Releasable connection structure of folding electronic device
Through the combined structure of latch elements, drive elements and grooves, combined with hinges and urging devices, the problems of unstable connection and inconvenient operation of electronic devices are solved, and a shaking and easy-to-use connection design is achieved, suitable for compact electronics Device.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202280096643.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-06-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-17
AI Technical Summary
The display part of the existing folding electronic device such as a laptop or tablet computer is heavier than the keyboard and the device is thin, making it difficult to achieve structural integrity of the connecting element, resulting in the display part being easily shaken and inconvenient to the user's operation.
Using a combined structure of latch elements, drive elements and grooves, the legs of the latch elements move along the second axis, the drive elements push the legs to achieve interlocking, and the grooves accommodate the legs to maintain a closed position, combining hinges and application Force device for easy-to-use connection without shaking.
A shaking-free and easy-to-operate connection design is achieved, suitable for ultra-compact electronics, improves user experience and leaves enough room for other components.
Smart Images
Figure CN119325585A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a releasable connection structure for connecting a first main element and a second main element of an electronic device along a first axis. Background Art
[0002] Current larger foldable electronic devices (e.g., laptop or tablet computer in combination with a keyboard) face stability issues because the display portion of the laptop or tablet computer is usually heavier than the corresponding keyboard. In addition, due to the thin thickness of the device portion and the need to retain as much free space as possible within the portion for other components such as the battery, the connecting elements usually need to have a small profile. Relatively small connecting elements do not have sufficient structural integrity, so the display portion is prone to shaking relative to the keyboard.
[0003] The wobble is often increased due to the extra space provided at the connection point, which is provided to facilitate the user to make the connection. The relatively small size of the connecting element may make the element difficult to manipulate by the user, and it may be difficult to achieve proper alignment of the element. In addition, to separate the parts, it is often necessary to use two hands, which often reduces the user experience and may be impossible for some users.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved releasable connection structure. Summary of the invention
[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved releasable connection structure. The above and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Other implementations are obvious from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.
[0006] According to a first aspect, a releasable connection structure is provided, which is used to connect a first main element and a second main element of an electronic device along a first axis, and the releasable connection structure includes: a latch element, the latch element including a leg, the leg being used to move in opposite directions at least partially along a second axis so that the leg moves between a closed position and an open position, the second axis extending perpendicularly to the first axis; a drive element, the drive element being used to cause the latch element to move along a third axis and / or the leg of the latch element to move along the second axis, the third axis extending perpendicularly to the first axis and the second axis; a groove, the groove being used to releasably accommodate the leg when the leg of the latch element is in the closed position, and to keep the leg in the groove when the leg of the latch element is in the open position.
[0007] Such a solution contributes to a shake-free and easy-to-use design. In addition, the solution has a small form factor so it can be used with ultra-compact devices.
[0008] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the legs of the latch element are used to engage with corresponding surfaces of the groove so as to retain the legs of the latch element in the groove, thereby facilitating simple but reliable interlocking.
[0009] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the second main element includes a hinge, which is used to enable the second main element to pivot relative to the first main element around the first axis, and the releasable connection structure is partially included in the hinge, so that the interconnection has the smallest possible profile while still achieving the largest possible range of motion.
[0010] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the drive element is used to engage with the space between the legs of the latch element, and when moving along the third axis or on the plane including the third axis, the drive element pushes the legs at least partially away from each other along the second axis, thereby facilitating simple but reliable interlocking.
[0011] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the drive element is tapered in the direction along the third axis, and the tapered width of the drive element gradually increases so that the distance between the legs of the latch element is at least partially increased, so that the elements can be first interconnected and then interlocked.
[0012] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the latch element and the drive element are used to be connected to one of the first main element and the second main element, and the groove is arranged in the hinge or in the other of the first main element and the second main element; or the latch element is connected to one of the first main element and the second main element, and the drive element is arranged in the groove, and the drive element and the groove are arranged in the hinge or in the other of the first main element and the second main element, thereby facilitating an interconnection that is easy to use but not highly visible when not in use.
[0013] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the legs of the latch element are pivotally interconnected along a pivot axis parallel to or coaxial with the first axis, and the legs can be pivoted so that at least the first ends of the legs are used to move away from each other when the space between the drive element and the legs engages, thereby facilitating simple but reliable interlocking.
[0014] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first end of the leg of the latch element is used to engage with the corresponding surface of the groove in the second main element or the hinge, so that the latch element is locked in the groove, thereby facilitating simple but reliable interlocking.
[0015] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the releasable connection structure further comprises a retaining element for retaining the legs of the latch element in the closed position, thereby facilitating a simple release of the element after interlocking.
[0016] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the releasable connection structure also includes a first force-applying device, which is used to apply force to the driving element so that the driving element moves along the third axis or on the plane including the third element, so that the elements can be interconnected independently of other elements.
[0017] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first force applying device includes a magnet, a magnetic material and / or a spring element, so as to facilitate simple but mechanically reliable actuation.
[0018] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the releasable connection structure also includes a second force-applying device, which is used to apply force to the leg of the latch element so that the leg moves in at least one direction along the second axis, thereby performing interconnection and interlocking in two independent steps.
[0019] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the releasable connection structure further includes a second force applying device, which is used to push the retaining element into the first main element so that the leg can move in at least one direction along the second axis. This helps to achieve a simple and reliable solution for simultaneous interconnection and interlocking.
[0020] According to a second aspect, an electronic device is provided, comprising a first main element, a second main element, a hinge pivotally connecting the first main element and the second main element along a first axis, and the above-mentioned releasable connection structure. This solution helps to achieve a design that is shake-free and easy to use. In addition, the small form factor of the releasable connection structure can leave enough space for other components (e.g., a processor or a battery) in the device, even in ultra-compact devices.
[0021] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the groove of the releasable connection structure is arranged in the second main element, and the drive element and the latch element of the releasable connection structure are at least partially arranged in the first main element, and the drive element and the latch element are used to protrude from the first main element and engage with the groove so as to connect the first main element to the second main element, thereby facilitating an interconnection that is easy to use but not highly visible when not in use.
[0022] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the groove of the releasable connection structure is arranged in the first main element, the driving element of the releasable connection structure is arranged in the groove, the latch element of the releasable connection structure protrudes from the second main element or the hinge, and the driving element is used to protrude from the groove and engage with the latch element so as to connect the first main element to the second main element, thereby facilitating easy-to-use interconnection because the two elements are guided to the correct interconnection position through their own functions.
[0023] These and other aspects will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] In the following detailed description of the present invention, various aspects, embodiments and implementations are explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0025] Figure 1a A perspective view of an electronic device according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the main elements of the device are connected;
[0026] Figure 1b Shows Figure 1a a perspective view of an electronic device shown with the main components of the device disconnected;
[0027] Figure 1c Shows Figure 1a and Figure 1b A partial perspective view of the connection points of the electronic device shown;
[0028] Figure 2a and Figure 2b showing a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention, with the primary elements fully disconnected and fully connected;
[0029] Figure 3 (a) to Figure 3 (c) shows a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the main elements are completely disconnected, close to each other and completely connected;
[0030] Figure 4a , Figure 5a and Figure 6a shows a side view of an example of a releasable connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, with primary elements fully disconnected, adjacent to each other, and fully connected;
[0031] Figure 4b , Figure 5b and Figure 6b Shows Figure 4a , Figure 5a and Figure 6a A cross-sectional view of the releasable connection shown;
[0032] Figure 7a , Figure 8a and Figure 9a shows a side view of an example of a releasable connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, with primary elements fully disconnected, adjacent to each other, and fully connected;
[0033] Figure 7b , Figure 8b and Figure 9b Shows Figure 4a , Figure 5a and Figure 6a A cross-sectional view of the releasable connection shown;
[0034] Figures 10a to 10c shows a side view of another example of a releasable connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the primary elements are completely disconnected, adjacent to each other, and completely connected;
[0035] Fig.11a A perspective view showing an electronic device according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] Fig.11b Shows Fig.11a A partial perspective view of the connection points of the electronic device shown;
[0037] Fig.11c and Fig.11d Shows Fig.11a and Fig.11b A cross-sectional view of a portion of a releasable connection is shown with the releasable connection in a disconnected position and a connected position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The present invention relates to a releasable connection structure 1, which is used to connect a first main element 2 and a second main element 3 of an electronic device 12 along a first axis A1. The releasable connection structure 1 includes: a latch element 4, the latch element 4 includes a leg 5, the leg 5 is used to move in opposite directions at least partially along a second axis A2 so that the leg 5 moves between a closed position and an open position, and the second axis A2 extends perpendicular to the first axis A1; a driving element 6, the driving element 6 is used to cause the latch element 4 to move along a third axis A3 and / or the leg 5 of the latch element 4 to move along the second axis A2, and the third axis A3 extends perpendicular to the first axis A1 and the second axis A2; a groove 7, the groove 7 is used to releasably accommodate the leg 5 when the leg 5 of the latch element 4 is in the closed position, and to keep the leg 5 in the groove 7 when the leg 5 of the latch element 4 is in the open position.
[0039] The releasable connection structure 1 is used to connect the first main element 2 and the second main element 3 of the electronic device 12, for example, to connect a display to a keyboard of a computer or to connect a tablet computer to a keyboard, such as Figure 1a to Figure 1c The connection is made along a first axis A1 , which can extend parallel to the long sides of the first main element 2 and the second main element 3 .
[0040] The releasable connection structure 1 comprises a latch element 4, the latch element 4 comprises a leg 5, the leg 5 is adapted to move at least partially along the second axis A2 in opposite directions, so that the leg 5 moves between a closed position and an open position, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 (a) to Figure 3 (c) Figure 6b and Fig.11d The second axis A2 extends perpendicularly to the first axis A1.
[0041] The releasable connection structure 1 further comprises a drive element 6 for causing the latch element 4 to move along the third axis A3 and / or the leg 5 of the latch element 4 to move along the second axis A2. The third axis A3 extends perpendicularly to the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. Figure 3 (c) Figure 4b , Figure 5b , Figure 6b and Fig.11a shown.
[0042] The releasable connection structure 1 further comprises a groove 7 for releasably receiving the leg 5 (e.g. Figure 3 (b) and Figure 5b ), and holds the legs 5 in the grooves 7 when the legs 5 of the latch element 4 are in the open position (as shown in FIG. Figure 3 (c) and Figure 6bIn other words, as long as the legs 5 of the latch element 4 are in the closed position, the legs 5 can be inserted into and withdrawn from the groove 7 without hindrance. After the legs 5 of the latch element 4 are opened (i.e., in the open position), the legs 5 cannot be withdrawn from the groove 7 due to the configuration of the groove 7.
[0043] The legs 5 of the latch element 4 can be used to engage with corresponding surfaces of the groove 7 so as to retain the legs 5 of the latch element 4 in the groove 7, such as Figure 3 (c) and Figure 6b shown.
[0044] The second main element 3 may include a hinge 8 for enabling the second main element 3 to pivot relative to the first main element 2 about the first axis A1. The releasable connection structure 1 may be partially included in the hinge 8. However, the second main element 3 may pivot relative to the first main element 2 in other suitable ways, and the releasable connection structure 1 may be completely separated from the hinge 8.
[0045] The drive element 6 may be adapted to engage with the space between the legs 5 of the latch element 4 and, when moving along the third axis A3 or in a plane including the third axis A3, push the legs 5 at least partially away from each other along the second axis A2.
[0046] The driving element 6 may include two parts, such as Figure 4a A thin sheet metal member for pivoting at one end and a machined or metal injection mold (MIM) wedge-shaped member for extending between the legs 5, such as Figure 6b shown.
[0047] The drive element 6 can be tapered in the direction along the third axis A3, so that when the drive element 6 moves along the third axis A3 into the space between the legs 5 of the latch element 4, the tapered width of the drive element 6 gradually increases, causing the distance between the legs 5 of the latch element 4 to at least partially increase.
[0048] The latch element 4 and the drive element 6 can be used to connect to one of the first main element 2 and the second main element 3. The groove 7 can be arranged in the hinge 8 or in the other of the first main element 2 and the second main element 3, such as Figure 3 (b) and Fig.11d shown.
[0049] Optionally, the latch element 4 can be connected to one of the first main element 2 and the second main element 3, and the drive element 6 is arranged in the groove 7, and the drive element 6 and the groove 7 are arranged in the hinge 8 or in another main element of the first main element 2 and the second main element 3 (not shown).
[0050] The legs 5 of the latch element 4 can be pivotally interconnected along a pivot axis A4 parallel or coaxial with the first axis A1, the legs 5 being pivotable so that at least the first ends of the legs 5 are adapted to move away from each other when the drive element 6 engages with the space between the legs 5, see Figure 2a and Figure 2b The first end of the leg 5 of the latch element 4 may be used to engage with a corresponding surface of a groove 7 in the second main element 3 or the hinge 8 so that the latch element 4 is locked in the groove 7 .
[0051] The releasable connection structure 1 may further comprise a retaining element 9 for retaining the legs 5 of the latch element 4 in the closed position. Figures 4a to 6b , where the retaining element 9 is shown to move outwardly along the third axis A3, i.e. in the direction towards the latching element 4, the legs 5 of the latching element 4 being kept closed. When the latching element 4 is inserted into the groove 7, the retaining element 9 is pushed in the other direction, i.e. the retaining element 9 moves along the third axis A3 away from the latching element 4. The retaining element 9 can be pushed inwardly by any suitable part of the main element including the groove 7, thereby releasing the legs 5.
[0052] The releasable connection structure 1 may include a first force applying device 10, which is used to apply force to the drive element 6 so that the drive element 6 moves along the third axis A3 or on a plane including the third element. The first force applying device 10 may include a magnet (such as Figure 4a , Figure 5a , Figure 6a , Figure 7a , Figure 8a and Figure 8b shown), magnetic material and / or spring elements.
[0053] The releasable connection structure 1 may further include a second force applying device 11. The second force applying device 11 may be used to apply force to the leg 5 of the latch element 4 so that the leg 5 moves in at least one direction along the second axis A2, such as Figure 7b , Figure 8b and Figure 9b The second force applying device 11 may include a magnet, a magnetic material and / or a spring element.
[0054] The second force applying device 11 can also be used to push the retaining element 9 into the first main element 2, as described above and Figure 4b , Figure 5b and Figure 6b shown.
[0055] The present invention also relates to an electronic device 12, such as Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Fig.11a and Fig.11bAs shown, it includes a first main element 2, a second main element 3, a hinge 8 pivotally connecting the first main element 2 and the second main element 3 along a first axis A1, and the above-mentioned releasable connection structure 1.
[0056] The groove 7 of the releasable connection structure 1 can be arranged in the second main element 3, and the drive element 6 and the latch element 4 of the releasable connection structure 1 can be arranged at least partially in the first main element 2, such as Figure 3 (a) to Figure 3 (c) and Figures 4a to 6b The drive element 6 and the latch element 4 are used to protrude from the first main element 2 and engage with the groove 7 so as to connect the first main element 2 to the second main element 3.
[0057] Alternatively, the groove 7 of the releasable connection structure 1 can be arranged in the first main element 2, and the drive element 6 of the releasable connection structure 1 is arranged in the groove 7. The latch element 4 of the releasable connection structure 1 protrudes from the second main element 3 or the hinge 8, and the drive element 6 is used to engage with the latch element 4 so as to connect the first main element 2 to the second main element 3, as shown in FIG. Figures 11a to 11d The drive element 6 can be used to protrude from the groove 7 so as to engage with the latch element 4.
[0058] Various aspects and implementations have been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments. However, other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject matter by studying the drawings, the present invention and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The enumeration of certain measures in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
[0059] The reference numerals used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings (e.g., cross-hatching, component arrangements, proportions, degrees, etc.) should be read in conjunction with the specification and should be considered part of the entire written description of the invention. As used herein, the terms "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower," and their adjectival and adverbial derivatives (e.g., "horizontally," "to the right," "upward," etc.) refer only to the direction of the structure shown when a particular drawing is facing the reader. Similarly, the terms "inward" and "outward" generally refer to the direction of a surface relative to its axis of elongation or axis of rotation, as the case may be.
Claims
1. A releasable connection structure (1), characterized in that: The releasable connection structure (1) is used to connect a first main element (2) and a second main element (3) of an electronic device (12) along a first axis (A1), The releasable connection structure (1) comprises: a latch element (4), the latch element (4) comprising a leg (5) adapted to move at least partially in opposite directions along a second axis (A2) such that the leg (5) moves between a closed position and an open position, the second axis (A2) extending perpendicularly to the first axis (A1); a drive element (6) for causing the latch element (4) to move along a third axis (A3) and / or the leg (5) of the latch element (4) to move along the second axis (A2), the third axis (A3) extending perpendicularly to the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2); A groove (7) is used to releasably accommodate the leg (5) of the latch element (4) when the leg (5) is in the closed position, and to retain the leg (5) in the groove (7) when the leg (5) of the latch element (4) is in the open position.
2. The releasable connection structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The legs (5) of the latch element (4) are adapted to engage with corresponding surfaces of the recess (7) so as to retain the legs (5) of the latch element (4) within the recess (7).
3. The releasable connection structure (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second main element (3) comprises a hinge (8), and the hinge (8) is used to enable the second main element (3) to pivot relative to the first main element (2) around the first axis (A1), The releasable connection structure (1) is partially comprised within the hinge (8).
4. A releasable connection structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The drive element (6) is used to engage with the space between the legs (5) of the latch element (4), and when moving along the third axis (A3) or moving on the plane including the third axis (A3), the drive element (6) pushes the legs (5) at least partially away from each other along the second axis (A2).
5. The releasable connection structure (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The drive element (6) is tapered in the direction along the third axis (A3), and the gradually increasing width of the tapered shape of the drive element (6) causes the distance between the legs (5) of the latch element (4) to at least partially increase.
6. A releasable connection structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that: The latch element (4) and the drive element (6) are used to be connected to one of the first main element (2) and the second main element (3), The groove (7) is arranged in the hinge (8) or in the other main element of the first main element (2) and the second main element (3); or The latch element (4) is connected to one of the first main element (2) and the second main element (3), the drive element (6) is arranged in the groove (7), and the drive element (6) and the groove (7) are arranged in the hinge (8) or in the other main element of the first main element (2) and the second main element (3).
7. A releasable connection structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that: The legs (5) of the latch element (4) are pivotally interconnected along a pivot axis (A4) parallel or coaxial with the first axis (A1), and the legs (5) can be pivoted so that at least the first ends of the legs (5) are used to move away from each other when the space between the drive element (6) and the legs (5) is engaged.
8. The releasable connection structure (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first end of the leg (5) of the latch element (4) is used to engage with the corresponding surface of the groove (7) in the second main element (3) or the hinge (8), so that the latch element (4) is locked in the groove (7).
9. A releasable connection structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that: The releasable connection structure (1) further comprises a retaining element (9) for retaining the leg (5) of the latch element (4) in the closed position.
10. The releasable connection structure (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The releasable connection structure (1) further comprises a first force applying device (10), which is used to apply force to the driving element (6) so that the driving element (6) moves along the third axis (A3) or on the plane including the third element.
11. The releasable connection structure (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first force applying device (10) comprises a magnet, a magnetic material and / or a spring element.
12. The releasable connection structure (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The releasable connection structure (1) further comprises a second force applying device (11), which is used to apply force to the leg (5) of the latch element (4) so that the leg (5) moves in at least one direction along the second axis (A2).
13. The releasable connection structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The releasable connection structure (1) further comprises a second force applying device (11), which is used to push the retaining element (9) into the first main element (2) so that the leg (5) can move in at least one direction along the second axis (A2).
14. An electronic device (12), characterized in that: It comprises a first main element (2), a second main element (3), a hinge (8) pivotally connecting the first main element (2) and the second main element (3) along a first axis (A1), and a releasable connection structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
15. The electronic device (12) according to claim 14, characterized in that: The groove (7) of the releasable connection structure (1) is arranged in the second main element (3), The drive element (6) and the latch element (4) of the releasable connection structure (1) are at least partially arranged in the first main element (2), The drive element (6) and the latch element (4) are adapted to protrude from the first main element (2) and engage with the groove (7) so as to connect the first main element (2) to the second main element (3).
16. The electronic device (12) according to claim 15, characterized in that The groove (7) of the releasable connection structure (1) is arranged in the first main element (2), and the driving element (6) of the releasable connection structure (1) is arranged in the groove (7), The latch element (4) of the releasable connection structure (1) protrudes from the second main element (3) or the hinge (8), The drive element (6) is adapted to protrude from the recess (7) and engage with the latch element (4) so as to connect the first main element (2) to the second main element (3).