Switch hinge

Abstract

A switchable hinge comprises a base unit, two rotating units and two support plate units. The base unit comprises a fixed seat and two middle covers. The middle covers are pivotally mounted on the fixed seat respectively. The two rotating units are arranged on the base unit and can be switched between an unfolded state, a first folded state and a second folded state. Each support plate unit comprises a first support plate connected to the corresponding rotating unit and a second support plate connected to the corresponding rotating unit and spaced from the first support plate. In the unfolded state, the first support plate and the second support plate are flush, in the first folded state, the two first support plates and the two second support plates are parallel to each other, in the second folded state, the distance between the two first support plates is less than the distance between the two first support plates in the first folded state, and the two second support plates are inclined relative to the two first support plates.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a hinge, in particular to a switching hinge. Background Art

[0002] An existing hinge is suitable for connecting two shells so that the two shells can be opened relative to each other and used to support a flexible screen. The hinge includes a base, two rotating units connecting the two shells, and two support plates connected to the rotating units to support the flexible screen. In the folded state, the flexible screen can be bent into a teardrop shape, thereby reducing the thickness of the overall device. However, such a hinge will not be able to accommodate a keyboard set on the flexible screen. If another existing hinge is used, in the folded state, the flexible screen can be bent into a U shape, so that the keyboard can be accommodated, but in the case of no keyboard, the thickness of the overall device will increase, and a gap will be generated between the shell and the base. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in the existing hinges. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a switchable hinge which can solve at least one of the above problems.

[0004] The switchable hinge of the utility model is suitable for connecting two shells so that the shells can be relatively opened and closed. The switchable hinge comprises a base unit, including a fixed base and two middle covers, the fixed base defines a center line and has two long sides respectively located on both sides of the center line, and the middle covers are respectively pivoted on the long sides; two rotating units are respectively arranged on the base unit and can be switched between an unfolded state, a first folded state and a second folded state; and two support plate units are respectively arranged on the two rotating units, each of which includes a connecting portion of the corresponding rotating unit and the corresponding shell. a first support plate and a second support plate connected to the corresponding rotating unit and spaced from the first support plate; in the unfolded state, the first support plate and the second support plate are flush, in the first folded state, the two first support plates and the two second support plates are parallel to each other, there is a gap between the shell and the long side of the fixing seat, the middle cover abuts against the shell and covers the gap, in the second folded state, the distance between the two first support plates is less than the distance between the two first support plates in the first folded state.

[0005] The two second support plates are inclined relative to the two first support plates.

[0006] In some embodiments, the base unit also includes a base block arranged on the fixed seat, the base block has two arc-shaped grooves located on both sides of the center line, the two rotating units are respectively arranged on the base block corresponding to the two grooves, each of the rotating units includes a base rod, two first pivot rods and a connecting plate, the base rod has a main body and an arc-shaped slide rail connected to the main body and slidably arranged in the corresponding groove, the first pivot rods are respectively pivoted on both side edges of the base rod, the connecting plate is pivoted between the first pivot rods, the first support plate of each support plate unit is connected to the connecting plate, and the second support plate is connected to the first pivot rod.

[0007] In some implementations, each of the shells has two arc-shaped slide grooves, and each of the middle covers forms two protruding columns that are movably accommodated in the slide grooves.

[0008] In some embodiments, the fixing base has two vertical plates located at opposite ends of the long side, each middle cover has a side cover plate extending along the long side and two connecting plates respectively arranged at opposite ends of the side cover plate, and the bosses are respectively formed on the connecting plates.

[0009] In some implementations, the spacing between the vertical plates is smaller than the spacing between the connecting plates.

[0010] In some implementations, the spacing between the joining plates is smaller than the spacing between the vertical plates, and each of the vertical plates forms two receiving holes. When in the second folded state, the protruding columns respectively enter the receiving holes.

[0011] In some implementations, the base rod further has a pivot plate connected to the body, and the first pivot rod is pivotally connected to two side edges of the pivot plate respectively.

[0012] In some implementations, each of the first pivot rods has a first pivot rod pivoted to a side of the pivot plate and pivoted to the connecting plate, a penetration tube connected to one end of the first pivot rod, and a connecting plate connecting the penetration tube and the corresponding second support plate.

[0013] In some implementations, each of the rotating units further includes two second pivot rods respectively pivoted to two side edges of the pivot plate and the connecting plate and spaced apart from the first pivot rods.

[0014] In some embodiments, each of the rotating units also includes a synchronization gear rotatably disposed on the base block and a synchronization connecting rod pivotally disposed on the base block, the two synchronization gears of the rotating unit are meshed with each other, and the synchronization connecting rod has an inner pivot portion meshed with the synchronization gear and an outer pivot portion opposite to the inner pivot portion and pivotally connected to the base rod.

[0015] In some embodiments, the base rod further comprises a pivot plate connected to the body, the pivot plate forming a movable groove, each of the rotating units further comprises a side connecting rod pivotally mounted on the base block and at least one pivot passing through the outer pivot portion of the synchronous connecting rod, the movable groove and the side connecting rod, the pivot being movable.

[0016] The movable groove is movably arranged therein.

[0017] In some embodiments, the base unit also includes two side connecting blocks located on both sides of the base block and perpendicular to the long side, wherein one side connecting block and the base block jointly clamp the synchronous gear and the synchronous connecting rod, and the other side connecting block abuts the base block and jointly with the base block provides the side connecting rod pivot.

[0018] In some implementations, the base unit further includes a plurality of elastic members respectively pivoted on the long sides, and each of the elastic members has one end abutting against the fixing seat and the other end abutting against the corresponding middle cover.

[0019] In some embodiments, each of the support plate units also includes a third support plate connected to the base rod; in the expanded state, the two first support plates, the two second support plates, and the two third support plates are flush; in the first folded state, the two first support plates, the two second support plates, and the two third support plates are parallel to each other; in the second folded state, the distance between the two first support plates is smaller than the distance between the two first support plates in the first folded state, and the two second support plates are inclined relative to the two first support plates and the two third support plates.

[0020] The utility model has at least the following effects: the rotating unit can be converted between an expanded state, a first folded state and a second folded state; in the first folded state, the two first support plates and the two second support plates are parallel to each other and can provide a receiving space; in the second folded state, the distance between the two first support plates is smaller than the distance between the two first support plates in the first folded state; the two second support plates are inclined relative to the two first support plates, so that the spacing between the shells is reduced and the thickness of the overall device is reduced, so that the utility model can be applied to different devices according to needs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a first embodiment of the switchable hinge of the utility model, which is arranged between two housings to provide a screen and a keyboard together;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A three-dimensional exploded view of

[0024] Figure 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of the first embodiment, wherein a support plate unit is omitted;

[0025] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional diagram of a base block, two side blocks and two rotating units of the first embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional exploded view of

[0027] BCPI-240310 Page 4 / 8

[0028] Figure 6 is a front view of the first embodiment, illustrating the rotating unit in an unfolded state;

[0029] Figure 7 is a front view of the first embodiment, illustrating the rotating unit in a first retracted state;

[0030] Figure 8 is a front view of the first embodiment, illustrating the rotating unit in a second retracted state;

[0031] Fig. 9 is a front view of a second embodiment of the switchable hinge of the utility model, which is arranged between two housings to provide a screen and a keyboard together, and illustrates the rotating unit in the unfolded state;

[0032] Fig.10 is a front view of the second embodiment, illustrating the rotating unit in the first folded state;

[0033] Fig.11 is a front view of the second embodiment, illustrating the rotating unit in the second retracted state;

[0034] Fig.12 is an incomplete partial three-dimensional exploded view of a third embodiment of the switchable hinge of the utility model, wherein the support plate unit is omitted;

[0035] Fig.13 is a front view of the third embodiment, illustrating the rotating unit in the unfolded state;

[0036] Fig.14 is a front view of the third embodiment, illustrating the rotating unit in the first folded state;

[0037] Fig.15 is a front view of the third embodiment, illustrating the rotating unit in the second retracted state;

[0038] Fig.16 is an incomplete partial three-dimensional exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the switchable hinge of the utility model, wherein the support plate unit is omitted;

[0039] Fig.17 is a front view of the fourth embodiment, illustrating the rotating unit in the unfolded state;

[0040] Fig.18 is a front view of the fourth embodiment, illustrating the rotating unit in the first folded state; and

[0041] Fig.19 is a front view of the fourth embodiment, illustrating the rotating unit in the second folded state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] This section will describe the specific embodiments of the utility model in detail. The preferred embodiments of the utility model are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the accompanying drawings is to supplement the description of the text part of the specification with graphics. BCPI-240310 Page 5 / 8

[0043] It enables people to intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and the overall technical solution of the utility model, but it cannot be understood as a limitation on the protection scope of the utility model.

[0044] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that descriptions involving orientation, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0045] In the description of the present utility model, "several" means one or more, "more" means more than two, "greater than", "less than", "exceed" etc. are understood to exclude the number itself, and "above", "below", "within" etc. are understood to include the number itself. If there is a description of "first" or "second", it is only used for the purpose of distinguishing the technical features, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0046] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as setting, installing, connecting, etc. should be understood in a broad sense, and technicians in the relevant technical field can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0047] Before the present invention is described in detail, it should be noted that similar components are represented by the same reference numerals in the following description.

[0048] See also Figures 1 to 3 The first embodiment of the switchable hinge 10 of the present invention is suitable for being disposed between two housings 20 to provide a flexible screen 30 and a keyboard 40 for the two housings 20, thereby forming a foldable electronic device 100. Each housing 20 has two arc-shaped slide grooves 201 spaced apart from each other and facing each other (see Figure 6 The switchable hinge 10 includes a base unit 1 , six rotating units 2 and two supporting plate units 3 .

[0049] See also Figures 3 to 5 The base unit 1 includes a fixed base 11, three base blocks 12 disposed on the fixed base 11, six side connecting blocks 13 respectively located on both sides of the base blocks 12, and two middle covers 14. The fixed base 11 defines a center line C and has two long sides 111 respectively located on both sides of the center line C and two vertical plates 112 located at opposite ends of the long sides 111. Each of the base blocks 12 has two arc-shaped grooves 121 located at both sides of the center line C. Each side connecting block 13 is perpendicular to the long sides 111. Each of the middle covers 14 has a side cover plate 141 extending along the long side 111, two joint plates 142 respectively disposed at opposite ends of the side cover plate 141, two bosses 143 respectively movably accommodated in the slide slot 201, and two pivot blocks 144 formed on the side cover plate 141 and pivotally disposed on the fixed base 11. The bosses 143 are respectively formed on the joining plates 142 . The spacing between the vertical plates 112 is smaller than the spacing between the joining plates 142 , so that the vertical plates 112 are located between the joining plates 142 .

[0050] For ease of understanding, the following description is based on the fact that a single base block 12 corresponds to two side blocks 13 and two rotating units 2. Figures 4 to 6 The two rotating units 2 are respectively disposed on the base block 12 corresponding to the two grooves 121 and can be switched between an unfolded state, a first folded state and a second folded state.

[0051] Each of the rotating units 2 includes a base member 21, two first pivoting members 22, two second pivoting members 23, a connecting plate 24, a synchronous gear 25 rotatably disposed on the base block 12, a synchronous connecting rod 26 pivotally disposed on the base block 12, a side connecting rod 27 pivotally disposed on the base block 12, and five pivots 28. The base member 21 has a body 211, an arc-shaped slide rail 212 connected to the body 211 and slidably disposed on the corresponding channel 121, and a pivoting plate 213 connected to the body 211. The pivoting plate 213 forms a movable groove 213a.

[0052] The two first pivoting rods 22 are pivoted at two sides of the pivoting plate 213, respectively. Each of the first pivoting rods 22 has a first pivoting rod 221 pivoted at one side of the pivoting plate 213 and pivoted at the connecting plate 24, a through-tube 222 connected to one end of the first pivoting rod 221, and a connecting plate 223 connecting the through-tube 222 and a corresponding second supporting plate 32 (described below). Each of the first pivoting rods 221 has a first inner end 221a pivoted at the pivoting plate 213 and a first outer end 221b opposite to the first inner end 221a and pivoted at the connecting plate 24. One of the pivots 28 penetrates the first inner end 221a and the pivoting plate 213, and the other penetrates the first outer end 221b, the through-tube 222, and the connecting plate 24.

[0053] The two second pivoting rods 23 are respectively pivoted to the two sides of the pivoting plate 213 and the connecting plate 24 and are spaced apart from the first pivoting rod 22. Each second pivoting rod 23 has a second inner end 231 pivoted to the pivoting plate 213 and a second outer end 232 opposite to the second inner end 231 and pivoted to the connecting plate 24. Among the two of the remaining three pivots 28, one penetrates the second inner end 231 and the pivoting plate 213, and the other penetrates the second outer end 232 and the connecting plate 24.

[0054] The two synchronous gears 25 of the rotating unit 2 are meshed with each other, and the synchronous connecting rod 26 has an inner pivoting portion 261 meshed with the synchronous gear 25 and an outer pivoting portion 262 opposite to the inner pivoting portion 261 and pivoted to the base rod 21. The side connecting rod 27 has an inner side end portion 271 pivoted on the base block 12 and the corresponding side connecting block 13, and an outer side end portion 272 opposite to the inner side end portion 271. The last one of the pivots 28 passes through the outer pivoting portion 262 of the synchronous connecting rod 26, the movable groove 213a and the side connecting rod 27, and the pivot 28 can be movably passed through the movable groove 213a. One of the side connecting blocks 13 and the base block 12 clamp the synchronous gear 25 and the synchronous connecting rod 26 together, and the other side connecting block 13 abuts against the base block 12 and is pivotally mounted with the side connecting rod 27 together with the base block 12 .

[0055] See also Figure 2 and Figure 6The support plate units 3 are respectively arranged on the rotating unit 2, and each of the support plate units 3 includes a first support plate 31 connected to the connecting plate 24 and the corresponding housing 20, a second support plate 32 connected to the first pivot rod 22 and spaced from the first support plate 31, and a third support plate 33 connected to the body 211 of the base rod 21. The first support plate 31 has a first connection block 311 connected to the connecting plate 24, and the second support plate 32 has a second connection block 321 connected to the joint plate 223 of the first pivot rod 22.

[0056] See also Figures 6 to 8 When the user bends the two shells 20, the shells 20 can drive the support plate unit 3 and then drive the rotating unit 2 to switch between the unfolded state, the first folded state and the second folded state. In the unfolded state, the two first support plates 31, the two second support plates 32 and the two third support plates 33 are flush. Figure 6 As shown; in the first folded state, the two first support plates 31, the two second support plates 32 and the two third support plates 33 are parallel to each other, and can provide a space for accommodating the keyboard 40. There is a gap G between the shell 20 and the long side 111 of the fixing base 11, and the middle cover 14 abuts against the shell 20 to cover and fill the gap G between the fixing base 11 and the shell 20, as shown Figure 7 As shown; if the keyboard 40 is not needed, the user can further fold the shell 20 to convert it to the second folded state. In the second folded state, the distance between the two first support plates 31 is smaller than the distance between the two first support plates 31 in the first folded state, and the two second support plates 32 are inclined relative to the two first support plates 31 and the two third support plates 33. The middle cover 14 is driven by the shell 20 and pushed against each other because the protrusion 143 is located in the slide groove 201, so that the gap G between the shell 20 and the fixing seat 11 can be further reduced, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the electronic device 100. Figure 8 shown.

[0057] See also Figures 9 to 11 The second embodiment of the switchable hinge 10 of the utility model is similar to the first embodiment, and the only difference is that the arc of the slide groove 201' of the housing 20 used in the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment, and the length of the slide groove 201' of the housing 20 used in the second embodiment in the horizontal direction is greater than the length of the slide groove 201 of the housing 20 used in the first embodiment in the horizontal direction, so that the rotation unit 2 is in the unfolded state, and the spacing between the middle cover 14 is BCPI-240310 Page 8 / 8

[0058] Lengthen.

[0059] See also Figures 12 to 15 The third embodiment of the switchable hinge 10 of the utility model is similar to the first embodiment, and the difference is that the spacing of the connecting plates 142' of the middle cover 14' is smaller than the spacing of the vertical plates 112' of the fixing seat 11', and each vertical plate 112' forms two receiving holes 113, and the area of ​​the connecting plates 142' becomes smaller and becomes slender, and the length of the protrusion 143' becomes longer. Because the spacing of the connecting plates 142' is smaller than the spacing of the vertical plates 112', the distance between the connecting plates 142' and the corresponding sliding grooves 201 is slightly increased. In the second folded state, the protrusions 143' enter the receiving holes 113 respectively. The third embodiment also has the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0060] See also Figures 16 to 19 The fourth embodiment of the switchable hinge 10 of the utility model is similar to the first embodiment, and the difference is that the slide groove 201 of the shell 20 is omitted, and the boss 143 on the joint plate 142" of the middle cover 14" is also omitted. The base unit 1 also includes four elastic members 15 pivotally arranged on the long sides 111 in pairs, that is, two elastic members 15 are correspondingly arranged on one long side 111. Each elastic member 15 is a torsion spring, one end of which abuts the fixed seat 11, and the other end abuts the corresponding middle cover 14". By abutting the corresponding middle cover 14" with the elastic member 15, it can be ensured that in the first folded state, the middle cover 14" can respectively abut against the shell 20 to cover and fill the gap G between the fixed seat 11 and the shell 20, as shown Fig.18 In the second folded state, the spacing of the middle cover 14" is further reduced to compress the elastic member 15, and the elastic member 15 accumulates elastic restoring force, which helps the user to return from the second folded state to the first folded state or the unfolded state.

[0061] In summary, the switchable hinge 10 of the utility model can be converted between the expanded state, the first folded state and the second folded state by means of the rotating unit 2. In the first folded state, the two first support plates 31 and the two second support plates 32 are parallel to each other and can provide a receiving space. In the second folded state, the distance between the two first support plates 31 is smaller than the distance between the two first support plates 31 in the first folded state. The two second support plates 32 are inclined relative to the two first support plates 31, so that the spacing between the shells 20 is reduced and the thickness of the overall device is reduced, so that the utility model can be applied to different devices according to needs, so the purpose of the utility model can be achieved.

[0062] The above description is only an embodiment of the present utility model, and should not be used to limit the scope of the present utility model. All simple equivalent changes and modifications made according to the claims and description of the present utility model are still within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A switchable hinge, suitable for connecting two housings so that the housings can be opened and closed relative to each other, characterized in that: The switch hinge comprises: The base unit comprises a fixing base and two middle covers, wherein the fixing base defines a center line and has two long sides respectively located on both sides of the center line, and the middle covers are respectively pivotally mounted on the long sides; Two rotating units are respectively disposed on the base unit and can be switched between an unfolded state, a first folded state and a second folded state; and Two support plate units are respectively arranged on the two rotating units, each of the support plate units comprises a first support plate connected to the corresponding rotating unit and the corresponding housing, and a second support plate connected to the corresponding rotating unit and spaced apart from the first support plate; In the expanded state, the first support plate and the second support plate are flush, in the first folded state, the two first support plates and the two second support plates are parallel to each other, there are gaps between the shell and the long sides of the fixing seat, the middle cover abuts against the shell and covers the gaps, in the second folded state, the distance between the two first support plates is smaller than the distance between the two first support plates in the first folded state, and the two second support plates are inclined relative to the two first support plates.

2. The switchable hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base unit also includes a base block arranged on the fixed seat, the base block has two arc-shaped grooves located on both sides of the center line, the two rotating units are respectively arranged on the base block corresponding to the two grooves, each of the rotating units includes a base rod, two first pivot rods and a connecting plate, the base rod has a body and an arc-shaped slide rail connected to the body and slidably arranged in the corresponding groove, the first pivot rods are respectively pivoted on both side edges of the base rod, the connecting plate is pivoted between the first pivot rods, the first support plate of each support plate unit is connected to the connecting plate, and the second support plate is connected to the first pivot rod.

3. The switchable hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the shells has two arc-shaped sliding grooves, and each of the middle covers forms two protruding columns which are respectively and movably accommodated in the sliding grooves.

4. The switchable hinge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fixing seat has two vertical plates located at opposite ends of the long side, each of the middle covers has a side cover plate extending along the long side and two connecting plates respectively arranged at opposite ends of the side cover plates, and the convex columns are respectively formed on the connecting plates.

5. The switchable hinge according to claim 4, characterized in that: The spacing between the vertical plates is smaller than the spacing between the connecting plates.

6. The switchable hinge according to claim 4, characterized in that: The spacing between the joining plates is smaller than the spacing between the vertical plates. Each of the vertical plates forms two receiving holes. In the second folded state, the protruding columns enter the receiving holes respectively.

7. The switchable hinge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The base rod also has a pivot plate connected to the body, and the first pivot rod is pivotally connected to two side edges of the pivot plate respectively.

8. The switchable hinge according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each of the first pivot rods comprises a first pivot rod pivotally connected to one side of the pivot plate and the connecting plate, a penetration tube connected to one end of the first pivot rod, and a connecting plate connecting the penetration tube and the corresponding second supporting plate.

9. The switchable hinge according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each of the rotating units further includes two second pivot rods respectively pivoted to two side edges of the pivot plate and the connecting plate and spaced apart from the first pivot rods.

10. The switchable hinge according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the rotating units also includes a synchronous gear rotatably arranged on the base block and a synchronous connecting rod pivotally arranged on the base block. The two synchronous gears of the rotating unit are meshed with each other. The synchronous connecting rod has an inner pivot portion meshed with the synchronous gear and an outer pivot portion opposite to the inner pivot portion and pivotally connected to the base rod.

11. The switchable hinge according to claim 10, characterized in that: The base rod also has a pivot plate connected to the body, the pivot plate forms a movable groove, each of the rotating units also includes a side connecting rod pivotally arranged on the base block and at least one pivot passing through the outer pivot portion of the synchronous connecting rod, the movable groove and the side connecting rod, and the pivot can be movably arranged in the movable groove.

12. The switchable hinge according to claim 11, characterized in that: The base unit also includes two side connecting blocks located on both sides of the base block and perpendicular to the long side, one of which is a side connecting block and the base block together clamp the synchronous gear and the synchronous connecting rod, and the other side connecting block abuts against the base block and is used together with the base block for the side connecting rod to be pivoted.

13. The switchable hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base unit also includes a plurality of elastic members respectively pivoted on the long sides, one end of each elastic member abuts against the fixing seat, and the other end abuts against the corresponding middle cover.

14. The switchable hinge according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the support plate units also includes a third support plate connected to the base rod. In the expanded state, the two first support plates, the two second support plates and the two third support plates are flush. In the first folded state, the two first support plates, the two second support plates and the two third support plates are parallel to each other. In the second folded state, the distance between the two first support plates is smaller than the distance between the two first support plates in the first folded state, and the two second support plates are inclined relative to the two first support plates and the two third support plates.

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