WO2023280395A1

WO2023280395A1 - Hinge assembly for electronic apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2023280395A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/068803
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juuso Heiskanen
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2021-07-07
Filing date: 2021-07-07
Publication date: 2023-01-12
Also published as: CN117222963A

Abstract

A hinge assembly (1) for an electronic apparatus (2), said hinge assembly (1) comprising: a first hinge structure (3), a second hinge structure (4) configured to pivot relative said first hinge structure (3) around a pivot axis (Al), and an intermediate element (6) arranged between said first hinge structure (3) and said second hinge structure (4). A friction arrangement (10) is arranged between at least two of said first hinge structure (3), said second hinge structure (4), and said intermediate element (6), and configured to generate frictional force between at least one of said first hinge structure (3), said second hinge structure (4), and said intermediate element (6). The friction arrangement (10) comprises a friction module (5) and at least a first arched section (3a) of said first hinge structure (3), at least a second arched section (4a) of said second hinge structure (4), and/or at least a third arched section (6a) of said third hinge structure (6).

Description

HINGE ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRONIC APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a hinge assembly for an electronic apparatus, the hinge assembly comprising a first hinge structure and a second hinge structure configured to pivot relative the first hinge structure around a pivot axis.

BACKGROUND

Portable electronic apparatuses such as laptops usually comprise of two pivotable sections, such as display and keyboard, interconnected by a hinge. One type of suitable hinge is the so-called torque hinge, also known as friction hinge, which provides continual resistance to the pivoting movement, making it possible to easily position e.g. the display securely at any desired angle relative the keyboard.

The friction elements of such a hinge are conventionally aligned with the pivot axis of the hinge. For example, one or several springs may be arranged coaxially and integrated with a hinge axle, the springs being held in place by the axle and used to compress rotating surfaces against each other and, hence, increase friction.

However, the pivot axis of the apparatus may be located outside of the apparatus or the axle may be so small in size that it is not possible to integrate the friction elements with the axle. In such cases, the friction elements have to be arranged off-pivot, i.e., not aligned with the pivot axis. This requires complex solutions which are relatively large and which need additional synchronization for the pivoting movement. Furthermore, the friction elements are often bulky and, hence, a limiting factor in hinge design.

Hence, there is a need for providing an improved hinge assembly that is suitable for portable electronic apparatuses.

SUMMARY

It is an object to provide an improved hinge assembly for an electronic apparatus. The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the figures. According to a first aspect, there is provided a hinge assembly for an electronic apparatus, the hinge assembly comprising a first hinge structure, a second hinge structure configured to pivot relative the first hinge structure around a pivot axis, and an intermediate element arranged between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure. A friction arrangement is arranged between at least two of the first hinge structure, the second hinge structure, and the intermediate element. The friction arrangement is configured to generate frictional force between at least one of the first hinge structure, the second hinge structure, and the intermediate element. The friction arrangement comprises a friction module and at least a first arched section of the first hinge structure, at least a second arched section of the second hinge structure, and/or at least a third arched section of the third hinge structure.

Such a solution allows the friction arrangement of the hinge to be arranged within the hinge arrangement without taking up more space than is already required by the hinge structures and intermediate element. There is no, or little, need for additional interconnecting or synchronizing components. Furthermore, the use of structural elements guarantees a robust and reliable arrangement.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the friction module is configured to generate frictional force onto at least one of the first hinge structure, the second hinge structure, and the intermediate element along at least one transverse axis perpendicular to the pivot axis, allowing the friction module to be arranged within the hinge while still providing sufficient force to hold pivoted hinge structures, and hence the pivoted sections of the electronic apparatus, at the desired angle.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second hinge structure is configured to at least partially extend within the first hinge structure or the first hinge structure is configured to at least partially extend within the second hinge structure, providing additional support as well as facilitating an as small hinge assembly as possible.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, an overlap between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure changes as the second hinge structure pivots relative the first hinge structure, allowing the support provided by the hinge structures to increase as the need for such support increases. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the friction module comprises a spring element configured to apply force onto at least one of the first hinge structure, the second hinge structure, and the intermediate element along the transverse axis, facilitating a simple, reliable, and easily adjustable solution.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, at least one of the friction module and the intermediate element are configured to pivot when one of the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure pivots around the pivot axis, allowing the friction module to be used also in apparatuses where the the pivot axis extends within the electronic apparatus.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, a pivot speed and/or pivot distance of the friction module and/or the intermediate element is less than a pivot speed and/or pivot distance of the first hinge structure and/or the second hinge structure, around the pivot axis, allowing the hinge assembly to be as small as possible while still facilitating an as large pivoting movement as possible.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the pivot speed and/or the pivot distance of the friction module and/or the intermediate element is half of the pivot speed and/or the pivot distance of the first hinge structure and/or the second hinge structure, allowing the hinge assembly generate a pivoting movement roughly twice its size.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first arched section has a first diameter and the second arched section has a second diameter, the first arched section and the second arched section being arranged such that one of the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure slides at least partially into, or out from, the other of the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure as the second hinge structure pivots relative the first hinge structure, providing additional support as well as facilitating an as small hinge assembly as possible.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the pivot axis may be a center axis of the first arched section and the second arched section, allowing the pivot axis to extend within the electronic apparatus. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the friction module comprises at least one friction element, allowing the friction module to be easily adjustable to specific hinge configurations.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the friction element(s) is/are arranged coaxially with the spring element along the transverse axis, facilitating a solution which takes up very little space.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the intermediate element is a gear wheel configured to mesh with a first gear element of the first hinge structure and a second gear element of the second hinge structure. This allows for a hinge assembly with built-in synchronization and additional stability.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the gear wheel is configured to rotate around a rotation axis coaxial with the friction module, facilitating an as small hinge assembly as possible.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the gear wheel, the first gear element, and the second gear element together form a differential gear train, a center axis of the first gear element extending parallel with a center axis of the second gear element, allowing movement to be synchronized yet at the same time individually configured.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the intermediate element is a bracket element configured to engage the friction module and at least one of the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure, facilitating a simplified hinge assembly with fewer moving parts.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the bracket element is at least partially arranged between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure, the friction module being arranged between the bracket element and one of the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure, such that as few friction module specific components as possible are required. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the bracket element is held in place, relative one of the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure, by the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure, such that no additional components are required.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a foldable electronic apparatus comprising a first housing section, a second housing section, and at least one hinge assembly according to the above pivotally interconnecting the first housing section and the second housing section, one of the first housing section and the second housing section being configured to interconnect with the first hinge structure of the hinge assembly, and the other of the first housing section and the second housing section being configured to at least partially accommodate the second hinge structure of the hinge assembly, the second housing section pivoting relative the first housing section around the pivot axis as the second hinge structure pivots relative the first hinge structure.

In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the foldable electronic apparatus further comprises a spine element configured to extend along adjacent long sides of the first housing section and the second housing section and to enclose the hinge assembly, the spine providing both support and protection for the hinge assembly.

In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, there is a maximum overlap between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure when the electronic apparatus is in an unfolded position, and wherein there is a minimum overlap between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure when the electronic apparatus is in a folded position, such that the hinge structures allow the apparatus to be maintained in a stable position when in the unfolded position, while allowing the apparatus to be folded to a configuration where the housing sections of the apparatus extend in abutment and in parallel. In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the foldable electronic apparatus further comprises a display extending across one face of the first housing section and one face of the second housing section, the faces extending in one common plane when the electronic apparatus is in the unfolded position, and the display being enclosed by the first housing section and the second housing section when the electronic apparatus is in a folded position, facilitating an apparatus with a large display, which display is fully protected when not in use.

These and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiment s) described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the aspects, embodiments, and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an electronic apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 2 shows a partial, perspective view of a hinge assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of a part of a hinge assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 4a shows a partial, cross-sectional side view of an electronic apparatus and a hinge assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, with the electronic apparatus being in an unfolded position;

Fig. 4b shows the example of Fig. 4a, with the electronic apparatus being in a folded position;

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of a hinge assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 6a shows a partial perspective view of an electronic apparatus and a hinge assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure; Fig. 6b shows a partial perspective view of an electronic apparatus and a hinge assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 7a shows a partial perspective view of an electronic apparatus and a hinge assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 7b shows an exploded view of the example of Fig. 7a;

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of a hinge assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 9 shows a partial, cross-sectional side view of an electronic apparatus and a hinge assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, with the electronic apparatus being in a folded position;

Fig. 10a shows a partial, cross-sectional side view of an electronic apparatus and a hinge assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, with the electronic apparatus being in a folded position;

Fig. 10b shows the example of Fig. 10a, with the electronic apparatus being in an unfolded position;

Fig. 11a shows a partial perspective view of a hinge assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 1 lb shows an exploded view of the example of Fig. 11a;

Fig. 11c shows a cross-sectional side view of the example of Figs. 11a and 1 lb.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 illustrates a foldable electronic apparatus 2 comprising a first housing section 7, a second housing section 8, and at least one hinge assembly 1 pivotally interconnecting the first housing section 7 and the second housing section 8. The hinge assembly 1 comprises first hinge structure 3 and a second hinge structure 4 which are described in more detail further below. Figs. 2 and 4a to 11c show examples of a hinge assembly 1 for an electronic apparatus 2. The hinge assembly 1 comprises a first hinge structure 3, a second hinge structure 4 configured to pivot relative the first hinge structure 3 around a pivot axis Al, and an intermediate element 6 arranged between the first hinge structure 3 and the second hinge structure 4. A friction arrangement 10 is arranged between at least two of the first hinge structure 3, the second hinge structure 4, and the intermediate element 6, the friction arrangement 10 being configured to generate frictional force between at least one of the first hinge structure 3, the second hinge structure 4, and the intermediate element 6. The friction arrangement 10 comprises a friction module 5 and at least a first arched section 3a of the first hinge structure 3, at least a second arched section 4a of the second hinge structure 4, and/or at least a third arched section 6a of the third hinge structure 6.

One of the first housing section 7 and the second housing section 8 of the electronic apparatus 2 is configured to interconnect with the first hinge structure 3 of the hinge assembly 1. The other of the first housing section 7 and the second housing section 8 is configured to at least partially accommodate the second hinge structure 4. For example, Figs. 4a and 4b show the first housing section 7 being connected to the first hinge structure 3, and the second housing section 8 being connected to the second hinge structure 4. The second hinge structure 4 is, in this example, recessed into the second housing structure 8. This is, however, not necessary.

The second housing section 8 is configured to pivot relative the first housing section 7, around the pivot axis Al, as the second hinge structure 4 pivots relative the first hinge structure 3, as suggested in Figs. 4a and 4b as well as 10a and 10b.

The foldable electronic apparatus 2 may be configured such that there is a maximum overlap between the first hinge structure 3 and the second hinge structure 4 when the electronic apparatus is in an unfolded position PI, as shown in Figs. 4a and 10b, and wherein there is a minimum overlap between the first hinge structure 3 and the second hinge structure 4 when the electronic apparatus 2 is in a folded position P2, as shown in Figs. 4b and 10a.

The foldable electronic apparatus 2 may further comprise a display extending across one face of the first housing section 7 and one face of the second housing section 8, the faces extending in one common plane when the electronic apparatus is in the unfolded position PI, and the display being enclosed by the first housing section 7 and the second housing section 8 when the electronic apparatus is in a folded position P2.

As shown in Figs. 7a, 7b, 9, and 1 lb, the foldable electronic apparatus 2 may further comprise a spine element 9 configured to extend along adjacent long sides of the first housing section 7 and the second housing section 8 and to enclose the hinge assembly 1.

The hinge assembly 1 comprises a first hinge structure 3 and a second hinge structure 4 configured to pivot relative the first hinge structure 3 around a pivot axis Al. The second hinge structure 4 may be configured to at least partially extend within the first hinge structure 3 or, oppositely, the first hinge structure 3 may be configured to at least partially extend within the second hinge structure 4, as shown in Fig. 4a. The overlap between the first hinge structure 3 and the second hinge structure 4 changes as the second hinge structure 4 pivots relative the first hinge structure 3.

An intermediate element 6 is arranged between the first hinge structure 3 and the second hinge structure 4.

The friction arrangement 10 is arranged between at least two of the first hinge structure 3, the second hinge structure 4, and the intermediate element 6, i.e., between the first hinge structure

3 and the second hinge structure 4, between the first hinge structure 3 and the intermediate element 6, or between the second hinge structure 4 and the intermediate element 6. The friction arrangement 10 is configured to generate frictional force between at least one of the first hinge structure 3, the second hinge structure 4, and the intermediate element 6.

The friction arrangement 10 comprises a friction module 5 and at least a first arched section 3a of the first hinge structure 3, at least a second arched section 4a of the second hinge structure 4, and/or at least a third arched section 6a of the third hinge structure 6.

The first arched section 3a may have a first diameter D1 and the second arched section 4a a second diameter D2, as shown in Fig. 4a. The first arched section 3a and the second arched section 4a are arranged such that one of the first hinge structure 3 and the second hinge structure

4 slides at least partially into, or out from, the other of the first hinge structure 3 and the second hinge structure 4 as the second hinge structure 4 pivots relative the first hinge structure 3. The pivot axis A1 may be a center axis of the first arched section 3 a and the second arched section 4a.

The friction module 5 may be configured to generate frictional force onto at least one of the first hinge structure 3, the second hinge structure 4, and the intermediate element 6 along at least one transverse axis A2 perpendicular to the pivot axis Al, as illustrated in Figs. 4b, 5, and 9 to 11c.

At least one of the friction module 5 and the intermediate element 6 may be configured to pivot when one of the first hinge structure 3 and the second hinge structure 4 pivots around the pivot axis Al. The pivot speed and/or pivot distance of the friction module 5 and/or the intermediate element 6 may be less than the corresponding pivot speed and/or pivot distance of the first hinge structure 3 and/or the second hinge structure 4, around the pivot axis Al . The pivot speed and/or the pivot distance of the friction module 5 and/or the intermediate element 6 is half of the pivot speed and/or the pivot distance of the first hinge structure 3 and/or the second hinge structure 4.

The friction module 5 may comprise a spring element 5a configured to apply force onto at least one of the first hinge structure 3, the second hinge structure 4, and the intermediate element 6 along the transverse axis A2.

The friction module 5 may also comprise at least one friction element 5b. The friction element(s) 5b may be arranged coaxially with the spring element 5a along the transverse axis A2, as shown in for example Fig. 3.

The intermediate element 6 may be a gear wheel 6c configured to mesh with a first gear element 3b of the first hinge structure 3 and a second gear element 4b of the second hinge structure 4, as shown in Figs. 2 to 5. The gear wheel 6c, the first gear element 3b, and the second gear element 4b may together form a differential gear train, a center axis of the first gear element 3b extending parallel with a center axis of the second gear element 4b.

The gear wheel 6c may be configured to rotate around a rotation axis A3 coaxial with the center axis of the friction module 5. The intermediate element 6 may be a bracket element 6b configured to engage the friction module 5 and at least one of the first hinge structure 3 and the second hinge structure 4, as shown in Figs. 7a to 11c. The bracket element 6b may be at least partially arranged between the first hinge structure 3 and the second hinge structure 4, the friction module 5 being arranged between the bracket element 6b and one of the first hinge structure 3 and the second hinge structure 4.

The bracket element 6b may be held in place, relative one of the first hinge structure 3 and the second hinge structure 4, by the first hinge structure 3 and the second hinge structure 4 themselves.

The various aspects and implementations have been described in conjunction with various embodiments herein. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject-matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

The reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this disclosure. As used in the description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly (1) for an electronic apparatus (2), said hinge assembly (1) comprising:

-a first hinge structure (3);

-a second hinge structure (4) configured to pivot relative said first hinge structure (3) around a pivot axis (Al);

-an intermediate element (6) arranged between said first hinge structure (3) and said second hinge structure (4); and

-a friction arrangement (10) arranged between at least two of said first hinge structure (3), said second hinge structure (4), and said intermediate element (6), said friction arrangement (10) being configured to generate frictional force between at least one of said first hinge structure (3), said second hinge structure (4), and said intermediate element (6), said friction arrangement (10) comprising a friction module (5) and at least a first arched section (3a) of said first hinge structure (3), at least a second arched section (4a) of said second hinge structure (4), and/or at least a third arched section (6a) of said third hinge structure (6).

2. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein said friction module (5) is configured to generate frictional force onto at least one of said first hinge structure (3), said second hinge structure (4), and said intermediate element (6) along at least one transverse axis (A2) perpendicular to said pivot axis (Al).

3. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said second hinge structure (4) is configured to at least partially extend within said first hinge structure (3) or said first hinge structure (3) is configured to at least partially extend within said second hinge structure (4).

4. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said friction module (5) comprises a spring element (5a) configured to apply force onto at least one of said first hinge structure (3), said second hinge structure (4), and said intermediate element (6) along said transverse axis (A2).

5. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one of said friction module (5) and said intermediate element (6) are configured to pivot when one of said first hinge structure (3) and said second hinge structure (4) pivots around said pivot axis (Al).

6. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein a pivot speed and/or pivot distance of said friction module (5) and/or said intermediate element (6) is less than a pivot speed and/or pivot distance of said first hinge structure (3) and/or said second hinge structure (4), around said pivot axis (Al).

7. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said first arched section (3a) has a first diameter (Dl) and said second arched section (4a) has a second diameter (D2), said first arched section (3a) and said second arched section (4a) being arranged such that one of said first hinge structure (3) and said second hinge structure (4) slides at least partially into, or out from, the other of said first hinge structure (3) and said second hinge structure (4) as said second hinge structure (4) pivots relative said first hinge structure (3).

8. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said friction module (5) comprises at least one friction element (5b).

9. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein said friction element(s) (5b) is/are arranged coaxially with said spring element (5a) along said transverse axis (A2).

10. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said intermediate element (6) is a gear wheel (6c) configured to mesh with a first gear element (3b) of said first hinge structure (3) and a second gear element (4b) of said second hinge structure (4).

11. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said intermediate element (6) is a bracket element (6b) configured to engage said friction module (5) and at least one of said first hinge structure (3) and said second hinge structure (4).

12. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein said bracket element (6b) is at least partially arranged between said first hinge structure (3) and said second hinge structure (4), said friction module (5) being arranged between said bracket element (6b) and one of said first hinge structure (3) and said second hinge structure (4).

13. A foldable electronic apparatus (2) comprising a first housing section (7), a second housing section (8), and at least one hinge assembly (1) according to claims 1 to 12 pivotally interconnecting said first housing section (7) and said second housing section (8), one of said first housing section (7) and said second housing section (8) being configured to interconnect with the first hinge structure (3) of said hinge assembly (1), and the other of said first housing section (7) and said second housing section (8) being configured to at least partially accommodate the second hinge structure (4) of said hinge assembly (1), said second housing section (8) pivoting relative said first housing section (7) around the pivot axis (Al) as said second hinge structure (4) pivots relative said first hinge structure (3).

14. The foldable electronic apparatus (2) according to claim 13, further comprising a spine element (9) configured to extend along adjacent long sides of said first housing section (7) and said second housing section (8) and to enclose said hinge assembly (1).

15. The foldable electronic apparatus (2) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein there is a maximum overlap between said first hinge structure (3) and said second hinge structure (4) when said electronic apparatus is in an unfolded position (PI), and wherein there is a minimum overlap between said first hinge structure (3) and said second hinge structure (4) when said electronic apparatus (2) is in a folded position (P2).