CN110792686B - Pivot structure and electronic device with same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a pivot structure and an electronic device with the pivot structure. The first limiting device has a first circumferential portion and a second circumferential portion, the intermediate limiting device has a first recess and an abutment portion, and the second limiting device has a second recess and an outer peripheral portion. When the first circumferential portion of the first limiting means abuts the first recessed portion of the intermediate limiting means, the abutting portion of the intermediate limiting means abuts the outer edge portion of the second limiting means; when the second circumferential portion of the first restraining device abuts the first recessed portion of the intermediate restraining device, the abutment portion of the intermediate restraining device abuts the second recessed portion of the second restraining device.

Description

Pivot structure and electronic device with same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a hinge structure and an electronic device having the same, and more particularly, to a hinge structure for use in a foldable electronic device.

Background

In the electronic devices (such as notebook computers, mobile phones, etc.), the demands of consumers for slimness and thinness of the mechanism are increasing, so that most of the electronic products have thinner bodies. However, the thinner and thinner mechanism will sacrifice the heat dissipation space, thereby negatively affecting the heat dissipation and cooling of the electronic device.

Disclosure of Invention

An embodiment of the present invention provides a pivot structure, which includes a first transmission device, an intermediate transmission device, a second transmission device, a driving shaft, a first limiting device, an intermediate limiting device, and a second limiting device. The intermediate transmission is engaged with the first transmission. The second transmission is engaged with the intermediate transmission. The driving shaft penetrates through the first transmission device. The first limiting device is arranged on the driving shaft and is provided with a first circumferential part and a second circumferential part. The middle limiting device is provided with a first concave part and an abutting part, wherein the first concave part faces the first limiting device, and the abutting part is positioned on the opposite side of the first concave part. The second limiting device is abutted against the middle limiting device and is provided with a second concave part and an outer edge part. Wherein when the first circumferential portion of the first restraining device abuts the first recessed portion of the intermediate restraining device, the abutting portion of the intermediate restraining device abuts the outer edge portion of the second restraining device; when the second circumferential portion of the first restraining device abuts the first recessed portion of the intermediate restraining device, the abutment portion of the intermediate restraining device abuts the second recessed portion of the second restraining device.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a pivot structure, which includes a first transmission device, an intermediate transmission device, a second transmission device, and a driven shaft. The intermediate transmission is engaged with the first transmission. The second transmission device is detachably connected with the intermediate transmission device. The driven shaft penetrates through the second transmission device and rotates along with the rotation of the second transmission device. When the distance between the center of the convex column and the axle center of the driven shaft is smaller than the first distance, the convex column is arranged in the groove, and the second transmission device rotates along with the rotation of the intermediate transmission device.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device, including: a lower housing, a pivot structure, and an upper housing. The pivot structure is connected with the lower shell. And an upper case coupled to the pivot structure to rotate between a maximum angle and a minimum angle with respect to the lower case.

Drawings

In order to make the aforementioned and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention comprehensible, preferred embodiments accompanied with figures are described in detail below.

Fig. 1A is an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1B is a partially enlarged view of fig. 1A.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the hub structure of fig. 1A.

Fig. 2B is an exploded view of the pivot structure of fig. 2A.

Fig. 3A-3B are partial component schematic views of the pivot structure of fig. 2A.

Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the pivot structure of fig. 2A in a state.

Fig. 4B-4C are partial component schematic views of the pivot structure of fig. 4A.

Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the pivot structure of fig. 2A in another state.

Fig. 5B-5C are partial component schematic views of the pivot structure of fig. 5A.

Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the pivot structure of fig. 2A in another state.

Fig. 6B-6D are partial component schematic views of the pivot structure of fig. 6A.

Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the pivot structure of fig. 2A in another state.

Fig. 7B-7C are partial component schematic views of the pivot structure of fig. 7A.

Fig. 8A and 8B are a perspective view and an exploded view of a pivot structure according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8C is a partial component schematic view of the pivot structure of fig. 8A.

Fig. 9A is a perspective view of the pivot structure of fig. 8A in another state.

Fig. 9B is a partial component schematic view of the pivot structure of fig. 9A.

Fig. 10A is a perspective view of the pivot structure of fig. 8A in another state.

Fig. 10B is a partial component schematic view of the pivot structure of fig. 10A.

Fig. 11A is a perspective view of the pivot structure of fig. 8A in another state.

Fig. 11B is a partial component schematic view of the pivot structure of fig. 11A.

Fig. 12A is a perspective view of the pivot structure of fig. 8A in another state.

Fig. 12B is a partial component schematic view of the pivot structure of fig. 12A.

Fig. 13A is a perspective view of a pivot structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13B is a partial component schematic view of the pivot structure of fig. 13A.

Wherein the reference numerals are as follows:

1 electronic device

10 Upper shell

20 lower casing

20a upper cover plate

20b lower cover plate

100. 200, 200' pivot structure

112. 114, 212, 214 locking device

120. 220 lifting mechanism

130 first support

130a, 130b, 130c, 143, 145, 147, 150a, 150b, 150c, 170a, 170b, 196a, 262a aperture

140 limiting mechanism

142 first limiting device

142a first circumferential portion

142b second circumferential portion

144 intermediate limiting device

144a first recess

144b abutting part

146 second limiting device

146a second recess

146b outer edge portion

150 second support

152. 252 body

154. 192b, 254 projection

160. 260 transmission mechanism

162. 262 first transmission device

162a circular hole

164. 264 intermediate transmission device

164a, 164b, 164c drive gear

166. 266, 266' second transmission

166a non-circular hole

170 third support

180. 280 fixing device

192. 292 driving shaft

192a non-circular portion

194 driven shaft

194a non-circular portion

196. 296 connecting plate

250. 270 support

264a, 266 a' wheel portions

264b convex column

264c gear part

266b, 266 b' shaft portion (driven shaft)

266c, 266c groove

Distances D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, R1, R2, R3 and R4

G pitch

S region

Theta 1, theta 2, theta 3 and theta 4

Detailed Description

The pivot structure of the embodiment of the present invention is explained below. It should be appreciated, however, that the present embodiments provide many suitable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments disclosed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not delimit the scope of the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

The foregoing and other technical and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. Directional terms as referred to in the following examples, for example: up, down, left, right, front or rear, etc., are simply directions with reference to the drawings. Accordingly, the directional terminology used is intended to be illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

First, please refer to fig. 1A and 1B. Fig. 1A shows an electronic device 1 having an upper case 10, a lower case 20, and a pivot structure 100, wherein the electronic device 1 is a foldable electronic device such as a notebook computer or a mobile phone. The pivot structure 100 is provided in the upper case 10 and the lower case 20, and the upper case 10 can be opened or closed with respect to the lower case 20 by the pivot structure 100. Fig. 1B is an enlarged view of a region S in fig. 1A, in which the lower case 20 has an upper cover plate 20a facing the upper case 10, and a lower cover plate 20B opposite to the upper cover plate 20 a. The upper cover 20a and/or the lower cover 20b are not completely fixed, but can be opened and closed in the up/down direction of the lower case 20, respectively (described in detail later). Although only one pivot structure 100 is shown in fig. 1A, it is only illustrative and the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, another pivot structure mirrored from the pivot structure 100 may be disposed on the opposite side of the electronic device 1, depending on the design requirements.

Referring to fig. 2A and fig. 2B together, fig. 2A is a perspective view of the pivot structure 100, and fig. 2B is an exploded view of the pivot structure 100. The pivot structure 100 includes a locking device 112, a locking device 114, a lifting mechanism 120, a first bracket 130, a limiting mechanism 140, a second bracket 150, a transmission mechanism 160, a third bracket 170, a plurality of fixing devices 180, a driving shaft 192, a driven shaft 194, and a connecting plate 196. The restraining mechanism 140 includes a first restraining device 142, an intermediate restraining device 144, and a second restraining device 146. The second bracket 150 includes a body 152 perpendicular to the driving shaft 192, and a projection 154 extending parallel to the driving shaft 192. The transmission mechanism 160 includes a first transmission 162, an intermediate transmission 164, and a second transmission 166 that are sequentially engaged with each other. The intermediate transmission 164 includes three transmission gears 164a, 164b, 164 c.

In fig. 2B, the driving shaft 192 sequentially passes through the circular hole 162a of the first transmission device 162, the hole 150a of the second bracket 150, the hole 143 of the first limiting device 142, the hole 130a of the first bracket from right to left, and is finally fixed by the locking device 112, and the hole 196a of the connecting plate 196 is disposed on the projection 192B of the driving shaft 192; the driven shaft 194 sequentially penetrates through the hole 170a of the third bracket, the non-circular hole 166a of the second transmission device 166, the hole 150b of the second bracket, the hole 147 of the second limiting device, the hole 130b of the first bracket, the non-circular hole 120a of the lifting mechanism 120 from right to left, and is finally fixed by the locking device 114; the three fixing devices 180 sequentially penetrate through the hole 170b of the third bracket 170, the transmission gears 164a, 164b, 164c, and the hole 150c of the second bracket 150 from right to left.

The locking devices 112 and 114 are, for example, a nut, a bolt, a washer, and the like, and are used to fix the positions of other components of the pivot structure 100 in the directions of the driving shaft 192 and the driven shaft 194, respectively. The first transmission 162, the intermediate transmission 164, and the second transmission 166 are devices capable of transmitting torque, such as gears.

Referring to fig. 2B, fig. 3A, and fig. 3B, wherein fig. 3A shows a detailed structure of the limiting mechanism 140, and fig. 3B shows a detail of the first bracket 130 and the limiting mechanism 140 when assembled. The intermediate limiting means 144 comprises a projection 145. When the pivot structure 100 is assembled, the protrusion 145 is movably disposed in the hole 130c of the first bracket 130 (as shown by the arrow in fig. 3B).

In the present embodiment, the connection plate 196 is embedded in the upper case 10 of the electronic device 1, and the protruding portion 154 of the second bracket 150 is embedded in the lower case 20 (fig. 1A). Therefore, when the upper case 10 is opened and closed with respect to the lower case 20, the coupling plate 196 is rotated by the upper case 10, thereby providing a torsion force to the driving shaft 192 to drive the driving shaft 192. At the same time, the first limiting device 142 and the first transmission device 162 rotate along with the rotation of the driving shaft 192. The first transmission 162 then drives the intermediate transmission 164 and thus the second transmission 166. Therefore, the driven shaft 194, the lifting mechanism 120 with the non-circular hole 120a disposed on the driven shaft 194, and the second limiting device 146 also rotate.

Although the intermediate transmission device 164 in the present embodiment shows three transmission gears 164a, 164b, 164c, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the number of the transmission gears can be increased or decreased according to the design requirement, and the relative position of the transmission gears can be adjusted; alternatively, the first transmission 162 and the second transmission 166 may be directly engaged to transmit the torque force without any intermediate transmission.

Please refer to fig. 4A-4C. Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the pivot structure 100 according to one aspect of the present invention, fig. 4B is a schematic view of some components of the pivot structure 100 of fig. 4A relative to the upper and lower cover plates 20a and 20B, and fig. 4C is a schematic view of some components of the pivot structure 100 of fig. 4A.

At this time, the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 (fig. 1) of the electronic device 1 are in a closed state. Therefore, an angle θ 1 (minimum angle) between the coupling plate 196 embedded in the upper case 10 and the projection 154 embedded in the lower case 20 is about 0 degree. The angle θ 1 is substantially the same as the angle between the upper case 10 and the lower case 20. In FIG. 4B, the first limiting means 142 comprises a first circumferential portion 142a and a second circumferential portion 142B, and a boundary 142c connecting the first circumferential portion 142a and the second circumferential portion 142B, wherein the radius of the first circumferential portion 142a is smaller than the radius of the second circumferential portion 142B. The intermediate limiting device 144 includes a first recessed portion 144a facing the first limiting device 142, and an abutment portion 144b located on the opposite side of the first recessed portion 144 a. The second limiting means includes a second recess 146a and an outer rim portion 146 b.

At this time, when the angle θ 1 of the link plate 196 to the projecting portion 154 is about 0 degree, the first circumferential portion 142a abuts the first recessed portion 144a, and the abutting portion 144b abuts the outer edge portion 146 b. In addition, the lifting mechanism 120 does not contact the upper cover 20a or the lower cover 20B, but is disposed between the upper cover 20a and the lower cover 20B in a substantially flat manner (as shown in fig. 4B). Therefore, the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20b are not relatively displaced, and the maximum vertical distance therebetween is the distance D1.

In fig. 4C, the non-circular portion 192a of the drive shaft 192 is disposed in the circular aperture 162a of the first transmission 162, and the non-circular portion 194a of the driven shaft 194 is disposed in the non-circular aperture 166a of the second transmission 166. It should be noted that the non-circular portion 192a of the drive shaft 192 does not have the same shape as the circular aperture 162a of the first gear 162 and thus does not completely mate. Conversely, the non-circular portion 194a of the driven shaft 194 has substantially the same shape as the non-circular aperture 166a of the second transmission 166. Although the non-circular portion 192a of the driving shaft 192 is not completely sealed with the circular hole 162a of the first transmission device 162, since there is friction at the contact position between the non-circular portion 192a and the circular hole 162a, when the driving shaft 192 starts to rotate (as shown by the arrow in fig. 4C), the first transmission device 162 also rotates along with the rotation of the driving shaft 192 instead of generating relative displacement, so as to drive the intermediate transmission device 164 (including the transmission gears 164a, 164b, 164C) and the second transmission device 166, and further drive the driven shaft 194 and the lifting mechanism 120 disposed on the driven shaft 194.

Please refer to fig. 5A-5C. Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the pivot structure 100 in another state, fig. 5B is a schematic view of some components of the pivot structure 100 of fig. 5A and the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20B, and fig. 5C is a schematic view of some components of the pivot structure 100.

At this time, the link plate 196 is further rotated in the clockwise direction (fig. 5A) with respect to the projections 154 than in the state shown in fig. 4A to 4C, so that the angle θ 2 between the link plate 196 and the projections 154 is larger than the angle θ 1 between the link plate 196 and the projections 154 in the state of fig. 4A to 4C, as shown in fig. 5A. In this state, the angle θ 2 is substantially the same as the angle between the upper case 10 and the lower case 20.

In fig. 5B, when the connecting plate 196 drives the driving shaft 192 to rotate clockwise, the first circumferential portion 142a of the first limiting device 142 still abuts against the first recessed portion 144a of the intermediate limiting device 144, the boundary 142c does not contact the intermediate limiting device 144, and the abutment portion 144B of the intermediate limiting device 144 still abuts against the outer edge portion 146B of the second limiting device 146. It should be noted that the second recess 146a of the second restraining device 146 is closer to the abutment 144B of the intermediate restraining device 144 than in fig. 4B. Further, the lifting mechanism 120 is also rotated to abut the upper lid 20a and the lower lid 20b, so as to increase the maximum vertical distance between the upper lid 20a and the lower lid 20b from the distance D1 between the upper lid 20a and the lower lid 20b in the above state to the distance D2. Although the lifting mechanism 120 is shown to abut the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20b at the same time in this state, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the position and/or shape of the lifting mechanism 120 or other mechanical arrangement may be changed such that the lifting mechanism 120 contacts only one of the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20 b. With such a configuration, when the upper case 10 of the electronic device 1 is opened, the upper cover plate 20a and/or the lower cover plate 20b of the lower case 20 are opened in a linkage manner, so that the air suction/heat dissipation space of the electronic device 1 is increased, and the heat dissipation effect of the electronic device 1 is increased.

In fig. 5C, compared to fig. 4C, the non-circular portion 192a of the driving shaft 192 rotates clockwise, and the non-circular portion 192a of the driving shaft 192 drives the first transmission device 162 by the friction force between the first transmission device 162 and the circular hole 162a, so that the intermediate transmission device 164, the second transmission device 166, the driven shaft 194 and the lifting mechanism 120 are also driven together.

Please refer to fig. 6A-6D. Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the pivot structure 100 in another state, fig. 6B and 6C are schematic views of some components of the pivot structure 100 and the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20B, and fig. 6D is a schematic view of some components of the pivot structure 100.

In the state of fig. 6A to 6D, the link plate 196 is further rotated clockwise in fig. 6A with respect to the projecting portion 154 as compared with the state shown in fig. 5A to 5C, so that an angle θ 3 (threshold angle) between the link plate 196 and the projecting portion 154 is larger than an angle θ 2 between the link plate 196 and the projecting portion 154 in the state of fig. 5A to 5C, as shown in fig. 6A. The angle θ 3 is substantially the same as the angle between the upper case 10 and the lower case 20. In this case, the angle θ 3 is an angle that is commonly used by a user to use the foldable electronic device, and is about 100 degrees, for example, between about 90 degrees and about 110 degrees.

In fig. 6B, as the coupling plate 196 continues to rotate the drive shaft 192, the first limiting device 142 still abuts the first recessed portion 144a of the intermediate limiting device 144 with the first circumferential portion 142a, but the interface 142c contacts the intermediate limiting device 144 at this time. It should be noted that at this time, the abutment portion 144b of the intermediate restraining device 144 faces the second recessed portion 146a of the second restraining device 146, so that there is a gap G between the abutment portion 144b of the intermediate restraining device 144 and the second recessed portion 146a of the second restraining device 146.

At this time, the lifting mechanism 120 is further rotated as compared with the state in fig. 5B, so that the maximum vertical distance of the upper and lower cover plates 20a and 20B is increased from the distance D2 to the distance D3. Therefore, the air suction/heat dissipation space of the electronic device 1 can be further increased, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect of the electronic device 1.

Fig. 6C is a state diagram after the first limiting device 142 in fig. 6B is slightly rotated in the clockwise direction, in which the angle (not shown) between the link plate 196 and the projection 154 is substantially equal to the angle θ 3 (threshold angle) between the link plate 196 and the projection 154 in fig. 6B. At this time, the first limiting means 142 instead contacts the first recess 144a of the intermediate limiting means 144 with the second circumferential portion 142b having a larger radius, rather than the first circumferential portion 142a abutting the first recess 144a of the intermediate limiting means 144. And since the intermediate restraining device 144 is movably disposed (as shown in fig. 3B), the intermediate restraining device 144 is pushed against the second circumferential portion 142B of the first restraining device 142 (as shown by the arrow in fig. 6C), causing the abutment portion 144B of the intermediate restraining device 144 to abut and snap into the second recess portion 146a of the second restraining device 146, thereby preventing the second restraining device 146 from further rotation.

Fig. 6D is a schematic view of further components of the pivot structure 100 of fig. 6C. At this time, since the rotation of the second restriction device 146 has been restricted by the intermediate restriction device 144 (fig. 6C), the rotation of the driven shaft 194 is also restricted. That is, the second transmission 166, the intermediate transmission 164 engaged with the second transmission 166, the first transmission 162, and the lifting mechanism 120 disposed on the driven shaft 194 cannot be further rotated. It should be noted that since the driving shaft 192 is partially in contact with the circular hole 162a of the first transmission 162 by the non-circular portion 192a, rather than being completely engaged, after the angle between the connecting plate 196 and the protrusion 154 is greater than the angle θ 3 (threshold angle), if the applied force is sufficient, the non-circular portion 192a of the driving shaft 192 can continue to rotate (as shown by the arrow in fig. 6D) against the maximum static friction force with the circular hole 162a of the first transmission 162, while the first transmission 162 remains stationary. Since the lifting mechanism 120 cannot rotate, the distance between the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20B is maintained at the same distance D3 as that in fig. 6B. In other words, the upper case 10 of the electronic device 1 can still be opened relative to the lower case 20, and the distance between the upper cover 20a and the lower cover 20b does not increase. Therefore, when the angle between the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 is about the angle θ 3 (the angle state that a general user is used to use such a foldable electronic device), the distance between the upper cover 20a and the lower cover 20b of the electronic device 1 can be maximized, so that the user can obtain the best heat dissipation effect in the best use state.

Please refer to fig. 7A-7C. Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the pivot structure 100 in another state, fig. 7B is a schematic view of some components of the pivot structure 100 in fig. 7A and the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20B, and fig. 7C is a schematic view of some components of the pivot structure 100.

At this time, the link plate 196 is further rotated clockwise with respect to the projections 154 than in the state shown in fig. 6A to 6D, so that the angle θ 4 (maximum angle) between the link plate 196 and the projections 154 is larger than the angle θ 3 between the link plate 196 and the projections 154 in the state of fig. 6A to 6D, as shown in fig. 7A. The angle θ 4 is substantially the same as the angle between the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 in this state. When the angle between the connection plate 196 and the projection 154 reaches the angle θ 4, the upper case 10 of the electronic device 1 is opened and closed to the maximum extent with respect to the lower case 20. The angle θ 4 is, for example, about 140 degrees (e.g., 130 degrees and 150 degrees).

Referring to FIG. 7B, as shown in FIG. 6C, the first limiting device 142 still has the second circumferential portion 142B abutting the first recess 144a of the middle limiting device 144. In contrast to the above state, at this time, the intermediate stopper 144 abuts against the outer edge portion 146b of the second stopper 146 by the abutting portion 144b and engages with the outer edge portion 146b of the second stopper 146, and the rotation of the second stopper 146 is restricted, so that the driven shaft 194 and the lifting mechanism 120 provided on the driven shaft 194 are also restricted, and the distance between the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20b remains the distance D3 and is not increased.

Referring to fig. 7C, compared to fig. 6D, only the non-circular portion 192a of the driving shaft 192 rotates clockwise (as shown by the arrow direction in fig. 7C) with respect to the circular hole 162a of the first transmission 162. Therefore, as mentioned above, when the upper case 10 drives the connecting plate 196 to further rotate, the distance between the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20b is not increased by the lifting mechanism 120. Therefore, the user does not need to open the angles of the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 to the maximum, and only needs to open the angle (e.g., the angle θ 3) most suitable for the general user to obtain the best heat dissipation effect of the electronic device 1.

Fig. 8A and 8B are a perspective view and an exploded view of a pivot structure 200 according to another embodiment of the invention. The hinge structure 200 is disposed in the electronic device 1 in a manner similar to the hinge structure 100, and includes a locking device 212, a locking device 214, a lifting mechanism 220, a bracket 250, a transmission mechanism 260, a bracket 270, a plurality of fixing devices 280, a driving shaft 292, and a connecting plate 296. The bracket 250 includes a body 252 perpendicular to the driving shaft 292, and a protrusion 254 extending parallel to the driving shaft 292. The transmission mechanism 260 includes a first transmission 262, an intermediate transmission 264, and a second transmission 266 detachably connected. The pivot structure 200 is also disposed at the same or similar position as the pivot structure 100 in the electronic device 1 of fig. 1, and the connection manner and function of the locking device 212, the locking device 214, the lifting mechanism 220, the bracket 250, the bracket 270, the fixing device 280, the driving shaft 292, and the connecting plate 296 in the pivot structure 200 are substantially similar or identical to those of the locking device 112, the locking device 114, the lifting mechanism 120, the second bracket 150, the third bracket 170, the fixing device 180, the driving shaft 192, and the connecting plate 196 in the pivot structure 100, respectively, and will not be described herein again.

Please refer to fig. 8C, which is an enlarged view of the transmission mechanism 260 in fig. 8B. The first transmission 262 has a hole 262a for the driving shaft 292 to pass through, so that the first transmission 262 rotates with the rotation of the driving shaft 292. The intermediate gearing 264 includes a wheel portion 264a, a spur 264b extending parallel to the drive shaft 292, and a gear portion 264c that meshes with the first gearing 262. The second transmission 266 has a wheel portion 266a, a shaft portion 266b (driven shaft) located at the center of the wheel portion 266a and extending parallel to the driving shaft 292, and a groove 266 c. In some states, the post 264b of the intermediate gear 264 may be disposed in the recess 266c and move in the recess 266c in a radial direction of the wheel portion 266a of the second gear 266. In the present embodiment, the wheel portion 266a and the shaft portion 266b are drawn as a single body, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, separate wheel sections and driven shafts may be used to achieve a similar effect.

Referring to fig. 9A, the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 (not shown) of the electronic device 1 are in a closed state. Therefore, the angle θ 1 (minimum angle) of the coupling plate 296 embedded in the upper case 10 and the convex portion 254 embedded in the lower case 20 is about 0 degree. The angle θ 1 is substantially the same as the angle between the upper case 10 and the lower case 20. Fig. 9B is a schematic diagram of some components of the pivot structure 200 of fig. 9A, wherein it can be seen that when the angle θ 1 is about 0 degrees (fig. 9A), the stud 264B of the intermediate actuator 264 is disposed substantially at the opening of the recess 266c of the second actuator 266, and the center of the stud 264B and the center of the shaft portion 266B have a distance R1 (first distance) in fig. 9B. The lifting mechanism 220 is on a different side of the bracket 250 than the first actuator 262, the intermediate actuator 264, and the second actuator 266.

At this time, the lifting mechanism 220 is not in contact with the upper cover plate 20a or the lower cover plate 20b, but is disposed between the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20b in a substantially horizontal manner. Therefore, the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20b are not displaced, and the maximum vertical distance between the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20b is the distance D4.

At this time, when the upper shell 10 drives the connecting plate 296 to rotate together with the driving shaft 292, the first transmission 262 is also driven by the driving shaft 292, thereby driving the intermediate transmission 264 engaged with the first transmission 262. At the same time, the convex post 264B of the intermediate transmission 264 will abut the concave groove 266c of the second transmission 266 and exert a force on the concave groove 266c, thereby driving the second transmission 266 to rotate clockwise (as shown by the arrow in fig. 9B).

Please refer to fig. 10A and 10B. Fig. 10A is a perspective view of the pivot structure 200 in another state, and fig. 10B is a schematic view of some components of the pivot structure 200 in fig. 10A and the upper cover plate 20A and the lower cover plate 20B.

At this time, the connection plate 296 is rotated clockwise with respect to the protrusion 254 as compared with fig. 9A and 9B, so that the angle θ 2 between the connection plate 296 and the protrusion 254 is larger than the angle θ 1 between the connection plate 296 and the protrusion 254 of fig. 9A and 9B, as shown in fig. 10A. The angle θ 2 is substantially the same as the angle between the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 in this state.

In FIG. 10B, when the connecting plate 296 rotates the driving shaft 292, the first transmission 262 on the driving shaft 292 rotates along with it, and drives the intermediate transmission 264 to rotate together (as shown by the arrow in FIG. 10B). Thus, while rotating, the post 264B of the intermediate transmission 264 also moves radially in the groove 266c toward the second transmission 266 and simultaneously approaches the shaft 266B, such that the distance R2 (the second distance) between the center of the post 264B and the center of the shaft 266B is less than the distance R1 in fig. 9B.

In addition, the shaft 266B penetrates through the non-circular hole of the lifting mechanism 220, so that the lifting mechanism 220 is also rotated by the shaft 266B to abut against the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20B, and the maximum vertical distance between the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20B is increased to a distance D5, wherein the distance D5 is greater than the distance D4 between the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20B in fig. 9B. Although the lifting mechanism 220 is shown to abut the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20B simultaneously in fig. 10B, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the position and/or shape of the lifting mechanism 220 or other mechanical arrangement may be changed such that the lifting mechanism 220 contacts only one of the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20 b. With such a configuration, when the upper case 10 of the electronic device 1 is opened, the upper cover plate 20a and/or the lower cover plate 20b of the lower case 20 are opened in a linkage manner, so that the air suction/heat dissipation space of the electronic device 1 is increased, and the heat dissipation effect of the electronic device 1 is increased.

Please refer to fig. 11A and 11B. Fig. 11A is a perspective view of the pivot structure 200 in a state, and fig. 11B is a schematic view of some components of the pivot structure 200 in fig. 11A and the upper cover plate 20a and the lower cover plate 20B.

At this time, the connection plate 296 is further rotated clockwise with respect to the convex portion 254 as compared with fig. 10A and 10B, and an angle θ 3 (threshold angle) between the connection plate 296 and the convex portion 254 is made larger than an angle θ 2 between the connection plate 296 and the convex portion 254 in fig. 10A and 10B, as shown in fig. 11A. The angle θ 3 is substantially the same as the angle between the upper case 10 and the lower case 20. In this case, the angle θ 3 is an angle that is commonly used by a user to use the foldable electronic device, and is about 100 degrees, for example, between about 90 degrees and about 110 degrees.

In FIG. 11B, when the connecting plate 296 further rotates the driving shaft 292, the first transmission 262 and the intermediate transmission 264 are further rotated. Thus, as shown in fig. 11B, when the intermediate transmission 264 rotates, the stud 264B moves in the groove 266c along the radial direction of the second transmission 266, but at this time, the stud 264B moves away from the shaft portion 266B, so that the distance R3 between the center of the stud 264B and the center of the shaft portion 266B is greater than the distance R2 in fig. 10B. In some states, the distance R3 is the same as the distance R1 (first distance). It should be noted that when the angle between connection plate 296 and projection 254 is greater than angle θ 3 (the threshold angle), post 264B leaves recess 266c and does not abut recess 266c, as shown in subsequent fig. 12A and 12B.

At this time, the lifting mechanism 220 is further rotated with respect to the lifting mechanism 220 in fig. 10B, so that the maximum vertical distance of the upper and lower cover plates 20a and 20B is increased from the distance D5 to the distance D6. Therefore, the air suction/heat dissipation space of the electronic device 1 can be further increased, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect of the electronic device 1.

Please refer to fig. 12A and 12B. Fig. 12A is a perspective view of the pivot structure 200, and fig. 12B is a schematic view of some components of the pivot structure 200 and the upper and lower cover plates 20a and 20B.

At this time, the connection plate 296 is further rotated clockwise with respect to the convex portion 254 as compared with fig. 11A and 11B, so that an angle θ 4 (maximum angle) between the connection plate 296 and the convex portion 254 is larger than an angle θ 3 between the connection plate 296 and the convex portion 254 in fig. 11A and 11B, as shown in fig. 12A. The angle θ 4 is substantially the same as the angle between the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 in this state. When the angle between the connection plate 296 and the protrusion 254 reaches the angle θ 4, the upper case 10 of the electronic device 1 is maximally opened and closed with respect to the lower case 20. The angle θ 4 is, for example, about 140 degrees (e.g., 130 degrees and 150 degrees).

Referring to fig. 12B, as the intermediate transmission 264 further rotates counterclockwise as compared to fig. 11B, the convex post 264B is further away from the concave groove 266c, so that the distance between the convex post 264B and the center of the shaft portion 266B increases from R3 to R4. In addition, since the protruding pillar 264b does not contact the groove 266c, the intermediate transmission device 264 does not transmit the torque to the second transmission device 266, and thus the second transmission device 266 and the lifting mechanism 220 do not rotate. The distance between the upper and lower cover plates 20a and 20B is still the distance D6, not increased, as compared to fig. 11B. Therefore, the user does not need to open the angles of the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 to the maximum, and only needs to open the angle (e.g., the angle θ 3) most suitable for the general user to obtain the best heat dissipation effect of the electronic device 1.

Fig. 13A and 13B are a perspective view and an exploded view of a pivot structure 200' according to another embodiment of the invention. The pivot structure 200 'is substantially the same as the pivot structure 200 described above, with the only difference being that the second actuator 266 of the previous embodiment is changed to a second actuator 266'. Accordingly, details of the same components are not described herein.

Referring to fig. 13B, compared to the second transmission device 266, the second transmission device 266 ' of the present embodiment has a wheel portion 266a ' and a shaft portion 266B ', and the wheel portion 266a ' has 4 grooves 266c '. Thus, the second actuator 266' assumes a cross-shaped configuration. Therefore, the convex post 264b of the intermediate transmission 264 can also move in the concave groove 266c ' of the second transmission 266 ', and provide a torque force to the second transmission 266 ' in a similar manner to the previous embodiments, thereby achieving a similar effect to the previous embodiments. Although 4 grooves 266 c' are shown in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, other numbers of grooves (e.g., 2, 3, or 5, etc.) may be provided on the second transmission depending on design requirements.

In summary, the present invention provides a plurality of pivot structures and an electronic device using the pivot structures. The pivot structure allows the distance between the upper cover plate and the lower cover plate of the lower shell to be increased when the upper shell and the lower shell of the electronic device are opened and closed in a certain angle range, thereby providing a larger heat dissipation space and increasing the heat dissipation function. In addition, the pivot structure also allows the distance between the upper cover plate and the lower cover plate of the lower shell to be kept unchanged when the upper shell and the lower shell of the electronic device are opened and closed beyond a threshold angle, so that a user can achieve the best heat dissipation effect at a use angle according with habits.

Although the embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been disclosed, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification, but it is to be understood that any process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, method and steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that will operate in accordance with the present application, and that all such modifications, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods and steps, if any, can be made to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. Accordingly, the scope of the present application includes the processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, and steps described above. In addition, each claim constitutes an individual embodiment, and the scope of protection of the present invention also includes combinations of the respective claims and embodiments.

Claims (8)

1. A pivot structure for changing the distance between an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate, comprising:

a first transmission device;

an intermediate transmission engaged with the first transmission;

a second transmission device engaged with the intermediate transmission device, wherein the first transmission device and the second transmission device rotate in the same direction;

a driving shaft which passes through the first transmission device and is connected with the first transmission device in a limited rotation manner;

a first limiting device arranged on the driving shaft and provided with a first circumferential part and a second circumferential part;

an intermediate limiting device having a first concave portion and an abutting portion, wherein the first concave portion faces the first limiting device, and the abutting portion is located at an opposite side of the first concave portion;

a second limiting device, which is connected with the middle limiting device and is provided with a second concave part and an outer edge part;

wherein when the first circumferential portion of the first limiting means abuts the first recessed portion of the intermediate limiting means, the abutting portion of the intermediate limiting means abuts the outer peripheral portion of the second limiting means; when the second circumferential portion of the first limiting means abuts the first recessed portion of the intermediate limiting means, the abutting portion of the intermediate limiting means abuts the second recessed portion of the second limiting means;

a connecting plate arranged on the driving shaft;

a driven shaft which passes through the second limiting device and is connected with the second transmission device in a limited rotation mode;

the lifting mechanism is arranged on the driven shaft, abuts against the upper cover plate and/or the lower cover plate and rotates along with the rotation of the driven shaft; and

and the first limiting device, the middle limiting device and the second limiting device are arranged on different sides of the first support together with the lifting mechanism.

2. The pivot structure according to claim 1, further comprising a second bracket, the second bracket being penetrated by the driving shaft and the driven shaft, and the first limiting device and the second limiting device being disposed on different sides of the second bracket from the first transmission device and the second transmission device.

3. The pivot structure of claim 2, wherein the driving shaft has a first non-circular shaft portion and the driven shaft has a second non-circular shaft portion, wherein the first transmission has a circular hole and the second transmission has a non-circular hole, wherein the first non-circular shaft portion passes through the circular hole and the second non-circular shaft portion of the driven shaft passes through the non-circular hole.

4. The pivot structure according to claim 3, wherein when the second circumferential portion of the first restraining means abuts against the first recess of the intermediate restraining means, the first non-circular shaft portion of the driving shaft is rotatable relative to the circular hole of the first transmission means, and the second non-circular shaft portion of the driven shaft is engaged with the non-circular hole of the second transmission means.

5. The pivot structure of claim 1, wherein the radius of the first circumferential portion of the first restraining device is smaller than the radius of the second circumferential portion.

6. A pivot structure for changing the distance between an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate, comprising:

a first transmission device;

an intermediate transmission device engaged with the first transmission device and having a convex column;

a second transmission device separably connected with the middle transmission device and provided with a groove, wherein the rotation directions of the first transmission device and the second transmission device are the same;

the driven shaft penetrates through the second transmission device, rotates along with the rotation of the second transmission device and is connected with the second transmission device in a limited rotation mode;

when the distance between the center of the convex column and the axis of the driven shaft is smaller than a first distance, the convex column is arranged in the groove, and the second transmission device rotates along with the rotation of the middle transmission device;

a driving shaft which passes through the first transmission device and is connected with the first transmission device in a limited rotation manner;

the lifting mechanism is arranged on the driven shaft, abuts against the upper cover plate and/or the lower cover plate and rotates along with the rotation of the driven shaft; and

the lifting mechanism and the first transmission device, the middle transmission device and the second transmission device are arranged on different sides of the support.

7. The pivot structure of claim 6, wherein the second transmission further comprises a plurality of grooves.

8. An electronic device, comprising:

a lower case;

the pivot structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the lower case being attached; and

an upper shell is connected with the pivot structure so as to rotate between a maximum angle and a minimum angle relative to the lower shell.

Images