Hinge on wearable device

Abstract

The hinge on the wearable device comprises a middle shell, a connecting frame, a spring and a steering connecting piece, and the rotating opening stroke and the rotating closing stroke of the connecting frame both comprise the process of storing energy for the spring through the steering connecting piece and the process of releasing energy for the spring. In the energy releasing process, the steering connecting piece drives the connecting frame to rotate, the spring still keeps potential energy when the connecting frame rotates to the limit position, and the steering connecting piece acts on the connecting frame so that the connecting frame can be kept stable when the connecting frame is located at the limit position. According to the utility model, the spring can be compressed and released by utilizing the rotation around the axis in the vertical direction of the hinge rotation connecting axis or the movement in the vertical direction to be associated with the movement of the connecting frames on the two sides, so that not only can the bistable function be provided, but also the space at the two axial ends of the middle shell does not need to be utilized; and more choices can be provided for structural design and personalized function setting of wearable equipment such as AR and VR glasses.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a hinge in a wearable device, particularly AR / VR glasses. Background Technology

[0002] AR glasses consist of a frame, temples, and hinges. Connecting brackets on both sides of the hinge are rotatably connected, and these brackets are respectively connected to the temples and the frame. One type of hinge in AR glasses needs to provide bistable functionality, allowing the hinge to apply a certain elastic force to lock the temples in both open and folded states. Currently, most designs use a spring on the hinge axis and a sliding cam on the axis, with a rotating cam on one of the connecting brackets. The spring presses the two cams together, and the elastic force locking is achieved through cam control. However, this mechanism passes axially through the middle shell of the hinge, making it difficult to use in situations where other components occupy both ends of the middle shell. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hinge for wearable devices that offers bistable functionality without utilizing the space at both ends of the central housing along its axial direction. To this end, this invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0004] A hinge in a wearable device includes a central housing and a connecting frame, the connecting frame being rotatably mounted and capable of rotating relative to the central housing about a first axis; characterized in that the hinge further comprises a spring and a steering connector, the steering connector being rotatably mounted on the central housing about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the steering connector being connected to the connecting frame and the spring, the steering connector being able to receive the drive of the connecting frame to rotate about the first axis and convert it into a rotational motion output about the second axis, and being able to rotate about the second axis under the drive of the spring and drive the connecting frame to rotate about the first axis;

[0005] The opening and closing strokes of the connecting frame both include the process of storing energy in the spring through the steering connector and the process of releasing energy in the spring. During the energy release process, the connecting frame is driven to rotate through the steering connector. Furthermore, the spring retains potential energy when the connecting frame rotates to its limit position, and the steering connector acts on the connecting frame to keep it stable at the limit position.

[0006] Based on the above technical solutions, the present invention may also adopt the following further technical solutions, or combine these further technical solutions:

[0007] The middle housing is provided with a second axis, which is centered on a second axis and perpendicular to the first axis, and is located in the middle of the middle housing.

[0008] The steering connector adopts a second bevel gear, and the centrifugal position of the second bevel gear is provided with a connection structure that cooperates with the spring; the middle housing is provided with a second shaft, the second shaft is centered on a second axis, and the second bevel gear is mounted on the second shaft; the connecting frame is provided with a first bevel gear, the first bevel gear is centered on a first axis, and the second bevel gear and the first bevel gear are meshed together.

[0009] The spring is a torsion spring or a tension spring, and it is connected to the second bevel gear.

[0010] The connecting frame is provided with two first bevel gears, and the middle outer shell is provided with two parallel second shafts. The two second shafts are respectively provided with second bevel gears, which mesh with the two first bevel gears respectively. The two second bevel gears are respectively provided with connecting structures and are respectively connected to the two ends of the spring. In the rotation stroke of the connecting frame, the connecting parts of the two second bevel gears are arranged such that the distance between them gradually increases and then gradually decreases as the rotating frame rotates from one motion limit angle to another motion limit angle.

[0011] The portion of the connecting frame adjacent to the central outer shell is provided with a slot structure that opens towards the central outer shell. The first bevel gear is arranged facing each other on both sides of the slot structure, and the second bevel gear is located outside the central outer shell. The open slot is also used to shield the steering connector.

[0012] The hinge is a dual-axis hinge, including a first connecting frame and a second connecting frame that are rotatably connected to the central outer shell. The first axes of each connecting frame are parallel and can rotate relative to the central outer shell around their respective first axes. Steering connecting members that cooperate with springs are respectively provided for the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame.

[0013] The steering connector adopts a second bevel gear, and the centrifugal position of the second bevel gear is provided with a connection structure that cooperates with the spring; the middle housing is provided with a second shaft, the second shaft is centered on a second axis, and the second bevel gear is mounted on the second shaft; the connecting frame is provided with a first bevel gear, the first bevel gear is centered on a first axis, and the second bevel gear and the first bevel gear are meshed together.

[0014] The two ends of the second shaft are respectively provided with a second bevel gear connected to the first connecting frame and a second bevel gear connected to the second connecting frame.

[0015] Each connecting frame is provided with an open slot structure facing the central outer shell at the part adjacent to the central outer shell. The first bevel gear is arranged face to face on both sides of the slot structure, and the second bevel gear is located outside the central outer shell. The open slot is also used to shield the steering connector.

[0016] The first connecting frame and the second connecting frame are each provided with two first bevel gears. The middle outer shell is provided with two parallel second shafts, and the two second shafts are respectively provided with second bevel gears, which mesh with the two first bevel gears. The two second bevel gears are respectively provided with connecting structures and are respectively connected to the two ends of the spring. Furthermore, during the rotation stroke of the connecting frame, the connecting parts of the two second bevel gears are arranged such that the distance between them gradually increases and then gradually decreases as the rotating frame rotates from one motion limit angle to another motion limit angle.

[0017] The connecting frame is rotatably connected to the end of the central outer shell via an arc-shaped guide rail and an arc-shaped slider.

[0018] By adopting the technical solution of this utility model, this utility model can utilize the rotation around an axis perpendicular to the hinge rotation connection axis or the movement in that vertical direction to be associated with the movement of the two side connecting frames to compress and release the spring. This not only provides a bistable function, but also eliminates the need to utilize the space at both ends of the central outer shell axially. This provides more options for the structural design and personalized function settings of wearable devices such as AR and VR glasses. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the rotation process in an embodiment provided by this utility model.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of an embodiment provided by this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the connection of the connecting frame, gear, and torsion spring in the embodiments provided by this utility model.

[0023] Figure 5 The embodiments provided by this utility model demonstrate the principle of providing bistable function through a top view of the gear and torsion spring engagement at two travel limit positions and critical angles. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Referring to the accompanying drawings, this embodiment takes a hinge applied to AR glasses as an example, and a dual-axis hinge as an example. The hinge includes a central outer shell 300, a first connecting frame 100 and a second connecting frame 200. The connecting frames are rotatably mounted, and the first axes of each connecting frame are parallel and can rotate relative to the central outer shell 300 about their respective first axes. The first connecting frame 100 and the second connecting frame 200 can be connected to the temple and the frame, respectively.

[0025] The following structure is the same for all connecting frames; therefore, the first connecting frame 100 will be used as an example for explanation.

[0026] The hinge is further provided with a spring 1 and a steering connector 2. In this embodiment, the spring 1 is a torsion spring or a tension spring. The steering connector 2 is rotatably mounted on the central housing 300 about a second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis.

[0027] The steering connector 2 is connected to the connecting frame and the spring 1. The steering connector 2 can receive the drive of the connecting frame to rotate about the first axis and convert it into a rotational motion output about the second axis through the connection with the connecting frame. It can also rotate about the second axis under the drive of the spring 1 and drive the connecting frame to rotate about the first axis.

[0028] The opening and closing strokes of the connecting frame both include a process of energy storage for the spring 1 via the steering connector 2 and a process of energy release for the spring 1. During the energy release process, the connecting frame is driven to rotate via the steering connector 2. Furthermore, the spring retains potential energy even when the connecting frame rotates to its limit position, and the steering connector 2 acts on the connecting frame to maintain its stability at the limit position. The rotation of the connecting frame can be restricted at the two ends of the stroke by setting a limiting structure, which can be achieved by setting blocks, protrusions, or other structures on the frame, temples, or hinges of the AR glasses. The spring 1 can be a component connected between the steering connector 2 and the intermediate housing 300 or disposed on the intermediate housing 300, or it can be disposed between the two steering connectors 2, as described below.

[0029] The steering connector 2 adopts a second bevel gear, and the second bevel gear is provided with a connection structure in the centrifugal position to cooperate with the spring 1; the middle housing is provided with a second shaft 20, the second axis is the axis of the second shaft 21, and the second bevel gear is mounted on the second shaft 20; the connecting frame is provided with a first bevel gear 3, the first bevel gear 3 is centered on the first axis, and the second bevel gear and the first bevel gear 3 are meshed and connected.

[0030] The connecting frame is provided with two first bevel gears 3, and the middle outer casing 300 is provided with two parallel second shafts 20. Each of the two second shafts 20 is equipped with a second bevel gear, which meshes with the two first bevel gears 3 respectively. Each of the two second bevel gears is provided with a connecting structure to connect to both ends of the spring. This connecting structure can be a short pin 21, and, as... Figure 5 As shown, during the rotational stroke of the connecting frame, the connecting structure of the two second bevel gears is arranged such that the distance between them gradually increases and then gradually decreases as the rotating frame rotates from one motion limit angle to another. Figure 5 As shown, the process from 0° (e.g., the maximum opening or folding angle of the temple) to the critical angle (e.g., 22.5°) is a manually driven rotation process (the center distance between the two short pins 21 increases from 12.76mm to 13.50mm), which is also a spring energy storage process. From the critical angle to 45°, it is an automatic process driven by the spring energy release after the hand release (the center distance between the two short pins 21 decreases from 13.50mm to 12.87mm). Conversely, the process from 45° to the critical angle is a manually driven rotation process, which is also a spring energy storage process. From the critical angle to 0°, it is an automatic process driven by the spring energy release after the hand release. From the above structure, it can be seen that this utility model does not require occupying the space at both ends of the middle outer shell 300. Reference numeral 400 indicates a cable that utilizes the space at both ends of the middle outer shell 300 for wiring.

[0031] The connecting frame is provided with a slot structure 4 that opens towards the central outer shell at the adjacent part. The first bevel gear 3 is arranged face-to-face on both sides of the slot structure 4, and the second bevel gear is located outside the central outer shell 300. The open slot 4 is also used to shield the steering connector 2. This not only makes the movement more stable, but also provides shielding, allowing the steering connector 2 and spring 1 to be placed outside the central outer shell 300, thereby further reducing the volume of the central outer shell 300.

[0032] As shown in the figure, by adopting the structure of this utility model, while achieving the above-mentioned technical effects, the number of parts can be further reduced and the volume occupied can be saved: the second shaft 21 on the same side of the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame is a different section of the same shaft, and the two ends of the second shaft 21 are respectively provided with a second bevel gear connected to the first connecting frame 100 and a second bevel gear connected to the second connecting frame 200.

[0033] In this embodiment, the connecting frame is rotatably connected to the end of the middle outer shell 300 via an arc-shaped guide rail 51 and an arc-shaped slider 52. Similarly, this virtual pivot connection avoids occupying space at both ends of the middle outer shell or reduces axial occupancy of this part. The first axis is the center line of the arc-shaped slider 62.

[0034] The steering connector can also be a lever, and the spring can also be a compression spring or a tension spring. The spring can also have other parts to form a spring mechanism.

[0035] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present utility model, but the structural features of the present utility model are not limited thereto. Any changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present utility model are covered by the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0036] It should be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "installed," "set," "equipped with," "connected," "linked," and "sleeve" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "one end," "the other end," "outer side," "inner side," "horizontal," "end," "length," "outer end," "left," and "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. The terms "first" and "second" are also used only for the sake of brevity in description and do not indicate or imply relative importance.

Claims

1. A hinge on a wearable device, comprising a middle housing, a connecting frame, the connecting frame being rotatably mounted to be rotatable relative to the middle housing about a first axis; characterized in that, The hinge is also provided with a spring and a steering connector. The steering connector is rotatably mounted on the central housing about a second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis. The steering connector is connected to the connecting frame and the spring. The steering connector can receive the drive of the connecting frame to rotate about the first axis and convert it into a rotational motion output about the second axis, and can also rotate about the second axis under the drive of the spring and drive the connecting frame to rotate about the first axis. The opening and closing strokes of the connecting frame both include the process of storing energy in the spring through the steering connector and the process of releasing energy in the spring. During the energy release process, the connecting frame is driven to rotate through the steering connector. Furthermore, the spring retains potential energy when the connecting frame rotates to its limit position, and the steering connector acts on the connecting frame to keep it stable at the limit position.

2. The hinge on a wearable device of claim 1, wherein, The middle outer shell is provided with a second axis, which is centered on a second axis and perpendicular to the first axis, and is located in the middle of the middle outer shell.

3. The hinge on a wearable device of claim 1, wherein, The steering connector adopts a second bevel gear, and the centrifugal position of the second bevel gear is provided with a connection structure that cooperates with the spring; the middle housing is provided with a second shaft, the second shaft is centered on a second axis, and the second bevel gear is mounted on the second shaft; the connecting frame is provided with a first bevel gear, the first bevel gear is centered on a first axis, and the second bevel gear and the first bevel gear are meshed together.

4. The hinge on a wearable device of claim 3, wherein, The spring is a torsion spring or a tension spring, and it is connected to the second bevel gear.

5. A hinge on a wearable device as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein, The connecting frame is provided with two first bevel gears, and the middle outer shell is provided with two parallel second shafts. The two second shafts are respectively provided with second bevel gears, which mesh with the two first bevel gears respectively. The two second bevel gears are respectively provided with connecting structures and are respectively connected to the two ends of the spring. Furthermore, during the rotation stroke of the connecting frame, the connecting parts of the two second bevel gears are arranged such that the distance between them gradually increases and then gradually decreases as the rotating frame rotates from one motion limit angle to another motion limit angle.

6. The hinge on a wearable device of claim 5, wherein, The portion of the connecting frame adjacent to the central outer shell is provided with a groove structure that opens towards the central outer shell. The first bevel gear is arranged face-to-face on both sides of the groove structure, and the second bevel gear is located outside the central outer shell. The open groove structure is also used to shield the steering connector.

7. The hinge on a wearable device of claim 1, wherein, The hinge is a dual-axis hinge, including a first connecting frame and a second connecting frame that are rotatably connected to the central outer shell. The first axes of each connecting frame are parallel and can rotate relative to the central outer shell around their respective first axes. Steering connecting members that cooperate with springs are respectively provided for the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame.

8. The hinge on a wearable device of claim 7, wherein, The steering connector adopts a second bevel gear, and the centrifugal position of the second bevel gear is provided with a connection structure that cooperates with the spring; the middle housing is provided with a second shaft, the second shaft is centered on a second axis, and the second bevel gear is mounted on the second shaft; the connecting frame is provided with a first bevel gear, the first bevel gear is centered on a first axis, and the second bevel gear and the first bevel gear are meshed together.

9. The hinge on a wearable device of claim 8, wherein, The two ends of the second shaft are respectively provided with a second bevel gear connected to the first connecting frame and a second bevel gear connected to the second connecting frame.

10. The hinge on a wearable device of claim 8, wherein, Each connecting frame is provided with an open slot structure facing the central outer shell at the part adjacent to the central outer shell. The first bevel gear is arranged face to face on both sides of the slot structure, and the second bevel gear is located outside the central outer shell. The open slot is also used to shield the steering connector.

11. The hinge on a wearable device of claim 8, 9, or 10, wherein, The first connecting frame and the second connecting frame are each provided with two first bevel gears. The middle outer shell is provided with two parallel second shafts, and the two second shafts are respectively provided with second bevel gears, which mesh with the two first bevel gears respectively. The two second bevel gears are respectively provided with connecting structures and are respectively connected to the two ends of the spring. Furthermore, during the rotation stroke of the connecting frame, the connecting parts of the two second bevel gears are arranged such that the distance between them gradually increases and then gradually decreases as the rotating frame rotates from one motion limit angle to another motion limit angle.

12. The hinge on a wearable device of claim 1 or 7, wherein, The connecting frame is rotatably connected to the end of the central outer shell via an arc-shaped guide rail and an arc-shaped slider.

Images