Hinge structure and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a hinge structure and an electronic device, wherein the hinge structure comprises: a first connecting piece provided with a connecting shaft; a second connecting piece provided with a through shaft hole, the connecting shaft is inserted into the shaft hole, so that the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece are rotatably connected, the first connecting piece has a first position and a second position relative to the second connecting piece; a pushing assembly arranged between the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece; in the process that the first connecting piece rotates from the first position to the second position, the pushing assembly applies a driving force to the first connecting piece to push the first connecting piece to rotate from the first position to the second position; in the process that the first connecting piece rotates from the second position to the first position, the pushing assembly applies a resistance to the first connecting piece to limit the first connecting piece to rotate from the second position to the first position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electronic equipment technology, specifically relating to a hinge structure and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, with the development of smart electronic devices and the changing functional needs of users, foldable electronic devices have become high-end smart products in the strategic deployment of major electronic device manufacturers. For example, foldable screen phones, as a new form of smartphone, have attracted much attention. Foldable screens can provide users with larger screens, more novel operating experiences, greater portability, and a stronger sense of technology. Currently, existing foldable electronic devices on the market have basically solved the folding function. The characteristic of existing foldable electronic devices is that they use a folding hinge to achieve the folding and unfolding of the screen to expand the screen size.

[0003] In developing this application, the inventors discovered at least the following problems in the prior art: the feel and hovering of foldable electronic devices have always been key to improving the user experience. However, current foldable electronic devices suffer from a limited range of angles at which the relative position of the screen can be fixed when folded, making it difficult to achieve screen hovering. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to provide a hinge structure and electronic device to solve the problem that existing foldable electronic devices have a limited range of angles in which the relative position of the screen can be fixed when folded, making it difficult to achieve free hovering of the folded screen.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application propose a hinge structure, including:

[0007] The first connector is equipped with a connecting shaft;

[0008] The second connector has a through shaft hole, into which the connecting shaft is inserted, so that the first connector and the second connector are rotatably connected, and the first connector has a first position and a second position relative to the second connector;

[0009] A pushing component is disposed between the first connector and the second connector;

[0010] During the rotation of the first connector from the first position to the second position, the pushing component applies a driving force to the first connector to push the first connector to rotate from the first position to the second position;

[0011] During the rotation of the first connector from the second position toward the first position, the pushing component applies resistance to the first connector to limit the rotation of the first connector (1) from the second position toward the first position.

[0012] According to the hinge structure of the present application embodiment, the pushing component includes a first mounting part and a second mounting part. The first mounting part is disposed on the outer wall of the connecting shaft, and the second mounting part is disposed on the inner wall of the shaft hole. The second mounting part applies the driving force or the resistance to the first connecting member through the first mounting part.

[0013] During the rotation of the first connector from the first position to the second position, the driving force pushes the first connector to rotate; during the rotation of the first connector from the second position to the first position, the resistance restricts the rotation of the first connector.

[0014] According to the hinge structure of the present application embodiment, when the first connector is in the first position, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are arranged radially opposite to each other along the shaft hole;

[0015] When the first connector is in the second position, the first mounting part and the second mounting part are offset radially in the shaft hole.

[0016] According to the hinge structure of the embodiment of this application, the pushing component includes an elastic element, one end of which is the first mounting portion and the other end of which is the second mounting portion. During the rotation of the first connecting member between the first position and the second position, the elastic element is in a deformed state.

[0017] According to the hinge structure of the present application embodiment, the elastic element includes a linear spring or an adjusting element, wherein the adjusting element is a variable frame structure connecting element formed by connecting multiple connecting elements.

[0018] According to the hinge structure of the embodiment of this application, the pushing component includes a magnetic component group, the magnetic component group includes two matching magnetic components, one of the two magnetic components is the first mounting part, the other of the two magnetic components is the second mounting part, and during the rotation of the first connecting member between the first position and the second position, there is a magnetic force between the two magnetic components.

[0019] According to the hinge structure of the present application embodiment, a plurality of the pushing components are arranged circumferentially between the connecting shaft and the inner wall of the shaft hole.

[0020] The hinge structure according to an embodiment of this application further includes a clamping member, which is disposed on the side of the second connector opposite to the first connector and is used to clamp the second connector and the first connector together in the axial direction along the connecting shaft.

[0021] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, including:

[0022] shell;

[0023] The display screen is connected to the housing;

[0024] A hinge structure, wherein the hinge structure is any of the hinge structures described above, and the first connecting member of the hinge structure is connected to the outer shell.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present application, the hinge structure of the electronic device further includes a clamping member, which is disposed on the side of the second connector opposite to the first connector and is used to clamp the second connector and the first connector in the axial direction along the connecting shaft.

[0026] When the first connector leaves the first position, the display screen applies a restoring force to the first connector through the housing, causing the first connector to rotate toward the first position;

[0027] The clamping force applied by the clamping member to the second connecting member is applied to the end face of the first connecting member through the second connecting member, so that the first connecting member is subjected to a frictional force to prevent the first connecting member from rotating.

[0028] When the electronic device hovers during the process of the first connector rotating from the first position to the second position, the frictional torque value of the frictional force acting on the first connector is greater than the torque value of the resultant force between the driving force and the restoring force acting on the first connector, causing the first connector to stop rotating;

[0029] When the electronic device hovers during the process of the first connector rotating from the second position toward the first position, the frictional torque of the frictional force acting on the first connector is greater than the torque of the resultant force between the resistance and the restoring force acting on the first connector, causing the first connector to stop rotating.

[0030] In the embodiments of this application, a pushing component is provided to apply a rotational driving force to the first connector as it rotates from a first position to a second position, thereby reducing the force required from the user and improving the user experience; the pushing component also applies rotational resistance to the first connector as it rotates from a second position to a first position, limiting the rotation of the first connector, thereby enabling the hinge structure to hover between the second and first positions; when this hinge structure is applied to a foldable electronic device, it enables a more convenient folding experience and also allows for hovering during unfolding.

[0031] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the hinge structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the hinge structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a side view of a hinge structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a top view of a hinge structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first position when the pushing component is a linear spring according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second position when the pushing component according to an embodiment of this application is a linear spring;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the change of the linear spring during the rotation of the first connecting member according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the first position when the pushing component is an adjusting member according to an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the second position when the pushing component is an adjusting member according to an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the first position when the pushing component is a magnetic component assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the second position when the pushing component is a magnetic component assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the screen body in a flattened state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the screen body in a folded state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the hovering principle of the hinge structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure label:

[0048] 1: First connector; 2: Connecting shaft; 21: First shaft segment; 22: Second shaft segment; 3: Second connector; 31: Shaft hole; 4: Clamping component; 5: Pushing assembly; 51: Linear spring; 511: Initial state of linear spring; 512: Rotational state of linear spring; 513: Free state of linear spring; 52: Adjusting component; 521: Initial state of adjusting component; 522: Rotational state of adjusting component; 53: Magnetic component assembly; 531: Initial state of magnetic component assembly; 532: Rotational state of magnetic component assembly; 61: Flattened state of screen body; 62: Folded state of screen body. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0050] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. Furthermore, "and / or" in the specification and claims indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0051] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0052] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0053] The following is combined with Figures 1-14 This application describes a hinge structure and an electronic device according to embodiments thereof.

[0054] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a hinge structure according to some embodiments of this application includes: a first connector 1 with a connecting shaft 2; and a second connector 3 with a through shaft hole 31, into which the connecting shaft 2 is inserted, allowing the first connector 1 and the second connector 3 to be rotatably connected. The first connector 1 is used to input rotational force; that is, the first connector 1 can be connected to a component that needs to be folded, and an external force can be applied to the first connector 1 to realize the opening and closing of the hinge structure and the rotational folding of the component that needs to be folded. The second connector 3 is disposed on the side of the first connector 1 where the connecting shaft 2 is located, and the first connector 1 and the second connector 3 are rotatably connected by the connecting shaft 2 being inserted into the shaft hole 31 on the second connector 3. The first connector 1 rotates relative to the second connector 3 about the axis of rotation.

[0055] Furthermore, the first connecting member 1 has a first position and a second position relative to the second connecting member 3. That is, when the first connecting member 1 rotates relative to the second connecting member 3, it has a first position and a second position at different locations, and the first connecting member 1 can rotate between the first position and the second position relative to the second connecting member 3. In specific applications of the hinge structure, there is always an angle range within which the hinge structure needs to rotate, and the first position and the second position of the first connecting member 1 can be determined according to the specific angle range within which the hinge structure needs to rotate.

[0056] Furthermore, the hinge structure also includes: a pushing component 5, disposed between the first connecting member 1 and the second connecting member 3; during the process of the first connecting member 1 rotating from the first position to the second position, the pushing component 5 applies a driving force to the first connecting member 1 to push the first connecting member 1 to rotate from the first position to the second position; during the process of the first connecting member 1 rotating from the second position to the first position, the pushing component 5 applies resistance to the first connecting member 1 to restrict the first connecting member 1 from rotating from the second position to the first position.

[0057] This embodiment of the application takes into account that in the actual application of the hinge structure, when the first connecting member 1 and the component to be folded rotate together, the component to be folded undergoes motion deformation. Under the action of the elasticity of the component to be folded, the first connecting member 1 will generate a restoring force, which drives the first connecting member 1 to rotate toward the initial state. The first connecting member 1 is set to the initial state in the first position. When the first connecting member 1 leaves the first position, the restoring force is the force that drives the first connecting member 1 back to the first position. Based on this, the pushing component 5 applies a driving force to the first connecting member 1 to rotate toward the second position during the process of the first connecting member 1 rotating from the first position to the second position. This driving force can be superimposed and canceled out by the restoring force, thereby making the rotation of the first connecting member 1 relative to the second connecting member 3 more convenient and flexible, reducing the force required from the user, and improving the user experience during the process of the first connecting member 1 rotating from the first position to the second position.

[0058] Furthermore, the restoring force generated by the first connector 1 is the force that drives the first connector 1 to rotate toward the first position. The pushing component 5 applies resistance to the first connector 1 during the rotation of the first connector 1 from the second position to the first position, which restricts its rotation toward the first position; this resistance can be superimposed and canceled out by the restoring force during the rotation of the first connector 1 from the second position to the first position, thereby achieving a balance of forces on the first connector 1 during the rotation of the first connector 1 from the second position to the first position and thus achieving hovering.

[0059] According to the hinge structure of this application embodiment, the pushing component 5 applies a rotational driving force to the first connecting member 1 as it rotates from the first position to the second position, thereby reducing the force required from the user and improving the user experience; the pushing component also applies rotational resistance to the first connecting member 1 as it rotates from the second position to the first position, restricting the rotation of the first connecting member 1, thus enabling the hinge structure to hover between the second and first positions. When this hinge structure is applied to foldable electronic devices, it enables a smoother folding experience and allows for hovering during unfolding.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the hinge structure of the embodiment of this application, the pushing component 5 is provided to apply a rotational driving force to the first connecting member 1 during the process of the first connecting member 1 rotating from the first position to the second position. The driving force can also be balanced against the restoring force of the hinge structure during the process, so that the first connecting member 1 is subjected to relatively balanced forces, which is beneficial for the hinge structure to achieve suspension at any position during the opening and closing process.

[0061] According to the hinge structure of some embodiments of this application, the pushing component 5 includes a first mounting part and a second mounting part. The first mounting part is disposed on the outer wall of the connecting shaft 2, and the second mounting part is disposed on the inner wall of the shaft hole 31. The second mounting part applies a driving force or resistance to the first connecting member 1 through the first mounting part. During the process of the first connecting member 1 rotating from the first position to the second position, the driving force pushes the first connecting member 1 to rotate. During the process of the first connecting member 1 rotating from the second position to the first position, the resistance restricts the rotation of the first connecting member 1.

[0062] In this embodiment, the pushing component 5 is located between the outer wall of the connecting shaft 2 and the inner wall of the shaft hole 31. The second mounting part of the pushing component 5 applies force to the first mounting part, thereby applying force to the connecting shaft, i.e., the first connecting member. During the rotation of the first connecting member 1 from the first position to the second position, the second mounting part can apply a force to the first mounting part in the same direction as the rotation, so that this force is a driving force that can push the first connecting member 1 to rotate; during the rotation of the first connecting member 1 from the second position to the first position, the second mounting part can apply a force to the first mounting part in the opposite direction to the rotation, so that this force is a resistance that can restrict the rotation of the first connecting member 1.

[0063] In this embodiment, the pushing component 5 includes a first mounting part and a second mounting part. The first mounting part and the second mounting part are disposed between the inner wall of the connecting shaft 2 and the shaft hole 31. By applying force to the first mounting part through the second mounting part, a driving force or resistance can be applied to the first connecting member 1. This makes the process of the pushing component 5 applying force to the first connecting member 1 easy to realize, and the structure is simple and easy to set up.

[0064] According to some embodiments of the hinge structure of this application, when the first connector 1 is in the first position, the first mounting part and the second mounting part are arranged radially opposite to each other along the shaft hole 31; when the first connector 1 is in the second position, the first mounting part and the second mounting part are arranged radially offset in the shaft hole 31.

[0065] In this embodiment, the force applied by the second mounting part to the first mounting part is from the second mounting part to the first mounting part. Therefore, in the first position state, the first and second mounting parts are arranged radially opposite each other along the shaft hole 31. This ensures that the force applied by the second mounting part to the first mounting part is radially along the shaft hole 31, preventing the formation of a driving force to rotate the first connector 1 or a resistance to restrict its rotation. This stabilizes the relative positions of the first connector 1 and the second connector 3 in the first position state. In the second position state, the first and second mounting parts are arranged radially offset from each other in the shaft hole 31, meaning the straight line containing the first and second mounting parts is not radially along the shaft hole 31. This ensures that the force applied by the second mounting part to the first mounting part is not radially along the shaft hole 31. Consequently, the force applied by the second mounting part to the first mounting part has a component tangential to the connecting shaft 2, which can drive or restrict the rotation of the first connector 1.

[0066] According to the hinge structure of some embodiments of this application, the pushing component 5 includes an elastic element, one end of which is a first mounting portion and the other end of which is a second mounting portion. During the rotation of the first connecting member 1 between a first position and a second position, the elastic element is in a deformed state. A gap may be present between the connecting shaft 2 and the inner wall of the shaft hole 31 to facilitate the installation of the elastic element. The elastic element is elastic and can generate elastic deformation, causing its two ends to output elastic force against the inner wall of the connecting shaft 2 and the shaft hole 31. This elastic force can be used to apply a driving force or resistance to the first connecting member 1.

[0067] Specifically, the first connecting member 1 can be configured such that during the rotation between the first position and the second position, the elastic member is in a compressed and energy-storing state, so that the two ends of the elastic member can generate thrust on the inner wall of the connecting shaft 2 and the shaft hole 31 respectively. The component of the thrust in the tangential direction of the connecting shaft 2 can form a driving force or resistance to drive the first connecting member 1 to rotate.

[0068] According to some embodiments of the present application, the hinge structure includes an elastic element including a linear spring 51 or an adjusting element 52, wherein the adjusting element 52 is a deformable frame structure formed by connecting multiple connecting elements.

[0069] Optionally, the connectors are spring clips, and multiple connectors are connected to form a frame structure.

[0070] Specifically, in this embodiment, the elastic element can be a linear spring 51. (See reference...) Figure 5 A linear spring 51 can be connected between the connecting shaft 2 and the inner wall of the shaft hole 31. When the linear spring 51 is in a compressed state, it generates thrust on both the connecting shaft 2 and the inner wall of the shaft hole 31. (Reference) Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the linear spring 51 when the first connector 1 is in the first position, for reference. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the linear spring 51 when the first connector 1 is in the second position, for reference. Figure 5 and Figure 6 During the rotation of the first connecting member 1 from the first position to the second position, the end of the linear spring 51 applies a thrust to the connecting shaft 2 in the same direction as the rotation, thereby generating a driving torque M1. During the rotation of the first connecting member 1 from the second position to the first position, the thrust applied by the end of the linear spring 51 to the connecting shaft 2 is opposite to the direction of rotation, thereby generating a resistance torque.

[0071] When the first connecting member 1 is in the first position, the linear spring 51 is in its initial state. When the first connecting member 1 rotates away from the first position, the end of the linear spring 51 connected to the connecting shaft 2, i.e., the first mounting part, rotates along with the connecting shaft 2, thereby making the length of the linear spring in the rotating state 512 longer than the length of the linear spring in the initial state 511. However, referring to... Figure 7 Compared to the length of the linear spring 51 in its free state 513, it is still relatively short. That is, during the rotation of the first connecting member 1 between the first position and the second position, the linear spring 51 can always be in a compressed state, and can continuously apply a thrust to the connecting shaft 2 to form a driving torque M1 or a resistance torque.

[0072] In another embodiment, the elastic element may be an adjusting element 52. (See reference...) Figure 8 The adjusting component 52 is a frame structure, with one end connected to the connecting shaft 2 and the other end connected to the inner wall of the shaft hole 31. The frame structure can be compressed or stretched, thus possessing elasticity. When the frame structure is compressed or stretched, it deforms, thereby exhibiting an energy-storing elastic effect.

[0073] Specifically, multiple connectors are connected to form a frame structure; or, a single connector is bent to form a frame structure. The connectors that form the frame structure can be spring clips or rod-like structures such as steel bars. When multiple connectors form a frame structure, they can be connected by welding or hinges. The specific shape, material, and connection structure between the connectors are not limited, as long as they can form a frame structure and the overall frame structure is elastic.

[0074] refer to Figure 8 An adjusting element can be connected between the connecting shaft 2 and the inner wall of the shaft hole 31. When the adjusting element is in a compressed state, it generates thrust on both the connecting shaft 2 and the inner wall of the shaft hole 31. (Reference) Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the adjusting member 52 when the first connecting member 1 is in the first position, for reference. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the adjusting member 52 when the first connecting member 1 is in the second position, for reference. Figure 8 and Figure 9During the rotation of the first connecting member 1 from the first position to the second position, the end of the adjusting member applies a thrust to the connecting shaft 2 in the same direction as the rotation, thereby generating a driving torque M1. During the rotation of the first connecting member 1 from the second position to the first position, the end of the adjusting member 52 applies a thrust to the connecting shaft 2 in the opposite direction to the rotation, thereby generating a resistance torque.

[0075] When the first connecting member 1 is in the first position, the adjusting member 52 is in the initial state. When the first connecting member 1 rotates, the end of the adjusting member 52 connected to the connecting shaft 2 rotates along with the connecting shaft 2, so that the length of the adjusting member in the rotation state 522 is longer than the length of the adjusting member in the initial state 521. However, the length of the adjusting member in the rotation state 522 can be set to be less than the length of the adjusting member in the free state. That is, during the rotation of the first connecting member 1 between the first position and the second position, the adjusting member 52 can always be in a compressed state, and can continuously apply a thrust to the connecting shaft 2 to form a driving torque M1 or a resistance torque.

[0076] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 In this embodiment, the adjusting member 52 can be a rhomboid frame structure with high structural strength and flexible deformation direction, allowing for free adjustment of the stiffness characteristics during hinge rotation. The adjusting member 52 has high design flexibility; in other embodiments, it can also be set to other shapes, such as triangle, ellipse, or square, etc., with no specific limitation, as long as it can generate thrust to form driving torque M1 or resistance torque during the rotation of the first connecting member 1.

[0077] According to the hinge structure of some other embodiments of this application, the pushing component 5 includes a magnetic component assembly 53. The magnetic component assembly 53 includes two matching magnetic components, one of which is a first mounting portion and the other is a second mounting portion. During the rotation of the first connecting member 1 between a first position and a second position, the two magnetic components have a magnetic force between them. The magnetic component assembly 53 is disposed between the inner wall of the connecting shaft 2 and the shaft hole 31. The magnetic component assembly 53 includes two matching magnetic components, one of which is disposed on the connecting shaft 2 and the other on the inner wall of the shaft hole 31. There may be a gap between the connecting shaft 2 and the inner wall of the shaft hole 31 to facilitate the placement of the magnetic component assembly.

[0078] Furthermore, the same magnetic poles of the two magnetic components in the magnetic component assembly 53 can be arranged opposite each other. When the same poles of the two magnetic components in the magnetic component assembly face each other, they generate a repulsive force. This repulsive force can exert a thrust on the inner wall of the connecting shaft 2 and the shaft hole 31, and can also apply a driving force or resistance to the first connecting member 1. The magnetic force generated by the magnetic components is a non-contact force, which overcomes the disadvantage of easy fatigue failure under alternating loads, resulting in a longer service life.

[0079] Specifically, refer to Figure 10 In this embodiment, a magnetic component assembly 53 is provided between the connecting shaft 2 and the inner wall of the shaft hole 31. The magnetic component assembly 53 specifically includes a first magnetic component and a second magnetic component. The first magnetic component is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft 2, and the second magnetic component is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the shaft hole 31. The like magnetic poles of the first and second magnetic components face each other, generating a repulsive force. (Reference) Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic assembly 53 when the first connector 1 is in the first position, for reference only. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic assembly 53 when the first connector 1 is in the second position, for reference only. Figure 10 and Figure 11 During the rotation of the first connecting member 1 from the first position to the second position, the magnetic component group 53 applies a thrust to the connecting shaft 2 in the same direction as the rotation, thereby generating a driving torque M1. During the rotation of the first connecting member 1 from the second position to the first position, the thrust applied by the magnetic component group 53 to the connecting shaft 2 is opposite to the direction of rotation, thereby generating a resistance torque.

[0080] When the first connector 1 is in the first position, the magnetic component group 53 is in its initial state. When the first connector 1 rotates away from the first position, the first magnetic component connected to the connecting shaft 2 rotates along with the connecting shaft 2, thereby making the distance between the two magnetic components in the rotation state 532 of the magnetic component group greater than the distance between the two magnetic components in the initial state 531 of the magnetic component group. It can be set that the distance between the two magnetic components in the rotation state 532 of the magnetic component group is less than the distance at which the repulsive force between the two magnetic components of the magnetic component group fails. That is, during the rotation of the first connector 1 between the first and second positions, there is always a repulsive force between the two magnetic components of the magnetic component group 53, which can continuously apply a pushing force to the connecting shaft 2 to form a driving torque M1 or a resisting torque.

[0081] refer to Figure 5 When the actuating component 5 is a linear spring 51, in the first position, the linear spring 51 can be arranged radially along the connecting shaft 2. (Reference) Figure 8 When the pushing component 5 is the adjusting member 52, in the first position, the adjusting member 52 can be arranged radially along the connecting shaft 2. (Reference) Figure 10 When the pushing component 5 is a magnetic component group 53, in the first position, the two magnetic components of the magnetic component group 53 can be arranged radially along the connecting shaft 2. The shaft hole 31 is coaxially arranged with the connecting shaft 2, so that the pushing force of the pushing component 5 on the inner wall of the connecting shaft 2 and the shaft hole 31 in the first position is opposed radially. The pushing component 5 will not generate a rotational driving torque M1 on the connecting shaft 2, which is beneficial to maintaining the stability of the first position.

[0082] In other embodiments, when the first connector 1 is in the first position, the pushing component 5 may not be arranged radially. The stability of the first position can be achieved by other fixing structures, such as a locking structure such as a buckle. The specific setting direction of the pushing component 5 is not limited.

[0083] In other embodiments, the specific form of the elastic element may also be other, and no specific limitation is made. During the rotation of the first connecting member 1 between the first position and the second position, the elastic element may also be in an elongated deformation state, so that the two ends of the elastic element will generate a tensile force on the inner wall of the connecting shaft 2 and the shaft hole 31, which can be used to form a driving force or resistance. The specific settings of the elastic element in the elongated deformation state can be modified accordingly to achieve the purpose of using the tensile force to form a driving force or resistance, which will not be elaborated here.

[0084] Furthermore, the magnetic components of the magnetic component assembly 53 can be permanent magnets, electromagnets, or other magnetic structures, without any specific limitation. During the rotation of the first connecting member 1 between the first and second positions, the two magnetic components of the magnetic component assembly 53 can also be in an attractive state, that is, different magnetic poles are set opposite each other, so that the two magnetic components will generate a pulling force on the inner wall of the connecting shaft 2 and the shaft hole 31, which can be used to form a driving force or resistance. The specific setting when the two magnetic components of the magnetic component assembly 53 are in an attractive state can be modified accordingly relative to the setting of the repulsive state, so as to achieve the purpose of using the pulling force to form a driving force or resistance, which will not be elaborated here.

[0085] According to the hinge structure of some embodiments of this application, a plurality of pushing components 5 are arranged circumferentially between the connecting shaft 2 and the inner wall of the shaft hole 31. Driving torque or resisting torque can be applied to the connecting shaft 2 at multiple locations on its outer circumferential surface, which helps to improve the rotational stability of the first connecting member 1 and the connecting shaft 2.

[0086] Optionally, multiple actuating components 5 may be evenly distributed between the inner walls of the connecting shaft 2 and the shaft hole 31. (Reference) Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 In this embodiment, three pushing components 5 can be evenly arranged circumferentially between the inner wall of the connecting shaft 2 and the shaft hole 31. In other embodiments, the number of pushing components 5 can also be other, and there is no specific limitation.

[0087] The hinge structure according to some embodiments of this application, referenced Figure 2The connecting shaft 2 includes a first shaft segment 21 and a second shaft segment 22 along the axial direction. The cross-sectional dimension of the first shaft segment 21 is larger than that of the second shaft segment 22. The first shaft segment 21 matches the shaft hole 31, and the pushing assembly 5 is connected to the second shaft segment 22. That is, the outer diameter of the first shaft segment 21 can match and contact the inner diameter of the shaft hole 31, thereby restricting the in-plane translation of the first connecting member 1 and the second connecting member 3 through the cooperation of the shaft hole 31 and the first shaft segment 21. The first connecting member 1 can rotate relative to the second connecting member 3 on a fixed axis, improving the stability of the hinge opening and closing process. The second shaft segment 22 has a smaller cross-sectional dimension, which allows for a gap between the second shaft segment 22 and the inner wall of the shaft hole 31, facilitating the connection and installation of the pushing assembly 5.

[0088] According to other embodiments of this application, the pushing component 5 may also be other structures, such as a motor, cylinder or other components that can provide rotational torque, and may be directly connected to the connecting shaft 2 or the first connecting member 1 to apply driving force or resistance to the connecting shaft 2 and the first connecting member 1. The specific configuration structure of the pushing component 5 is not limited, as long as it can apply driving force or resistance to the connecting shaft 2 and the first connecting member 1.

[0089] Specifically, when the pushing component 5 is an electric control device such as a motor, a switch can be set to be connected to the connecting shaft 2 or the first connecting member 1. The switch is connected to the pushing component 5. When the connecting shaft 2 or the first connecting member 1 starts to rotate away from the first position, the switch can be triggered to control the starting and stopping of the pushing component 5 to apply force to the connecting shaft 2.

[0090] The hinge structure according to some embodiments of this application further includes a clamping member 4, which is disposed on the side of the second connector 3 away from the first connector 1, and is used to clamp the second connector 3 and the first connector in the axial direction along the connecting shaft 2.

[0091] refer to Figure 4 One side of the second connector 3 is connected to the first connector 1, and the other side of the second connector 3 is connected to the clamping member 4. The clamping member 4 applies a clamping force to the second connector 3, which can press the second connector 3 and the first connector 1 into close contact, thereby increasing the pressure load FN between the first connector 1 and the second connector 3.

[0092] During the rotation of the first connector 1 between the first position and the second position, the restoring force and the driving force, as well as the restoring force and the resistance, can be superimposed and offset respectively, so that the force on the first connector 1 tends to be balanced. On this basis, under the action of the clamping force of the clamping member 4, the friction force on the contact surface of the first connector 1 and the second connector 3 can achieve more stable suspension of the first connector 1 at any position between the first position and the second position.

[0093] Furthermore, the clamping force applied by the clamping member 4 can also provide a damping feel during the opening and closing process of the hinge structure; the hinge structure provided in this application embodiment balances the restoring force of the hinge opening and closing by setting the pushing component 5, thereby achieving free hovering and damping feel during the opening and closing process with a smaller clamping force, reducing the difficulty of achieving reliable hovering, which is conducive to improving the applicability of the hinge structure, and making the opening and closing process of the hinge more convenient and flexible, which is conducive to improving the opening and closing feel and enhancing the user experience.

[0094] According to the hinge structure of some embodiments of this application, when the pushing component 5 is an elastic member, the elastic member is a first elastic member. (See reference...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The clamping member 4 is a second elastic member, the end of which is connected to the second connecting member 3 and is in a compressed state. That is, the clamping member 4 can be configured as an elastic member structure, applying a clamping force to the second connecting member 3 through the elastic deformation of the elastic member. The second elastic member can be a spring or other types of elastic members, with the purpose of applying elastic force to generate a pressure load on the contact surface of the first connecting member 1 and the second connecting member 3, and the specific form is not limited.

[0095] In other embodiments, the clamping member 4 can also take other forms, such as a nut. The connecting shaft 2 can pass through and extend out of the second connecting member 3 on the side opposite to the first connecting member 1, and a threaded structure is provided on the extended side to connect with the nut. The nut can then press the side of the second connecting member 3. The clamping member 4 is intended to apply a certain pressure load, and its specific form is not limited. When the clamping member 4 is a nut, a smooth layer can be provided on the rotating contact surface of the connecting shaft 2 and the shaft hole 31 to reduce rotational friction.

[0096] The hinge structure according to some embodiments of this application, referenced Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second connector 3 has two spaced-apart shaft holes 31, which are rotatably connected to the two first connectors 1 one-to-one at the two shaft holes 31. A pushing component 5 is provided between the second connector 3 and the two first connectors 1, and a clamping component 4 is provided at the corresponding position between the second connector 3 and the two first connectors 1. By setting two first connectors 1, each first connector 1 can be connected to the part that needs to be folded, enabling relative or opposite movements of the two parts of the part to be folded. This helps to shorten the movement path of a single first connector 1 and improves the folding experience. Furthermore, the pushing component 5 and the clamping component 4 are provided at corresponding positions on both first connectors 1, allowing both first connectors 1 to achieve suspension at any position and damping during rotation.

[0097] Furthermore, the two first connecting parts 1 can be connected by a gear structure, which can realize the synchronous rotation of the two first connecting parts 1 and improve the stability of the hinge opening and closing.

[0098] An electronic device according to some embodiments of this application includes: a housing; a display screen connected to the housing; and a hinge structure, which is the hinge structure of any of the above embodiments, wherein a first connecting member 1 of the hinge structure is connected to the housing. When the first connecting member 1 rotates relative to the second connecting member 3, it can drive the housing to rotate as a whole, thereby enabling the housing to drive the display screen to rotate for folding or flattening.

[0099] According to some embodiments of the present application, the hinge structure of the electronic device further includes a clamping member 4, which is disposed on the side of the second connector 3 away from the first connector 1, for clamping the second connector 3 and the first connector in the axial direction along the connecting shaft 2; when the first connector 1 leaves the first position, the display screen applies a restoring force to the first connector 1 through the housing to cause the first connector to rotate toward the first position; the clamping force applied by the clamping member 4 to the second connector 3 acts on the end face of the first connector 1 through the second connector 3, so that the first connector 1 is subjected to a frictional force to prevent the first connector 1 from rotating.

[0100] Furthermore, when the electronic device hovers during the process of the first connector 1 rotating from the first position to the second position, the frictional torque acting on the first connector 1 is greater than the torque acting on the first connector by the resultant force between the driving force and the restoring force, causing the first connector to stop rotating; when the electronic device hovers during the process of the first connector 1 rotating from the second position to the first position, the frictional torque acting on the first connector is greater than the torque acting on the first connector by the resultant force between the resistance and the restoring force, causing the first connector to stop rotating.

[0101] Specifically, the display screen includes a screen body that can be flattened and folded as the first connector 1 rotates. (Reference) Figure 12 With the screen body in its flattened state 61, the first connector 1 can be in the first position; (refer to...) Figure 13 When the screen body is in the folded state 62, the first connector 1 can be in a rotating state moving away from the first position toward the second position; at the end of the folding of the screen body, the first connector 1 can be in the second position. That is, the process from the flattened state 61 to the folded state 62 of the screen body corresponds to the rotation process of the first connector 1 from the first position toward the second position; the process from the folded state 62 to the flattened state 61 of the screen body corresponds to the rotation process of the first connector 1 from the second position toward the first position.

[0102] Further, refer to Figure 13The screen body has a restoring force during the rotation of the first connector 1. During the unfolding and closing process of the foldable screen body, the bending of the stacked modules generates a restoring torque M2, which is the torque that drives the screen body back to its flattened state. During the rotation of the first connector 1 from the first position to the second position, the screen body changes from a flattened state to a folded state. This restoring torque M2 is opposite in direction to the driving torque M1 of the pushing component 5, and they can cancel each other out, making the force on the first connector 1 tend to be balanced. During the rotation of the first connector 1 from the second position to the first position, the screen body changes from a folded state to a flattened state. This restoring torque M2 is opposite in direction to the resistance torque of the pushing component 5, and they can cancel each other out, making the force on the first connector 1 tend to be balanced.

[0103] Furthermore, during the rotation of the first connector 1 from the first position to the second position, the driving force and restoring force applied to the first connector 1 by the pushing component 5 are matched, and the frictional torque of the clamping force applied to the second connector 3 by the clamping component 4 is greater than the torque formed by the superposition of the driving force and the restoring force. During the rotation of the first connector 1 from the second position to the first position, the resistance and restoring force applied to the first connector 1 by the pushing component 5 are matched, and the frictional torque of the clamping force applied to the second connector 3 by the clamping component 4 is greater than the torque formed by the superposition of the resistance and the restoring force. This configuration ensures reliable hovering of the screen body at any position during the folding and unfolding process.

[0104] Specifically, the restoring force of the screen body can be determined based on the material properties of the screen body. The pushing force applied by the pushing component 5 can be set according to this restoring force. This pushing force can be either a driving force or a resistance force, ensuring that the magnitude of the pushing force matches the restoring force during the folding and flattening of the screen body, so that the pushing force and the restoring force mutually cancel each other out. However, since the changes in the restoring force and the pushing force are not precisely linear, it is difficult to achieve complete cancellation. Therefore, during the opening and closing of the screen body, the force on the screen body will fluctuate around zero. The maximum static friction torque value, i.e., the frictional torque value, of the contact surface between the first connecting member 1 and the second connecting member 3 can be adjusted by adjusting the clamping force applied by the clamping member 4, so that the maximum value of the force fluctuation on the screen body is always less than the maximum static friction torque value, thereby achieving reliable hovering at any angle.

[0105] Specifically, refer to Figure 14Taking the rotation process of the first connecting member 1 from the first position to the second position as an example, the clamping force applied by the clamping member 4 to the second connecting member 3 generates a pressure load of FN on the contact surface of the first connecting member 1 and the second connecting member 3, and the maximum static friction coefficient of the contact surface is μ. In order to make the first connecting member 1 rotate, at least a torque load of M3 = μ·FN needs to be applied, so that the difference between the driving torque generated by the pushing component 5 and the restoring torque generated by the restoring force is less than M3.

[0106] Furthermore, during the rotation of the first connector 1 from the first position to the second position, the screen body rotates from a flattened state to a folded state. As the first connector 1 rotates, the degree of folding deformation of the screen body increases, and the resulting restoring torque M2 also gradually increases. Correspondingly, during the rotation of the first connector 1 from the first position to the second position, the distance between the first mounting part and the second mounting part of the pushing component 5 gradually increases, causing the driving torque M1 applied by the second mounting part to the first mounting part to gradually increase. The driving torque M1 can be set to be equal in value to the restoring torque M2, but in opposite directions, so that the driving torque M1 can always counteract and balance the restoring torque M2 during rotation. The driving torque can be adjusted to match the restoring torque by adjusting the gap between the connecting shaft 2 and the inner wall of the shaft hole 31 and / or the driving force applied by the pushing component 5.

[0107] Furthermore, as the first connector 1 rotates from the second position toward the first position, the restoring torque M2 of the screen body gradually decreases, and the resistance torque applied by the pushing component 5 to the first connector 1 also gradually decreases, which also ensures that the resistance torque always counteracts and balances the restoring torque M2 during the rotation process; this process is the reverse process of the screen body from unfolding to folding, and will not be described in detail here.

[0108] Other components of the electronic device according to the embodiments of this application, such as connection lines and operation, are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0109] According to some embodiments of this application, a hinge structure is used to improve the hovering effect of a foldable screen. The hinge structure is as follows: Figures 1-4 As shown, the first connector 1, the second connector 3, and the pre-compression spring (i.e., the clamping member 4) are connected by a connecting shaft 2. The first connector 1 serves as a hinge opening and closing assembly, driving the folding screen to unfold and fold. A linear spring 51 assembly is connected between the first connector 1 and the second connector 3, providing driving torque and resistance torque during the opening and closing process. The pre-compression spring compresses the second connector 3 and contacts the end face of the first connector 1, providing frictional torque during the opening and closing process.

[0110] This embodiment takes into account the process of a foldable screen unfolding and folding. Due to the bending of the stacked modules, a restoring torque is generated. This restoring torque increases with the rotation angle, exhibiting a positive stiffness characteristic. Figure 13 As shown in the figure. This embodiment designs a hinge structure, which includes a negative stiffness device for providing driving torque and drag torque, and a drag device for controlling hovering.

[0111] Specifically, the driving force and resistance of the hinge are provided by the hinge negative stiffness device. For example, to provide driving torque during the rotation of the first connecting member 1 from the first position to the second position, see the schematic diagram below. Figures 5-7 The device consists of a first connector 1, a second connector 3, and a linear spring 51. The in-plane translation of the above components is restricted by the shaft hole 31. The first connector 1 can rotate relative to the second connector 3 on a fixed axis. The linear spring 51 is distributed in three equal parts around the rotation center. Figure 5 In the unfolded state, the linear spring 51 is in its maximum compressed state. After the folded screen closes to a certain angle, it reaches the folded state, at which point the folded screen generates a restoring torque M2. Because the first connecting piece 1 rotates synchronously, the restoring force of the linear spring 51 no longer passes through the center of rotation. At this time, the linear spring 51 is still in the compressed state, generating a driving torque M1, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, M1 and M2 are in opposite directions. When M1 = M2, i.e., the driving torque and the restoring torque are matched, the superimposed torque is exactly zero. When for any angle α, the folding screen's restoring torque M1 = the spring's driving torque M2, the stiffness of the entire hinge and folding screen system is zero, and the entire system has quasi-zero stiffness characteristics. In other embodiments, the above-mentioned hinge negative stiffness device can also be implemented in other ways, such as... Figure 8 The stiffness adjustment component shown, and Figure 10 The magnetic component assembly shown.

[0112] This embodiment applies angular displacement to the quasi-zero stiffness system. Since the stiffness is zero, the system will not generate any positive or negative reaction force on the external environment. At this point, an end-face rotation resistance device is introduced, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it consists of the end face of the first connector 1, the end face of the second connector 3, and a preload spring. The preload spring ensures that the end faces of the first connector 1 and the second connector 3 are constantly subjected to a pressure load FN. Assuming that the maximum static friction coefficient of the cross section is μ, in order to make the first connector 1 rotate, at least a torque load of M3 = μ·FN needs to be applied.

[0113] Furthermore, the positive stiffness characteristics of the foldable screen are superimposed with the negative stiffness characteristics of the hinge, giving the system quasi-zero stiffness characteristics, such as... Figure 14As shown. However, due to the non-strict linear relationship between the torque and angle of the folding screen and hinge mechanism, the superimposed system is not an ideal quasi-zero stiffness system, and the torque-angle curve fluctuates around zero. By adjusting the compression of the preload spring, the maximum static friction torque value of the end-face resistance device is designed so that the maximum fluctuation value is always less than the maximum static friction torque value, thereby achieving hovering at any angle.

[0114] This embodiment proposes a new hinge design that can balance the restoring torque generated during the opening and closing of the foldable screen, and provide damping force during the opening and closing process to meet the design hovering requirements. The new hinge mechanism has the advantages of large hovering angle, stable damping force, and small size. It can effectively solve the problem of hovering the foldable screen at any angle and improve the opening and closing feel. It can realize the hovering function at any angle, while the structure is compact, occupies little space, and has high stability.

[0115] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0116] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hinge structure, characterized in that, include: The first connector is equipped with a connecting shaft; The second connector has a through shaft hole, into which the connecting shaft is inserted, so that the first connector and the second connector are rotatably connected, and the first connector has a first position and a second position relative to the second connector; A pushing component is disposed between the first connector and the second connector; During the rotation of the first connector from the first position to the second position, the pushing component applies a driving force to the first connector to push the first connector to rotate from the first position to the second position; During the rotation of the first connector from the second position toward the first position, the pushing component applies resistance to the first connector to limit the rotation of the first connector from the second position toward the first position; There is a gap between the connecting shaft and the shaft hole to accommodate the pushing assembly; The pushing component includes a first mounting part and a second mounting part. The first mounting part is disposed on the outer wall of the connecting shaft, and the second mounting part is disposed on the inner wall of the shaft hole. The second mounting part applies the driving force or the resistance to the first connecting member through the first mounting part. When the first connector is in the first position, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are arranged radially opposite each other along the shaft hole, and the force applied by the second mounting portion to the first mounting portion is radially along the shaft hole to stabilize the relative position of the first connector and the second connector; when the first connector is in the second position, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are misaligned radially in the shaft hole, such that the force applied by the second mounting portion to the first mounting portion has a component force tangential to the connecting axis, and the component force causes the first connector to rotate.

2. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing component includes an elastic element, one end of which is the first mounting portion and the other end of which is the second mounting portion. During the rotation of the first connecting member between the first position and the second position, the elastic element is in a deformed state.

3. The hinge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic element includes a linear spring or an adjusting element, wherein the adjusting element is a deformable frame structure formed by connecting multiple connecting elements.

4. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing component includes a magnetic component group, which includes two matching magnetic components. One of the two magnetic components is the first mounting part, and the other of the two magnetic components is the second mounting part. During the rotation of the first connector between the first position and the second position, there is a magnetic force between the two magnetic components.

5. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A plurality of the pushing components are arranged circumferentially between the connecting shaft and the inner wall of the shaft hole.

6. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a clamping member, which is disposed on the side of the second connector opposite to the first connector, for clamping the second connector and the first connector together in the axial direction along the connecting shaft.

7. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: shell; The display screen is connected to the housing; A hinge structure, wherein the hinge structure is any one of the hinge structures described in claims 1-6, and the first connecting member of the hinge structure is connected to the outer casing.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The hinge structure further includes a clamping member, which is disposed on the side of the second connector opposite to the first connector, and is used to clamp the second connector and the first connector together in the axial direction along the connecting shaft. When the first connector leaves the first position, the display screen applies a restoring force to the first connector through the housing, causing the first connector to rotate toward the first position; The clamping force applied by the clamping member to the second connecting member is applied to the end face of the first connecting member through the second connecting member, so that the first connecting member is subjected to a frictional force to prevent the first connecting member from rotating. When the electronic device hovers during the process of the first connector rotating from the first position to the second position, the frictional torque value of the frictional force acting on the first connector is greater than the torque value of the resultant force between the driving force and the restoring force acting on the first connector, causing the first connector to stop rotating; When the electronic device hovers during the process of the first connector rotating from the second position toward the first position, the frictional torque of the frictional force acting on the first connector is greater than the torque of the resultant force between the resistance and the restoring force acting on the first connector, causing the first connector to stop rotating.

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