Support components, hinge components and electronic equipment

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a support assembly, a hinge assembly, and an electronic device. The support assembly includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member; and an elastic member, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the first and second rotating members. The elastic member bends towards a first side, and the first rotating member is rotatable relative to the second rotating member. The elastic modulus of the outer bent portion of the elastic member is greater than that of the inner bent portion. This disclosure uses an elastic member to connect the first and second connecting members, avoiding the mutual rotational friction of rigid structures in related technologies, thereby reducing frictional loss and dust fall problems associated with rigid hinge structures. Furthermore, by configuring the inner and outer bent portions of the elastic member with different elastic moduli, the elastic member can better adapt to the deformation required for bending, and improves the flatness of the screen in a flat state when the support assembly is in a flat state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of foldable electronic device technology, and more particularly to support components, hinge components, and electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the communications field, various electronic products are also developing rapidly. On the one hand, users want the touchscreens of electronic products such as mobile phones and tablets to be as large as possible; on the other hand, users also want these electronic products to maintain their original portability. Therefore, electronic products with foldable screens have become a new category.

[0003] Foldable electronic products typically use a foldable flexible screen as the display, with a foldable support component underneath to provide stable base support for the flexible screen. This support component moves synchronously with the hinge structure: when the hinge is closed, the support component bends together with the screen, reducing the overall length and width of the device by increasing the fold thickness; when the hinge is open, the support component unfolds into a flat plane, keeping the screen flat and smooth, thus allowing the electronic product to obtain a larger effective display area. This foldable support component directly determines the flatness and touch stability of the screen in the unfolded state, and is one of the key components for achieving a balance between portability and a large-screen experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the problems existing in the related technologies, this disclosure provides a support component, a pivot assembly, and an electronic device.

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a first aspect of the present disclosure provides a support assembly including a first rotating member and a second rotating member;

[0006] An elastic element, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the first rotating element and the second rotating element, bends towards the first side through the elastic element, and the first rotating element is rotatable relative to the second rotating element;

[0007] The elastic modulus of the outer bent portion of the elastic member is greater than that of the inner bent portion of the elastic member.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first rotating member and the second rotating member include a support surface facing the first side;

[0009] The support assembly also includes an insulating colloid that covers the support surface and the elastic element.

[0010] In some embodiments, the elastic element and the insulating colloid are integrally molded.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connection method between the elastic element and the first rotating element includes one of snap-fit ​​connection, interference fit connection, and adhesive connection, and / or

[0012] The connection method between the elastic element and the second rotating element includes one of the following: snap-fit ​​connection, interference fit connection, and adhesive connection.

[0013] In some embodiments, the elastic member has a connecting protrusion, and the first rotating member and the second rotating member are provided with connecting grooves for engaging with the connecting protrusion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connecting groove is a dovetail groove.

[0015] In some embodiments, the inner wall surface of the connecting groove is provided with an uneven structure.

[0016] In some embodiments, the elastic element is one or more of silicone, resin, and rubber.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a second aspect of the present disclosure provides a pivot assembly, including: a support assembly as described in any of the first aspects.

[0018] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a third aspect of this disclosure provides an electronic device, including: a display screen; a support component as described in any of the first aspects, or a pivot assembly as described in the second aspect; and a first rotating member and a second rotating member for supporting the display screen.

[0019] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can include the following beneficial effects: This disclosure connects the first connector and the second connector using an elastic element, avoiding the mutual rotational friction of rigid structures in related technologies, thereby reducing frictional loss of rigid rotating shaft structures and dust falling off. Furthermore, by configuring the inner and outer elastic moduli of the elastic element for bending, the elastic element can better adapt to the deformation required for bending and provide a force to maintain flatness when the support component is in a flat state, preventing the support component from naturally bending under tension and gravity, thus improving the flatness of the screen in a flat state. It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and do not limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of a support component according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of a support component according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged diagram of part A in the middle.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of a support component according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Some embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. Various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to those orders set forth herein, but can be changed as will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure, except for operations that must be performed in a particular order. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted.

[0026] The embodiments described in the following examples of this disclosure are not representative of all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0027] The support components and hinge components provided in some embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to foldable electronic devices, including foldable mobile phones, foldable laptops, foldable e-readers, foldable smart wearable devices, and other electronic devices with foldable structures. For example, the display screen of the foldable electronic device can be disposed on the surface of the support component, which can support the display screen. The hinge structure can drive the support component and the display screen to move together.

[0028] In related technologies, the support assembly includes multiple rotatable components that can rotate relative to each other. Each rotatable component has a supporting surface and can be used to mount and support the display screen. The rotatable components often employ an interlocking structure to allow them to rotate within a certain angular range.

[0029] However, during the mutual rotation of rotating parts, direct friction easily occurs between the interlocking structures. After long-term use, wear, shedding, and even dust may occur, affecting the smoothness of rotation and structural reliability. In addition, the interlocking structure usually lacks the effect of maintaining the flatness of the supporting components in the unfolded state, causing the display screen to be unable to automatically maintain a flat state when unfolded, which can easily lead to local undulations or visual unevenness.

[0030] In view of the above, some embodiments of this disclosure provide a support component, a pivot assembly, and an electronic device.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of a support component according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a bottom view of a support component according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged diagram of part A in the middle.

[0032] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the support assembly may include a first rotating member, a second rotating member, and an elastic member 300. The first and second rotating members can be used to support other components; for example, they can support a display screen. The elastic member 300 is an elastic component, with its two ends connected to the first and second rotating members respectively. The first rotating member can rotate relative to the second rotating member by undergoing elastic deformation and bending towards a first side. The elastic modulus of the outer bent portion of the elastic member 300 is greater than that of the inner bent portion. Therefore, when the elastic member 300 bends, the inner bent portion is compressed by the first and second rotating members. The inner bent portion with the smaller elastic modulus can deform more easily to accommodate the inner bending and compression deformation. The outer bent portion of the elastic member 300 deforms less and is stretched during bending. Having a large elastic modulus allows the outer part of the bend to easily generate a force that prevents the elastic element 300 from deforming. Thus, when the support component is in a flat state, this force can maintain the flat state of the support component and prevent the support component from bending naturally under the action of tension and gravity.

[0033] This disclosure connects the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 through the elastic element 300, avoiding the mutual rotational friction of rigid structures in related technologies, thereby reducing the frictional loss of rigid pivot structures and the problem of dust falling. Furthermore, by configuring the inner and outer elastic moduli of the elastic element 300 to bend, the elastic element 300 can better adapt to the deformation required for bending, and can provide a force to maintain flatness when the support component is in a flat state, preventing the support component from naturally bending under the action of tension and gravity, and improving the flatness of the screen in a flat state.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of a support component according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first rotating member and the second rotating member include a support surface facing the first side. The support assembly also includes an insulating colloid 400, which covers the support surface and the elastic member 300. The insulating colloid 400 can be a coating structure made of insulating colloid material, used to form an electrical insulation barrier between the support assembly and the display screen. Since the insulating colloid 400 is a fluid during the production process, its molding thickness can be controlled to be low, thereby reducing the thickness occupied by the insulation layer and reducing the overall thickness of the electronic device. For example, the thickness of the insulating colloid 400 can be from 0.008 mm to 0.020 mm. At the same time, in addition to achieving electrical insulation, the insulating colloid 400 can further fill in the minor unevenness on the support surface, which helps to improve the uniformity of screen touch and the flatness of the display effect. Furthermore, the colloid molding process has low cost, and after setting the insulating colloid 400, there is no need for electrophoretic insulation treatment.

[0036] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the elastic element 300 and the insulating adhesive 400 are integrally molded, allowing the insulator to tightly fill and cover the gaps or uneven areas between the elastic element 300 and the first rotating element, as well as the gaps or uneven areas between the elastic element 300 and the second rotating element, thus keeping the upper surface of the support assembly continuously flat. This enables the support assembly to provide more uniform support for the flexible screen, avoiding creases or display abnormalities caused by localized unevenness.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, the connection method between the elastic element 300 and the first rotating element can include one of the following: snap-fit ​​connection, interference fit connection, and adhesive connection. A snap-fit ​​connection can achieve stable fixing and locking using a snap-fit ​​structure, eliminating the need for additional fasteners. An interference fit connection can generate continuous clamping force through dimensional differences, resulting in a stable connection and effectively suppressing relative displacement. An adhesive connection can use the elastic element 300 itself as a gel structure, allowing the elastic element 300 to be directly bonded to the connecting element. This disclosure is not limited to these methods; other connection methods that can stably connect the elastic element and the first rotating element can also be used, and the above connection methods can also be combined.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the connection method between the elastic element 300 and the second rotating element includes one of the following: snap-fit ​​connection, interference fit connection, and adhesive connection. A snap-fit ​​connection can achieve stable fixing and locking using a snap-fit ​​structure, eliminating the need for additional fasteners. An interference fit connection can generate continuous clamping force through dimensional differences, resulting in a stable connection and effectively suppressing relative displacement. An adhesive connection can use the elastic element 300 itself as a gel structure, allowing the elastic element 300 to be directly bonded to the connecting element. This disclosure is not limited to these methods; other connection methods that can stably connect the elastic element and the second rotating element can also be used, and the above connection methods can also be combined.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the elastic element 300 may be provided with a connecting protrusion, and the first rotating element and the second rotating element are provided with connecting grooves for engaging with the connecting protrusion. Through the assembly and connection of the protrusion and the groove, a reliable connection between the elastic element 300 and the rotating element is achieved, improving the connection stability of the support assembly under repeated folding conditions.

[0040] For example, the elastic member 300 may include a first connecting protrusion 301 and a second connecting protrusion 302, corresponding respectively to the first connecting groove 101 on the first rotating member and the second connecting groove 201 on the second rotating member. The first connecting protrusion 301 and the first connecting groove 101 cooperate to achieve a fixed connection between the first rotating member and the elastic member 300. The second connecting protrusion 302 and the second connecting groove 201 cooperate to achieve a fixed connection between the second rotating member and the elastic member, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the elastic member 300, the first connecting member 100, and the second connecting member 200.

[0041] In some embodiments, the connecting groove is a dovetail groove. The dovetail groove adopts a trapezoidal cross-section design with a wide bottom and a narrow opening. When the elastic element 300 is assembled in the groove, its sidewalls and the groove walls form mutually interlocking wedge-shaped contact surfaces. This structure restricts the displacement of the elastic element 300 in multiple directions through mechanical self-locking, effectively improving the connection strength and structural stability between the two.

[0042] In some embodiments, the inner wall surface of the connecting groove is provided with an uneven structure. This structure can increase the contact area and frictional resistance between the inner wall of the connecting groove and the elastic member 300, thereby effectively strengthening the connection strength between the two.

[0043] In some embodiments, the elastic element 300 is a silicone element, a resin element, or a rubber element. The silicone element possesses good flexibility and aging resistance, making it suitable for frequent and prolonged bending. The resin element provides sufficient elasticity while exhibiting strong structural stability, which helps maintain the overall shape. The rubber element has high elasticity and excellent shock absorption, effectively absorbing impact stress during folding. This disclosure is not limited to these embodiments; various elastic components can be combined according to design requirements. Furthermore, other components with elastic properties can also be used as the elastic element 300.

[0044] In some embodiments, the elastic element 300 can be formed by injecting a curable material in a flowing state into a predetermined cavity between the first and second rotating elements and then curing it. This forming method allows the elastic material to tightly fill and conform to the spatial structure between the rotating elements, especially filling groove structures provided in the rotating elements, such as connecting grooves. The elastomer formed after curing can effectively eliminate assembly gaps, thereby improving the uniformity of stress distribution and connection reliability of the elastic element 300 during repeated folding.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first rotating member and the second rotating member are 3D printed parts. The 3D printed parts have a high surface roughness and can form a rough texture on the surface, thereby enhancing the contact area and interlocking force between the rotating member and the elastic member 300, and thus significantly improving the stability and reliability of the connection.

[0046] Based on the same technical concept, this disclosure also provides a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly may include a support assembly and a hinge structure that cooperates with the support assembly. The unfolding and folding movements of the foldable electronic device can be realized through the cooperative movement of the hinge structure and the support assembly.

[0047] Based on the same technical concept, this disclosure also provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a display screen and a hinge assembly as described above, wherein the display screen is disposed on a support assembly and folds or unfolds with the structure of the electronic device under the actuation of the support assembly, enabling the electronic device to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0048] In the above detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific aspects of this disclosure by way of illustration. In this regard, terms indicating direction or positional relationship, such as “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential,” are used with reference to the orientation of the described figures. Since components of the described device can be positioned in multiple different orientations, directional terms are used for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. It should be understood that other aspects can be utilized and structural or logical changes can be made without departing from the concept of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting.

[0049] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specifically indicated, features of various embodiments of this disclosure described herein can be combined with each other. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more; it should be understood that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "joining," "attaching," "mounting," "connecting," "linking," "fixing," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure should be interpreted broadly, for example, as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; as a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communicative connection; as a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; as a connection within two elements or an interaction between two elements, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms herein according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] Furthermore, the term "above" as used herein with respect to components, elements, or material layers formed or located "above" a surface may be used to indicate that the component, element, or material layer is "indirectly" positioned (e.g., placed, formed, deposited, etc.) on the surface such that one or more additional components, elements, or layers are arranged between the surface and the component, element, or material layer. However, the term "above" as used with respect to components, elements, or material layers formed or located "above" a surface may also optionally have a specific meaning: that the component, element, or material layer is "directly" positioned (e.g., placed, formed, deposited, etc.) on the surface, for example, in direct contact with the surface.

[0051] It should be understood that spatial relative terms, such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower,” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another shown in the figures. In addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, these spatial relative terms are also intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “above” or “upper” relative to another element would be “below” or “lower” relative to that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term “above” encompasses both above and below orientations. Devices may have other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0052] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited to these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or section from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, a first component, part, region, layer, or section mentioned in the examples may also be referred to as a second component, part, region, layer, or section. 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as “first” or “second” may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature.

[0053] It is further understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various types of information, but this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another, and do not indicate a specific order or degree of importance. In fact, the expressions "first," "second," etc., are completely interchangeable. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information can also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information can also be referred to as first information.

[0054] In this description, "multiple" means at least two, referring to two or more, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. Other quantifiers are similar. The singular forms "a," "the," and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified or clearly indicated from the context, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims are generally understood to mean "one or more."

[0055] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specifically indicated, features of various embodiments of this disclosure described herein can be combined with each other. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the related listed items and any combination of two or more; "and / or" describes the association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist, for example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. Similarly, "at least one of..." includes any one of the related listed items and any combination of two or more.

[0056] It is further understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various types of information, but this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another, and do not indicate a specific order or degree of importance. In fact, the expressions "first," "second," etc., are completely interchangeable. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information can also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information can also be referred to as first information.

[0057] Furthermore, the term "exemplary" is used herein to indicate that it serves as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous compared to other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the term "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. As used herein, the term "or" is intended to indicate an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, "X applies A or B" is intended to indicate any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X applies A; X applies B; or X applies both A and B, then applying A or B satisfies the condition under any of the foregoing instances.

[0058] Similarly, although this disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the specification and drawings. This disclosure includes all such modifications and variations and is limited only by the scope of the claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the components described above (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), unless otherwise indicated, the terminology used to describe such components is intended to correspond to any component (functionally equivalent) that performs the specific function of the described component, even if it is not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. Furthermore, although specific features of this disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other implementations, as may be desired and advantageous to any given or particular application. Moreover, with regard to the terms “comprising,” “owning,” “having,” “having,” or variations thereof as used in this disclosure, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “including.”

[0059] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the utility models disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein.

[0060] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A support assembly, characterized by, include: First rotating component and second rotating component; An elastic element, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the first rotating element and the second rotating element, bends towards the first side through the elastic element, and the first rotating element is rotatable relative to the second rotating element; The elastic modulus of the outer bent portion of the elastic member is greater than that of the inner bent portion of the elastic member.

2. The support component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first rotating member and the second rotating member each include a support surface facing the first side; The support assembly also includes an insulating colloid that covers the support surface and the elastic element.

3. The support component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic element and the insulating colloid are integrally molded parts.

4. The support component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection method between the elastic element and the first rotating element includes one of the following: snap-fit ​​connection, interference fit connection, and adhesive connection, and / or The connection method between the elastic element and the second rotating element includes one of the following: snap-fit ​​connection, interference fit connection, and adhesive connection.

5. The support component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic element has a connecting protrusion, and the first rotating element and the second rotating element are provided with connecting grooves for engaging with the connecting protrusion.

6. The support component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting groove is a dovetail groove.

7. The support component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner wall surface of the connecting groove is provided with a concave-convex structure.

8. The support component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The elastic element is one or more of silicone, resin, and rubber.

9. A rotating shaft assembly, characterized in that, include: The support component as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: Display screen; The support assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or the pivot assembly as described in claim 9; The first rotating member and the second rotating member are used to support the display screen.

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