Disclosure of Invention
In view of the foregoing, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a foldable electronic device with a hinge that is simple in structure and waterproof and dustproof.
To achieve the above object, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device includes a frame, a flexible member, and a hinge device. The flexible piece is arranged on the frame body. The hinge device comprises a chain and at least one elastic body. The chain is connected with the frame body and comprises a plurality of chain monomers. The chain monomer comprises a first chain monomer and a second chain monomer, wherein the first chain monomer comprises a first pivoting part, the second chain monomer comprises a second pivoting part, and the second pivoting part is movably connected with the first pivoting part. The first chain monomer is also provided with a groove for receiving the second pivoting part. The elastic body is arranged in at least one of the grooves of the first chain monomer and between the first pivoting part and the second pivoting part.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first pivot portion includes a post passing through the second pivot portion. The elastic body at least partially covers the surface of the second pivoting part far away from the column body.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the second pivot portion has an opening, and the first pivot portion includes a cylinder rotatably and slidably disposed in the opening. The elastic body is filled in the opening part and coats the column body.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first pivot portion has an opening portion, and the opening portion is located on a side wall of the recess. The second pivoting part comprises a protruding structure and a protruding point structure, the protruding structure extends into the groove, and the protruding point structure is arranged on one side of the protruding structure and can rotate and be slidably positioned in the opening part. The elastic body is configured to cover one end of the protruding structure, is filled in the opening part and covers the protruding structure, or both.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge device includes a plurality of elastic bodies, each disposed in one of the chain monomers and separated from each other.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device includes a frame, a flexible member, and a hinge device. The flexible piece is arranged on the frame body. The hinge device comprises a chain and at least one elastic body. The chain is connected with the frame body and comprises a plurality of chain monomers. The elastomer covers at least one chain monomer and comprises one or more organic polymer materials.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the chain unit includes a first chain unit and a second chain unit, the first chain unit has a through hole, and the second chain unit extends through the through hole. The elastic body covers the surface of the first chain monomer, which is far away from the through hole, and fills the through hole.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device includes a frame, a flexible member, and a hinge device. The flexible piece is arranged on the frame body. The hinge device comprises a shaft, a rotating part, a sliding part, a chain and at least one elastic body. The rotating member is rotatably coupled to the shaft member. The sliding component is slidably arranged on the rotating component and is connected with the frame body. The chain is connected with the sliding component and comprises a plurality of chain monomers. The elastic body is arranged in at least one chain monomer or is coated with at least one chain monomer.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the chain monomers include a first chain monomer and a second chain monomer. The first chain monomer is provided with a groove, and the second chain monomer part is positioned in the groove. The elastomer is filled in the grooves.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first chain unit includes a first pivot portion, and the second chain unit includes a second pivot portion, where the second pivot portion is movably connected to the first pivot portion. The elastic body at least partially covers the second pivoting part.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the chain monomers include a first chain monomer and a second chain monomer. The first chain monomer comprises a first pivoting part, and the second chain monomer comprises a second pivoting part which is movably connected with the first pivoting part. The elastic body is arranged between the first pivoting part and the second pivoting part.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the second pivot portion is movably sleeved on or movably penetrating through the first pivot portion.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the chain monomers include a first chain monomer and a second chain monomer. The first chain monomer is provided with a through hole, and the second chain monomer penetrates through the through hole. The elastic body coats the first chain monomer and the second chain monomer and is filled into the through hole.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the elastomer comprises one or more organic polymeric materials.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the chain units of the chain are divided into at least a first group and a second group, and when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the chain units belonging to the first group are disposed around the shaft. The second group adjoins the first group. The elastic body comprises a first elastic body and a second elastic body, wherein the first elastic body is arranged on or covers the chain monomers belonging to the first group, the second elastic body is arranged on or covers the chain monomers belonging to the second group, and the elastic modulus of the first elastic body is smaller than that of the second elastic body.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the chain monomers of the chain further divide into a third group, the second group being located between the first group and the third group. The elastic body further comprises a third elastic body, the third elastic body is arranged on or covers the chain monomers belonging to the third group, and the elastic modulus of the third elastic body is smaller than that of the second elastic body and larger than that of the first elastic body.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the flexible member includes a flexible display panel or a flexible cover plate.
In summary, the hinge device of the foldable electronic device of the present disclosure is configured with a chain and an elastomer disposed in or wrapping the chain. The flexible piece (display panel or cover plate) of the guiding electronic device can be opened and closed by utilizing the simple structure of the chain and the elastic body, and the elastic body can also prevent particles or water vapor from entering the chain, thereby being beneficial to prolonging the service life of the hinge device.
Drawings
The foregoing and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments of the present disclosure will be more readily understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state;
FIG. 2 is a combination diagram of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG. 1 in a folded state;
Fig. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the hinge device of the foldable electronic device shown in fig. 1 in an unfolded state and a folded state, respectively;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the hinge device shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a hinge device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in a folded state;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a chain of a hinge device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the chain of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a chain of a hinge device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 10 is a side view of a chain showing a hinge device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a chain of a hinge device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 12 is an exploded view showing a foldable electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state.
[ Symbolic description ]
100,500 Foldable electronic device
101,102 Frame
103 Rod piece
111,112 Flexible member
120,420,520 Hinge device
130 Shaft element
140A,140B rotating parts
142A chute
144A,154A end face
150A,150B sliding parts
152A slide rail
160A,160B,260,360,460,560A,560B: chain
162,362, 460A, 460B, 460C chain monomer
162A,262A,362A, first chain monomer
162B,262B, 365B, second chain monomer
164A,264A first pivot portion
164B,264B second pivot portion
366 Through hole
Support of 570A,570B
A1, B1 first region
A2, B2 second region
D, groove
E, E1, E2, E3 elastomer
S groove
Detailed Description
For a more complete and thorough description of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and the various embodiments described below. The elements in the drawings are not to scale and are provided merely to illustrate the disclosure. Numerous practical details are described below to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure, however, one of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the practical details, and thus, these details are not to be taken as limiting the present disclosure.
Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the foldable electronic device 100 includes two frames 101, 102, two flexible members 111, 112, and at least one hinge device 120 (also referred to as a hinge). The two housings 101 and 102 are arranged side by side. Two flexible members 111, 112 are disposed on the frames 101, 102 and are located on opposite sides of the frames 101, 102. The hinge device 120 connects the two frames 101, 102 and is located between the two flexible members 111, 112. The frames 101, 102 may be flipped relative to each other through the hinge device 120 to unfold or fold the flexible members 111, 112.
As shown in fig. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the foldable electronic device 100 includes two hinge devices 120 connected through a rod 103. In some embodiments, one of the flexible members 111, 112 comprises a flexible display panel (e.g., a flexible OLED display panel), and the other flexible member comprises a flexible display panel or a flexible cover plate. In some embodiments, the flexible members 111, 112 are secured to the frames 101, 102 with fasteners such as screws or glue.
As shown in fig. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the flexible member 111 includes a first area A1 and a second area A2, the first area A1 and the second area A2 are respectively connected to the two frames 101 and 102, and the first area A1 is configured to bend relative to the second area A2. The foldable electronic device 100 may be in an unfolded state or a folded state. When the foldable electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the included angle between the first area A1 and the second area A2 of the flexible member 111 is substantially one hundred eighty degrees. When the foldable electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the first area A1 and the second area A2 of the flexible member 111 are stacked.
In some embodiments, the flexible member 112 also includes a first region B1 and a second region B2 that can be bent relatively, and the configuration of the first region A1 and the second region A2 is similar to that of the flexible member 111, which is not described in detail in the previous paragraph.
Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the hinge device 120 can adjust the distance between the two frames 101 and 102 as the frames 101 and 102 are turned over to change the angle, so as to facilitate the flexible members 111 and 112 to be unfolded and folded. Specifically, the hinge device 120 includes a shaft 130, a rotating member 140A, a sliding member 150A, and a chain 160A. The rotating member 140A is rotatably coupled to the shaft member 130. The sliding member 150A is slidably disposed on the rotating member 140A and is configured to rotate with the rotating member 140A about the shaft 130. The sliding member 150A is fixedly connected to the housing 101, and thus the housing 101 moves along with the sliding member 150A. The chain 160A is connected to the sliding member 150A, and the chain 160A is a telescopic structure, and can pull the sliding member 150A to slide on the rotating member 140A as the frames 101, 102 are turned over to change angles.
As shown in fig. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the rotating member 140A has a groove D for receiving the sliding member 150A. In some embodiments, the rotating member 140A has a sliding slot 142A formed on at least one side wall of the groove D, and the sliding member 150A includes a sliding rail 152A, where the sliding rail 152A slidably engages the sliding slot 142A.
As shown in fig. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the rotating member 140A has an end surface 144A, and the end surface 144A is located on a side of the rotating member 140A away from the shaft 130. The sliding member 150A has an end face 154A, the end face 154A being located on a side of the sliding member 150A remote from the shaft 130. The hinge device 120 may be in an unfolded state or a folded state. When the hinge device 120 is in the unfolded state, the sliding member 150A partially protrudes from the tip of the rotating member 140A, in other words, the distance from the end face 154A of the sliding member 150A to the shaft 130 is greater than the distance from the end face 144A of the rotating member 140A to the shaft 130. When the hinge device 120 is in the folded state, the sliding member 150A is retracted into the rotating member 140A, in other words, the end face 154A of the sliding member 150A is aligned with the end face 144A of the rotating member 140A.
As shown in fig. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the hinge device 120 includes another set of a rotating member 140B, a sliding member 150B, and a chain 160B, wherein the sliding member 150B is fixedly connected to the frame 102. When the hinge device 120 is in the unfolded state, the two rotating members 140A, 140B are located on opposite sides of the shaft 130. The linkage of the rotating member 140B, the sliding member 150B and the chain 160B is similar to that of the rotating member 140A, the sliding member 150A and the chain 160A, and the description thereof is omitted herein.
As shown in fig. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, chains 160A, 160B are disposed across shaft 130. In some embodiments, chain 160A connects to slide member 150A, and chain 160B connects to slide member 150B.
Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the chains 160A and 160B include a plurality of chain units 162, and adjacent chain units 162 are movably connected to each other. Specifically, the chain 160B includes a first chain unit 162A and a second chain unit 162B adjacent to each other, the first chain unit 162A includes a first pivot portion 164A, the second chain unit 162B includes a second pivot portion 164B, and the second pivot portion 164B is movably connected to the first pivot portion 164A. In this embodiment, the second pivot portion 164B is movably sleeved on the first pivot portion 164A (i.e., the second pivot portion 164B is disposed around the first pivot portion 164A).
As shown in fig. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the second pivot portion 164B has an opening, and the first pivot portion 164A includes a cylinder rotatably and slidably disposed in the opening. In some embodiments, the maximum width of the opening is greater than the maximum width of the post, so that the post can slide within the opening, changing the relative position of the first chain element 162A and the second chain element 162B.
As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the hinge device 120 further includes at least one elastic body E (shown as dots), and the elastic body E is disposed in at least one chain monomer 162. The provision of the elastomer E prevents particles or moisture from entering the chains 160A, 160B, helping to extend the life of the hinge device 120. In addition, the elastic body E can deform as the frames 101 and 102 are turned over relative to each other, so as to change the distance between the adjacent chain units 162, so that the chains 160A and 160B can telescopically adjust the distance between the two frames 101 and 102, thereby facilitating the expansion and folding of the flexible members 111 and 112.
As shown in fig. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, any one of the elastomers E is configured to contact adjacent first chain monomer 162A and second chain monomer 162B. In some embodiments, the hinge device 120 includes a plurality of elastic bodies E, each elastic body E is disposed between the first pivot portion 164A and the second pivot portion 164B of one pair of adjacent chain units 162, at most, any elastic body E contacts only two chain units 162 at the same time, and any two elastic bodies E are separated from each other and not connected. In some embodiments, the elastomer E fills the opening of the second pivot portion 164B and encapsulates the pillar of the first pivot portion 164A.
In some embodiments, the elastomer E comprises one or more organic polymeric materials. The elastomer E contains an organic polymer material whose main chain is composed of carbon-carbon bonds (C-C) or siloxanes (Si-O-Si). In some embodiments, the silicon or carbon bonded functional groups include methyl (CH3) or fluorine-based groups, the hydrophobic nature of which makes moisture less likely to enter chains 160A, 160B.
Please refer to fig. 6. Unlike the previous embodiment, the chain 460 of the hinge device 420 of the present embodiment is filled with two or more different elastomers, thereby controlling the movement mode of the chain 460 and the curvature of the bending portion of the chain 460.
As shown in fig. 6, in some embodiments, the chain units of the chain 460 are divided into at least a first group and a second group, and when the foldable electronic device or the hinge device 420 is in the folded state, the chain units 462A belonging to the first group are disposed around the shaft 130. The second group adjoins the first group. The hinge device 420 includes a first elastic body E1 and a second elastic body E2, wherein the first elastic body E1 is disposed on the chain unit 462A belonging to the first group, and the second elastic body E2 is disposed on the chain unit 462B belonging to the second group. The elastic modulus of the first elastomer E1 is smaller than the elastic modulus of the second elastomer E2 (e.g., the first elastomer E1 and the second elastomer E2 comprise different materials). In the present embodiment, the first elastic body E1 and the second elastic body E2 are respectively disposed in the opening of the pivot portion (for connecting the adjacent chain units) of the chain units 462A, 462B.
As shown in fig. 6, the first group of chain units 462A form a bending section of the chain 460 around the shaft 130, and the first elastic body E1 with relatively low elastic modulus is disposed on the first group of chain units 462A, so that when the hinge device 420 is folded, the bending portion of the chain 460 can be smoothly extended to form an arc structure. The provision of a second elastomer E2 of relatively high modulus of elasticity on the second group of chain monomers 462B beside the first group, such that the second group has a "fulcrum" like effect, helps to transfer stress to the first group of chain monomers 462A when the hinge device 420 is folded, so that the section of chain 460 formed by the first group of chain monomers 462A stretches and bends.
As shown in fig. 6, in some embodiments, the chain monomers of the chain 460 further divide into a third group, the second group being located between the first group and the third group. The hinge device 420 further includes a third elastic body E3, the third elastic body E3 being disposed at the chain unit 462C belonging to the third group. The elastic modulus of the third elastomer E3 is smaller than the elastic modulus of the second elastomer E2 and larger than the elastic modulus of the first elastomer E1 (for example, the third elastomer E3 and the first elastomer E1/the second elastomer E2 comprise different materials). In some embodiments, the chain monomers 462C belonging to the third group are aligned on one side of the rotating member 140B.
The third group of chain units 462C may serve as extension segments of the chain 460, increasing the extension of the chain 460 during the switching of the hinge device 420, as is practically required.
In some embodiments, the Young's modulus of the first elastomer E1 is less than 50N/mm2 and the extensibility (Elongation) of the first elastomer E1 is less than 1000%, the Young's modulus of the second elastomer E2 is greater than 150N/mm2 and the extensibility of the second elastomer E2 is less than 500%, the Young's modulus of the third elastomer E3 is between 50 and 150N/mm2 and the extensibility of the third elastomer E3 is between 1000% and 1500%.
Referring to fig. 7 and 8, the difference between the present embodiment and the previous embodiment is that the filling position of the elastomer E is different. Specifically, the first chain unit 162A has a groove S for receiving the second pivot portion 164B of the adjacent second chain unit 162B. The elastic body E is filled in the groove S of the first chain unit 162A, and at least partially covers the second pivot portion 164B and contacts at least one side wall of the groove S. In some embodiments, the first pivot portion 164A includes a pillar connected between two opposite sidewalls of the recess S and passing through the second pivot portion 164B, and the elastomer E at least partially covers a surface of the second pivot portion 164B away from the first pivot portion 164A. In some embodiments, the elastic body E may be disposed in the groove S and the gap between the first pivot portion 164A and the second pivot portion 164B.
In some embodiments, the hinge device includes a plurality of elastic bodies E, each of which is disposed in a groove S of one of the chain units of the chain 160B, and any two elastic bodies E are separated from each other and are not connected. In some embodiments, the plurality of chain monomers of chain 160B may be divided into a plurality of groups and different elastomers may be filled in grooves S of different groups of chain monomers. For example, the grooves S of the chain monomers may be filled with the first, second or third elastic bodies E1, E2 or E3 in a manner similar to that shown in fig. 6.
Referring to fig. 9, unlike the foregoing embodiment, in the present embodiment, the second pivot portion 264B of the second chain unit 262B is movably disposed through the first pivot portion 264A of the first chain unit 262A. Specifically, the second pivot portion 264B includes a protruding structure and at least one protruding structure, the protruding structure extends into the groove S of the first chain unit 262A, and the protruding structure is disposed on at least one side of the protruding structure. The first pivot portion 264A includes an opening formed on at least one side wall of the recess S, and the bump structure of the second pivot portion 264B is rotatably and slidably located in the opening. The opening may be open, i.e. the opening may have a notch, in other embodiments the opening may also be closed. The elastic body E at least partially encapsulates the second pivot portion 264B. In some embodiments, the elastic body E is disposed in the groove S and covers one end of the protruding structure of the second pivot portion 264B. In some embodiments, the elastic body E may contact the bump structure of the second pivot portion 264B.
Referring to fig. 10, unlike the embodiment shown in fig. 9, the elastic body E of the present embodiment is disposed between the first pivot portion 264A and the second pivot portion 264B. In some embodiments, the elastomer E fills the opening of the first pivot portion 264A and encapsulates the bump structure of the second pivot portion 264B. In some embodiments, the elastic body E may be disposed in the groove S of the first chain unit 262A (see fig. 9) and the gap between the first pivot portion 264A and the second pivot portion 264B.
Please refer to fig. 11. Unlike the previous embodiments, the elastomer E of the present embodiment covers at least one chain monomer 362 of the chain 360. In some embodiments, the chain 360 includes a first chain monomer 362A and a second chain monomer 362B adjacent to each other, the first chain monomer 362A has a through hole 366, and the second chain monomer 362B extends through the through hole 366, such that the second chain monomer 362B is buckled with the first chain monomer 362A. The elastic body E covers the surface of the first chain monomer 362A away from the through hole 366 and fills the through hole 366, supplementing the space of the through hole 366 not occupied by the adjacent chain monomer.
In some embodiments, the chain elements 362 of the chain 360 are closed loop structures. In some embodiments, the plurality of chain monomers of the chain 360 may be divided into a plurality of groups, and different groups of chain monomers may be covered with different elastomers. For example, the chain 360 may be encased in sections with three different first, second, or third elastomers E1, E2, E3 in a manner similar to that shown in fig. 6.
Please refer to fig. 12. The foldable electronic device 500 of the present embodiment is different from the embodiment shown in fig. 1 in that the chain 560A of the hinge device 520 is directly connected to the frame 101, and the chain 560B is directly connected to the frame 102. The hinge device 520 further includes an elastomer (not shown) disposed in the chain elements of the chains 560A, 560B or wrapping the chains 560A, 560B. The specific structural configuration of chains 560A, 560B and the elastomer may be similar to any of the embodiments described above, please refer to the description above.
In some embodiments, the hinge device 520 further includes brackets 570A, 570B, and the chains 560A, 560B are disposed on the brackets 570A, 570B, respectively. In some embodiments, an end of the chain 560A remote from the frame 101 is connected to the bracket 570B, and an end of the chain 560B remote from the frame 102 is connected to the bracket 570A.
In summary, the hinge device of the foldable electronic device of the present disclosure is configured with a chain and an elastomer disposed in or wrapping the chain. The flexible piece (display panel or cover plate) of the guiding electronic device can be opened and closed by utilizing the simple structure of the chain and the elastic body, and the elastic body can also prevent particles or water vapor from entering the chain, thereby being beneficial to prolonging the service life of the hinge device.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but may be variously modified and modified by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is accordingly defined by the appended claims.