hub

Abstract

A pivot includes a base, a first shaft disposed on the base, a second helical gear disposed on the base and meshing with the first helical gear, and a second shaft disposed on the base and interposed with the first shaft. The first shaft has a first helical gear, the second shaft has a third helical gear meshing with the second helical gear, a transmission member selectively engaging the third helical gear, and an elastic member connecting the transmission member, the elastic member assisting the transmission member in engaging the third helical gear. The pivot has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the first shaft rotates and drives the third helical gear, and the third helical gear idles in place. In the second state, the third helical gear engages with the transmission member, and the first shaft and the second shaft move in tandem.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hub, and more particularly to a hub applicable to curved screens. Prior Technology

[0002] Note that existing hinges are widely used in computer devices, commonly found in laptops, foldable displays, and other similar devices. These hinges are typically designed to provide screen rotation functionality, allowing users to adjust the angle for different usage scenarios.

[0003] However, since most traditional pivot mechanisms use a two-axis parallel structure, their rotation cannot meet the curved screen effect required when the screen of a new notebook computer is unfolded. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a pivot mechanism that can adapt to curved screens to meet the curved display requirements of future notebook computers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to solve the problem that conventional pivots cannot be effectively applied to curved screens.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a pivot comprising a base, a first shaft disposed on the base, a second helical gear disposed on the base and meshing with the first helical gear, and a second shaft disposed on the base and interposed with the first shaft. The first shaft has a first helical gear, the second shaft has a third helical gear meshing with the second helical gear, a transmission member selectively engaging the third helical gear, and an elastic member connecting the transmission member, the elastic member assisting the transmission member in engaging with the third helical gear. The pivot has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the first shaft rotates and drives the third helical gear, and the third helical gear is not engaged with the transmission member and rotates relative to the second shaft. In the second state, the third helical gear engages with the transmission member, and the first shaft and the second shaft move in tandem. The pivot switches between the first state and the second state during continuous rotation of the first shaft.

[0006] In one embodiment, the third helical gear has a first engagement structure, and the transmission member has a second engagement structure corresponding to the first engagement structure.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first joining structure has a first groove, and the second joining structure is a first protrusion corresponding to the first groove, wherein the inner wall of the first groove is a slope.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second shaft has at least one first plane, and the transmission member has at least one pair of second planes that should be disposed on at least one first plane, wherein the first plane restricts the rotation of the transmission member relative to the second shaft when it contacts the second plane.

[0009] In one embodiment, the base has a first shaft hole for providing the first shaft configuration and a second shaft hole for providing the second shaft configuration, wherein the axis of the first shaft hole and the axis of the second shaft hole are not located on the same plane.

[0010] In one embodiment, the transmission member has a stop block facing the base, the base has a second groove disposed opposite the stop block, and a second protrusion is formed on one side of the second groove.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first shaft has a first stop block, and the base has a second stop block corresponding to the first stop block and used to limit the range of motion of the first shaft.

[0012] In one embodiment, the third helical gear has a third stop block, and the second shaft has a fourth stop block that is configured corresponding to the third stop block and restricts the range of motion of the second shaft.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first shaft is provided with a first torque group, and the second shaft is provided with a second torque group.

[0014] Through the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention, compared with conventional methods, it has the following characteristics: The pivot of the present invention, through the staggered arrangement of the first axis and the second axis, allows the second axis to drive an electronic device in a different rotational direction than the first axis during the opening of the pivot along the first axis, achieving a curved screen effect. Furthermore, after the pivot is opened to a predetermined angle, the second axis and the first axis move in tandem, causing the curved screen effect to gradually appear during the opening of the electronic device. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2, a structural exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention (I). Figure 3, a structural exploded view (II) of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the first state structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the second state structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram (a) of an embodiment of the present invention incorporating an electronic device. Figure 7, a schematic diagram (II) of an embodiment of the present invention incorporating an electronic device. Implementation

[0016] The detailed description and technical content of this invention are as follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0017] Referring to Figures 1 to 7, the present invention provides a pivot 20, which is applied in an electronic device 40. The electronic device 40 may be a laptop, a tablet computer, or a mobile phone, etc., and is not limited thereto in this embodiment. The pivot 20 includes a base 21, a first shaft 22 disposed on the base 21, a second helical gear 23 disposed on the base 21, and a second shaft 24 disposed on the base 21 and interposed with the first shaft 22. The base 21 serves as the support for the first shaft 22, the second helical gear 23, and the second shaft 24. The first shaft 22 is provided with a first helical gear 221, which meshes with the second helical gear 23 when the second helical gear 23 is disposed on the base 21. It should be understood that the first helical gear 221 may be a structure formed by the first shaft 22, or it may be a single component additionally fitted onto the first shaft 22. Furthermore, the rack helical directions of the first helical gear 221 and the second helical gear 23 are the same, so that when the first helical gear 221 and the second helical gear 23 are arranged in a non-parallel and interlaced manner on the base 21, they can be engaged with each other.

[0018] Continuing from above, the second shaft 24 is provided with a third helical gear 241 that meshes with the second helical gear 23, a transmission member 242 that selectively engages the third helical gear 241, and an elastic member 243 that connects to the transmission member 242. The second helical gear 23 and the third helical gear 241 are arranged parallel to each other, and the third helical gear 241 is rotated by the transmission of the second helical gear 23. The rack helical directions of the second helical gear 23 and the third helical gear 241 are opposite to each other, thereby enabling the second helical gear 23 and the third helical gear 241 to mesh after assembly. In addition, when the first shaft 22 of the present invention rotates, the second helical gear 23 can act as an idler gear between the first helical gear 221 and the third helical gear 241, that is, the arrangement of the second helical gear 23 can determine the relative rotation direction between the first helical gear 221 and the third helical gear 241.

[0019] Continuing the explanation, the elastic element 243 assists the transmission element 242 in engaging with the third helical gear 241. That is, after the transmission element 242 and the elastic element 243 are assembled, the elastic element 243 can apply a force to the transmission element 242 towards the third helical gear 241. Furthermore, when the third helical gear 241 rotates to a certain angle, the transmission element 242 can engage with the third helical gear 241. In addition, when the transmission element 242 is positioned on the second shaft 24, it does not rotate relative to the second shaft 24. During the continuous rotation of the third helical gear 241, the third helical gear 241 can form one of two states with the transmission element 242: linked or not linked. Specifically, when the third helical gear 241 is linked with the transmission element 242, the third helical gear 241 drives the transmission element 242 and the second shaft 24 to rotate. Conversely, when the third helical gear 241 is not linked to the transmission member 242, the third helical gear 241 will not be linked to the transmission member 242 and will rotate relative to the second shaft. In other words, when the transmission member 242 and the third helical gear 241 are not linked, the rotation of the third helical gear 241 will not cause the electronic device 40 to flip.

[0020] Furthermore, the pivot 20 of the present invention has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the first shaft 22 rotates and drives the third helical gear 241, and the third helical gear 241 is not connected to the transmission member 242 and rotates in place. At this time, the second shaft 24 does not rotate with the third helical gear 241. In the second state, the third helical gear 241 engages with the transmission member 242, and the first shaft 22 and the second shaft 24 move together. That is, in the first state, the third helical gear 241 is separated from the transmission member 242, and the second shaft 24 does not rotate with the third helical gear 241. Conversely, when the pivot 20 enters the second state, the third helical gear 241 engages with the transmission member 242, and the second shaft 24 rotates with the third helical gear 241. Furthermore, the pivot 20 switches between the first state and the second state during the continuous rotation of the first axis 22.

[0021] As described above, the pivot 20 of the present invention, through the staggered arrangement of the first axis 22 and the second axis 24, allows the second axis 24 to drive the electronic device 40 to achieve a curved screen effect during the opening of the pivot 20 with the first axis 22, while the second axis 24 rotates in a different direction than the first axis 22. On the other hand, after the pivot 20 is opened to a predetermined angle, the second axis 24 and the first axis 22 move in tandem, causing the curved screen effect to gradually appear during the opening of the electronic device 40. For example, the first axis 22 of the pivot 20 is connected to a first part 41 of the electronic device 40, and the second axis 24 is connected to a second part 42 of the electronic device 40. When the pivot 20 is closed, the first part 41 and the second part 42 are in contact with each other. In Figure 6, during the unfolding of the electronic device 40, the first axis 22 continuously rotates, while the second axis 24 drives the second part 42 to rotate. As shown in Figure 7, when the electronic device 40 is opened to a predetermined angle, the second axis 24 rotates with the first axis 22, and the second part 42 of the electronic device 40 gradually forms a curved screen effect as the second axis 24 twists. It is worth noting that the second part 42 is provided with at least one hinge 50, and the at least one hinge 50 can assist the second part 42 in bending.

[0022] Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, in one embodiment, the third helical gear 241 has a first engagement structure 244. The transmission member 242 has a second engagement structure 245 corresponding to the first engagement structure 244. Thus, when the third helical gear 241 rotates, the first engagement structure 244 and the second engagement structure 245 engage with each other, causing the third helical gear 241 and the transmission member 242 to rotate synchronously. In another embodiment, the first engagement structure 244 has a first groove 246, and the second engagement structure 245 is a first protrusion 247 corresponding to the first groove 246. When the third helical gear 241 engages with the transmission member 242, the first protrusion 247 extends into the first groove 246, and the force of the third helical gear 241 rotating is transmitted to the first protrusion 247 through the first groove 246, allowing the transmission member 242 to move synchronously with the third helical gear 241. Furthermore, the inner wall of the first groove 246 is an inclined surface. When the third helical gear 241 separates from the transmission member 242, the inner wall of the first groove 246 will push the first protrusion 247, further causing the first protrusion 247 to slide along the inclined surface of the inner wall of the first groove 246 and separate from the first groove 246.

[0023] Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, in one embodiment, the transmission member 242 has a stop block 248 facing the base 21, and the base 21 has a second groove 213 disposed opposite the stop block 248, with a second protrusion 214 formed on one side of the second groove 213. When the pivot 20 is to achieve the second state, the third helical gear 241 engages with the transmission member 242, and the stop block 248 will separate from the second groove 213 and abut against the base 21, so that the transmission member 242 does not disengage from the third helical gear 241 when subjected to vibration. When the pivot 20 is about to reach the first state, the abutment block 248 abuts against the second protrusion 214, and when the pivot 20 continues to close, the second protrusion 214 restricts the relative rotation of the transmission member 242 relative to the base 21, and further causes the abutment block 248 to enter the second groove 213 by pushing the first protrusion 247 and the first groove 246 against each other.

[0024] Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, in one embodiment, the second shaft 24 has at least one first plane 249, and the transmission member 242 has at least one pair of second planes 250 that should be disposed on the at least one first plane 249. When the transmission member 242 is assembled to the second shaft 24, the at least one second plane 250 of the transmission member 242 can slide on the at least one first plane 249 of the second shaft 24. And when the at least one first plane 249 is in contact with the at least one second plane 250, it restricts the rotation of the transmission member 242 relative to the second shaft 24.

[0025] Referring again to Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment, the base 21 has a first shaft hole 211 for arranging the first shaft 22 and a second shaft hole 212 for arranging the second shaft 24. The axis of the first shaft hole 211 and the axis of the second shaft hole 212 are not located on the same plane. That is, when the first shaft 22 and the second shaft 24 are assembled on the base 21, the first shaft 22 and the second shaft 24 are mutually misaligned, and the projection range of the first shaft 22 onto the second shaft 24 is intersecting with that of the second shaft 24.

[0026] Referring again to Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment, the first shaft 22 has a first stop block 222, and the base 21 has a second stop block 215 corresponding to the first stop block 222 and used to limit the range of motion of the first shaft 22, thereby limiting the opening angle of the pivot 20. On the other hand, the third helical gear 241 has a third stop block 251, and the second shaft 24 has a fourth stop block 252 corresponding to the third stop block 251 and used to limit the range of motion of the second shaft 24, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the third helical gear 241 relative to the transmission member 242.

[0027] Referring again to Figures 1 to 5, in one embodiment, the first shaft 22 is provided with a first torque group 223, and the second shaft 24 is provided with a second torque group 253. The first torque group 223 and the second torque group 253 are each composed of a plurality of torque plates. The first torque group 223 determines the rotational torque of the first shaft 22, and the second torque group 253 determines the rotational torque of the second shaft 24.

[0028] 20: Hub 21: Base 211: First shaft hole 212: Second shaft hole 213: Second groove 214: Second bump 215: Second stop block 22: First Axis 221: First helical gear 222: First stop block 223: First Torque Group 23: Second helical gear 24: Second Axis 241: Third helical gear 242: Transmission components 243: Elastic component 244: First joint structure 245: Second joint structure 246: First Groove 247: First bump 248: Top Block 249: First plane 250: Second plane 251: Third stop block 252: Fourth stop block 253: Second Torque Group 40: Electronic devices 41: Part One 42: Part Two 50: Hinges

Claims

1. A pivot assembly, comprising: a base having a second groove, one side of which is formed with a second protrusion; a first shaft disposed on the base, the first shaft having a first helical gear; a second helical gear disposed on the base and meshing with the first helical gear; and a second shaft disposed on the base and interposed with the first shaft, the second shaft having a third helical gear meshing with the second helical gear; a transmission member selectively engaging the third helical gear; and an elastic member connecting the transmission member, the third helical gear having a first engagement structure; the transmission member having a stop block facing the base and opposite the second groove, and a second engagement structure corresponding to the first engagement structure; the first engagement structure having a first groove; the second engagement structure being a first protrusion corresponding to the first groove; the inner wall of the first groove being inclined; and the elastic member assisting the transmission member in engaging with the third helical gear; wherein... The pivot has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the first shaft rotates and drives the third helical gear, which is not engaged with the transmission member and rotates relative to the second shaft. In the second state, the third helical gear engages with the transmission member, and the first shaft and the second shaft move together. The pivot switches between the first state and the second state as the first shaft continues to rotate. When the pivot wants to achieve the first state, the abutment block abuts against the second protrusion. When the pivot continues to close, the second protrusion restricts the relative rotation of the transmission member relative to the base. Furthermore, the first protrusion and the first groove push against each other, causing the abutment block to enter the second groove.

2. The hub as described in claim 1, wherein, The second shaft has at least one first plane, and the transmission member has at least one pair of second planes that should be disposed on at least one first plane. When the first plane contacts the second plane, the transmission member is restricted from rotating relative to the second shaft.

3. The hub as described in claim 1, wherein, The base has a first shaft hole for providing the first shaft configuration and a second shaft hole for providing the second shaft configuration, wherein the axis of the first shaft hole and the axis of the second shaft hole are not located on the same plane.

4. The hub as described in claim 1, wherein, The first shaft has a first stop block, and the base has a second stop block corresponding to the first stop block and used to limit the range of motion of the first shaft.

5. The hub as described in claim 1, wherein, The third helical gear has a third stop block, and the second shaft has a fourth stop block that corresponds to the third stop block and limits the range of motion of the second shaft.

6. The hub as described in claim 1, wherein, The first shaft is provided with a first torque group, and the second shaft is provided with a second torque group.

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