Portable electronic device and pivoting structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to a portable electronic device and a pivoting structure. A portable electronic device comprises a host, a display, a pivoting structure and a controller. The pivot joint structure comprises a first assembly part, a second assembly part, a pivot joint shaft and a sensing assembly. The first assembly part is arranged on the host. The second assembly is disposed on the display. The first assembly part and the second assembly part are connected to the pivot shaft. The sensing assembly comprises a resistor body and a sensing piece. The resistor body is arranged on the pivoting shaft. One side of the sensing member is fixed to the second assembly member. The controller is electrically connected to the sensing member. When the display rotates relative to the host, the other side of the sensing member slidably abuts against the surface of the resistor to sense the change of the voltage value. The sensing element transmits the change value of the voltage value to the controller. And the controller judges the included angle between the display and the host according to the change value of the voltage value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a portable electronic device and a pivot structure, and in particular to a portable electronic device and a pivot structure provided with a sensing component. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, laptop computers have become an indispensable tool for modern people in both work and daily life, owing to their ability to balance computing performance with portability. When managing power consumption, laptop operating systems typically control the laptop's power consumption by switching between an active mode (for user operation) and a power-saving sleep mode (for lower power consumption) based on whether the screen is open or closed.

[0003] Generally speaking, laptop computers use electromagnetic induction between a Hall sensor and a magnet to sense the opening and closing of the screen. Specifically, the Hall sensor and the magnet are installed on the host and screen of the laptop, respectively. When the screen opens and closes, the Hall sensor determines the opening angle of the screen relative to the host by sensing the change in the magnetic field caused by the change in the distance between the magnet and the Hall sensor, thereby allowing the operating system to control the screen to enter operating mode or sleep mode. However, laptop computers are now getting smaller and smaller, and Hall sensors and magnets will take up too much space in the laptop, and the installation cost of Hall sensors and magnets is high. In addition, sensing the opening and closing of the screen through electromagnetic induction may be at risk of demagnetization, and there are concerns about reliability. Therefore, how to reduce the installation cost of the device used to determine the opening and closing of the screen and stably sense the opening and closing of the screen is one of the problems that researchers should solve. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model provides a portable electronic device and a hinge structure, thereby reducing the installation cost of a device for determining whether a display is opened or closed, and can stably sense the opening or closing of the display.

[0005] The portable electronic device disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention includes a host, a display, a pivot structure and a controller. The display is rotatably arranged on the host. The pivot structure includes a first assembly, a second assembly, a pivot shaft and a sensing component. The first assembly is arranged on the host. The second assembly is arranged on the display. The first assembly and the second assembly are connected to the pivot shaft. The pivot shaft is used to drive the second assembly to rotate relative to the first assembly, so that the display can rotate relative to the host. The sensing component includes a resistor and a sensing element. The resistor is arranged on the pivot shaft and has a notch. One side of the sensing element is fixed to the second assembly so that the sensing element rotates relative to the first assembly with the second assembly. The controller is electrically connected to the sensing element. When the display is covered on the host, the other side of the sensing element is located at the notch. When the display rotates relative to the host through the pivot structure, the other side of the sensing element can slidably abut against the surface of the resistor, so that the sensing element senses the change in voltage value when power flows through resistors of different lengths, and transmits the change in voltage value to the controller. The controller determines the angle between the display and the host according to the change in the voltage value.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a pivot structure for connecting a host and a display, and includes a first assembly, a second assembly, a pivot shaft, and a sensing component. The first assembly is for being arranged on the host. The second assembly is for being arranged on the display. The first assembly and the second assembly are connected to the pivot shaft. The pivot shaft is for driving the second assembly to rotate relative to the first assembly, so as to allow the display to rotate relative to the host. The sensing component includes a resistor and a sensing component. The resistor is arranged on the pivot shaft and has a notch. One side of the sensing component is fixed to the second assembly so that the sensing component rotates with the second assembly relative to the first assembly. When the first assembly and the second assembly are used to cover the display on the host, the other side of the sensing component is located at the notch. When the second assembly rotates relative to the first assembly, causing the display to rotate relative to the host, the other side of the sensor can slide against the surface of the resistor, allowing the sensor to sense the change in voltage value when power flows through resistors of different lengths. The change in voltage value is then transmitted to a controller electrically connected to the sensor, allowing the controller to determine the angle between the display and the host based on the change in voltage value.

[0007] According to the portable electronic device and pivot structure of the above-described embodiment, since the resistor of the sensing component is mounted on the pivot axis and one side of the sensing element is fixed to the second assembly, the sensing element and the second assembly can rotate synchronously relative to the first assembly while the other side of the sensing element can slide against the surface of the resistor, allowing the sensing element to sense the change in voltage when power flows through resistors of different lengths. The controller then determines the angle between the display and the host based on the change in voltage to control the display state. In summary, the portable electronic device of this embodiment replaces the Hall sensor and magnet by mounting the sensing component on the pivot axis. This not only saves the cost of installing a device for determining whether the display is open or closed, but also saves space by reducing the width of the display frame and increasing the display area because magnets are not required on the display frame.

[0008] In addition, since the sensing component uses the change in voltage value to allow the controller to determine the angle between the display and the host, rather than sensing the opening and closing of the display relative to the host through electromagnetic induction between the Hall sensor and the magnet, there is no risk of demagnetization, and the sensing component can stably sense the opening and closing of the display.

[0009] The above description of the content of the present invention and the following description of the embodiments are intended to demonstrate and explain the principles of the present invention and to provide further explanation of the claims of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a partially enlarged three-dimensional schematic diagram of a portable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a portable electronic device.

[0012] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A side view schematic diagram of a portable electronic device.

[0013] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A block diagram of the connection relationship between the sensor and the controller of the portable electronic device.

[0014] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic side view of a portable electronic device with its display closed is provided.

[0015] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic side view of a portable electronic device with its display opened.

[0016] Figure 7for Figure 1 Another side view of the portable electronic device with the display opened is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] See also Figures 1 to 4 . Figure 1 It is a partially enlarged three-dimensional schematic diagram of a portable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a portable electronic device. Figure 3 for Figure 1 A side view schematic diagram of a portable electronic device. Figure 4 for Figure 1 A block diagram of the connection relationship between the sensor and the controller of the portable electronic device.

[0018] The portable electronic device 10 of this embodiment is, for example, a laptop computer and includes a host 20, a display 30, a pivot structure 40, and a controller 50. The display 30 is rotatably mounted on the host 20. The pivot structure 40 includes a first assembly 41, a second assembly 42, a pivot shaft 43, and a sensor element 44. The first assembly 41 is mounted on the host 20. The second assembly 42 is mounted on the display 30. The first and second assemblies 41 and 42 are connected by a pivot shaft 43. The pivot shaft 43 is used to drive the second assembly 42 to rotate relative to the first assembly 41, thereby allowing the display 30 to rotate relative to the host 20.

[0019] The sensing component 44 includes a resistor 441, a sensing member 442, a power line 443, and a ground line 444. The resistor 441 is disposed on the pivot shaft 43 and has a notch 4411. One side of the sensing member 442 is fixed to the second assembly 42. In detail, the second assembly 42 includes a connecting portion 421 and an assembling portion 422. One side of the connecting portion 421 is connected to the pivot shaft 43. The other side of the connecting portion 421 is connected to the assembling portion 422. The assembling portion 422 is fixed to the display 30. One side of the sensing member 442 is fixed to the assembling portion 422. In this way, the sensing member 442 can rotate relative to the first assembly 41 along with the second assembly 42. In other words, the sensing member 442 can rotate relative to the first assembly 41 synchronously with the second assembly 42. The sensing member 442 is, for example, approximately cylindrical.

[0020] A power line 443 and a ground line 444 are electrically connected to the resistor 441 and are located at opposite ends of the notch 4411 of the resistor 441. The power line 443 is used to input power, and the ground line 444 is used for grounding. The controller 50 is electrically connected to the sensor 442 and is used to receive voltage changes transmitted by the sensor 442 and control the display state of the display 30. For example, the controller 50 is directly connected to the sensor 442.

[0021] When the display 30 is folded over the host 20, the other side of the sensor 442 is located in the notch 4411. When the display 30 is rotated relative to the host 20 via the hinge structure 40, the other side of the sensor 442 slidably rests against the surface of the resistor 441. This allows the sensor 442 to sense the voltage changes caused by power flowing through resistors 441 of varying lengths and transmits these voltage changes to the controller 50. The controller 50 determines the angle between the display 30 and the host 20 based on the voltage changes.

[0022] Specifically, when the controller 50 determines that the angle between the display 30 and the host 20 is, for example, greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 20 degrees, the controller 50 controls the display 30 to enter the off mode. In the off mode, the display 30 turns off the screen, thereby reducing power consumption of the portable electronic device 10. When the controller 50 determines that the angle between the display 30 and the host 20 is, for example, greater than 20 degrees, the controller 50 controls the display 30 to enter the on mode. In the on mode, the display 30 displays a screen for user operation.

[0023] Specifically, when the controller 50 determines that the angle between the display 30 and the host 20 is, for example, greater than 20 degrees and less than or equal to 340 degrees, the controller 50 controls the display 30 to be in the working mode. When the controller 50 determines that the angle between the display 30 and the host 20 is, for example, greater than 340 degrees and less than or equal to 360 degrees, the controller 50 controls the display 30 to be in the working mode and in the tablet state.

[0024] In this embodiment, because the resistor 441 of the sensing element 44 is mounted on the pivot shaft 43 and one side of the sensing element 442 is fixed to the assembly portion 422 of the second assembly 42, the sensing element 442 can rotate synchronously with the second assembly 42 relative to the first assembly 41 while the other side of the sensing element 442 can slide against the surface of the resistor 441. This allows the sensing element 442 to sense the voltage change resulting from the flow of power through the resistors 441 of varying lengths. The controller 50 then determines the angle between the display 30 and the host 20 based on the voltage change to control the display state of the display 30. In summary, the portable electronic device 10 of this embodiment replaces the Hall sensor and magnet by mounting the sensing element 44 on the pivot shaft 43. This not only reduces the cost of installing a device for determining the opening and closing of the display 30, but also eliminates the need for magnets on the display 30 frame, saving space and reducing the width of the display 30 frame to increase the display area.

[0025] In addition, since the sensing component 44 senses the change in voltage value for the controller 50 to determine the angle between the display 30 and the host 20, rather than sensing the opening and closing of the display 30 relative to the host 20 through electromagnetic induction between the Hall sensor and the magnet, there is no risk of demagnetization, and the sensing component 44 can stably sense the opening and closing of the display 30.

[0026] In this embodiment, the pivot structure 40 further includes an insulating member 45. The insulating member 45 is disposed between the pivot shaft 43 and the resistor 441. Since the pivot shaft 43 is, for example, a conductor, the insulating member 45 isolates the pivot shaft 43 from the resistor 441, thereby preventing power from being transferred to the pivot shaft 43 through the resistor 441 and thereby preventing changes in the voltage value.

[0027] In this embodiment, the pivot structure 40 further includes an insulator 46. The insulator 46 is disposed between the sensor 442 and the assembly portion 422. The insulator 46 isolates the sensor 442 from the assembly portion 422, thereby preventing electrical short circuits.

[0028] In this embodiment, the sensing element 442 is approximately cylindrical, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the sensing element may also be, for example, in the shape of a probe.

[0029] Please also refer to Figures 5 to 7 . Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic side view of a portable electronic device with its display closed is provided. Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic side view of a portable electronic device with its display opened. Figure 7 for Figure 1 Another side view of the portable electronic device with the display opened is shown.

[0030] like Figure 5 As shown, when the display 30 is covered with the host 20, the side of the sensor 442 away from the assembly portion 422 is located at the notch 4411 of the resistor 441. Because the sensor 442 is not in contact with the resistor 441 and does not sense a voltage, the controller 50 does not receive the voltage value transmitted by the sensor 442 and determines that the angle between the display 30 and the host 20 is, for example, 0 degrees. At this point, the controller 50 controls the display 30 to be in off mode, turning off the display 30's image.

[0031] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, when the display 30 is rotated relative to the host 20 in direction A via the hinge structure 40, the side of the sensor 442 away from the assembly portion 422 abuts against the surface of the resistor 441 and slides relative to the surface of the resistor 441 in direction A. This allows the sensor 442 to sense the change in voltage caused by the power flowing through the resistors 441 of different lengths and transmits the change in voltage to the controller 50. At this time, the controller 50 determines that the angle between the display 30 and the host 20 is greater than 20 degrees, for example, and therefore controls the display 30 to change from the off mode to the on mode, turning on the display 30's screen.

[0032] According to the portable electronic device and pivot structure of the above-described embodiment, since the resistor of the sensing component is mounted on the pivot axis and one side of the sensing element is fixed to the assembly portion of the second assembly, the sensing element and the second assembly can rotate synchronously relative to the first assembly while the other side of the sensing element can slide against the surface of the resistor, allowing the sensing element to sense the change in voltage when power flows through resistors of different lengths. The controller then determines the angle between the display and the host based on the change in voltage to control the display state. In summary, the portable electronic device of this embodiment replaces the Hall sensor and magnet by mounting the sensing component on the pivot axis. This not only saves the cost of installing a device for determining the opening and closing of the display, but also saves space by reducing the width of the display frame and increasing the display area because magnets are not required on the display frame.

[0033] In addition, since the sensing component uses the change in voltage value to allow the controller to determine the angle between the display and the host, rather than sensing the opening and closing of the display relative to the host through electromagnetic induction between the Hall sensor and the magnet, there is no risk of demagnetization, and the sensing component can stably sense the opening and closing of the display.

[0034]

Explanation of symbols

[0035] 10: Portable electronic devices

[0036] 20: Host

[0037] 30: Display

[0038] 40: Pivot structure

[0039] 41: First assembly

[0040] 42: Second assembly

[0041] 421:Connection

[0042] 422: Assembly Department

[0043] 43: Pivot shaft

[0044] 44: Sensing component

[0045] 441: Resistor

[0046] 4411:Gap

[0047] 442:Sensor

[0048] 443: Power cord

[0049] 444: Ground wire

[0050] 45: Insulation

[0051] 46: Insulator

[0052] 50:Controller

[0053] A: Direction.

Claims

1. A portable electronic device, characterized in that: Include: Host; a display rotatably disposed on the host; The pivot structure comprises: A first assembly component is provided on the host; a second assembly, disposed on the display; a pivot shaft, the first assembly and the second assembly are connected to the pivot shaft, the pivot shaft is used to drive the second assembly to rotate relative to the first assembly, so that the display can rotate relative to the host; as well as A sensing component comprising a resistor and a sensing member, wherein the resistor is disposed on the pivot shaft and has a notch, and one side of the sensing member is fixed to the second assembly member so that the sensing member rotates relative to the first assembly member along with the second assembly member; as well as A controller electrically connected to the sensor; When the display is covered with the host, the other side of the sensor is located at the notch. When the display is rotated relative to the host through the pivot structure, the other side of the sensor can slide against the surface of the resistor, so that the sensor senses the change in voltage value when electricity flows through the resistor of different lengths, and transmits the change in voltage value to the controller. The controller determines the angle between the display and the host based on the change in voltage value.

2. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The second assembly includes a connecting portion and an assembling portion, one side of the connecting portion is connected to the pivot shaft, the other side of the connecting portion is connected to the assembling portion, the assembling portion is fixed to the display, and one side of the sensor is fixed to the assembling portion.

3. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The sensing component further includes a power line and a ground line, and the power line and the ground line are electrically connected to the resistor.

4. The portable electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: The power line and the ground line are respectively located at two opposite ends of the notch of the resistor.

5. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The pivot structure further includes an insulating component, which is arranged between the pivot axis and the resistor.

6. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: When the controller determines that the angle between the display and the host is greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 20 degrees, the controller controls the display to be in the off mode, and the display is used to turn off the screen in the off mode. When the controller determines that the angle between the display and the host is greater than 20 degrees, the controller controls the display to be in the working mode, and the display is used to display the screen in the working mode.

7. A pivot structure, characterized in that: Used to connect the host and the display, the hinge structure includes: A first assembly part, configured to be mounted on the host; A second assembly member is configured to be disposed on the display; a pivot shaft, the first assembly and the second assembly are connected to the pivot shaft, the pivot shaft is used to drive the second assembly to rotate relative to the first assembly, so as to enable the display to rotate relative to the host; as well as A sensing component comprising a resistor and a sensing member, wherein the resistor is disposed on the pivot shaft and has a notch, and one side of the sensing member is fixed to the second assembly member so that the sensing member rotates relative to the first assembly member along with the second assembly member; When the first assembly and the second assembly are used to cover the display on the host, the other side of the sensing member is located at the notch. When the second assembly rotates relative to the first assembly to rotate the display relative to the host, the other side of the sensing member can slide against the surface of the resistor, so that the sensing member can sense the change in voltage value when electricity flows through the resistor of different lengths, and transmit the change in voltage value to a controller electrically connected to the sensing member, so that the controller can determine the angle between the display and the host based on the change in voltage value.

8. The hinge structure according to claim 7, wherein: The second assembly includes a connecting portion and an assembling portion, one side of the connecting portion is connected to the pivot shaft, and the other side of the connecting portion is connected to the assembling portion. The assembling portion is arranged on the display, and one side of the sensor is fixed to the assembling portion.

9. The hinge structure according to claim 7, wherein: The sensing component further includes a power line and a ground line. The power line and the ground line are electrically connected to the resistor and are respectively located at two opposite ends of the notch of the resistor.

10. The pivot structure according to claim 7, wherein: The device further comprises an insulating member, which is arranged between the pivot shaft and the resistor.

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