Pivot device and electronic device using same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a pivot device and an electronic device using the pivot device. The pivot device comprises a base, two first supports, two first fixing seats, a fixing frame, two rotating shafts, two second supports, two second fixing seats, two torsion generating pieces and two opening and closing plates. The base is provided with two opposite first arc-shaped sliding connection parts. Each first support is provided with a second arc-shaped sliding connection part connected to the first arc-shaped sliding connection part in a sliding mode, and is provided with a third arc-shaped sliding connection part and a first connection part. And each first fixing seat is provided with a fourth arc-shaped sliding connection part which is connected to the third arc-shaped sliding connection part in a sliding manner. The fixing frame is connected to the base. The two rotating shafts are pivoted to the fixing frame. Each second bracket is pivoted to the rotating shaft and is provided with a first linear sliding part; each second fixing base is provided with a second linear sliding connection part which is connected to the first linear sliding connection part in a sliding mode. The two torsion generating pieces are connected to the two second supports respectively. Each opening and closing plate is provided with a second connecting part connected to the first connecting part. The pivot device can be thin in overall design, simple in structure and convenient to assemble.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a hinge device and an electronic device using the same, in particular to a hinge device applicable to a flexible display component and an electronic device using the same. Background Art

[0002] An existing electronic device includes a hinge mechanism, two plates and a flexible display component. The hinge mechanism is connected between the two plates so that the two plates can be relatively expanded and retracted. The flexible display component is arranged on the hinge mechanism and the two plates, and thus will be correspondingly expanded and retracted as the two plates are relatively expanded and retracted. When the two plates are relatively expanded to a relative angle of 180 degrees, the two side portions of the flexible display component are respectively flat and fixed to the two plates, while the middle portion of the flexible display component is flat but not fixed to the hinge mechanism. Since the flexible display component itself has a certain thickness, when the two plates are retracted to a smaller relative angle, the middle portion of the flexible display component may be compressed by the hinge mechanism and become distorted or even damaged. Utility Model Content

[0003] The utility model aims to provide a hinge device and an electronic device using the same, so that when two plates of the electronic device are folded to a smaller relative angle, the middle part of the flexible display element will not be compressed by the hinge mechanism and become twisted or even damaged.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the utility model proposes a hinge device, including a base, two first brackets, two first fixed seats, a fixed frame, two rotating shafts, two second brackets, two second fixed seats, two torque generating members and two opening and closing plates. The base has two opposite first side surfaces, each of which is provided with a first arc-shaped sliding portion. Each first bracket is provided with a second arc-shaped sliding portion, a third arc-shaped sliding portion and a first connecting portion, and the second arc-shaped sliding portion is slidably connected to the corresponding first arc-shaped sliding portion. Each first fixed seat is provided with a fourth arc-shaped sliding portion, and the fourth arc-shaped sliding portion is slidably connected to the corresponding third arc-shaped sliding portion. The fixed frame is connected to the second side surface of the base, and the second side surface is adjacent to the two first side surfaces. The two rotating shafts are parallel to each other and pivoted to the fixed frame. Each second bracket is provided with a pivoting portion, a first linear sliding portion and a co-moving gear, and the pivoting portion is pivoted to the corresponding rotating shaft, and the two co-moving gears of the two second brackets are meshed with each other. Each second fixed seat is provided with a second linear sliding portion, and the second linear sliding portion is slidably connected to the corresponding first linear sliding portion. The two torque generating members are connected to the two second brackets respectively. Each opening and closing plate is provided with a second connecting portion, and the second connecting portion is connected to the first connecting portion of the corresponding first bracket.

[0005] In one embodiment, each first side surface of the base is provided with a first guide groove, and two parallel inner side walls of the first guide groove are respectively provided with two first arc-shaped sliding parts. Two parallel outer side walls of each first bracket are respectively provided with two second arc-shaped sliding parts.

[0006] In one embodiment, each first fixing seat is provided with a second guide groove, and two parallel inner side walls of the second guide groove are respectively provided with two fourth arc-shaped sliding parts. Two parallel outer side walls of each first bracket are respectively provided with two third arc-shaped sliding parts.

[0007] In one embodiment, each second fixing seat is provided with a third guide slot, and two parallel inner side walls of the third guide slot are respectively provided with two second linear sliding parts. Two parallel outer side walls of each second bracket are respectively provided with two first linear sliding parts.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first arc-shaped sliding portion and the second arc-shaped sliding portion are both arc-shaped and have a curvature center located on a first virtual axis. The first virtual axis is located outside the base and parallel to the base.

[0009] In one embodiment, the third arc-shaped sliding portion and the fourth arc-shaped sliding portion are both arc-shaped and have curvature centers located on a second virtual axis. The second virtual axis is located outside the first fixing seat and is parallel to the first fixing seat.

[0010] In one embodiment, each torque generating member includes a first concave cam, a second concave cam and a spring. The first concave cam is connected to the pivoting portion of the corresponding second bracket and is pivoted to the corresponding rotating shaft. The second concave cam and the spring are pivoted to the corresponding rotating shaft, and the second concave cam is located between the first concave cam and the spring. The two second concave cams of the two torque generating members are connected to each other.

[0011] In one embodiment, the fixing frame includes a first fixing plate, a second fixing plate and a buckle. Each rotating shaft is pivotally mounted on the first fixing plate, the corresponding second bracket, the corresponding torque generating member and the second fixing plate in sequence. Each rotating shaft has a head and a concave ring portion, the head abuts against the first fixing plate, the concave ring portion passes through the second fixing plate and is mutually locked with the buckle.

[0012] The utility model also proposes an electronic device, including a hinge mechanism, two plates and a flexible display component. The hinge mechanism includes the aforementioned hinge device. Each plate is connected to a corresponding first fixing seat and a second fixing seat of the hinge device. The flexible display component is arranged on the hinge mechanism and the two plates, and abuts against two opening and closing plates of the hinge device.

[0013] In one embodiment, each first fixing seat is further provided with a first fixing portion, and each second fixing seat is further provided with a second fixing portion. The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are fixedly connected to the corresponding plate body.

[0014] In summary, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the hinge device and the electronic device using the same, one end of the two first brackets of the hinge device are respectively connected to the two first side surfaces opposite to the base by sliding around the first virtual axis in an arc track, the two first fixed seats are respectively connected to the other ends of the two first brackets by sliding around the second virtual axis in an arc track, and the two first fixed seats are respectively connected to the two plates of the electronic device; thereby, the two plates can be relatively unfolded and folded, and the design of sliding around the virtual axis in an arc track can make the base and the first fixed seat thinner, so that the overall design of the hinge device is thinner, and the opening and closing plate is directly connected to the first bracket, and the design of slidingly connecting the first fixed seat to the first bracket in an arc track can make the opening and closing plate give up a gradually larger space when the two plates are relatively folded to a smaller relative angle, so that the middle part of the flexible display can be bent normally without being compressed. For the convenience of assembly, the fixed seat connected to the plate body is separated into a first fixed seat and a second fixed seat, so that the first fixed seat is assembled to the first bracket in an arc track sliding manner, and then the second fixed seat is assembled to the second bracket in a linear track sliding manner.

[0015] In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, preferred embodiments are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a partial exploded view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the hinge mechanism and two plates of the electronic device shown.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partially exploded view of the hinge mechanism of the electronic device shown.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a hinge device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The shown hinge device is a three-dimensional view with the two opening and closing plates removed.

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Exploded view of the hub shown.

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows that the relative angle between the two plates of the electronic device is 180 degrees.

[0023] Figure 8 for Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows that the relative angle between the two plates of the electronic device is 90 degrees.

[0024] Fig. 9 for Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows that the relative angle between the two plates of the electronic device is 0 degree. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In the following embodiments, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar components. In addition, the directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as up, down, left, right, front or back, etc., are only referenced to the directions of the drawings, and therefore, the directional terms used are for illustration, not for limiting the present invention.

[0026] Please also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a partial exploded view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the hinge mechanism 100 and two plates 200 of the electronic device shown. The electronic device includes a hinge mechanism 100, two plates 200 and a flexible display member 300. The hinge mechanism 100 is connected between the two plates 200 so that the two plates 200 can be relatively expanded and retracted. The flexible display member 300 is disposed on the hinge mechanism 100 and the two plates 200, and thus will be expanded and retracted correspondingly with the relative expansion and retraction of the two plates 200. When the two plates 200 are relatively expanded to a relative angle of 180 degrees, the two side portions of the flexible display member 300 are respectively flat and fixed to the two plates 200, while the middle portion of the flexible display member 300 is flat but not fixed to the hinge mechanism 100. As the two plates 200 are folded to a smaller relative angle, the hinge mechanism 100 provides a yielding function and can yield a larger space as the relative angle between the two plates 200 decreases, so that the middle part of the flexible display element 300 can bend normally without being compressed by the hinge mechanism 100. More specific description will be given later.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial exploded view of a hinge mechanism 100 of an electronic device shown in FIG. The hinge mechanism 100 includes two hinge devices 1, a spine protective shell 2 and a support plate 3. The two hinge devices 1 are connected to the two ends of the inner side surface of the spine protective shell 2. The support plate 3 is located between the two hinge devices 1 and is connected to the inner side surface of the spine protective shell 2 and is fixed thereto. The two hinge devices 1 are also connected to each other via two opening and closing plates 90. The spine protective shell 2 can prevent foreign matter from entering to protect the two hinge devices 1, and when the two plate bodies 200 are relatively folded, the outer side surface of the spine protective shell 2 can also provide an aesthetic appearance. The support plate 3 and the opening and closing plate 90 can form a whole flat plate (such as when the two plate bodies 200 are relatively unfolded to a 180-degree state) Figure 2As shown in the figure, the middle part of the flexible display member 300 is supported, that is, the flexible display member 300 abuts against the two opening and closing plates 90 of the hinge device 1; in addition, the opening and closing plates 90 can cooperate with the two hinge devices 1 to provide a yielding function when the two plate bodies 200 are relatively retracted to a relatively small relative angle, and a more specific description will be given later.

[0028] Please also refer to Figures 4 to 6 , Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a hub device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 for Figure 4 The shown three-dimensional view of the hinge device 1 with the two opening and closing plates 90 removed, Figure 6 for Figure 5 The exploded view of the hub device 1 is shown. The hub device 1 includes a base 10, two first brackets 20 and two first fixed seats 30, which are responsible for the relative expansion and folding positions of the two plates 200 of the electronic device. The base 10 has two opposite first side surfaces 10a and two opposite second side surfaces 10b, and each second side surface 10b is adjacent to the two first side surfaces 10a. Each first side surface 10a is provided with a first arc-shaped sliding portion 12. Each first bracket 20 is provided with a second arc-shaped sliding portion 21, a third arc-shaped sliding portion 22 and a first connecting portion 23, and the second arc-shaped sliding portion 21 is slidably connected to the corresponding first arc-shaped sliding portion 12. Each first fixed seat 30 is provided with a fourth arc-shaped sliding portion 32, and the fourth arc-shaped sliding portion 32 is slidably connected to the corresponding third arc-shaped sliding portion 22.

[0029] In this embodiment, each first side surface 10a of the base 10 is provided with a first guide groove 11, and two parallel inner side walls of the first guide groove 11 are respectively provided with two first arc-shaped sliding parts 12, and two parallel outer side walls of each first bracket 20 are respectively provided with two second arc-shaped sliding parts 21. Each first fixed seat 30 is provided with a second guide groove 31, and two parallel inner side walls of the second guide groove 31 are respectively provided with two fourth arc-shaped sliding parts 32, and two parallel outer side walls of each first bracket 20 are respectively provided with two third arc-shaped sliding parts 22.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first arc-shaped sliding part 12 and the second arc-shaped sliding part 21 are both arc-shaped and the center of curvature is located at the first virtual axis, and the first virtual axis is located outside the base 10 and parallel to the base 10; thereby, the end of each first bracket 20 close to the base 10 is rotatably mounted on the first side surface 10a corresponding to the base 10 and rotates around the corresponding first virtual axis. The third arc-shaped sliding part 22 and the fourth arc-shaped sliding part 32 are both arc-shaped and the center of curvature is located at the second virtual axis, and the second virtual axis is located outside the first fixed seat 30 and parallel to the first fixed seat 30; thereby, each first fixed seat 30 is rotatably mounted on the end of the corresponding first bracket 20 away from the base 10 and rotates around the corresponding second virtual axis.

[0031] In this embodiment, the first arcuate sliding part 12 is an arcuate concave track, and the second arcuate sliding part 21 is an arcuate convex track corresponding to the aforementioned arcuate concave track; but not limited to this, for example, the first arcuate sliding part 12 and the second arcuate sliding part 21 can be respectively changed into a corresponding arcuate convex track and an arcuate concave track. The third arcuate sliding part 22 is an arcuate concave track, and the fourth arcuate sliding part 32 is an arcuate convex track corresponding to the aforementioned arcuate concave track; but not limited to this, for example, the third arcuate sliding part 22 and the fourth arcuate sliding part 32 can be respectively changed into a corresponding arcuate convex track and an arcuate concave track.

[0032] The hinge device 1 further includes a fixing frame 40, two rotating shafts 50, two second brackets 60, two second fixing seats 70 and two torque generating members 80, which are responsible for torque generation and synchronization. The fixing frame 40 is connected to the second side surface 10b of the base 10. The two rotating shafts 50 are parallel to each other and pivoted to the fixing frame 40. Each second bracket 60 is provided with a pivoting portion 61, a first linear sliding portion 62 and a synchronization gear 63, the pivoting portion 61 is pivoted to the corresponding rotating shaft 50, and the two synchronization gears 63 of the two second brackets 60 are meshed with each other. Each second fixing seat 70 is provided with a second linear sliding portion 72, and the second linear sliding portion 72 is slidably connected to the corresponding first linear sliding portion 62. The two torque generating members 80 are respectively connected to the two second brackets 60.

[0033] In this embodiment, the second bracket 60 is further provided with a plurality of idler wheels 64, which are meshed in sequence and then meshed between the two co-moving gears 63, that is, the two co-moving gears 63 are meshed with each other through the idler wheels 64. The two second brackets 60 can rotate simultaneously in opposite directions through the two co-moving gears 63 and the idler wheels 64.

[0034] In this embodiment, each second fixing seat 70 is provided with a third guide groove 71, and two parallel inner side walls of the third guide groove 71 are respectively provided with two second linear sliding parts 72, and two parallel outer side walls of each second bracket 60 are respectively provided with two first linear sliding parts 62. In this embodiment, the first linear sliding part 62 is a linear concave rail, and the second linear sliding part 72 is a linear convex rail corresponding to the aforementioned linear concave rail; but not limited to this, for example, the first linear sliding part 62 and the second linear sliding part 72 can be respectively changed to a corresponding linear convex rail and a linear concave rail; thereby, each second bracket 60 can slide linearly with the corresponding second fixing seat 70. In addition, the second linear sliding part 72 is an inclined design, that is, when the second fixing seat 70 is fixedly connected to the corresponding plate body 200, the second linear sliding part 72 of the second fixing seat 70 is inclined relative to the plate body 200. This design can make the base 10 thinner, and the overall design of the hub device 1 thinner.

[0035] In this embodiment, each first fixing seat 30 is further provided with a first fixing portion 33, and each second fixing seat 70 is further provided with a second fixing portion 73. Each first fixing seat 30 and each second fixing seat 70 are respectively fixedly connected to the corresponding plate body 200 (such as Figure 2 as shown).

[0036] In the present embodiment, the torque generating member 80 includes a first concave cam 81, a second concave cam 82 and a spring 83. The first concave cam 81 is connected to the pivoting portion 61 of the corresponding second bracket 60 and is pivoted to the corresponding rotating shaft 50. The second concave cam 82 and the spring 83 are pivoted to the corresponding rotating shaft 50, and the second concave cam 82 is located between the first concave cam 81 and the spring 83. The two second concave cams 82 of the two torque generating members 80 are connected to each other. In the present embodiment, the fixing frame 40 includes a first fixing plate 41, a second fixing plate 42 and a buckle 43. Each rotating shaft 50 is pivoted to the first fixing plate 41, the corresponding second bracket 60, the corresponding torque generating member 80 and the second fixing plate 42 in sequence. Each rotating shaft 50 has a head 51 and a concave ring portion 52, the head 51 abuts against the first fixing plate 41, and the concave ring portion 52 passes through the second fixing plate 42 and is mutually locked with the buckle 43. Thus, the torque generating member 80 directly acts on the second bracket 60 , and the rotating shaft 50 only cooperates with the fixing frame 40 to provide positioning for the second bracket 60 and the torque generating member 80 , and can be designed with a smaller diameter, so that the overall design of the hinge device 1 is thinner.

[0037] The hinge device 1 further includes two opening and closing plates 90. Each opening and closing plate 90 is provided with a second connecting portion 91, and the second connecting portion 91 is connected to the first connecting portion 23 (such as Figure 3 As shown), each opening and closing plate 90 is directly connected to the corresponding first bracket 20.

[0038] In summary, one end of the two first brackets 20 of the hinge device 1 is respectively connected to the two opposite first side surfaces 10a of the base 10 by sliding around the first virtual axis in an arc trajectory, and the two first fixing seats 30 are respectively connected to the other ends of the two first brackets 20 by sliding around the second virtual axis in an arc trajectory. The two first fixing seats 30 are respectively connected to the two plates 200 of the electronic device; thereby, the two plates 200 can be relatively unfolded and folded, and the design of sliding around the virtual axis in an arc trajectory can make the base 10 and the first fixing seats 30 thinner, so that the overall design of the hinge device 1 is thinner. In addition, the opening and closing plate 90 is directly connected to the first bracket 20. The design of the first fixing seat 30 slidingly connected to the first bracket 20 in an arc trajectory can make the opening and closing plate 90 give up a gradually larger space when the two plates 200 are relatively folded to a smaller relative angle, so that the middle part of the flexible display component 300 can be bent normally without being compressed. For ease of assembly, the fixing base connected to the plate 200 is separated into a first fixing base 30 and a second fixing base 70 so that the first fixing base 30 can be assembled to the first bracket 20 in an arc track sliding manner, and the second fixing base 70 can be assembled to the second bracket 60 in a linear track sliding manner.

[0039] Please also refer to Figures 7 to 9 , Figures 7 to 9 They are Figure 1 The two boards 200 of the electronic device are shown in a schematic diagram with the relative angles being 180, 90, and 0 degrees. For the sake of clarity, the two boards 200 of the electronic device and the back shield 2 and other components are omitted in the figure. Figure 7 As shown, when the relative angle between the two plates 200 of the electronic device is 180 degrees, the relative angle between the two opening and closing plates 90 is 180 degrees, supporting the middle part of the flexible display element 300. Figure 8 As shown, when the relative angle between the two plates 200 of the electronic device is 90 degrees, the relative angle between the two opening and closing plates 90 is 90 degrees, and they abut against the flexible display element 300. Fig. 9 As shown, when the relative angle between the two plates 200 of the electronic device gradually decreases to 0 degrees, the relative angle between the two opening and closing plates 90 gradually decreases to a negative angle, that is, the two opening and closing plates 90 make way for the middle portion of the flexible display component 300, so that the middle portion of the flexible display component 300 can bend normally without being compressed by the hinge mechanism 100.

[0040] Although the present invention has been disclosed as above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A hub, Features include: The base has two opposite first side surfaces, each of the first side surfaces is provided with a first arc-shaped sliding portion; Two first brackets, each of which is provided with a second arc-shaped sliding portion, a third arc-shaped sliding portion and a first connecting portion, and the second arc-shaped sliding portion is slidably connected to the corresponding first arc-shaped sliding portion; Two first fixing seats, each of which is provided with a fourth arc-shaped sliding portion, and the fourth arc-shaped sliding portion is slidably connected to the corresponding third arc-shaped sliding portion; A fixing frame connected to a second side surface of the base, wherein the second side surface is adjacent to between the two first side surfaces; Two rotating shafts, parallel to each other and pivotally mounted on the fixing frame; Two second brackets, each of the second brackets is provided with a pivoting portion, a first linear sliding portion and a co-moving gear, the pivoting portion is pivotally connected to the corresponding rotating shaft, and the two co-moving gears of the two second brackets are meshed with each other; Two second fixing seats, each of which is provided with a second linear sliding portion, and the second linear sliding portion is slidably connected to the corresponding first linear sliding portion; Two torque generating members are respectively connected to the two second brackets; and Two opening and closing plates, each of which is provided with a second connecting portion, and the second connecting portion is connected to the first connecting portion of the corresponding first bracket.

2. The hub as claimed in claim 1, Features: Each of the first side surfaces of the base is provided with a first guide groove, two parallel inner side walls of the first guide groove are respectively provided with two first arc-shaped sliding portions, and two parallel outer side walls of each of the first brackets are respectively provided with two second arc-shaped sliding portions.

3. The hinge device as claimed in claim 1, Features: Each of the first fixing seats is provided with a second guide groove, and two parallel inner side walls of the second guide groove are respectively provided with two fourth arc-shaped sliding parts, and two parallel outer side walls of each of the first brackets are respectively provided with two third arc-shaped sliding parts.

4. The hinge device as claimed in claim 1, Features: Each of the second fixing seats is provided with a third guide groove, two parallel inner side walls of the third guide groove are respectively provided with two second linear sliding parts, and two parallel outer side walls of each of the second brackets are respectively provided with two first linear sliding parts.

5. The hinge device as claimed in claim 1, Features: The first arc-shaped sliding portion and the second arc-shaped sliding portion are both arc-shaped and have a curvature center located on a first virtual axis. The first virtual axis is located outside the base and parallel to the base.

6. The hinge device as claimed in claim 1, Features: The third arc-shaped sliding portion and the fourth arc-shaped sliding portion are both arc-shaped and have curvature centers located on a second virtual axis. The second virtual axis is located outside the first fixing seat and is parallel to the first fixing seat.

7. The hinge device as claimed in claim 1, Features: Each of the torque generating members includes a first concave cam, a second concave cam and a spring. The first concave cam is connected to the pivot portion of the corresponding second bracket and is pivoted to the corresponding rotating shaft. The second concave cam and the spring are pivoted to the corresponding rotating shaft. The second concave cam is located between the first concave cam and the spring. The two second concave cams of the two torque generating members are connected to each other.

8. The hinge device as claimed in claim 7, Features: The fixing frame includes a first fixing plate, a second fixing plate and a buckle plate, each of the rotating shafts is pivotally mounted on the first fixing plate, the corresponding second bracket, the corresponding torque generating member and the second fixing plate in sequence, each of the rotating shafts has a head and a concave ring portion, the head portion abuts against the first fixing plate, the concave ring portion passes through the second fixing plate and is interlocked with the buckle plate.

9. An electronic device, Features include: A hinge mechanism, comprising a hinge device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8; Two plates, each of which is connected to the first fixing seat and the second fixing seat corresponding to the hub; as well as The flexible display component is arranged on the hinge mechanism and the two plates, and abuts against the two opening and closing plates of the hinge device.

10. The electronic device as claimed in claim 9, Features: Each of the first fixing seats is further provided with a first fixing portion, and each of the second fixing seats is further provided with a second fixing portion, and the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are fixedly connected to the corresponding plate body.

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