Folding mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

This application discloses a folding mechanism and an electronic device. The folding mechanism includes a hinge assembly and a buffer assembly. The hinge assembly includes a base, a first swing arm, and a second swing arm, which are rotatably connected to both sides of the base. The buffer assembly is disposed on the base and includes a motion conversion component and a pressure regulating component. The motion conversion component has a rotating end and a telescopic end. The rotating end is connected to at least one of the first swing arm and the second swing arm, and the telescopic end is connected to the pressure regulating component. The pressure regulating component has a fluid cavity containing a fluid medium. During the rotation of the first swing arm and the second swing arm relative to the base, the rotating end of the motion conversion component rotates, and the telescopic end moves and changes the pressure of the fluid medium in the fluid cavity to adjust the rotational damping of the first swing arm and the second swing arm.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As various advanced technologies are applied to electronic devices, the pace of device updates is accelerating, and users' demands for electronic devices are increasing. For example, with the application of flexible screens in electronic devices, foldable electronic devices have developed rapidly, making it possible to create electronic devices that combine a large display area with good portability.

[0003] However, during the use of foldable electronic devices, due to the imperfect design of the folding mechanism, the foldable electronic devices will have a large closing speed or opening speed when approaching or opening, which is not conducive to the operation of the user. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to provide a folding mechanism and electronic device that at least solves the problem that existing folding electronic devices have excessive closing or opening speeds during the process of approaching closure or opening.

[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 folding mechanism, including: a hinge assembly and a buffer assembly; the hinge assembly includes a base, a first swing arm and a second swing arm, the first swing arm and the second swing arm being rotatably connected to both sides of the base;

[0007] The buffer assembly is disposed on the base, and the buffer assembly includes a motion conversion component and a pressure regulating component; the motion conversion component has a rotating end and a telescopic end, the rotating end is connected to at least one of the first swing arm and the second swing arm, the telescopic end is connected to the pressure regulating component, and the pressure regulating component is provided with a fluid cavity containing a fluid medium;

[0008] During the rotation of the first and second swing arms relative to the base, the rotating end of the motion conversion component rotates, and the telescopic end moves and changes the pressure of the fluid medium in the fluid cavity to adjust the rotational damping of the first and second swing arms.

[0009] According to an embodiment of this application, a folding mechanism is provided, wherein the motion conversion component includes a rotating component and a telescopic component; the rotating component and the telescopic component are connected by a transmission structure, wherein the end of the rotating component away from the telescopic component is formed as the rotating end, and the end of the telescopic component away from the rotating component is formed as the telescopic end;

[0010] When the rotating component rotates, the rotating component can drive the telescopic component to move through the transmission structure, so that the telescopic component drives the pressure regulating component to change the volume of the fluid cavity, thereby changing the pressure of the fluid medium in the fluid cavity.

[0011] According to an embodiment of this application, a folding mechanism is provided, wherein the transmission structure includes a spiral groove and a contact; the spiral groove is disposed on the peripheral wall of the rotating component, the contact is disposed on the telescopic component, and the contact is movably disposed in the spiral groove;

[0012] When the rotating component rotates, the contact slides along the extension direction of the spiral groove, so that the telescopic component moves relative to the axis of the rotating component.

[0013] According to an embodiment of this application, a folding mechanism is provided, wherein the motion conversion member further includes a guide member; the rotating member is rotatably disposed on the guide member, and the telescopic member is movably disposed on the guide member along the axis of the rotating member.

[0014] According to an embodiment of this application, a folding mechanism is provided, wherein the fluid medium is gas and the pressure regulating component is a cylinder; or, the fluid medium is liquid and the pressure regulating component is a hydraulic cylinder.

[0015] According to an embodiment of this application, a folding mechanism is provided, wherein the fluid medium is a liquid, the pressure regulating component is a hydraulic cylinder, and the hydraulic cylinder includes a hydraulic cylinder body and a piston rod;

[0016] The telescopic end of the motion conversion component is connected to the first end of the piston rod, and the second end of the piston rod is slidably connected to the hydraulic cylinder body, forming a sealed fluid cavity between them.

[0017] A folding mechanism according to an embodiment of this application has a folded state and an unfolded state;

[0018] When the folding mechanism is in the folded state, the piston rod is in the retracted state, and the liquid medium in the fluid chamber reaches the first pressure.

[0019] When the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the piston rod is in the extended state, and the liquid medium in the fluid cavity reaches a second pressure; the first pressure is greater than the second pressure.

[0020] According to an embodiment of this application, a folding mechanism is provided, wherein the hydraulic cylinder further includes a reset member; the reset member is disposed within the fluid cavity and located between the hydraulic cylinder body and the piston rod; the reset member is used to drive the piston rod to switch from a retracted state to an extended state.

[0021] According to an embodiment of this application, a folding mechanism is provided, wherein the hydraulic cylinder includes an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder; the inner cylinder is disposed within the outer cylinder, and a buffer cavity is provided between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder; the second end of the piston rod is slidably disposed within the inner cylinder, and the inner cylinder is provided with a return port and a discharge port;

[0022] The piston rod has a first flow channel at its second end, and a one-way valve is provided in the first flow channel;

[0023] When the piston rod is in the retracted state, the one-way valve is in the closed state, so that the fluid medium in the inner cylinder can reach the buffer chamber through the liquid outlet;

[0024] When the piston rod is in the extended state, the one-way valve is in the open state, so that the fluid medium in the buffer chamber can sequentially reach the inner cylinder through the return port and the first flow channel.

[0025] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, including: a flexible screen, a first housing, a second housing, and a folding mechanism as described above;

[0026] The first housing is connected to the first swing arm, the second housing is connected to the second swing arm, and the flexible screen is disposed on the first housing and the second housing.

[0027] In the embodiments of this application, by configuring a buffer assembly on the first and / or second swing arms of the folding mechanism, the rotation of the first or second swing arm can be converted into a linear telescopic motion by the motion converter of the buffer assembly. This motion acts on the pressure regulating component of the buffer assembly, thereby changing the pressure of the fluid medium in the fluid cavity corresponding to the pressure regulating component. During this process, according to the change in fluid medium pressure, the pressure regulating component reacts to the motion converter, making the pressure regulating component act as a load on the rotation of the first and second swing arms relative to the base, thus adjusting the rotational damping of the first and second swing arms. In this way, during the process of the electronic device approaching closure or unfolding, the buffer assembly can limit the closing or unfolding speed of the electronic device, helping to improve the user experience.

[0028] 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

[0029] 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:

[0030] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a folding mechanism according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the folding mechanism according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view along the central axis of the first connecting shaft according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the buffer assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the motion conversion component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view along the axial direction of the motion conversion component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 9 This is a radial cross-sectional view of the motion conversion component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the hydraulic cylinder body according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic cylinder body along the axial direction according to an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure label:

[0042] 1. First screen support plate; 2. Second screen support plate; 3. Third screen support plate;

[0043] 4. Hinge assembly; 41. Base; 42. First swing arm; 43. Second swing arm; 44. Linkage assembly; 45. Gear synchronization mechanism; 46. Cam assembly; 441. First connecting arm; 442. Second connecting arm; 443. Third connecting arm; 444. Fourth connecting arm; 451. First meshing tooth; 452. First gear; 453. Second gear; 454. Second meshing tooth; 461. First cam sleeve; 462. Second cam sleeve; 463. Elastic element; 401. First connecting shaft; 402. Second connecting shaft; 411. First limiting element; 412. Second limiting element;

[0044] 5. Buffer assembly; 51. Motion conversion component; 52. Voltage regulating component;

[0045] 511. Rotating component; 512. Telescopic component; 513. Guide component; 5110. Spiral groove; 5111. First transition section; 5112. First guide section; 5120. Contact; 5121. Second transition section; 5122. Second guide section; 51221. Insertion hole; 5131. Cylinder; 5132. Sealing plate;

[0046] 521. Hydraulic cylinder body; 522. Piston rod; 523. Guide seat; 524. Check valve; 525. Reset component; 5210. Fluid chamber; 5211. Inner cylinder body; 5212. Outer cylinder body; 5213. Second flow channel; 5221. Piston part; 5222. Rod part; 52101. Rod chamber; 52102. Rodless chamber; 52111. Return port; 52112. Outlet port; 52210. First flow channel; 5231. Buffer chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0050] 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.

[0051] In related technologies, existing foldable electronic devices are equipped with a folding mechanism. By configuring a spring and cam engagement structure on the main hinge of the folding mechanism, the feel of the electronic device when opening or closing can be ensured according to the cooperation of the spring and cam engagement structure.

[0052] When the electronic device is in the unfolded or folded state, the two dissimilar cams of the cam meshing structure maintain the meshing state with the maximum meshing area under the elastic force of the spring, and the electronic device is locked in the unfolded or folded state. When the electronic device switches between the unfolded and folded states, one of the dissimilar cams rotates and climbs to a certain position relative to the inclined plane of the other dissimilar cam, which is fixed. At this time, the compression force of the spring increases, the contact angle between the two dissimilar cams decreases, and the friction between the two dissimilar cams increases. Thus, by offsetting the torque through friction, the angle of the main hinge can be controlled, so that the electronic device can maintain a large hovering angle.

[0053] However, due to the inclined plane fit structure between the two dissimilar cams, the friction between them decreases rapidly during the near-closing or opening process of the electronic device. Furthermore, the two cams tend to revert to their maximum meshing area, leading to excessive closing or unfolding speeds during this process. In particular, when the two housings of the electronic device are equipped with corresponding magnetic chucks, the magnetic force during the near-closing process not only results in a greater closing speed but also generates significant closing noise.

[0054] To solve the above problems, such as Figures 1 to 11 As shown, this application provides a folding mechanism that can be applied to electronic devices. By combining a flexible screen with the folding mechanism, an electronic device with folding capability is formed, thereby enabling the electronic device to have both a large display area and good portability, thus improving the user experience.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the folding mechanism of this application embodiment includes: a hinge assembly 4 and a buffer assembly 5; the hinge assembly 4 includes a base 41, a first swing arm 42 and a second swing arm 43, the first swing arm 42 and the second swing arm 43 being rotatably connected to both sides of the base 41.

[0056] The buffer assembly 5 is located on the base 41. The buffer assembly 5 includes a motion conversion component 51 and a pressure regulating component 52. The motion conversion component 51 has a rotating end and a telescopic end. The rotating end is connected to at least one of the first swing arm 42 and the second swing arm 43. The telescopic end is connected to the pressure regulating component 52. The pressure regulating component 52 is provided with a fluid cavity 5210, which contains a fluid medium.

[0057] During the rotation of the first swing arm 42 and the second swing arm 43 relative to the base 41, the rotating end of the motion conversion component 51 rotates, the telescopic end moves and changes the pressure of the fluid medium in the fluid cavity 5210, so as to adjust the rotational damping of the first swing arm 42 and the second swing arm 43.

[0058] Understandably, the hinge assembly 4 can be provided with a first connecting shaft 401 and a second connecting shaft 402; the first connecting shaft 401 and the second connecting shaft 402 are spaced apart from each other and arranged in parallel, and the first connecting shaft 401 and the second connecting shaft 402 are rotatably disposed on opposite sides of the base 41; the first swing arm 42 is connected to the first connecting shaft 401, and the first connecting shaft 401 is connected to the rotating end of the motion conversion component 51; the second swing arm 43 is connected to the second connecting shaft 402, so that based on the first connecting shaft 401 and the second connecting shaft 402, the first swing arm 42 and the second swing arm 43 can be rotatably connected to both sides of the base 41.

[0059] In this embodiment, a buffer assembly 5 can be configured separately for the first connecting shaft 401 or the second connecting shaft 402, or a buffer assembly 5 can be configured simultaneously for the first connecting shaft 401 and the second connecting shaft 402, so that the rotating end of the motion conversion component 51 can be connected to at least one of the first swing arm 42 and the second swing arm 43.

[0060] At the same time, the first swing arm 42 and the second swing arm 43 can drive the rotating end of the motion conversion component 51 to rotate, so that the telescopic end of the motion conversion component 51 can perform telescopic motion relative to the axis of the rotating end. During the telescopic motion, the telescopic end of the motion conversion component 51 acts on the pressure regulating component 52, so that the pressure of the fluid medium in the fluid cavity 5210 corresponding to the pressure regulating component 52 changes.

[0061] The motion conversion component 51 can be a lead screw transmission mechanism or a linear module known in the art, so that when the telescopic end of the motion conversion component 51 receives a rotational input, the telescopic end of the motion conversion component 51 can realize power output in the form of telescoping.

[0062] In practical applications, the type of pressure regulating component 52 can be determined according to the type of fluid medium. Optionally, when the fluid medium is liquid, the pressure regulating component 52 can be a hydraulic cylinder; when the fluid medium is gas, the pressure regulating component 52 can be a pneumatic cylinder, and there is no specific limitation on this.

[0063] As can be seen from the above, in the embodiments of this application, by configuring a buffer assembly 5 on the first swing arm 42 and / or the second swing arm 43 on the folding mechanism, the rotation of the first swing arm 42 or the second swing arm 43 can be converted into a linear telescopic motion by the motion conversion component 51 of the buffer assembly 5. This motion acts on the pressure regulating component 52 of the buffer assembly 5, thereby changing the pressure of the fluid medium in the fluid cavity 5210 corresponding to the pressure regulating component 52. During this process, according to the change in the pressure of the fluid medium, the pressure regulating component 52 will react on the motion conversion component 51, making the pressure regulating component 52 act as a load for the rotation of the first swing arm 42 and the second swing arm 43 relative to the base 41, thereby adjusting the rotational damping of the first swing arm 42 and the second swing arm 43. In this way, during the process of the electronic device approaching closure or unfolding, the buffer assembly 5 can limit the closing speed or unfolding speed of the electronic device, which helps to improve the user experience.

[0064] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in order to facilitate better support for the flexible screen of the electronic device based on the hinge assembly 4, the folding mechanism of this embodiment is further provided with a first screen support plate 1, a second screen support plate 2 and a third screen support plate 3; a first swing arm 42 is rotatably disposed on the first screen support plate 1, the first swing arm 42 and the first screen support plate 1 are disposed on the first side of the base 41, a second swing arm 43 is rotatably disposed on the second screen support plate 2, the second swing arm 43 and the second screen support plate 2 are disposed on the second side of the base 41, the first side and the second side are arranged opposite to each other, and the third screen support plate 3 is movably connected to the base 41 in its own support direction.

[0065] Furthermore, the hinge assembly 4 is also provided with a linkage assembly 44, which includes a first linkage arm 441, a second linkage arm 442, a third linkage arm 443 and a fourth linkage arm 444.

[0066] Specifically, the first connecting boom 441 and the third connecting boom 443 are both arranged on the same side as the first swing arm 42, that is, the first connecting boom 441, the third connecting boom 443 and the first swing arm 42 are all located on the first side of the base 41. The second connecting boom 442 and the fourth connecting boom 444 are both arranged on the same side as the second swing arm 43, that is, the second connecting boom 442, the fourth connecting boom 444 and the second swing arm 43 are all located on the second side of the base 41.

[0067] The first end of the first connecting arm 441 is rotatably connected to the base 41, thereby allowing the first connecting arm 441 to rotate around the base 41 via its first end. The second end of the first connecting arm 441 is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 42, thereby allowing the first connecting arm 441 to rotate relative to the first swing arm 42 via its second end.

[0068] The first end of the third connecting arm 443 is connected to the first connecting shaft 401, allowing the third connecting arm 443 to rotate around the base 41 via its first end. The second end of the third connecting arm 443 is slidably engaged with the first swing arm 42, thereby enabling relative sliding between the second end of the third connecting arm 443 and the first swing arm 42 during the rotation of the third connecting arm 443. Correspondingly, the second end of the third connecting arm 443 is slidably and rotatably engaged with the first screen support plate 1, thereby achieving the assembly connection between the third connecting arm 443 and the first screen support plate 1, and driving the first screen support plate 1 to rotate relative to the first swing arm 42 by means of the swinging motion of the second end of the third connecting arm 443.

[0069] The first end of the second linkage arm 442 is rotatably connected to the base 41, thereby allowing the second linkage arm 442 to rotate around the base 41 via its first end. The second end of the second linkage arm 442 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 43, thereby allowing the second linkage arm 442 to rotate relative to the second swing arm 43 via its second end.

[0070] The first end of the fourth linkage arm 444 is connected to the second connecting shaft 402, allowing the fourth linkage arm 444 to rotate around the base 41 via its first end. The second end of the fourth linkage arm 444 is slidably engaged with the second swing arm 43, enabling relative sliding between the second end of the fourth linkage arm 444 and the second swing arm 43 during the rotation of the fourth linkage arm 444. Correspondingly, the second end of the fourth linkage arm 444 is slidably and rotatably engaged with the second screen support plate 2, thereby achieving the assembly connection between the fourth linkage arm 444 and the second screen support plate 2, and driving the second screen support plate 2 to rotate relative to the second swing arm 43 by means of the swinging motion of the second end of the fourth linkage arm 444.

[0071] Based on the above configuration, when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the screen support surfaces of the first screen support plate 1, the second screen support plate 2, and the third screen support plate 3 are coplanar, and the distance between the portion of the base 41 facing the third screen support plate 3 and the third screen support plate 3 in the support direction is a first distance. When the folding mechanism is in the folded state, the distance between the portion of the base 41 facing the third screen support plate 3 and the third screen support plate 3 in the support direction is a second distance, and the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

[0072] In other words, during the process of the folding mechanism switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third screen support plate 3 moves a preset distance toward the base 41 to provide a larger space for the flexible screen that cooperates with the folding mechanism; conversely, during the process of the folding mechanism switching from the folded state to the unfolded state, the third screen support plate 3 moves a preset distance away from the base 41, so that the third screen support plate 3 provides a better support effect for the flexible screen that cooperates with the folding mechanism.

[0073] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the motion conversion component 51 in this embodiment includes a rotating component 511 and a telescopic component 512.

[0074] The rotating component 511 and the telescopic component 512 are connected by a transmission structure. The end of the rotating component 511 away from the telescopic component 512 is formed as the rotating end, and the end of the telescopic component 512 away from the rotating component 511 is formed as the telescopic end.

[0075] Specifically, when the rotating component 511 rotates, the rotating component 511 can drive the telescopic component 512 to move through the transmission structure, so that the telescopic component 512 drives the pressure regulating component 52 to change the volume of the fluid cavity 5210, thereby changing the pressure of the fluid medium in the fluid cavity 5210.

[0076] Optionally, the transmission structure includes a first helical gear, a second helical gear, and a rack; the first helical gear and the rotating component 511 are coaxially connected, the first helical gear and the second helical gear are meshed, the rotation axis of the first helical gear and the rotation axis of the second helical gear are perpendicular to each other, the second helical gear and the rack are meshed, and the rack is mounted on the telescopic component 512.

[0077] Thus, when the first swing arm 42 swings relative to the base 41 in the first direction of rotation, the first swing arm 42 can drive the rotating component 511 to rotate in the first direction of rotation. Based on the sequential transmission of the first helical gear, the second helical gear and the rack, the telescopic component 512 can move toward the side closer to the pressure regulating component 52, thereby changing the pressure of the fluid medium in the fluid cavity 5210 of the pressure regulating component 52.

[0078] Correspondingly, when the first swing arm 42 swings relative to the base 41 in the second direction of rotation (the second direction of rotation is opposite to the first direction of rotation), the first swing arm 42 can drive the rotating component 511 to rotate in the second direction of rotation. Based on the sequential transmission of the first helical gear, the second helical gear and the rack, the telescopic component 512 can be moved toward the side away from the pressure regulating component 52, thereby also changing the pressure of the fluid medium in the fluid cavity 5210 of the pressure regulating component 52.

[0079] In this embodiment, a single set of buffer components 5 can be provided. In this embodiment, the first connecting shaft 401 corresponding to the first swing arm 42 can be connected to the end of the rotating component 511 away from the telescopic component 512 via fasteners such as screws and pins. At the same time, in this embodiment, the end of the telescopic component 512 away from the rotating component 511 can be connected to the pressure regulating component 52 via fasteners such as screws and pins, or the end of the telescopic component 512 away from the rotating component 511 can be connected to the pressure regulating component 52 via a matching connector and connector slot. No specific limitation is made in this regard.

[0080] In some embodiments, such as Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the transmission structure of this application embodiment includes a helical groove 5110 and a contact 5120; the helical groove 5110 is disposed on the peripheral wall of the rotating member 511, and the contact 5120 is disposed on the telescopic member 512, and the contact 5120 is movably disposed in the helical groove 5110; when the rotating member 511 rotates, the contact 5120 slides along the extension direction of the helical groove 5110, so that the telescopic member 512 moves relative to the axis of the rotating member 511.

[0081] Understandably, on the peripheral wall of the rotating component 511, the helical groove 5110 extends both along the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the rotating component 511, so that as the rotating component 511 rotates, the telescopic component 512 can move relative to the axis of the rotating component 511 based on the cooperation of the contact 5120 and the helical groove 5110.

[0082] In practical applications, the contact 5120 may specifically include a first contact and a second contact, which are spaced apart and both are movably disposed in the helical groove 5110. Based on the cooperation between the first contact and the second contact and the helical groove 5110, the telescopic member 512 can move under the drive of the rotating member 511 while preventing the telescopic member 512 from rotating relative to the rotating member 511.

[0083] In one example, this embodiment may have a first contact and a second contact disposed on opposite sides of the telescopic member 512, and a spiral groove 5110 extending along a sinusoidal trajectory on the unfolded plane of the peripheral wall of the rotating member 511, so that as the rotating member 511 rotates in a directional manner, the cooperation between the first contact and the second contact and the spiral groove 5110 can ensure that the telescopic member 512 reciprocates relative to the axis of the rotating member 511, thereby controlling the pressure of the fluid medium in the fluid cavity 5210 based on the reciprocating motion of the telescopic member 512.

[0084] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the rotating component 511 in this embodiment includes a first guide section 5112, and a spiral groove 5110 is provided on the peripheral wall of the first guide section 5112.

[0085] Meanwhile, the telescopic component 512 includes a second guide section 5122, the end of which is provided with an insertion hole 51221; the end of the first guide section 5112 is inserted into the insertion hole 51221, and the contact 5120 is provided on the hole wall of the insertion hole 51221.

[0086] The first guide segment 5112 and the second guide segment 5122 can both be configured as columnar. When the contact 5120 includes the first contact and the second contact, the first contact and the second contact are respectively disposed on the wall of the socket 51221 and located on opposite sides of the socket 51221.

[0087] Thus, based on the plug-in cooperation of the first guide segment 5112 and the second guide segment 5122, the compactness of the cooperation between the rotating component 511 and the telescopic component 512 can be achieved, which is beneficial to ensure that the telescopic component 512 can reciprocate stably relative to the axis of the rotating component 511.

[0088] In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the connection between the first connecting shaft 401 and the rotating component 511, the rotating component 511 is further provided with a first transition section 5111, one end of the first connecting shaft 401 is coaxially connected to the first end of the first transition section 5111, and the second end of the first transition section 5111 is coaxially connected to the first end of the first guide section 5112.

[0089] Meanwhile, in order to facilitate the connection between the telescopic component 512 and the pressure regulating component 52, the telescopic component 512 is also provided with a second transition section 5121; the pressure regulating component 52 is connected to the first end of the second transition section 5121, the second end of the second transition section 5121 is connected to the first end of the second guide section 5122, and the second end of the second guide section 5122 is provided with the aforementioned insertion hole 51221 so that the second end of the first guide section 5112 can be placed in the insertion hole 51221.

[0090] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the motion conversion member 51 in this embodiment of the application further includes a guide member 513; a rotating member 511 is rotatably disposed on the guide member 513, and a telescopic member 512 is movably disposed on the guide member 513 along the axis of the rotating member 511.

[0091] Based on the guide component 513, it can ensure the stability of the rotating component 511 rotating with the first connecting shaft 401, and also ensure the stability of the telescopic component 512 moving along the axis of the rotating component 511.

[0092] Specifically, to facilitate the installation and guidance of the rotating component 511 and the telescopic component 512, the guiding component 513 may include a cylindrical body 5131 and a sealing plate 5132. The cylindrical body 5131 has an open end, and the sealing plate 5132 can be detachably installed on the open end of the cylindrical body 5131 by means of bolts, screws, or other locking devices. The cylindrical body 5131 has a first opening at the end opposite to the sealing plate 5132, and the sealing plate 5132 has a second opening; the first and second openings are coaxially arranged.

[0093] Based on the above configuration, the first guide section 5112 of the rotating component 511 and the second guide section 5122 of the telescopic component 512 can both be located in the cylinder 5131. The first transition section 5111 of the rotating component 511 is inserted through the first opening so as to be connected to the first swing arm 42 through the first transition section 5111, and the second transition section 5121 of the telescopic component 512 is inserted through the second opening so as to be connected to the pressure regulating component 52 through the second transition section 5121.

[0094] In order to prevent the first guide section 5112 of the rotating component 511 and the second guide section 5122 of the telescopic component 512 from detaching from the cylinder 5131, the diameter of the first guide section 5112 can be set to be larger than the diameter of the first transition section 5111, and the diameter of the first transition section 5111 can be matched with the diameter of the first opening; and the diameter of the second guide section 5122 can be set to be larger than the diameter of the second transition section 5121, and the diameter of the second transition section 5121 can be matched with the diameter of the second opening.

[0095] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment of the application, the fluid medium is a liquid, and the pressure regulating component 52 is a hydraulic cylinder. The liquid medium can be hydraulic oil, a mixture of phosphate ester and water-ethylene glycol, or high-purity machine oil; no specific limitation is made.

[0096] Specifically, the hydraulic cylinder in this embodiment includes a hydraulic cylinder body 521 and a piston rod 522; the telescopic end of the motion conversion component 51 is connected to the first end of the piston rod 522, the second end of the piston rod 522 is slidably connected to the hydraulic cylinder body 521, and a closed fluid cavity 5210 is formed between the piston rod 522 and the hydraulic cylinder body 521.

[0097] Thus, when the first swing arm 42 drives the rotating end of the motion conversion component 51 to rotate, so that the telescopic end of the motion conversion component 51 moves along the axis of the first connecting shaft 401 corresponding to the first swing arm 42, the piston rod 522 can be driven to telescopically move relative to the hydraulic cylinder body 521 through the motion conversion component 51, thereby changing the volume of the fluid cavity 5210 corresponding to the hydraulic cylinder, and thus changing the pressure of the fluid medium in the fluid cavity 5210.

[0098] It should be noted that the piston rod 522 includes a rod body portion 5222 and a piston portion 5221, which are connected such that the end of the rod body portion 5222 away from the piston portion 5221 forms the first end of the piston rod 522, and the piston portion 5221 forms the second end of the piston rod 522. The piston portion 5221 is slidably connected to the hydraulic cylinder body 521, and a closed fluid cavity 5210 is formed between the piston portion 5222 and the hydraulic cylinder body 521.

[0099] In some embodiments, the folding mechanism of this embodiment has a folded state and an unfolded state; when the folding mechanism is in the folded state, the piston rod 522 is in the retracted state, and the liquid medium in the fluid cavity 5210 reaches a first pressure; when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the piston rod 522 is in the extended state, and the liquid medium in the fluid cavity 5210 reaches a second pressure; the first pressure is greater than the second pressure.

[0100] Understandably, when the piston rod 522 is in the extended state, the piston portion 5221 of the piston rod 522 moves to a first limit position close to the motion conversion member 51; when the piston rod 522 is in the retracted state, the piston portion 5221 of the piston rod 522 moves to a second limit position away from the motion conversion member 51.

[0101] Based on the above settings, the open state of the folding mechanism corresponds to the extension and retraction state of the hydraulic cylinder. Thus, when the electronic device is close to closing, the characteristic of the slow movement of the piston rod 522 of the hydraulic cylinder can be used to control the electronic device to close slowly. This can prevent the electronic device from generating closing noise due to excessive closing speed, and help improve the user experience.

[0102] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the hydraulic cylinder in this embodiment of the application further includes a reset member 525; the reset member 525 is disposed in the fluid cavity 5210 and located between the hydraulic cylinder body 521 and the piston rod 522; the reset member 525 is used to drive the piston rod 522 from the retracted state to the extended state.

[0103] Specifically, since the piston rod 522 includes a rod body portion 5222 and a piston portion 5221, in this embodiment, the reset member 525 can be specifically disposed between the piston portion 5221 and the end of the hydraulic cylinder body 521 away from the motion conversion member 51.

[0104] The reset element 525 can be a reset spring, which is known in the art. When the piston rod 522 is in the retracted state, the reset spring is in a compressed state, and when the piston rod 522 is in the extended state, the reset spring is in an extended state. In this way, based on the elastic force of the reset spring, the piston rod 522 can be restored from the retracted state to the extended state.

[0105] Of course, the reset member 525 may also include a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element. The first magnetic element is disposed on the piston portion 5221 of the piston rod 522, and the second magnetic element is disposed on the end of the hydraulic cylinder 521 away from the motion conversion member 51. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are arranged with the same pole facing each other. Thus, based on the magnetic repulsion between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element, the piston rod 522 can also be driven to return from the retracted state to the extended state.

[0106] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the hydraulic cylinder 521 of this embodiment includes an inner cylinder 5211 and an outer cylinder 5212; the inner cylinder 5211 is disposed inside the outer cylinder 5212, and a buffer chamber 5231 is provided between the inner cylinder 5211 and the outer cylinder 5212; the second end of the piston rod 522 is slidably disposed in the inner cylinder 5211, the inner cylinder 5211 is provided with a return port 52111 and a discharge port 52112, the diameter of the return port 52111 is larger than the diameter of the discharge port 52112; the second end of the piston rod 522 is provided with a first flow channel 52210, and a one-way valve 524 is provided in the first flow channel 52210.

[0107] When the piston rod 522 is in the retracted state, the one-way valve 524 is in the closed state, so that the fluid medium in the inner cylinder 5211 can reach the buffer chamber 5231 through the outlet 52112.

[0108] When the piston rod 522 is in the extended state, the one-way valve 524 is in the open state, so that the fluid medium in the buffer chamber 5231 can reach the inner cylinder 5211 in sequence through the return port 52111 and the first flow channel 52210.

[0109] Specifically, in this embodiment, the inner cylinder 5211 is cylindrical, and the outer cylinder 5212 is closed. The outer cylinder 5212 has a clearance opening on its shell wall, and the rod portion 5222 of the piston rod 522 can be movably inserted into the clearance opening to ensure that the piston portion 5221 of the piston rod 522 is slidably disposed in the inner cylinder 5211. The piston portion 5221 divides the internal space of the inner cylinder 5211 into a rod chamber 52101 and a rodless chamber 52102.

[0110] Meanwhile, the buffer chamber 5231 is used to temporarily store liquid fluid media. A pressure-accumulating sponge can be installed within the buffer chamber 5231 to ensure the effective temporary storage of the fluid media.

[0111] Thus, during the process of the hydraulic cylinder switching to the retracted state, as the piston 5221 moves towards the rodless chamber 52102 within the inner cylinder 5211, the volume of the rodless chamber 52102 gradually decreases, while the volume of the rod chamber 52101 gradually increases. The fluid medium in the rodless chamber 52102, after being pressurized, is discharged through the outlet 52112 and reaches the buffer chamber 5231 and the rod chamber 52101 respectively. Simultaneously, due to the unidirectional conduction of the check valve 524, the fluid medium in the rodless chamber 52102, after being pressurized, can only be discharged through the outlet 52112 and cannot be discharged to the buffer chamber 5231 through the first flow channel 52210.

[0112] Because the diameter of the return port 52111 is larger than that of the outlet port 52112, the flow resistance of the liquid medium flowing out of the outlet port 52112 in the rodless cavity 52102 is relatively large, while the flow resistance of the liquid medium flowing back to the rod cavity 52101 through the return port 52111 is relatively small. This causes the pressure of the liquid medium in the rodless cavity 52102 to gradually increase, and the movement of the piston rod 522 toward the rodless cavity 52102 is slowed down, thereby slowing down the rotation speed of the first connecting shaft 401 or the second connecting shaft 402 connected to the buffer assembly 5, so as to realize the slow closing of the control electronic device.

[0113] Correspondingly, when performing an opening operation on a closed electronic device, the reverse rotation of the first connecting shaft 401 or the second connecting shaft 402 causes the motion conversion component 51 to extend the piston rod 522 of the hydraulic cylinder. At this time, under the action of the reset component 525, the piston rod 522 can quickly switch from the retracted state to the extended state, creating a negative pressure in the rodless chamber 52102. The one-way valve 524 opens, and when the piston rod 522 is in the extended state, the rodless chamber 52102 is connected to the buffer chamber 5231 through the first flow channel 52210 and the return port 52111. The fluid medium in the buffer chamber 5231 can quickly flow into the rodless chamber 52102. This cycle is repeated to realize the reciprocating movement of the piston rod 522 of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0114] Therefore, the hydraulic cylinder configuration in this embodiment can both buffer the closing of the electronic device by means of the buffer component 5, and facilitate the reopening of the electronic device.

[0115] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the hydraulic cylinder in this embodiment of the application further includes a guide seat 523; the guide seat 523 is disposed inside the outer cylinder body 5212, and the inner cylinder body 5211 and the guide seat 523 are arranged along the extending direction of the outer cylinder body 5212; the guide seat 523 is provided with a guide hole, and the rod part 5222 of the piston rod 522 is movably inserted into the guide hole. The guide seat 523 guides the reciprocating movement of the piston rod 522 through the guide hole, thereby ensuring the stability of the movement of the piston rod 522.

[0116] At the same time, a second flow channel 5213 is formed between the inner cylinder 5211 and the outer cylinder 5212, and a buffer cavity 5231 is formed between the side wall of the guide seat 523 and the outer cylinder 5212. The buffer cavity 5231 is connected to the second flow channel 5213, and the second flow channel 5213 is connected to the return port 52111 and the outlet port 52112 respectively.

[0117] Specifically, in this embodiment, the inner cylinder 5211 and the outer cylinder 5212 can be coaxially arranged so that a sandwich space is formed between the inner cylinder 5211 and the outer cylinder 5212, and the sandwich space is the second flow channel 5213 shown in this embodiment.

[0118] Meanwhile, a groove can be constructed on the side wall of the guide seat 523 so that the buffer cavity 5231 is formed between the side wall of the guide seat 523 and the inner wall of the outer cylinder 5212. In this embodiment, a through hole can be constructed on the groove wall so that the buffer cavity 5231 is connected to the second flow channel 5213 through the through hole.

[0119] It should be noted that, in order to ensure the sealing effect of the hydraulic cylinder, in this embodiment, one end of the guide seat 523 and one end of the inner cylinder 5211 can be inserted together, and a first sealing ring can be provided between the guide seat 523 and the inner cylinder 5211, a second sealing ring can be provided between the side wall of the guide seat 523 and the inner wall of the outer cylinder 5212, and a third sealing ring can be provided between the hole wall of the guide hole and the rod part 5222 of the piston rod 522.

[0120] Based on the solutions described in the above embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the hinge assembly in this embodiment of the application is further provided with a gear synchronization mechanism 45, which includes a first gear 452, a second gear 453, a first meshing tooth 451, and a second meshing tooth 454.

[0121] Specifically, the first gear 452 and the second gear 453 are rotatably mounted on the base 41, the first meshing tooth 451 is mounted on the first connecting shaft 401, and the second meshing tooth 454 is mounted on the second connecting shaft 402; the first meshing tooth 451 meshes with the first gear 452, the first gear 452 meshes with the second gear 453, and the second gear 453 meshes with the second meshing tooth 454. By adopting the above technical solution, the diameters of the components in the gear synchronization mechanism 45 can be relatively small, thereby minimizing the space occupied by the gear synchronization mechanism 45 in the folding mechanism and ultimately improving the internal space utilization of the electronic device.

[0122] The first connecting shaft 401 and the first meshing tooth 451 can form a gear shaft. Correspondingly, the second connecting shaft 402 and the second meshing tooth 454 can also form a gear shaft. Since the rotation angle of the first swing arm 42 and the second swing arm 43 relative to the base 41 is usually no greater than 180°, the first meshing tooth 451 can cover a quarter to a half turn of the first connecting shaft 401, and correspondingly, the second meshing tooth 454 can cover a quarter to a half turn of the second connecting shaft 402. This basically ensures that the first meshing tooth 451 and the second meshing tooth 454 can provide reliable synchronization and reduce production costs. Of course, in order to maximize the reliability of the gear synchronization mechanism 45, the first connecting shaft 401 can completely cover the first meshing tooth 451 in the circumferential direction, and the second connecting shaft 402 can also completely cover the second meshing tooth 454 in the circumferential direction.

[0123] Based on the solutions described in the above embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in order to lock and fix the electronic device in both folded and unfolded states, and to enable it to hover at any angle, the hinge assembly 4 in this embodiment of the application is also provided with a cam assembly 46.

[0124] Specifically, the cam assembly 46 includes a first cam sleeve 461, a second cam sleeve 462, and an elastic element 463. The first cam sleeve 461 and the second cam sleeve 462 are sleeved on the first connecting shaft 401, and the first cam sleeve 461 is fixed on the third connecting arm 443. The first cam sleeve 461 and the second cam sleeve 462 are rotatably engaged in the rotation axis of the first connecting arm 441. When the first cam sleeve 461 and the second cam sleeve 462 rotate relative to each other, the elastic element 463 is in a stretched state or a contracted state.

[0125] Specifically, the first cam sleeve 461 and the second cam sleeve 462 can have the same structure and are fastened together. During the relative rotation of the first cam sleeve 461 and the second cam sleeve 462, the maximum distance between the first cam sleeve 461 and the second cam sleeve 462 will be greater than the initial distance (i.e., the minimum distance). In this case, the elastic element 463 will be stretched or compressed, thereby enabling the elastic element 463 to apply an elastic restoring force to the first cam sleeve 461 and / or the second cam sleeve 462, promoting the first cam sleeve 461 and the second cam sleeve 462 to return to the fastened state, that is, the state with the minimum distance between them.

[0126] By adopting the above technical solution, the relative positions of the first cam sleeve 461 and the second cam sleeve 462 in the engaging state can be designed so that when the folding mechanism is in the folded and unfolded states, both the first cam sleeve 461 and the second cam sleeve 462 are in the engaging state. Therefore, whenever the folding mechanism is in the non-folded and non-unfolded states, the relative rotation of the first cam sleeve 461 and the second cam sleeve 462 will increase the distance between them, causing the elastic element 463 to be stretched or compressed. Thus, with the above technical solution, the elastic element 463 can be used to more easily maintain the folding and unfolded states of the folding mechanism, and can prevent even small external forces from damaging the unfolded or folded state of the folding mechanism, thus avoiding inconvenience to the user.

[0127] Optionally, the folding mechanism also includes a mounting component, which is fixed to the base 41. Specifically, the mounting component can be fixed to the base 41 by welding or connecting with connectors. The mounting component has a first limiting member 411 and a second limiting member 412 that are opposite and fixed to each other along the rotation axis of the second rotating part. A first cam sleeve 461, a second cam sleeve 462, and an elastic member 463 are disposed between the first limiting member 411 and the second limiting member 412, with the elastic member 463 located on the side of the second cam sleeve 462 facing away from the first cam sleeve 461. With the above technical solution, the first limiting member 411 and the second limiting member 412 can provide a positioning base, which improves the reliability of the elastic member 463 and reduces the installation difficulty of the elastic member 463.

[0128] When the above technical solution is adopted, relative rotation occurs between the first cam sleeve 461 and the second cam sleeve 462, which compresses the elastic element 463. This causes the elastic element 463 to exert an elastic force on the first cam sleeve 461 and the second cam sleeve 462, prompting them to return to their original positions. To further prevent the difficulty in maintaining the folding mechanism in both folded and unfolded states, the elastic element 463 can be preloaded. That is, even when the first cam sleeve 461 and the second cam sleeve 462 are engaged, the elastic element 463 can still be in a compressed state.

[0129] Specifically, the first cam sleeve 461 and the third connecting arm 443 can be connected to each other by welding or integral molding, and the third connecting arm 443 can form a limiting fit relationship with the first connecting shaft 401 in the rotation direction of the second rotating part through the first cam sleeve 461.

[0130] More specifically, the first cam sleeve 461 and the first connecting shaft 401 can be connected to each other by a key connection, and the inner circumferential surface of the second cam sleeve 462 can be a circular structure to ensure that the second cam sleeve 462 can rotate normally relative to the first connecting shaft 401. Of course, in order to prevent the second cam sleeve 462 from rotating with the first cam sleeve 461 along with the first connecting shaft 401 during the rotation of the first connecting shaft 401 with the third connecting arm 443, the second cam sleeve 462 and the base 41 can be engaged in a limit fit in the rotation direction of the second rotating part.

[0131] Furthermore, the first limiting member 411, the second limiting member 412, and the mounting member can be integrally formed to improve the stability of the connection between them. The first limiting member 411 and the second limiting member 412 can be provided with mating holes, allowing the opposite ends of the first connecting shaft 401 and the second connecting shaft 402 to mate with the first limiting member 411 and the second limiting member 412, respectively. More specifically, the mating holes can all be through holes, allowing the first connecting shaft 401 and the second connecting shaft 402 to extend beyond the first limiting member 411 and the second limiting member 412. Then, with the aid of structures such as snap rings, the first connecting shaft 401 and the second connecting shaft 402 can form a stable rotational fit with the mounting member. Furthermore, the first gear 452 and the second gear 453 can also be rotatably mounted on the first limiting member 411 or the second limiting member 412 via components such as gear shafts, so that the first gear 452 and the second gear 453 can stably engage with the first meshing teeth 451 and the second meshing teeth 454. In addition, when adopting the above technical solution, the gear bracket mentioned above can be provided, or the gear bracket can be omitted. This can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0132] Optionally, both the third connecting arm 443 and the fourth connecting arm 444 are fixed with a first cam sleeve 461, and each first cam sleeve 461 is equipped with a second cam sleeve 462 and an elastic element 463. That is, when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded and folded states, both the side containing the third connecting arm 443 and the side containing the fourth connecting arm 444 can be subjected to the elastic force of the elastic element 463. This elastic force can prevent the folding mechanism from disengaging from the unfolded and folded states, thereby improving the folding mechanism's ability to stably maintain the unfolded and folded states. Of course, both the third connecting arm 443 and the fourth connecting arm 444 can be equipped with multiple sets of mutually cooperating first cam sleeves 461, second cam sleeves 462, and elastic elements 463 to further enhance the folding mechanism's ability to maintain the folded and unfolded states.

[0133] As described above, by forming a limiting relationship between the second cam sleeve 462 and components such as the base 41 to meet the requirements, it is possible to prevent the second cam sleeve 462 from rotating with the first cam sleeve 461 when the first cam sleeve 461 rotates, thus preventing the second cam sleeve 462 from generating axial movement.

[0134] Based on the above, when both the third connecting arm 443 and the fourth connecting arm 444 are equipped with first cam sleeves 461, a connecting rod can be provided between the second cam sleeves 462 that correspond one-to-one with the two first cam sleeves 461. In this case, on the one hand, the second cam sleeves 462 can be installed on the first connecting shaft 401 and the second connecting shaft 402 simultaneously, reducing the assembly difficulty. On the other hand, the two second cam sleeves 462 can also have the ability to move synchronously, further improving the ability of the folding mechanism to maintain the folded and unfolded states. In addition, by connecting the two second cam sleeves 462 with the connecting rod, it is not necessary to configure a separate limiting structure for the second cam sleeves 462 during the design and assembly process. Under the combined action of the connecting rod and the two second cam sleeves 462, the second cam sleeves 462 can rotate relative to the first connecting shaft 401 and the second rotating shaft respectively, which can basically ensure that the second cam sleeves 462 will not rotate with the rotation of the first cam sleeves 461.

[0135] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, including: a flexible screen, a first housing, a second housing, and a folding mechanism as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0136] The first housing is connected to the first swing arm 42, the second housing is fixedly connected to the second swing arm 43, and the flexible screen is disposed on the first housing and the second housing.

[0137] In this embodiment, where the folding mechanism is further provided with a first screen support plate, a second screen support plate, and a third screen support plate, the flexible screen is also provided on the first screen support plate 1, the second screen support plate 2, and the third screen support plate 3.

[0138] In the embodiments of this application, the aforementioned electronic device may be a mobile terminal, such as a smartphone, tablet personal computer, laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile internet device (MID), or wearable device, or other electronic devices, such as digital camera, e-book reader, navigator, etc.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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 folding mechanism applied to electronic devices, characterized in that, Includes hinge components and cushioning components; The hinge assembly includes a base, a first swing arm, and a second swing arm, the first swing arm and the second swing arm being rotatably connected to both sides of the base; The buffer assembly is disposed on the base, and the buffer assembly includes a motion conversion component and a pressure regulating component; the motion conversion component includes a rotating component and a telescopic component, and the rotating component and the telescopic component are connected by a transmission structure; the motion conversion component has a rotating end and a telescopic end, the end of the rotating component away from the telescopic component is formed as the rotating end, and the end of the telescopic component away from the rotating component is formed as the telescopic end; the rotating end is connected to at least one of the first swing arm and the second swing arm, and the telescopic end is connected to the pressure regulating component, the pressure regulating component is provided with a fluid cavity, and the fluid cavity is filled with a fluid medium; During the rotation of the first swing arm and the second swing arm relative to the base, the rotating end of the motion conversion component rotates, and the telescopic end moves and changes the pressure of the fluid medium in the fluid cavity to adjust the rotational damping of the first swing arm and the second swing arm. When the rotating component rotates, the rotating component can drive the telescopic component to move through the transmission structure, so that the telescopic component drives the pressure regulating component to change the volume of the fluid cavity, thereby changing the pressure of the fluid medium in the fluid cavity; The transmission structure includes a helical groove and a contact; the helical groove is disposed on the peripheral wall of the rotating component, the contact is disposed on the telescopic component, and the contact is movably disposed in the helical groove; when the rotating component rotates, the contact slides along the extension direction of the helical groove, so that the telescopic component moves relative to the axis of the rotating component. The rotating component includes a first guide section, and the spiral groove is provided on the peripheral wall of the first guide section. The telescopic component includes a second guide section, and the end of the second guide section is provided with an insertion hole. The end of the first guide section is inserted into the insertion hole. The contact includes a first contact and a second contact, and the first contact and the second contact are respectively provided on the hole wall of the insertion hole and located on opposite sides of the insertion hole.

2. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The motion conversion component further includes a guide component; the rotating component is rotatably disposed on the guide component, and the telescopic component is movably disposed on the guide component along the axis of the rotating component.

3. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid medium is gas, and the pressure regulating component is a cylinder; or, the fluid medium is liquid, and the pressure regulating component is a hydraulic cylinder.

4. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid medium is a liquid, and the pressure regulating component is a hydraulic cylinder, which includes a hydraulic cylinder body and a piston rod. The telescopic end of the motion conversion component is connected to the first end of the piston rod, and the second end of the piston rod is slidably connected to the hydraulic cylinder body, forming a sealed fluid cavity between them.

5. The folding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The folding mechanism has a folded state and an unfolded state; When the folding mechanism is in the folded state, the piston rod is in the retracted state, and the liquid medium in the fluid chamber reaches the first pressure. When the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the piston rod is in the extended state, and the liquid medium in the fluid cavity reaches a second pressure; the first pressure is greater than the second pressure.

6. The folding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The hydraulic cylinder further includes a reset component; the reset component is disposed within the fluid cavity and located between the hydraulic cylinder body and the piston rod; the reset component is used to drive the piston rod to switch from a retracted state to an extended state.

7. The folding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The hydraulic cylinder body includes an inner cylinder body and an outer cylinder body; the inner cylinder body is disposed within the outer cylinder body, and a buffer cavity is provided between the inner cylinder body and the outer cylinder body; the second end of the piston rod is slidably disposed in the inner cylinder body, and the inner cylinder body is provided with a return port and a discharge port; The piston rod has a first flow channel at its second end, and a one-way valve is provided in the first flow channel. When the piston rod is in the retracted state, the one-way valve is in the closed state, so that the fluid medium in the inner cylinder can reach the buffer chamber through the liquid outlet; When the piston rod is in the extended state, the one-way valve is in the open state, so that the fluid medium in the buffer chamber can sequentially reach the inner cylinder through the return port and the first flow channel.

8. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: The flexible screen, the first housing, the second housing, and the folding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; The first housing is connected to the first swing arm, the second housing is connected to the second swing arm, and the flexible screen is disposed on the first housing and the second housing.

Images