Small-space variable torque rotary shaft mechanism
The variable torque rotating shaft mechanism addresses the challenge of multi-stage torque output and screen stability in narrow spaces by using a coordinated friction and disc spring system, ensuring durability and reduced shaking in mobile devices.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HANGZHOU AMPHENOL PHOENIX TELECOM PARTS
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing hinges for mobile devices with narrow space constraints face challenges in providing multi-stage torque output while ensuring durability and reducing screen shaking during touch operations, particularly in small spaces like notebook computers with touch screens.
A variable torque rotating shaft mechanism using a rotating shaft with a first stopper portion, axial stopper fitting frame, first and second friction members, and disc springs, which generate overlapping resistance torques to stabilize the screen angle and absorb shocks.
The mechanism provides stable torque output and reduced screen shaking, even in confined spaces, ensuring durability and a good user experience by combining friction and disc spring damping, allowing for large motion ranges and improved structural strength.
Smart Images
Figure 2026513362000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to hinges for mobile terminals such as notebook computers and mobile phones, and particularly to hinges used in scenarios where the space allowed in the thickness direction is very narrow and multi-stage torque output is required.
Background Art
[0002] The hinge used in a notebook computer includes a shaft and a connection frame rotatably connected to the shaft. For the method of realizing torque output, a rotational connection by a winding circle of the shaft and the connection frame is used, and when the winding circle clamps the shaft, a resistance torque is output during rotation. There is also a hinge that outputs a resistance torque by a method of combining an end face cam and a friction piece.
[0003] Some notebook computer products require stepped torque output, i.e., when starting to open from the closed state, the resistance force is small, and when the screen rotates to the usage angle range, the resistance torque is required to increase. Also, since this type of notebook computer product often adopts a touch screen, sufficient support fitting is required in the usage angle range so that the screen does not shake excessively during touch operation. Currently, for hinges with stepped torque output, stepped torque output is realized by using winding circles with two different clamp angle ranges. However, during touch operation, there is a problem that the screen shakes for a long time and then becomes quiet. Such a problem is particularly prominent when a hinge for a small space is used at a large angle (120°). As another method, there is the method of combining the aforementioned end face cam and friction piece. However, in order to realize stepped torque output, a concentric two-layer structure cam is required. However, for a hinge in a narrow space, the size of the rotation shaft is very small. For example, the overall size is only about 3.5 mm. Therefore, the radial dimension assigned to the end face cam is very small, and since it is necessary to provide a two-layer cam, the strength of the cam component is significantly reduced, and the required durability cannot be satisfied.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] The problem to be solved: The objective of the present invention is to provide a rotating shaft mechanism that can achieve variable torque for use in small spaces, can be used in mobile devices such as notebook PCs, and reduces the shaking time during touch operation while ensuring durability, even under conditions with strict size limitations.
[0005] Technical means for solving the problem: The variable torque rotating shaft mechanism for small spaces is Includes a rotating shaft and connecting frame, A first stopper portion is provided on the rotating shaft, and an axial stopper fitting frame is provided on the connecting frame, which is inserted through the winding circle and the rotating shaft and is gap-fitted with the rotating shaft. The aforementioned rotating shaft is further provided with a first friction member that rotates in synchronization with the rotating shaft, a second friction member that rotates relative to the rotating shaft, and a plurality of disc springs. The disc spring presses the first friction member and the second friction member, tightening the friction fitting and pressing the axial stopper fitting frame of the connecting frame in the positive direction relative to the first stopper portion.
[0006] The frictional fitting between the first friction member and the second friction member provides a basic resistance torque to the rotating shaft, and the fitting between the winding circle and the rotating shaft outputs a second resistance torque that overlaps with the basic resistance torque within the operating angle range of the corresponding mobile terminal.
[0007] Further technical means that can be used or combined with the above technical means: The connecting frame includes two support bases and the winding circle located between the two support bases, with holes provided in the support bases to allow the rotating shaft to pass through, one of which support bases serves as the axial stopper fitting frame, and the other support base is also gap-fitted with the rotating shaft, and the first friction member, the second friction member and the disc spring are arranged on the rotating shaft other than the other support base.
[0008] The aforementioned basic resistance torque outputs a constant torque within the entire rotational stroke range of the hinge.
[0009] The first stopper portion is positioned close to the first end of the rotating shaft, and the first end is provided with a connecting end for the rotating shaft. The second end of the rotating shaft is provided with a male screw and is connected to a lock nut.
[0010] The first stopper portion is positioned close to the first end of the rotating shaft, and the first end is provided with a connecting end for the rotating shaft. The second end of the rotating shaft is provided with a male screw and connected to a lock nut. The first friction portion, the second friction member, and the disc spring are positioned between the lock nut and the other support base.
[0011] The second friction member includes a friction member with a first connecting structure and a friction member with a second connecting structure, wherein the first connecting structure consists of pins located on both sides, and the second connecting structure consists of a hole into which one of the pins is inserted and connected, and a hole into which the other pin is inserted and connected is provided on the connecting frame.
[0012] An annular step is provided on the rotating shaft, which forms the first stopper portion.
[0013] Within the aforementioned operating angle range, the sum of the basic resistance torque and the second resistance torque is sufficient to withstand the impact of touch operation and maintain the current open angle.
[0014] The outer diameters of the first friction member and the second friction member, as well as the outer diameter of the winding circle, are all less than or equal to 3.8 mm.
[0015] Beneficial effects of the present invention: (1) This mechanism is a single-axis hinge that operates through the coordinated action of a friction coil, friction pieces, and a disc spring, and the overall range of motion is large, reaching 180° or more.
[0016] (2) This design has two types of structural modules, both of which generate friction torque, but their force generation principles are different. Through the friction winding circle, the size of the rotating shaft can be reduced to about 3.5 mm in diameter, allowing for stepped variable torque in a confined space, while also improving vibration. The disc spring provides perpendicular pressure to the friction piece, and at the same time, the axial pressure applied to the friction winding circle structure acts between the "friction shaft" and the "sleeve & support base," providing damping and shock absorption effects. Therefore, the problem of severe vibration in small-sized winding circle structures is effectively improved, and the problem of low structural strength due to the two-layer cam is also solved. This invention can be used in the hinge structure of mobile terminals such as notebook PCs and flexible-screen mobile phones. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the structure of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the torque output in an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 5, the horizontal axis represents the angle at which the hinge opens, and the vertical axis represents the output torque value. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0018] As shown in the drawings, the small-space variable torque rotating shaft mechanism provided by the present invention includes a rotating shaft 1 and a connecting frame 2, the rotating shaft 1 being provided with an annular stepped portion to constitute a first stopper portion 11. The connecting frame 2 is provided with an axial stopper fitting frame 21 that is inserted through the winding circle 20 and the rotating shaft 1 and is gap-fitted with the rotating shaft 1, so that the rotating shaft 1 and the connecting frame 2 can rotate relative to each other. On the rotating shaft 1, a first friction member 31 that rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft 1, a second friction member 32 that can rotate relative to the rotating shaft 1, and a plurality of disc springs 4 are fitted. The disc spring 4 presses the first friction member 31 and the second friction member 32, tightens the friction fit, and presses the axial stopper fitting frame 21 of the connection frame 2 against the first stopper portion 11 in the positive direction. It is also possible to directly tighten between them, or to provide an intermediate member that rotates simultaneously with the rotating shaft between them. This member may be pressed in the positive direction by the first stopper portion 11 through the disc spring 4.
[0019] The friction fit between the first friction member 31 and the second friction member 32 provides the basic resistance torque T1 of the rotating shaft. This torque not only satisfies the requirement of being easily opened, but also has a certain feel.
[0020] The fit between the winding circle 20 and the rotating shaft 1 outputs a second resistance torque T2 that overlaps the basic resistance torque T1 within the operating angle range of the corresponding mobile terminal. The basic resistance torque T1 can output any constant torque within the full rotation stroke range of the hinge. The winding circle 20 is a sleeve having a slit in the axial direction and a certain circumferential elasticity. The fitting portion of the rotating shaft with the winding circle 20 may be non-circular, or the inner wall of the winding circle may be a curved surface shape (a contour surface with a changing diameter). The rotating shaft 1 is clamped within the corresponding operating angle range to provide the second resistance torque. Assume that this operating angle can open the screen to a certain angle range of 90° or more (110° - 180° in this embodiment). Within this angle range, the user can perform a touch operation on the screen while normally viewing the screen. Therefore, within this angle range, the total resistance torque of T1 + T2 can sufficiently withstand the impact of the touch operation, maintain the opened angle, and by the support of the axial tightening force, the time for the screen to shake after the touch operation can be significantly shortened.
[0021] In this embodiment, the connection frame 2 includes two side supports and a winding circle 20 positioned between the two side supports. A hole is provided in the support so that the rotating shaft 1 passes through it. Among them, one support becomes an axial direction stopper fitting frame 21. The other support 22 is also in clearance fit with the rotating shaft 1, and the first friction member 31, the second friction member 32, and the disc spring 4 are arranged on the rotating shaft 1 other than the other support 22.
[0022] The present invention can obtain an appropriate operating feeling by adjusting the torque curve by changing the curved surface of the friction winding circle and the elastic force of the disc spring. The number of friction pieces 4 can be adjusted according to the required basic resistance torque T1. During assembly, by fitting the winding circle 20 and the rotating shaft 1, the second resistance torque T2 is output within the operating angle range of the corresponding mobile terminal. That is, by utilizing the feature that there is no friction force or extremely low friction force within the non-operating angle range, the connection frame 2 can be pressed against the first stopper portion 11.
[0023] The first stopper portion 11 is provided close to the first end of the rotating shaft 1, and a connection end portion 10 of the rotating shaft 1 is provided at the first end. A male thread is provided at the second end of the rotating shaft 1 and is connected to the lock nut 5. The first friction portion 31, the second friction member 32, and the disc spring 4 are arranged between the lock nut 5 and the other support 22. The present invention is used on rotating equipment such as a notebook PC. The connection end portion 10 is fixedly connected to the screen end through a spline tooth structure, and the connection frame 2 is fixedly connected to the system end through a screw.
[0024] The second friction member 32 includes a friction member with a first connection structure and a friction member with a second connection structure. The first connection structure is pins located on both sides, and the second connection structure is a hole inserted and connected to one pin 321. The connection frame 2 is provided with a hole inserted and connected to the other pin 322. Therefore, through the connection of the pin and the hole, each second friction member 32 is connected together and connected to the connection frame 2, becoming a complete machine during production. The first friction member 31 is connected to the rotating shaft 1 by flat fitting.
[0025] Given the trend towards increasingly lighter notebook PCs, the space required for the rotation axis will undoubtedly shrink further, and the technical means of the present invention can brilliantly resolve the contradiction of achieving a compact design while providing a good user experience. In the present invention, the outer diameters of the first friction member 31 and the second friction member 32 and the outer diameter of the winding circle 20 are all less than or equal to 3.8 mm, for example, only 3.5 mm.
[0026] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, and the structural features of the present invention are not limited thereto. Any variations or modifications made by engineers in the art within the scope of the present invention are all covered by the present invention.
[0027] It is important to clarify that the terms, "includes," "has," and all variations thereof in the specification, claims, and drawings of this invention have a non-exclusive implication. Terms such as "attached," "installed," "provided," "connected," "linked," and "sleeve connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can be understood as a fixed connection, a removable connection, or a solid structure; a direct connection, a connection through an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two devices, elements, or components. A typical technician in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention depending on the specific context.
[0028] In describing this invention, it is important to understand that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "one end," "the other end," "outside," "inside," "horizontal," "end," "length," "outer end," "left," and "right" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings and are merely for the purpose of simplifying the description of this invention. They do not explicitly or implicitly suggest that the described device or element must necessarily have a specific orientation or a specific orientational structure and operation, and should not be understood as limitations on this invention. Similarly, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to simplify the description and do not explicitly or implicitly indicate relative importance.
Claims
1. Includes a rotating shaft and connecting frame, A first stopper portion is provided on the aforementioned rotating shaft. The connecting frame is provided with an axial stopper fitting frame that is inserted through the winding circle and the rotating shaft and is gap-fitted with the rotating shaft. The aforementioned rotating shaft is further provided with a first friction member that rotates in synchronization with the rotating shaft, a second friction member that rotates relative to the rotating shaft, and a plurality of disc springs. The disc spring presses the first friction member and the second friction member, tightening the friction fitting and pressing the axial stopper fitting frame of the connecting frame in the forward direction relative to the first stopper portion. A variable torque rotating shaft mechanism for small spaces, characterized in that the frictional fitting between the first friction member and the second friction member provides a basic resistance torque to the rotating shaft, and the fitting between the winding circle and the rotating shaft outputs a second resistance torque that overlaps with the basic resistance torque within the operating angle range of the corresponding mobile terminal.
2. The connecting frame includes two support bases and the winding circle located between the two support bases, The support base is provided with a hole through which the rotating shaft passes, and one of the support bases serves as the axial stopper fitting frame, while the other support base is also fitted with the rotating shaft in a gap. The variable torque rotating shaft mechanism for small spaces according to claim 1, characterized in that the first friction member, the second friction member, and the disc spring are arranged on a rotating shaft other than the other support base.
3. The variable torque rotating shaft mechanism for small spaces according to claim 1, characterized in that the basic resistance torque outputs a constant torque within the entire rotational stroke range of the hinge.
4. The variable torque rotating shaft mechanism for small spaces according to claim 1, characterized in that the first stopper portion is provided in close proximity to the first end of the rotating shaft, and the first end is provided with a connecting end of the rotating shaft, and the second end of the rotating shaft is provided with a male screw and connected to a lock nut.
5. The variable torque rotating shaft mechanism for small spaces according to claim 2, characterized in that the first stopper portion is provided in close proximity to the first end of the rotating shaft, and the first end is provided with a connecting end of the rotating shaft, and the second end of the rotating shaft is provided with a male screw and connected to a lock nut, and the first friction portion, the second friction member and the disc spring are arranged between the lock nut and the other support base.
6. The second friction member includes a friction member with a first connecting structure and a friction member with a second connecting structure. The first connection structure is a pin located on both sides, The second connection structure is a hole into which one pin is inserted and connected, and the connection frame is provided with a hole into which the other pin is inserted and connected. The variable torque rotating shaft mechanism for small spaces according to feature 2.
7. The variable torque rotating shaft mechanism for small spaces according to claim 1, characterized in that an annular stepped portion is provided on the rotating shaft, which serves as the first stopper portion.
8. The variable torque rotating shaft mechanism for small spaces according to claim 1, characterized in that, within the aforementioned operating angle range, the sum of the basic resistance torque and the second resistance torque is sufficient to withstand the impact of touch operation and maintain the open angle for the time being.
9. The variable torque rotating shaft mechanism for small spaces according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the outer diameters of the first friction member and the second friction member and the outer diameter of the winding circle are all less than or equal to 3.8 mm.