Patent Description:
Electronic apparatuses that can be opened and closed, such as laptops and tablets with keyboards, need hinges to realize their opening and closing. However, in the related art, support from the hinges is not stable, and the tablets and display screens may tip back when opened, causing inconvenience to the user. <CIT> and <CIT> are examples in the related art trying to solve this problem.

In <CIT>, a linked hinge mechanism includes a first member, a second member, a hinge unit and a passive unit. The hinge unit is connected to the first member and the second member, wherein the first member is adapted to be rotated relative to the second member via the hinge unit. The passive unit is adapted to be moved by the movement of the hinge unit, wherein the passive unit is adapted to be rotated by the movement of the hinge unit in only a portion of the whole rotation range of the hinge unit.

The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems in the related art to a certain extent.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention propose a linkage device as defined in appended claim <NUM> that can enhance the support stability and avoid tipping back an electronic apparatus.

Embodiments of the present invention further propose an apparatus accessory having the linkage device.

Embodiments of the present invention further propose an electronic apparatus having the linkage device or the apparatus accessory.

A linkage device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a drive component and a support member. The drive component is rotatable during a transmission stroke and an idle stroke. The support member is coupled to the drive component. The drive component and the support member are configured to rotate synchronously during the transmission stroke. At least a part of the drive component is configured to idle with respect to the support member during the idle stroke. The support member has a retracted position and a support position that are switched by the transmission stroke. The support member in the retracted position is suitable for storage. The support member in the support position is suitable for stopping and limiting. The drive component includes a first shaft and a second shaft, the second shaft being coupled to the support member; during the transmission stroke, the first shaft, the second shaft and the support member are transmissively coupled and are configured to rotate synchronously; and during the idle stroke, the first shaft and the second shaft are transmissively separated and the first shaft is configured to idle. The linkage device further includes an overturning member coupled to the first shaft, in which the overturning member is configured to drive the first shaft to reciprocally rotate, and in the support position, the support member is configured to stop and limit the overturning member. The support member is configured to extend in a same direction as the second shaft in the retracted position, and the support member is configured to extend at an angle to the second shaft in the support position.

The linkage device according to embodiments of the present invention can enhance the support stability and avoids tipping back the electronic apparatus.

In some embodiments, the linkage device further includes a limiting assembly. The limiting assembly is configured to act between the first shaft and the second shaft. During the idle stroke, the limiting assembly is configured to cooperate with the second shaft to limit rotation of the second shaft.

In some embodiments, the limiting assembly includes a stopping member; during the transmission stroke, the first shaft and the second shaft are rotatable with respect to the stopping member; and during the idle stroke, the first shaft is rotatable with respect to the stopping member, and the stopping member is configured to cooperate with the second shaft to limit the rotation of the second shaft.

In some embodiments, the limiting assembly includes: a first cam on the first shaft and being rotatable synchronously with the first shaft, an outer peripheral wall of the first cam including a first peripheral wall and a guide slot; and a second cam on the second shaft and being rotatable synchronously with the second shaft, an outer peripheral wall of the second cam including a second peripheral wall and a snap slot. During the transmission stroke, the stopping member is fitted between the guide slot and the second peripheral wall and is configured to slide along the guide slot; and during the idle stroke, the stopping member is fitted between the snap slot and the first peripheral wall.

In some embodiments, the stopping member is slidable between the first cam and the second cam; the stopping member is configured to slide into the guide slot by a push of the second peripheral wall during a switch from the idle stroke to the transmission stroke; and the stopping member is configured to slide into the snap slot by a push of the first peripheral wall during a switch from the transmission stroke to the idle stroke.

In some embodiments, the stopping member is rotatable; the stopping member is configured to roll and is fitted between the guide slot and the second peripheral wall during the transmission stroke; and the stopping member is configured to roll and is fitted between the snap slot and the first peripheral wall during the idle stroke.

In some embodiments, the linkage device includes a transmission assembly acting between the first shaft and the second shaft. During the transmission stroke, the first shaft is transmissively coupled to the second shaft through the transmission assembly, and the first shaft and the second shaft are configured to rotate in a common direction; and during the idle stroke, the transmission assembly is transmissively separated to allow the first shaft to idle.

In some embodiments, the transmission assembly includes: an incomplete gear on the first shaft; a first gear on the second shaft; and a second gear transmissively meshing between the incomplete gear and the first gear. The incomplete gear is configured to transmissively mesh with the second gear with during the transmission stroke and to be disengaged from the second gear during the idle stroke.

In some embodiments, the second gear includes a first segment and a second segment in an axial direction; the incomplete gear is configured to transmissively mesh with the first segment; and the first gear is configured to transmissively mesh with the second segment.

In some embodiments, the linkage device includes a damping assembly. The damping assembly includes a fixed portion and a movable portion; the movable portion is on the first shaft and is rotatable along with the first shaft; and the fixed portion and the movable portion are fitted together to form a damper, and the first shaft is held in position after rotation.

In some embodiments, the fixed portion includes a first protrusion on an end face abutting against the fixed portion, and the movable portion includes a second protrusion on an end face abutting against the fixed portion; during the transmission stroke, the first protrusion is configured to be stopped by the second protrusion; and during the idle stroke, the first protrusion is configured to cross over the second protrusion, and the movable portion is elastically retractable to allow the first protrusion to get over the second protrusion.

In some embodiments, the movable portion includes: an elastic member fitted over the first shaft and fitted with the first shaft in a rotation-resistant manner; and an adjusting member on the first shaft with a position of the adjusting member being adjustable. The elastic member is sandwiched between the adjusting member and the fixed portion, and the adjusting member is configured to stop an end of the elastic member and adjust an elastic force of the elastic member.

In some embodiments, the fixed portion includes a first stopping portion, and the first shaft includes a second stopping portion, the first stopping portion being fitted with and stopped by the second stopping portion to limit a rotation stroke of the first shaft.

In some embodiments, the linkage device includes a housing. The housing has a first abutting surface, the support member has a second abutting surface, and the first abutting surface abuts against the second abutting surface in both the retracted position and the support position.

In some embodiments, the second shaft is coupled to the support member by a universal joint; the universal joint includes a first joint and a second joint, the first joint being coupled to the second shaft and the second joint being coupled to the support member; an axial direction of the first joint is at a first angle to an axial direction of the second j oint; the second joint is rotatably assembled with the housing; and the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface are at a second angle to the axial direction of the second joint.

In some embodiments, the linkage device includes a plurality of fixing members. The first shaft is rotatably fitted with at least part of the fixing members, the second shaft is rotatably fitted with at least part of the fixing members, and the first shaft and the second shaft are assembled to the housing by the plurality of fixing members.

An apparatus accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the linkage device in the above embodiments.

In some embodiments, the apparatus accessory includes a protective casing. The protective casing includes a first portion and a second portion; the first portion is swingable with respect to the second portion, and the first portion is coupled to the overturning member; and the second portion is coupled to the housing.

An electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the linkage device in the above embodiments or the apparatus accessory described in the above embodiments.

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and examples of the described embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present invention rather than limit the present invention.

As shown in <FIG>, a linkage device <NUM> according to embodiments of the present invention includes a drive component <NUM> and a support member <NUM>.

The drive component <NUM> has a transmission stroke and an idle stroke. The drive component <NUM> is rotatable, and during rotation, a rotation stroke of the drive component <NUM> is divided into the transmission stroke and the idle stroke. It should be noted that the drive component <NUM> can rotate reciprocally, i.e., the drive component <NUM> can rotate forward and reversely. During the forward rotation, the rotation stroke of the drive component <NUM> is divided into the transmission stroke and the idle stroke.

The support member <NUM> is transmissively coupled to the drive component <NUM>, and the drive component <NUM> and the support member <NUM> can rotate synchronously during the rotation of the drive component <NUM> during the transmission stroke. During the rotation of the drive component <NUM> during the idle stroke, at least a part of the drive component <NUM> idles with respect to the support member <NUM>.

The drive component <NUM> is divided into two component units, namely, a first component unit (i.e., a first shaft described later) and a second component unit (i.e., a second shaft described later). The first component unit can rotate alone relative to the support member <NUM> and the second component unit when the drive component <NUM> rotates during the idle stroke. The first component unit, the second component unit and the support member <NUM> can rotate synchronously when the drive component <NUM> rotates during the transmission stroke.

It may be understood that in some other embodiments, the transmission between the drive component <NUM> and the support member <NUM> can be interrupted when the drive component <NUM> rotates during the idle stroke, in which case the drive component <NUM> as a whole can rotate relative to the support member <NUM>.

The support member <NUM> has a retracted position and a support position that are switched by the transmission stroke. That is, when the drive component <NUM> rotates during the transmission stroke, the support member <NUM> can rotate along with the drive component <NUM> and can be switched between the retracted position and the support position. When the support member <NUM> is switched to the retracted position, the support member <NUM> is suitable for storage, facilitating the storage of the linkage device <NUM>. When the support member <NUM> is switched to the support position, the support member <NUM> is suitable for stopping and limiting. For example, the support member <NUM> can stop and limit a display screen of an electronic apparatus, avoiding the overturning of the electronic apparatus.

The linkage device <NUM> according to embodiments of the present invention has a rotatable connection effect as ordinary hinges, and achieves an effect of linkage between the drive component <NUM> and the support member <NUM>. That is, the support member <NUM> can be switched to the support position when a rotation function of the hinge is realized. Consequently, the support member <NUM> can support some components (such as the display screen and tablets), avoiding tipping back the electronic apparatus and enhancing the support stability.

The drive component <NUM> includes a first shaft <NUM> as the first component unit and a second shaft <NUM> as the second component unit, the second shaft <NUM> being coupled to the support member <NUM>. During the transmission stroke, the first shaft <NUM>, the second shaft <NUM> and the support member <NUM> are transmissively coupled and can rotate synchronously; and during the idle stroke, the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> are transmissively separated to allow the first shaft <NUM> to idle.

As shown in <FIG>, both the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> extend in a left-right direction, and the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> are substantially parallel to each other. The first shaft <NUM> is rotatable in a direction M in <FIG>, and during the rotation of the first shaft <NUM>, a rotation stroke of the first shaft <NUM> is divided into two stages, namely, a transmission stroke and an idle stroke. During the transmission stroke, the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> are transmissively coupled and can rotate synchronously, in which case the support member <NUM> also rotates synchronously with the second shaft <NUM>. During the idle stroke, the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> are transmissively separated, in which case the first shaft <NUM> can continue to rotate, while the second shaft <NUM> and the support member <NUM> remain stationary.

It should be noted that during forward and reverse rotation of the first shaft <NUM>, the rotation stroke of the first shaft <NUM> can be divided into the transmission stroke and the idle stroke in each case.

The linkage device <NUM> includes an overturning member <NUM> coupled to the first shaft <NUM>; the overturning member <NUM> is configured to drive the first shaft <NUM> to reciprocally rotate; and in the support position, the support member <NUM> stops and limits the overturning member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the overturning member <NUM> is coupled to a left end of the first shaft <NUM>, and the overturning member <NUM> cooperates with the first shaft <NUM> in a rotation-resistant manner. In use, by rotating the overturning member <NUM>, the first shaft <NUM> can be driven to rotate forward in the direction M or can be driven to rotate reversely in a direction opposite to the direction M.

In use, the overturning member <NUM> can be coupled to the display screen of the electronic apparatus, or the overturning member <NUM> can be integrated with the display screen and considered as a part of the display screen, so that a restraining effect can be achieved by stopping and limiting the overturning member <NUM> through the support member <NUM>, and the support stability can be ensured.

In the retracted position, the support member <NUM> extends in a same direction as the second shaft <NUM>, and in the support position, the support member <NUM> extends at an angle to the second shaft <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the support member <NUM> is coupled to the second shaft <NUM> and can rotate synchronously with the second shaft <NUM>. The support member <NUM> is coupled to a right side of the second shaft <NUM> and the support member <NUM> has the retracted position and the support position during rotation. As shown in <FIG>, in the retracted position, the support member <NUM> extends in the same direction as the second shaft <NUM>, i.e., the support member <NUM> also switches to a position extending generally along the left-right direction.

As shown in <FIG>, in the support position, the support member <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> are at an angle, and the support member <NUM> is fitted with and stops the overturning member <NUM>. That is, the support member <NUM> can be supported obliquely on the ground or on the table, and a bottom edge of the overturning member <NUM> can lap over the support member <NUM>, preventing the overturning member <NUM> from being suspended after overturning.

With the linkage device <NUM> according to embodiments of the present invention, during use, the overturning member <NUM> is coupled to the display screen and other components of the electronic apparatus, so that the overturning member <NUM> can be supported by the support member <NUM> after the overturning member <NUM> has been overturn, enhancing the support stability and avoiding tipping back the electronic apparatus.

During the transmission stroke, the overturning member <NUM> drives the support member <NUM> to rotate to the support position through the transmission of the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM>, then the support member <NUM> remains in the support position, and the overturning member <NUM> continues to rotate during the idle stroke, which can satisfy a requirement of opening and closing the overturning member <NUM> at a large angle, enrich the angle adjustment of the overturning member <NUM> and help to enhance the use convenience.

In some embodiments, the linkage device <NUM> includes a limiting assembly <NUM> that acts between the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM>. During the idle stroke, the limiting assembly <NUM> cooperates with the second shaft <NUM> to limit the rotation of the second shaft <NUM>. Since the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> are transmissively separated during the idle stroke, the second shaft <NUM> is not restrained by any external force and when the support member <NUM> is subjected to a force, the second shaft <NUM> and the support member <NUM> easily rotate reversely, failing to realize a support effect.

The limiting assembly <NUM> can restrain the second shaft <NUM> when the second shaft <NUM> loses the restraint from the first shaft <NUM>. As a result, a situation where the second shaft <NUM> rotates at will can be avoided, and the support member <NUM> can realize the support effect; moreover, the first shaft <NUM> can rotate independently of the second shaft <NUM>, satisfying the large-angle opening and closing requirement.

In some embodiments, the limiting assembly includes a stopping member <NUM>. During the transmission stroke, the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> are rotatable with respect to the stopping member <NUM>. During the idle stroke, the first shaft <NUM> is rotatable with respect to the stopping member <NUM>, and the stopping member <NUM> cooperates with the second shaft <NUM> to limit the rotation of the second shaft <NUM>. In other words, the stopping member <NUM> plays a stopping role only during the idle stroke, and restrains the second shaft <NUM> and the support member <NUM> from rotating during the idle stroke of the first shaft <NUM>, which realizes a position-limiting effect.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the limiting assembly <NUM> also includes a first cam <NUM> and a second cam <NUM>.

The first cam <NUM> is on the first shaft <NUM> and is rotatable synchronously with the first shaft <NUM>. An outer peripheral wall of the first cam <NUM> includes a first peripheral wall <NUM> and a guide slot <NUM>. The first cam <NUM> is fitted in an outer peripheral side of the first shaft <NUM> in a rotation-resistant manner. The first cam <NUM> can rotate synchronously with the first shaft <NUM>. The first cam <NUM> is substantially circular. As shown in <FIG>, the outer peripheral wall of the first cam <NUM> includes two portions, namely, the first peripheral wall <NUM> and the guide slot <NUM>, in which a radial dimension of the first cam <NUM> at the first peripheral wall <NUM> is larger than a radial dimension of the first cam <NUM> at the guide slot <NUM>.

The second cam <NUM> is fitted with the second shaft <NUM> and is rotatable synchronously with the second shaft <NUM>. An outer peripheral wall of the second cam <NUM> includes a second peripheral wall <NUM> and a snap slot <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second cam <NUM> is fitted in an outer peripheral side of the second shaft <NUM> in a rotation-resistant manner. The second cam <NUM> can rotate synchronously with the first shaft <NUM>. The second cam <NUM> is substantially circular. The outer peripheral wall of the second cam <NUM> includes two portions, namely, the second peripheral wall <NUM> and the snap slot <NUM>, in which a radial dimension of the second cam <NUM> at the second peripheral wall <NUM> is larger than a radial dimension of the second cam <NUM> at the snap slot <NUM>.

During the transmission stroke, the stopping member <NUM> is fitted between the guide slot <NUM> and the second peripheral wall <NUM> and the stopping member <NUM> slides along the guide slot <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the stopping member <NUM> is stationary while the first shaft <NUM> rotates during the transmission stroke. As the second shaft <NUM> rotates, the second peripheral wall <NUM> of the second cam <NUM> is tangential to the stopping member <NUM> and rotates relative to the stopping member <NUM>. Meanwhile, a part of the stopping member <NUM> is fitted in the guide slot <NUM>. As the first shaft <NUM> rotates, the peripheral movement of the guide slot <NUM> causes relative movement of the stopping member <NUM> in the guide slot <NUM>.

During the idle stroke, the stopping member <NUM> is fitted between the snap slot <NUM> and the first peripheral wall <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the first shaft <NUM> rotates during the idle stroke and the snap slot <NUM> on the second cam <NUM> has been rotated to the stopping member <NUM>, the second cam <NUM> can be held in position under a stopping action of the stopping member <NUM>, and the rotation of the second shaft <NUM> can be limited. Meanwhile, the stopping member <NUM> slides out of the guide slot <NUM>, and the first peripheral wall <NUM> of the first cam <NUM> is tangential to the stopping member <NUM> and is rotatable peripherally relative to the stopping member <NUM>. Thus, the stopping member <NUM> can be limited in the snap slot <NUM> and the first shaft <NUM> can continue to rotate during the idle stroke.

In some embodiments, the stopping member <NUM> is slidable between the first cam <NUM> and the second cam <NUM>. The stopping member <NUM> slides into the guide slot by a push of the second peripheral wall <NUM> when the idle stroke is switched to the transmission stroke. The stopping member <NUM> slides into the snap slot <NUM> by a push of the first peripheral wall <NUM> when the transmission stroke is switched to the idle stroke.

As shown in <FIG> and in <FIG>, the limiting assembly <NUM> is sandwiched between two fixing members <NUM>. The fixing members <NUM> are in the form of plates, and the fixing members <NUM> are configured to hold the linkage device <NUM> in place. Both the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> pass through the two fixing members <NUM>, and rotate and fit with the two fixing members <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each fixing member <NUM> has a sliding slot <NUM>, and two sliding slots <NUM> of the two fixing members <NUM> extend in a common direction, both ends of the stopping member <NUM> being sliding and fitted in the corresponding sliding slots <NUM>.

The stopping member <NUM> is slidable in an extension direction of the two sliding slots <NUM>. Thus, during the transition of the first shaft <NUM> from the idle stroke to the transmission stroke, the second peripheral wall <NUM> of the second cam <NUM> can be pushed against the stopping member <NUM> and push the stopping member <NUM> into the guide slot <NUM>. During the transition of the first shaft <NUM> from the transmission stroke to the idle stroke, the first peripheral wall <NUM> of the first cam <NUM> can be pushed against the stopping member <NUM> and push the stopping member <NUM> into the snap slot <NUM>. The sliding of the stopping member <NUM> satisfies a requirement for limiting the position of the second cam <NUM> and a requirement for the transmission of the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the stopping member <NUM> is rotatable; the stopping member <NUM> rolls and is fitted between the guide slot <NUM> and the second peripheral wall <NUM> during the transmission stroke and between the snap slot <NUM> and the first peripheral wall <NUM> during the idle stroke. As shown in <FIG>, the stopping member <NUM> is substantially cylindrical in shape, so that the stopping member <NUM> can rotate by itself when the first shaft <NUM> rotates, reducing friction between the stopping member <NUM>, and the first shaft <NUM> and the second peripheral wall <NUM> and allowing for a smoother rotational drive of the first shaft <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the linkage device <NUM> includes a transmission assembly <NUM> that acts between the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM>. During the transmission stroke, the first shaft <NUM> is transmissively coupled to the second shaft <NUM> through the transmission assembly <NUM>, and the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> rotate in a common direction. During the idle stroke, the transmission assembly <NUM> is transmissively separated to allow the first shaft <NUM> to idle. The requirement for transmission between the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> can be satisfied. The common rotation direction of the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> allows the overturning member <NUM> and the support member <NUM> to rotate in a common direction to satisfy a practical use requirement.

In some embodiments, the transmission assembly <NUM> includes an incomplete gear <NUM>, a first gear <NUM> and a second gear <NUM>. The incomplete gear <NUM> is on the first shaft <NUM>; the first gear <NUM> is on the second shaft <NUM>; and the second gear <NUM> transmissively meshes between the incomplete gear <NUM> and the first gear <NUM>. The incomplete gear <NUM> meshes with the second gear <NUM> during the transmission stroke, and the incomplete gear <NUM> is disengaged from the second gear <NUM> during the idle stroke.

As shown in <FIG>, the transmission assembly <NUM> is sandwiched between two fixing members <NUM>. The incomplete gear <NUM> is fitted at an outer peripheral side of the first shaft <NUM> in a rotation-resistant manner. The first gear <NUM> is fitted at an outer peripheral side of the second shaft <NUM> in a rotation-resistant manner. The second gear <NUM> is rotatably assembled between the two fixing members <NUM>, a first side of the second gear <NUM> meshing with the first gear <NUM> and a second side of the second gear <NUM> meshing with the incomplete gear <NUM>.

During the rotation of the incomplete gear <NUM>, the incomplete gear <NUM> can engage with or disengage from the second gear <NUM>, satisfying transmission and non-transmission requirements for the first shaft <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second gear <NUM> includes a first segment <NUM> and a second segment <NUM> in an axial direction; the incomplete gear <NUM> transmissively meshes with the first segment <NUM>; and the first gear <NUM> transmissively meshes with the second segment <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second gear <NUM> has a certain extension length in the axial direction (the left-right direction); the first segment <NUM> is a left half of the second gear <NUM> and the second segment <NUM> is the right half of the second gear <NUM>; the incomplete gear <NUM> is on a left side of the first gear <NUM> and meshes with the first segment <NUM>; and the second gear <NUM> meshes with the second segment <NUM>. As a result, the incomplete gear <NUM> and the first gear <NUM> are at staggered positions in space, which avoids mutual interference between the incomplete gear <NUM> and the first gear <NUM>, improves the space utilization rate, and facilitates the miniaturization of the linkage device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the linkage device <NUM> includes a damping assembly <NUM>; the damping assembly <NUM> includes a fixed portion <NUM> and a movable portion <NUM>; the movable portion <NUM> is on the first shaft <NUM> and is rotatable along with the first shaft <NUM>; and the fixed portion <NUM> and the movable portion <NUM> are fitted together to form a damper, so that the first shaft <NUM> can be held in position after the first shaft <NUM> is rotated.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, both the fixed portion <NUM> and the movable portion <NUM> are fitted over the first shaft <NUM>, in which the fixed portion <NUM> is rotatable along with the first shaft <NUM> and the movable portion <NUM> is fitted with the first shaft <NUM> in a rotation-resistant manner. The fixed portion <NUM> is on a left side of the movable portion <NUM>. When the first shaft <NUM> rotates, the fixed portion <NUM> remains stationary and the movable portion <NUM> is rotatable along with the first shaft <NUM>. With a damping effect formed between the fixed portion <NUM> and the movable portion <NUM>, the first shaft <NUM> can rotate at any angle and remain in position after rotation, enabling the overturning member to hover at any position and allowing the user to switch to any angle as required, which is convenient for use.

In some embodiments, the fixed portion <NUM> includes a first protrusion <NUM> on its end face abutting against the movable portion <NUM>, and the movable portion <NUM> includes a second protrusion <NUM> on its end face abutting against the fixed portion <NUM>. During the transmission stroke, the first protrusion <NUM> is stopped by the second protrusion <NUM>. During the idle stroke, the first protrusion <NUM> crosses over the second protrusion <NUM>, and the movable portion <NUM> is elastically retractable to allow the first protrusion <NUM> to get over the second protrusion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first protrusion <NUM> is at a right end of the fixed portion <NUM>; there are a plurality of first protrusions <NUM>, and the plurality of first protrusions <NUM> are spaced apart along a peripheral direction of the fixed portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second protrusion <NUM> is at a left end of the movable portion <NUM>, and there is a plurality of second protrusions <NUM>, and the plurality of second protrusions <NUM> are spaced along a peripheral direction of the movable portion <NUM>.

In use, the plurality of first protrusions <NUM> and the plurality of second protrusions <NUM> are arranged circumferentially in an alternating manner. Consequently, the damping effect of the fixed portion <NUM> and the movable portion <NUM> can be enhanced, and when the first shaft <NUM> is rotated to a set angle, the first protrusions <NUM> can cross over the approaching second protrusions <NUM>, giving the user a sense of feedback and upgrading the operating experience.

Optionally, the first protrusion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> are guide slopes, allowing the first protrusion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> to cross over each other conveniently.

It should be noted that the movable portion <NUM> is elastically retractable, so that the first protrusion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> can cross over each other by the retraction of the movable portion <NUM>, and the movable portion <NUM> keeps abutting against the fixed portion <NUM> by the extension of the movable portion <NUM> to provide a damping effect.

In some embodiments, the movable portion <NUM> includes an elastic member <NUM> and an adjusting member <NUM>; the elastic member <NUM> is fitted over the first shaft <NUM> and is fitted with the first shaft <NUM> in a rotation-resistant manner; the elastic member <NUM> is sandwiched between the adjusting member <NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM>; the adjusting member <NUM> is on the first shaft <NUM> with its position being adjustable; the adjusting member <NUM> is configured to stop an end of the elastic member <NUM> and adjust an elastic force of the elastic member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the elastic member <NUM> is a disc spring, and the elastic member <NUM> is fitted over the first shaft <NUM> and fitted with the first shaft <NUM> in a rotation-resistant manner; the adjusting member <NUM> is a nut and threadedly fitted on the first shaft <NUM>. During use, the adjusting member <NUM> stops a right end of the elastic member <NUM>, generating a position-limiting effect; and a left end of the elastic member <NUM> keeps abutting against the fixed portion <NUM>, generating a damping effect. When the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM> needs to be adjusted, the adjusting member <NUM> can be rotated, and the user can adjust the damping effect according to practical situations.

In some embodiments, the fixed portion <NUM> includes a first stopping portion <NUM>, and the first shaft <NUM> includes a second stopping portion <NUM>. The first stopping portion <NUM> is fitted with and stopped by the second stopping portion <NUM>, to limit the rotation stroke of the first shaft <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first stopping portion <NUM> is fan-shaped and integrated with the fixed portion <NUM>, and the second stopping portion <NUM> is also fan-shaped and integrated with the first shaft <NUM>. In use, the first stopping portion <NUM> can be stopped by the second stopping portion <NUM> to limit a maximum rotation stroke of the first shaft <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the linkage device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> has a first abutting surface <NUM>, and the support member <NUM> has a second abutting surface <NUM>. The first abutting surface <NUM> abuts against the second abutting surface <NUM> in both the retracted position and the support position.

As shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is cylindrical and the first abutting surface <NUM> is elliptical. As shown in <FIG>, the support member <NUM> is also substantially cylindrical and the second abutting surface <NUM> is also elliptical. The support member <NUM> is rotatable by <NUM> degrees along with the second shaft <NUM>. Thus, in the retracted position, the first abutting surface <NUM> abuts against the second abutting surface <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> and the support member <NUM> are assembled into a cylindrical body as a whole, enhancing integration and aesthetics and facilitating storage. In the support position, the second abutting surface <NUM> is rotated by <NUM> degrees and abuts against the first abutting surface <NUM>, in which case the housing <NUM> and the support member <NUM> are at an angle to meet the need for support and use.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the second shaft <NUM> is coupled to the support member <NUM> by a universal joint <NUM>. The universal joint <NUM> includes a first joint <NUM> and a second joint <NUM>, the first joint <NUM> being coupled to the second shaft <NUM> and the second joint <NUM> being coupled to the support member <NUM>. An axial direction of the first joint <NUM> is at a first angle to an axial direction of the second joint <NUM>, in which the first angle is an obtuse angle.

The second joint <NUM> is rotatably assembled with the housing <NUM>, and both the first abutting surface <NUM> and the second abutting surface <NUM> are at a second angle to the axial direction of the second joint <NUM>, in which the second angle is a right angle. That is, both the first abutting surface <NUM> and the second abutting surface <NUM> are perpendicular to the axial direction of the second joint <NUM>. Thus, a requirement for different transmission axes and a requirement for transmission between the second shaft <NUM> and the support member <NUM> can be satisfied.

In some embodiments, the linkage device <NUM> includes a plurality of fixing members <NUM>. The first shaft <NUM> is rotatably fitted with at least part of the fixing members <NUM>, and the second shaft <NUM> is rotatably fitted with at least part of the fixing members <NUM>. The first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> are assembled in the housing <NUM> by the plurality of fixing members <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, there are four fixing members, including a first member <NUM>, a second member <NUM>, a third member <NUM> and a fourth member <NUM>. The first member <NUM> and the second member <NUM> are assembled in a part where the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> overlap in the left-right direction. The first member <NUM> is on a left side of the second member <NUM> and is spaced apart from the second member <NUM>. Both the first shaft <NUM> and the second shaft <NUM> are rotatably fitted with the first member <NUM> and the second member <NUM>. The limiting assembly <NUM> and the transmission assembly <NUM> are between the first member <NUM> and the second member <NUM> and are separated by a partition plate that may also be regarded as one fixing member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, each of the third member <NUM> and the fourth member <NUM> includes a sleeve; the third member <NUM> is on a right side of the second member <NUM>; the second shaft <NUM> is rotatably assembled within the sleeve of the third member <NUM>; the fourth member <NUM> is on a right side of the third member <NUM>; and the second joint <NUM> is rotatably assembled within the sleeve of the fourth member <NUM>.

The first member <NUM>, the second member <NUM>, the third member <NUM>, and the fourth member <NUM> are all coupled to the housing <NUM>, enabling the mounting and fixing of the linkage device <NUM> to the housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the fixed portion <NUM> has a split structure, and the fixed portion <NUM> includes a first seat <NUM> and a second seat <NUM>. The first seat <NUM> is on a right side of the second seat <NUM>, the second seat <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the housing <NUM>. The first seat <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the second seat <NUM> via a pin, such that the first seat <NUM> has a certain degree of freedom and its adaptability to the movable portion <NUM> is enhanced.

In some embodiments, a central angle corresponding to the guide slot <NUM> is <NUM>°, and a total rotation angle of the first shaft <NUM> is <NUM>°. The stopping member <NUM> moves along the guide slot <NUM> as the first shaft <NUM> rotates during the transmission stroke, in which case the first shaft <NUM> rotates by <NUM>° and the support member <NUM> rotates by <NUM>° under a transmission effect of the second shaft <NUM>. The first shaft <NUM> transitions to the idle stroke and continues to rotate to <NUM>°, in which case the first stopping portion <NUM> and the second stopping portion <NUM> are stopped by each other for position limiting.

An apparatus accessory according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

The apparatus accessory according to embodiments of the present invention includes a linkage device <NUM>, which may be the linkage device <NUM> described in the above embodiments. As shown in <FIG>, the apparatus accessory includes a protective casing <NUM>, and the protective casing <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> is swingable with respect to the second portion <NUM>, and the first portion <NUM> is coupled to the overturning member <NUM>, in which case the overturning member <NUM> may be regarded as a part of the first portion <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> is coupled to the housing <NUM>, which may also be regarded as a part of the second portion <NUM>.

In use, the first portion <NUM> can be overturn from back to front, and the first portion <NUM> drives the overturning member <NUM>, and in turn drives the first shaft <NUM>, the second shaft <NUM> and the support member <NUM> to rotate synchronously. When the first portion <NUM> is overturn to a position as shown in <FIG>, the support member <NUM> is propped up between a tabletop and a lower edge of the first portion <NUM>, providing a support effect for the first portion <NUM>.

When the apparatus accessory needs to be stored, the first portion <NUM> can be overturn backwards, and during the idle stroke, only the first portion <NUM>, the overturning member <NUM> and the first shaft <NUM> rotate backwards. After the transition to the transmission stroke, the second shaft <NUM> and the support member <NUM> can rotate backwards along with the first portion <NUM> until the first portion <NUM> from the above overlaps the second portion <NUM>, in which case the support member <NUM> is switched to a storage position, as shown in <FIG>.

It is to be noted that the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> are two separate portions, and the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> are flexibly coupled to meet a requirement for relative rotation of the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, there are two linkage devices <NUM>, and the two linkage devices <NUM> share one overturning member <NUM>, in which case the overturning member <NUM> is between the two linkage devices <NUM>, improving symmetry, in turn enhancing the support stability.

An electronic apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

The electronic apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention includes only the linkage device <NUM> described in the above embodiments. For example, the electronic apparatus is a notebook that includes a display screen and a keyboard, the display screen and the keyboard being rotatably coupled to each other using the linkage device <NUM>.

In some other embodiments, the electronic apparatus may include the apparatus accessory described in the above embodiments. For example, the electronic apparatus includes a tablet and a split keyboard, the tablet being fixed to the first portion <NUM> of the apparatus accessory and the split keyboard being fixed to the second portion <NUM> of the apparatus accessory.

In the description of the present invention, it shall be understood that terms such as "central," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial" and "circumferential" should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, or be constructed and operated in a particular orientation. Thus, these terms shall not be construed as limitation on the present invention.

In addition, terms such as "first" and "second" are merely used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or the number of technical features indicated. Thus, the features associated with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specifically defined, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc..

In the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and defined, the terms "mounted," "coupled," "connected," "fixed" and the like are used broadly, and may be, for example, fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; may also be mechanical or electrical connections or intercommunication; may also be direct connections or indirect connections via intermediate media; may also be inner communications or interactions of two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

Claim 1:
A linkage device (<NUM>), comprising:
a drive component (<NUM>) rotatable during a transmission stroke and an idle stroke; and
a support member (<NUM>) coupled to the drive component (<NUM>),
wherein:
the drive component (<NUM>) and the support member (<NUM>) are configured to rotate synchronously during the transmission stroke, and at least a part of the drive component (<NUM>) is configured to idle with respect to the support member (<NUM>) during the idle stroke;
the support member (<NUM>) has (i) a retracted position in which the support member (<NUM>) is suitable for storage and (ii) a support position in which the support member (<NUM>) is suitable for stopping and limiting, wherein the retracted position and the support position are switched by the transmission stroke;
characterized in that:
the drive component (<NUM>) comprises a first shaft (<NUM>) and a second shaft (<NUM>), the second shaft (<NUM>) being coupled to the support member (<NUM>);
during the transmission stroke, the first shaft (<NUM>), the second shaft (<NUM>) and the support member (<NUM>) are transmissively coupled and are configured to rotate synchronously; and
during the idle stroke, the first shaft (<NUM>) and the second shaft (<NUM>) are transmissively separated and the first shaft (<NUM>) is configured to idle,
wherein
the linkage device (<NUM>) further comprises an overturning member (<NUM>) coupled to the first shaft (<NUM>), wherein the overturning member (<NUM>) is configured to drive the first shaft (<NUM>) to reciprocally rotate, and in the support position, the support member (<NUM>) is configured to stop and limit the overturning member (<NUM>); and
the support member (<NUM>) is configured to extend in a same direction as the second shaft (<NUM>) in the retracted position, and the support member (<NUM>) is configured to extend at an angle to the second shaft (<NUM>) in the support position.