CN223217819U

CN223217819U - Foldable structure and electronic equipment

Info

Publication number: CN223217819U
Application number: CN202422351044.0U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 姜秋月; 曹井一; 龚雄兵; 沈谦益
Original assignee: Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co Ltd
Current assignee: Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co Ltd
Priority date: 2024-09-25
Filing date: 2024-09-25
Publication date: 2025-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2034-09-25

Abstract

The application relates to a foldable structure and an electronic device. The foldable structure includes a first portion and a second portion rotatably coupled, a resilient tensioning member and a flexible circuit board. The first portion and the second portion may be relatively foldable or expandable. The elastic tensioning piece is fixedly arranged on the first part, the elastic tensioning piece comprises a tensioning arm capable of twisting, the first twisting direction of the tensioning arm is the same as the rotating direction of the first part when the first part is folded relative to the second part, and the second twisting direction of the tensioning arm is the same as the rotating direction of the first part when the first part is unfolded relative to the second part. One end of a flexible circuit board is electrically connected with the first part, the other end of the flexible circuit board is electrically connected with the second part, the flexible circuit board is further wound on part of the outer surface of the tensioning arm, and the tensioning arm is configured to provide initial tensioning force for the flexible circuit board wound on the tensioning arm. The foldable structure has a small number of parts and is favorable for light and thin.

Description

Foldable structure and electronic equipment

Technical Field

The application relates to the technical field of electronics, in particular to a foldable structure and electronic equipment.

Background

Taking a notebook computer as an example, the notebook computer comprises a display module and a system module, wherein the display module and the system module are connected through a rotating shaft or a hinge and transmit signals through a flexible circuit board. However, along with the improvement of the resolution and refresh rate of the display module, the width of the flexible circuit board is correspondingly increased, so that the flexible circuit board needs to be tensioned, and the display module is ensured to be always tensioned and flat in the opening and closing process.

A tensioning mechanism is arranged in an existing notebook computer, and is used for tensioning a flexible circuit board, however, the tensioning mechanism is large in number of parts, complex in structure, large in occupied space and unfavorable for realizing light and thin notebook computer.

Disclosure of Invention

The application provides a foldable structure and electronic equipment, which are used for tensioning a flexible circuit board, have fewer parts and are favorable for realizing light and thin design.

A collapsible structure comprising:

A first portion and a second portion rotatably connected, the first portion and the second portion being relatively foldable or expandable;

the elastic tensioning piece is fixedly arranged on the first part and comprises a torsionally tensioning arm, the first torsion direction of the tensioning arm is the same as the rotation direction of the first part when the first part is folded relative to the second part, and the second torsion direction of the tensioning arm is the same as the rotation direction of the first part when the first part is unfolded relative to the second part;

And a flexible circuit board having one end electrically connected to the first portion and the other end electrically connected to the second portion, the flexible circuit board further wound around a portion of an outer surface of the tensioning arm, the tensioning arm being configured to provide an initial tensioning force to the flexible circuit board wound around the tensioning arm.

Optionally, the elastic tensioning element further comprises a connecting portion and an elastic portion, the connecting portion is connected with the first portion, and the tensioning arm is connected with the connecting portion through the elastic portion.

Optionally, the elastic portion comprises a spiral structure, a center line of the spiral structure being parallel to the tensioning arm.

Optionally, the elastic portion includes a plurality of bending structures, and the plurality of bending structures are located on the same plane and are arranged along the extension direction of the tensioning arm.

Optionally, the foldable structure further includes a guide member fixedly disposed on the first portion, and the flexible circuit board is further wrapped on a part of an outer surface of the guide member.

Optionally, from a first end of the flexible circuit board connected with the first portion to a second end of the flexible circuit board connected with the second portion, the flexible circuit board is sequentially wound on the guide member and the tensioning arm, and a portion of the tensioning arm wrapped by the flexible circuit board is closer to the first end than a portion of the guide member wrapped by the flexible circuit board.

Optionally, the guide member is provided in a plate-like structure, the guide member is provided with a first surface flush with the first end, and the flexible circuit board is wound on the guide member along the first surface from the first end to the second end.

Optionally, the guide member is fixedly connected to the first portion, and the elastic tensioning member is clamped and fixed between the guide member and the first portion.

Optionally, a rotatable sleeve is provided on the tensioning arm.

An electronic device comprising a foldable structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

Optionally, the electronic device further includes a first housing and a second housing, the first portion and the elastic tensioning member are assembled to the first housing, the second portion is assembled to the second housing, one of the first portion and the second portion includes a system module, and the other includes a display module.

The application provides a foldable structure and electronic equipment, wherein a flexible circuit board is directly wound on a tensioning arm of an elastic tensioning piece, the tensioning arm can provide initial tensioning force for the flexible circuit board, when a second part is folded or unfolded relative to a first part, the tensioning arm generates torsion in a corresponding direction, the tensioning force generated by the tensioning arm acts on the flexible circuit board, so that the flexible circuit board is in a flat and tight state, and the scheme can realize tensioning through a single elastic tensioning piece, so that the structure is simplified, and the light weight of the foldable structure is facilitated.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable structure shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application when folded;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the collapsible structure shown in FIG. 1 as it expands;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a part of a collapsible structure;

FIG. 4 is a comparison of the foldable structure in both a folded and unfolded state;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the guide member and the resilient tensioning member connected to the first portion;

fig. 6 to 8 are schematic views of different embodiments of elastic tensioning elements;

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device shown in an exemplary embodiment of the application.

Detailed Description

The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of the present application will be clearly and completely described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the accompanying drawings, the same numbers in different drawings refer to the same or similar elements, unless otherwise indicated.

If there are terms (e.g., upper, lower, left, right, front, rear, inner, outer, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, lateral, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.) related to directional indications or positional relationships in embodiments of the present application, such terms are used merely to explain the relative positional relationships, movement, etc. between the components at a particular pose (as shown in the drawings), and if the particular pose is changed, the directional indications or positional relationships are correspondingly changed. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present application are used for descriptive convenience only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

In the foldable structure, the means for tensioning the flexible circuit board may include a holder, torsion spring, shaft core, and anti-drop needle, among others. The fixing frame is fixedly arranged, the shaft core is arranged on the fixing frame, the torsion spring is sleeved on the shaft core, and the flexible circuit board provided with the wire protection cloth is wound on the shaft core. In the folding structure opening process, the flexible circuit board is stretched under the action of traction force, the shaft core is pulled to rotate, and the torsion spring simultaneously generates torsion deformation and is used for tensioning the flexible circuit board. The present application provides a more simplified foldable structure capable of tensioning a flexible circuit board, with a greater number of foldable structural members as described above.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a foldable structure 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application when folded. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the collapsible structure 100 shown in fig. 1 when expanded.

The present application provides a collapsible structure 100 comprising a first portion 10 and a second portion 20 rotatably connected such that the first portion 10 and the second portion 20 are relatively collapsible or expandable in a relatively rotatable manner. For example, the first part 10 and the second part 20 can be connected by a rotating shaft and a hinge, so that the first part 10 and the second part 20 can rotate relatively, and further the two parts can be folded or unfolded relatively. Folding may also be understood as the second portion 20 being closed and unfolding may also be understood as the second portion 20 being open.

Referring to fig. 2, the first portion 10 is assembled to the first housing 11, and the first housing 11 may include an upper shell 111 and a lower shell 112 that are detachably connected, and the upper shell 111 and the lower shell 112 are assembled together to enclose a receiving space 110, and the receiving space 110 may be used to receive the first portion 10, including but not limited to a motherboard.

The second portion 20 is assembled to the second housing 21 and the shaft cover 22. For example, the display assembly may be mounted on the second housing 21, but is not limited thereto. The rotation shaft cover 22 is installed at a portion of the second housing 21 close to the first housing 11, and the rotation shaft cover 22 serves as an exterior member for shielding.

Taking a notebook computer as an example, one of the first portion 10 and the second portion 20 includes a system module, and the other includes a display module.

Referring to fig. 1-3, fig. 3 is a schematic view of a portion of a foldable structure 100.

The foldable structure 100 further includes an elastic tensioning member 30 and a flexible circuit board 40, where the elastic tensioning member 30 is fixedly disposed on the first portion 10 and is accommodated in the accommodating space 110. For example, a mounting bracket may be provided in the receiving space 110, to which the elastic tension member 30 is attached. The present application is described with respect to the elastic tensioning member 30 being disposed on the first portion 10, and in other embodiments, the elastic tensioning member 30 may be disposed on the second portion 20.

The elastic tensioning element 30 comprises a tensioning arm 31 which is rotatable, a first direction S1 of rotation of the tensioning arm 31 being opposite to a direction A1 of rotation of the second part 20 when folded in relation to the first part 10, and a second direction S2 of rotation of the tensioning arm 31 being opposite to a direction A2 of rotation of the second part 20 when unfolded in relation to the first part 10. The arrow in fig. 1 shows the first torsion direction S1 and the direction of rotation A1 when folded, and the arrow in fig. 2 shows the second torsion direction S2 and the direction of rotation A2 when folded.

The flexible circuit board 40 is a signal transmission belt that can be folded at will, and can be contracted according to the folding of the foldable structure 100 and expanded according to the unfolding of the foldable structure 100. The flexible circuit board 40 spans the rotation connection part of the first portion 10 and the second portion 20, one end of the flexible circuit board is electrically connected with the first portion 10, and the other end of the flexible circuit board is electrically connected with the second portion 20, so that the electrical connection between the first portion 10 and the second portion 20 is realized. The pivot cover 22 is provided with a notch through which the flexible circuit board 40 can pass. For example, one end of the flexible circuit board 40 is connected to the main board of the first portion 10, and the other end is connected to the display assembly of the second portion 20.

The flexible circuit board 40 is electrically connected to the first portion 10 at one end in the longitudinal direction and to the second portion 20 at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The width direction of the flexible circuit board 40 is consistent with the length direction of the tensioning arm 31, the flexible circuit board 40 is further wound on a part of the outer surface of the tensioning arm 31, and the tensioning arm 31 is configured to provide an initial tensioning force to the flexible circuit board 40 wound around the tensioning arm 31. The term "winding" as used herein refers to bending of the flexible circuit board 40 at the contact point with the tension arm 31, and when the foldable structure 100 is folded or unfolded, a force can be applied to the flexible circuit board 40 by twisting the tension arm 31. The wrap angle of the flexible circuit board 40 around the tension arm 31 is not limited, and may be, for example, greater than 180 °.

From the above description, it can be seen that the flexible circuit board 40 is directly wound on the tensioning arm 31 of the elastic tensioning member 30, and can also provide an initial tensioning force to the flexible circuit board 40, when the second portion 20 is folded relative to the first portion 10, the redundant portion of the flexible circuit board 40 is pulled to be unfolded, and the tensioning arm 31 is twisted to generate an elastic force opposite to the traction force applied to the flexible circuit board 40, so that the flexible circuit board 40 is always in a flat and tight state. When the second portion 20 is unfolded relative to the first portion 10, the redundant portion of the flexible circuit board 40 is retracted and the degree of torsion of the tensioning arm 31 is reduced, at which time the initial tensioning force of the tensioning arm 31 is also applied to the flexible circuit board 40, leaving the flexible circuit board 40 still in a flat state. Because of the elastic tensioning piece 30, the flexible circuit board 40 has a certain movement space in the folding or unfolding process, and when the flexible circuit board can be always in a stressed and tensed state, uncontrolled bad movement states such as arching, dislocation, wrinkling and the like are avoided. In addition, the solution allows tensioning by means of the elastic tensioning element 30 alone, simplifying the structure and facilitating the lightening of the collapsible structure 100.

In one embodiment, the wire-protecting cloths can be respectively adhered to the two side surfaces of the flexible circuit board 40, so that on one hand, the appearance effect can be improved, and on the other hand, the flexible circuit board 40 and the tensioning arm 31 can be prevented from being worn due to frequent contact.

Referring to fig. 4, fig. 4 is a comparison of the foldable structure 100 in two states, folded and unfolded.

It should be noted that, by controlling the length of the flexible circuit board 40, the elastic tensioning member 30 and the flexible circuit board 40 can be installed to generate an initial tensioning force, and at this time, the tensioning arm 31 is slightly twisted by a certain angle, so that the flexible circuit board 40 can be ensured to be in a flat and tight state even in the unfolded state of the foldable structure 100.

When the second portion 20 rotates relative to the first portion 10 and is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state, the flexible circuit board 40 is subjected to traction force, the torsion angle of the corresponding tensioning arm 31 is increased, and an elastic force opposite to the tensile force direction of the flexible circuit board 40 is generated, so that the flexible circuit board 40 is in a flat and tight state, and uncontrolled bad states such as arching, dislocation and wrinkling are avoided.

When the second portion 20 rotates relative to the first portion 10 and is changed from the folded state to the unfolded state, the traction force applied to the flexible circuit board 40 is reduced, the torsion angle of the corresponding tensioning arm 31 is reduced, and the flexible circuit board 40 can be in a flat state by using the initial pre-tightening force of the tensioning arm 31.

With continued reference to fig. 1, the foldable structure 100 further includes a guide member 50 fixedly disposed on the first portion 10, and the flexible circuit board 40 is further wound around a portion of an outer surface of the guide member 50. So configured, the guide 50 may also be used to limit the path of extension of the flexible circuit board 40 such that the flexible circuit board 40 extends along the guide 50. For example, the guide 50 may be positioned flush with the motherboard, thus ensuring that the flexible circuit board 40 extends in a horizontal direction for connection to the motherboard. The guide 50 is not limited in structure, including but not limited to a cylinder, a plate, etc. In this embodiment, the guide 50 is configured as a plate body with an integral structure, and a double-layer overlapping structure is formed after the middle part is folded in half, so that the flexible circuit board 40 is wrapped at the folded part of the guide 50, and the damage of the burr surface to the flexible circuit board 40 is avoided.

In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board 40 is connected to the first portion 10 at a first end and the second portion 20 at a second end, and the flexible circuit board 40 is wound around the guide 50 and the tension arm 31 sequentially from the first end to the second end. Wherein the portion of the tensioning arm 31 wrapped by the flexible circuit board 40 is closer to the first end than the portion of the guide 50 wrapped by the flexible circuit board 40. So set up, flexible circuit board 40 wraps up the part of tensioning arm 31 and guide 50 and roughly takes the form of Z, and this makes the wrap angle that flexible circuit board 40 wraps up on tensioning arm 31 increase, and tensioning effect is better.

Referring to fig. 2, in one embodiment, the guide member 50 is configured in a plate-like structure, the guide member 50 is provided with a first surface 51 flush with the first end, and the flexible circuit board 40 is wound on the guide member 50 along the first surface 51 from the first end to the second end. By this arrangement, the first end of the flexible circuit board 40 can be kept in a straight state by the first surface 51, so that the first end is more attached and reliable after being connected with the first portion 10. For example, the first end may be configured to be coupled to a motherboard, the connection surface of the motherboard to the first end being flush with the first surface.

Referring to fig. 5, fig. 5 is a schematic view of the guide member 50 and the elastic tensioning member 30 connected to the first portion 10.

In one embodiment, the guide 50 and the elastic tension member 30 may be each separately connected to the first portion 10, for example, the guide 50 and the elastic tension member 30 may be connected at different positions within the receiving space 110, respectively.

In this embodiment, to simplify the connection structure, the guide member 50 is fixedly connected to the first portion 10, and the elastic tension member 30 is clamped and fixed between the guide member 50 and the first portion 10. That is, the guide 50 is connected to the first part 10, and the elastic tension member 30 is fixed to the first part 10 by means of the connection force between the guide 50 and the first part 10, so that the connection is also more convenient. For example, a connecting portion may be provided at an end of the tension arm 31, the connecting portion not involving twisting, and the guide 50 may be pressed against the connecting portion.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, two ends of the guide member 50 are fixedly connected with the first portion 10, and two ends of the elastic tensioning member 30 are correspondingly pressed at two ends of the guide member 50, so that the connection is more firm and reliable. The guide 50 may be connected at both ends to a connection bracket in the receiving space 110.

Referring to fig. 6 to 8, fig. 6 to 8 are schematic views of three different embodiments of the elastic tensioning member 30 according to the present application.

In one embodiment, the elastic tensioning element 30 further includes a connecting portion 32 and an elastic portion 33, the connecting portion 32 is connected to the first portion 10, and the end portion of the tensioning arm 31 in the length direction is connected to the connecting portion 32 through the elastic portion 33. The elastic part 33 has elastic deformation capability for providing the tensioning arm 31 with the capability of twisting, the tensioning arm 31 is used for supporting the flexible circuit board 40 and providing the flexible circuit board 40 with tensioning force, and the elastic tensioning member 30 has simple structure and is convenient to process and manufacture.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 6 to 8, the connecting portion 32 and the elastic portion 33 are provided with two groups, and the tensioning arm 31 is connected with the connecting portion 32 through the elastic portion 33, so that the tensioning arm 31 can be ensured to deform uniformly in the length direction, and the connection with the first portion 10 is more stable and reliable. The two ends of the tension arm 31 refer to the two ends of the tension arm 31 in the longitudinal direction.

The elastic portion 33 may have various embodiments. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 6 and 7, the elastic part 33 includes a spiral structure, a center line of which is parallel to a length direction of the tension arm 31. The spiral structure may be one or more turns, the greater the spring force. The structure is compact and is convenient for molding.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 8, the elastic portion 33 includes a plurality of bends, which are located on the same plane and are arranged along the extending direction of the tensioning arm 31. The elastic portion 33 has a planar structure, and has a large elastic deformation capability, and is more easily deformed. The plurality of folds may be arranged at intervals or may be closely arranged to contact each other. The specific number of bends is not limited. The extending direction of the tensioning arm 31 is the length direction of the tensioning arm 31.

The connection 32 may have a variety of embodiments. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 6 and 8, the connection portion 32 may be provided in a circular configuration, for example, the connection member may be inserted into a hollow of the connection portion 32 and locked to the first portion 10. Of course, it is also possible to press the connecting portion 32 under the guide 50 to achieve a fixed connection with the first portion 10. In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 8, the connection 32 may be provided as a connection plate, which may be provided with connection holes, for example by means of fasteners penetrating the connection holes and locking to the first part 10. The web may also be pressed under the guide 50 and thus remain fixedly connected to the first part 10.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 6 and 8, the elastic tension member 30 may be integrally formed by a spring wire.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 7, the tensioning arm 31 is provided with a rotatable sleeve 34, and the sleeve 34 can increase the rigidity of the tensioning arm 31 on one hand and can reduce the friction force when contacting the flexible circuit board 40 by rotating itself on the other hand.

Referring to fig. 9, the present application further provides an electronic device 200, where the electronic device 200 includes the foldable structure 100 described above. Electronic device 200 includes, but is not limited to, a notebook computer, a flip phone, and the like.

The electronic device 200 further comprises a first housing 11 and a second housing 21, the first portion 10 and the elastic tension member 30 are assembled to the first housing 11, the second portion 20 is assembled to the second housing 21, one of the first portion 10 and the second portion 20 comprises a system module, and the other comprises a display module.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 9, the first part 10 comprises a system module comprising devices such as a CPU and the like, and the second part 20 comprises a display module comprising devices such as a display screen.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the application is not intended to be limiting, but rather to enable any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement or the like to be made within the spirit and principles of the application.

Claims

1. A foldable structure, comprising:

A first part (10) and a second part (20) are rotatably connected, wherein the first part (10) and the second part (20) can be folded or unfolded relative to each other;

an elastic tensioning member (30) fixedly disposed on the first portion (10), the elastic tensioning member (30) comprising a twistable tensioning arm (31), a first twisting direction of the tensioning arm (31) being the same as a rotational direction of the first portion (10) when folded relative to the second portion (20), and a second twisting direction of the tensioning arm (31) being the same as a rotational direction of the first portion (10) when unfolded relative to the second portion (20);

A flexible circuit board (40) is electrically connected to the first part (10) at one end and electrically connected to the second part (20) at the other end. The flexible circuit board (40) is also wound around a portion of the outer surface of the tensioning arm (31). The tensioning arm (31) is configured to provide an initial tensioning force to the flexible circuit board (40) wound around the tensioning arm (31).

2. The foldable structure according to claim 1 is characterized in that the elastic tensioning member (30) further includes a connecting portion (32) and an elastic portion (33), the connecting portion (32) is connected to the first part (10), and the tensioning arm (31) is connected to the connecting portion (32) through the elastic portion (33).

3. The foldable structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the elastic portion (33) comprises a spiral structure, and the center line of the spiral structure is parallel to the tensioning arm (31).

4. The foldable structure according to claim 2 is characterized in that the elastic portion (33) includes a plurality of bending structures, and the plurality of bending structures are located in the same plane and arranged along the extension direction of the tensioning arm (31).

5. The foldable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is characterized in that the foldable structure (100) further includes a guide member (50) fixedly arranged on the first part (10), and the flexible circuit board (40) is also wrapped around a portion of the outer surface of the guide member (50).

6. The foldable structure according to claim 5 is characterized in that, from the first end where the flexible circuit board (40) is connected to the first part (10) to the second end where the flexible circuit board (40) is connected to the second part (20), the flexible circuit board (40) is sequentially wound on the guide member (50) and the tensioning arm (31), and the portion of the tensioning arm (31) wrapped by the flexible circuit board (40) is closer to the first end than the portion of the guide member (50) wrapped by the flexible circuit board (40).

7. The foldable structure according to claim 6 is characterized in that the guide member (50) is configured as a plate-like structure, and the guide member (50) is provided with a first surface (51) flush with the first end, and from the first end to the second end, the flexible circuit board (40) is wound on the guide member (50) along the first surface (51).

8. The foldable structure according to claim 5 is characterized in that the guide member (50) is fixedly connected to the first part (10), and the elastic tensioning member (30) is clamped and fixed between the guide member (50) and the first part (10).

9. The foldable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 8, characterized in that a rotatable sleeve (34) is provided on the tensioning arm (31).

10. An electronic device, characterized by comprising the foldable structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10 is characterized in that the electronic device further comprises a first shell (11) and a second shell (21), the first part (10) and the elastic tensioning member (30) are assembled in the first shell (11), the second part (20) is assembled in the second shell (21), and one of the first part (10) and the second part (20) comprises a system module, and the other comprises a display module.