretched position regardless of whether the electronic device (2) is folded or unfolded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a foldable structure for an electronic device, the foldable structure comprising a plurality of operatively connected bodies. Background Technology

[0002] The size of electronic devices, specifically mobile devices such as tablets and mobile phones, is an important consideration when designing them. Users typically demand that devices minimize their external size while simultaneously requiring the largest possible display screen.

[0003] This problem can be solved with foldable electronic devices, which include one or more support bodies interconnected by hinges, covering one or more displays. The support bodies and displays can be folded together to minimize the size of the electronic device, or unfolded to provide the largest possible display.

[0004] The hinges of existing foldable devices are typically bulky and complex, especially when they involve multiple pivot points. Each pivot point requires a certain number of components, thus each pivot point becomes a multiplier of the total number of components. On the one hand, multi-pivot hinges also require synchronization characteristics. On the other hand, single-pivot hinges have very limited potential in terms of features such as the movement of the supporting body, the housing and locking of the display in the folded state. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide an improved foldable electronic device. The above and other objects are achieved through the features of the independent claims. Other embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a foldable structure for electronic devices and electronic mobile devices is provided, the foldable structure including a first body, a second body, and a third body operably connected to the first body and the second body. At least one hinge assembly is provided for supporting rotation of the first body relative to the third body about a rotation axis. The hinge assembly includes an engagement structure and an actuator connected to the first body and the engagement structure, the actuator being fixed to the first body such that the actuator and the first body rotate simultaneously about the rotation axis. The engagement structure includes a first engagement element and a second engagement element, the first engagement element being pivotally connected to the third body and for pivoting in a plane parallel to the rotation axis in response to rotation of the actuator about the rotation axis, the second engagement element being fixedly disposed on the second body. When the first engagement element engages with the second engagement element, the pivoting movement of the first engagement element produces a sliding movement of the second body relative to the third body in the plane.

[0007] This solution allows electronic devices to be folded and unfolded without negatively impacting their display and functionality, while maintaining the display in the extended position regardless of whether the folding structure or the electronic device is folded or unfolded. Furthermore, it supports simple hinges with built-in motion synchronization.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first and second engagement elements include meshing teeth, providing a simple, robust, and space-efficient solution that is readily applicable to the shape factor of a particular device.

[0009] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the actuator includes: a first portion fixed to a first body such that at least a first portion of the actuator rotates with the first body about a rotation axis; and a second portion fixed to a first engaging element such that at least a second portion of the actuator rotates in the plane described above while rotating about the rotation axis, the rotation in the plane producing a pivoting movement of the first engaging element. This is a reliable solution for converting rotational movement into linear movement without occupying too much space within the foldable structure.

[0010] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the actuator includes at least one of a chain, wire, rack, and sheet, supporting the selection and adaptation of the actuator to a particular device and other components of the foldable structure.

[0011] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, at least a third portion of the actuator extends in a first actuation plane, and a fourth portion of the actuator extends in a second actuation plane. The first and second actuation planes extend parallel to each other and are on opposite sides of the axis of rotation. The third portion moves in the first actuation plane in response to the first portion rotating about the axis of rotation, and the fourth portion moves in the second actuation plane, thereby achieving stable and symmetrical actuation.

[0012] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the third and fourth parts move in opposite directions, thereby supporting the pivotal movement of the first engaging element in a simple and stable manner.

[0013] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the third and fourth parts are positioned between the first and second parts, thereby supporting the actuator to include a single integral element.

[0014] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the third entity is at least partially surrounded by the second entity, which provides support and guidance to the third entity.

[0015] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, when the foldable structure is in the unfolded position, the first surfaces of the first body and the first surfaces of the second body are aligned in a common plane, and when the foldable structure is in the folded position, the second body is superimposed on the first body, such that the foldable structure provides support for the display screen of the electronic device, while also supporting the electronic device to have the smallest possible external dimensions (e.g., when not in use).

[0016] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, when the foldable structure is in the unfolded position, the first surface of the third body is adjacent to and extends parallel to the common plane, thereby providing sufficient support for the unfolded display screen.

[0017] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the distance between the first and second bodies is minimized when the foldable structure is in the folded position and maximized when the foldable structure is in the unfolded position, thereby providing the minimum external dimensions in the folded position and the maximum visible and usable display area in the unfolded position.

[0018] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the overlap between the second and third bodies is maximized when the foldable structure is in the folded position and / or minimized when the foldable structure is in the unfolded position, thereby providing the minimum external dimensions in the folded position and the maximum display support in the unfolded position.

[0019] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first part of the actuator is fixed to the first body by a shaft element extending within a part of the first body, which facilitates rotation of the first body relative to the third body while occupying minimal space.

[0020] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the foldable structure further includes a locking device for holding the foldable structure in at least one of a folded position and an unfolded position, thereby supporting a more stable end position, wherein locking and unlocking of the locking device are performed by increasing the force applied to the first body and / or the second body to rotate the first body about a rotation axis, thereby combining the locking or unlocking characteristics of the locking device into one.

[0021] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the locking device includes a spring mechanism, thereby providing a simple solution for increasing the force applied to the first body and / or the second body.

[0022] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the locking device includes a first cam surface and a second cam surface, the first cam surface being disposed on the surface of the shaft element or the surface of the first body, and the second cam surface being disposed on the cam element connected to the third body. The first cam surface and the second cam surface are used to interlock when the foldable structure is in at least one of the folded position and the unfolded position, thereby providing a reliable and safe solution without taking up too much space.

[0023] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the foldable structure also includes a motor for rotating the first body about a rotation axis, thereby supporting automatic operation of the device rather than manual operation.

[0024] According to a second aspect, an electronic device is provided, comprising the foldable structure and display screen described above, wherein a first body, a second body, and a third body of the foldable structure are used to support the display screen. The electronic device can be folded and unfolded without negatively impacting the display screen, while maintaining the display screen in a stretched position regardless of whether the electronic device is folded or unfolded.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the display screen is fixedly connected to the first and second bodies of the foldable structure, thereby supporting the appropriate stretching of the display screen while still supporting the movement of other components within the foldable structure.

[0026] This aspect and others will be apparent in one or more embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0027] In the following detailed sections of the present invention, aspects, embodiments, and implementations will be explained in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic side view of an electronic device including a foldable structure, as shown in an example according to an embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 2 A perspective bottom view of an electronic device including a foldable structure, as shown in an example according to an embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated.

[0030] Figure 3a A perspective view of an electronic device including a foldable structure, as exemplified by an embodiment of the present invention, is shown, wherein the foldable structure is in a folded position.

[0031] Figure 3b It shows Figure 3a An example perspective view where the collapsible structure is in the unfolded position.

[0032] Figure 4aA perspective view of a portion of an example foldable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 4b It shows Figure 3a A schematic side view of an example.

[0034] Figure 5 A partial perspective top view of an example foldable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 6 A partial perspective top view of an example foldable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 7 A side view of a locking device of a foldable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 8a A side view of a cam element of a locking device with a foldable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 8b A side view of another cam element of a locking device with a foldable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figures 1 to 3b A schematic diagram of an electronic device 2 including a display screen 15 and a foldable structure 1 is shown. The foldable structure 1 includes a first body 3, a second body 4, and a third body 5, which support the display screen 15 and, optionally, additional components of the electronic device 2. The display screen 15 may be fixedly connected to the first body 3 and the second body 4 of the foldable structure 1, that is, rather than fixedly connected to the third body 5, so that the movement of the third body 5 is not restricted by the display screen 15 in any way. Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown, the foldable structure 1 can be in the folded position P2 and the unfolded position P1. When the foldable structure 1 is in the unfolded position P1, the display screen has a larger visible area.

[0040] Figures 4a to 6 The foldable structure 1 is shown in more detail. The foldable structure 1 includes a first body 3, a second body 4, a third body 5, and at least one hinge assembly 6. The third body 5 is operatively connected to the first body 3 and the second body 4. The hinge assembly 6 supports rotation of the first body 3 relative to the third body 5 about a rotation axis A.

[0041] The hinge assembly 6 includes a engagement structure and an actuator 9 connected to the first body 3 and the engagement structure.

[0042] The engagement structure includes a first engagement element 7, which is pivotally connected to the third body 5 and is used to pivot in a plane L1 parallel to the axis of rotation A in response to rotation of the actuator 9 about the axis of rotation A. The engagement structure also includes a second engagement element 8 (preferably fixedly disposed on the second body 4). As the first engagement element 7 pivots in the plane L1, the first engagement element 7 engages the second engagement element to varying degrees and / or at different positions.

[0043] When the first engaging element 7 engages with the second engaging element 8, the pivoting movement of the first engaging element 7 causes the second body 4 to slide relative to the third body 5 in plane L1. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first engaging element 7 and the second engaging element 8 may include meshing teeth that facilitate sliding movement, thereby forming a rack and pinion structure. Other embodiments are conceivable, such as the first engaging element 7 and the second engaging element 8 being pivotable to some extent, or engaging by means other than teeth or gears. For example, the engaging structure may include a worm gear.

[0044] The actuator 9 is fixed to the first body 3, so that the actuator 9 and the first body 3 rotate simultaneously around the rotation axis A, as shown below. Figures 4a to 6 As shown. Actuator 9 may include at least one of a chain, wire, rack, and sheet.

[0045] like Figures 4a to 6 As shown, the actuator 9 may include a first portion 9a fixed to the first body 3, such that at least the first portion 9a of the actuator 9 rotates with the first body 3 about the rotation axis A.

[0046] The actuator 9 may also include a second portion 9b fixed to the first engagement element 7, such that at least the second portion 9b of the actuator 9 rotates in the plane L1 while rotating about the axis of rotation A.

[0047] The rotation of the second part 9b in plane L1 produces the pivotal movement of the first engaging element 7.

[0048] The actuator 9 may also include a third portion 9c extending in the first actuation plane L2 and a fourth portion 9d extending in the second actuation plane L3, as shown below. Figure 4b As shown. The first actuating plane L2 and the second actuating plane L3 extend parallel to plane L1 and are on opposite sides of the rotation axis A. The third part 9c and the fourth part 9d can be disposed between the first part 9a and the second part 9b of the actuator 9.

[0049] The third part 9c and the fourth part 9d can be connected to the second part 9b of the actuator at different heights relative to the axis of rotation A, and can also be on opposite sides of the pivot (not shown), around which the first engagement element 7 pivots.

[0050] The third part 9c can move in the first actuation plane L2, and in response to the first part 9a rotating about the rotation axis A, the fourth part 9d can move in the second actuation plane L3. Preferably, the third part 9c and the fourth part 9d move simultaneously and / or in opposite directions. When the foldable structure 1 moves from the unfolded position P1 to the folded position P2, the third part 9c can move in a direction perpendicular to and toward the rotation axis A, while the fourth part 9d moves in a direction perpendicular to and away from the rotation axis A. Correspondingly, when the foldable structure 1 moves from the folded position P2 to the unfolded position P1, the third part 9c can move in a direction perpendicular to and away from the rotation axis A, while the fourth part 9d moves in a direction perpendicular to and toward the rotation axis A.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 3b As shown, the third body 5 can be at least partially surrounded by the second body 4. This supports control over the movement of the third body 5 and keeps it within plane L1. However, the third body 5 can extend above or below the second body 4.

[0052] When the foldable structure 1 is in the unfolded position P1, the first surface 3a of the first body 3 and the first surface 4a of the second body 4 can be aligned in a common plane L4, thereby providing support for the display screen 15 of the electronic device 2. Correspondingly, when the foldable structure 1 is in the folded position P2, the second body 4 can be stacked on the first body 3, thereby supporting the electronic device 2 to have the smallest possible external dimensions (e.g., when not in use).

[0053] like Figure 3b As shown, when the foldable structure 1 is in the folded position P2, the distance D between the first main body 3 and the second main body 4 can be minimized, and when the foldable structure 1 is in the unfolded position P1, this distance D can be maximized. In other words, when the foldable structure 1 is in the folded position P2, the overlap between the second main body 4 and the third main body 5 can be maximized, and when the foldable structure 1 is in the unfolded position P1, the overlap can be minimized.

[0054] When the foldable structure 1 is in the unfolded position P1, the first surface 5a of the third body 5 can extend adjacent to and parallel to the common plane L4, so that there is as small a deviation between the first surface 5a and the first surfaces 3a and 4a as possible.

[0055] like Figures 2 to 6As shown, the first portion 9a of the actuator 9 can be fixed to the first body 3 by one or more shaft elements 10 extending within one or more portions 11 of the first body 3. The portion 11 can be a substantially hollow cylinder in which the shaft elements 10 extend, such that the shaft elements 10 and the portion 11 are collinear. Preferably, as Figure 5 As shown, the foldable structure 1 includes two shaft elements 10, which are arranged at a certain distance from each other along the rotation axis A. Part 11 may be part of the first body 3 or connected to the first body 3.

[0056] like Figure 7 As shown in Figure 8, the foldable structure 1 may further include a locking device 12 for holding the foldable structure 1 in at least one of a folded position P2 and an unfolded position P1. Locking and releasing the locking device 12 can be performed by increasing the force applied to the first body 3 and / or the second body 4 to rotate the first body 3 about the rotation axis A.

[0057] To increase this force, the locking device 12 may include a spring mechanism 16. The locking device 12 may also include a first cam surface 13 and a second cam surface 14, the first cam surface 13 being disposed on the surface of the shaft element 10, such as... Figure 8b As shown, or disposed on the surface of the first body 3. The second cam surface 14 may be disposed on a separate cam element 17 connected to the third body 5, as shown. Figure 8a As shown. The first cam surface 13 and the second cam surface 14 can be used to interlock when the foldable structure 1 is in at least one of the folded position P2 and the unfolded position P1, so that the user needs to apply force when moving the foldable structure 1 (i.e., the electronic device 2) from the folded position P2 or the unfolded position P1. The first cam surface 13 and the second cam surface 14 are preferably disposed on the short end of the shaft element 10, the first body 3, or the cam element 17. The locking device 12 may also include at least one groove 18 extending along the longitudinal surface of the shaft element 10 and / or the cam element 17, the groove 18 for interlocking with a corresponding ridge 19, such that the cam element 17 rotates together with the third body 5, and the shaft element 10 rotates together with the first body 3.

[0058] The foldable structure 1 can be fully operated by the user when it is manually folded and unfolded, i.e., actuated. The foldable structure 1 may also include a motor (not shown) for rotating the first body 3 about the axis of rotation A, which subsequently causes actuation of the rest of the foldable structure 1.

[0059] This document has described various aspects and implementations in conjunction with various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art, upon studying the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, will be able to understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed subject matter. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple. The enumeration of measures in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that a combination of these measures cannot be used to obtain an advantage.

[0060] Reference numerals used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise stated, the drawings (e.g., crosshairs, arrangement of parts, scale, degrees, etc.) should be understood in conjunction with the description and should be considered part of the entire written description of the invention. As used in the description, the terms “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down,” as well as their adjectives and adverbs (e.g., “horizontally,” “to the right,” “upward,” etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the structure shown when a particular drawing is facing the reader. Similarly, the terms “inward” and “outward” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation or rotation, as appropriate.

Claims

1. A foldable structure (1) for an electronic device (2), characterized in that, The foldable structure (1) includes: -First subject (3); -Second subject (4); - A third body (5) is operatively connected to the first body (3) and the second body (4); - At least one hinge assembly (6) for supporting the first body (3) to rotate about the rotation axis (A) relative to the third body (5), The hinge assembly (6) includes a engagement structure and an actuator (9) connected to the first body (3) and the engagement structure. The actuator (9) is fixed to the first body (3) such that the actuator (9) and the first body (3) rotate simultaneously around the rotation axis (A). The engagement structure includes a first engagement element (7) and a second engagement element (8), the first engagement element (7) being pivotally connected to the third body (5) and used to pivot in a plane (L1) parallel to the rotation axis (A) in response to rotation of the actuator (9) about the rotation axis (A), the second engagement element (8) being disposed on the second body (4). When the first engaging element (7) engages with the second engaging element (8), the pivoting movement of the first engaging element (7) produces a sliding movement of the second body (4) relative to the third body (5) in the plane (L1); The actuator (9) includes: The first part (9a) is fixed to the first body (3) such that at least the first part (9a) of the actuator (9) rotates with the first body (3) about the rotation axis (A). The second part (9b) is fixed to the first engagement element (7) such that at least the second part (9b) of the actuator (9) rotates in the plane (L1) while rotating about the axis of rotation (A), and the rotation in the plane (L1) produces the pivoting movement of the first engagement element (7).

2. The foldable structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first engagement element (7) and the second engagement element (8) include meshing teeth.

3. The foldable structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator (9) includes at least one of a chain, a wire, a rack, and a sheet.

4. The foldable structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a third portion (9c) of the actuator (9) extends in a first actuation plane (L2), and a fourth portion (9d) of the actuator (9) extends in a second actuation plane (L3). The first actuation plane (L2) and the second actuation plane (L3) extend parallel to the plane (L1) and are on opposite sides of the rotation axis (A). The third portion (9c) moves in the first actuation plane (L2) in response to the first portion (9a) rotating about the rotation axis (A), and the fourth portion (9d) moves in the second actuation plane (L3).

5. The foldable structure (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third part (9c) and the fourth part (9d) move in opposite directions.

6. The foldable structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, When the foldable structure (1) is in the unfolded position (P1), the first surface (3a) of the first body (3) and the first surface (4a) of the second body (4) are aligned in a common plane (L4). When the foldable structure (1) is in the folded position (P2), the second body (4) is superimposed on the first body (3).

7. The foldable structure (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the foldable structure (1) is in the folded position (P2), the distance (D) between the first body (3) and the second body (4) is at its minimum, and when the foldable structure (1) is in the unfolded position (P1), the distance (D) is at its maximum.

8. The foldable structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first part (9a) of the actuator (9) is fixed to the first body (3) by a shaft element (10) extending within a part (11) of the first body (3).

9. The foldable structure (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a locking device (12) for holding the foldable structure (1) in at least one of the folded position (P2) and the unfolded position (P1), wherein locking and releasing the locking device (12) is performed by increasing the force applied to the first body (3) and / or the second body (4) to rotate the first body (3) about the rotation axis (A).

10. The foldable structure (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The locking device (12) includes a spring mechanism.

11. The foldable structure (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The locking device (12) includes a first cam surface (13) and a second cam surface (14). The first cam surface (13) is disposed on the surface of the shaft element (10) or the surface of the first body (3). The second cam surface (14) is disposed on the cam element connected to the third body (5). The first cam surface (13) and the second cam surface (14) are interlocked when the foldable structure (1) is in at least one of the folded position (P2) and the unfolded position (P1).

12. The foldable structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes a motor for rotating the first body (3) about the axis of rotation (A).

13. An electronic device (2), characterized in that, The foldable structure (1) and the display screen (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 are included, wherein the first body (3), the second body (4) and the third body (5) of the foldable structure (1) are used to support the display screen (15).

14. The electronic device (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The display screen (15) is fixedly connected to the first body (3) and the second body (4) of the foldable structure (1).

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