Hinge assembly and foldable electronic device

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a hinge assembly and a foldable electronic device. The hinge assembly is provided with a linear slide groove on one of the support member and the swing member, and a sliding member on the other. In this way, the high-pair cooperation between the cylindrical pin and the arc-shaped track groove between the support member and the gear connecting rod is replaced with the low-pair cooperation between the linear slide groove and the sliding member between the support member and the swing member. In this way, the virtual position between the slide groove and the sliding member is reduced, so that the angle control accuracy of the support member is higher, and the support member moves in place in the two states of unfolding and folding. In addition, the swing member is a passively stressed part, so the movement process is smooth. In this way, when the support member is attached to the swing member, the movement of the support member will also be smoother.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of terminal technology, and in particular to a hinge assembly and a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of mobile devices such as mobile phones, users have an increasingly strong demand for large-screen mobile phones, but large-screen mobile phones have the significant problem of being inconvenient to carry. Therefore, foldable screen mobile phones with extendable and deformable screens have become the main direction for improving portability. Among them, in order to meet the differentiated needs of different users, various foldable mobile phones with inward-folding and outward-folding screens have emerged.

[0003] At present, foldable mobile phones generally include two structural parts, which are connected by a hinge assembly, so that the two structural parts can rotate relative to each other, and then the two structural parts can be overlapped or unfolded. In order to better support the foldable display screen and ensure that the foldable display screen is not over-stretched and squeezed in the folding process, the hinge assembly usually includes a main shaft mechanism and a rotating mechanism located on both sides of the main shaft mechanism. The rotating mechanism includes a support plate, a linkage member and a connecting member. The linkage member is connected to the main shaft mechanism and the connecting member, and the connecting member is connected to the structural member and the support plate. The support plate and the linkage member are rotated through a cylindrical pin and an arc track groove.

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned foldable mobile phone, the under-screen support plate in the screen bending area moves unsteadily during the folding or unfolding of the mobile phone, and the angle control accuracy of the support plate is poor. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a hinge assembly and a foldable electronic device, which achieve smooth movement of the support mechanism of the electronic device during unfolding or folding, ensure higher control accuracy of the support mechanism angle, and enable the foldable electronic device to move into place in the two working states of unfolding or folding.

[0006] A first aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a hinge assembly, including:

[0007] A main shaft mechanism, and two rotating mechanisms located on both sides of the main shaft mechanism and rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism;

[0008] Each of the rotating mechanisms comprises: a supporting member, at least one connecting member and at least one swinging member;

[0009] The support member is arranged close to the spindle mechanism, the connecting member is located at one end of the support member away from the spindle mechanism, and the connecting member is connected to the support member;

[0010] One end of the swing member is rotatably connected to the spindle mechanism, and the other end of the swing member is rotatably connected to the connecting member;

[0011] One of the swinging member and the supporting member is provided with a linear slide groove, and the other of the swinging member and the supporting member is provided with a sliding member cooperating with the slide groove, so that the sliding member moves in the slide groove during the swinging process of the swinging member.

[0012] The hinge assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a swinging member, and a linear slide groove is provided on one of the support member and the swinging member, and a sliding member is provided on the other member. In this way, the high-pair cooperation between the cylindrical pin and the arc-shaped track groove between the support member and the gear connecting rod is replaced by the low-pair cooperation between the linear slide groove and the sliding member between the support member and the swinging member. In this way, the virtual position between the slide groove and the sliding member is reduced, so that the angle control accuracy of the support member is higher, and the support member moves into place in the two states of unfolding and folding. In addition, the swinging member is a passively stressed part, so the movement process is smooth. In this way, when the support member is attached to the swinging member, the movement of the support member will also be smoother. Therefore, the hinge assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application realizes a smooth movement process of the support mechanism during the unfolding or folding process, ensures that the control accuracy of the angle of the support mechanism is higher, and the foldable electronic device moves into place in the two working states of unfolding or folding.

[0013] In a possible implementation, at least two opposite sliding grooves are provided on the support member, a portion of the swing member is located between the two sliding grooves, and the sliding members are respectively provided on both side edges of the swing member.

[0014] In a possible implementation, at least two opposing protrusions are provided on one surface of the support member, and the slide grooves are formed on the protrusions.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the slide groove passes through from the top end surface of the protrusion to the bottom end of the protrusion, and the slide groove is inclined toward the connecting member.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the chute includes at least two opposite and parallel planar chute walls, and an end chute wall located between one ends of the two planar chute walls;

[0017] A slot into which the sliding member can slide is formed between the other ends of the two planar slot walls.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the sliding member has a first sliding plane and a second sliding plane respectively opposite to the two planar groove walls, and the extension directions of the first sliding plane and the second sliding plane intersect to form an angle.

[0019] In a possible implementation, when the support member and the spindle mechanism are in an unfolded state, the second sliding plane is in contact with one of the planar groove walls, and the first sliding plane forms a first angle with the other planar groove wall;

[0020] When the support member and the spindle mechanism are in a folded state, the first sliding plane fits with the other planar groove wall, and the second sliding plane forms a second angle with one of the planar groove walls.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, the sliding member is a wedge block, and the thick end of the wedge block faces the bottom of the sliding groove.

[0022] In a possible implementation, one end of the wedge block facing the groove bottom of the slide groove is an arc-shaped surface, and the end groove wall of the slide groove is an arc-shaped wall that matches the arc-shaped surface.

[0023] In a possible implementation manner, the sliding member is a cylinder.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the swing member has a first rotating portion at one end facing the spindle mechanism, the outer edges of both sides of the first rotating portion have arc surfaces, the spindle mechanism has an arc portion that rotates with the arc surface, and the spindle mechanism is rotatably connected to the spindle mechanism via the first rotating portion;

[0025] The other end of the swinging member has a second rotating portion, and the second rotating portion is rotatably connected to the connecting member.

[0026] In a possible implementation, each of the rotating mechanisms further includes: at least one linkage member, one end of which is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism, and the other end of which is rotationally matched with the support member.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the support member is provided with an arc-shaped track groove, and the linkage member and the support member are rotationally connected through a cylindrical pin that cooperates with the arc-shaped track groove.

[0028] In a possible implementation, one end of the linkage member has a first gear, the gear is rotatably connected to the main shaft mechanism via a rotating shaft, and the main shaft mechanism has two second gears meshing with each other, and the second gears mesh with the first gear.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the support member has a plurality of virtual axes, the connecting member has an arcuate groove that cooperates with the virtual axes, and the support member and the connecting member are rotatably connected through the cooperation between the virtual axes and the arcuate grooves.

[0030] A second aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a foldable electronic device, comprising at least: a first structural member, a second structural member and the hinge assembly described above;

[0031] The first structural member and the second structural member are respectively located on two sides of the hinge assembly, and the first structural member and the second structural member are respectively fixedly connected to the connecting member in the hinge assembly;

[0032] And, it also includes: a battery cover and a foldable first display screen; the battery cover and the first display screen are respectively located on both side surfaces of the hinge assembly, the first structural member and the second structural member.

[0033] The foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application includes the above-mentioned hinge assembly, so that the high-pair cooperation of the cylindrical pin and the arc-shaped trajectory groove between the support member and the gear connecting rod is replaced by the low-pair cooperation of the linear slide groove and the sliding member between the support member and the swing member. In this way, the virtual position between the slide groove and the sliding member is reduced, so that the angle control accuracy of the support member is higher, and the support member moves into place in the two states of unfolding and folding. In addition, the swing member is a passively stressed part, so the movement process is smooth. In this way, when the support member is attached to the swing member, the movement of the support member will also be smoother. Therefore, the foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application realizes the smooth movement process of the support mechanism during the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device, ensures that the control accuracy of the angle of the support mechanism is higher, and the foldable electronic device moves into place in the two working states of unfolding or folding.

[0034] In a possible implementation, it also includes: a second display screen, the first display screen is located on one side surface of the hinge assembly, the first structural member and the second structural member, and the second display screen and the battery cover are respectively located on the other side surfaces of the first structural member and the second structural member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a semi-folded state provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a folded state provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an exploded structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 5A schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when the hinge assembly is in an unfolded state;

[0040] Figure 6 A side view of a hinge assembly of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application switching between an unfolded state and a folded state;

[0041] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of a hinge assembly of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application, in which a rotating mechanism and a main axis mechanism are disassembled;

[0042] Figure 8 An exploded schematic diagram of one of the rotating mechanisms in the hinge assembly of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Fig. 9 It is a partial schematic diagram of the cooperation between a support member and a gear connecting rod in a hinge assembly of a foldable electronic device;

[0044] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a partially disassembled structure of a swinging member and a supporting member in a hinge assembly of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the split structure of the swing member and the support member in another direction in the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of a swinging member in a hinge assembly of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application after being assembled on a supporting member;

[0047] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a swinging member in a hinge assembly of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Fig.14 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a longitudinal section of a hinge assembly of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application at a swinging member;

[0049] Fig.15 Another schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the swing member in the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of a connecting member and a supporting member in a hinge assembly of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Fig.17 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a longitudinal section of a hinge assembly of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application at a connecting piece;

[0052] Fig.18 Another disassembled schematic diagram of the rotating mechanism in the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Fig.19 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a linkage member in a hinge assembly of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Fig. 20 A schematic diagram of the structure of a hinge assembly of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application after a linkage member is assembled on a support member;

[0055] Fig.21 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a longitudinal section of a hinge assembly at a linkage member of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0056] Description of reference numerals:

[0057] 10-first display screen; 10a-second display screen; 11-first display area; 12-second display area; 13-third display area;

[0058] 21-first structural member; 211-first metal middle plate; 212-first frame; 22-second structural member; second metal middle plate-221; second frame-222;

[0059] 30-hinge assembly; 31-spindle mechanism; 311-external shaft; 3112-arc portion; 312-inner shaft; 313, 314-second gear; 32-rotation mechanism;

[0060] 321-connecting piece; 3211-arc groove;

[0061] 322-swinging member; 3221-sliding member; 3222a-first sliding plane; 3222b-second sliding plane; 3223-arc surface;

[0062] 323-supporting member; 3231-sliding groove; 3232-arc track groove; 3233-bump; 3234a, 3234b-plane groove wall; 3235-virtual axis;

[0063] 324-linkage member; 3241-first gear; 3242-tooth structure; 3243-pin hole;

[0064] 325-pin; 326-cylindrical pin;

[0065] 40-Battery cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The terms used in the implementation method part of this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit this application. The implementation method of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] Among them, the foldable electronic device provided in the embodiments of the present application may include but is not limited to foldable fixed terminals or mobile terminals such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops, ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), handheld computers, touch-screen TVs, walkie-talkies, netbooks, POS machines, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wearable devices, virtual reality devices, etc.

[0068] In the embodiment of the present application, a mobile phone is taken as the above-mentioned foldable electronic device as an example for description, and the mobile phone is a foldable mobile phone with an inner folding screen and an additional outer screen.

[0069] The following takes the foldable electronic device as a foldable screen mobile phone as an example to describe in detail the hinge assembly and the foldable electronic device provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0070] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the folding screen mobile phone may at least include: a first structural member 21, a second structural member 22 and a hinge assembly 30, wherein the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are respectively located on both sides of the hinge assembly 30, and the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are respectively fixedly connected to the hinge assembly 30. Specifically, the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are respectively fixedly connected to the connecting member in the hinge assembly 30.

[0071] It should be noted that the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 can be fixedly connected to the connecting member by welding, bonding or screw locking.

[0072] When the first structure member 21 and the second structure member 22 rotate toward each other to overlap each other, the foldable screen mobile phone is in a folded state. Conversely, when the first structure member 21 and the second structure member 22 rotate away from each other from the overlapping state to the point where the first structure member 21 and the second structure member 22 cannot rotate (such as the first structure member 21 and the second structure member 22 are in the same plane), the foldable screen mobile phone is in an unfolded state. The unfolding process is from the folded state to the unfolded state, and the folding process is from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0073] In addition, it should be noted that the number of the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 can both be one, so that the folding screen mobile phone can be folded into two layers. Specifically, Figure 1As shown, the foldable screen mobile phone may only include a first structural member 21, a second structural member 22 and a hinge assembly 30 for connecting the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22. The first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are rotated to overlap each other, so that the foldable electronic device is in the form of two layers.

[0074] Alternatively, the number of the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 may be multiple (not shown), and there is a hinge assembly 30 for connecting the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 between adjacent first structural members 21 and second structural members 22, so that the foldable electronic device can be folded into multiple layers. For example, the foldable electronic device may include two second structural members 22, one first structural member 21 and two hinge assemblies 30 for connecting the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22, the two second structural members 22 are located on both sides of the first structural member 21, and are rotatably connected to the first structural member 21 through the hinge assembly 30, one of the second structural members 22 can be rotated with the first structural member 21 to stack, and the other second structural member 22 can also be rotated relative to the first structural member 21 to stack, so that the foldable electronic device presents a three-layer folded form, and when two of the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are rotated to the same plane, the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state.

[0075] See also Figure 1 As shown, the foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: a foldable first display screen 10, wherein the foldable first display screen 10 may be arranged on the surfaces of the hinge assembly 30, the first structural member 21, and the second structural member 22. When the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are folded, the foldable first display screen 10 is bent and attached between the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22, and when the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are unfolded, the foldable first display screen 10 is also unfolded.

[0076] In actual applications, the foldable first display screen 10 can be bonded to the surfaces of the hinge assembly 30, the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 to ensure that at least part of the foldable first display screen 10 is stably covered on the inner side of the hinge assembly 30, thereby improving the stability of the foldable first display screen 10 in the foldable electronic device.

[0077] See also Figure 1 As shown, the first display screen 10 may include: a first display area 11, a second display area 12, and a third display area 13 located between the first display area 11 and the second display area 12, wherein the first display area 11 may be located on the surface of the first structural member 21, the second display area 12 may be located on the surface of the second structural member 22, and the third display area 13 is located on the surface of the hinge assembly 30.

[0078] Of course, in some embodiments, the foldable electronic device may also be a laptop computer, which may also include a first structural member 21 and a second structural member 22. The first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 can rotate toward each other to overlap each other, so that the laptop computer is in a folded state. Conversely, when the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 rotate away from each other from the overlapping state until they cannot rotate, the laptop computer is in an unfolded state. In the unfolded state, the part of the foldable first display screen 10 on the first structural member 21 can be used to display images, etc., and the part of the foldable first display screen 10 on the second structural member 22 can be used as a virtual keyboard.

[0079] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the electronic device may further include: a second display screen 10a, the second display screen 10a and the first display screen may be located on both sides of the first structural member 21 or the second structural member 22, for example, see Figure 2 As shown, the second display screen 10a is opposite to the second display area 12 of the first display screen, and the second display screen 10a and the second display area 12 of the first display screen are respectively located on both sides of the second structural member 22. Figure 3 As shown, when the electronic device is in the folded state, the second display screen 10a can be used as an external screen. Of course, in some examples, the second display screen 10a may not be provided.

[0080] The second display screen 10a may be a liquid crystal display screen. Of course, the second display screen 10a may also be a flexible screen.

[0081] In the present application examples, see Figure 2 As shown, the first structure member 21 may further include a battery cover 40 . The battery cover 40 and the first display area 11 of the first display screen 10 may be located on both sides of the first structure member 21 , respectively.

[0082] In the present application examples, see Figure 4 As shown, the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 may be middle frames, wherein the first structural member 21 may include a first metal middle plate 211 and a first frame 212 surrounding the outer edge of the first metal middle plate 211, and the second structural member 22 may include a second metal middle plate 221 and a second frame 222 surrounding the outer edge of the second metal middle plate 221. The hinge assembly 30 is fixedly connected to the first metal middle plate 211 and the second metal middle plate 221, respectively.

[0083] The hinge assembly 30 used for the above-mentioned foldable electronic device in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below.

[0084] Combination Figure 5As shown, the hinge assembly 30 may include: a main shaft mechanism 31, and two rotating mechanisms 32 located on both sides of the main shaft mechanism 31 and rotatably connected to the main shaft mechanism 31. Figure 5 As shown, the two rotating mechanisms 32 can be symmetrically arranged relative to the main shaft mechanism 31. The two rotating mechanisms 32 can be arranged along Figure 5 The two dotted arrows in FIG. 3 rotate relative to the spindle mechanism 31, for example, see Figure 6 As shown, when the two rotating mechanisms 32 are in the folded state, the two rotating mechanisms 32 may face each other, and when the two rotating mechanisms 32 are in the unfolded state, the two rotating mechanisms 32 are back to back relative to the main axis mechanism 31 .

[0085] See also Figure 7 As shown, when each rotating mechanism 32 is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism 31 , the rotating mechanism 32 and the main shaft mechanism 31 can be detachably connected.

[0086] See also Figure 8 As shown, each rotating mechanism 32 may include: a connecting member 321 and a supporting member 323, the supporting member 323 is used to support the third display area 13 of the first display screen 10, one end of the connecting member 321 in each rotating mechanism 32 is respectively fixedly connected to the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 321, the supporting member 323 is arranged close to the main axis mechanism 31, the connecting member 321 is located at one end of the supporting member 323 away from the main axis mechanism 31, and the connecting member 321 is rotatably connected to the supporting member 323.

[0087] In the embodiment of the present application, the number of the connecting member 321 may be one or more, for example Figure 8 In the embodiment, the number of the connecting members 321 in each rotating mechanism is three, and the three connecting members 321 can be arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the main shaft mechanism 31. The supporting member 323 can be a supporting plate, and the supporting plate extends along the axial direction of the main shaft mechanism 31.

[0088] In some studies, see Fig. 9 As shown, the other end of the connecting member 321 is rotatably connected to one end of the gear connecting rod 322a, and the other end of the gear connecting rod 322a is rotatably connected to the main shaft mechanism 31. In order to ensure that the angle control accuracy of the supporting member 323 is higher and the operation is stable during the folding and unfolding process, see Fig. 9As shown, a cylindrical pin 322b is provided on the gear connecting rod 322a, and an arc track groove 323a is provided on the support member 323. The cylindrical pin 322b moves in the arc track groove 323a as the rotating mechanism 32 rotates. However, when the cylindrical pin 322b moves in the arc track groove 323a, since the cylindrical pin 322b and the arc track groove 323a are in line contact, the cylindrical pin 322b and the arc track groove 323a are in high pair matching. In this way, during the movement of the support member 323, there are many virtual positions between the cylindrical pin 322b and the arc track groove 323a, resulting in poor control accuracy of the rotation angle of the support member 323 when the cylindrical pin 322b drives the support member 323 during the movement. In addition, there is a cam match between the gear connecting rod 322a and the spindle mechanism 31, which causes the support member 323 to be unstable during the movement.

[0089] In order to solve the above problems, in the embodiment of the present application, by including a swinging member 322, a linear slide groove 3231 is set on one of the support member 323 and the swinging member 322, and a sliding member 3221 is set on the other, so that the high-pair cooperation between the cylindrical pin 322b and the arc-shaped track groove 323a is replaced by the low-pair cooperation between the linear slide groove 3231 and the sliding member 3221, so that the virtual position between the slide groove 3231 and the sliding member 3221 is reduced, so that the angle control accuracy of the support member 323 is higher, and the support member 323 moves in place in the two states of unfolding and folding. In addition, the swinging member 322 is a passive force-bearing part, so the movement process is stable, so that when the support member 323 is attached to the swinging member 322, the movement of the support member 323 will also be more stable. Therefore, the foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application realizes the smooth movement process of the support mechanism of the electronic device during the unfolding or folding process, ensures the control accuracy of the angle of the support mechanism is higher, and the foldable electronic device moves in place in the two working states of unfolding or folding.

[0090] For example, see Fig.10 As shown, the rotating mechanism 32 further includes: a swinging member 322 , one end of the swinging member 322 is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism 31 , and the other end of the swinging member 322 is rotationally connected to the connecting member 321 .

[0091] A linear slide groove 3231 is provided on one of the support member 323 and the swing member 322, and a sliding member 3221 is provided on the other. Fig.10As shown, a linear slide groove 3231 is provided on the support member 323, and a sliding member 3221 is provided on the swing member 322. The sliding member 3221 moves in the slide groove 3231 during the swinging process of the swing member 322. Among them, since the slide groove 3231 is linear, not arc-shaped, when the sliding member 3221 moves in the slide groove 3231, the sliding member 3221 moves along the linear groove wall of the slide groove 3231, so that the low-pair motion between the sliding member 3221 and the slide groove 3231 is realized, so that the virtual position of the sliding member 3221 is reduced when the sliding member 3221 moves in the slide groove 3231, and the angle control accuracy of the support member 323 is higher during the folding and unfolding process. In addition, the swing member 322 is a passively stressed part, and the movement process is stable. When the support member 323 is attached to the swing member 322, the movement will also be more stable.

[0092] Of course, in some examples, a slide groove 3231 may be provided on the swinging member 322 , and a sliding member 3221 may be provided on the supporting member 323 .

[0093] In one possible implementation, see Fig.10 As shown, the support member 323 is provided with at least two opposite slide grooves 3231, and a portion of the swing member 322 is located between the two slide grooves 3231 (see Fig.12 ), for example, one end of the swing member 322 is located in the spindle mechanism 31, and the other end of the swing member 322 passes through the space between the two slide grooves 3231 and is connected to the connecting member 321. Fig.10 As shown, sliding members 3221 are respectively provided on the two side edges of the swing member 322 .

[0094] Among them, see Fig.10 As shown, at least two opposing protrusions 3233 are provided on one surface of the support member 323, and a slide groove 3231 is provided on the protrusion 3233. The slide groove 3231 runs through from the top end surface of the protrusion 3233 to the bottom end of the protrusion 3233. For example, the top end of the slide groove 3231 is open, and the sliding member 3221 can slide into the slide groove 3231 from the open position at the top end. The bottom end of the slide groove 3231 extends to the surface of the support member 323. In the embodiment of the present application, in order to facilitate the movement of the sliding member 3221 in the slide groove 3231 as the swing member 322 rotates, the slide groove 3231 is inclined toward the connecting member 321. See FIG. Fig.10 As shown, the slide groove 3231 is an inclined linear slideway, and an angle less than 90° is formed between the slide groove 3231 and the support member 323 , and the size of the angle is set according to actual needs.

[0095] The protrusion 3233 and the support member 323 may be an integrated structure.

[0096] See also Fig.10 and Fig.11As shown, the slide groove 3231 includes at least two opposite and parallel planar groove walls, for example, a planar groove wall 3234b (see Fig.10 ) and the planar groove wall 3234a (see Fig.11 ), a slot for the sliding member 3221 to slide into is formed between the plane slot wall 3234b and the other end of the plane slot wall 3234a, and the slide slot 3231 also includes: and an end slot wall (i.e., the slot bottom opposite to the top slot) located between the plane slot wall 3234b and one end of the plane slot wall 3234a.

[0097] By making the slide groove 3231 include two opposite planar groove walls, it is ensured that the two groove walls of the slide groove 3231 are straight lines. In this way, the virtual position of the sliding member 3221 is reduced when moving on the planar groove wall, ensuring higher angle control accuracy of the support member 323.

[0098] See also Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the sliding member 3221 has a first sliding plane 3222a (see Fig.10 ) and the second sliding plane 3222b (see Fig.11 ), and the extension directions of the first sliding plane 3222a and the second sliding plane 3222b intersect to form an angle, for example, the first sliding plane 3222a and the second sliding plane 3222b are not parallel. This ensures that the swing member 322 can move in the slide groove 3231 during the rotation process.

[0099] In the present application examples, see Fig.13 As shown, the end of the swing member 322 facing the spindle mechanism 31 has a first rotating portion 3224, and the outer edges of both sides of the first rotating portion 3224 have arc surfaces 3225, and the spindle mechanism 31 has an arc portion 3112 that rotates with the arc surface 3225 (see Fig.14 ), the spindle mechanism 31 is rotatably connected to the spindle mechanism 31 through the first rotating portion 3224; the other end of the swing member 322 has a second rotating portion 3226, and the second rotating portion 3226 and the connecting member 321 are connected by a pin shaft 325 (see Fig.14 ) are connected by rotation.

[0100] For example, see Fig.14 As shown, the spindle mechanism 31 may include: an inner shaft 312 and multiple outer shafts 311, wherein the inner shaft 312 is connected to the outer shaft 311, wherein the first rotating portion 3224 of the swing member 322 is rotationally connected to the spindle mechanism 31 through the limitation of the inner shaft 312 and the outer shaft 311, for example, a circular arc portion 3112 is defined between the inner shaft 312 and the outer shaft 311, and the first rotating portion 3224 of the swing member 322 can rotate around the circular arc portion 3112.

[0101] See also Fig.14 As shown, when the support member 323 and the spindle mechanism 31 are in the unfolded state (ie, the electronic device is in the unfolded state), the second sliding plane 3222b fits with the plane groove wall 3234b, and the first sliding plane 3222a and the plane groove wall 3434a form a first angle a1.

[0102] When the support member 323 and the spindle mechanism 31 are in a folded state (i.e., the electronic device is in a folded state), the first sliding plane 3222a is in contact with the plane groove wall 3234a, and the second sliding plane 3222b forms a second angle a2 with the plane groove wall 3234b. This ensures that when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the second sliding plane 3222b can abut against the plane groove wall 3234b, ensuring that the support member 323 moves into place during the unfolding movement. When the electronic device is in a folded state, the first sliding plane 3222a abuts against another plane groove wall 3234a, ensuring that the support member 323 moves into place during the folding movement, thereby achieving a higher control accuracy of the angle of the support member 323.

[0103] In the present application examples, see Fig.14 As shown, the sliding member 3221 is a wedge block, and the thick end of the wedge block (that is, the end of the wedge block with a larger thickness) faces the bottom of the sliding groove 3231.

[0104] In the present application examples, see Fig.13 As shown, one end of the wedge block facing the bottom of the slot 3231 is an arcuate surface 3223, see Fig.14 The end groove wall of the slide groove 3231 is an arc-shaped wall that matches the arc-shaped surface. This ensures that when the electronic device is in a folded state, the arc-shaped surface of the sliding member 3221 and the arc-shaped wall of the slide groove 3231 are in surface contact, and the problem of large wear when contacting at some positions is not likely to occur.

[0105] Of course, in some examples, see Fig.15 As shown, the sliding member 3221 can also be a cylinder. In this way, the cylinder can move along the two plane groove walls of the sliding groove 3231, and Fig. 9 Compared with the middle arc track groove 323a, in the embodiment of the present application, since the slide groove 3231 is straight, when the sliding member 3221 is a cylinder, the movement of the cylinder in the slide groove 3231 can still ensure that the angle control accuracy of the support member 323 is improved.

[0106] In the embodiment of the present application, when the connecting member 321 and the supporting member 323 are rotated together, Fig.16 As shown, the support member 323 has a plurality of virtual axes 3235, and the connecting member 321 has an arc groove 3211 that cooperates with the virtual axes 3235. The support member 323 and the connecting member 321 are rotatably connected through the cooperation between the virtual axes 3235 and the arc groove 3211. Fig.17 As shown, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, one end of the virtual axis 3235 of the support member 323 is located in the arc groove 3211 on the connecting member 321, and there is additional space in the arc groove 3211. When the electronic device is in the folded state, the virtual axis 3235 of the support member 323 rotates in the arc groove 3211 on the connecting member 321. Through the rotational cooperation between the arc groove 3211 and the virtual axis 3235, the connecting member 321 is rotationally connected to the support member 323. In this way, the movement of the support member 323 depends on the connecting member 321 and the swinging member 322, and the swinging member 322 is a passive force-bearing member and moves smoothly. In this way, the support member 323 attached to the connecting member 321 and the swinging member 322 moves smoothly.

[0107] In the present application examples, see Fig.18 As shown, each rotating mechanism 32 further includes: at least one linkage member 324. It should be noted that: Fig.18 Only one linkage member 324 is shown. In actual assembly, the number of linkage members 324 may be consistent with the number of connecting members 321. For example, when the number of connecting members 321 is two, the number of linkage members 324 may also be two.

[0108] One end of the linkage member 324 is rotatably connected to the spindle mechanism 31, and the other end of the linkage member 324 is rotatably matched with the support member 323. Fig.18 As shown, the support member 323 has an arc-shaped track groove 3232, see Fig.19 As shown, the linkage member 324 is provided with a pin hole 3243, see Fig. 20 As shown, the linkage member 324 and the support member 323 are rotatably connected by the cylindrical pin 326 passing through the pin hole 3243 and the arc-shaped track groove 3232.

[0109] By providing at least one linkage member 324 and an arc-shaped track groove 3232 , the movement of the support member 323 is redundantly controlled, so that the angular virtual position of the support member 323 is reduced, and the angular control accuracy of the support member 323 is ensured.

[0110] See also Fig.21 As shown, one end of the linkage member 324 has a first gear 3241, and the first gear 3241 is rotatably connected to the main shaft mechanism 31 through a rotating shaft 3244, and the main shaft mechanism 31 has two second gears that mesh with each other, the two second gears are, for example, a second gear 313 and a second gear 314, the second gear 313 and the first gear 3241 are meshed with each other, and the second gear 314 is meshed with the first gear 3241 of the linkage member 324 in another rotating mechanism 32.

[0111] It should be noted that see Fig.21As shown, a tooth structure 3242 is provided on a portion of the outer surface of the first gear 3241 . Of course, in some examples, the tooth structure 3242 may also be provided on the entire outer surface of the first gear 3241 .

[0112] See also Fig.21 As shown, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the cylindrical pin 326 is located at one end of the arc track groove 3232, and when the electronic device is in the folded state, the cylindrical pin 326 moves to the other end of the arc track groove 3232 during the rotation process. The linkage member 324 drives the second gear to rotate through the first gear 3241 during the rotation process, and the two first gears 3241 on both sides achieve the purpose of synchronous rotation through the second gear 313 and the second gear 314, thus ensuring that the rotating parts on both sides of the main shaft mechanism 31 can achieve synchronous rotation.

[0113] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0114] In the embodiments of the present application, the devices or elements referred to or implied must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more, unless otherwise precisely and specifically specified.

[0115] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the specification and claims of the embodiments of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0116] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein by equivalents. These modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly, characterized in that: include: A main shaft mechanism, and a first rotating mechanism and a second rotating mechanism located on both sides of the main shaft mechanism; The first rotating mechanism comprises: a first supporting member, a first connecting member, a first swinging member and a first linkage member; The first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first supporting member; One end of the first swinging member is rotatably connected to the spindle mechanism, and the other end of the first swinging member is rotatably connected to the first connecting member; One end of the first linkage member is rotatably connected to the spindle mechanism, and the other end of the first linkage member is rotatably connected to the first support member; The first support member is provided with a first linear sliding groove, the first swing member is provided with a first sliding member, and the first sliding member is slidably connected with the first sliding groove; The second rotating mechanism comprises: a second supporting member, a second connecting member, a second swinging member and a second linkage member; The second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second supporting member; One end of the second swinging member is rotatably connected to the spindle mechanism, and the other end of the second swinging member is rotatably connected to the second connecting member; One end of the second linkage member is rotatably connected to the spindle mechanism, and the other end of the second linkage member is rotatably connected to the second support member; The second supporting member is provided with a second linear sliding groove, the second swinging member is provided with a second sliding member, and the second sliding member is slidably connected to the second sliding groove.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the hinge assembly is in a flattened state, the first support member has a first support surface, the first slide groove is located on a surface of the first support member away from the first support surface, the distance between the first end of the first slide groove and the spindle mechanism is greater than the distance between the second end of the first slide groove and the spindle mechanism, and the distance between the first end of the first slide groove and the first support member is greater than the distance between the second end of the first slide groove and the first support plate; When the hinge assembly is in a flattened state, the second support member has a second support surface, the second slide groove is located on the surface of the second support member away from the second support surface, the distance between the first end of the second slide groove and the spindle mechanism is greater than the distance between the second end of the second slide groove and the spindle mechanism, and the distance between the first end of the second slide groove and the second support member is greater than the distance between the second end of the second slide groove and the second support member.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first support member is provided with at least two opposite first sliding grooves, a portion of the first swing member is located between the two first sliding grooves, and the first sliding members are respectively provided on both side edges of the first swing member; At least two opposite second slide grooves are arranged on the second support member, a portion of the second swing member is located between the two second slide grooves, and the second sliding members are respectively arranged on both side edges of the second swing member.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least two opposite first protrusions are provided on one surface of the first support member, and the first protrusions are provided with the first sliding groove; At least two opposite second protrusions are disposed on one surface of the second support member, and the second protrusions are provided with the second sliding grooves.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first slide groove extends from the top end surface of the first protrusion to the bottom end of the first protrusion, and the first slide groove is inclined toward the first connecting member; The second slide groove passes through from the top end surface of the second protrusion to the bottom end of the second protrusion, and the second slide groove is inclined toward the second connecting member.

6. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first slide groove comprises at least two opposite and parallel first plane groove walls, and a first end groove wall located between one ends of the two first plane groove walls; a groove for the first sliding member to slide into is formed between the other ends of the two first plane groove walls; The second slide groove comprises at least two opposite and parallel second planar groove walls and a second end groove wall located between one ends of the two second planar groove walls; a groove into which the second sliding member can slide is formed between the other ends of the two second planar groove walls.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first sliding member has a first sliding plane and a second sliding plane respectively opposite to the two first plane groove walls, and the extension directions of the first sliding plane and the second sliding plane intersect to form an angle; The second sliding member has a third sliding plane and a fourth sliding plane respectively opposite to the two second plane groove walls, and the extension directions of the third sliding plane and the fourth sliding plane intersect to form an angle.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the first support member and the spindle mechanism are in an unfolded state, the second sliding plane is in contact with one of the first plane groove walls, and the first sliding plane forms a first angle with another first plane groove wall; When the first support member and the spindle mechanism are in a folded state, the first sliding plane is in contact with the other first plane groove wall, and the second sliding plane forms a second angle with the one first plane groove wall; When the second support member and the spindle mechanism are in an unfolded state, the fourth sliding plane is in contact with one of the second plane groove walls, and the third sliding plane forms the first angle with another second plane groove wall; When the second support member and the main shaft mechanism are in a folded state, the third sliding plane fits with the other second plane groove wall, and the fourth sliding plane forms the second angle with one of the second plane groove walls.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The first sliding member is a wedge, and the thick end of the first sliding member faces the bottom of the first sliding groove; The second sliding member is a wedge block, and the thick end of the second sliding member faces the bottom of the second sliding groove.

10. The hinge assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: One end of the first sliding member facing the bottom of the first sliding groove is an arc-shaped surface, and the first end groove wall of the first sliding groove is an arc-shaped wall matching the arc-shaped surface; One end of the second sliding member facing the groove bottom of the second sliding groove is an arc-shaped surface, and the second end groove wall of the second sliding groove is an arc-shaped wall matched with the arc-shaped surface.

11. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first sliding member and the second sliding member are cylindrical.

12. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first swinging member has a first rotating portion at one end facing the spindle mechanism, the outer edges of both sides of the first rotating portion have arc surfaces, the spindle mechanism has an arc portion that rotates with the arc surface, and the first swinging member is rotatably connected to the spindle mechanism through the first rotating portion; The other end of the second swinging member has a second rotating portion, and the second rotating portion is rotatably connected to the first connecting member; The second swinging member has a third rotating part at one end facing the spindle mechanism, the outer edges of both sides of the third rotating part have arc surfaces, the spindle mechanism has an arc part that rotates with the arc surface, and the second swinging member is rotatably connected to the spindle mechanism through the third rotating part; The other end of the second swinging member has a fourth rotating portion, and the fourth rotating portion is rotatably connected to the second connecting member.

13. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first supporting member is provided with a first arc-shaped track groove, and the first linkage member and the first supporting member are rotatably connected by the cooperation of a first cylindrical pin and the first arc-shaped track groove; The second supporting member is provided with a second arc-shaped track groove, and the second linkage member and the second supporting member are rotationally connected through the cooperation of a second cylindrical pin and the second arc-shaped track groove.

14. The hinge assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that: When the hinge assembly is in the unfolded state, the first cylindrical pin is located at the first end of the first arc trajectory groove, and the second cylindrical pin is located at the first end of the second arc trajectory groove; when the hinge assembly is in the folded state, the first cylindrical pin is located at the second end of the first arc trajectory groove, and the second cylindrical pin is located at the second end of the second arc trajectory groove; the distance between the first end of the first arc trajectory groove and the spindle mechanism is greater than the distance between the second end of the first arc trajectory groove and the spindle mechanism, and the distance between the first end of the second arc trajectory groove and the spindle mechanism is greater than the distance between the second end of the second arc trajectory groove and the spindle mechanism.

15. The hinge assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first linkage member is slidably connected to the first support member, and the second linkage member is slidably connected to the second support member.

16. The hinge assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that: One end of the first linkage member has a first gear, the first gear is rotatably connected to the main shaft mechanism through a rotating shaft, and the main shaft mechanism has two second gears meshing with each other, the second gears meshing with the first gear; One end of the second linkage member is provided with a third gear, the third gear is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism via a rotating shaft, and the third gear is meshed with the second gear.

17. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first supporting member has a plurality of virtual axes, the first connecting member has an arc groove matched with the virtual axes, and the first supporting member and the first connecting member are rotatably connected through the virtual axes and the arc grooves; The second supporting member is provided with a plurality of virtual axes, the second connecting member is provided with an arc groove matched with the virtual axes, and the second supporting member and the second connecting member are rotationally connected through the cooperation between the virtual axes and the arc grooves.

18. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that: At least: A first structural member, a second structural member, and a hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 17; The first structural member and the second structural member are respectively located on two sides of the hinge assembly, and the first structural member and the second structural member are respectively fixedly connected to the connecting members in the hinge assembly.

19. The electronic device according to claim 18, characterized in that: The electronic device further comprises: a battery cover and a foldable first display screen; the battery cover and the first display screen are respectively located on both side surfaces of the hinge assembly, the first structural member and the second structural member.

20. The foldable electronic device according to claim 19, characterized in that: Also includes: The second display screen is located on one side surface of the hinge assembly, the first structural member and the second structural member, and the second display screen and the battery cover are located on the other side surfaces of the first structural member and the second structural member respectively.

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