TWI902205B - Electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device including a first body, a support bracket, a second body and at least one pivot component is provided. The support bracket is pivotably connected to the first body. The second body is pivotably connected to the support bracket. The pivot component includes a first connecting element, a second connecting element, a sliding module, a linking element, a driving module and a driven module. The first connecting element is connected to the first body, and the second connecting element is connected to the supporting bracket. The sliding module is connected to the second connecting element and includes a first groove and a second groove. The linking element is movably connected to the sliding module. The driven module is connected to the second connecting element and the linking element, and the driving module is connected to the second body and the sliding module. When the linking element is connected to the first groove, a positioning block of the driven module moves away from the sliding module. When the linking element is connected to the second groove, the positioning block abuts against the sliding module.

Description

Electronic devices

This invention relates to an electronic device.

Electronic devices (such as laptops) can be used in two modes: a closed mode and a tablet mode. Tablet mode means the display faces outwards, allowing the device to be used as a tablet. Closed mode means the display faces inwards and cannot display anything. Currently, the usage modes of electronic devices are limited by their hinge components. When switching between closed and tablet modes, the two bodies of the device cannot remain parallel; they tilt relative to each other, creating a gap that is inconvenient to use.

This invention provides an electronic device that is easy to use.

The electronic device of the present invention includes a first body, a support frame, a second body, and at least one pivot assembly. The support frame is rotatably connected to the first body. The second body is rotatably connected to the support frame. Each pivot assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, a sliding module, a linkage, a drive module, and a driven module. The first connector is connected to the first body, and the second connector is connected to the support frame. The sliding module is movably connected to the first connector and includes a first slide groove and a second slide groove. The linkage is movably connected to the sliding module, and the first slide groove and the second slide groove are located on opposite sides of the linkage. The driven module is connected to the second connector and the linkage, and the drive module is connected to the second body and the sliding module. When the linkage is connected to the first slide rail, a positioning block of the driven module is moved away from the sliding module. When the linkage is connected to the second slide rail, the positioning block abuts against the sliding module.

Based on the above, the second and first slide grooves of the pivot assembly of the electronic device of the present invention are located on both sides of the linkage. When the linkage is connected to the first slide groove, the positioning block of the driven module is away from the sliding module. When the linkage is connected to the second slide groove, the positioning block of the driven module abuts against the sliding module. Regardless of whether the electronic device is in closed or flat mode, the second body is stacked parallel to the first body, making the electronic device easy to use.

A1, A2: Sliders

D1, D2: Distance

E1, E2, E7, E8: Ends

E3, E4, E5, E6, E9, E10: Terminals

L1: Sliding axis

L2: Extended Axis

L3: Central Axis

L4: Extension line

M1: First state

M2: Second State

M3: Third State

P1: Opening

P2: Slot

P3: Inclined groove

P4: Opening

P5: Sliding groove

P6: Arc-shaped ditch

P7: Auxiliary slot

S1, S2: Edges

S3: Positioning Surface

X-Y-Z: Cartesian coordinates (Note: The last line appears to be a separate, unrelated statement and is left untranslated.)

100, 100a: Electronic devices

110: First Machine

112: Fifth End

114: The Sixth End

115: Bottom surface

116: Storage space

120: Second Unit

122, 241: First end

124, 242: Second end

126: Display Surface

127: Receiving slot

130, 130a: Support frame

132: Third End

134: Fourth End

200, 200a: Pivot assembly

210: First Connector

212, 216: First connecting plate

214: First Connecting Rod

220, 220a: Second connector

230, 230a: Sliding Module

231: First Slide

232: Second Slide

233: Slide rail bracket

233a: Support section

2331: First support

2332: Second support

2333: The First Arm

2334: The Second Arm

234, 234a: Sliding parts

235, 235a: First sliding member

236: First convex pillar

237: Second Slider

238: Second convex pillar

239: Third convex pillar

240: Linkage

243: Column

244: End

250, 250a: Drive Module

252: First Magnetic Component

254: Second magnetic component

256: Drivers

260: Slave Module

261: First follower

262: Second follower

263: Follower lever

264: Structure of the first tooth

265: concave part

266: Second Tooth Structure

267: Curved surface

268: Positioning Block

270: Elastic component

280: Torque Module

Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an electronic device in a first state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1B is another schematic diagram of the electronic device in Figure 1A.

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device in Figure 1B.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the pivot assembly shown in Figure 1B.

Figure 4 is a top view of the pivot assembly in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the pivot assembly in Figure 3.

Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the first and second supports in Figure 5 before assembly.

Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the first and second supports of Figure 6A after assembly.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the slide rail bracket of Figure 6B from another viewpoint.

Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second body of the electronic device in Figure 2 after it has rotated.

Figure 9 is a top view of the pivot assembly in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second body of the electronic device in Figure 8 after it has rotated.

Figure 11 is a top view of the pivot assembly in Figure 10.

Figure 12A is a schematic diagram of the electronic device in Figure 10 in the second state.

Figure 12B is a partially enlarged view of the electronic device in Figure 12A.

Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device in Figure 12B.

Figure 14 is a top view of the pivot assembly of Figure 12B.

Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second body of the electronic device in Figure 13 after it has been rotated.

Figure 16 is a top view of the pivot assembly in Figure 13.

Figure 17A is a schematic diagram of the electronic device in Figure 15 in the third state.

Figure 17B is another schematic diagram of the electronic device in Figure 17A.

Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device in Figure 17B.

Figure 19 is a top view of the pivot assembly of Figure 17B.

Figure 20 is a partial exploded view of the pivot assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 21 is a top view of the pivot assembly of Figure 20 in its first state.

Figure 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pivot assembly of Figure 21 in its first state.

Figure 23 is a top view of the pivot assembly of Figure 20 in the third state.

Figure 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pivot assembly of Figure 23 in the third state.

Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first state. Figure 1B is another schematic diagram of the electronic device of Figure 1A. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the electronic device of Figure 1B, schematically illustrating the first body 110 and the second body 120. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the pivot assembly of Figure 1B. Figure 4 is a top view of the pivot assembly of Figure 3. Figure 5 is an exploded view of the pivot assembly of Figure 3. Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the first and second supports of Figure 5 before assembly. Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the first and second supports of Figure 6A after assembly. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the slide rail support of Figure 6B from another perspective. Rectangular coordinates X-Y-Z are provided here for the description of the components. Referring simultaneously to Figures 1A to 7, the electronic device 100 includes a first body 110, a support frame 130, a second body 120, and at least one pivot assembly 200. The support frame 130 is rotatably connected to the first body 110 via the pivot assembly 200. The second body 120 is rotatably connected to the support frame 130. The second body 120 includes a display surface 126. The electronic device 100 of this embodiment is, for example, a laptop computer, and the number of pivot assemblies 200 is two, but not limited to this.

The second body 120 includes a first end 122 and a second end 124 opposite to each other. The support frame 130 includes a third end 132 and a fourth end 134 opposite to each other. The first body 110 includes a fifth end 112 and a sixth end 114 opposite to each other. The fourth end 134 of the support frame 130 is connected to the sixth end 114 of the first body 110 via a pivot assembly 200, and the third end 132 is connected to the second body 120 and located between the first end 122 and the second end 124. The second body 120 is connected to the support frame 130, for example, via a rotating member (not shown), but is not limited thereto.

The electronic device 100 can rotate its second body 120 relative to its first body 110 via a pivot assembly 200, allowing the device to switch between a first state M1 (Fig. 1A), a second state M2 (Fig. 12A), and a third state M3 (Fig. 17A). In each state, the display surface 126 of the second body 120 faces different directions, expanding the usage scenarios of the electronic device 100. When the electronic device 100 is in the first state M1 or the third state M3, the first body 110 and the second body 120 are parallel to each other, improving the ease of use of the electronic device 100.

As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the pivot assembly 200 includes a first connector 210, a second connector 220, a sliding module 230, a linkage 240, a drive module 250, and a driven module 260. The first connector 210 is connected to the first body 110, and the second connector 220 is connected to the support frame 130. The sliding module 230 is movably connected to the first connector 210 and the second connector 220, and includes a first slide groove 231 and a second slide groove 232. The linkage 240 is movably connected to the sliding module 230. The first slide groove 231 and the second slide groove 232 are located on opposite sides of the linkage 240. The driven module 260 is connected to the second connector 220 and the linkage 240, with the linkage 240 acting on the second connector 220 via the driven module 260. The drive module 250 is connected to the second body 120 (FIG. 1B) and the sliding module 230. When the linkage 240 is connected to the first slide groove 231, a positioning block 268 of the driven module 260 is moved away from the sliding module 230. When the linkage 240 is connected to the second slide groove 232, the positioning block 268 abuts against the sliding module 230.

The sliding module 230 includes a connected slide rail bracket 233 and a sliding member 234. The slide rail bracket 233 is slidably connected to the first body 110. A second slide rail 232 and a first slide rail 231 are located within the slide rail bracket 233. The sliding member 234 is slidably connected to a second connector 220 and to the slide rail bracket 233 along a sliding axis L1. The sliding axis L1 is parallel to the Y-axis. The sliding axis L1 is the central axis of the second connector 220.

As shown in Figures 6A and 7, the slide rail bracket 233 includes a first bracket 2331 and a second bracket 2332. The second bracket 2332 is connected to the first body 110, and the first bracket 2331 is slidably connected to the second bracket 2332. The first slide rail 231 is located on the first bracket 2331, and the first bracket 2331 and the second bracket 2332 together enclose the second slide rail 232. The first slide rail 231 extends along an extension axis L2. An extension line L4 of the second slide rail 232 is different from the extension axis L2. Specifically, the extension line L4 is inclined to the extension axis L2, and the second slide rail 232 is specifically an arc-shaped groove. The extension axis L2 is perpendicular to the sliding axis L1. The extension axis L2 is parallel to the X-axis.

Specifically, the second support 2332 includes an opening P1. The first support 2331 includes a first arm 2333 and a second arm 2334, with the second arm 2334 extending into the opening P1 of the second support 2332. A first groove 231 is located in the first arm 2333. In this embodiment, the first groove 231 is formed by a groove recessed from the surface of the first arm 2333, but is not limited thereto. The second arm 2334 includes an arcuate groove P6, through which the second arm 2334 and the second support 2332 together form an arcuate second groove 232. The opening P1 communicates with the second groove 232. A linkage 240 (FIG. 3) is located between the first arm 2333 and the second arm 2334 of the first support 2331.

As shown in Figures 2 and 6B, the second slide groove 232 includes two ends E7 and E8. The distance between end E7 and a bottom surface 115 of the first body 110 is less than the distance between end E8 and the bottom surface 115. That is, end E7 is located below end E8 in the +Z axis direction. The second slide groove 232 and the first slide groove 231 are used to restrict the movement direction of the linkage 240, allowing the first end 241 of the linkage 240 to be raised relative to the first body 110.

As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the sliding member 234 includes a first sliding member 235 and a second sliding member 237. The second sliding member 237 is connected to the second connecting member 220 along the sliding axis L1. The first sliding member 235 includes a first protrusion 236, and the second sliding member 237 includes a groove P2 surrounding the sliding axis L1. The first protrusion 236 can slide in the groove P2, thereby pivotally connecting the first sliding member 235 to the second sliding member 237. The first sliding member 235 can be subjected to force, causing the sliding member 234 to slide relative to the second connecting member 220 along the sliding axis L1 (i.e., the Y-axis). The second sliding member 237 also includes a second protrusion 238. The groove P2 and the second protrusion 238 are located at opposite ends of the second sliding member 237. The second protrusion 238 is connected to the first bracket 2331 of the slide rail bracket 233. The sliding member 234 (first sliding member 235) can be pushed by force to move the slide rail bracket 233, causing the first bracket 2331 to slide along the Y-axis relative to the second bracket 2332 and the connecting member 240.

As shown in Figures 2 to 6B, the linkage 240 includes a column 243 and a first end 241 and a second end 242. The first end 241 is connected to the driven module 260. The column 243 is connected to one side of the second end 242 and extends into the opening P1 of the sliding module 230 (second support 2332). The second end 242 of the linkage 240 can slide within the first groove 231, and the column 243 can slide within the second groove 232. The groove support 233 includes a support portion 233a that extends along the extension axis L2 (i.e., the X-axis). The column 243 of the linkage 240 abuts against the support portion 233a. The support portion 233a supports the linkage 240, allowing the linkage 240 to move relative to the first connecting member 210. Specifically, the support portion 233a is the bottom surface of the opening P1, and the column 243 abuts against the second bracket 2332.

As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the driven module 260 includes a first driven member 261, a second driven member 262, and a driven rod 263. The first driven member 261 is connected to the first end 241 of the connecting member 240, and the second driven member 262 is connected to the second connecting member 220 along the sliding axis L1. One end E3 of the driven rod 263 is rotatably connected to the first connecting member 210, and the other end E4 of the driven rod 263 is connected to the first driven member 261, the second driven member 262, and the second connecting member 220. A positioning block 268 is connected to the driven rod 263 and is located between the two ends E3 and E4. The slide bracket 233 includes a positioning surface S3, which is located on the first arm 2333 of the first bracket 2331, and the positioning block 268 can abut against the positioning surface S3 (first bracket 2331).

The first follower 261 and the second follower 262 of this embodiment are specifically a gear-intermittent mechanism, but are not limited thereto. As shown in Figure 2, the first follower 261 includes a first tooth structure 264 and a recess 265 connected together. The second follower 262 includes a second tooth structure 266 connected together and an arc surface 267. The first tooth structure 264 can mesh with the second tooth structure 266, and the curvature of the arc surface 267 corresponds to the curvature of the recess 265. When the first tooth structure 264 meshes with the second tooth structure 266, the second follower 262 is driven by the first follower 261. The second follower 262 can drive the first follower 261 to rotate. When the first tooth structure 264 moves away from the second tooth structure 266, the arc surface 267 abuts against the recess 265, and the second follower 262 disengages from the first follower 261. The second follower 262 can then rotate relative to the first follower 261.

As shown in Figure 4, the pivot assembly 200 further includes an elastic member 270. The elastic member 270 is connected to one end of the second slide member 237 of the sliding module 230 near the slide rail bracket 233 and the first connector 210. The elastic member 270 is connected to a third protrusion 239 of the second slide member 237. The second slide member 237 of the sliding module 230 can slide relative to the first connector 210 along the Y-axis by the elastic force of the elastic member 270, thereby driving the first bracket 2331 to slide relative to the first connector 210.

As shown in Figure 1B, the drive module 250 includes a first magnetic element 252 and a second magnetic element 254. The first magnetic element 252 is disposed at the first end 122 of the second body 120. The second magnetic element 254 is disposed on the first sliding member 235 (sliding member 234) of the sliding module 230, and adjacent to the fourth end 134 of the support frame 130. There is a magnetic force between the first magnetic element 252 and the second magnetic element 254. The sliding module 230 can be driven by the magnetic force between the first magnetic element 252 and the second magnetic element 254, causing the sliding groove support 233 of the sliding module 230 to move relative to the linkage 240.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the first magnetic element 252 and the second magnetic element 254 have a magnetic attraction, but are not limited thereto. The distance D1 between the first magnetic element 252 and one side S1 of the second body 120 is less than the distance D2 between the second magnetic element 254 and one side S2 of the support frame 130, and the side S1 of the second body 120 and the side S2 of the support frame 130 are aligned on the Y-axis. Therefore, the first magnetic element 252 and the second magnetic element 254 are misaligned in the Y-axis direction. The sliding member 234 (the second magnetic element 254) can move relative to the second connecting member 220 under magnetic attraction. When the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element 252 and the second magnetic element 254 is greater than the elastic force of the elastic element 270, the second magnetic element 254 moves towards the first magnetic element 252 through the magnetic attraction, causing the sliding module 230 to slide relative to the second connecting member 220 along the sliding axis L1. The elastic element 270 deforms and accumulates elastic force. When the magnetic attraction is less than the elastic force of the elastic element 270, the sliding module 230 slides relative to the second connecting member 220 along the sliding axis L1 through the elastic force.

The relative positions of the first magnetic element 252 and the second magnetic element 254, and the operation of the elastic element 270, are not limited to this embodiment. In an embodiment not shown, the first magnetic element 252 and the second magnetic element 254 may have magnetic repulsion. The first magnetic element 252 and the second magnetic element 254 may be aligned on the Y-axis. The second magnetic element 254 may be driven by the magnetic repulsion to move away from the first magnetic element 252, thereby causing the sliding module 230 to move relative to the linkage 240. The elastic element 270 may push or pull the sliding module 230 to move through an elastic force.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the first connecting member 210 includes two first connecting plates 212 and 216 and a first connecting rod 214. The two first connecting plates 212 and 216 are connected to each other, and the first connecting plate 216 is connected to the first body 110. The first connecting rod 214 passes through the first connecting plate 216 and is connected to end E3 of the driven rod 263. One end of the elastic member 270 is connected to the first connecting plate 212. The driven rod 263 can rotate with the first connecting rod 214 as the rotation center. The pivot assembly 200 further includes two torque modules 280, which are respectively connected to the first connecting rod 214 and the second connecting member 220 of the first connecting member 210 to provide torque. As shown in Figure 3, the first slider 235 further includes a sliding groove P5 extending along the Y-axis to limit the sliding direction of the first slider 235 relative to the second connector 220.

Figures 1A to 4 show the electronic device 100 in the first state M1. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, in the first state M1, the first end 122 of the second body 120 corresponds to the fifth end 112 of the first body 110. The second end 124 of the second body 120 corresponds to the sixth end 114 of the first body 110 and to the fourth end 134 of the support frame 130. That is, the first end 122 is adjacent to the fifth end 112; the second end 124 is adjacent to the sixth end 114 and the fourth end 134. The display surface 126 of the second body 120 faces outwards, away from the first body 110. The support frame 130 is received in a receiving groove 127 of the second body 120, so that the second body 120 is parallel to the first body 110. The electronic device 100 can be used as a tablet computer, meaning that the first state M1 can be considered as the tablet computer usage state.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first end 122 of the second body 120 is far from the fourth end 134 of the support frame 130, so that the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element 252 and the second magnetic element 254 is less than the elastic force of the elastic element 270. The slider 234 (second slider 237) is positioned in Figure 4 by the elastic force of the elastic element 270, so that the first support 2331 of the slide rail support 233 is positioned in Figure 4. In the first state M1, the column 243 of the linkage 240 passes through the opening P1 and is far from the second slide rail 232. The second end 242 of the linkage 240 extends into the first slide rail 231, and the first slide rail 231 is connected to the linkage 240. The second end 242 can slide along the extension axis L2. The column 243 abuts against the support portion 233a of the slide bracket 233 (Fig. 6B). The first protrusion 236 of the first slider 235 is located at one end E5 of the groove P2 of the second slider 237.

As shown in Figure 2, in the first state M1, the second tooth structure 266 of the second follower 262 engages with the first tooth structure 264 of the first follower 261, and the second follower 262 is linked to the first follower 261. The positioning block 268 of the follower module 260 is misaligned with the positioning surface S3 of the slide bracket 233 on the Y-axis. The end E4 of the follower rod 263 and the first end 241 of the linkage 240 are adjacent to the bottom surface 115 of the first body 110. The first body 110 includes a receiving space 116, within which the pivot assembly 200 is located.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the second body of the electronic device in Figure 2 after rotation. Figure 9 is a top view of the pivot assembly in Figure 8. Referring to both Figures 8 and 9, when the electronic device 100 is to switch from the first state M1 to the second state M2 (Figure 12A), the second body 120 can be subjected to force, causing the support frame 130 to rotate relative to the first body 110. The second body 120 first unfolds to the position shown in Figure 8. During the rotation of the second body 120, the second body 120 (support frame 130) drives the second connecting member 220 to rotate, which in turn drives the second driven member 262 to rotate. The second driven member 262 (second tooth structure 266) is coupled to the first driven member 261 (first tooth structure 264), driving the first driven member 261 to rotate, thereby causing the linkage 240 to move relative to the first body 110.

The first driven member 261 continues to rotate until the first tooth structure 264 separates from the second tooth structure 266, thereby disengaging the first driven member 261 from the second driven member 262. The first tooth structure 264 is adjacent to the second tooth structure 266, and the arc surface 267 abuts against the recess 265. During the rotation of the first driven member 261, the first driven member 261 drives the first end 241 of the linkage 240 to move away from the first connecting member 210, and the first end 241 of the linkage 240 rises towards the +Z axis. Since the second end 242 of the linkage 240 is connected to the first slide groove 231, during the movement of the first end 241 toward the +Z axis, the second end 242 of the linkage 240 slides along the extending axis L2 (X axis), moving from one end E1 to the other end E2 of the first slide groove 231.

During the upward movement of the first end 241 of the linkage 240 and the sliding movement of the second end 242 along the -X axis, the column 243 of the linkage 240 presses against the support portion 233a of the slide rail bracket 233. The support portion 233a supports the linkage 240, allowing the first end 241 of the linkage 240 to move and rise relative to the first connecting member 210 (first body 110). The lifting of the first end 241 of the linkage 240 causes the second body 120, the support frame 130, and the driven rod 263 to rise to the position shown in Figure 8. The positioning block 268 rises along with the driven rod 263 and aligns with the positioning surface S3 of the slide rail bracket 233 on the Y axis. The positioning block 268 is located away from the positioning surface S3 (slide bracket 233) on the X-axis. The driven module 260 and the linkage 240 are partially located outside the receiving space 116 of the first body 110. The end E4 of the driven rod 263 and the first end 241 of the linkage 240 are located away from the bottom surface 115 of the first body 110. The column 243 of the linkage 240 remains outside the second slide 232.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the second body of the electronic device in Figure 8 after rotation. Figure 11 is a top view of the pivot assembly in Figure 10. Referring to both Figures 10 and 11, the second body 120 can be continuously rotated relative to the first body 110 under force, rotating from the position in Figure 8 to the position in Figure 10. The display surface 126 of the second body 120 faces rearward (i.e., -X-axis). During the rotation of the second body 120 (support frame 130), as the first follower 261 and the second follower 262 of the driven module 260 are disengaged, the second follower 262 is driven by the support frame 130 (second connecting member 220) to rotate relative to the first follower 261. The first follower 261 is positioned at the position shown in Figure 10, thus positioning the linkage 240 and the driven rod 263 at the position shown in Figure 10. The first tooth structure 264 is away from the second tooth structure 266. The column 243 of the linkage 240 still extends into the opening P1 of the slide bracket 233, but is located outside the second slide 232. The second end 242 of the linkage 240 remains at the end E2 of the first slide 231. The positioning block 268 remains aligned with the positioning surface S3 of the slide bracket 233 on the Y-axis, and is distanced from the positioning surface S3 (slide bracket 233) on the X-axis.

The first sliding member 235 of the sliding member 234 rotates relative to the second sliding member 237 with the second connecting member 220 (support frame 130). The first protrusion 236 of the first sliding member 235 slides against the other end E6 of the groove P2. This limits the maximum unfolding angle of the second body 120 relative to the first body 110. At this time, the rotation of the second body 120 only causes the support frame 130, the second connecting member 220, the second driven member 262, and the first sliding member 235 to rotate.

Figure 12A is a schematic diagram of the electronic device of Figure 10 in the second state. Figure 12B is a partially enlarged view of the electronic device of Figure 12A. Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device of Figure 12B. Figure 14 is a top view of the pivot assembly of Figure 12B. Referring simultaneously to Figures 12A to 14, after the second body 120 is opened relative to the first body 110 (Figure 10), the second body 120 can be rotated 180 degrees relative to the support frame 130 under force, so that the electronic device 100 is in the second state M2. The second state M2 can be regarded as the unfolded state in the laptop mode. In the second state M2, the first end 122 of the second body 120 corresponds to the sixth end 114 of the first body 110 and corresponds to the fourth end 134 of the support frame 130. This means that the distance between the first end 122 and the sixth end 114 and the fourth end 134 is less than the distance between the second end 124 (Fig. 1B) of the second body 120 and the sixth end 114 and the fourth end 134. The first end 122 is adjacent to the sixth end 114 and the fourth end 134. The display surface 126 of the second body 120 faces forward (i.e., +X axis).

As shown in Figure 13, during the rotation of the second body 120 relative to the support frame 130, the first magnetic element 252 disposed at the first end 122 moves closer to the second magnetic element 254 disposed in the sliding module 230, causing the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element 252 and the second magnetic element 254 to be greater than the elastic force of the elastic element 270. Because the first magnetic element 252 and the second magnetic element 254 are misaligned on the Y-axis, the second magnetic element 254 moves closer to the first magnetic element 252 along the sliding axis L1 through magnetic attraction, thereby driving the sliding module 230 to move relative to the second connecting member 220.

As shown in Figure 14, the slider 234 of the sliding module 230 moves along the sliding axis L1 closer to the driven module 260. The first bracket 2331 of the slide rail bracket 233 is driven to move in the +Y axis direction, moving away from the second end 242 of the linkage 240. The first bracket 2331 moves toward the driven module 260 and engages with the positioning block 268. The positioning block 268 abuts against the positioning surface S3 (Figure 13). One end 244 of the column 243 of the linkage 240 extends into the second slide rail 232, and the linkage 240 is connected to the second slide rail 232. The elastic member 270 is deformed and stores elastic force by the slider 234 (the second slider 237).

As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in the second state M2, the second tooth structure 266 of the driven module 260 remains away from the first tooth structure 264. The column 243 of the linkage 240 is connected to the second slide groove 232 and is located at the end E7 of the second slide groove 232. The second end 242 of the linkage 240 is away from the first slide groove 231. The second slide groove 232 restricts the rotation path of the linkage 240. The positioning block 268 of the driven module 260 abuts against the first support 2331. The positioning block 268 is located above the first support 2331 in the Z-axis direction, thus restricting the movement of the slide groove support 233 in the Z-axis direction. The first protrusion 236 of the first slider 235 still abuts against the end E6 of the groove P2. The driven module 260 and the linkage 240 are partially located outside the accommodating space 116 of the first body 110. End E4 of the driven rod 263 and the first end 241 of the linkage 240 are located away from the bottom surface 115 of the first body 110. The second body 120 and the support frame 130 are raised relative to the first body 110 in the Z-axis direction.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the second body of the electronic device in Figure 13 after rotation. Figure 16 is a top view of the pivot assembly in Figure 13. Referring to both Figures 15 and 16, when the electronic device 100 is to switch from the second state M2 to the third state M3 (Figure 17A), the second body 120 (support frame 130) can first be subjected to force and rotate relative to the first body 110 to the position shown in Figure 15. During the rotation of the second body 120, the second connector 220 drives the first slider 235 of the slider 234 and the second follower 262 of the follower module 260 to rotate.

The first protrusion 236 of the first slider 235 slides within the groove P2 of the second slider 237. The second follower 262 rotates relative to the first follower 261 to the position shown in Figure 15, with the second tooth structure 266 adjacent to the first tooth structure 264 and the arc surface 267 abutting against the recess 265. The column 243 of the linkage 240 remains located at the end E7 of the second slide groove 232. The positioning block 268 remains abutting against the positioning surface S3.

Figure 17A is a schematic diagram of the electronic device of Figure 15 in the third state. Figure 17B is another schematic diagram of the electronic device of Figure 17A. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the electronic device of Figure 17B. Figure 19 is a top view of the pivot assembly of Figure 17B. Referring simultaneously to Figures 17A to 19, the second body 120 can be continuously subjected to force and rotate from the position in Figure 15 toward the first body 110, causing the electronic device 100 to switch to the third state M3. The third state M3 can be regarded as the closed state in notebook computer mode. In the third state M3, the second end 124 of the second body 120 corresponds to the fifth end 112 of the first body 110, the first end 122 of the second body 120 corresponds to the sixth end 114 of the first body 110, and also corresponds to the fourth end 134 of the support frame 130. That is, the fifth end 112 is adjacent to the second end 124; the sixth end 114 is adjacent to both the first end 122 and the fourth end 134. The second body 120 is located between the support frame 130 and the first body 110, and is closed to the first body 110. The display surface 126 of the second body 120 faces the first body 110. The support frame 130 is located outside the receiving slot 127 of the second body 120. The first body 110 is parallel to the second body 120.

As shown in Figures 2 and 18, in the first state M1, the pivot assembly 200 is located within the accommodating space 116 of the first body 110, and the end E4 of the driven rod 263 and the first end 241 of the linkage 240 are adjacent to the bottom surface 115 of the first body 110. The first body 110 is parallel to the second body 120. In the third state M3, the end E4 of the driven rod 263 and the first end 241 of the linkage 240 are partially located outside the accommodating space 116 of the first body 110, and away from the bottom surface 115 of the first body 110. The second body 120 and the support frame 130 are raised relative to the first body 110, so that the second body 120 can be positioned between the support frame 130 and the first body 110, making the first body 110 parallel to the second body 120.

During the rotation of the second body 120 (second connecting member 220), the second driven member 262 is driven to rotate relative to the first driven member 261, causing the second tooth structure 266 of the second driven member 262 to engage with the first tooth structure 264 of the first driven member 261, thereby driving the first driven member 261 to rotate. The rotation of the first driven member 261 drives the linkage 240 to rotate. Since the column 243 of the linkage 240 is connected to the second slide groove 232 of the sliding module 230, during the rotation of the linkage 240, the column 243 (second end 242) rotates relative to the second slide groove 232 (slide groove support 233) with the first end 241 as the rotation center. The first end 241 of the linkage 240 is positioned as shown in FIG. 18, maintaining the second body 120 and support frame 130 in the raised position. The end 244 of the column 243 moves from end E7 to end E8 of the second slide rail 232. The positioning block 268 of the driven module 260 abuts against the positioning surface S3 to fix the first support 2331 of the slide rail support 233, thereby ensuring that the first support 2331 will not move arbitrarily during the rotation of the linkage 240, thus improving the stability of the pivot assembly 200.

As shown in Figures 16 and 17B, in the third state M3, the second tooth structure 266 engages with the first tooth structure 264, and the first follower 261 is linked to the second follower 262. The second slide 232 is connected to the column 243 of the connecting member 240. The end 244 of the column 243 is located at the end E8 of the second slide 232. The driven module 260 (positioning block 268) abuts against the slide bracket 233. The elastic member 270 deforms and stores elastic force.

When the electronic device 100 is to switch from the third state M3 to the first state M1 (Figure 1A), the second body 120 can be rotated from the position in Figure 18 to the position in Figure 15 under force. During the rotation of the second body 120 (second connector 220), the second driven member 262 drives the first driven member 261 to rotate. The first driven member 261 rotates until the first tooth structure 264 disengages from the second tooth structure 266. The rotation of the first driven member 261 causes the column 243 of the linkage 240 to rotate around the first end 241 as the rotation center. The column 243 slides within the second groove 232 and is positioned at end E7.

Next, the second body 120 can be further subjected to force and rotate relative to the first body 110, thereby switching the electronic device 100 to the second state M2. During the rotation of the second body 120 (second connecting member 220), the second driven member 262 is driven to rotate relative to the first driven member 261, which is positioned as shown in Figure 13. The first sliding member 235 rotates relative to the second sliding member 237. The second slide groove 232 remains connected to the connecting member 240. The positioning block 268 abuts against the positioning surface S3.

After the electronic device 100 switches to the second state M2, the second body 120 can rotate relative to the support frame 130, thereby switching the second body 120 to the position shown in Figure 10. During the rotation of the second body 120, the first magnetic element 252 moves away from the second magnetic element 254 along with the second body 120, making the magnetic attraction force less than the elastic force of the elastic element 270. The elastic element 270 pulls the slider 234 (second slider 237), which in turn drives the first bracket 2331 of the slide rail bracket 233 to move away from the driven module 260, and the second end 242 of the linkage 240 extends into the end E2 of the first slide rail 231. The column 243 of the linkage 240 is located outside the second slide rail 232. The positioning surface S3 of the slide bracket 233 moves away from the positioning block 268, and the positioning block 268 is aligned with the positioning surface S3 on the Y-axis. The movement of the slide bracket 233 pushes the sliding member 234, causing the sliding member 234 to slide along the sliding axis L1 away from the driven module 260.

Next, the second body 120 can rotate relative to the first body 110 to the position shown in FIG. 8. During the rotation of the second body 120, the second follower 262 rotates relative to the first follower 261, causing the second tooth structure 266 to approach the first tooth structure 264. Finally, the second body 120 can rotate from the position shown in FIG. 8 relative to the first body 110, causing the electronic device 100 to switch to the first state M1 (FIG. 1A).

During the rotation of the second body 120, the second driven member 262 rotates relative to the first driven member 261, causing the second tooth structure 266 to engage with the first tooth structure 264, and driving the first driven member 261 to rotate. The rotation of the first driven member 261 causes the linkage 240 to move, causing the first end 241 to rotate and the second end 242 to move relative to the first connecting member 210 along the extension axis L2. The first end 241 of the linkage 240 moves closer to the bottom surface 115 of the first body 110, causing the second body 120 and the support frame 130 to descend, and the pivot assembly 200 to move into the receiving space 116 of the first body 110. The second end 242 is located at the end E1 of the first slide groove 231. Positioning block 268 is misaligned with positioning surface S3 on the Y-axis.

In this way, the electronic device 100 can freely switch between a first state M1, a second state M2, and a third state M3 through the rotation of the pivot assembly 200 and the second body 120 relative to the support frame 130.

Figure 20 is a partial exploded view of a pivot assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 is a top view of the pivot assembly of Figure 20 in a first state. Figure 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pivot assembly of Figure 21 in the first state. Figure 23 is a top view of the pivot assembly of Figure 20 in a third state. Figure 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pivot assembly of Figure 23 in the third state. Referring simultaneously to Figures 3, 20 to 24, the electronic device 100a of this embodiment is similar to the aforementioned embodiments, except that the drive module 250a of the pivot assembly 200a in this embodiment includes a drive member 256, and the sliding module 230a includes a slant P3. The central axis L3 of the inclined groove P3 is inclined to the sliding axis L1 (Y-axis) and the extended axis L2 (X-axis).

As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the inclined groove P3 is located at the first sliding member 235a, and the inclined groove P3 and the first protrusion 236 are located at opposite ends of the first sliding member 235a. The driving member 256 further includes an auxiliary groove P7, which extends along the X-axis. The slide button A1 passes through the auxiliary groove P7, the second connecting member 220a, and the sliding groove P5, thereby movably connecting the driving member 256 to the second connecting member 220a and the first sliding member 235a. The slide button A2 passes through the driving member 256 and the inclined groove P3, and the driving member 256 is movably connected to the inclined groove P3. The support frame 130a includes an opening P4 adjacent to its fourth end 134, through which a portion of the drive element 256 is exposed. The inclined groove P3 includes two opposing ends E9 and E10, with end E9 adjacent to the first connector 210 and end E10 distant from the first connector 210.

The relationship between the driver 256 and the second body 120 is explained below using electronic device 100a in its first state M1 and third state M3 as examples. As shown in Figures 21 and 22, when electronic device 100a is in its first state M1, the support frame 130a is located between the first body 110 and the second body 120. The second end 124 of the second body 120 corresponds to the sixth end 114 of the first body 110 and the fourth end 134 of the support frame 130a. The second body 120 is located away from the driver 256. The slider A2 is located at end E9 of the inclined slot P3.

As previously described, during the transition of electronic device 100a from the first state M1 to the third state M3, the second body 120 rotates relative to the support frame 130a, causing the first end 122 of the second body 120 to align with the sixth end 114 and the fourth end 134. The drive member 256 in the first state M1 is partially located on the rotation path of the first end 122 and can be pushed against by the first end 122 of the second body 120. The drive member 256 is forced to move towards the fourth end 134 of the support frame 130a, and moves relative to the first slider 235a. Since the central axis L3 of the inclined groove P3 is inclined to the sliding axis L1, while the driving component 256 moves, the slide button A2 pushes the sliding component 234a (the first sliding component 235a), causing the sliding module 230a to move along the sliding axis L1 towards the driven module 260.

As shown in Figures 23 and 24, when the electronic device 100a is in the third state M3, the first end 122 of the second body 120 restricts the driver 256, positioning the driver 256 as shown in Figure 24. The slider A2 is located at end E10 of the inclined groove P3. The second body 120 is positioned between the first body 110 and the support frame 130. The first end 122 of the second body 120 corresponds to the sixth end 114 of the first body 110 and the fourth end 134 of the support frame 130a, and presses against the driver 256. The second slide 232 is connected to the linkage 240. The positioning block 268 of the driven module 260 presses against the slide bracket 233. The elastic member 270 deforms and stores elastic force.

During the process of switching the electronic device 100a from the third state M3 to the first state M1, the second body 120 rotates relative to the support frame 130a, and the first end 122 moves away from the pivot assembly 200a. The first end 122 releases the drive member 256, and the slider 234a (second slider 237) returns to the position shown in FIG. 22 through the elastic force of the elastic member 270, and drives the slide bracket 233 to return to its original position. During the return of the slider 234a, the sliding module 230a moves away from the driven module 260, and drives the drive member 256 to return to the position shown in FIG. 22 through the slider A2. The electronic device 100a (pivot assembly 200a) of this embodiment has the same function as the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be described again here.

In summary, the second and first slide grooves of the pivot assembly of the electronic device of this invention are located on both sides of the linkage. When the linkage is connected to the first slide groove, the positioning block of the driven module is away from the sliding module. When the linkage is connected to the second slide groove, the positioning block of the driven module abuts against the sliding module. Regardless of whether the electronic device is in closed or flat mode, the second body is stacked parallel to the first body, making the electronic device easy to use.

D1, D2: Distance

M1: First state

S1, S2: Edges

X-Y-Z: Cartesian coordinates

100: Electronic Devices

110: First Machine

112: Fifth End

114: The Sixth End

115: Bottom surface

120: Second Unit

122: First End

124: Second End

126: Display Surface

127: Receiving slot

130: Support frame

132: Third End

134: Fourth End

200: Pivot Assembly

210: First Connector

220: Second connector

230: Sliding Module

250: Drive Module

252: First Magnetic Component

254: Second magnetic component

260: Slave Module

270: Elastic component

Claims (20)

An electronic device includes: a first body; a support frame rotatably connected to the first body; a second body rotatably connected to the support frame; and At least one pivot assembly, each pivot assembly including a first connector, a second connector, a sliding module, a linkage, a drive module, and a driven module. The first connector is connected to the first body, the second connector is connected to the support frame, the sliding module is movably connected to the first connector and includes a first slide groove and a second slide groove, the linkage is movably connected to the sliding module, and the first slide groove and the second slide groove are located on opposite sides of the linkage, the driven module is connected to the second connector and the linkage, and the drive module is connected to the second body and the sliding module. When the linkage is connected to the first slide groove, a positioning block of the driven module is moved away from the sliding module; when the linkage is connected to the second slide groove, the positioning block abuts against the sliding module. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second body includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the support includes a third end and a fourth end opposite to each other, the fourth end being connected to the first body, the third end being connected to the second body, the first slide being connected to the linkage when the second end corresponds to the fourth end, and the second slide being connected to the linkage when the first end corresponds to the fourth end. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linkage includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, wherein when the linkage is connected to the first groove, the second end is adapted to slide along an extending axis, and when the linkage is connected to the second groove, the second end is adapted to rotate about the first end as a rotation center. The electronic device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the linkage includes a column connected to the second end, the first end connected to the driven module, the second end being adapted to slide within the first groove, and the column being adapted to slide within the second groove. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first groove extends along an extension axis and an extension line of the second groove is inclined to the extension axis. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding module includes a slider and a slide bracket, the second slide and the first slide are located in the slide bracket, the slide bracket is slidably connected to the first body, and the slider is slidably connected to the second connector and to the slide bracket along a sliding axis. The electronic device as described in claim 6, wherein the slide bracket includes a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket being slidably connected to the second bracket, the second bracket being connected to the first body, the first slide being located on the first bracket, the first bracket and the second bracket together forming the second slide, and the positioning block of the driven module being adapted to abut against the first bracket. The electronic device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second bracket includes an opening, the connector includes a column, the opening communicates with the second groove, and the column extends into the opening. The electronic device as described in claim 7, wherein the first support includes a first arm and a second arm, the second arm extending into an opening of the second support, the first groove being located in the first arm, the second arm and the second support together forming the second groove, and the linkage being located between the first arm and the second arm. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the at least one pivot component includes an elastic member connected to the sliding module and the first connector, the sliding module sliding relative to the first connector by the elastic force of the elastic member. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive module includes a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element, the first magnetic element being disposed on the second body, the second magnetic element being disposed on the sliding module, the sliding module being adapted to be driven by the magnetic force between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element, thereby causing the sliding module to move relative to the linkage. The electronic device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the distance between the first magnetic element and one side of the second body is less than the distance between the second magnetic element and one side of the support, and the side of the second body is aligned with the side of the support. The electronic device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second body includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the support includes a third end and a fourth end opposite to each other, the fourth end being connected to the first body, the third end being connected to the second body, a first magnetic element being disposed at the first end, and a second magnetic element being adjacent to the fourth end. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive module includes a drive member, the sliding module includes a groove, a central axis of the groove is inclined to a sliding axis, the drive member is movably connected to the groove, the second body is adapted to push against the drive member, and the sliding axis is the central axis of the second connector. The electronic device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the support frame includes an opening through which the driver portion is exposed, the second body includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the support frame includes a third end and a fourth end opposite to each other, the fourth end being connected to the first body, the third end being connected to the second body, the second body being away from the driver when the second end corresponds to the fourth end, and the second body pressing against the driver when the first end corresponds to the fourth end. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driven module includes a first driven member, a second driven member and a driven rod, the first driven member being connected to the linkage, the second driven member being connected to the second connector, the driven rod being connected to the first connector and the second connector, the positioning block being connected to the driven rod, and the rotation of the second connector causing the second driven member to rotate, thereby driving the first driven member to rotate, so as to move the linkage relative to the first body. The electronic device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first driven member includes a first tooth structure and a recess connected together, and the second driven member includes a second tooth structure and an arc surface connected together, the first tooth structure being adapted to engage with the second tooth structure, and the curvature of the arc surface corresponding to the curvature of the recess. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the at least one pivot assembly includes two torque modules connected to the first connector and the second connector respectively to provide torque. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second body includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and the first body includes a fifth end and a sixth end opposite to each other. When the electronic device is in a first state, the first end corresponds to the fifth end, the second end corresponds to the sixth end, and the second body is parallel to the first body. When the electronic device is in a second state, the first end corresponds to the sixth end. When the electronic device is in a third state, the first end corresponds to the sixth end, the second end corresponds to the fifth end, and the second body is parallel to the first body. The electronic device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the second body includes a display surface that faces away from the first body when the electronic device is in the first state and faces the first body when the electronic device is in the second state.