Foldable electronic device with cable adjusting mechanism

Abstract

A foldable electronic device with cable adjusting mechanism including a first body, a second body, a hinge, a guiding assembly, a first magnetic member, and an electrical connecting member is provided. The first and the second bodies are pivoted about an axis by the hinge connected therebetween to be folded or unfolded relatively. The first magnetic member is pivoted about the axis along with the hinge. The guiding assembly movably disposed in the second body is magnetic conductive and located within a magnetic field generated by the first magnetic member. A magnetic force generated from the first magnetic member and applied onto the guiding assembly is changed along with the pivoting procedure of the first magnetic member. The electrical connecting member is connected to the first body and the second body, and a portion of the electrical connecting member passes by and abuts against the guiding assembly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding electronic device, and in particular to a folding electronic device having a cable regulating mechanism. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Under the extremely narrow bezel and lightweight design, existing folding electronic devices, such as notebook computers, often have the hinges designed to reduce the overall size. With this, the screen signal cable is changed from a regular cable (cable) to a soft circuit board (FPC) and connected directly from the screen end to the system end without going through a hinge. But whether it is a coil or a soft circuit board, it also faces how to provide a better way of wiring to avoid bending due to pulling during the opening and closing of the unit.

[0003] Generally, the ends of the coil or soft circuit board will be fixed directly at the screen end and the system end, respectively. When the screen is closed, the coil or soft circuit board is in the longest state (that is, the fixed points at both ends of the coil or soft circuit will be at the furthest distance). When the screen is gradually opened, the fixed point of the winding or soft circuit at the screen end and the system end will be closer as the axis rotates, thereby allowing the coiling or soft circuit board to extend toward the avoidance space due to pushing.

[0004] In other words, with current design technology, if the coils or soft circuit boards are not allowed to pass through the hinge, a wiring structure must be provided in the body to keep the coils or soft circuit boards in a constant tight state to avoid the aforementioned abnormal sound or even squeezing damage due to arbitrary bending to non-designed positions. However, when the screen is opened and closed, the coil or soft circuit board will be pulled by changes in the position of the fixed end of the screen, while also being pushed by the elastic force of the cable management structure.

[0005] So how to prevent windings or soft circuit boards from bending or being subjected to additional pulling forces is the goal of efforts to improve their service life. [Invention Contents]

[0006] The present invention provides a folding electronic device with a cable regulating mechanism, which provides an adjustment function to the winding in response to the opening and closing state of the body to reduce the force on the winding.

[0007] The foldable electronic device with a cable adjustment mechanism of the present invention includes a first body, a second body, a hinge, a first magnetic element, a guide assembly, and an electrical connector. The hinge connects the first body and the second body, which are rotatably opened and closed relative to each other along an axis. The first magnetic element rotates along the axis with the hinge. The guide assembly is movably disposed on the second body, and the guide assembly is magnetic and located within the magnetic field range of the first magnetic element. The magnetic force applied to the guide assembly by the first magnetic element changes as the first magnetic element rotates along the axis. The electrical connector connects the first body and the second body, and a portion of the electrical connector passes through and abuts against the guide assembly. During the relative rotation and opening / closing of the first body and the second body, the guide assembly is driven by the magnetic force of the first magnetic element to adjust the posture of the electrical connector.

[0008] Based on the above, for the electrical connector in the foldable electronic device, since it will partially pass through and structurally abut against the guide component, the guide component is positioned within the magnetic field range of the first magnetic component by the first magnetic component pivoting coaxially with the axis of the hinge. More importantly, the magnetic force applied by the first magnetic component to the guide component is changed by its rotation process, so that there is a corresponding linkage between the opening and closing of the body, the electrical connector as the body is pulled by force, and the aforementioned magnetic force.

[0009] In this way, while the electrical connector is being stretched due to the unfolding of the body, the magnetic force applied to the guide assembly by the first magnetic component enables the guide assembly to guide and adjust the posture of the electrical connector within the body, thereby reducing the impact of external forces on the electrical connector and improving the durability and service life of the electrical connector.

Implementation Method

[0010] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device of FIG1 in another state. FIG3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device of FIG2. Referring to FIG1 to FIG3 simultaneously, in this embodiment, the foldable electronic device 100, taking a notebook computer as an example but not limited thereto, includes a first body 110, a second body 120 and a hinge 130, wherein the hinge 130 connects the first body 110 and the second body 120 so that the first body 110 and the second body 120 can rotate relative to each other along axis AX through the hinge 130 to achieve a state of relative opening and closing. FIG1 shows the foldable electronic device 100 in the closed state, while FIG2 shows the foldable electronic device 100 in the unfolded (90 degrees) state.

[0011] Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the foldable electronic device 100 further includes a first magnetic element 160, a guiding component 150, and an electrical connector 140. The electrical connector 140 is a window 121 passing through the internal structure of the second body 120 and is electrically connected between the electronic module M1 of the first body 110 and the electronic module M2 of the second body 120. The electronic module M1 is, for example, a screen driver module, and the electronic module M2 is, for example, a system motherboard. The electronic modules M1 and M2 achieve electrical conduction and information communication with each other through the electrical connector 140. The first magnetic element 160 rotates along the axis AX with the hinge 130. The guiding component 150 is movably disposed within the second body 120, wherein the guiding component 150 is magnetic and located within the magnetic field range of the first magnetic element 160. The magnetic force applied by the first magnetic element 160 to the guiding assembly 150 changes as the first magnetic element 160 rotates along the axis AX. A portion of the electrical connector 140 passes through and abuts against the guiding assembly 150.

[0012] Further, as shown in FIG3, the hinge 130 includes a main body 131 and a shaft 132 that rotates along the axis AX. The shaft 132 extends from the main body 131, and both are located on the axis AX (or considered coaxial). Here, a first magnetic element 160 is formed on the shaft 132, and the first magnetic element 160 changes its (radial) thickness relative to the axis AX as it rotates radially. FIG4 to FIG6 illustrate different states of the foldable electronic device in partial cross-sectional views, where FIG4 corresponds to the closed state of FIG1, FIG5 corresponds to the unfolded state (at 90 degrees) of FIG2 or FIG3, and FIG6 shows the foldable electronic device 100 in another unfolded state (at 180 degrees). Please refer to FIG4 to FIG6 simultaneously, especially to the change in radial thickness of the first magnetic element 160 as it rotates along the axis AX. When the first body 110 and the second body 120 are closed relative to each other, as shown in Figure 4, the first magnetic component 160 corresponds to the guide assembly 150 at the point with a smaller radial thickness RD1. When the first body 110 and the second body 120 are open relative to each other, as shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6, the first magnetic component 160 corresponds to the guide assembly 150 at the point with a larger radial thickness RD2. Here, for the first magnetic component 160, a larger radial thickness RD1 indicates that it can generate a larger magnetic flux, and vice versa. Therefore, it can be understood that when the first body 110 and the second body 120 are closed relative to each other, the first magnetic component 160 applies a first magnetic force to the guide assembly 150. When the first body 110 and the second body 120 are open relative to each other, the first magnetic component 160 applies a second magnetic force to the guide assembly 150, wherein the first magnetic force is less than the second magnetic force, that is, the magnetic force generated by the first magnetic component 160 at the radial thickness RD2 is greater than the magnetic force generated at the radial thickness RD1.

[0013] Correspondingly, the guide component 150 of this embodiment includes an elastic element 151 and a second magnetic element 152. The elastic element 151 is connected between the second magnetic element 152 and the second body 120, and is opposite to the first magnetic element 160 through the side wall of the second body 120. In this embodiment, the second magnetic element 152 and the first magnetic element 160 are attracted to each other due to their opposite magnetic properties, in response to the change in magnetic force generated by the pivoting of the first magnetic element 160 along axis AX. As can be seen from the changes in Figures 4 to 6, when the first body 110 and the second body 120 are unfolded relative to each other, the first magnetic element 160 applies a second magnetic force to the second magnetic element 152 and deforms the elastic element 151. When the first body 110 and the second body 120 are closed relative to each other, the first magnetic element 160 applies a first magnetic force to the second magnetic element 152 and does not deform the elastic element 151, wherein the first magnetic force is less than the second magnetic force. In other words, the length of the guide assembly 150 when the elastic member 151 is deformed is less than the length of the guide assembly 150 when the elastic member 151 is not deformed.

[0014] As mentioned above, since the electrical connector 140 is considered to have one end fixed to the first body 110 and the other end fixed to the second body 120, the first body 110 and the second body 120 will exert a pulling force on the electrical connector 140 when they are unfolded relative to each other, and the force applied to the electrical connector 140 will increase as the unfolding angle increases. In this embodiment, as the first magnetic element 160 rotates along the same axis AX as the main body 131 of the hinge 130, the magnetic force exerted by the first magnetic element 160 on the guide assembly 150 gradually increases with the aforementioned unfolding angle. This causes the length of the guide assembly 150 to shorten accordingly. That is, while maintaining the electrical connector 140 still resting on the second magnetic element 152, the overall length of the guide assembly 150 is shortened by compressing the elastic element 151. This creates clearance space for the guide assembly 150 to accommodate the electrical connector 140 under stress, preventing the electrical connector 140 from facing pressure from both sides simultaneously and reducing the possibility of continuous deformation of the electrical connector 140. In simple terms, while the guiding component 150 provides clearance space for the electrical connector 140 under the drive of the first magnetic element 160, the electrical connector 140 is still supported by the second magnetic element 152. The deformation of the elastic element 151 under force is equivalent to providing a designated space for the electrical connector 140 to deform, preventing arbitrary deformation of the electrical connector 140. Conversely, when the body transitions from the deployed state to the closed state, the electrical connector 140 is no longer subjected to force due to the body's pulling. At this time, the magnetic force provided by the first magnetic element 160 to the guiding component 150 gradually weakens, allowing the elastic force of the elastic element 151 to reset the second magnetic element 152, thereby driving the electrical connector 140 to reset. In this way, the magnetic forces of the guiding component 150 and the first magnetic element 160 work together to guide and adjust the posture of the electrical connector 140. Here, to facilitate contact between the electrical connector 140 and the second magnetic element 152 and adjust its orientation, the second magnetic element 152 has a dome-shaped outer contour to contact the electrical connector 140. In other embodiments not shown, a roller structure may also be provided next to the second magnetic element 152 to help maintain the orientation of the electrical connector 140.

[0015] In summary, in the above embodiments of the present invention, for the electrical connector in the foldable electronic device, since it partially travels through and structurally abuts against the guide assembly, the guide assembly is positioned within the magnetic field range of the first magnetic component by means of the first magnetic component that pivots coaxially with the axis of the hinge. More importantly, the magnetic force exerted by the first magnetic component on the guide assembly is changed by its rotation process, thereby creating a corresponding linkage between the opening and closing of the device, the electrical connector as the device is pulled by force, and the aforementioned magnetic force.

[0016] Simply put, while the guiding component provides clearance space for the electrical connector under the drive of the first magnetic component, the electrical connector still rests against the second magnetic component. The deformation of the elastic component under force effectively provides the designated space for the electrical connector to deform, thus preventing arbitrary deformation of the electrical connector under force. Conversely, when the body transitions from the deployed state to the closed state, the electrical connector is no longer subjected to force due to the body's pulling. At this time, the magnetic force provided by the first magnetic component to the guiding component gradually weakens, allowing the elastic force of the elastic component to reset the second magnetic component, and simultaneously driving the electrical connector to reset. The combination of the magnetic forces of the guiding component and the first magnetic component can guide and adjust the posture of the electrical connector in response to the deployment or closure of the body.

[0017] In this way, while the electrical connector is being stretched due to the unfolding of the body, the magnetic force applied to the guide assembly by the first magnetic component enables the guide assembly to guide and adjust the posture of the electrical connector within the body, thereby reducing the impact of external forces (the stretching of the electrical connector when the body unfolds) on the electrical connector, thereby improving the durability and service life of the electrical connector. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0018] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device of FIG1 in another state. FIG3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device of FIG2. FIG4 to 6 respectively illustrate different states of the foldable electronic device in partial cross-sectional views.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device with a cable adjustment mechanism, comprising: First body; Second body; A hinge connects the first body and the second body, which rotate relative to each other along an axis to open and close via the hinge; a first magnetic element rotates along the axis with the hinge; a guide assembly movably disposed on the second body, the guide assembly being magnetic and located within the magnetic field range of the first magnetic element, the magnetic force applied to the guide assembly by the first magnetic element changing as the first magnetic element rotates along the axis; and an electrical connector connects the first body and the second body, a portion of the electrical connector passing through and structurally abutting against the guide assembly, the guide assembly being driven by the magnetic force of the first magnetic element during the opening and closing of the first body and the second body to guide and adjust the posture of the electrical connector.

2. The foldable electronic device with a cable adjustment mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guiding assembly includes an elastic element and a second magnetic element, the elastic element being connected between the second magnetic element and the second body, the second magnetic element and the first magnetic element being magnetically opposite to each other and attracting each other.

3. The foldable electronic device with a cable adjustment mechanism as described in claim 2, wherein when the first body and the second body are unfolded relative to each other, the first magnetic element applies a second magnetic force to the second magnetic element and deforms the elastic element, and when the first body and the second body are closed relative to each other, the first magnetic element applies a first magnetic force to the second magnetic element and does not deform the elastic element.

4. A foldable electronic device with a cable adjustment mechanism as described in claim 3, wherein the length of the guide assembly when the elastic element is deformed is less than the length of the guide assembly when the elastic element is not deformed.

5. A folding electronic device with a cable adjustment mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hinge includes a shaft that rotates along the axis, the first magnetic element is formed on the shaft, and the thickness of the first magnetic element relative to the axis changes with radial direction relative to the axis.

6. A foldable electronic device with a cable adjustment mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein when the first body and the second body are closed relative to each other, the first magnetic element aligns with the guide assembly at the smaller part of its thickness, and when the first body and the second body are unfolded relative to each other, the first magnetic element aligns with the guide assembly at the larger part of its thickness.

7. A foldable electronic device with a cable adjustment mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the first body and the second body are closed relative to each other, the first magnetic element applies a first magnetic force to the guide assembly, and when the first body and the second body are unfolded relative to each other, the first magnetic element applies a second magnetic force to the guide assembly, wherein the first magnetic force is less than the second magnetic force.

8. A foldable electronic device with a cable adjustment mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrical connector is a flexible circuit board, one end of the electrical connector is fixed to the first body, and the other end of the electrical connector is fixed to the second body.

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