Torsion gradual change type hinge structure and electronic equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a torsion gradual change type hinge structure and electronic equipment, the hinge structure comprises a first rotating body and a second rotating body, a shaft core is formed on the first rotating body, a rotating part sleeved on the shaft core is formed on the second rotating body, the rotating part is recessed outwards from the inner wall and forms a guide groove, and the guide groove is provided with a guide groove. The plurality of guide grooves are distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft core; the hinge structure further comprises rolling shafts which are correspondingly inserted into the guide grooves and extend in the axial direction of the shaft core, and the guide grooves drive the rolling shafts and the shaft core to form rolling extrusion. On one hand, rolling extrusion is kept between the rolling shafts and the shaft core, the center distance between the rolling shafts and the shaft core is changed through the guide grooves in the opening and closing process so as to adjust the extrusion degree, then the change of rotating torsion is achieved, the opening and closing hand feeling of light opening and heavy closing is achieved, and the use experience of a user is effectively improved; on the other hand, the structure is simple and reliable, and machining cost is low.

Description

Torque-gradient hinge structure and electronic equipment Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of hinge structure, specifically relating to a torque-gradient hinge structure; it also relates to an electronic device using this hinge structure. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, existing laptops generally include a base and a screen module that is rotatably connected to the base via a hinge structure. The hinge structure generally includes a pivot and a torsion component (such as a spring, a bezel, etc.). The laptop is opened or closed by flipping the screen module up and down. The torsion design of the hinge structure directly affects the user experience of the laptop during the opening and closing process.

[0003] However, in actual use, most existing hinge structures are simple in construction and can only provide constant torque. This means that laptops require constant force to open or close, which cannot meet the user's desire for an "easy opening and slow closing" feel, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an improved torque-gradient hinge structure.

[0005] An electronic device is also provided.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A torque-gradient hinge structure includes a first rotating body and a second rotating body. The first rotating body has a shaft core, and the second rotating body has a rotating portion sleeved on the shaft core. The rotating portion is recessed from its inner wall outwards, forming guide grooves. Multiple guide grooves are spaced apart circumferentially around the shaft core. The hinge structure also includes rollers correspondingly inserted into each guide groove and extending axially along the shaft core. The guide grooves drive rolling compression between the rollers and the shaft core. As the first and second rotating bodies open or close relative to each other, each roller moves synchronously along the guide grooves, and the center distance between each roller and the shaft core gradually increases or decreases, resulting in a gradually decreasing or increasing rotational torque. In other words, this application, based on the rolling compression between the rollers and the shaft core, changes the position of the rollers relative to the guide grooves during opening and closing by rotating the rotating portion, thereby changing the center distance between the rollers and the shaft core and adjusting the degree of compression between them to regulate rolling friction, thus achieving a change in rotational torque.

[0008] According to a specific embodiment and preferred aspect of this utility model, each guide groove has a first limit position and a second limit position. When each roller moves to the first limit position or the second limit position, the rotational torque between each roller and the shaft core remains unchanged as the opening or closing movement continues. That is, when the roller moves to the first or second limit position, the rotational torque between each roller and the shaft core is at its minimum or maximum, thereby enabling opening and closing under this constant rotational torque (i.e., minimum torque or maximum torque) to maintain torque stability during opening and closing.

[0009] Preferably, when each roller moves between the first and second extreme positions, the rotation angle of the rotating part around the center line of the shaft core is 3.5° to 6.5°. This facilitates quick adjustment of the torque when opening or closing at any opening angle, and the layout based on this rotation angle provides the best steering feel for the opening torque (minimum torque) or closing torque (maximum torque).

[0010] Preferably, multiple guide grooves are arranged in a circumferential array around the shaft core, and as the first and second rotating bodies open or close relative to each other, the rotational torque between each roller and the shaft core changes synchronously. Here, the rolling friction force on the shaft core surface is evenly distributed, reducing shaft core deformation and extending service life.

[0011] According to another specific embodiment and preferred aspect of this utility model, the shaft core is recessed inward from the side wall to form an oil groove for storing lubricating oil. Multiple oil grooves are distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the shaft core. This facilitates lubrication between the roller and the shaft core, reduces wear, and extends service life.

[0012] According to another specific embodiment and preferred aspect of this utility model, each guide groove is further fixedly provided with an elastic element. The elastic element abuts against the corresponding roller and drives the rolling friction force formed between the roller and the shaft core to change uniformly. Here, considering the uneven torque distribution caused by the "head-to-tail asynchrony" problem that may occur in the roller within the guide groove, this application ensures uniform movement of the roller within the guide groove by setting the elastic element, ensuring "head-to-tail synchronization", realizing uniform torque change, and improving the smoothness of the feel.

[0013] Preferably, the elastic element is fixed at one end in the guide groove, and the resulting elastic force extends radially along the corresponding roller.

[0014] Preferably, each elastic element includes two elastic bodies symmetrical along the roller axis, wherein each elastic body includes a body embedded in the rotating part and extending along the roller axis, and a spring sheet bent inward from one end of the body, extending into the guide groove and abutting against the roller surface.

[0015] Specifically, in each elastic element, the contact positions of the two spring pieces on the roller are close to the two ends of the roller, respectively.

[0016] Another technical solution of this utility model is an electronic device with the above-mentioned torque-gradient hinge structure.

[0017] Due to the implementation of the above technical solution, this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0018] Most existing hinge structures are simple in construction and can only provide constant torque. This means laptops require constant force to open or close, failing to meet the user's desire for an "easy opening, slow closing" feel, resulting in a poor user experience. This application, however, redesigns the torque-gradient hinge structure and the overall structure of the electronic device, cleverly addressing the shortcomings and defects of existing technologies. With this hinge structure, as the first and second rotating bodies open relative to each other, the rotating part rotates around the axis and changes the position of each roller in the guide groove, gradually increasing the center distance between each roller and the axis. Consequently, the rotational torque between the roller and the axis gradually decreases, achieving a "light opening" feel. Similarly, as the first and second rotating bodies close relative to each other, the rotating part rotates around the axis and changes the position of each roller in the guide groove, gradually decreasing the center distance between the roller and the axis. Consequently, the rotational torque between the roller and the axis gradually increases, achieving a "heavy closing" feel. Therefore, compared with the prior art, this utility model is based on the rolling extrusion between the roller and the shaft core. During opening and closing, the center distance between multiple rollers and the shaft core is changed by the guide groove to adjust the degree of extrusion, thereby realizing the change of rotational torque and achieving a light opening and heavy closing feel, which effectively improves the user experience. On the other hand, it has a simple and reliable structure and low processing cost. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0020] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the hinge structure in Embodiment 1;

[0021] Figure 2 is a front view schematic diagram of the hinge structure of Embodiment 1;

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view along direction AA in Figure 2 (at the first extreme position);

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view along direction AA in Figure 2 (at the second extreme position);

[0024] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the hinge structure in Embodiment 1;

[0025] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the hinge structure in Example 2;

[0026] Wherein: 1, first rotating body; 10, shaft core; c0, oil groove; 2, second rotating body; 20, rotating part; c1, guide groove; 3, roller; q, interference area; 4, elastic element; 40, body; 41, spring piece. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0030] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" a second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that they are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of a second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" a second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element present. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "above," "below," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible embodiments.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the electronic device in this embodiment is any conventional laptop computer, which adopts a torque-gradient hinge structure, and the hinge structure includes a first rotating body 1, a second rotating body 2, and a roller 3.

[0034] Specifically, one of the first rotating body 1 and the second rotating body 2 is fixedly connected to the base of the laptop computer, and the other is fixedly connected to the screen module of the laptop computer. The first rotating body 1 has a shaft core 10, and the second rotating body 2 has a rotating part 20 sleeved on the shaft core 10.

[0035] For ease of implementation, the shaft core 10 is recessed inward from its sidewall to form an annular oil groove c0 for storing lubricating oil. Multiple oil grooves c0 are distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the shaft core 10. This facilitates lubrication between the roller and the shaft core, reducing wear and extending service life.

[0036] In this example, the rotating part 20 is recessed from the inner wall outward and forms a guide groove c1 that extends through its own axial direction. Multiple guide grooves c1 are distributed circumferentially around the shaft core 10. Multiple rollers 3 are inserted into each guide groove c1 and extend axially along the shaft core 10. The guide grooves c1 drive the rollers 3 to form rolling compression with the shaft core 10. As the first rotating body 1 and the second rotating body 2 open or close relative to each other, each roller 3 rolls synchronously along the guide groove c1 and around the shaft core 10. The center distance between each roller 3 and the shaft core 10 gradually increases or decreases, resulting in a gradually decreasing or increasing rotational torque. That is, based on the rolling compression between the rollers and the shaft core, this application changes the position of the rollers relative to the guide grooves during opening and closing by changing the center distance between the rollers and the shaft core as the rotating part rotates, thereby adjusting the degree of compression between the rollers and the shaft core to regulate the rolling friction and thus achieve a change in rotational torque.

[0037] It should be noted that the so-called extrusion between the roller 3 and the shaft core 10 in this application means that the two theoretically form an interference region q from their outer contours (in reality, the extrusion position will produce slight deformation). The size of the interference region q is changed by the change of the center distance between the two. The larger the interference region q is, the greater the rotational torque formed, and vice versa. As for the specific range of interference variation, it is set according to the actual design needs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0038] In some specific embodiments, each guide groove c1 has a first limit position and a second limit position. When each roller 3 moves to the first limit position or the second limit position, the rotational torque between each roller 3 and the shaft core 10 remains unchanged as the opening or closing movement continues. That is, when the roller moves to the first or second limit position, the rotational torque between each roller and the shaft core is at its minimum or maximum, thereby enabling opening and closing under this constant rotational torque (i.e., minimum torque or maximum torque) to maintain the stability of the torque during opening and closing.

[0039] Meanwhile, when each roller 3 moves between the first and second extreme positions, the rotation angle of the rotating part 20 around the center line of the shaft core 10 is 3.5° to 6.5°. In this embodiment, the preferred value of the rotation angle is 5°. This facilitates quick adjustment of the torque when opening or closing at any opening or closing angle. At the same time, based on this rotation angle layout, the steering feel resulting from the opening torque (minimum torque) or closing torque (maximum torque) is optimal.

[0040] Furthermore, this embodiment provides four guide grooves c1, which are arranged in a circumferential array around the shaft core 10. As the first rotating body 1 and the second rotating body 2 open or close relative to each other, the rotational torque between each roller 3 and the shaft core 10 changes synchronously. Here, the rolling friction force formed on the surface of the shaft core is evenly distributed, reducing the deformation of the shaft core and extending its service life.

[0041] In summary, with this hinge structure, as the first and second rotating bodies open relative to each other, the rotating part rotates around the shaft and changes the position of each roller in the guide groove, so that the center distance between each roller and the shaft gradually increases, and the rotational torque formed between the roller and the shaft gradually decreases, achieving a "light opening" feel. Similarly, as the first and second rotating bodies close relative to each other, the rotating part rotates around the shaft and changes the position of each roller in the guide groove, so that the center distance between each roller and the shaft gradually decreases, and the rotational torque formed between the roller and the shaft gradually increases, achieving a "heavy closing" feel. Therefore, compared with the prior art, this utility model has several advantages. First, it is based on the rolling compression between the rollers and the shaft core. During opening and closing, the center distance between multiple rollers and the shaft core is changed by the guide groove to adjust the degree of compression, thereby achieving a change in rotational torque and a light opening and heavy closing feel, effectively improving the user experience. Second, it has a simple and reliable structure with low processing cost. Third, when the rollers move to the first or second limit position, the rotational torque formed between each roller and the shaft core is at its minimum or maximum, thus enabling opening and closing at this constant rotational torque (i.e., minimum torque or maximum torque) to maintain torque stability during opening and closing. Fourth, it facilitates quick adjustment of torque when opening or closing at any opening angle. At the same time, based on the layout of this rotation angle, the steering feel resulting from the opening torque (minimum torque) or closing torque (maximum torque) is optimal.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, the electronic device in this embodiment has a basically the same structure as that in Embodiment 1, except that:

[0044] In this embodiment, each guide groove c1 is also fixedly provided with an elastic element 4. The elastic element 4 abuts against the corresponding roller 3 and drives the rolling friction force formed between the roller 3 and the shaft core 10 to change uniformly. Here, considering the uneven torque distribution caused by the "head-to-tail asynchrony" problem that may occur in the roller in the guide groove, this application ensures that the roller moves uniformly in the guide groove by setting the elastic element, ensuring "head-to-tail synchronization", realizing uniform torque change and improving the smoothness of the feel.

[0045] In this example, the elastic element 4 is fixed at one end in the guide groove c1, and the resulting elastic force extends radially along the corresponding roller 3.

[0046] In some specific embodiments, each elastic element 4 includes two elastic bodies symmetrical along the roller axis, wherein each elastic body includes a body 40 embedded in the rotating part 20 and extending along the roller 3 axis, and a spring piece 41 bent inward from one end of the body 40, extending into the guide groove c1 and abutting against the surface of the roller 3.

[0047] In addition, in each elastic element, the contact positions of the two spring pieces 41 on the roller 3 are respectively close to the two ends of the roller 3.

[0048] The present utility model has been described in detail above, with the aim of enabling those skilled in the art to understand its contents and implement it. However, this description should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A torque-gradient hinge structure, comprising a first rotating body and a second rotating body, wherein a shaft is formed on the first rotating body, and a rotating portion sleeved on the shaft is formed on the second rotating body, characterized in that, The rotating part is recessed from the inner wall outward and forms a guide groove, and there are multiple guide grooves that are circumferentially spaced around the shaft core; the hinge structure also includes rollers that are correspondingly inserted into each of the guide grooves and extend along the axial direction of the shaft core, wherein the guide grooves drive the rollers to form rolling compression with the shaft core, and as the first rotating body and the second rotating body move relative to each other to open or close, each roller moves synchronously along the guide groove, and the center distance between each roller and the shaft core gradually increases or decreases, thereby forming a gradually decreasing or increasing rotational torque.

2. The torque-gradient hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the guide grooves has a first limit position and a second limit position, and when each of the rollers moves to the first limit position or the second limit position, the rotational torque between each roller and the shaft remains unchanged as the opening or closing movement continues.

3. The torque-gradient hinge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, When each roller moves between the first limit position and the second limit position, the rotation angle of the rotating part about the center line of the shaft core is 3.5° to 6.5°.

4. The torque-gradient hinge structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The plurality of guide grooves are arranged in a circumferential array around the shaft core, and as the first rotating body and the second rotating body move relative to each other to open or close, the rotational torque formed between each roller and the shaft core changes synchronously.

5. The torque-gradient hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shaft core is recessed inward from the side wall to form an oil groove for storing lubricating oil. There are multiple oil grooves and they are distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the shaft core.

6. The torque-gradient hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the guide grooves is also fixedly provided with an elastic element, which abuts against the corresponding roller and drives the rolling friction force formed between the roller and the shaft core to change uniformly.

7. The torque-gradient hinge structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The elastic element is fixed at one end within the guide groove, and the resulting elastic force extends radially along the corresponding roller.

8. The torque-gradient hinge structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the elastic elements includes two elastic bodies symmetrical along the roller axis, wherein each elastic body includes a body embedded in the rotating part and extending along the roller axis, and a spring sheet bent inward from one end of the body, extending into a guide groove and abutting against the roller surface.

9. The torque-gradient hinge structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, In each of the elastic elements, the contact positions of the two elastic pieces on the roller are respectively close to the two ends of the roller.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, It adopts the torque-gradient hinge structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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