A new torque mechanism applied to a mobile terminal hinge

Abstract

The utility model provides a new torque mechanism for mobile terminal hinge, including shaft, and the first friction piece and second friction piece of sleeve on the shaft, one of first friction piece and second friction piece can rotate relative to the shaft and the other cannot rotate relative to the shaft, first friction piece and second friction piece are pressed by one or more elastic elements and form friction fit on the opposite face, first friction piece is along the circumference, and sets up multi -section friction adjustment area, at least two different equivalent radius friction area in multi -section friction adjustment area, second friction piece sets up friction fit area, friction fit area can with multi -section friction adjustment area gradually rubs fit in the direction of rotation, and the output different size torque with rotation. The utility model can provide a variety of torque to the axial elastic element more conveniently and accurately, satisfy different design needs of mobile terminal, and, easily realize low cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a novel torque mechanism for use in the hinge of a mobile terminal, which may be a mobile phone, a laptop computer, or the like. Background Technology

[0002] Foldable mobile terminals' hinges incorporate a torque mechanism to provide rotational resistance, thereby achieving tactile feedback or other opening and closing operations. Typically, face cams are used to control the torque magnitude, and axial elastic elements are employed to press the cams together, providing high frictional torque. Cams used in mobile terminal hinges are generally manufactured using MIM (Mechanical Manufacturing) technology, which is costly. Achieving various torque levels is difficult with precise cam design, especially during downhill strokes. Furthermore, the cam experiences significant wear during rotation, as it traverses crests and troughs. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel torque mechanism for mobile terminal hinges, capable of conveniently and accurately providing various torques from an axial elastic element to meet different design needs of mobile terminals, and easily implemented at low cost. To this end, this invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0004] A novel torque mechanism for use in mobile terminal hinges includes a shaft and a first friction plate and a second friction plate sleeved on the shaft. One of the first and second friction plates is rotatable relative to the shaft, while the other is not. The first and second friction plates are pressed together by one or more elastic elements to form a frictional engagement on their facing surfaces. The first friction plate is characterized by having multiple friction adjustment zones along its circumference, with at least two friction zones having different equivalent radii. The second friction plate is characterized by a friction engagement zone that can successively engage with the multiple friction adjustment zones in the rotational direction, outputting different magnitudes of torque with rotation.

[0005] Based on the above technical solutions, the present invention can adopt the following further technical solutions or a combination of these further technical solutions:

[0006] The friction fit is a planar friction fit.

[0007] The multi-segment friction adjustment zone is a sector segment with different equivalent radii, and the friction mating zone is also a sector segment, with the central angle being less than or equal to the smallest central angle among the sector segments of the multi-segment friction adjustment zone.

[0008] The friction adjustment zone is a platform section that protrudes from the first friction plate on the side facing the second friction plate, and the friction mating zone is also a platform section that protrudes from the second friction plate on the side facing the first friction plate.

[0009] The platforms of the multi-segment friction adjustment zones are highly consistent.

[0010] The radius of the friction mating zone covers the radius of each friction adjustment zone, and can successively mate with each friction adjustment zone.

[0011] The platform of the multi-segment friction adjustment zone is a continuous, integral platform.

[0012] The first friction plate and the platform segment thereon are formed into an integral structure by stamping; the second friction plate and the platform segment thereon are also formed into an integral structure by stamping.

[0013] The multiple friction adjustment zones are arranged in groups, with multiple groups arranged circumferentially on the first friction plate.

[0014] The elastic element is arranged along the axial direction of the shaft.

[0015] This invention designs the equivalent friction radius (which can also be further combined with the friction surface distribution) within different angle ranges during the rotation of the friction plate. It utilizes the friction torque formula T = μ*N*r to achieve changes in torque T and control the torque switching angle. An axially positioned elastic element provides a constant large normal force N. As the friction plates rotate relative to each other, the equivalent friction radius r changes, thus achieving the variation and control of torque T. Wherein:

[0016] 1. The torque T and the equivalent radius r are linearly related under ideal conditions. By changing r to control T, a more precise and controllable torque output can be obtained.

[0017] 2. The friction fit of the friction zone of this utility model is planar friction, which makes the friction characteristics more stable, the wear more uniform, and the shaft life better.

[0018] In summary, this invention utilizes different adjustable friction zones partially set on the first friction plate and friction mating zones partially set on the second friction plate. By taking advantage of the different distances between the friction adjustment zones and the shaft center, different torques can be output during the rotation stroke according to the design. Moreover, this torque change relationship is linear, making it very easy to accurately control the torque magnitude. Furthermore, the structure is simple and can be realized using a stamping process. Compared with the MIM solution, it can significantly reduce costs, and also results in more even wear and a longer service life. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the torque structure of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the structure shown.

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment shows a schematic diagram of how the friction mating area of ​​the second friction plate sequentially engages with different friction adjustment areas of the first friction plate during rotation. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Referring to the accompanying drawings, this utility model provides a novel torque mechanism for a mobile terminal hinge, comprising a shaft 100, and a first friction plate 1 and a second friction plate 2 sleeved on the shaft 100 through a hole. The first friction plate 1 cannot rotate relative to the shaft 100 (e.g., through a flat fit), while the second friction plate 2 can rotate relative to the shaft 100. The first friction plate 1 and the second friction plate 2 are pressed together by an elastic element 3 that provides axial positive pressure, forming a friction fit on their facing surfaces. The elastic element 3 may be several butterfly springs sleeved on the shaft 100, providing axial positive pressure to the first friction plate 1 and the second friction plate 2; alternatively, a helical spring or other elastic element may be used.

[0023] The first friction plate 1 has multiple friction adjustment zones along its circumference. In this embodiment, three zones are provided, labeled 11, 12, and 13 respectively. The friction equivalent radii of friction adjustment zones 11, 12, and 13 are different. The calculation formula for the friction equivalent radius r of friction adjustment zones 11, 12, and 13 is as follows:

[0024] Friction equivalent radius

[0025] Among them, R i R0 is the minimum radius of the friction adjustment zone, and R0 is the maximum radius of the friction adjustment zone.

[0026] The second friction plate 2 is provided with a friction engagement area 21, which can successively engage with the friction adjustment areas 11, 12, and 13 during rotation, outputting different magnitudes of torque as rotation occurs. The friction adjustment areas 11, 12, and 13 are preferably sector segments with different equivalent radii.

[0027] The friction adjustment zone is a platform segment protruding from the first friction plate 1 on the side facing the second friction plate 2, and the friction mating zone 21 is also a platform segment protruding from the second friction plate 2 on the side facing the first friction plate 1. The friction mating is a planar friction mating. The friction mating zone 21 is preferably a sector-shaped segment, and the central angle is preferably less than or equal to the smallest central angle among the sector angles of the friction adjustment zones 11, 12, and 13.

[0028] The platform segments of the friction adjustment zones 11, 12, and 13 are platforms with uniform height. These multiple friction adjustment zones are arranged in groups, enabling torque variation within a small angle range and increasing the friction area. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, three groups are arranged circumferentially on the first friction plate 1. The platforms of each friction adjustment zone 11, 12, and 13 in each group are continuous, integral platforms.

[0029] The radius of the friction mating area 21 covers the radius of each friction adjustment area 11, 12, and 13, and can successively mate with each friction adjustment area 11, 12, and 13.

[0030] By adopting the solution of this utility model, since only a platform is needed on the first friction plate 1 and the second friction plate 2 to form a friction zone, and there is no need to make special provisions for the height of the platform, the first friction plate 1 and the platform on it that forms the friction adjustment zone are formed into an integral structure by stamping; the second friction plate 2 and the platform on it that forms the friction mating zone are also formed into an integral structure by stamping, thereby greatly reducing the manufacturing cost of the parts.

[0031] In this invention, if applied to a single-axis hinge, the first friction plate 1 and the shaft 100 are connected in a flat configuration, while the second friction plate 2 can be connected to the housing of the mobile terminal that is typically rotated. The shaft 100 is then connected to the housing that is typically used as a base. In a dual-axis hinge, the torque structure of this invention can be provided on each shaft. The first friction plates on both shafts can be the two ends of a single sheet-like element, also connected in a flat configuration to the shaft. Alternatively, the shaft and the first friction plate can rotate relative to each other, while the second friction plate is connected in a flat configuration to the shaft and rotates synchronously.

[0032] Furthermore, in the torque structure of this utility model, the friction areas of the first friction plate 1 and the second friction plate 2 are arranged face to face. Therefore, the multi-segment friction adjustment area can be set on both sides of the first friction plate 1, and the friction mating area can also be set on both sides of the second friction plate 2. The first friction plate 1 and the second friction plate 2 can also be multiple pieces arranged at intervals along the axial direction, and pressed together at one time by the elastic element.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 novel torque mechanism for a mobile terminal hinge, comprising a shaft, and a first friction plate and a second friction plate sleeved on the shaft, wherein one of the first friction plate and the second friction plate is rotatable relative to the shaft while the other is not rotatable relative to the shaft, and the first friction plate and the second friction plate are pressed together by one or more elastic elements to form a frictional fit on their facing surfaces, characterized in that... The first friction plate has multiple friction adjustment zones along its circumference, and at least two friction zones with different equivalent radii are provided in the multiple friction adjustment zones. The second friction plate has a friction engagement zone, which can successively engage with the multiple friction adjustment zones in the rotation direction and output different torques as it rotates.

2. The novel torque mechanism for a mobile terminal hinge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The friction fit is a planar friction fit.

3. A novel torque mechanism for application to a hinge of a mobile terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-segment friction adjustment zone is a sector segment with different equivalent radii, and the friction mating zone is also a sector segment, with the central angle being less than or equal to the smallest central angle among the sector segments of the multi-segment friction adjustment zone.

4. A novel torque mechanism for application to a hinge of a mobile terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The friction adjustment zone is a platform section that protrudes from the first friction plate on the side facing the second friction plate, and the friction mating zone is also a platform section that protrudes from the second friction plate on the side facing the first friction plate.

5. A novel torque mechanism for application to a mobile terminal hinge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The platforms of the multi-segment friction adjustment zones are highly consistent.

6. A novel torque mechanism for application to a mobile terminal hinge according to claim 1, wherein The radius of the friction mating zone covers the radius of each friction adjustment zone, and can successively mate with each friction adjustment zone.

7. A novel torque mechanism for application in a mobile terminal hinge as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The platform of the multi-segment friction adjustment zone is a continuous, integral platform.

8. A novel torque mechanism for a mobile terminal hinge as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first friction plate and the platform segment thereon are formed into an integral structure by stamping; the second friction plate and the platform segment thereon are also formed into an integral structure by stamping.

9. A novel torque mechanism for application to a hinge of a mobile terminal according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The multiple friction adjustment zones are arranged in groups, with multiple groups arranged circumferentially on the first friction plate.

10. A novel torque mechanism for application to a mobile terminal hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element is arranged along the axial direction of the shaft.

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