Pivot device and electronic device using same

Abstract

A pivot device comprises a base, two first supports, a linkage mechanism, two supporting plates and two fixing seats. 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 and a third arc-shaped sliding connection part which are in sliding connection with the limiting sliding groove, the second arc-shaped sliding connection part and the first arc-shaped sliding connection part. The linkage mechanism comprises two second supports which are rotatably connected to the linkage module, and each second support is provided with a first linear sliding connection part and a driving sliding groove. Each supporting plate comprises a limiting block, a driving block and an elastic piece, the limiting blocks are slidably connected to the limiting sliding grooves, and the driving blocks are slidably connected to the driving sliding grooves. Each fixing base is provided with a fourth arc-shaped sliding connection part and a second linear sliding connection part, the fourth arc-shaped sliding connection part is in sliding connection with the third arc-shaped sliding connection part, and the second linear sliding connection part is in sliding connection with the first linear sliding connection part. The two ends of each elastic piece are connected to the supporting plate and the fixing base respectively. According to the electronic device using the pivot device, when the two plate bodies are oppositely unfolded until the relative included angle is 180 degrees, the middle part of the flexible display part cannot be squeezed to generate creases.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a pivot and an electronic device using the same, and more particularly to a pivot applicable to a flexible display and an electronic device using the same. Background Technology

[0002] An existing electronic device includes a pivot, two plates, and a flexible display. The pivot is connected to the two plates on both sides, allowing the plates to unfold and retract relative to each other. Two support plates are fixedly mounted on both sides of the pivot. The flexible display is fixed to the two support plates and the two plates of the pivot, and thus unfolds and retracts accordingly with the relative unfolding and retraction of the support plates and the two plates. However, when the two plates of this electronic device are unfolded to a relative angle of 180 degrees, the flexible display, fixed to the two support plates, may be creased in the middle portion between the support plates due to pressure from the support plates, affecting the display or touch performance of the flexible display, or even causing damage to the flexible display. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pivot and an electronic device using the pivot, so that when the two plates of the electronic device are unfolded relative to each other to a relative angle of 180 degrees, the middle part of the flexible display will not be squeezed and creased.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a pivot, comprising a base, two first supports, a linkage mechanism, two support plates, and two fixed seats. The base includes two opposing first sides and two opposing second sides, each first side having a first arc-shaped sliding portion. Each first support has a second arc-shaped sliding portion, a third arc-shaped sliding portion, and a limiting groove, the second arc-shaped sliding portion being slidably connected to the corresponding first arc-shaped sliding portion. The linkage mechanism is located on the corresponding second side, and includes a linkage module and two second supports, the two second supports being rotatably connected to the linkage module, each second support having a first linear sliding portion and a driving groove. Each support plate includes a limiting block, a driving block, a first connecting portion, and an elastic element, the limiting block being slidably connected to the corresponding limiting groove, and the driving block being slidably connected to the corresponding driving groove. Each fixed base is provided with a fourth arc-shaped sliding part, a second straight sliding part and a second connecting part. The fourth arc-shaped sliding part is slidably connected to the corresponding third arc-shaped sliding part, and the second straight sliding part is slidably connected to the corresponding first straight sliding part. The two ends of each elastic element are respectively connected to the corresponding first connecting part and the corresponding second connecting part.

[0005] In one embodiment, each first sidewall forms a first recess, and the two opposite sidewalls of the first recess respectively form two first arc-shaped sliding portions. Each first bracket includes a first protrusion, and the two opposite sidewalls of the first protrusion respectively form two second arc-shaped sliding portions.

[0006] In one embodiment, each first bracket further includes a second protrusion opposite to the first protrusion, with two opposite sides of the second protrusion forming two third arc-shaped sliding portions, and the open end face of the second protrusion also forming a limiting groove inward. Each fixing seat faces the side of the corresponding first bracket to form a second recess, with two opposite sidewalls of the second recess forming two fourth arc-shaped sliding portions.

[0007] In one embodiment, each second bracket includes a third protrusion, with two opposite sides of the third protrusion forming two first linear sliding portions, and the open end face of the third protrusion also forming a drive groove inward. Each fixed seat faces the side of the corresponding second bracket to form a third recess, with two opposite sidewalls of the third recess forming two second linear sliding portions.

[0008] In one embodiment, the linkage module includes two rotating shafts, two gears and multiple idler wheels. Each second bracket is fixedly connected to the corresponding rotating shaft, and each gear is fixedly sleeved on the corresponding rotating shaft. The two gears mesh with the idler wheels, causing the two gears to rotate simultaneously in opposite directions.

[0009] In one embodiment, the linkage mechanism further includes a torque generating module, which includes two concave cams and two elastic components. Each concave cam is coupled to a corresponding second bracket, and each elastic component abuts against a corresponding concave cam and provides torque to the corresponding second bracket by pushing the corresponding concave cam.

[0010] In one embodiment, each fixing seat includes a first seat body and a second seat body. The first seat body is provided with a fourth arc-shaped sliding part, the second seat body is provided with a second straight sliding part, and the first seat body or the second seat body is provided with a second connecting part.

[0011] This utility model also proposes an electronic device, including the aforementioned pivot, two plates, and a flexible display element. Each plate is fixedly connected to a corresponding mounting base of the pivot. The flexible display element is fixedly mounted on the two support plates and the two plates of the pivot.

[0012] To make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a partially exploded view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partially exploded view of the hub mechanism and two plates of the electronic device.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a pivot device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figures 4 to 8 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the assembly process of the hub.

[0017] Figure 9 and Figure 10 They are respectively Figure 3 The diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of the pivot with relative angles of 0 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0018] Figure 11 and Figure 12 They are respectively Figure 3 The diagram shows a side view of the pivot with relative angles of 0 degrees and 180 degrees. Detailed Implementation

[0019] In the following embodiments, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar components. Furthermore, the directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as up, down, left, right, front, or back, are only for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the present invention.

[0020] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a partially exploded view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partially exploded view of the hub mechanism 100 and the two plates 200 of the electronic device. The electronic device includes the hub mechanism 100, the two plates 200, and the flexible display 300. The hub mechanism 100 includes two hubs 1, a back cover 2, and a fixed support plate 3; however, it is not limited to this, for example, it can be changed to three or more hubs 1, or to only one hub 1. The two hubs 1 are symmetrically mounted on the inner side of the back cover 2. The fixed support plate 3 is located between the two hubs 1 and is mounted on the inner side of the back cover 2 and fixed in place. Two support plates 70 are respectively provided on both sides of the hub 1; in this embodiment, the two support plates 70 of one of the two hubs 1 are also connected to the two support plates 70 of the other hub 1 to form an integral part.

[0021] The pivot 1 of the pivot mechanism 100 is connected to two plates 200 on both sides, allowing the plates 200 to expand and contract relative to each other. The flexible display element 300 is fixedly mounted on the two support plates 70 and the two plates 200 of the pivot 1, and thus expands and contracts accordingly with the relative expansion and contraction of the support plates 70 and the plates 200. When the two plates 200 of the electronic device are expanded to a relative angle of 180 degrees, the fixed support plate 3 and the two support plates 70 can form a single flat plate (e.g., ...). Figure 1As shown, the flexible display 300 is supported by two support plates 70. In addition, the two support plates 70 are pushed outward by a small distance so that the middle part of the flexible display 300 located between the two support plates 70 will not be squeezed by the two support plates 70 and will not be creased. The specific explanation will be given later.

[0022] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a pivot 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pivot 1 includes a base 10, two first supports 20, a linkage mechanism 30, two support plates 70, and two fixed seats 80. The base 10, the two first supports 20, and the two fixed seats 80 are used to control the relative unfolding and folding positions of the two plates 200 of the electronic device. The linkage mechanism 30 is used to control the torque and simultaneous rotation required for the relative unfolding and folding of the two plates 200. The two support plates 70 and the two fixed seats 80 are responsible for pushing the two support plates 70 outward from their original positions and away from the base 10 a short distance when the two plates 200 are unfolded to a relative angle of 180 degrees, so that the middle part of the flexible display 300 is not squeezed and creased. And when the two plates 200 are folded to a relative angle of 180 degrees to the aforementioned specific angle, the two support plates 70 are pushed inward until they return to their original positions. In this embodiment, the aforementioned specific angle is 161 degrees.

[0023] Please refer to the following at the same time Figures 4 to 8 , Figures 4 to 8 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the assembly process of hub 1. First, as shown... Figure 4 As shown, an assembly base 10, two first supports 20, and a linkage mechanism 30 are assembled. The base 10 includes two opposing first sides 11 and two opposing second sides 12, with each second side 12 adjacent to the two first sides 11. Each first side 11 forms a first recess 13, and the two opposing sidewalls of the first recess 13 respectively form two first arc-shaped sliding parts 14. Each first support 20 includes opposing first protrusions 21 and second protrusions 22, with the two opposing sides of the first protrusions 21 respectively forming two second arc-shaped sliding parts 23, and the two opposing sides of the second protrusions 22 respectively forming two third arc-shaped sliding parts 24. The open end face of the second protrusions 22 also forms a limiting groove 25 inwardly. The second arc-shaped sliding parts 23 of each first support 20 are slidably connected to the corresponding first arc-shaped sliding parts 14 of the base 10; thereby, the two first supports 20 are rotatably mounted on the two first sides 11 of the base 10 and each rotates about a virtual axis. In this embodiment, the first arc-shaped sliding part 14 is an arc-shaped groove, and the second arc-shaped sliding part 23 is an arc-shaped rib corresponding to the aforementioned arc-shaped groove; however, it is not limited to this, for example, the first arc-shaped sliding part 14 and the second arc-shaped sliding part 23 can be replaced with corresponding arc-shaped ribs and arc-shaped grooves, respectively.

[0024] The linkage mechanism 30 is located on the corresponding second side 12 of the base 10. The linkage mechanism 30 includes a linkage module 40, two second supports 50, and a torque generating module 60. The linkage module 40 includes two rotating shafts 41, two gears 42, and multiple idler gears 43. Each second support 50 is fixedly connected to the corresponding rotating shaft 41, and each gear 42 is fixedly sleeved on the corresponding rotating shaft 41. The two gears 42 mesh with an even number of idler gears 43, causing the two gears 42 to rotate simultaneously in opposite directions. When the two gears 42 rotate simultaneously in opposite directions, the two rotating shafts 41 will also rotate simultaneously in opposite directions, thereby causing the two second supports 50 to rotate simultaneously in opposite directions, and vice versa. Thus, the two second supports 50 are rotatably connected to the two sides of the linkage module 40 and rotate around the two rotating shafts 41 respectively.

[0025] Each second bracket 50 includes a third protrusion 51 at the end away from the linkage module 40. Two first linear sliding portions 52 are formed on opposite sides of the third protrusion 51, and a drive groove 53 is formed inwardly on the open end face of the third protrusion 51. The torque generating module 60 includes two concave cam members 61 and two elastic components 62. Each concave cam member 61 is connected to its corresponding second bracket 50 via a corresponding rotating shaft 41. Each elastic component 62 abuts against its corresponding concave cam member 61 and provides torque to its corresponding second bracket 50 by pushing the corresponding concave cam member 61. In this embodiment, the elastic component 62 is a compression spring; however, it is not limited to this. For example, the elastic component 62 can be replaced with multiple stacked spring pieces. Furthermore, when the elastic component 62 is a compression spring, additional compression springs can be added according to the required torque. In this embodiment, an additional elastic component 63, also a compression spring, is added.

[0026] Next, as Figure 5 As shown, after the base 10, the two first supports 20, and the linkage mechanism 30 are assembled, the two support plates 70 are then assembled. Each support plate 70 includes a limiting block 71, a driving block 72, a first connecting part 73, and an elastic member 74. The limiting block 71 is slidably connected to the corresponding limiting groove 25, the driving block 72 is slidably connected to the corresponding driving groove 53, and one end of the elastic member 74 is connected to the first connecting part 73. By the limiting block 71 and the driving block 72 sliding into the corresponding limiting groove 25 and the corresponding driving groove 53 respectively, each support plate 70 is slidably connected to the corresponding first support 20 and the corresponding second support 50. Furthermore, through the mutual limiting of the limiting block 71 and the limiting groove 25, the support plate 70 and the first support 20 slide relatively parallel to each other.

[0027] Next, as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, after the base 10, the two first supports 20, the linkage mechanism 30, and the two support plates 70 are assembled, the two fixed seats 80 are then assembled. Each fixed seat 80 has a second recess 81 formed on one side facing the corresponding first support 20, and two opposite sidewalls of the second recess 81 form two fourth arc-shaped sliding portions 82. Each fixed seat 80 has a third recess 83 formed on one side facing the corresponding second support 50, and two opposite sidewalls of the third recess 83 form two second straight sliding portions 84. Each fixed seat 80 also has a second connecting portion 85, a first fixing portion 86, and a second fixing portion 87. By sliding the fourth arc-shaped sliding part 82 and the second straight sliding part 84 into the third arc-shaped sliding part 24 and the first straight sliding part 52 respectively, the fourth arc-shaped sliding part 82 of each fixed seat 80 is slidably connected to the third arc-shaped sliding part 24 of the corresponding first bracket 20, and the second straight sliding part 84 of each fixed seat 80 is slidably connected to the first straight sliding part 52 of the corresponding second bracket 50. Moreover, once assembled, the other end of each elastic element 74 is connected to the second connecting part 85 of the corresponding fixed seat 80, so the two ends of each elastic element 74 will be connected to the first connecting part 73 of the corresponding support plate 70 and the second connecting part 85 of the corresponding fixed seat 80 respectively.

[0028] In this embodiment, the third arc-shaped sliding part 24 is an arc-shaped groove, and the fourth arc-shaped sliding part 82 is an arc-shaped rib corresponding to the aforementioned arc-shaped groove; however, it is not limited to this, for example, the third arc-shaped sliding part 24 and the fourth arc-shaped sliding part 82 can be replaced with corresponding arc-shaped ribs and arc-shaped grooves, respectively. The first straight sliding part 52 is a straight groove, and the second straight sliding part 84 is a straight rib corresponding to the aforementioned straight groove; however, it is not limited to this, for example, the first straight sliding part 52 and the second straight sliding part 84 can be replaced with corresponding straight ribs and straight grooves, respectively.

[0029] In this embodiment, the elastic element 74 is a thin, elastic metal rod, the first connecting portion 73 is a U-shaped groove, and the second connecting portion 85 is a protrusion. A section of the thin rod near the first end 741 of the elastic element 74 is bent and engaged with the first connecting portion 73, while a small section of the thin rod near the second end 742 abuts against the second connecting portion 85. That is, the first end 741 and the second end 742 of each elastic element 74 are respectively connected to the first connecting portion 73 of the corresponding support plate 70 and the second connecting portion 85 of the corresponding fixing seat 80. However, this is not a limitation; for example, the elastic element 74 can be replaced with a compression spring with hooks at both ends, and both the first connecting portion 73 and the second connecting portion 85 can be replaced with hooks.

[0030] In this embodiment, for ease of assembly, the fixing base 80 includes two independent components: a first base body 80a and a second base body 80b. The first base body 80a is provided with a fourth arc-shaped sliding portion 82, which can be easily slid into the third arc-shaped sliding portion 24 in an arc-shaped sliding manner. The second base body 80b is provided with a second straight sliding portion 84, which can be easily slid into the first straight sliding portion 52 in a straight sliding manner. In addition, the first base body 80a is also provided with a second recess 81 and a first fixing portion 86, and the second base body 80b is also provided with a third recess 83, a second connecting portion 85, and a second fixing portion 87. However, it is not limited to these. For example, if the elastic member 74 is located close to the first base body 80a, the second connecting portion 85 can be provided on the first base body 80a instead.

[0031] Finally, as Figure 8 As shown, complete as follows Figure 3 The assembly of the entire hub 1 is shown. Figure 8 and Figure 3 The pivot 1 shown only differs in perspective. Each fixing seat 80 is fixedly connected to its corresponding plate 200 via its first fixing part 86 and second fixing part 87. The two fixing seats 80 of the pivot 1 are respectively fixedly connected to two plates 200 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As shown).

[0032] Please refer to the following at the same time Figures 9 to 12 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 They are respectively Figure 3 The diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of the pivot 1 with relative angles of 0 degrees and 180 degrees. Figure 11 and Figure 12 They are respectively Figure 3 The diagram shows a side view of the pivot 1 with relative angles of 0 degrees and 180 degrees. First, it should be noted that by designing the length of the limiting groove 25 formed inward from the open end face of the second protrusion 22, the support plate 70 can be designed to be pushed inward to the position closest to the base 10 (i.e., regarding...). Figure 3 (In its original position as described), at this time, the limiting block 71 of the support plate 70 abuts against the closed end face within the limiting groove 25. By designing the length of the drive groove 53 formed inward from the open end face of the third protrusion 51, the aforementioned specific angle can be designed. This is because when the two plates 200 unfold relative to each other, they will drive the two second supports 50 to unfold relative to each other. When the two plates 200 unfold relative to each other to a relative angle of a specific angle, the closed end face within the drive groove 53 of the second support 50 just abuts against the drive block 72; when the two plates 200 unfold relative to each other to a relative angle greater than the specific angle and up to 180 degrees, the closed end face within the drive groove 53 abuts against and pushes the drive block 72 to slide, causing the support plate 70 to be pushed outward from its original position and away from the base 10.

[0033] Next, as Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the relative angle between the pivot 1 (i.e., the relative angle between the two plates 200 of the electronic device) is 0 degrees (e.g.) Figure 9 When the support plate 70 is in the position shown, the limiting block 71 of the support plate 70 abuts against the closed end face within the limiting groove 25, causing the support plate 70 to be pushed inward to the position closest to the base 10; the driving block 72 of the support plate 70 is slidably connected to the driving groove 53, but the closed end face within the driving groove 53 has not yet abutted against the driving block 72. When the relative angle between the pivot 1 and the pivot changes from a specific angle (161 degrees in this embodiment) to 180 degrees (e.g., ... Figure 10 When the support plate 70 slides away from the closed end face in the limiting groove 25 (as shown), the limiting block 71 of the support plate 70 slides away from the closed end face in the limiting groove 25; the closed end face in the driving groove 53 abuts against and pushes the driving block 72 to slide, so that the support plate 70 is pushed outward from its original position and away from the base 10; at this time, as the support plate 70 is pushed outward, the second end 742 of the elastic member 74 on the support plate 70 is deformed by the compression of the second connecting part 85 on the fixed seat 80. When the relative included angle of the pivot 1 is from 180 degrees (as shown) Figure 10 (As shown) When the angle is reached, the closed end face in the drive groove 53 no longer pushes the drive block 72 to slide; at this time, the elastic member 74 on the support plate 70 tends to restore its original shape and pushes the second connecting part 85 through its second end 742, so that the support plate 70 is pushed inward until the limit block 71 abuts against the closed end face in the limit groove 25 and is pushed inward to the position closest to the base 10 at a specific angle.

[0034] Again, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the relative angle between the pivot 1 and the pivot is 0 degrees (e.g., Figure 11 When (as shown), the support plate 70 is pushed inward to the position closest to the base 10, at which point the distance between the support plate 70 and the inner edge of the outer wall of the fixed seat 80 is d1. When the relative angle between the pivot 1 and the pivot is 180 degrees (as shown), Figure 12 When the support plate 70 is pushed outward to the position furthest from the base 10 (as shown), the distance between the support plate 70 and the inner edge of the outer wall of the fixed seat 80 is d2. It can be clearly seen that the distance d2 is less than the distance d1. This is because the support plate 70 is pushed outward to the position furthest from the base 10 when the relative angle between the support plate 70 and the pivot 1 is 180 degrees, resulting in the distance d2 being less than the distance d1.

[0035] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A pivot device, characterized in that... include: The base includes two opposing first sides and two opposing second sides, and each of the first sides is provided with a first arc-shaped sliding joint. Two first supports, each first support is provided with a second arc-shaped sliding part, a third arc-shaped sliding part and a limiting slide groove, and the second arc-shaped sliding part is slidably connected to the corresponding first arc-shaped sliding part; A linkage mechanism is provided on the corresponding second side. The linkage mechanism includes a linkage module and two second supports. The two second supports are rotatably connected to the linkage module. Each second support is provided with a first linear sliding joint and a drive groove. Two support plates, each support plate including a limiting block, a driving block, a first connecting part and an elastic element, the limiting block being slidably connected to the corresponding limiting groove, and the driving block being slidably connected to the corresponding driving groove; as well as Two fixed seats, each fixed seat is provided with a fourth arc-shaped sliding part, a second straight sliding part and a second connecting part. The fourth arc-shaped sliding part is slidably connected to the corresponding third arc-shaped sliding part, and the second straight sliding part is slidably connected to the corresponding first straight sliding part. The two ends of each elastic member are respectively connected to the corresponding first connecting part and the corresponding second connecting part.

2. The pivot as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the first side sides forms a first recess, and the two opposite sidewalls of the first recess respectively form two first arc-shaped sliding parts; each of the first brackets includes a first protrusion, and the two opposite sidewalls of the first protrusion respectively form two second arc-shaped sliding parts.

3. The pivot as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the first brackets further includes a second protrusion opposite to the first protrusion, and two opposite sides of the second protrusion respectively form two third arc-shaped sliding parts. The open end face of the second protrusion also forms the limiting sliding groove inward. Each of the fixed seats forms a second recess on one side of the corresponding first bracket, and two opposite sidewalls of the second recess respectively form two fourth arc-shaped sliding parts.

4. The pivot as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the second brackets includes a third protrusion, and two opposite sides of the third protrusion respectively form two first linear sliding joints. The open end face of the third protrusion also forms the driving groove inward. Each of the fixed seats faces one side of the corresponding second bracket to form a third recess, and two opposite sidewalls of the third recess respectively form two second linear sliding joints.

5. The pivot as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The linkage module includes two rotating shafts, two gears and multiple idler wheels. Each second bracket is fixedly connected to the corresponding rotating shaft, and each gear is fixedly sleeved on the corresponding rotating shaft. The two gears mesh with the multiple idler wheels, causing the two gears to rotate simultaneously in opposite directions.

6. The pivot as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The linkage mechanism further includes a torque generating module, which includes two concave cams and two elastic components. Each concave cam is coupled to a corresponding second bracket, and each elastic component abuts against a corresponding concave cam and provides torque to the corresponding second bracket by pushing the corresponding concave cam.

7. The pivot as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the aforementioned fixed seats includes a first seat body and a second seat body. The first seat body is provided with the fourth arc-shaped sliding part, the second seat body is provided with the second straight sliding part, and the first seat body or the second seat body is provided with the second connecting part.

8. An electronic device, characterized in that... include: The hub as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; Two plates, each of which is fixedly connected to the corresponding fixed seat of the pivot; as well as A flexible display element is fixedly mounted on the two support plates and the two plate bodies of the pivot.

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