electronic machinery

Abstract

To provide electronic equipment that can stably support a display while ensuring external quality. [Solution] The electronic device comprises a first frame member having a first surface and a first end face, a second frame member having a second surface and a second end face, a hinge that connects the first frame member and the second frame member so as to be rotatable relative to a first orientation in which the first surface and the second surface are arranged in a direction in which they overlap, and a second orientation in which the first end face and the second end face are in contact or close proximity and the first surface and the second surface are arranged side by side, and a display. The hinge has a base portion located on the back side of the first frame member and the second frame member, and positioned to straddle the boundary between the first end face and the second end face that are in contact or close proximity to each other in the second orientation. The surface of the base portion is provided with a recess that extends along the longitudinal direction of the first end face and the second end face.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device in which a plurality of housings are connected by hinges.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electronic devices such as PCs and smartphones that have a touch panel type liquid crystal display and no physical keyboard have rapidly spread. While it is desirable that the display of this type of electronic device is large during use, it is desired that the display can be miniaturized when not in use. Accordingly, there has been proposed an electronic device configured to be capable of bending not only the housing but also the display by using a flexible display such as an Organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is desirable that the back surface of the flexible display as described above is supported by a surface with high flatness and few steps when opened to 180 degrees. This is because, for example, if a pen or a fingertip catches on a step during a touch operation, the operational feel deteriorates. In the configuration of Patent Document 1, a wide gap is formed between the end faces of the left and right plates that support the display, and this gap is complemented by the hinge. This is because if the end faces of the left and right plates are arranged to abut each other, the end faces of the plates may interfere with the hinge during rotation. For this reason, in the case of this configuration, the hinge is configured to support the back surface of the bending region of the display, and it has been difficult to eliminate steps.

[0005] On the other hand, in the configuration of Patent Document 2, the hinge is positioned on the outside (below the bezel) where it does not overlap with the left and right plates, so the above-mentioned problems do not occur. However, in this configuration, the width of the bezel surrounding the display increases, which degrades the appearance quality of the electronic device.

[0006] This invention has been made in consideration of the problems of the prior art described above, and aims to provide an electronic device that can stably support a display while ensuring external appearance quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electronic device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a first frame member having a flat first surface and a first end face provided on one edge of the first surface; a second frame member having a flat second surface and a second end face provided on one edge of the second surface and adjacent to the first end face; and the first frame member and the second frame member being connected so as to be rotatable relative to each other between a first position in which the first surface and the second surface are arranged in a direction in which they overlap, and a second position in which the first end face and the second end face are in contact with or close to each other, and the first surface and the second surface are arranged side by side. The display comprises a hinge connecting the first and second surfaces and a foldable region provided between the first and second surfaces, which is bent in accordance with the relative rotation of the first and second frame members, wherein the hinge has a base portion located on the back side of the first and second frame members and positioned to straddle the boundary between the first and second end faces that are in contact with or close to each other in the second position, and the surface of the base portion is provided with a recess extending along the longitudinal direction of the first and second end faces. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the above-described aspect of the present invention, the display can be stably supported while ensuring external appearance quality. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an electronic device according to one embodiment in a closed, 0-degree position. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing the electronic device shown in Figure 1 opened and rotated 180 degrees. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view showing a portion of the electronic device shown in Figure 2 cut out to expose the hinge. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the hinge and the surrounding electronic equipment in a 180-degree orientation. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the electronic device shown in Figure 4 rotated to a 90-degree angle. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the electronic device shown in Figure 5 in a 0-degree orientation. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the hinge, seen from diagonally above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the hinge with the bracket shown in Figure 7 omitted. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a magnified view of a portion of the hinge in a 180-degree position, with (A) being a side view, (B) a top view, and (C) a bottom view. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a magnified view of a portion of the hinge in a 100-degree position, with (A) being a side view, (B) a top view, and (C) a bottom view. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a magnified view of a portion of the hinge in the 0-degree position, with (A) being a side view, (B) a top view, and (C) a bottom view. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the electronic device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an electronic apparatus 10 according to an embodiment in a closed state at a 0-degree posture. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating the electronic apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 in an opened state at a 180-degree posture. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view in which a part of the electronic apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2 is cut away to expose a hinge 14.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the electronic apparatus 10 includes a first housing 12A, a second housing 12B, a hinge 14, and a display 16. The electronic apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is exemplified by a foldable tablet PC or notebook PC that can be folded like a book. The electronic apparatus 10 may be a smartphone, a portable game console, or the like.

[0013] The respective housings 12A and 12B are disposed adjacent to each other. Each of the housings 12A and 12B can mount thereon a motherboard 13 on which a CPU and the like are mounted, and a battery device 15 that serves as a power source of the electronic apparatus 10 (see FIG. 3). Each of the housings 12A and 12B can further mount thereon various electronic components such as a storage device, an antenna element, and a communication module.

[0014] The first housing 12A may include a frame member 17A and a cover member 18A. The frame member 17A has, for example, a plate portion 20A and a standing wall portion 21A. The plate portion 20A is a thin plate-shaped member that supports a part of a back surface 16a of the display 16. The standing wall portion 21A stands up on three outer peripheral sides other than an adjacent edge portion 12Aa adjacent to the second housing 12B. The standing wall portion 21A surrounds the three outer peripheral sides of the plate portion 20A. The cover member 18A is a plate-shaped member that closes a bottom surface opening of the frame member 17B.

[0015] The second housing 12B may have a substantially bilaterally symmetrical structure with respect to the first housing 12A. The second housing 12B may include a frame member 17B and a cover member 18B. The frame member 17B has, for example, a plate portion 20B and a standing wall portion 21B. The plate portion 20B is a thin plate-shaped member that supports a part of the back surface of the display 16. The standing wall portion 21B stands on three outer peripheral sides other than the adjacent edge portion 12Ba adjacent to the second housing 12B. The standing wall portion 21B surrounds the three outer peripheral sides of the plate portion 20B. The cover member 18A is a plate-shaped member that closes the bottom opening of the frame member 17B.

[0016] Each of the members 17A, 17B, 18A, and 18B may be formed of, for example, a metal member such as stainless steel, magnesium, or aluminum, or a fiber-reinforced resin plate containing reinforcing fibers such as carbon fibers.

[0017] The hinge 14 connects the housings 12A and 12B so as to be relatively rotatable between a 0-degree posture and a 180-degree posture. The hinge 14 also functions as a spine that hides the gap between the adjacent edge portions 12Aa and 12Ba formed in the 0-degree posture shown in FIG. 1. The display 16 can be configured as a touch-operable, paper-like flexible display formed of, for example, organic EL.

[0018] Hereinafter, the electronic device 10 will be described with the arrangement direction of the housings 12A and 12B referred to as the X direction, the direction along the adjacent edge portions 12Aa and 12Ba orthogonal thereto referred to as the Y direction, and the thickness direction of the housings 12A and 12B referred to as the Z direction. Regarding the angular posture between the housings 12A and 12B, a state in which they are stacked so as to overlap each other in the surface direction is referred to as a 0-degree posture (see FIG. 1), and a state in which they are arranged side by side to the left and right is referred to as a 180-degree posture (see FIG. 2). Postures between 0 degrees and 180 degrees can be referred to by appropriately dividing the angles, and for example, a state in which the surface directions of the housings 12A and 12B are orthogonal to each other is a 90-degree posture. These angles are for convenience of description, and in actual products, it is naturally possible that the angular positions are slightly deviated from the exact angular positions indicated by the angle numbers.

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the hinge 14 and the surrounding area of ​​the electronic device 10 in a 180-degree position. Figure 5 is a view of the electronic device 10 shown in Figure 4 in a 90-degree position. Figure 6 is a view of the electronic device 10 shown in Figure 5 in a 0-degree position.

[0020] In the 0-degree position shown in Figures 1 and 6, the housings 12A and 12B are folded in half. In the 0-degree position, the display 16 is positioned so that the area on the first housing 12A side (first display section D1) and the area R2 on the second housing 12B side (second display section D2) face each other, as shown in Figure 2. At this time, the folding region D3, which is the boundary region between the display sections D1 and D2, is folded in an arc shape. In other words, in the 0-degree position, the display 16 is folded into a roughly U-shape when viewed from the side. The folding region D3 is a band-shaped region that straddles the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba of the plate sections 20A and 20B that were in contact in the 180-degree position in the X direction and extends in the Y direction.

[0021] In the 180-degree orientation shown in Figures 2 and 4, the housings 12A and 12B are arranged side by side. In this configuration, the display 16 has display sections D1 and D2 and a folding region D3 arranged in the XY plane, forming a single flat plate shape overall.

[0022] The display 16 has a first display section D1 fixed relative to the first housing 12A, and a second display section D2 fixed relative to the second housing 12B. The back surface 16a of the first display section D1 is fixed to the front surface 20Ab of the plate section 20A, and the back surface 16a of the second display section D2 is fixed to the front surface 20Bb of the plate section 20B. The bending region D3 is in a state that allows relative movement with respect to the housings 12A and 12B.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 4-6, when in the 180-degree position, the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba of the plate portions 20A and 20B are abutted against each other on the adjacent edge sides 12Aa and 12Ba. In this case, it is preferable that the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba are in contact with each other. The end faces 20Aa and 20Ba may be close together with a small gap of, for example, 1 mm or less. This suppresses the effect of a step caused by the gap between the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba on the display 16.

[0024] It is preferable that the surfaces 20Ab and 20Bb of the plate portions 20A and 20B are formed as flat surfaces with high flatness. This is because if there are irregularities on the surfaces 20Ab and 20Bb, there is a concern that it may affect the display quality and touch operability of the display 16. However, "surfaces 20Ab and 20Bb are flat surfaces" does not mean that there are absolutely no minute irregularities or holes on the surfaces 20Ab and 20Bb. Furthermore, it is not intended to completely eliminate the possibility that the surfaces 20Ab and 20Bb may have the minimum amount of irregularities or holes necessary for manufacturing tolerances or for connecting frame members 17A and 17B with other members.

[0025] The folding region D3 of the display 16 is movable relative to the housings 12A and 12B. In the 180-degree position, the back surface 16a of the folding region D3 is positioned to straddle the abutting end surfaces 20Aa and 20Ba in the X direction and is supported by the front surfaces 20Ab and 20Bb (see Figure 4). In the 0-degree position, the folding region D3 is folded in an arc shape, and most of it is separated from the hinge 14 (see Figure 6).

[0026] Next, an example of the configuration of the hinge 14 will be described. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the hinge 14 seen from diagonally above. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the hinge 14 with the brackets 30A and 30B shown in Figure 7 omitted. Figures 9, 10, and 11 are enlarged views of parts of the hinge 14 in the 180-degree, 100-degree, and 0-degree positions, respectively. In Figures 9 to 11, (A) is a side view, (B) is a top view, and (C) is a bottom view.

[0027] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the hinge 14 is an assembly of multiple metal parts. The hinge 14 is positioned to straddle the adjacent edges 12Aa and 12Ba of the housings 12A and 12B (see Figures 3 and 4). Multiple hinges 14 may be installed along the adjacent edges 12Aa and 12Ba. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a configuration in which three hinges 14 are installed along the Y direction. In the 180-degree orientation shown in Figures 2 to 4, the hinge 14 is positioned between the plate portions 20A and 20B and the cover members 18A and 18B. In other words, in the plan view shown in Figures 2 and 3, the hinge 14 is hidden beneath the plate portions 20A and 20B.

[0028] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the hinge 14 may have a base portion 24, a pair of shafts 26A and 26B, and a pair of link members 28A and 28B. The hinge 14 may further have a pair of brackets 30A and 30B, a synchronization mechanism 32, a torque mechanism 34, and a pair of sub-link members 36A and 36B.

[0029] The base portion 24 is the central component of the hinge 14. The base portion 24 is positioned on the back surfaces 20Ac and 20Bc of the plate portions 20A and 20B, and is positioned so as to straddle the boundary B of the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba in a plan view. In other words, in the 180-degree position, the base portion 24 is below the plate portions 20A and 20B and straddles the adjacent edges 12Aa and 12Ba. The base portion 24 is formed in a roughly strip shape in a plan view and extends along the extending direction (Y direction) of the boundary B. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the base portion 24 of this embodiment is configured by connecting multiple parts in the Y direction, but the entire structure may be formed from a single part.

[0030] A recessed portion 40 extending in the Y direction is formed along the entire length of the surface 24a of the base portion 24. The surface 24a is the upper surface facing the back surfaces 20Ac and 20Bc. The recessed portion 40 is positioned so as to straddle the boundary B in a plan view, and the width center C in the X direction is preferably located directly below the boundary B (see Figure 4). The recessed portion 40 is a relief portion to prevent the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba of the plate portions 20A and 20B from interfering with the base portion 24 when the housings 12A and 12B are rotated from 180 degrees to 0 degrees.

[0031] The recessed portion 40 may include a first region R1 and a second region R2. The first region R1 is the portion located on the frame member 17A (first housing 12A) side of the width center C in the X direction. The second region R2 is the portion located on the frame member 17B (second housing 12B) side of the width center C in the X direction. As shown in Figure 4, the width W of the first region R1 is wider than the thickness t of the end face 20Aa. The width W of the second region R2 is wider than the thickness t of the end face 20Ba. This allows the first region R1 to smoothly avoid the end face 20Aa, and the second region R2 to smoothly avoid the end face 20Ba (see Figures 5 and 6). In Figure 4, the widths W of regions R1 and R2 are the same, but they may be different. Similarly, in Figure 4, the thicknesses t of the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba are the same, but they may be different.

[0032] The base portion 24 may have a ridge portion 24b at the width center C of the surface 24a. The ridge portion 24b is a mountain-shaped protrusion that projects from the surface 24a toward the plate portions 20A and 20B, and extends in the Y direction. The recessed portion 40 is divided into a pair of parallel recessed portions 40a and 40b, with the ridge portion 24b in the center. One recessed portion 40a is a groove on the frame member 17A side of the ridge portion 24b in the X direction. The other recessed portion 40b is a groove on the frame member 17B side of the ridge portion 24b in the X direction. The recessed portions 40a and 40b may have an arc shape that follows the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba that trace a pivoting trajectory when the housings 12A and 12B rotate.

[0033] A portion of the recessed portion 40 may not be divided into recessed portions 40a and 40b. For example, in the recessed portion 40 shown in Figures 7 and 8, the flange portion 24C in the lower left of the figure does not have a ridge portion 24b, and this portion is not divided into recessed portions 40a and 40b. However, considering the strength of the base portion 24 and the sliding distance of the guide portions 48A and 48B described later, it is preferable that the recessed portion 40 has a ridge portion 24b over as much of its entire length as possible.

[0034] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the base portion 24 may have a plurality of flange portions 24A to 24C arranged in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) with spacing between them. The flange portions 24A to 24C are portions of the base portion 24 that have been widened in the X direction from a part of the longitudinal direction. The flange portions 24A and 24C are located at both ends of the base portion 24 in the longitudinal direction, and the flange portion 24B is located in the middle. The flange portions 24A to 24C are the parts that support the shafts 26A and 26B. The space between flange portions 24A and 24B is the installation space for the torque mechanism 34. The space between flange portions 24B and 24C is the installation space for the synchronization mechanism 32.

[0035] Mounting holes 24d are formed at various locations in the flange portions 24A to 24C. The mounting holes 24d are holes through which screws for fastening the spine component 42 are passed. The spine component 42 is a component that serves as a decorative cover for the hinge 14 (see also Figure 1). The spine component 42 has, for example, a roughly semi-cylindrical shape.

[0036] As shown in Figure 8, the surface 24a of the central flange portion 24B may have, for example, a pair of guide surfaces 44A, 44A and a pair of guide surfaces 44B, 44B formed thereon. Guide surface 44A is a recess that is wider in the X direction and deeper in the Z direction than the recess portion 40a. Guide surface 44A is recessed in an arc shape so as to cross a part of the recess portion 40a in the longitudinal direction. Guide surface 44B is a recess that is wider in the X direction and deeper in the Z direction than the recess portion 40b. Guide surface 44B is recessed in an arc shape so as to cross a part of the recess portion 40b in the longitudinal direction. Guide surfaces 44A, 44B are in slidable contact with the guide portions 48A, 48B of brackets 30A, 30B, which will be described later.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 and 7-9, shafts 26A and 26B are metal shafts that serve as the rotation axes of the hinge 14. Shafts 26A and 26B have an axial direction extending along the Y direction and are arranged side by side. For example, shafts 26A and 26B penetrate the central flange portion 24B in the Y direction. One end of shafts 26A and 26B is supported by the flange portion 24C, and the other end is close to the end face of the flange portion 24A.

[0038] In this embodiment, the shafts 26A and 26B are fixed to the base portion 24 so as not to rotate relative to it. One shaft 26A is located on the back surface 20Ac side of the plate portion 20A that constitutes the frame member 17A. The other shaft 26B is located on the back surface 20Bc side of the plate portion 20B that constitutes the frame member 17B.

[0039] As shown in Figures 4 and 7 to 9, the link members 28A and 28B are members for connecting the hinge 14 and the frame members 17A and 17B. In this embodiment, the hinge 14 is connected to the frame members 17A and 17B via brackets 30A and 30B. Both ends of the link members 28A and 28B each have, for example, cylindrical portions. One end of the link member 28A is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft 26A, and the other end is connected so as to be rotatable relative to the bracket 30A. The other link member 28B is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft 26B, and the other end is connected so as to be rotatable relative to the bracket 30B.

[0040] Shafts 26A and 26B are inserted into the cylindrical portions at one end of link members 28A and 28B, respectively, so as to be rotatable relative to each other. Support bars 46A and 46B are inserted into the cylindrical portions at the other ends of link members 28A and 28B so as to be rotatable relative to each other (see Figure 8). Support bar 46A is fixed to bracket 30A, and support bar 46B is fixed to bracket 30B. Brackets 30A and 30B are fixed to plate portions 20A and 20B, respectively. This connects the other ends of link members 28A and 28B so as to be rotatable relative to frame members 17A and 17B. The other ends of link members 28A and 28B may also be directly supported by, for example, hook portions provided on the back surfaces 20Ac and 20Bc of plate portions 20A and 20B. In this case, brackets 30A and 30B are not required.

[0041] As shown in Figures 9(B), 10(B), and 11(B), one end of the link members 28A and 28B is installed between the flange portions 24B and 24C so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction of the shafts 26A and 26B. In other words, the link members 28A and 28B are supported so as to be rotatable and relatively movable relative to the shafts 26A and 26B. The other end of the link members 28A and 28B is also relatively movable in the axial direction of the support bars 46A and 46B. In other words, the link members 28A and 28B are also supported so as to be rotatable and relatively movable relative to the brackets 30A and 30B. In contrast, the relative positions of the shafts 26A and 26B and the brackets 30A and 30B in the Y direction do not change. In other words, the relative positions of the base portion 24 and the frame members 17A and 17B in the Y direction do not change.

[0042] As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, brackets 30A and 30B are components for connecting the hinge 14 to frame members 17A and 17B. One bracket 30A can be screwed to the back surface 20Ac of plate portion 20A. The other bracket 30B can be screwed to the back surface 20Bc of plate portion 20B. Cover members 18A and 18B may also be screwed to brackets 30A and 30B.

[0043] Bracket 30A may have a pair of claw-shaped guide portions 48A, 48A that protrude toward the base portion 24 in the X direction. Bracket 30B may have a pair of claw-shaped guide portions 48B, 48B that protrude toward the base portion 24 in the X direction. The guide portions 48A, 48B protrude above the surface 24a of the base portion 24 and are arranged alternately along the Y direction. Each of the guide portions 48A, 48B has an arc-shaped end face that is slidable along the guide surfaces 44A, 44B formed on the base portion 24. When the housings 12A, 12B are rotated, the guide portions 48A, 48B slide along the guide surfaces 44A, 44B, guiding the rotational trajectory of the frame members 17A, 17B relative to the base portion 24.

[0044] As shown in Figures 7 to 11, the synchronization mechanism 32 is a mechanism for synchronizing the relative rotation of the left and right housings 12A and 12B with respect to the hinge 14. The synchronization mechanism 32 can synchronize the relative rotation of the link member 28A with respect to the shaft 26A and the relative rotation of the link member 28B with respect to the shaft 26B.

[0045] The synchronization mechanism 32 may include a connecting member 50, a pair of cam portions 52a, 52b, a pair of receiving portions 53a, 53b, a pair of cam portions 54a, 54b, and a pair of receiving portions 55a, 55b.

[0046] The connecting member 50 is, for example, a spectacle-shaped member having cylindrical portions at both ends. The connecting member 50 is provided so as to straddle the space between the left and right shafts 26A and 26B. The shafts 26A and 26B are inserted through the cylindrical portions at both ends of the connecting member 50 so as to be able to move relative to each other in the axial direction. Furthermore, the connecting member 50 is also provided so as to straddle the left and right link members 28A and 28B. Both ends of the connecting member 50 are in contact with one end of the link members 28A and 28B in a way that prevents relative movement in the Y direction. This allows the connecting member 50 to synchronize the movement of the link members 28A and 28B along the axial direction of the shafts 26A and 26B. In other words, the link members 28A and 28B are connected to each other by the connecting member 50 and move integrally in the Y direction.

[0047] The cam portions 52a and 52b are formed on the flange portions 24B and 24C and are arranged to face each other. The cam portions 52a and 52b are arranged so as to straddle one end of the link member 28A between them. The cam portions 52a and 52b are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 26A and preferably have a substantially helical shape that is inclined axially along the circumferential direction of the shaft 26A.

[0048] The receiving portions 53a and 53b are formed on both sides of one end of the link member 28A, respectively. The receiving portions 53a and 53b are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 26A and preferably have a substantially helical shape that is inclined axially along the circumferential direction of the shaft 26A. This allows the receiving portion 53a to slidably contact the cam portion 52a. The receiving portion 53b also slidably contacts the cam portion 52b. The receiving portions 53a and 53b do not have to be helical in shape as long as they are slidable along the cam portions 52a and 52b, and the same applies to the receiving portions 55a and 55b.

[0049] Since the cam portions 54a and 54b are substantially symmetrical to the cam portions 52a and 52b, a detailed explanation will be omitted. In other words, the cam portions 54a and 54b are arranged so as to straddle one end of the link member 28B between them. The cam portions 54a and 54b may have a substantially helical shape provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 26B.

[0050] Since the receiving portions 55a and 55b can be substantially symmetrical to the receiving portions 53a and 53b, a detailed explanation is omitted. That is, the receiving portions 55a and 55b are formed on both sides of one end of the link member 28B, respectively, and form a substantially helical shape on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 26B. Receiving portion 55a is in slidable contact with the cam portion 54a. Receiving portion 55b is in slidable contact with the cam portion 54b.

[0051] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the torque mechanism 34 is a mechanism for generating a predetermined rotational torque for the rotation of the housings 12A and 12B by the hinge 14. The torque mechanism 34 has, for example, a plurality of leaf springs 34a that are externally fitted and stacked on the shafts 26A and 26B. The torque mechanism 34 applies an axial compressive force to the stacked leaf springs 34a. The torque mechanism 34 applies a pressing force to the sub-link members 36A and 36B. The torque mechanism 34 applies a predetermined rotational torque to the rotation of the sub-link members 36A and 36B around the axes of the shafts 26A and 26B. As a result, the torque mechanism 34 applies a predetermined rotational torque to the pivoting motion of the brackets 30A and 30B around the axes of the shafts 26A and 26B. In other words, the torque mechanism 34 can apply a predetermined rotational torque between the housings 12A and 12B.

[0052] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the sub-link members 36A and 36B are provided alongside the link members 28A and 28B, connecting the hinge 14 to the frame members 17A and 17B. Both ends of the sub-link members 36A and 36B are formed, for example, with cylindrical portions. One end of the sub-link member 36A is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft 26A, and the other end is connected so as to be rotatable relative to the bracket 30A. The other sub-link member 36B is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft 26B, and the other end is connected so as to be rotatable relative to the bracket 30B. The other ends of the sub-link members 36A and 36B are supported so as to be rotatable relative to the support bars 46A and 46B.

[0053] One end of each sub-link member 36A, 36B is positioned between the flange portions 24A, 24B. One end of each sub-link member 36A, 36B is pressed against the flange portion 24B by a pressing force from the torque mechanism 34. As a result, the sub-link members 36A, 36B can rotate around the shafts 26A, 26B with a predetermined rotational torque. This rotational torque of the sub-link members 36A, 36B becomes the rotational torque between the housings 12A, 12B.

[0054] The hinge 14 may be configured to generate rotational torque in a manner other than the torque mechanism 34 and the sub-link members 36A and 36B. For example, one end of the link members 28A and 28B may be press-fitted onto the shafts 26A and 26B, thereby directly applying rotational torque to their relative rotation.

[0055] Next, the operation of the hinge 14 and its positional relationship with the frame members 17A and 17B will be explained. In the following, as shown in Figures 9(B) and 9(C), the hinge 14 will be described with respect to the flange portion 24C side as the Y1 direction and the flange portion 24B side as the Y2 direction in the axial direction (Y direction) of the shafts 26A and 26B.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4 and 9, in the 180-degree position, the hinge 14 is positioned so as to be hidden on the back surfaces 20Ac and 20Bc of the plate portions 20A and 20B that are in contact with each other. The link members 28A and 28B are positioned with their respective plane directions approximately aligned with the X direction.

[0057] As shown in Figures 9(B) and 9(C), in the 180-degree position, one end of the link members 28A and 28B is in the position that has moved the furthest in the Y2 direction. Therefore, the receiving portions 53a and 55a on the Y2 side of the link members 28A and 28B are in contact with the cam portions 52a and 54a on the Y2 side, respectively.

[0058] The rotational movement from 180 degrees to 0 degrees is, for example, when a user grasps the housings 12A and 12B and closes the gap between them, like folding an open book. Brackets 30A and 30B are fixed to frame members 17A and 17B that constitute the housings 12A and 12B. Therefore, brackets 30A and 30B pivot around the axis of shafts 26A and 26B via link members 28A and 28B (and sub-link members 36A and 36B) (see Figures 5 and 6). In other words, link members 28A and 28B rotate around the axis of shafts 26A and 26B (see Figures 10(A) and 11(A)).

[0059] As a result, the receiving portion 53a slides against the cam portion 52a, and the link member 28A moves in the Y1 direction. Similarly, the receiving portion 55a slides against the cam portion 54a, and the link member 28B also moves in the Y1 direction. At this time, the left and right link members 28A and 28B are connected by the connecting member 50, and their movement in the Y direction is constrained from each other. In other words, the movement of the link members 28A and 28B in the Y1 direction is synchronized. Therefore, the housings 12A and 12B are folded while their rotation angles relative to their respective shafts 26A and 26B are synchronized. For example, in the 100-degree position shown in Figure 10, the link member 28A has rotated 50 degrees from Figure 9, and the link member 28B has also rotated 50 degrees from Figure 9. This prevents the movement of the link members 28A and 28B in the Y1 direction from being uncoordinated. As a result, the hinge 14 can suppress the rotation of the housings 12A and 12B from becoming jerky or getting stuck.

[0060] As shown in Figures 6 and 11, in the 0-degree position, the hinge 14 is positioned so that the link members 28A and 28B are rotated 90 degrees relative to the shafts 26A and 26B, respectively. The electronic device 10 is arranged so that the plane directions of the plate portions 20A and 20B overlap each other, and the folding region D3 of the display 16 takes on a predetermined folding shape.

[0061] The rotational movement from 0 degrees to 180 degrees is the reverse of the closing movement described above. As shown in Figures 11(B) and 11(C), in the 0-degree position, one end of the link members 28A and 28B is in the position that has moved the furthest in the Y1 direction. Therefore, the receiving portions 53b and 55b on the Y1 side of the link members 28A and 28B are in contact with the cam portions 52b and 54b on the Y1 side, respectively.

[0062] When the housings 12A and 12B are rotated in the opening direction, the receiving portion 53b slides against the cam portion 52b, and the link member 28A moves in the Y2 direction. Similarly, the receiving portion 55b slides against the cam portion 54b, and the link member 28B also moves in the Y2 direction. In this case as well, the movements of the left and right link members 28A and 28B are synchronized. As a result, the rotation of the shafts 26A and 26B of the housings 12A and 12B around their axes is synchronized.

[0063] Incidentally, in this embodiment, when the electronic device 10 is in a 180-degree position, the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba of the left and right plate portions 20A and 20B are in contact or close to each other. Therefore, when in a 180-degree position, the folding region D3 of the display 16 is supported and stabilized by the flat surfaces 20Ab and 20Bb of the back surface 16a. As a result, the display 16 is less prone to distortion in the display of the folding region D3, and the operability of touch operations is also high.

[0064] However, the hinge 14 is positioned on the back surfaces 20Ac and 20Bc of the plate portions 20A and 20B so as to straddle the boundary B between the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba when the housings are in a 180-degree position. Therefore, when the housings 12A and 12B rotate, there is a concern that the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba of the plate portions 20A and 20B may interfere with the base portion 24 of the hinge 14, causing the rotation to get stuck or become less smooth. In this regard, the hinge 14 of this embodiment has a recess 40 on the surface 24a of the base portion 24. Therefore, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, interference between the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba and the hinge 14 when the housings 12A and 12B rotate can be avoided, and smooth rotational operation can be ensured.

[0065] As described above, in the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, the hinge 14 connects the frame members 17A and 17B so that they can rotate relative to each other between a first position (e.g., 0-degree position) in which the surfaces 20Ab and 20Bb are arranged in a direction that overlaps, and a second position (e.g., 180-degree position) in which the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba are in contact or close to each other and the surfaces 20Ab and 20Bb are arranged side by side. The hinge 14 has a base portion 24 located on the back surfaces 20Ac and 20Bc of the frame members 17A and 17B, and positioned to straddle the boundary B of the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba in the second position. The surface 24a of the base portion 24 is provided with a recess 40 that extends along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba.

[0066] In this manner, when the electronic device 10 is in the second position, the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba of the left and right frame members 17A and 17B are in contact or close to each other. The display 16 is supported on its back surface 16a by its overall flat surface 20Ab and 20Bb. Therefore, the electronic device 10 can stably support the display 16. Moreover, the hinge 14 is located in a position where it is hidden by the frame members 17A and 17B. Therefore, the hinge 14 does not affect the bezel width around the display 16, and the appearance quality of the electronic device 10 can be ensured. Furthermore, the base portion 24 has a recessed portion 40. Therefore, when the hinge 14 rotates, the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba of the frame members 17A and 17B do not interfere with the base portion 24, enabling smooth rotation.

[0067] Preferably, the recessed portion 40 has a first region R1 located on the frame member 17A side of boundary B in the second position, which is wider than the thickness t of the end face 20Aa, and a second region R2 located on the frame member 17B side of boundary B, which is wider than the thickness t of the end face 20Ba. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba from interfering with the base portion 24 when the hinge 14 rotates. The width W of regions R1 and R2 is wider than the thickness t of the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba, respectively. For example, in the first position shown in Figure 6, the end faces 20Aa and 20Ba can be reliably accommodated in regions R1 and R2 of the recessed portion 40, respectively. This makes it possible to reduce the distance between the hinge 14 and the frame members 17A and 17B. As a result, the electronic device 10 can ensure smooth operation of the hinge 14 while making the housing 12A and 12B as thin as possible.

[0068] The base portion 24 may have a ridge portion 24b that protrudes from the surface 24a so as to partition the areas R1 and R2. In this case, the recessed portion 40 may have a pair of recessed portions 40a and 40b, as the areas R1 and R2 are partitioned by the ridge portion 24b. That is, in order to make the housings 12A and 12B of the electronic device 10 thinner, the base portion 24 also needs to be made thinner. Therefore, the electronic device 10 may be provided with a ridge portion 24b on the thinned base portion 24 to form recessed portions 40a and 40b. In this case, the hinge 14 can be made to have high rigidity while suppressing interference with the frame members 17A and 17B. Also, if the ridge portion 24b protrudes from the center of the recessed portion 40, the arc distance of the guide surfaces 44A and 44B can be sufficiently secured. In this case, the sliding distance of the guide portions 48A and 48B of the brackets 30A and 30B with respect to the guide surfaces 44A and 44B can be secured. This makes the rotation of housings 12A and 12B more stable.

[0069] The hinge 14 may have a connecting member 50, a pair of cam portions 52a, 52b, a pair of receiving portions 53a, 53b, a pair of cam portions 54a, 54b that are symmetrical to the cam portions 52a, 52b, and a pair of receiving portions 55a, 55b. In this case, the hinge 14 can synchronize the rotation of the left and right housings 12A, 12b. Moreover, this synchronization mechanism 32 does not use gears, but uses the cam portions 52a, 52b, 54a, 54b. For this reason, the synchronization mechanism 32 of the hinge 14 can be made thinner compared to a configuration that has a synchronization mechanism using gears. This is because the cam mechanism does not have teeth meshing compared to a gear mechanism, and the outer diameter can be suppressed.

[0070] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be freely modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0071] The above example illustrates an electronic device 10 that can be folded in half like a book. However, the present invention is applicable to various configurations other than the configuration in which identical housings are folded in half, such as a double-door configuration in which smaller housings are foldably connected to the left and right edges of a larger housing, an S-shaped folding configuration in which housings with different folding directions are connected to the left and right edges of a single housing, and a J-shaped folding configuration in which a smaller housing is foldably connected to one of the left or right edges of a larger housing. The number of connected housings may be four or more. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 10 Electronic equipment 12A First enclosure 12B Second cabinet 14 Hinge 16 displays 17A, 17B Frame members 20A, 20B Plate section 20Aa,20Ba end face 24 Base section 26A, 26B shafts 28A, 28B Link members 40, 40a, 40b recessed area 50 Connecting members 52a, 52b, 54a, 54b Cam section 53a, 53b, 55a, 55b Receiving part D1 First Display Unit D2 Second Display Unit D3 bend area

Claims

1. It is an electronic device, A first frame member having a flat first surface and a first end face provided on one edge of the first surface, A second frame member having a flat second surface and a second end surface provided on one edge of the second surface and adjacent to the first end surface, A hinge connects the first frame member and the second frame member so as to be rotatable relative to each other between a first position in which the first surface and the second surface are arranged in a direction that overlaps, and a second position in which the first end face and the second end face are in contact or close to each other, and the first surface and the second surface are arranged side by side. A display having a bending region provided between the first surface and the second surface, which is bent in accordance with the relative rotation of the first frame member and the second frame member, Equipped with, The hinge has a base portion located on the back side of the first frame member and the second frame member, and positioned to straddle the boundary between the first end face and the second end face that are in contact with or close to each other in the second position. The surface of the base portion is provided with recesses that extend along the longitudinal directions of the first and second end faces. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, The aforementioned recessed portion is, In the second position, a first region is located on the first frame member side of the boundary and is wider than the thickness of the first end face, In the second position, a second region is located on the second frame member side of the boundary and is wider than the thickness of the second end face, including An electronic device characterized by the following features.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, The base portion has a ridge portion that protrudes from the surface of the base portion so as to separate the first region and the second region. The aforementioned recessed portion is, The first region forms a first recess that extends in the longitudinal direction on the first frame member side of the ridge portion, The second region extends in the longitudinal direction on the second frame member side of the ridge portion, forming a second recess parallel to the first recess portion, with the ridge portion in between. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

4. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned hinge further, A first shaft having an axial direction along the longitudinal direction and supported on the back side of the first frame member by the base portion, A second shaft having an axial direction along the longitudinal direction and supported on the back side of the second frame member by the base portion, A first link member, one end of which is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the first shaft, and the other end of which is connected so as to be rotatable relative to the first frame member, A second link member, one end of which is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the second shaft, and the other end of which is connected so as to be rotatable relative to the second frame member, It has, The recessed portion is located between the first shaft and the second shaft. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, The aforementioned hinge further, A pair of first cam portions are provided on the outer circumference of the first shaft, extending so as to be inclined axially along the circumferential direction of the first shaft, and arranged so as to straddle one end of the first link member between them, A pair of second cam portions are provided on the outer circumference of the first shaft, extending in an axial inclination along the circumferential direction of the second shaft, and positioned so as to straddle one end of the second link member between them, and having a shape symmetrical to the pair of first cam portions, A pair of first receiving portions is provided at one end of the first link member and is slidable with the pair of first cam portions, A pair of second receiving portions is provided at one end of the second link member and is slidable with the pair of second cam portions, A connecting member is provided so as to span the first link member and the second link member, is axially movable relative to the first shaft and the second shaft, and is in contact with the first link member and the second link member in a manner that prevents relative movement in the axial direction, It has, One end of the first link member is movable relative to the first shaft in the axial direction between the pair of first cam portions. One end of the second link member is movable relative to the second shaft in the axial direction between the pair of second cam portions. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

6. The electronic device according to claim 3, The aforementioned hinge further, A first bracket fixed to the first frame member, A second bracket fixed to the second frame member, A first shaft having an axial direction along the longitudinal direction and supported on the back side of the first frame member by the base portion, A second shaft having an axial direction along the longitudinal direction and supported on the back side of the second frame member by the base portion, A first link member, one end of which is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the first shaft, and the other end of which is connected so as to be rotatable relative to the first bracket, A second link member, one end of which is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the second shaft, and the other end of which is connected so as to be rotatable relative to the second bracket, It has, The base portion is provided with a first guide surface recessed in an arc shape so as to cross a portion of the longitudinal direction of the first recess, and a second guide surface recessed in an arc shape so as to cross a portion of the longitudinal direction of the second recess. The first bracket has a first guide portion that slides on the first guide surface, The first bracket has a second guide portion that slides on the second guide surface. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

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