WO2023284950A1

WO2023284950A1 - Hinge assembly for electronic apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2023284950A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/069546
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juuso Heiskanen
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2021-07-14
Filing date: 2021-07-14
Publication date: 2023-01-19

Abstract

A hinge assembly (1) for an electronic apparatus (2) at least one sliding unit (5) configured to interconnect a first hinge structure (3) and a second hinge structure (4) such that said second hinge structure (4) is pivotable around a pivot axis (A) relative said first hinge structure (3). The sliding unit (5) comprises a first arched recess (7a) and at least one partially convex first bearing element (7b) arranged within said first arched recess (7a) as well as a second arched recess (8a) and at least one partially convex second bearing elements (8b) arranged within said second arched recess (8a). The first bearing elements (7b) are configured to move within said first arched recess (7a) and said second bearing elements (8b) are configured to move within said second arched recess (8a) in response to said second hinge structure (4) pivoting around said pivot axis (A).

Description

HINGE ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRONIC APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a hinge assembly for an electronic apparatus, the hinge assembly comprising at least one first hinge structure and at least one second hinge structure.

BACKGROUND

Portable electronic apparatuses such as laptops usually comprise of two pivotable sections, such as display and keyboard, interconnected by a hinge. One type of suitable hinge is the so-called torque hinge, also known as friction hinge, which provides continual resistance to the pivoting movement, making it possible to easily position e.g. the display securely at any desired angle relative the keyboard.

Any rigid sliding surfaces of such a hinge require some clearance between them in order to prevent the hinge from becoming jammed. However, even the most minimal clearance within the hinge will magnify and cause a several millimeters wide movement range of, e.g., the uppermost edge of the display, making the display appear wobbly.

Hence, there is a need for providing an improved hinge assembly that does not jam but still provides sufficient support in radial directions from the pivot axis of the apparatus.

SUMMARY

It is an object to provide an improved hinge assembly for an electronic apparatus. The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a hinge assembly for an electronic apparatus, the hinge assembly comprising at least one first hinge structure, at least one second hinge structure, and at least one sliding unit configured to interconnect the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure such that the second hinge structure is pivotable around a pivot axis relative the first hinge structure. The sliding unit comprises at least one bearing assembly, the bearing assembly comprising a first bearing arrangement and a second bearing arrangement. The first bearing arrangement comprises a first arched recess extending at a first radial distance from the pivot axis and at least one partially convex first bearing elements arranged within the first arched recess. The second bearing arrangement comprises a second arched recess, extending at a second radial distance from the pivot axis and, and at least one partially convex second bearing elements arranged within the second arched recess. The second radial distance is larger than the first radial distance. The first bearing elements are configured to move within the first arched recess and the second bearing elements being configured to move within the second arched recess in response to the second hinge structure pivoting around the pivot axis.

This solution allows surfaces of the hinge to slide in relation to each other, as the hinge structures pivot around the pivot axis, without requiring any clearance therebetween and without jamming. Since there is no clearance, there is sufficient support between the hinge surfaces and structures in the radial direction, allowing the pivotable sections of the apparatus, which are connected to the hinge structures, to be placed at an angular position relative each other which is stable and does not move tangentially, i.e., does not feel wobbly to the user.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first bearing arrangement comprises one first bearing element and the second bearing arrangement comprises two second bearing elements, the first bearing element being arranged between the second bearing elements in a tangential direction; or the second bearing arrangement comprises one second bearing element and the first bearing arrangement comprises two first bearing elements, the second bearing element being arranged between the first bearing elements in the tangential direction. Such a triangular arrangement keeps the number of components to a minimum while still ensuring the sliding elements are maintained on a circular trajectory.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first bearing elements or the second bearing elements are separated by a distance element, allowing one bearing arrangement to have a tangential length that is larger than the other and, hence, the pivot angle of the hinge assembly to be as large as possible.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first arched recess has a first tangential length and the second arched recess has a second tangential length, the second tangential length being larger than the first tangential length, allowing the pivot angle of the hinge assembly to be as large as possible. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the sliding unit is configured to allow rotation of the second hinge structure relative the first hinge structure by < 130°, allowing the pivot angle to be sufficient yet requiring only one sliding unit, hence, simplifying the hinge assembly.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the hinge comprises a plurality of sliding units, each adjacent pair of sliding units being interconnected by one bearing assembly, the sliding unit together generating a larger pivot angle than possible when using only one sliding unit.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, at least one sliding unit is configured to allow rotation of the second hinge structure relative the first hinge structure by > 130°, increasing usability of the apparatus.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the sliding unit comprises a first bearing assembly arranged at a first sliding unit end and a second bearing assembly arranged at a second sliding unit end, the first bearing assembly being arranged between at least one surface of the sliding unit and at least one surface of the first hinge structure or at least one surface of a second sliding unit, the second bearing assembly being arranged between at least one surface of the sliding unit and at least one surface of the second hinge structure or at least one surface of a third sliding unit. This allows a hinge assembly that provides sufficient force to hold pivoted sections of the electronic apparatus evenly at the desired angle.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the surface(s) of the sliding unit, the surface(s) of the first hinge structure, and/or the surface(s) of the second hinge structure form at least one tongue and at least one groove configured to accommodate the tongue(s), the first bearing assembly and the second bearing assembly being arranged between the tongue(s) and the groove(s), facilitating an assembly which takes up little space does not need additional interconnecting or synchronizing components, and which is robust and reliable.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first bearing assembly is arranged between at least one surface of the first sliding unit and at least one surface of the first hinge structure, the second bearing assembly is arranged between at least one surface of the first sliding unit and at least one surface of the second sliding unit, and a third bearing assembly is arranged between at least one surface of the second sliding unit and at least one surface of the third sliding unit, facilitating an increased pivot angle.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first bearing elements are configured to move between opposite ends of the first arched recess, and the second bearing elements are configured to move between opposite ends of the second arched recess, as the second hinge structure pivots between a closed end position and an open end position, preventing the hinge structure from pivoting beyond a predefined angle.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the bearing elements are spherical or cylindrical, providing sufficient radial support and stability while still allowing the pivoting movement to be executed using limited manual force.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the hinge assembly further comprises at least one fixation element, connecting a first body and a second body of the sliding unit, at least one bearing assembly being arranged between the first body and the second body, and at least one spring element allowing the bodies to be separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis, providing some moveability in that direction such that jamming is avoided. The moveability, which is on the micrometer scale, is needed to compensate for variations in dimensions which are manufacturing-related and/or product cycle lifetime related should there be wear.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the fixation element is a screw fixed with a predefined torque configured to generate a specific contact pressure between the first bearing elements and an adjacent surface and/or between the second bearing elements and an adjacent surface, allowing compensation of any manufacturing-related tolerance variations.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the spring element is a washer, providing small yet sufficient flexibility in directions perpendicular to the pivot axis.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a foldable electronic apparatus comprising a first section, a second section, and a hinge assembly according to the above, the hinge assembly interconnecting the first section and the second section along a pivot axis, the first hinge structure of the hinge assembly being fixed to the first section, and the second hinge structure of the hinge assembly being fixed to the second section.

This solution allows the structures of the hinge assembly to slide in relation to each other, as the second section pivots around the pivot axis, without requiring any clearance between the hinge structures and without jamming. Since there is no clearance, there is sufficient support between the hinge structures in the radial direction, allowing the sections of the apparatus to be placed at an angular position relative each other which is stable and does not move tangentially, i.e., does not feel wobbly to the user.

These and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiment s) described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the aspects, embodiments, and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an electronic apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of a hinge assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the apparatus is in a closed end position;

Fig. 4 shows the example of Fig. 3, wherein the apparatus is in an open end position;

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a sliding unit of a hinge assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 illustrates a foldable electronic apparatus 2 comprising a first section 2a, a second section 2b, and at least one hinge assembly 1 interconnecting the first section 2a and the second section 2b along a pivot axis A. The hinge assembly 1 comprises a first hinge structure 3 and a second hinge structure 4 which are described in more detail further below. The first hinge structure 3 is fixed to the first section 2a, and the second hinge structure 4 is fixed to the second section 2b. The first section 2a may, e.g., be a display and the second section 2b may be a keyboard. The electronic apparatus 2 may be a conventional laptop or a 2-in-l device where the two sections 2a, 2b are detachable.

Fig. 2 shows a hinge assembly 1 for an electronic apparatus 2, the hinge assembly 1 comprising at least one first hinge structure 3, at least one second hinge structure 4, and at least one sliding unit 5 configured to interconnect the first hinge structure 3 and the second hinge structure 4 such that the second hinge structure 4 is pivotable around a pivot axis A relative the first hinge structure 3. The sliding unit 5 comprises at least one bearing assembly 6, the bearing assembly 6 comprising a first bearing arrangement 7 and a second bearing arrangement 8. The first bearing arrangement 7 comprises a first arched recess 7a extending at a first radial distance R1 from the pivot axis A and at least one partially convex first bearing elements 7b arranged within the first arched recess 7a, the second bearing arrangement 8 comprises a second arched recess 8a, extending at a second radial distance R2 from the pivot axis A and, and at least one partially convex second bearing elements 8b arranged within the second arched recess 8a, the second radial distance R2 being larger than the first radial distance Rl. The first bearing element 7b is configured to move within the first arched recess 7a and the second bearing element 8b is configured to move within the second arched recess 8a in response to the second hinge structure 4 pivoting around the pivot axis A.

The hinge assembly 1 comprises at least one first hinge structure 3 and at least one second hinge structure 4. Fig. 2 shows two such first hinge structures 3 configured to engage one second hinge structure 4.

At least one sliding unit 5 is configured to interconnect the first hinge structure 3 and the second hinge structure 4 such that the second hinge structure 4 is pivotable around pivot axis A relative the first hinge structure 3. The sliding unit 5 comprises at least one bearing assembly 6, the bearing assembly 6 comprising a first bearing arrangement 7 and a second bearing arrangement 8.

The first bearing arrangement 7 comprises a first arched recess 7a extending at a first radial distance R1 from the pivot axis A and at least one partially convex first bearing element 7b arranged within the first arched recess 7a. The second bearing arrangement 8 comprises a second arched recess 8a, extending at a second radial distance R2 from the pivot axis A and, and at least one partially convex second bearing element 8b arranged within the second arched recess 8a. As shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 6, the second radial distance R2 is larger than the first radial distance Rl. By having such a dual-layer stacked structure, the bearing assembly 6 provides sufficient radial support in both the direction towards the pivot axis A and in the opposite direction from the pivot axis A.

The first arched recess 7a may have a first tangential length and the second arched recess 8a may have a second tangential length, the second tangential length being larger than the first tangential length.

The first bearing arrangement 7 may comprise two first bearing elements 7b and the second bearing arrangement 8 may comprise two second bearing elements 8b, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Furthermore, the first bearing arrangement 7 may comprise one first bearing element 7b and the second bearing arrangement 8 comprise two second bearing elements 8b, the first bearing element 7b being arranged between the second bearing elements 8b in a tangential direction Dl. Correspondingly, the second bearing arrangement 8 may comprise one second bearing element 8b and the first bearing arrangement 7 comprise two first bearing elements 7b, the second bearing element 8b being arranged between the first bearing elements 7b in the tangential direction Dl.

The first bearing elements 7b or the second bearing elements 8b may be separated by a distance element 11, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The first bearing elements 7b and the second bearing elements 8b may be spherical or cylindrical, such as the balls of a ball bearing or rollers of a roller bearing. The first bearing elements 7b are configured to move within the first arched recess 7a and the second bearing elements 8b are configured to move within the second arched recess 8a in response to the second hinge structure 4 pivoting around the pivot axis A. The first bearing elements 7b may be configured to move between opposite ends of the first arched recess 7a, and the second bearing elements 8b may be configured to move between opposite ends of the second arched recess 8a, as the second hinge structure 4 pivots between a closed end position PI and an open end position P2.

The sliding unit 5 may be configured to allow rotation of the second hinge structure 4 relative the first hinge structure 3 by < 130°.

As shown in Fig. 5, the hinge assembly 1 may comprise a plurality of sliding units 5, each adjacent pair of sliding units 5 being interconnected by one bearing assembly 6.

The one or several sliding units 5 may together be configured to allow rotation of the second hinge structure 4 relative the first hinge structure 3 by > 130°.

As shown in Fig. 5, the sliding unit 5 may comprise a first bearing assembly 6a arranged at a first sliding unit end 5a and a second bearing assembly 6b arranged at a second sliding unit end 5b, i.e., the first sliding unit end 5a and the second sliding unit end 5b forming opposite ends of the sliding unit 5 as seen along the pivot axis A.

The first bearing assembly 6a may be arranged between at least one surface of the sliding unit 5 and at least one surface of the first hinge structure 3, as shown in Figs. 2 and 6. The first bearing assembly 6a may also be arranged between at least one surface of the sliding unit 5 and at least one surface of a second sliding unit 5, as suggested in Fig. 5.

Correspondingly, the second bearing assembly 6b may be arranged between at least one surface of the sliding unit 5 and at least one surface of the second hinge structure 4, as shown in Figs. 2 and 6. The second bearing assembly 6b may also be arranged between at least one surface of the sliding unit 5 and or at least one surface of a third sliding unit 5, as shown in Fig. 5.

The first bearing arrangement 7 of the first bearing assembly 6a may be arranged between a first surface of the first hinge structure 3 and a first surface of the sliding unit 5. The second bearing arrangement 8 of the first bearing assembly 6a may be arranged between a second surface of the first hinge structure 3 and a second surface of the sliding unit 5, as shown in Figs. 3 and 6.

Correspondingly, the first bearing arrangement 7 of the second bearing assembly 6b may be arranged between a first surface of the second hinge structure 4 and a first surface of the sliding unit 5. The second bearing arrangement 8 of the second bearing assembly 6b may be arranged between a second surface of the second hinge structure 4 and a second surface of the sliding unit 5, as shown in Fig. 6.

In one embodiment, the first bearing assembly 6a is arranged between at least one surface of the first sliding unit 5 and at least one surface of the first hinge structure 3, the second bearing assembly 6b is arranged between at least one surface of the first sliding unit 5 and at least one surface of the second sliding unit 5, and a third bearing assembly 6c is arranged between at least one surface of the second sliding unit 5 and at least one surface of the third sliding unit 5. The hinge assembly 1 may comprise any suitable number of sliding units and, hence, any number of interconnecting bearing assemblies 6 arranged between adjacent pairs of sliding units 5.

The surfaces of the sliding unit 5, the surfaces of the first hinge structure 3, and/or the surfaces of the second hinge structure 4 may be configured to form at least one tongue 12 and at least one groove 13 configured to accommodate the tongues 12, as shown in Fig. 5.

The first bearing assembly 6a and the second bearing assembly 6b are arranged between the tongues 12 and the grooves 13, such that a surface of the tongue 12 and/or the groove 13 is also part of the bearing assembly 6. For example, one or several surfaces of the first arched recess 7a and/or the second arched recess 8a may also be a surface of the tongue 12 or the groove 13.

The hinge assembly 1 may further comprise at least one fixation element 9, as shown in Figs. 2 and 6. The fixation element 9 connects a first body 5c and a second body 5d of the sliding unit 5 such that at least one bearing assembly 6 is arranged between the first body 5c and the second body 5d. At least one spring element 10 allows the bodies 5c, 5d to be separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis A. The spring element 10 may be a washer. The moveability provided by the fixation element 9, which is on the micrometer scale, is necessary to be able to compensate for variations in dimensions which are manufacturing- related and/or product cycle lifetime related should there be wear. Furthermore, the recesses and grooves are never perfectly circular, such that there may be some deviation between the shape of the bearing elements 7b, 8b and the shape of the corresponding recesses 7a, 8a and grooves 13. Furthermore, the bearing elements 7b, 8b and all surfaces engaging the bearing elements have some surface roughness. By allowing some micrometer-sized movement of the bodies 5c, 5d, these factors are sufficiently compensated for.

The fixation element 9 may be a screw fixed with a predefined torque configured to generate a specific contact pressure between the first bearing element(s) 7b and an adjacent surface, and/or between the second bearing element(s) 8b and an adjacent surface.

The various aspects and implementations have been described in conjunction with various embodiments herein. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject-matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

The reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this disclosure. As used in the description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly (1) for an electronic apparatus (2), said hinge assembly (1) comprising:

- at least one first hinge structure (3);

-at least one second hinge structure (4); and

-at least one sliding unit (5) configured to interconnect said first hinge structure (3) and said second hinge structure (4) such that said second hinge structure (4) is pivotable around a pivot axis (A) relative said first hinge structure (3); said sliding unit (5) comprising at least one bearing assembly (6), said bearing assembly (6) comprising a first bearing arrangement (7) and a second bearing arrangement (8), said first bearing arrangement (7) comprising a first arched recess (7a) extending at a first radial distance (Rl) from said pivot axis (A) and at least one partially convex first bearing element (7b) arranged within said first arched recess (7a), said second bearing arrangement (8) comprising a second arched recess (8a), extending at a second radial distance (R2) from said pivot axis (A) and, and at least one partially convex second bearing element (8b) arranged within said second arched recess (8a), said second radial distance (R2) being larger than said first radial distance (Rl), said first bearing elements (7b) being configured to move within said first arched recess (7a) and said second bearing elements (8b) being configured to move within said second arched recess (8a) in response to said second hinge structure (4) pivoting around said pivot axis (A).

2. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first bearing arrangement (7) comprises one first bearing element (7b) and said second bearing arrangement (8) comprises two second bearing elements (8b), said first bearing element (7b) being arranged between said second bearing elements (8b) in a tangential direction (Dl); or said second bearing arrangement (8) comprises one second bearing element (8b) and said first bearing arrangement (7) comprises two first bearing elements (7b), said second bearing element (8b) being arranged between said first bearing elements (7b) in said tangential direction (Dl).

3. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein said first bearing elements (7b) or said second bearing elements (8b) are separated by a distance element (11).

4. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a plurality of sliding units (5), each adjacent pair of sliding units (5) being interconnected by one bearing assembly (6).

5. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said sliding unit (5) comprises a first bearing assembly (6a) arranged at a first sliding unit end (5a) and a second bearing assembly (6b) arranged at a second sliding unit end (5b), said first bearing assembly (6a) being arranged between at least one surface of said sliding unit (5) and at least one surface of said first hinge structure (3) or at least one surface of a second sliding unit (5), said second bearing assembly (6b) being arranged between at least one surface of said sliding unit (5) and at least one surface of said second hinge structure (4) or at least one surface of a third sliding unit (5).

6. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein said surface(s) of said sliding unit (5), said surface(s) of said first hinge structure (3), and/or said surface(s) of said second hinge structure (4) form at least one tongue (12) and at least one groove (13) configured to accommodate said tongue(s) (12), said first bearing assembly (6a) and said second bearing assembly (6b) being arranged between said tongue(s) (12) and said groove(s) (13).

7. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said first bearing assembly (6a) is arranged between at least one surface of said first sliding unit (5) and at least one surface of said first hinge structure (3), said second bearing assembly (6b) is arranged between at least one surface of said first sliding unit (5) and at least one surface of said second sliding unit (5), and a third bearing assembly (6c) is arranged between at least one surface of said second sliding unit (5) and at least one surface of said third sliding unit (5).

8. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said sliding unit (5) is configured to allow rotation of said second hinge structure (4) relative said first hinge structure (3) by < 130°.

9. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein at least one sliding unit (5) is configured to allow rotation of said second hinge structure (4) relative said first hinge structure (3) by > 130°.

10. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said first bearing elements (7b) are configured to move between opposite ends of said first arched recess (7a), and said second bearing elements (8b) are configured to move between opposite ends of said second arched recess (8a), as said second hinge structure (4) pivots between a closed end position (PI) and an open end position (P2).

11. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising at least one fixation element (9), connecting a first body (5c) and a second body (5d) of said sliding unit (5), at least one bearing assembly (6) being arranged between said first body (5c) and said second body (5d), and at least one spring element (10) allowing said bodies (5c, 5d) to be separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to said pivot axis (A).

12. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein said fixation element (9) is a screw fixed with a predefined torque configured to generate a specific contact pressure between said first bearing elements (7b) and an adjacent surface and/or between said second bearing elements (8b) and an adjacent surface.

13. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said spring element (10) is a washer.

14. A foldable electronic apparatus (2) comprising a first section (2a), as second section (2b), and a hinge assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, said hinge assembly (1) interconnecting said first section (2a) and said second section (2b) along a pivot axis (A), the first hinge structure (3) of said hinge assembly (1) being fixed to said first section (2a), and the second hinge structure (4) of said hinge assembly (1) being fixed to said second section

(2b).