TWI812175B - Foldable electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable electronic device including a first body, a second body, and a hinge module is provided. The hinge module is disposed between the first body and the second body. The hinge module has a casing, a first shaft, and a second shaft. The casing has an inner space. The first shaft has a first pivoting part and two first connecting parts. The first pivoting part is rotatably disposed in the inner space. The two first connecting parts are extended outside the casing and connected to the first body. The second shaft has a second pivoting part and two second connecting parts. The second pivoting part is rotatably disposed in the inner space. The two second connecting parts are extended outside the casing and connected to the second body. A first axis of the first pivoting part is parallel to a second axis of each first connecting part and the first axis and the second axis are not coincided with each other on a normal surface. A third axis of the second pivoting part is parallel to a fourth axis of each second connecting part and the third axis and the fourth axis are not coincided with each other on the normal surface.

Description

Foldable electronic device

The present invention relates to an electronic device, and in particular to a foldable electronic device with different axes.

Most of the existing foldable electronic devices such as notebook computers, tablet computers or smartphones use biaxial hinges. The biaxial hinge has two rotating axes parallel to each other and are respectively pivotally connected to the two bodies of the foldable electronic device. The two bodies rotate with the two rotating axes as the rotation centers to switch to the unfolding mode or the storage mode. The distance between the two rotating axes is Fixed.

When existing electronic devices adopt the aforementioned biaxial hinge, the thickness of the two bodies needs to match the distance between the two rotating shafts. Therefore, the appearance design of the electronic device is limited, and it is difficult to achieve the purpose of thinning or forming an accommodation space.

The present invention provides a foldable electronic device that uses pivot modules with different axes so that the first body and the second body do not interfere with each other when unfolding 360 degrees, or the first body and the second body do not interfere with each other when folded. Create accommodating space.

The foldable electronic device of the present invention includes a first body, a second body and a pivot module. The pivot module is arranged between the first body and the second body. The pivot module includes a housing, a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft. The housing has an interior space. The first rotating shaft has a first pivot part and two first connecting parts. The first pivot portion is rotatably disposed in the internal space, and the two first connecting portions protrude from the outer shell and are connected to the first body. The second rotating shaft has a second pivot part and two second connecting parts. The second pivot part is rotatably disposed in the internal space, and the two second connection parts protrude from the outer shell and are connected to the second body. A first axis of the first pivot part and a second axis of each first connecting part are parallel to each other and do not coincide with each other on an orthogonal plane. A third axis of the second pivot part is parallel to each other. A fourth axis of the two connecting parts is parallel to each other and does not coincide with each other on the orthogonal plane. The distance between the first axis and the third axis is smaller than the distance between the second axis and the fourth axis.

Based on the above, in the foldable electronic device of the present invention, the first rotating axis and the second rotating axis of the pivot module are connected to the first body and the second body respectively, wherein the first rotating axis and the second rotating axis respectively have parallel and non-overlapping angles. Multiple axes, when the first body and the second body are folded with each other, a receiving space can be formed between the first body and the second body. When the first body and the second body are unfolded 360 degrees, the first body and the second body Organisms do not interfere with each other.

1A is a schematic perspective view of a foldable electronic device in a stored state according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a schematic side perspective view of the foldable electronic device of FIG. 1A . FIG. 1C is a perspective perspective view of the pivot module of the foldable electronic device of FIG. 1A . FIG. 1D is a schematic plan view of the pivot module of FIG. 1E . FIG. 1E is a partially enlarged schematic view of the foldable electronic device of FIG. 1B . Figure 1F is a schematic diagram of the position of the pivot module and the orthogonal plane in Figure 1E.

Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1D , the foldable electronic device 100 of the present invention is, for example, a notebook computer or a tablet computer. The foldable electronic device 100 is suitable for folding or unfolding each other through external force, so that the foldable electronic device 100 is switched to a stored state to facilitate reduction in size, or the foldable electronic device 100 is switched to an unfolded state for the user to operate or play. Documents, audio and video materials.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B , the foldable electronic device 100 of the present invention includes a first body 110 , a second body 120 and a pivot module 130 .

The first body 110 is a logical body for installing computing components, storage components, batteries, motherboards and other related electronic components. The second body 120 is a display body for installing a display panel or a touch display panel. The pivot module 130 is disposed between the first body 110 and the second body 120. As shown in FIG. 1A, the two pivot modules 130 connect the first body 110 and the second body 120.

Referring to FIGS. 1C to 1E , the pivot module 130 includes a housing 131 , a first rotating shaft 132 and a second rotating shaft 133 . The housing 131 has an inner space 1311. The first rotating shaft 132 has a first pivot part 1321 and two first connecting parts 1322. The first pivot portion 1321 is rotatably disposed in the internal space 1311 , and the two first connecting portions 1322 protrude from both sides of the housing 131 and are connected to the first body 110 . The second rotating shaft 133 has a second pivot part 1331 and two second connecting parts 1332. The second pivot portion 1331 is rotatably disposed in the internal space 1311 , and the two second connecting portions 1332 protrude from both sides of the housing 131 and connect to the second body 120 . The first rotating shaft 132 and the second rotating shaft 133 are arranged parallel to each other in the housing 131 .

Referring to FIGS. 1D to 1F , a first axis X1 of the first pivot part 1321 and a second axis X2 of each first connecting part 1322 are parallel to each other and do not coincide with each other on an orthogonal plane P. The second A third axis X3 of the pivot portion 1331 and a fourth axis X4 of each second connecting portion 1332 are parallel to each other and do not coincide with each other on an orthogonal plane P, where the orthogonal plane P is perpendicular to the first rotation axis 132 and the second rotating shaft 133.

In short, each rotating shaft (132, 133) has two parallel and non-overlapping axes, that is, the first axis X1 is parallel and does not coincide with the second axis X2 on the orthogonal plane P, and the third axis X3 Parallel to and not coincident with the fourth axis X4 on the orthogonal plane P, the first rotating shaft 132 and the second rotating shaft 133 have the function of eccentric rotation. Referring to FIG. 1E , the first axis X1 , the second axis X2 and the third axis X3 are distributed on a center line CL passing through the first rotating shaft 132 and the second rotating shaft 133 , and the fourth axis X4 deviates from the center line CL. . The minimum distance G1 between the first axis X1 and the third axis X3 is smaller than the minimum distance G2 between the second axis X2 and the fourth axis X4.

FIG. 2A is a schematic view of the foldable electronic device in FIG. 1B in its first unfolded state. FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the foldable electronic device in FIG. 1B in a second unfolded state. FIG. 2C is a schematic view of the foldable electronic device in FIG. 1B in a third unfolded state. FIG. 2D is a partially enlarged schematic view of the foldable electronic device of FIG. 2C .

1B, 2A to 2C, the first body 110 is suitable for driving the first rotating shaft 132 to rotate relative to the housing 131 along the first axis X1 and the two first connecting parts 1322 to rotate eccentrically relative to the first axis X1, and the second The body 120 is adapted to drive the second rotating shaft 133 to rotate relative to the housing 131 along the third axis Expand or collapse relative to each other.

1B and 1E, in the storage mode, an input surface 111 of the first body 110 overlaps a display surface 121 of the second body 120, and there is a first body 110 through the center line CL of the housing 131. There is an angle A1 and a second angle A2 between the center line CL and the second body 120. The first angle A1 is smaller than the second angle A2. In short, the first body 110 is closed to the second body 120, making the foldable electronic device 100 convenient. Store or carry.

Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B , in the first expansion mode, the second body 120 drives the second pivot part 1331 to rotate relative to the housing 131 through the two second connecting parts 1332 , and the display surface 121 (built-in display panel) and An included angle CA is formed between the input surfaces 111 (built-in keyboard), so the user can input commands on the input surface 111 of the first body 110 and view the display surface 121 of the second body 120 . Further, referring to FIG. 2A , the angle CA between the second body 120 and the first body 110 is close to 90 degrees, which is suitable for the single-person working mode. Referring to FIG. 2B , the angle CA between the second body 120 and the first body 110 is close to 180 degrees, which is suitable for the exhibition mode.

Referring to FIG. 2C , in the second expansion mode, the second body 120 is parallel to the first body 110 and the display surface 121 and the input surface 111 are far away from each other, and the first angle A1 is greater than the second angle A2. The angle CA between the second body 120 and the first body 110 is 360 degrees, that is, the second body 120 is flipped to the back side of the first body 110, so that the foldable electronic device 100 switches to the tablet mode.

Referring to FIG. 2D , the housing 131 of the pivot module 130 is arranged at an angle, thereby reducing the vertical height of the pivot module 130 in the foldable electronic device 100 to achieve thinning. In addition, each rotating shaft (132, 133) of this case has a composite axis (X1, X2 or X3, At this time, since the second axis X2 and the fourth axis X4 rotate eccentrically relative to the first axis X1 and the third axis X3 respectively, the second body 120 and the first body 110 are prevented from interfering with each other.

1B and 1E, when the housing 131 of the pivot module 130 is tilted, a first distance D1 between the second axis X2 and an outer side S1 of the first body 110 is equal to the fourth axis X4. A third distance D3 from an outer side S2 of the second body 120, and a second distance D2 of the second axis X2 relative to an input surface 111 of the first body 110 is equal to a distance D2 of the fourth axis X4 relative to the second A fourth distance D4 of a display surface 121 of the body 120 . Such a configuration can make the flipping distances of the first body and the second body equal during the switching between any deployment modes.

Referring to FIGS. 1B and 2C , the first body 110 and the second body 120 together form a slope CS away from the housing 131 , which is required for modeling. In other embodiments, the first body and the second body together form a plane.

Referring to FIGS. 1C and 1D , the pivot module 130 further includes a torsion member 134 , which is disposed in the internal space 1311 of the housing 131 . The first pivot portion 1321 of the first rotation shaft 132 and the second pivot joint of the second rotation shaft 133 The portion 1331 is rotatably passed through the torsion member 134 . The torsion member 134 contacts the first pivot portion 1321 and the second pivot portion 1331 to provide torsion force to the first rotating shaft 132 and the second link 133 to maintain the angle between the first body 110 and the second body 120 CA.

Referring to FIG. 1D , the pivot module 130 further includes a plurality of gears 135 , which are disposed in the housing 131 and fixed to the first pivot part 1321 and the second pivot part 1331 respectively. The plurality of gears 135 mesh with each other, whereby A synchronous pivoting effect of the first rotating shaft 132 and the second rotating shaft 133 relative to the housing 131 is achieved.

FIG. 3A is a schematic plan view of a foldable electronic device in a stored state according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a schematic plan view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 3A unfolded 360 degrees. FIG. 3C is a schematic plan view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 3A unfolded 90 degrees.

3A to 3C, the foldable electronic device 100A of this embodiment is different from the foldable electronic device 100 shown in FIG. The pivot module 130a of the device 100A is arranged vertically.

Referring to FIG. 3A , the first axis X1 , the second axis X2 , the third axis X3 and the fourth axis X4 are distributed on the center line CL passing through the first rotating shaft 132 a and the second rotating shaft 133 a.

Referring to Figure 3A, in the storage mode, the housing 131a of the pivot module 130a is orthogonal to the first body 110a and the second body 120a, and the input surface 111a of the first body 110a faces the display surface 121a of the second body 120a to form One storage space AS. Specifically, when the flip angle of the second body 120a relative to the first body 110a is zero (closed state), since there is a large distance G2 between the second axis X2 and the fourth axis X4, the first body 110a A storage space AS is formed between the second body 120a and the second body 120a. This storage space AS can be used to place wireless keyboards, drawing tablets, stylus pens or other similar electronic products.

Referring to Figure 3C, in the first deployment mode, the second body 120a drives the second pivot portion 1331a to rotate relative to the housing 131a through the two second connecting portions 1332a, and the display surface 121a (built-in display panel) and the input surface 111a (the built-in keyboard) forms an included angle CA, so the user can input commands on the input surface 111a of the first body 110a and view the display surface 121a of the second body 120a. Further, referring to FIG. 3C , the angle CA between the second body 120a and the first body 110a is 90 degrees, which is suitable for the single-person working mode.

Referring to Figure 3B, in the second expansion mode, the housing 131a is orthogonal to the first body 110a and the second body 120a, the second body 120a is parallel to the first body 110a, and the display surface 121a and the input surface 111a are away from each other. When the angle CA between the first body 110a and the second body 120a is 360 degrees, the distance G2 between the second axis X2 and the fourth axis X4 is reduced, so the tablet mode can be switched.

In addition, since the pivot module 130a is arranged vertically, and the first axis X1, the second axis X2, the third axis X3 and the fourth axis X4 are all located on the center line CL, the first body 110a and the second body 120a respectively produce a larger distance (storage space AS) and a smaller distance in the storage mode (included angle CA is 0 degrees) and the second expansion mode (included angle CA is 360 degrees).

On the contrary, in other embodiments, the first body and the second body are adapted to produce a small distance in the stowed mode to further reduce the overall thickness, and the first body and the second body are adapted to produce a large distance in the second deployment mode. , and forming a heat dissipation space, which can improve the heat dissipation effect in tablet mode.

To sum up, in the foldable electronic device of the present invention, the first rotating axis and the second rotating axis of the pivot module are connected to the first body and the second body respectively, wherein the first rotating axis and the second rotating axis respectively have parallel and different angles. With multiple overlapping axes, when the first body and the second body are folded with each other, a receiving space can be formed between the first body and the second body. When the first body and the second body are unfolded 360 degrees, the first body and the second body are Second bodies will not interfere with each other.

100, 100A: Foldable electronic devices 110, 110a: First body 111, 111a: input surface 120, 120a: Second body 121, 121a: display surface 130, 130a: Pivot module 131, 131a: Shell 1311:Internal space 132, 132a: first axis 1321, 1321a: first pivot joint 1322, 1322a: first connection part 133, 133a: Second axis 1331, 1331a: second pivot joint 1332, 1332a: second connection part 134: Torque parts 135:Gear P: orthogonal plane AS: storage space A1: first angle A2: Second angle CA: included angle CL: center line CS: slope D1: first distance D2: second distance D3: The third distance D4: The fourth distance X1: first axis X2: Second axis X3: The third axis X4: The fourth axis

1A is a schematic perspective view of a foldable electronic device in a stored state according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a schematic side perspective view of the foldable electronic device of FIG. 1A . FIG. 1C is a perspective perspective view of the pivot module of the foldable electronic device of FIG. 1A . FIG. 1D is a schematic plan view of the pivot module of FIG. 1E . FIG. 1E is a partially enlarged schematic view of the foldable electronic device of FIG. 1B . Figure 1F is a schematic diagram of the position of the pivot module and the orthogonal plane in Figure 1E. FIG. 2A is a schematic view of the foldable electronic device in FIG. 1B in its first unfolded state. FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the foldable electronic device in FIG. 1B in a second unfolded state. FIG. 2C is a schematic view of the foldable electronic device in FIG. 1B in a third unfolded state. FIG. 2D is a partially enlarged schematic view of the foldable electronic device of FIG. 2C . FIG. 3A is a schematic plan view of a foldable electronic device in a stored state according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a schematic plan view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 3A unfolded 360 degrees. FIG. 3C is a schematic plan view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 3A unfolded 90 degrees.

100: Foldable electronic devices

110:First body

120:Second body

130:Pivot Module

Claims (14)

A foldable electronic device including: a first organism; a second organism; and A pivot module is arranged between the first body and the second body, and the pivot module includes: A shell with an interior space; A first rotating shaft has a first pivot part and two first connection parts. The first pivot part is rotatably arranged in the internal space. The two first connection parts protrude from the housing and connect the first connection part. organism; and A second rotating shaft has a second pivot part and two second connection parts. The second pivot part is rotatably arranged in the internal space. The two second connection parts protrude from the housing and connect the second connection part. body, Wherein, a first axis of the first pivot part and a second axis of each of the first connecting parts are parallel to each other and do not overlap with each other on an orthogonal plane, and a third axis of the second pivot part The axis center and a fourth axis center of each second connecting part are parallel to each other and do not coincide with each other on the orthogonal plane. The distance between the first axis center and the third axis center is smaller than the distance between the second axis center and the third axis center. The distance between the four axes. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first body is adapted to drive the first rotating shaft to rotate relative to the housing along the first axis, and the first connecting portions rotate eccentrically relative to the first axis. , the second body is adapted to drive the second rotating shaft to rotate relative to the housing along the third axis and the second connecting parts rotate eccentrically relative to the third axis, then the first body and the second body are suitable to relative expansion or relative folding. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first axis, the second axis and the third axis are distributed on a center line passing through the first rotating axis and the second rotating axis, and the The fourth axis is offset from this centerline. The foldable electronic device according to claim 3, wherein in a storage mode, an input surface of the first body overlaps a display surface of the second body, and the center line of the housing is in contact with the first body. There is a first angle and there is a second angle between the center line and the second body. The foldable electronic device of claim 4, wherein the first angle is smaller than the second angle. The foldable electronic device of claim 4, wherein in a first unfolding mode, the second body drives the second pivot portion to rotate relative to the housing through the second connecting portions, and the display surface and An angle is formed between the input faces. The foldable electronic device of claim 4, wherein in a second expansion mode, the second body is parallel to the first body and the display surface and the input surface are away from each other, and the first angle is greater than the second angle. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein a first distance of the second axis relative to an outer side of the first body is equal to a distance of the fourth axis relative to an outer side of the second body. The third distance, and a second distance of the second axis relative to an input surface of the first body is equal to a fourth distance of the fourth axis relative to a display surface of the second body. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the pivot module further includes a torsion member disposed in the housing, and the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are rotatably inserted through the torsion member. The foldable electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot module further includes a plurality of gears, which are arranged in the housing and respectively fixed to the first pivot part and the second pivot part. The gears mesh with each other. The foldable electronic device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first axis, the second axis, the third axis and the fourth axis are distributed between the first rotating axis and the second rotating axis. One center line. The foldable electronic device according to claim 11, wherein in a storage mode, the housing is orthogonal to the first body and the second body, and an input surface of the first body faces an end of the second body. The display surface forms a storage space. The foldable electronic device of claim 12, wherein in a first expansion mode, the second body drives the second pivot portion to pivot relative to the housing through the second connecting portions, and the display surface forms an angle with the input surface. The foldable electronic device as claimed in claim 12, wherein in a second expansion mode, the housing is orthogonal to the first body and the second body, the second body is parallel to the first body and the display surface away from the input surface.

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