TWI899674B - Foldable electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable electronic device including a base, two supporting structures, two pivoting brackets, a flexible screen contacting the two supporting structures and a torque module is provided. The two supporting structures are rotatably connected to the base through the two pivoting brackets and the torque module. Each supporting structure includes a first supporting plate having an arc sliding rail and a second supporting plate having a linear sliding rail, and the first supporting plate is located between the second supporting plate and the base. The two first supporting plates are rotatably connected to the two pivoting brackets respectively, and the two second supporting plates are respectively fixed to the two pivoting brackets. The torque module includes two torque brackets. Each torque bracket has a first sliding protrusion and a second sliding protrusion, and are respectively slidably connected to the arc sliding rail of the first supporting plate and the linear sliding rail of the second supporting plate.

Description

Folding electronic devices

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

To meet the demands of miniaturization and larger display screens, the design of flexible screens for foldable electronic devices (such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops) has been proposed. Flexible screens can be categorized into outward-folding and inward-folding types based on their folding configuration. Inward-folding screens have become the mainstream in the market because their display is protected by the case when folded.

Specifically, the inward-folding screen includes two fixed display sections positioned opposite each other, and a flexible display section located between them. The two fixed display sections are fixed to two housings, respectively, and the flexible display section can bend outward or inward as the foldable electronic device is folded. During the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state, the flexible display section is squeezed by the two housings, bending inward and folding between them. Therefore, to prevent the flexible display from being over-squeezed and damaged, sufficient space must be provided between the two housings when the device is folded. However, this also makes it difficult to reduce the thickness of the foldable electronic device when it is folded.

The present invention provides a foldable electronic device that can prevent the flexible display portion from being over-pressed and damaged.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a foldable electronic device comprising a base, two support structures, two pivoting brackets, a flexible screen, and a torque module. Each support structure includes a first support plate and a second support plate, with the first support plate positioned between the base and the second support plate. The two pivoting brackets are disposed opposite each other on the base and rotatably connected to the base. The two first support plates are rotatably connected to the two pivoting brackets, and the two second support plates are fixed to the two pivoting brackets. The flexible screen includes two fixed display parts and a flexible display part located between the two fixed display parts, wherein the flexible display part contacts two first support plates, and the two fixed display parts are respectively fixed to two second support plates. The torsion module includes two torsion brackets arranged opposite to each other on the base. The two torsion brackets are rotatably connected to the base, and each torsion bracket has a first sliding protrusion and a second sliding protrusion. Each first support plate has an arcuate slide rail, and each second support plate has a linear slide rail. The first sliding protrusion and the second sliding protrusion of each torsion bracket are respectively slidably connected to the arcuate slide rail of the corresponding first support plate and the linear slide rail of the corresponding second support plate.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the two pivot brackets are adapted to rotate relative to the base about two first axes, respectively. The two torsion brackets are adapted to move synchronously with the two pivot brackets and rotate relative to the base about two second axes, respectively. The two second axes are parallel to the two first axes.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a first line connecting the first sliding protrusion of each torque bracket and the corresponding second axis is not parallel to a second line connecting the second sliding protrusion and the corresponding second axis.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the above-mentioned second supporting plates has a supporting surface that contacts the corresponding fixed display portion, and the line connecting the first sliding protrusion and the second sliding protrusion of each torsion bracket is not parallel to the supporting surface of the corresponding second supporting plate.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned connecting line is not parallel to the linear sliding track of the corresponding second supporting plate.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first supporting plates further comprises a supporting surface in contact with the flexible display portion and a back surface opposite to the supporting surface, with the concave arc surface of the arc-shaped sliding rail facing the back surface.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first supporting plates further comprises a first supporting surface and a first rear surface opposite the first supporting surface, and each of the second supporting plates further comprises a second supporting surface and a second rear surface opposite the second supporting surface. The flexible display portion contacts the two first supporting surfaces, and the two fixed display portions are respectively fixed to the two second supporting surfaces.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each pivot bracket is rotatably connected to the first back surface of the corresponding first supporting plate and fixed to the second back surface of the corresponding second supporting plate.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the arcuate slide rail of each first supporting plate is located on the first back surface, and the linear slide rail of each second supporting plate is located on the second back surface.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the two support structures are adapted to transition between an expanded state and a folded state. In the expanded state, the two first support surfaces are coplanar with the two second support surfaces. In the folded state, the two first support surfaces face each other, with a sharp angle between them. Furthermore, the two second support surfaces face each other and are parallel to each other.

In one embodiment of the present invention, in the folded state, the distance between the two first supporting surfaces gradually increases from the two second supporting plates toward the base.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the two pivot brackets are adapted to rotate about two axes relative to the base, and each pivot bracket includes an arcuate sliding portion. The base has two arcuate slots, and the two arcuate sliding portions are slidably disposed in the two arcuate slots to rotate about the two axes.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the two centers of curvature of the two arc-shaped chutes fall on two axes respectively.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable electronic device further includes two torsion springs. The two torsion springs are respectively disposed corresponding to the two pivot brackets, wherein each torsion spring is connected between the corresponding pivot bracket and the first support plate.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable electronic device further includes two pivot members. The two pivot members are respectively disposed corresponding to the two pivot brackets. Each pivot member includes a fixed portion fixed to the corresponding first support plate and a pivot portion extending through the corresponding pivot bracket. Each torsion spring is sleeved on the corresponding pivot portion.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable electronic device further includes two positioning members. The two positioning members are respectively fixed to the two first support plates. Each positioning member fixes one end of a corresponding torsion spring to the corresponding first support plate, and the other end of each torsion spring is fixed between the corresponding pivot bracket and the second support plate.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the torque module further includes two shafts, a stopper, a torque member, and two compression springs. The two shafts are rotatably mounted on a base, and the two torque brackets are fixedly mounted on the two shafts, respectively, and the two shafts are parallel to each other.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the aforementioned torque brackets further includes a first torque portion surrounding a corresponding shaft, and the torque member includes two second torque portions facing the two first torque portions of the two torque brackets. The two second torque portions respectively surround the two shafts and respectively contact the two first torque portions. A stopper is fixed to the base and fixedly mounted on the two shafts. The torque member is slidably mounted on the two shafts and positioned between the stopper and the two torque brackets. Two compression springs are respectively mounted on the two shafts and positioned between the stopper and the torque member.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable electronic device further includes a synchronous module disposed corresponding to the torque module. The synchronous module includes two shaft gears fixed to the two shafts and a synchronous gear located between the two shaft gears, and the synchronous gear is engaged with the two shaft gears.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the two shaft gears and the co-driven gear comprise helical gears.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the two rotation axes of the two gears are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the rotation axis of the co-driven gear.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the two rotation axes of the two gears are parallel to each other and are coaxial with the two axes of the two shafts.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable electronic device further includes two housings disposed opposite to each other, and the two housings are respectively fixed to the two second supporting plates.

Based on the above, in each support structure, the first support plate is rotatably connected to the pivot bracket, and the second support plate is fixed to the pivot bracket. Therefore, the first support plate has the freedom of movement to rotate relative to the pivot bracket and the second support plate. During the process of the foldable electronic device transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state, each support structure rotates relative to the base through the corresponding pivot bracket and torque bracket. Through the sliding engagement between the first sliding protrusion of the torque bracket and the arcuate slide rail of the first support plate, the first support plate is driven by the torque bracket to rotate relative to the pivot bracket and the second support plate. When the foldable electronic device is converted to the folded state, the two first supporting plates form a narrow-at-top-and-wide-at-bottom accommodation space between the two second supporting plates and the base to accommodate the deformed and teardrop-shaped flexible display portion, preventing the flexible display portion from being damaged by excessive squeezing.

In order to make the above features and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, embodiments are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B is a partially exploded schematic diagram of Figure 1A. Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, in this embodiment, the foldable electronic device 10 can be used in a smartphone, tablet computer, or laptop computer and includes two opposing housings 100, a base 200, two support structures 300, two pivoting brackets 400, a flexible screen 500, a torque module 600, and a synchronous motion module 700. Specifically, the two housings 100 can be used to accommodate the base 200 , two supporting structures 300 , two pivoting brackets 400 , the flexible screen 500 , the torque module 600 , and the synchronous module 700 , and the base 200 is disposed between the two housings 100 .

The two support structures 300 are disposed within the two housings 100 and are positioned opposite each other on the base 200, for example, symmetrically on opposite sides of the base 200. The two pivot brackets 400 are disposed within the two housings 100 and are positioned opposite each other on the base 200, for example, symmetrically on opposite sides of the base 200. Furthermore, the two pivot brackets 400 are rotatably connected to the base 200, and the two support structures 300 are connected to the base 200 via the two pivot brackets 400, respectively, so that they can rotate relative to the base 200 via the two pivot brackets 400.

Specifically, each support structure 300 includes a first support plate 310 and a second support plate 320, with the first support plate 310 positioned between the base 200 and the second support plate 320. In each support structure 300, the first support plate 310 is rotatably connected to the pivot bracket 400, while the second support plate 320 is fixed to the pivot bracket 400. This allows the first support plate 310 to rotate relative to the pivot bracket 400 and the second support plate 320. Furthermore, the two housings 100 are respectively fixed to the two second support plates 320, rotating synchronously with the two second support plates 320 relative to the base 200, thereby transitioning between an unfolded state and a folded state.

Figures 2A through 2C are partial side views of the foldable electronic device of Figure 1A transitioning from an unfolded state to a folded state. The two housings 100 are omitted to clearly illustrate the operation of the internal components. Referring to Figures 1A, 1B, and 2A, the flexible screen 500 includes two fixed display portions 510 and a flexible display portion 520 located between the two fixed display portions 510. The flexible display portion 520 contacts the two first support plates 310, and the two fixed display portions 510 are respectively fixed to the two second support plates 320.

2A to 2C , during the transition between the unfolded and folded states of the foldable electronic device 10, the two fixed display portions 510 rotate synchronously with the two second support plates 320 relative to the base 200 without deforming. Meanwhile, as the two first support plates 310 rotate relative to the base 200 and approach each other (i.e., as the foldable electronic device 10 transitions from the unfolded to the folded state), the flexible display portion 520 is squeezed by the two first support plates 310, deforming and being accommodated within the space formed between the two first support plates 310. Conversely, as the two first support plates 310 rotate relative to the base 200 and move away from each other (i.e., the foldable electronic device 10 transitions from the folded state to the unfolded state), the flexible display portion 520 gradually unfolds until it is completely flat. In other words, the flexible screen 500 employed by the foldable electronic device 10 is an inward-folding screen.

Referring to Figures 1B and 2A , each first supporting plate 310 has a first supporting surface 311 and a first rear surface 312 opposite the first supporting surface 311, and each second supporting plate 320 has a second supporting surface 321 and a second rear surface 322 opposite the second supporting surface 321. Specifically, the flexible display portion 520 contacts the two first supporting surfaces 311, and the two fixed display portions 510 are fixed to the two second supporting surfaces 321, respectively.

As shown in FIG2A , when the foldable electronic device 10 is in the unfolded state, the two first supporting surfaces 311 are juxtaposed between the two second supporting surfaces 321. The two first supporting surfaces 311 are flush or coplanar with the two second supporting surfaces 321, so that the flexible display portion 520 supported by the two first supporting surfaces 311 is flush with the two fixed display portions 510. In other words, in the unfolded state, the flexible screen 500 can be fully unfolded, supported by the two supporting structures 300.

As shown in FIG2C , when the foldable electronic device 10 is in the folded state, the two second supporting surfaces 321 face each other and are parallel to each other. Furthermore, the two first supporting surfaces 311 face each other and are non-parallel to each other. Furthermore, in the folded state, the end of each first supporting plate 310 near the base 200 tilts away from a plane coplanar with the second supporting surface 321 of the corresponding second supporting plate 320, such that a sharp angle α is formed between the two first supporting surfaces 311, and the distance S between the two first supporting surfaces 311 gradually increases from the two second supporting plates 320 toward the base 200. That is, when the foldable electronic device 10 is converted to the folded state, the two first supporting plates 310 form a narrow-top, wide-bottom accommodation space between the two second supporting plates 320 and the base 200 to accommodate the deformed, teardrop-shaped flexible display portion 520 and prevent the flexible display portion 520 from being damaged by excessive compression.

Referring to Figure 1B , a torque module 600 is mounted on the base 200, and the two support structures 300 are also rotatably connected to the base 200 via the torque module 600. Furthermore, a synchronization module 700 is mounted on the base 200 and integrated with the torque module 600. This not only improves the synchronization of the rotation of the two support structures 300, the two pivoting brackets 400, and the torque module 600, but also helps reduce the assembly space required for the components.

Figure 3A is a partially exploded schematic diagram of Figure 1B. Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of Figure 3A from another angle. Figure 3C is a partially exploded schematic diagram of Figure 3A. Figure 3D is a schematic diagram of Figure 3C from another angle. Figure 3E is a partially exploded schematic diagram of Figure 3C. Referring to Figures 3A to 3D, in this embodiment, the torque module 600 includes two torque brackets 610 disposed relative to each other on the base 200, for example, symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the base 200. Specifically, the two support structures 300 are rotatably connected to the base 200 via two torque brackets 610. In each support structure 300, a first support plate 310 and a second support plate 320 are connected to the torque bracket 610, and both the first support plate 310 and the second support plate 320 are slidably engaged with the torque bracket 610.

Referring to Figures 3B to 3D , each torque bracket 610 has a first sliding protrusion 611 and a second sliding protrusion 612. Correspondingly, each first support plate 310 has a curved sliding track 313 located on its first rear surface 312, and each second support plate 320 has a linear sliding track 323 located on its second rear surface 322. The first sliding protrusion 611 and the second sliding protrusion 612 of each torque bracket 610 slide in contact with the corresponding curved sliding track 313 of the first support plate 310 and the corresponding linear sliding track 323 of the second support plate 320, respectively.

2A to 2C or 3B and 3D , during the transition of the foldable electronic device 10 between the unfolded and folded states, each support structure 300 rotates relative to the base 200 via the corresponding pivot bracket 400 and torque bracket 610 , wherein the second sliding protrusion 612 slides along a linear trajectory on the second support plate 320 , and the first sliding protrusion 611 slides along an arcuate trajectory on the first support plate 310 .

During the transition of the foldable electronic device 10 from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first sliding protrusion 611 of the torque bracket 610 and the arcuate sliding rail 313 of the first support plate 310 slide together, allowing the end of each first support plate 310 near the base 200 to rotate away from a plane coplanar with the second support surface 321 of the corresponding second support plate 320, thereby tilting toward the second support plate 320. Conversely, during the transition of the foldable electronic device 10 from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first sliding protrusion 611 of the torque bracket 610 and the arcuate slide rail 313 of the first support plate 310 slide together, allowing the end of each first support plate 310 near the base 200 to rotate toward a plane coplanar with the second support surface 321 of the corresponding second support plate 320, thereby aligning with the second support plate 320.

Referring to Figures 3A to 3C and 3E , in this embodiment, each pivot bracket 400 is rotatably connected to the first rear surface 312 of the corresponding first support plate 310 and fixed to the second rear surface 322 of the corresponding second support plate 320. Specifically, each pivot bracket 400 includes a curved sliding portion 410. The base 200 has two symmetrically arranged curved sliding grooves 210, and the two curved sliding portions 410 of the two pivot brackets 400 slide within the two curved sliding grooves 210, respectively. In other words, each pivot bracket 400 rotates relative to the base 200 through the sliding engagement between the curved sliding portion 410 and the curved sliding grooves 210.

3A to 3C , the foldable electronic device 10 further includes two torsion springs 11 disposed corresponding to the two pivot brackets 400 , respectively. Each torsion spring 11 is disposed between the corresponding second support plate 320 and the first support plate 310 , and is connected between the corresponding pivot bracket 400 and the first support plate 310 .

Referring to Figures 2A to 2C or Figures 3A to 3C, in the expanded state, the two torsion springs 11 do not undergo elastic deformation, thereby maintaining the two support structures 300 flat, that is, keeping the two first support plates 310 flush with the two second support plates 320. Referring to Figures 2C, 3A, 3B, and 3C, in the folded state, the first support plate 310 of each support structure 300 is tilted relative to the second support plate 320, and the torsion springs 11 are squeezed by the first support plates 310, resulting in elastic deformation. Therefore, during the transition from the folded state to the unfolded state, the elastic restoring force of each torsion spring 11 can drive the corresponding first support plate 310 to rotate relative to the pivot bracket 400 and the second support plate 320, so that the first support plate 310 returns to a state where it is flush with the second support plate 320.

Figure 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of the pivot bracket of Figure 3E. Referring to Figures 3A to 3C and Figure 4, in this embodiment, the foldable electronic device 10 further includes two pivot members 12 and two positioning members 13. The two pivot members 12 are respectively provided to correspond to the two pivot brackets 400, wherein each pivot member 12 includes a fixing portion 12a fixed to the first back surface 312 of the corresponding first support plate 310 and a pivot portion 12b extending through the corresponding pivot bracket 400. In other words, each first support plate 310 is rotatably connected to the pivot bracket 400 via the corresponding pivot member 12. On the other hand, two positioning members 13 are respectively fixed to the two first back surfaces 312 of the two first supporting plates 310 , and each pivot bracket 400 is provided with a pivot member 12 and a positioning member 13 on two opposite sides thereof.

Specifically, each torsion spring 11 is mounted on a corresponding pivot portion 12b and has a first end 11a and a second end 11b. The first end 11a of each torsion spring 11 is secured between the second back surface 322 of the corresponding second support plate 320 and the pivot bracket 400. For example, the pivot bracket 400 has a recess 401 facing the second back surface 322 of the second support plate 320, suitable for accommodating and positioning the first end 11a of the torsion spring 11.

On the other hand, the second end 11b of each torsion spring 11 is secured to the first rear surface 312 of the first supporting plate 310 by a corresponding positioning member 13, or secured between the first rear surface 312 of the first supporting plate 310 and the positioning member 13. For example, the positioning member 13 has a groove 13a facing the first rear surface 312 of the first supporting plate 310, suitable for accommodating and positioning the second end 11b of the torsion spring 11.

Figure 5 is an exploded schematic diagram of the torsion module and synchronization module of Figure 3E . Referring to Figures 3A , 3C , and 5 , the two pivot brackets 400 are adapted to rotate about two first axes AX1 relative to the base 200 . Furthermore, the two torsion brackets 610 are adapted to move synchronously with the two pivot brackets 400 and rotate about two second axes AX2 relative to the base 200 . In other words, the two support structures 300 are adapted to rotate about two first axes AX1 via the two pivot brackets 400 , and about two second axes AX2 via the two torsion brackets 610 . For example, the two first axes AX1 are parallel to the two second axes AX2 .

In this embodiment, the torque module 600 further includes two shafts 620, a stopper 630, a torque member 640, and two compression springs 650. The two shafts 620 are rotatably mounted on the base 200, with two torque brackets 610 fixedly mounted on the two shafts 620, respectively, and the two shafts 620 are parallel to each other. Specifically, the two torque brackets 610 can rotate synchronously with the two shafts 620 relative to the base 200, and two second axes AX2 are located on the two shafts 620. In other words, the two second axes AX2 are the two axes of the two shafts 620.

Each torque bracket 610 has a first torque portion 613 that surrounds the corresponding shaft 620, with the first sliding protrusion 611 located between the second sliding protrusion 612 and the first torque portion 613. Furthermore, the torque member 640 has two second torque portions 641 facing the two first torque portions 613 of the two torque brackets 610. The two second torque portions 641 surround the two shafts 620 and contact the two first torque portions 613, respectively.

The limiter 630 is fixed to the base 200 and securely mounted on the two shafts 620 to maintain a constant distance between them. Furthermore, the torque member 640 is slidably mounted on the two shafts 620 and located between the limiter 630 and the two torque brackets 610. Two compression springs 650 are mounted on the two shafts 620, respectively, and are located between the limiter 630 and the torque member 640.

As the two torsion brackets 610 rotate synchronously with the two shafts 620 relative to the base 200, the two torsion brackets 610 rotate in opposite directions. The two first torsion portions 613 rotate relative to the two second torsion portions 641, driving the torsion member 640 to slide on the two shafts 620. Accordingly, the two compression springs 650 elastically deform as the torsion members 640 slide. Consequently, the elastic restoring force of the two compression springs 650 acts on the torsion member 640, maintaining contact between the two second torsion portions 641 and the two first torsion portions 613, generating a positioning torque that stabilizes the rotational angles of the two support structures 300.

For example, the first and second torsion portions 613 and 641, which are in contact with each other, each have matching concave-convex surfaces, with the concave-convex surface of the first torsion portion 613 contacting the concave-convex surface of the second torsion portion 641. In either the unfolded or folded state, the concave-convex surface of the first torsion portion 613 and the concave-convex surface of the second torsion portion 641 completely mate, thereby securing the support structure 300 and preventing it from accidentally rotating relative to the base 200.

During the transition from the expanded state to the folded state, or vice versa, the concave-convex surface of the first torsion portion 613 slides relative to the concave-convex surface of the second torsion portion 641. The convex surface of the first torsion portion 613 moves away from the concave surface of the second torsion portion 641 to abut against the convex surface of the second torsion portion 641. During this process, the first torsion portion 613 pushes the torsion member 640 to slide toward the stopper 630, causing the compression spring 650 to be squeezed by the torsion member 640 and elastically deform. Then, after the convex surface of the first torsion portion 613 moves away from the convex surface of the second torsion portion 641, the elastic restoring force of the compression spring 650 pushes the torsion member 640 to slide away from the limit member 630, so that the concave-convex surface of the first torsion portion 613 and the concave-convex surface of the second torsion portion 641 are fully aligned again, thereby fixing the support structure 300 and preventing the support structure 300 from accidentally rotating relative to the base 200.

Referring to Figures 3A, 3C, and 5, in this embodiment, the synchronization module 700 includes two shaft gears 710 fixed to two shafts 620 and a synchronization gear 720 located between the two shaft gears 710. The synchronization gear 720 is engaged between the two shaft gears 710 to link the two shaft gears 710. Specifically, the synchronization module 700 is composed of three helical gears, wherein the two rotation axes RX1 of the two shaft gears 710 are parallel to each other and coaxial with the two axes of the two shafts 620 (i.e., the second axis AX2). In addition, the rotation axis RX2 of the co-driven gear 720 is perpendicular to the two rotation axes RX1 of the two shaft gears 710.

By reducing the type and number of gears used in the synchronous module 700, the dimensions of the foldable electronic device 10 in the unfolded state (e.g., length or width) and in the folded state (e.g., thickness) can be further reduced to meet the requirements of a lightweight and thin design.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the base, support structure, pivot bracket, torsion module, and synchronization module of Figure 3A. Figures 7A to 7C are schematic cross-sectional views of Figure 6 along line A-A, showing the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state. Referring to Figures 3B, 6, and 7A, each pivot bracket 400 is rotatably connected to the first rear surface 312 of the corresponding first support plate 310 and fixed to the second rear surface 322 of the corresponding second support plate 320.

As shown in Figures 7A to 7C , each pivot bracket 400 rotates relative to the base 200 through the sliding engagement between the arcuate sliding portion 410 and the arcuate sliding groove 210. Specifically, the two pivot brackets 400 are adapted to rotate relative to the base 200 about two first axes AX1, respectively. The two centers of curvature C1 of the two arcuate sliding portions 410 lie on the two first axes AX1, respectively, and the two centers of curvature C2 of the two arcuate sliding grooves 210 lie on the two first axes AX1, respectively.

In the expanded state, the two torsion springs 11 do not undergo elastic deformation, thereby aligning each first support plate 310 with the corresponding second support plate 320. In the folded state, each first support plate 310 is tilted relative to the corresponding second support plate 320, and the torsion springs 11 are compressed by the first support plates 310, causing elastic deformation. Therefore, during the transition from the folded state to the expanded state, the elastic restoring force of each torsion spring 11 drives the corresponding first support plate 310 to rotate relative to the pivot bracket 400 and the second support plate 320, returning the first support plate 310 to a state where it is aligned with the second support plate 320.

8A to 8C are schematic cross-sectional views of the device transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state along line A1-A1 in FIG6 . Referring to FIG8A , the linear slide 323 is parallel to the second back surface 322 , and the concave arc of the arc-shaped slide 313 faces the first back surface 312 . Referring to Figures 8A to 8C , during the transition from the expanded state to the folded state, each support structure 300 rotates about the second axis AX2 relative to the base 200 via the corresponding torque bracket 610, wherein the second sliding protrusion 612 slides along the linear slide 323 on the second support plate 320 toward the first support plate 310, and the first sliding protrusion 611 slides along the arcuate slide 313 on the first support plate 310 toward the first back surface 312, thereby driving the first support plate 310 to rotate relative to the second support plate 320, causing the first support surface 311 to tilt toward the second support surface 321.

During the transition from the folded state to the expanded state, each support structure 300 rotates about the second axis AX2 relative to the base 200 via the corresponding torque bracket 610. The second sliding protrusion 612 slides along the linear slide 323 on the second support plate 320 away from the first support plate 310, and the first sliding protrusion 611 slides along the curved slide 313 on the first support plate 310 away from the first back surface 312, thereby driving the first support plate 310 to rotate relative to the second support plate 320, so that the first support surface 311 is flush with the second support surface 321.

Referring to Figure 8A , in this embodiment, the first line L1 between the first sliding protrusion 611 of each torque bracket 610 and the corresponding second axis AX2 is not parallel to the second line L2 between the second sliding protrusion 612 and the corresponding second axis AX2. Furthermore, the first line L1 and the second line L2 do not overlap, and a sharp angle is formed between the first line L1 and the second line L2. Furthermore, the line L3 between the first sliding protrusion 611 and the second sliding protrusion 612 of each torque bracket 610 is not parallel to the second supporting surface 321 or the second back surface 322 of the corresponding second supporting plate 320.

That is, in each torque bracket 610, the first sliding protrusion 611, the second sliding protrusion 612, and the second axis AX2 do not lie on the same straight line. Furthermore, in a direction perpendicular to the second supporting surface 321 or the second back surface 322, the first sliding protrusion 611 and the second sliding protrusion 612 have different offsets relative to the second supporting plate 320. Based on this design, during the transition between the unfolded and folded states, the first sliding protrusion 611 can cause the first supporting plate 310 to rotate relative to the second supporting plate 320, causing the first supporting surface 311 to tilt toward or become flush with the second supporting surface 321.

Figures 9A to 9C are schematic cross-sectional views of the system transitioning from the expanded state to the folded state along line A2-A2 in Figure 6 . Referring to Figures 9A to 9C , the co-moving module 700 is comprised of three helical gears. The two rotation axes RX1 of the two shaft gears 710 are parallel to each other and coaxial with the two axes of the two shafts 620 (i.e., the second axis AX2). Furthermore, the rotation axis RX2 of the co-moving gears 720 is perpendicular to the two rotation axes RX1 of the two shaft gears 710. During the transition between the expanded and folded states, the two torque brackets 610 can rotate synchronously about the two second axes AX2 via the co-moving module 700. By reducing the type and number of gears used in the synchronous module 700, the dimensions of the foldable electronic device 10 in the unfolded state (e.g., length or width) and in the folded state (e.g., thickness) can be further reduced to meet the requirements of a lightweight and thin design.

In summary, in each support structure, the first support plate is rotatably connected to the pivot bracket, while the second support plate is fixed to the pivot bracket. Therefore, the first support plate has the freedom to rotate relative to the pivot bracket and the second support plate. Furthermore, the arcuate and linear rails of the first support plate slide in contact with the first and second sliding protrusions of the torque bracket, respectively, and the first and second sliding protrusions have different offsets relative to the second support plate. During the transition of the foldable electronic device from its unfolded state to its folded state, each support structure rotates relative to the base via its corresponding pivot bracket and torque bracket. The first support plate, driven by the torque bracket, rotates relative to the pivot bracket and second support plate through the sliding engagement between the first sliding protrusion of the torque bracket and the curved sliding track of the first support plate. When the foldable electronic device is in the folded state, the two first support plates form a narrow-at-top, wide-at-bottom accommodation space between the two second support plates and the base, accommodating the deformed, teardrop-shaped flexible display and preventing damage from excessive compression.

Furthermore, the foldable electronic device incorporates a synchronous module integrated with the torque module. This not only improves the synchronization of the rotation of the two support structures, the two pivoting brackets, and the torque module, but also helps reduce the assembly space required for components. Specifically, the synchronous module consists of two gears and a synchronous gear connected between them. Both the synchronous gear and the two gears are helical gears, and the rotation axis of the synchronous gear is perpendicular to the rotation axes of the two gears. By reducing the type and number of gears used in the co-actuating module, the dimensions of foldable electronic devices in both the unfolded state (e.g., length or width) and the folded state (e.g., thickness) can be further reduced to meet the requirements of lightweight and thin designs.

Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of embodiments, they are not intended to limit the present invention. Any person having ordinary skill in the art may make slight modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of the attached patent application.

10: Folding electronic device 11: Torsion spring 12: Pivot 12a: Fixing portion 12b: Pivot 13: Positioning member 13a, 401: Groove 100: Housing 200: Base 210: Curved slide 300: Support structure 310: First support plate 311: First support surface 312: First rear surface 313: Curved slide rail 320: Second support plate 321: Second support surface 322: Second rear surface 323: Linear slide rail 400: Pivot bracket 410: Curved slide 500: Flexible screen 510: Fixed display unit 520: Flexible display unit 600: Torque module 610: Torque bracket 611: First sliding protrusion 612: Second sliding protrusion 613: First torque unit 620: Shaft 630: Stopper 640: Torque member 641: Second torque unit 650: Compression spring 700: Synchronous module 710: Gear 720: Synchronous gear A-A, A1-A1, A2-A2: Section lines AX1: First axis AX2: Second axis α: Sharp angle C1, C2: Center of curvature L1: First connecting line L2: Second connecting line L3: Connecting line RX1, RX2: Rotation axis S: Distance

Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B is a partially exploded schematic diagram of Figure 1A. Figures 2A to 2C are partial side views of the foldable electronic device of Figure 1A transitioning from an unfolded state to a folded state. Figure 3A is a partially exploded schematic diagram of Figure 1B. Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of Figure 3A from another angle. Figure 3C is a partially exploded schematic diagram of Figure 3A. Figure 3D is a schematic diagram of Figure 3C from another angle. Figure 3E is a partially exploded schematic diagram of Figure 3C. Figure 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of the pivot bracket of Figure 3E. Figure 5 is an exploded schematic diagram of the torsion module and the synchronous module of Figure 3E. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the base, support structure, pivot bracket, torsion module, and synchronous module of Figure 3A. Figures 7A to 7C are schematic cross-sectional views taken along line A-A in Figure 6, showing the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state. Figures 8A to 8C are schematic cross-sectional views taken along line A1-A1 in Figure 6, showing the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state. Figures 9A to 9C are schematic cross-sectional views taken along line A2-A2 in Figure 6, showing the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state.

10: Foldable electronic devices

100: Chassis

200: Base

300: Support structure

310: The first support board

311: The First Face Support

320: Second support plate

321: Second support for the face

400: Pivot bracket

500: Flexible screen

510: Fixed display unit

520: Flexible display unit

600: Torque module

610: Torque Bracket

700: Synchronous Module

Claims (22)

A foldable electronic device comprises: a base; two supporting structures disposed on the base opposite to each other, wherein each supporting structure comprises a first supporting plate and a second supporting plate, and the first supporting plate is located between the base and the second supporting plate; two pivot brackets disposed on the base opposite to each other and rotatably connected to the base, wherein the two first supporting plates are rotatably connected to the two pivot brackets, and the two second supporting plates are fixed to the two pivot brackets; two torsion springs disposed respectively corresponding to the two pivot brackets, wherein each torsion spring is connected between the corresponding pivot bracket and the first supporting plate; a flexible screen comprising two fixed display portions and a position A flexible display portion is disposed between the two fixed display portions, wherein the flexible display portion contacts the two first support plates, and the two fixed display portions are respectively fixed to the two second support plates; and a torsion module includes two torsion brackets disposed opposite each other on the base, wherein the two torsion brackets are rotatably connected to the base, and each torsion bracket has a first sliding protrusion and a second sliding protrusion. Each first support plate has an arcuate sliding rail, and each second support plate has a linear sliding rail. The first sliding protrusion and the second sliding protrusion of each torsion bracket are respectively slidably connected to the arcuate sliding rail of the corresponding first support plate and the linear sliding rail of the corresponding second support plate. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the two pivoting supports are adapted to rotate relative to the base about two first axes, respectively, and the two torsion supports are adapted to move synchronously with the two pivoting supports and rotate relative to the base about two second axes, the two second axes being parallel to the two first axes. The foldable electronic device as described in claim 2, wherein a first line connecting the first sliding protrusion of each torque bracket and the corresponding second axis is not parallel to a second line connecting the second sliding protrusion and the corresponding second axis. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein each second supporting plate has a supporting surface that contacts the corresponding fixed display portion, and a line connecting the first sliding protrusion and the second sliding protrusion of each torque bracket is not parallel to the supporting surface of the corresponding second supporting plate. The foldable electronic device as described in claim 1, wherein a line connecting the first sliding protrusion and the second sliding protrusion of each torque bracket is not parallel to the linear sliding rail of the corresponding second support plate. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein each of the first supporting plates further comprises a supporting surface in contact with the flexible display portion and a back surface opposite to the supporting surface, and the concave arc surface of the arc-shaped sliding rail faces the back surface. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein each of the first supporting plates further comprises a first supporting surface and a first rear surface opposite the first supporting surface, and each of the second supporting plates further comprises a second supporting surface and a second rear surface opposite the second supporting surface, the flexible display portion contacts the two first supporting surfaces, and the two fixed display portions are respectively fixed to the two second supporting surfaces. The foldable electronic device of claim 7, wherein each pivot bracket is rotatably connected to the first rear surface of the corresponding first support plate and fixed to the second rear surface of the corresponding second support plate. The foldable electronic device as described in claim 7, wherein the arcuate slide rail of each first supporting plate is located on the first rear surface, and the linear slide rail of each second supporting plate is located on the second rear surface. The foldable electronic device of claim 7, wherein the two support structures are adapted to transition between an unfolded state and a folded state. In the unfolded state, the two first support surfaces are coplanar with the two second support surfaces. In the folded state, the two first support surfaces face each other with a sharp angle formed therebetween, and the two second support surfaces face each other and are parallel to each other. The foldable electronic device of claim 7, wherein the two support structures are adapted to transition between an unfolded state and a folded state. In the unfolded state, the two first support surfaces are coplanar with the two second support surfaces. In the folded state, the two first support surfaces face each other, and a distance between the two first support surfaces gradually increases from the two second support plates toward the base. The two second support surfaces face each other and are parallel to each other. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the two pivot brackets are adapted to rotate about two axes relative to the base, and each pivot bracket includes an arcuate sliding portion. The base has two arcuate sliding grooves, and the two arcuate sliding portions are slidably disposed in the two arcuate sliding grooves to rotate about the two axes. The foldable electronic device as described in claim 12, wherein the two centers of curvature of the two arc-shaped sliding portions fall on the two axes respectively. The foldable electronic device of claim 1 further comprises: two pivot members, disposed corresponding to the two pivot brackets, wherein each pivot member comprises a fixing portion fixed to the corresponding first support plate and a pivot portion extending through the corresponding pivot bracket, and each torsion spring is sleeved on the corresponding pivot portion. The foldable electronic device of claim 1 further comprises: two positioning members, each fixed to the two first support plates, wherein each positioning member fixes one end of the corresponding torsion spring to the corresponding first support plate, and the other end of each torsion spring is fixed between the corresponding pivot bracket and the second support plate. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the torque module further comprises: two shafts rotatably mounted on the base, wherein the two torque brackets are respectively fixedly mounted on the two shafts, and the two shafts are parallel to each other; a limiter fixed to the base and fixedly mounted on the two shafts; a torque member slidably mounted on the two shafts and located between the limiter and the two torque brackets; and two compression springs respectively mounted on the two shafts and located between the limiter and the torque member. The foldable electronic device of claim 16, wherein each of the torque brackets further comprises a first torque portion surrounding the corresponding shaft, and the torque member comprises two second torque portions facing the two first torque portions of the two torque brackets, the two second torque portions respectively surrounding the two shafts and respectively contacting the two first torque portions. The foldable electronic device as described in claim 17 further includes: a synchronous module disposed corresponding to the torque module, wherein the synchronous module includes two shaft gears fixed to the two shafts and a synchronous gear located between the two shaft gears, and the synchronous gear is engaged with the two shaft gears. The foldable electronic device as described in claim 18, wherein the two shaft gears and the co-driven gear include helical gears. A foldable electronic device as described in claim 18, wherein the two rotation axes of the two gears are parallel to each other and perpendicular to a rotation axis of the co-driven gear. The foldable electronic device as described in claim 18, wherein the two rotation axes of the two gears are parallel to each other and are coaxial with the two axes of the two shafts. The foldable electronic device of claim 1 further comprises: two housings disposed opposite to each other and fixed to the two second support plates, respectively.