Foldable structure and electronic equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a foldable structure and electronic equipment. The foldable structure comprises a first part, a second part, an elastic tensioning piece and a flexible circuit board, wherein the first part and the second part are rotationally connected. And the first part and the second part can be folded or unfolded relatively. The elastic tensioning piece is fixedly arranged on the first part and comprises a tensioning arm capable of being twisted, and the first twisting direction of the tensioning arm is the same as the rotating direction of the first part when the first part is folded relative to the second part. The second twisting direction of the tensioning arm is the same as the rotating direction of the first part when the first part is unfolded relative to the second part. One end of the flexible circuit board is electrically connected with the first part, the other end of the flexible circuit board is electrically connected with the second part, the flexible circuit board is further wound on part of the outer surface of the tensioning arm, and the tensioning arm is configured to be capable of providing initial tensioning force for the flexible circuit board wound on the tensioning arm. The number of parts of the foldable structure is small, and lightening and thinning are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of electronic technology, and in particular to a foldable structure and electronic equipment. Background Art

[0002] For example, a laptop computer consists of a display module and a system module, connected by a hinge or hinge, and transmits signals via a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). However, as the resolution and refresh rate of the display module increase, the width of the FPCB also increases accordingly. Therefore, the FPCB needs to be tensioned to ensure that the display module remains taut and flat during opening and closing.

[0003] Existing laptop computers are equipped with a tensioning mechanism to tension the flexible circuit board. However, the tensioning mechanism has many parts, a complex structure, and occupies a large internal space, which is not conducive to making the laptop computer thinner and lighter. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a foldable structure and electronic device, which requires a small number of components for tensioning a flexible circuit board, thereby facilitating lightweight and thinness.

[0005] A foldable structure comprising:

[0006] A first part and a second part are rotatably connected, wherein the first part and the second part can be folded or unfolded relative to each other;

[0007] an elastic tensioning member fixedly disposed on the first portion, the elastic tensioning member comprising a twistable tensioning arm, wherein a first twisting direction of the tensioning arm is the same as a rotational direction of the first portion when folded relative to the second portion, and a second twisting direction of the tensioning arm is the same as a rotational direction of the first portion when unfolded relative to the second portion;

[0008] A flexible circuit board has one end electrically connected to the first portion and the other end electrically connected to the second portion. The flexible circuit board is also wound around a portion of the outer surface of the tensioning arm. The tensioning arm is configured to provide an initial tensioning force to the flexible circuit board wound around the tensioning arm.

[0009] Optionally, the elastic tensioning member further includes a connecting portion and an elastic portion, the connecting portion is connected to the first part, and the tensioning arm is connected to the connecting portion through the elastic portion.

[0010] Optionally, the elastic portion comprises a helical structure, and a center line of the helical structure is parallel to the tensioning arm.

[0011] Optionally, the elastic portion includes a plurality of bending structures, and the plurality of bending structures are located in the same plane and arranged along the extension direction of the tensioning arm.

[0012] Optionally, the foldable structure further includes a guide member fixedly disposed on the first portion, and the flexible circuit board is further wrapped around a portion of the outer surface of the guide member.

[0013] Optionally, from the first end where the flexible circuit board is connected to the first part to the second end where the flexible circuit board is connected to the second part, the flexible circuit board is sequentially wound on the guide member and the tensioning arm, and the portion of the tensioning arm wrapped by the flexible circuit board is closer to the first end than the portion of the guide member wrapped by the flexible circuit board.

[0014] Optionally, the guide member is configured as a plate-like structure, and the guide member is provided with a first surface flush with the first end, and the flexible circuit board is wound on the guide member along the first surface from the first end to the second end.

[0015] Optionally, the guide member is fixedly connected to the first portion, and the elastic tensioning member is clamped and fixed between the guide member and the first portion.

[0016] Optionally, a rotatable sleeve is provided on the tensioning arm.

[0017] An electronic device comprises the foldable structure described in any one of the above items.

[0018] Optionally, the electronic device further includes a first shell and a second shell, the first part and the elastic tensioner are assembled in the first shell, the second part is assembled in the second shell, one of the first part and the second part includes a system module, and the other includes a display module.

[0019] The present application provides a foldable structure and electronic device, wherein a flexible circuit board is directly wound on a tensioning arm of an elastic tensioning member, and the tensioning arm can provide an initial tensioning force to the flexible circuit board. When the second part is folded or unfolded relative to the first part, the tensioning arm generates a torsion in a corresponding direction, and the tensioning force generated by the tensioning arm acts on the flexible circuit board, so that the flexible circuit board is in a flat and taut state. In addition, this solution can achieve tensioning through a separate elastic tensioning member, which simplifies the structure and is conducive to achieving lightweight foldable structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable structure shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application when folded;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the foldable structure shown in FIG.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the parts of the foldable structure;

[0023] Figure 4 It is a comparison diagram of the foldable structure in the folded and unfolded states;

[0024] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the guide member and the elastic tensioning member connected to the first portion;

[0025] Figures 6 to 8 are schematic diagrams of different embodiments of elastic tensioning members;

[0026] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of an electronic device shown in an exemplary embodiment of the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Here, the technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0028] If there are terms related to directional indications or positional relationships in the embodiments of this application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationship, movement, etc. between the components in a specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings); if the specific posture changes, the directional indication or positional relationship will also change accordingly. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this application are only used for the purpose of convenience of description and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] In the foldable structure, the components used to tension the flexible circuit board may include a fixing frame, a torsion spring, an axis core, an anti-dropping needle and other components. Among them, the fixing frame is fixedly arranged, the axis core is arranged on the fixing frame, the torsion spring is sleeved on the axis core, and the flexible circuit board with a wire protection cloth is wound around the axis core. During the opening process of the foldable structure, the flexible circuit board is stretched by the traction force, and then pulls the axis core to rotate, and the torsion spring simultaneously produces torsional deformation, which is used to tension the flexible circuit board. The above-mentioned foldable structure has a large number of components. The present application provides a simpler foldable structure that can tension the flexible circuit board.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable structure 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application when folded. Figure 2 for Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the foldable structure 100 when unfolded.

[0031] The present application provides a foldable structure 100 comprising a first portion 10 and a second portion 20 that are rotatably connected, such that the first portion 10 and the second portion 20 can be folded or unfolded relative to each other by relative rotation. For example, the first portion 10 and the second portion 20 can be connected by a rotating shaft or hinge, allowing the first portion 10 and the second portion 20 to rotate relative to each other, thereby achieving relative folding or unfolding. Folding can also be understood as the closing of the second portion 20, and unfolding can also be understood as the opening of the second portion 20.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 2 The first part 10 is assembled in the first shell 11. The first shell 11 may include a detachably connected upper shell 111 and a lower shell 112. The upper shell 111 and the lower shell 112 are assembled and together form a receiving space 110. The receiving space 110 can be used to receive the first part 10, including but not limited to the motherboard.

[0033] The second portion 20 is assembled with the second housing 21 and the hinge cover 22. For example, a display assembly can be mounted on the second housing 21, but this is not limited to this. The hinge cover 22 is mounted on the second housing 21 near the first housing 11. The hinge cover 22 serves as an exterior component and provides a shielding function.

[0034] Taking a notebook computer as an example, one of the first portion 10 and the second portion 20 includes a system module, and the other includes a display module.

[0035] Please combine Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 3 Schematic diagram of some parts of the foldable structure 100.

[0036] The foldable structure 100 also includes an elastic tensioning member 30 and a flexible circuit board 40. The elastic tensioning member 30 is fixedly mounted on the first portion 10 and housed within the receiving space 110. For example, a mounting bracket can be provided within the receiving space 110, and the elastic tensioning member 30 is connected to the mounting bracket. This application uses the example of the elastic tensioning member 30 being disposed on the first portion 10. In other embodiments, the elastic tensioning member 30 can also be disposed on the second portion 20.

[0037] The elastic tensioning member 30 includes a twistable tensioning arm 31, wherein a first twisting direction S1 of the tensioning arm 31 is opposite to a rotation direction A1 when the second part 20 is folded relative to the first part 10, and a second twisting direction S2 of the tensioning arm 31 is opposite to a rotation direction A2 when the second part 20 is unfolded relative to the first part 10. Figure 1The arrows in the figure show the first twisting direction S1 and the rotation direction A1 when folding. Figure 2 The arrows in FIG. 1 show the second twisting direction S2 and the rotation direction A2 during folding.

[0038] The flexible circuit board 40 is a flexible signal transmission strip that can bend freely, shrinking as the foldable structure 100 folds and expanding as the foldable structure 100 unfolds. The flexible circuit board 40 spans the pivoting connection between the first and second parts 10 and 20, with one end electrically connected to the first part 10 and the other end electrically connected to the second part 20, thus establishing an electrical connection between the first and second parts 10 and 20. The hinge cover 22 has a notch for the flexible circuit board 40 to pass through. For example, one end of the flexible circuit board 40 is connected to the motherboard of the first part 10, and the other end is connected to the display assembly of the second part 20.

[0039] The flexible circuit board 40 is electrically connected to the first portion 10 at one end in its longitudinal direction and to the second portion 20 at its other end in its longitudinal direction. The width of the flexible circuit board 40 coincides with the length of the tensioning arm 31. The flexible circuit board 40 is also wrapped around a portion of the outer surface of the tensioning arm 31. The tensioning arm 31 is configured to provide an initial tensioning force to the flexible circuit board 40 while wrapped around the tensioning arm 31. "Wrapping" here refers to the curved shape of the flexible circuit board 40 where it contacts the tensioning arm 31. When the foldable structure 100 is folded or unfolded, the twisting of the tensioning arm 31 can apply a force to the flexible circuit board 40. The wrap angle of the flexible circuit board 40 wrapped around the tensioning arm 31 is not limited and can, for example, be greater than 180°.

[0040] As can be seen from the above description, the flexible circuit board 40 is directly wound around the tensioning arms 31 of the elastic tensioning member 30, providing initial tension to the flexible circuit board 40. When the second portion 20 is folded relative to the first portion 10, the redundant portion of the flexible circuit board 40 is pulled and unfolded. This causes the tensioning arms 31 to twist more, generating an elastic force opposing the pulling force on the flexible circuit board 40, keeping the flexible circuit board 40 flat and taut. When the second portion 20 is unfolded relative to the first portion 10, the redundant portion of the flexible circuit board 40 retracts, reducing the degree of twisting of the tensioning arms 31. However, the initial tensioning force of the tensioning arms 31 still acts on the flexible circuit board 40, keeping it flat. The elastic tensioning member 30 provides the flexible circuit board 40 with a certain amount of movement during folding or unfolding, ensuring it remains in a tensioned state and preventing uncontrolled motion such as arching, misalignment, and wrinkling. In addition, this solution can achieve tensioning through a single elastic tensioning member 30 , which simplifies the structure and is conducive to achieving lightweighting of the foldable structure 100 .

[0041] In one embodiment, wire protection cloths can be attached to both sides of the flexible circuit board 40 , which can improve the appearance and prevent the flexible circuit board 40 from frequent contact with the tensioning arm 31 and causing wear.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 1 is a comparison diagram of the foldable structure 100 in the folded and unfolded states.

[0043] It should be noted that by controlling the length of the flexible circuit board 40, an initial tensioning force can be generated after the elastic tensioning member 30 and the flexible circuit board 40 are installed. At this time, the tensioning arm 31 is slightly twisted at a certain angle, so that the foldable structure 100 can ensure that the flexible circuit board 40 is in a flat and taut state even when it is unfolded.

[0044] When the second part 20 rotates relative to the first part 10 and changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, the flexible circuit board 40 is subjected to traction, and the corresponding torsion angle of the tensioning arm 31 increases, and an elastic force is generated in the opposite direction to the tensile force of the flexible circuit board 40, so that the flexible circuit board 40 is in a flat and taut state, avoiding uncontrolled adverse conditions such as arching, dislocation, and wrinkles.

[0045] When the second part 20 rotates relative to the first part 10 and changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the traction force on the flexible circuit board 40 is reduced, and the corresponding torsion angle of the tensioning arm 31 is reduced. At this time, the initial pre-tightening force of the tensioning arm 31 can be used to keep the flexible circuit board 40 in a flat state.

[0046] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 , the foldable structure 100 also includes a guide member 50 fixedly arranged on the first part 10, and the flexible circuit board 40 is also wrapped around a portion of the outer surface of the guide member 50. With this arrangement, the guide member 50 can also be used to limit the extension path of the flexible circuit board 40, so that the flexible circuit board 40 extends along the guide member 50. For example, the guide member 50 can be set flush with the main board, so that the flexible circuit board 40 can be ensured to extend in the horizontal direction to achieve connection with the main board. The structure of the guide member 50 is not limited, including but not limited to a cylinder, a plate, etc. In this embodiment, the guide member 50 is arranged as a plate body with an integrated structure, and the middle part is folded in half to form a double-layer overlapping structure. The flexible circuit board 40 is wrapped in the bend of the guide member 50 after it is folded in half to prevent the burr surface from damaging the flexible circuit board 40.

[0047] In one embodiment, the end of the flexible circuit board 40 connected to the first portion 10 serves as the first end, and the end connected to the second portion 20 serves as the second end. The flexible circuit board 40 is sequentially wrapped around the guide member 50 and the tensioning arm 31, from the first end to the second end. The portion of the tensioning arm 31 wrapped by the flexible circuit board 40 is closer to the first end than the portion of the guide member 50 wrapped by the flexible circuit board 40. This arrangement creates a roughly Z-shaped wraparound portion of the flexible circuit board 40 wrapped around the tensioning arm 31 and guide member 50. This increases the wraparound angle of the flexible circuit board 40 around the tensioning arm 31, improving the tensioning effect.

[0048] Please refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment, the guide member 50 is configured as a plate-like structure, having a first surface 51 flush with the first end. The flexible printed circuit board 40 is wound around the guide member 50 along the first surface 51 from the first end to the second end. This arrangement allows the first surface 51 to keep the first end of the flexible printed circuit board 40 straight, ensuring a more secure and secure connection between the first end and the first portion 10. For example, the first end may be connected to a mainboard, with the connection surface between the mainboard and the first end flush with the first surface.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the guide member 50 and the elastic tensioning member 30 connected to the first portion 10.

[0050] In one embodiment, the guide member 50 and the elastic tension member 30 can be individually connected to the first portion 10 . For example, the guide member 50 and the elastic tension member 30 can be respectively connected at different positions in the receiving space 110 .

[0051] In this embodiment, to simplify the connection structure, the guide member 50 is fixedly connected to the first portion 10, and the elastic tensioning member 30 is clamped and fixed between the guide member 50 and the first portion 10. In other words, the guide member 50 is connected to the first portion 10, while the elastic tensioning member 30 is secured to the first portion 10 by the connecting force between the guide member 50 and the first portion 10, further simplifying the connection operation. For example, a connecting portion can be provided at the end of the tensioning arm 31, which does not participate in the twisting movement, and the guide member 50 is pressed against the connecting portion.

[0052] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the guide member 50 are fixedly connected to the first portion 10, and the ends of the elastic tensioning member 30 are correspondingly pressed against the ends of the guide member 50, making the connection more secure and reliable. The ends of the guide member 50 can be connected to the connecting brackets within the receiving space 110.

[0053] Please refer to Figures 6 to 8 , Figures 6 to 8 Schematic diagrams of three different embodiments of the elastic tensioning member 30 in this application.

[0054] In one embodiment, the elastic tensioning member 30 further includes a connecting portion 32 and an elastic portion 33. The connecting portion 32 is connected to the first portion 10, and the ends of the tensioning arm 31 in the longitudinal direction are connected to the connecting portion 32 via the elastic portion 33. The elastic portion 33 has the ability to elastically deform, which is used to provide the tensioning arm 31 with the ability to twist. The tensioning arm 31 is used to support the flexible circuit board 40 and provide tensioning force to the flexible circuit board 40. The elastic tensioning member 30 has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture.

[0055] exist Figures 6 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, two sets of connecting portions 32 and elastic portions 33 are provided, and the tensioning arm 31 is connected to the connecting portions 32 via the elastic portions 33. This ensures that the tensioning arm 31 deforms uniformly along its length, making its connection to the first portion 10 more stable and reliable. The two ends of the tensioning arm 31 refer to the ends of the tensioning arm 31 along its length.

[0056] The elastic portion 33 can have various embodiments. In one embodiment, Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the elastic portion 33 comprises a spiral structure, the centerline of which is parallel to the length direction of the tensioning arm 31. The spiral structure can be one or more turns, and the more turns there are, the greater the elastic force. This structure is compact and easy to form.

[0057] In another embodiment, Figure 8 As shown, the elastic portion 33 includes multiple bends, which are located in the same plane and arranged along the extension direction of the tensioning arm 31. The elastic portion 33 is a planar structure, which has a high elastic deformation capacity and is easier to deform. It should be noted that the multiple bends can be spaced apart or closely spaced and contact each other. The specific number of bends is not limited. The extension direction of the tensioning arm 31 is the length direction of the tensioning arm 31.

[0058] The connection portion 32 can have various embodiments. In one embodiment, Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the connecting portion 32 can be set as a circular ring structure, for example, the connecting piece can be inserted into the hollow of the connecting portion 32 and locked to the first part 10. Of course, the connecting portion 32 can also be pressed under the guide member 50 to achieve a fixed connection with the first part 10. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 8As shown, the connecting portion 32 can be configured as a connecting plate, which can be provided with a connecting hole, such as by a fastener penetrating the connecting hole and locking it to the first portion 10. The connecting plate can also be pressed under the guide member 50 to maintain a fixed connection with the first portion 10.

[0059] exist Figure 6 and Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic tensioning member 30 may be integrally formed from a spring wire.

[0060] In one embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, a rotatable sleeve 34 is provided on the tensioning arm 31 . The sleeve 34 can increase the rigidity of the tensioning arm 31 on the one hand, and can also reduce the friction force when contacting the flexible circuit board 40 by rotating itself on the other hand.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 9 The present application further provides an electronic device 200, which includes the foldable structure 100 described above. The electronic device 200 includes but is not limited to a laptop computer, a flip phone, and the like.

[0062] The electronic device 200 also includes a first shell 11 and a second shell 21, the first part 10 and the elastic tensioner 30 are assembled in the first shell 11, and the second part 20 is assembled in the second shell 21, one of the first part 10 and the second part 20 includes a system module, and the other includes a display module.

[0063] exist Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 10 includes a system module including components such as a CPU, and the second portion 20 includes a display module including components such as a display screen.

[0064] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A foldable structure, characterized in that: include: A first part (10) and a second part (20) are rotatably connected, wherein the first part (10) and the second part (20) can be folded or unfolded relative to each other; an elastic tensioning member (30) fixedly disposed on the first portion (10), the elastic tensioning member (30) comprising a twistable tensioning arm (31), a first twisting direction of the tensioning arm (31) being the same as a rotational direction of the first portion (10) when folded relative to the second portion (20), and a second twisting direction of the tensioning arm (31) being the same as a rotational direction of the first portion (10) when unfolded relative to the second portion (20); A flexible circuit board (40) is electrically connected to the first part (10) at one end and electrically connected to the second part (20) at the other end. The flexible circuit board (40) is also wound around a portion of the outer surface of the tensioning arm (31). The tensioning arm (31) is configured to provide an initial tensioning force to the flexible circuit board (40) wound around the tensioning arm (31).

2. The foldable structure according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic tensioning member (30) further comprises a connecting portion (32) and an elastic portion (33), wherein the connecting portion (32) is connected to the first part (10), and the tensioning arm (31) is connected to the connecting portion (32) via the elastic portion (33).

3. The foldable structure according to claim 2, characterized in that The elastic portion (33) comprises a spiral structure, the center line of which is parallel to the tensioning arm (31).

4. The foldable structure according to claim 2, wherein: The elastic portion (33) comprises a plurality of bending structures, and the plurality of bending structures are located in the same plane and arranged along the extension direction of the tensioning arm (31).

5. The foldable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The foldable structure (100) further includes a guide member (50) fixedly arranged on the first part (10), and the flexible circuit board (40) is also wrapped around a portion of the outer surface of the guide member (50).

6. The foldable structure according to claim 5, characterized in that From a first end where the flexible circuit board (40) is connected to the first part (10) to a second end where the flexible circuit board (40) is connected to the second part (20), the flexible circuit board (40) is sequentially wound around the guide member (50) and the tensioning arm (31), and a portion of the tensioning arm (31) wrapped by the flexible circuit board (40) is closer to the first end than a portion of the guide member (50) wrapped by the flexible circuit board (40).

7. The foldable structure according to claim 6, wherein: The guide member (50) is configured as a plate-like structure, and is provided with a first surface (51) flush with the first end. From the first end to the second end, the flexible circuit board (40) is wound on the guide member (50) along the first surface (51).

8. The foldable structure according to claim 5, wherein: The guide member (50) is fixedly connected to the first portion (10), and the elastic tensioning member (30) is clamped and fixed between the guide member (50) and the first portion (10).

9. The foldable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 8, characterized in that: The tensioning arm (31) is provided with a rotatable sleeve (34).

10. An electronic device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a foldable structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, characterized in that The electronic device further comprises a first shell (11) and a second shell (21), wherein the first part (10) and the elastic tensioning member (30) are assembled in the first shell (11), and the second part (20) is assembled in the second shell (21), and one of the first part (10) and the second part (20) comprises a system module, and the other comprises a display module.

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