Hinge mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a hinge mechanism and an electronic device. The hinge mechanism disclosed comprises a base, a first connecting arm, a second connecting arm, a first flexible electrical connector, a second flexible electrical connector and an intermediate electrical connector, wherein: the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base respectively, the first flexible electrical connector is arranged on the first connecting arm and can rotate with the first connecting arm, the second flexible electrical connector is arranged on the second connecting arm and can rotate with the second connecting arm, the intermediate electrical connector is arranged on the base, and the intermediate electrical connector electrically connects the first flexible electrical connector and the second flexible electrical connector; during the rotation of the first connecting arm, the portion of the first flexible electrical connector adjacent to the base is in sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connector; during the rotation of the second connecting arm, the portion of the second flexible electrical connector adjacent to the base is in sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of hinge transmission, and in particular to a hinge mechanism and electronic equipment. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of technology, foldable electronic devices are gradually emerging. When folded, the screen of a foldable electronic device is relatively small, making it easy to carry; when unfolded, the screen is relatively large, which can provide users with a better experience when watching videos and playing games.

[0003] At present, foldable electronic devices are mainly composed of two separate bodies connected together by a hinge mechanism. In order to ensure the normal cooperation between the electronic devices on the two bodies, the electronic devices on the two bodies need to be connected through a flexible circuit board. Due to the existence of the hinge mechanism, the flexible circuit board needs to pass through the hinge mechanism to connect the electronic devices of the two bodies. Therefore, when the foldable electronic device is folded, the flexible circuit board and the hinge mechanism are prone to interference, and the flexible circuit board is more likely to break at the bend. Summary of the invention

[0004] The invention discloses a hinge mechanism and an electronic device to solve the problems in the related art that when a foldable electronic device is folded, a flexible circuit board is more likely to interfere with the hinge mechanism and the flexible circuit board is more likely to break at a bend.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application discloses a hinge mechanism, comprising a base, a first connecting arm, a second connecting arm, a first flexible electrical connector, a second flexible electrical connector and an intermediate electrical connector, wherein:

[0007] The first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base, respectively; the first flexible electrical connector is provided on the first connecting arm and can rotate with the first connecting arm; the second flexible electrical connector is provided on the second connecting arm and can rotate with the second connecting arm; the intermediate electrical connector is provided on the base, and the intermediate electrical connector electrically connects the first flexible electrical connector and the second flexible electrical connector;

[0008] During the rotation of the first connecting arm, the portion of the first flexible electrical connector adjacent to the base is in sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connecting portion;

[0009] During the rotation of the second connecting arm, a portion of the second flexible electrical connector adjacent to the base is in sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connecting portion.

[0010] In a second aspect, the present application further discloses an electronic device, comprising the hinge mechanism described in the first aspect.

[0011] The technical solution adopted by the present invention can achieve the following technical effects:

[0012] The embodiment of the present application separately arranges corresponding first flexible electrical connectors, second flexible electrical connectors and intermediate electrical connectors on the first connecting arm, the second connecting arm and the base, respectively, so that the first flexible electrical connectors and the second flexible electrical connectors can be laid out according to the specific structures of the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm, thereby facilitating the design of the hinge mechanism, and also making it possible for the portion of the first flexible electrical connector adjacent to the base to make sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connector, and the portion of the second flexible electrical connector adjacent to the base to make sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connector, when the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm rotate relative to the base, thereby effectively solving the problems in the related art that when the foldable electronic device is folded, the flexible circuit board is more likely to interfere with the hinge mechanism, and the flexible circuit board is more likely to break at the bend. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the first hinge mechanism;

[0014] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the first hinge mechanism in the first state;

[0015] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of

[0016] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of

[0017] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the first hinge mechanism in the second state;

[0018] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of

[0019] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of

[0020] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a second hinge mechanism;

[0021] Fig. 9 is a structural schematic diagram of the second hinge mechanism in the first state;

[0022] Fig.10 for Fig. 9 A partial enlarged view of

[0023] Fig.11 is a structural schematic diagram of the second hinge mechanism in the second state;

[0024] Fig.12 for Fig.11 A partial enlarged view of

[0025] Fig.13 for Fig.12 A partial enlarged view of .

[0026] Description of reference numerals:

[0027] 100-base,

[0028] 200-first connecting arm, 210-first arc-shaped connecting portion,

[0029] 300-second connecting arm, 310-second arc-shaped connecting portion,

[0030] 400-first flexible electrical connector, 410-first sliding contact portion,

[0031] 500 - second flexible electrical connector, 510 - second sliding contact portion,

[0032] 600-middle electrical connection part, 610-first metal spring, 620-second metal spring,

[0033] 700-Gear set. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the specific embodiments of the present invention and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] The technical solutions disclosed in various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Please refer to Figures 1 to 13 The embodiment of the present invention discloses a hinge mechanism, which can be used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and game consoles. The disclosed hinge mechanism includes a base 100, a first connecting arm 200, a second connecting arm 300, a first flexible electrical connector 400, a second flexible electrical connector 500, and an intermediate electrical connector 600.

[0037] The first connecting arm 200 and the second connecting arm 300 are respectively rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base 100. The first connecting arm 200 and the second connecting arm 300 can be rotatably connected to the opposite sides of the base 100 through a pin shaft, or can be rotatably connected to the base 100 through a hinge or other structure.

[0038] The first flexible electrical connector 400 is provided on the first connecting arm 200 and can rotate with the first connecting arm 200. The first flexible electrical connector 400 can be a flexible circuit board or a flexible cable. The second flexible electrical connector 500 is provided on the second connecting arm 300 and can rotate with the second connecting arm 300. The second flexible electrical connector 500 can be a flexible circuit board or a flexible cable.

[0039] The intermediate electrical connection part 600 is disposed on the base 100, and the intermediate electrical connection part 600 electrically connects the first flexible electrical connection member 400 and the second flexible electrical connection member 500. The intermediate electrical connection part 600 may be a rigid circuit board, or a flexible cable or other structure.

[0040] During the rotation of the first connecting arm 200, the portion of the first flexible electrical connector 400 adjacent to the base 100 is in sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connector 600. During the rotation of the second connecting arm 300, the portion of the second flexible electrical connector 500 adjacent to the base 100 is in sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connector 600.

[0041] The embodiment of the present application separately arranges corresponding first flexible electrical connectors 400, second flexible electrical connectors 500 and intermediate electrical connectors 600 on the first connecting arm 200, the second connecting arm 300 and the base 100, respectively, so that the first flexible electrical connectors 400 and the second flexible electrical connectors 500 can be laid out according to the specific structures of the first connecting arm 200 and the second connecting arm 300, thereby facilitating the design of the hinge mechanism, and also making it possible for the portion of the first flexible electrical connector 400 adjacent to the base 100 to be in sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connector 600, and the portion of the second flexible electrical connector 500 adjacent to the base 100 to be in sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connector 600 when the first connecting arm 200 and the second connecting arm 300 rotate relative to the base 100, thereby effectively solving the problems in the related art that when the foldable electronic device is folded, the flexible circuit board is more likely to interfere with the hinge mechanism, and the flexible circuit board is more likely to break at the bend.

[0042] Optionally, the intermediate electrical connection part 600 may be a third flexible electrical connection member, and the third flexible electrical connection member may be attached to the outer surface of the base 100. By setting the intermediate electrical connection part 600 as the third flexible electrical connection member, the third flexible electrical connection member may be arranged according to the specific structure of the base 100, thereby facilitating the design and assembly of the hinge mechanism.

[0043] In other embodiments, the intermediate electrical connection part 600 may be a printed conductive layer, and the printed conductive layer may be printed on the outer surface of the base 100. By setting the intermediate electrical connection part 600 as a printed circuit layer, the intermediate electrical connection part 600 and the base are integrated into a structure, so that the overall structure is relatively more compact. Specifically, the base may be a metal part, and the scattered components on the intermediate electrical connection part 600 may be directly electrically connected through the base 100, thereby eliminating the wiring step, thereby simplifying the process.

[0044] In order to ensure the stability of the sliding electrical connection between the first flexible electrical connector 400, the second flexible electrical connector 500 and the intermediate electrical connector 600, optionally, the intermediate electrical connector 600 may include a first metal spring 610 and a second metal spring 620. The first metal spring 610 and the second metal spring 620 may be components with a certain elasticity. During the rotation of the first connecting arm 200, the first metal spring 610 may be in sliding electrical contact with the first flexible electrical connector 400, and the first metal spring 610 may be in a compressed state. During the rotation of the second connecting arm 300, the second metal spring 620 may be in sliding electrical contact with the second flexible electrical connector 500, and the second metal spring 620 may be in a compressed state.

[0045] In the embodiment of the present application, the intermediate electrical connection part 600 is configured to include a first metal spring sheet 610 and a second metal spring sheet 620, so that the first metal spring sheet 610 is in sliding electrical contact with the first flexible electrical connection member 400, and the second metal spring sheet 620 is in sliding electrical contact with the second flexible electrical connection member 500, so that the elastic deformation of the first metal spring sheet 610 and the second metal spring sheet 620 can be pressed against the corresponding first flexible electrical connection member 400 and the second flexible electrical connection member 500, thereby improving the electrical connection stability between the intermediate electrical connection part 600 and the first flexible electrical connection member 400 and the second flexible electrical connection member 500.

[0046] Since the first flexible electrical connector 400, the second flexible electrical connector 500 and the intermediate electrical connector 600 are in sliding electrical connection, wear may occur at the sliding electrical connection. In order to reduce wear during the sliding process, optionally, the first flexible electrical connector 400 may include a first sliding contact portion 410, and the second flexible electrical connector 500 may include a second sliding contact portion 510. During the rotation of the first connecting arm 200, the first sliding contact portion 410 is in sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connector 600. During the rotation of the second connecting arm 300, the second sliding contact portion is in sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connector. The first sliding contact portion 410 and the second sliding contact portion 510 are both graphite structural portions. Of course, the first sliding contact portion 410 and the second sliding contact portion 510 may also be copper structural portions, conductive plastic portions, etc., and no specific restrictions are made to the first sliding contact portion 410 and the second sliding contact portion 510.

[0047] In the embodiment of the present application, the first sliding contact part 410 and the second sliding contact part 510 are both graphite structural parts. Graphite has the characteristics of conductivity, wear resistance and lubricity. The wear caused by friction is reduced during the sliding process between the first sliding contact part 410 and the middle electrical connection part 600, and the second sliding contact part 510 and the middle electrical connection part 600, thereby improving the stability of the hinge mechanism.

[0048] In order to make the first flexible electrical connector 400, the second flexible electrical connector 500 and the intermediate electrical connector 600 in the process of sliding electrical contact more smoothly, optionally, the first connecting arm 200 may include a first arc-shaped connecting portion 210, the first connecting arm 200 may be connected to the base 100 through the first arc-shaped connecting portion 210, and the first flexible electrical connector 400 may be arranged on the first arc-shaped connecting portion 210. The first flexible electrical connector 400 may be laid on the outer surface of the first arc-shaped connecting portion 210. The second connecting arm 300 may include a second arc-shaped connecting portion 310, the second connecting arm 300 may be connected to the base 100 through the second arc-shaped connecting portion 310, the second flexible electrical connector 500 may be arranged on the second arc-shaped connecting portion 310, and the second flexible electrical connector 500 may be laid on the outer surface of the second arc-shaped connecting portion 310.

[0049] In the embodiment of the present application, the first connecting arm 200 is connected to the base 100 through the first arc-shaped connecting portion 210, and the second connecting arm 300 is connected to the base 100 through the second arc-shaped connecting portion 310, so that the first flexible electrical connector 400 can be arranged on the first arc-shaped connecting portion 210, and the second flexible electrical connector 500 can be arranged on the second arc-shaped connecting portion 310. According to the smooth surface characteristics of the arc-shaped structure, the sliding electrical connection between the intermediate electrical connecting portion 600 and the first flexible electrical connector 400 and the second flexible electrical connector 500 can be made more stable.

[0050] Optionally, the intermediate electrical connection part 600 may include a conductive bump, and the intermediate electrical connection part 600 may be in sliding electrical contact with the first flexible electrical connection part 400 through the conductive bump, and the intermediate electrical connection part 600 may be in sliding electrical contact with the second flexible electrical connection part 500 through the conductive bump. By setting the intermediate electrical connection part 600 to include a structure including a conductive bump, the intermediate electrical connection part 600 may be in sliding electrical contact with the first flexible electrical connection part 400 through the conductive bump, and the intermediate electrical connection part 600 may be in sliding electrical contact with the second flexible electrical connection part 500 through the conductive bump, so that the contact area between the intermediate electrical connection part 600 and the first flexible electrical connection part 400 and the second flexible electrical connection part 500 is small, thereby reducing wear.

[0051] Further, the intermediate electrical connection part 600 may include a plurality of conductive bumps, and the intermediate electrical connection part 600 may be in sliding electrical contact with the first flexible electrical connection part 400 through the plurality of conductive bumps, and the intermediate electrical connection part 600 may be in sliding electrical contact with the second flexible electrical connection part 500 through the plurality of conductive bumps. By providing a plurality of conductive bumps, the intermediate electrical connection part and the first flexible electrical connection part 400 and the second flexible electrical connection part 500 are more stably connected during the sliding electrical contact process.

[0052] Specifically, the number of conductive bumps between the intermediate electrical connection part 600 and the first flexible electrical connection part 400 may be between 60 and 80, and the number of conductive bumps between the intermediate electrical connection part 600 and the second flexible electrical connection part 500 may be between 60 and 80. When the hinge mechanism is applied to a mobile phone, the length of the mobile phone is usually more than 15 cm, the width of the conductive bumps may be 1 mm, and the width occupied by the multiple conductive bumps is 8 cm. When the conductive bumps adopt a smaller structure, the width occupied by the multiple conductive bumps can be further reduced.

[0053] Optionally, the first flexible electrical connector 400 may be attached to the first connecting arm 200, and the second flexible electrical connector 500 may be attached to the second connecting arm 300. By attaching the first flexible electrical connector 400 to the first connecting arm 200 and the second flexible electrical connector 500 to the second connecting arm 300, it is possible to avoid the first flexible electrical connector 400 and the second flexible electrical connector 500 from bulging when the first flexible electrical connector 400, the second flexible electrical connector 500 and the intermediate electrical connecting portion 600 slide.

[0054] In some embodiments, the hinge mechanism also includes a gear set 700, which can be disposed on the base 100, and the first connecting arm 200 and the second connecting arm 300 can both be connected to the gear set 700. When the first connecting arm 200 and the second connecting arm 300 rotate relative to the base 100, the first connecting arm 200 and the second connecting arm 300 can rotate synchronously through the gear set 700.

[0055] The present application also discloses an electronic device, and the disclosed electronic device includes the hinge mechanism in the above embodiment. The electronic device disclosed in the embodiment of the present application adopts the hinge mechanism in the above embodiment, so that when the first connecting arm 200 and the second connecting arm 300 rotate relative to the base 100, the part of the first flexible electrical connector 400 adjacent to the base 100 can be in sliding electrical contact with the middle electrical connection part 600, and the part of the second flexible electrical connector 500 adjacent to the base 100 can be in sliding electrical contact with the middle electrical connection part 600, thereby effectively solving the problem that when the foldable electronic device in the related art is folded, the flexible circuit board is more likely to interfere with the hinge mechanism, and the flexible circuit board is more likely to break at the bend.

[0056] The above embodiments of the present invention focus on the differences between the various embodiments. As long as the different optimization features between the various embodiments are not contradictory, they can be combined to form a better embodiment. Considering the simplicity of the text, they will not be repeated here.

[0057] The embodiments of the present invention are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation modes, which are merely illustrative rather than restrictive. Under the guidance of the present invention, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention and the claims, all of which are within the protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism, characterized in that: The invention comprises a base (100), a first connecting arm (200), a second connecting arm (300), a first flexible electrical connector (400), a second flexible electrical connector (500) and an intermediate electrical connector (600), wherein: The first connecting arm (200) and the second connecting arm (300) are rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base (100), respectively; the first flexible electrical connector (400) is provided on the first connecting arm (200) and can rotate with the first connecting arm (200); the second flexible electrical connector (500) is provided on the second connecting arm (300) and can rotate with the second connecting arm (300); the intermediate electrical connector (600) is provided on the base (100); the intermediate electrical connector (600) electrically connects the first flexible electrical connector (400) and the second flexible electrical connector (500); During the rotation of the first connecting arm (200), a portion of the first flexible electrical connector (400) adjacent to the base (100) is in sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connecting portion (600); During the rotation of the second connecting arm (300), a portion of the second flexible electrical connector (500) adjacent to the base (100) is in sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connecting portion (600).

2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intermediate electrical connection portion (600) is a third flexible electrical connection member, and the third flexible electrical connection member is attached to the outer surface of the base (100).

3. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intermediate electrical connection portion (600) is a printed conductive layer, and the printed conductive layer is printed on the outer surface of the base (100).

4. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intermediate electrical connection portion (600) comprises a first metal spring (610) and a second metal spring (620); During the rotation of the first connecting arm (200), the first metal spring (610) is in sliding electrical contact with the first flexible electrical connector (400); During the rotation of the second connecting arm (300), the second metal spring (620) is in sliding electrical contact with the second flexible electrical connector (500).

5. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first flexible electrical connector (400) comprises a first sliding contact portion (410), and the second flexible electrical connector (500) comprises a second sliding contact portion (510); During the rotation of the first connecting arm (200), the first sliding contact portion (410) is in sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connecting portion (600); During the rotation of the second connecting arm (300), the second sliding contact portion is in sliding electrical contact with the intermediate electrical connecting portion; The first sliding contact portion (410) and the second sliding contact portion (510) are both graphite structures.

6. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting arm (200) comprises a first arc-shaped connecting portion (210), the first connecting arm (200) is connected to the base (100) via the first arc-shaped connecting portion (210), and the first flexible electrical connector (400) is arranged on the first arc-shaped connecting portion (210); The second connecting arm (300) comprises a second arc-shaped connecting portion (310), the second connecting arm (300) is connected to the base (100) via the second arc-shaped connecting portion (310), and the second flexible electrical connecting member (500) is arranged on the second arc-shaped connecting portion (310).

7. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intermediate electrical connection part (600) comprises a conductive bump, and the intermediate electrical connection part (600) is in sliding electrical contact with the first flexible electrical connection part (400) via the conductive bump, and the intermediate electrical connection part (600) is in sliding electrical contact with the second flexible electrical connection part (500) via the conductive bump.

8. The hinge mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The intermediate electrical connection part (600) comprises a plurality of conductive bumps, and the intermediate electrical connection part (600) is in sliding electrical contact with the first flexible electrical connection part (400) through the plurality of conductive bumps, and the intermediate electrical connection part (600) is in sliding electrical contact with the second flexible electrical connection part (500) through the plurality of conductive bumps.

9. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first flexible electrical connector (400) is attached to the first connecting arm (200), and the second flexible electrical connector (500) is attached to the second connecting arm (300).

10. An electronic device, characterized in that: Comprising the hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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