Hinge assembly and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a hinge assembly and an electronic device, the hinge assembly comprising: a middle frame support, the middle frame support being internally provided with a cavity; a hinge support; a synchronous swing arm, a first end of the synchronous swing arm being movably arranged in the cavity, and a second end of the synchronous swing arm being movably connected with the hinge support; the second end of the synchronous swing arm being provided with a plurality of limiting surfaces; a virtual swing arm, one end of the virtual swing arm being connected with the middle frame support, and the other end of the virtual swing arm being connected with the hinge support; a matching piece, the matching piece being movably arranged on the hinge support, and the matching piece being provided with a plurality of matching surfaces; and a magnetic attraction assembly, the magnetic attraction assembly being arranged on the middle frame support or the hinge support, the magnetic attraction assembly being switchable between a power-on state and a power-off state, in the case that the hinge support moves to different positions relative to the middle frame support, the plurality of limiting surfaces can be respectively limited and matched with the plurality of matching surfaces, and when the magnetic attraction assembly is in the power-on state, the magnetic attraction assembly limits the movement of the synchronous swing arm or the matching piece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electronic product manufacturing technology, specifically relating to a hinge assembly and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the development trend of foldable screen phones has been rising, and they are very popular among users. Among all the components of a foldable screen phone, the hinge is one of the most critical components, playing a vital role in the overall opening and closing performance of the foldable screen. However, existing foldable screen phones have unstable hovering angles. When subjected to slight external forces, such as when placing the foldable screen in a car for navigation or photography, the vibration of the car body may cause changes in the hovering angle, greatly affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a technical solution for a hinge component and an electronic device, which can at least solve the problems of unstable hovering of foldable screen mobile phones in the prior art.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a hinge assembly, comprising: a mid-frame support, wherein the mid-frame support has a cavity; a hinge support, wherein the hinge support and the mid-frame support are disposed opposite to each other at a distance; a synchronous swing arm, wherein a first end of the synchronous swing arm is movably disposed in the cavity, and a second end of the synchronous swing arm is movably connected to the hinge support; the second end of the synchronous swing arm is provided with a plurality of limiting surfaces;

[0006] A virtual swing arm, which is spaced apart from the synchronous swing arm, has one end fixedly connected to the middle frame bracket and the other end movably connected to the hinge bracket; a mating component, which is movably disposed on the hinge bracket and has multiple mating surfaces corresponding to the limiting surface;

[0007] A magnetic suction assembly is provided on the middle frame bracket or the hinge bracket. The magnetic suction assembly can be switched between an energized state and an de-energized state. When the hinge bracket moves to different positions relative to the middle frame bracket, multiple limiting surfaces can respectively limit and engage with multiple mating surfaces. When the magnetic suction assembly is in the energized state, the magnetic suction assembly restricts the movement of the synchronous swing arm or the mating component.

[0008] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device including the hinge assembly described in the above embodiments.

[0009] In this invention, the mid-frame support, hinge support, synchronous swing arm, and virtual swing arm constitute a movable hinge structure. Multiple limiting surfaces are provided at the second end of the synchronous swing arm, and multiple mating surfaces are provided on the mating parts. During the movement of the hinge assembly, the limiting surfaces and mating surfaces can engage to achieve initial hovering of the hinge assembly at any folded position. Simultaneously, when the hinge support moves relative to the mid-frame support to any desired hovering position, the magnetic attraction component generates magnetic attraction force, further restricting the movement of the synchronous swing arm or mating parts, improving the stability of the hinge assembly's hovering. Under the combined effect of the limiting surfaces and mating surfaces and the magnetic attraction component, the hinge assembly can resist certain external forces, maintaining its hovering angle without change, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the hinge assembly's folded hovering and improving the user experience.

[0010] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention 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 the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the suspension locking mechanism built into the middle frame bracket of the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the suspension locking mechanism built into the middle frame bracket of the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a hovering structure of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 5 This is a force diagram of a suspension structure of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure label:

[0018] Hinge assembly 100;

[0019] Mid-frame bracket 10;

[0020] Hinge bracket 20; connecting shaft 21;

[0021] Synchronous swing arm 30; First cam 31; Limiting surface 311;

[0022] Virtual swing arm 40;

[0023] Mating part 50; Mating surface 51; Connecting plate 52;

[0024] First elastic element 60;

[0025] Pressure plate 71; second elastic element 72; first electromagnetic element 73; first magnetic suction element 74; first circuit board 75;

[0026] Second electromagnetic component 81; Second circuit board 82; Second magnetic component 83;

[0027] Mid-frame 90. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention 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 the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] In the specification and claims of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of those features. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicating orientation or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 invention.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] The hinge assembly 100 provided in the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the hinge assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a middle frame support 10, a hinge support 20, a synchronous swing arm 30, a virtual swing arm 40, a mating part 50, and a magnetic attraction assembly.

[0034] Specifically, the middle frame support 10 has a cavity, and the hinge support 20 is spaced apart from the middle frame support 10 and positioned opposite it. The first end of the synchronous swing arm 30 is movably disposed within the cavity, and the second end of the synchronous swing arm 30 is movably connected to the hinge support 20. The second end of the synchronous swing arm 30 has multiple limiting surfaces 311. Virtual swing arms 40 are spaced apart from the synchronous swing arm 30, with one end fixedly connected to the middle frame support 10 and the other end movably connected to the hinge support 20. A mating component 50 is movably disposed on the hinge support 20, and the mating component 50 has multiple mating surfaces 51 corresponding to the limiting surfaces 311. When the hinge support 20 moves to different positions relative to the middle frame support 10, the multiple limiting surfaces 311 can respectively limit and engage with the multiple mating surfaces 51.

[0035] The magnetic suction component is mounted on the middle frame bracket 10 or the hinge bracket 20. The magnetic suction component can be switched between the energized and de-energized states. When the hinge bracket 20 moves to different positions relative to the middle frame bracket 10, multiple limiting surfaces 311 can respectively limit and cooperate with multiple mating surfaces 51. When the magnetic suction component is energized, the magnetic suction component restricts the movement of the synchronous swing arm 30 or the mating part 50.

[0036] In other words, the hinge assembly 100 according to embodiments of the present invention can be applied to electronic devices (e.g., foldable screen phones, foldable computers, and other electronic products). See also Figure 1 and Figure 2The hinge assembly 100 of the present invention mainly comprises a middle frame support 10, a hinge support 20, a synchronous swing arm 30, a virtual swing arm 40, a mating component 50, and a magnetic attraction assembly. The middle frame support 10 has a cavity, and the hinge support 20 is spaced apart from the middle frame support 10. The first end of the synchronous swing arm 30 is movably disposed within the cavity, and the second end of the synchronous swing arm 30 is movably connected to the hinge support 20. The first and second ends of the synchronous swing arm 30 can be understood as the two ends of the synchronous swing arm 30 along its length. The synchronous swing arm 30 can function as a synchronous swing arm, and the second end of the synchronous swing arm 30 is provided with multiple limiting surfaces 311.

[0037] The virtual swing arm 40 and the synchronous swing arm 30 can be spaced apart and distributed in parallel. One end of the virtual swing arm 40 is fixedly connected to the middle frame support 10, and the other end of the virtual swing arm 40 is movably connected to the hinge support 20. As a virtual swing arm of the hinge assembly 100, the virtual swing arm 40 itself does not move, but plays the role of supporting the middle frame support 10 and the hinge support 20. The hinge support 20 can rotate around the virtual swing arm 40 at a fixed axis.

[0038] The mating component 50 is movably mounted on the hinge bracket 20. The mating component 50 has multiple mating surfaces 51, which correspond to multiple limiting surfaces 311 respectively. When the hinge bracket 20 moves to different positions relative to the middle frame bracket 10, the multiple mating surfaces 51 can directly form limiting contact with the multiple limiting surfaces 311, realizing the initial suspension of the hinge assembly 100 at any folding position.

[0039] The magnetic suction component is mounted on the mid-frame support 10 or the hinge support 20, and can switch between energized and de-energized states. When energized, the magnetic suction component generates a magnetic force. When de-energized, the magnetic force disappears. As the hinge support 20 moves to different positions relative to the mid-frame support 10, multiple limiting surfaces 311 can engage with multiple mating surfaces 51 to achieve initial hovering of the hinge assembly 100 at any folded position. At this point, the magnetic suction component can be energized, generating a magnetic force. This magnetic force further restricts the movement of the synchronous swing arm 30 or the mating component 50, resulting in a more stable hovering of the hinge assembly 100. This allows it to resist certain external forces and maintain its hovering angle, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the hinge assembly 100's folding and hovering, and improving the user experience.

[0040] It should be noted that when the hinge assembly 100 of the present invention is applied to foldable screen electronic products (taking foldable screen mobile phones as an example), the mid-frame support 10 can serve as the mid-frame support of the foldable screen mobile phone. The mid-frame support is connected to the mid-frame 90 of the foldable screen (for example, the left mid-frame). The virtual swing arm 40 can drive the mid-frame support 10 and the mid-frame 90 of the foldable screen to rotate around a fixed axis, supporting the opening and closing movement of the entire foldable screen. Under the drive of the mid-frame support 10, the synchronous swing arm 30 rotates around the hinge support 20. The limiting surface 311 on the synchronous swing arm 30 is limited and engaged with the mating surface 51 on the mating part 50. At the same time, by turning the magnetic component on and off, the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic component is used to further realize the stable suspension of the foldable mobile phone at any angle during the opening and closing process.

[0041] Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the hinge assembly 100, the middle frame support 10, the hinge support 20, the synchronous swing arm 30, and the virtual swing arm 40 constitute a movable hinge structure. By providing multiple limiting surfaces 311 at the second end of the synchronous swing arm 30 and multiple mating surfaces 51 on the mating member 50, the hinge assembly 100 can achieve initial suspension at any folded position during its movement through the limiting cooperation of the limiting surfaces 311 and the mating surfaces 51. Simultaneously, when the hinge support 20 moves relative to the middle frame support 10 to any desired suspension position, the magnetic attraction component generates a magnetic attraction force, which further restricts the movement of the synchronous swing arm 30 or the mating member 50, improving the suspension stability of the hinge assembly 100. Under the dual action of the limiting cooperation of the limiting surfaces 311 and the mating surfaces 51 and the magnetic attraction component, the hinge assembly can resist certain external forces, maintaining the suspension angle unchanged, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the hinge assembly 100 during folding and suspension, and improving the user experience.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic attraction assembly includes a first electromagnetic element 73 and a first magnetic attraction element 74.

[0043] Specifically, the first electromagnetic component 73 is disposed within the cavity. The first magnetic component 74 is disposed within the cavity and is connected to the middle frame support 10. The positions of the first magnetic component 74 and the first electromagnetic component 73 correspond. The first end of the synchronous swing arm 30 is located between the first magnetic component 74 and the first electromagnetic component 73. The first electromagnetic component 73 can be switched between a de-energized state and an energized state. When the first electromagnetic component 73 is de-energized, the first magnetic component 74 and the first electromagnetic component 73 are disengaged. When the first electromagnetic component 73 is energized, the first electromagnetic component 73 and the first magnetic component 74 are attracted to each other, so that the limiting surface 311 tightly abuts against the mating surface 51.

[0044] In other words, see Figure 2 and Figure 3The hinge assembly 100 may further include a first electromagnetic element 73 and a first magnetic element 74. The first electromagnetic element 73 is installed within the cavity and on the pressure plate 71. The first electromagnetic element 73 may be an electromagnet. The first magnetic element 74 is installed within the cavity and connected to the middle frame support 10, with its position corresponding to that of the first electromagnetic element 73. The first magnetic element 74 may be a permanent magnet. The first end of the synchronous swing arm 30 is located between the first magnetic element 74 and the first electromagnetic element 73. The first electromagnetic element 73 can be switched between a de-energized state and an energized state. When the first electromagnetic element 73 is de-energized, it does not generate a magnetic field and exerts no interaction force on the first magnetic element 74. The first magnetic element 74 and the first electromagnetic element 73 disengage, and the synchronous swing arm 30 can move normally. When the first electromagnetic component 73 is energized, it generates a magnetic field. The first electromagnetic component 73 and the first magnetic attraction component 74 attract each other and hold the synchronous swing arm 30 in place, preventing the synchronous swing arm 30 from moving and further improving the hovering stability of the hinge assembly 100.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic attraction assembly further includes a pressure plate 71 and a second elastic member 72.

[0046] Specifically, a pressure plate 71 is disposed within the cavity, and a first electromagnetic component 73 is disposed on the pressure plate 71. A second elastic component 72 is disposed within the cavity, supporting the pressure plate 71. The first end of the synchronous swing arm 30 is disposed between the pressure plate 71 and the middle frame support 10. The pressure plate 71 can be switched between a first position and a second position. When the first electromagnetic component 73 is de-energized, the pressure plate 71 and the first end of the synchronous swing arm 30 are spaced apart, the pressure plate 71 is in the first position, and the length of the second elastic component 72 is the first length. When the first electromagnetic component 73 is energized, the pressure plate 71 is in contact and fixed with the synchronous swing arm 30, the pressure plate 71 is in the second position, and the length of the second elastic component 72 is the second length, the first length being greater than the second length.

[0047] In other words, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a cavity is provided within the middle frame support 10, and the first end of the synchronous swing arm 30 is movably disposed within the cavity. The hinge assembly 100 also includes a pressure plate 71 and a second elastic member 72. The pressure plate 71 is installed within the cavity. The second elastic member 72 is installed within the cavity and can support the pressure plate 71. The second elastic member 72 can be a spring, and there can be multiple second elastic members 72, which can be spaced apart within the cavity of the middle frame support 10 to support the pressure plate 71.

[0048] The first end of the synchronous swing arm 30 is positioned between the pressure plate 71 and the middle frame support 10. The pressure plate 71 is switchable between a first position and a second position. When the pressure plate 71 is in the first position, it is separated from the first end of the synchronous swing arm 30, allowing the synchronous swing arm 30 to move within the cavity. At this time, the second elastic member 72 is in a naturally extended state, and its length is the first length. When the pressure plate 71 is in the second position, it is in contact with and fixed to the first end of the synchronous swing arm 30, enabling it to press the synchronous swing arm 30 firmly, providing more sufficient force for the suspension of the hinge assembly 100 and further improving its suspension stability. At this time, the second elastic member 72 is in a compressed state, and its length is the second length.

[0049] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, the magnetic attraction component further includes: a first circuit board 75, which is connected to a first electromagnetic component 73, and the first circuit board 75 controls the first electromagnetic component 73 to switch between a power-off state and a power-on state.

[0050] In other words, such as Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic attraction assembly may also include a first circuit board 75, which is connected to a first electromagnetic component 73. The first circuit board 75 can provide current to the first electromagnetic component 73 and control the first electromagnetic component 73 to switch between a power-off state and a power-on state, thereby realizing the connection or separation of the synchronous swing arm 30 and the pressure plate 71.

[0051] In this invention, a synchronous swing arm locking mechanism composed of a first electromagnetic component 73, a first magnetic component 74, a second elastic component 72, a first circuit board 75, and a pressure plate 71 can be built into the middle frame bracket (middle frame bracket 10). The first electromagnetic component 73 and the first circuit board 75 can be fixed to the pressure plate 71K with double-sided adhesive, and together with the first magnetic component 74, they are built into the middle frame bracket 10 for support. Four second elastic components 72 (springs) are placed between the pressure plate 71 and the middle frame bracket 10. In the normal state, the springs provide support, lifting the pressure plate 71 to contact the upper surface of the cavity of the middle frame bracket 10. The first end of the first movable part is inserted between the pressure plate 71 and the lower surface of the cavity of the middle frame bracket 10.

[0052] When a user is opening and closing the foldable phone normally, the first electromagnetic component 73 is non-conductive, and the second elastic component 72 lifts the pressure plate 71. During the opening and closing process, the synchronous swing arm 30 can move normally within the cavity of the mid-frame support 10.

[0053] When a user needs to place the foldable phone in a harsh environment or for other purposes requiring the hover-lock function, the user can activate it via the phone interface or a button. When the foldable screen receives a signal, the first circuit board 75 energizes the first electromagnetic component 73, generating a magnetic field. The first electromagnetic component 73 and the first magnetic component 74 attract each other, causing the pressure plate 71 to move downwards, pressing the synchronous swing arm 30 firmly inside the mid-frame support 10, preventing it from extending or retracting, thus preventing the hinge assembly 100 from rotating. When the user cancels the hover-lock function, the first electromagnetic component 73 becomes non-conductive, and the second elastic component 72 is no longer under pressure from both, supporting the pressure plate 71 and returning it to its normal operating state in the first position.

[0054] Of course, the above structure can be slightly adjusted. It can be designed to be locked in its normal state, and when the user touches the phone, the program switches to the normal state, allowing for normal folding and use. If the phone is positioned at a certain angle and no movement is detected for several seconds, it will automatically and intelligently lock in place.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the mating component 50 further includes a connecting plate 52, which is connected to the hinge bracket 20. The magnetic attraction assembly further includes a second electromagnetic component 81, a second circuit board 82, and a second magnetic attraction component 83.

[0056] Specifically, the second electromagnetic component 81 is mounted on the hinge bracket 20. The second circuit board 82 is connected to the second electromagnetic component 81, and the second circuit board 82 energizes or de-energizes the second electromagnetic component 81. The second magnetic component 83 is mounted on the connecting plate 52, and the second magnetic component 83 corresponds to the second electromagnetic component 81. When the second electromagnetic component 81 is energized, the second magnetic component 83 and the second electromagnetic component 81 repel each other, so that the mating surface 51 of the mating component 50 tightly abuts against the limiting surface 311.

[0057] In other words, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the mating component 50 may further include a connecting plate 52, which is connected to the hinge bracket 20. The magnetic attraction assembly may further include a second electromagnetic component 81, a second circuit board 82, and a second magnetic attraction component 83. The second electromagnetic component 81 is disposed on the hinge bracket 20. The second electromagnetic component 81 may be an electromagnet. The second circuit board 82 is connected to the second electromagnetic component 81 and can energize or de-energize the second electromagnetic component 81. The second magnetic attraction component 83 is disposed on the connecting plate 52 and may be a permanent magnet, corresponding to the second electromagnetic component 81. When the second electromagnetic component 81 is energized, the second magnetic attraction component 83 and the second electromagnetic component 81 repel each other, causing the mating surface 51 of the mating component 50 to more tightly abut against the limiting surface 311, further improving the hovering stability of the hinge assembly 100.

[0058] When the user needs to use the hover function, it can be activated via button or touchscreen operation. At this time, the second circuit board 82 connected to the mobile phone motherboard energizes the second electromagnetic component 81, generating a repulsive force with the second magnetic component 83. This causes the mating component 50 connected to the second magnetic component 83 to also be subjected to a downward pushing force, resulting in greater mutual pressure between the second cam of the mating component 50 and the first cam 31 on the synchronous swing arm 30, generating greater cam surface friction, thereby increasing the torque required for the synchronous swing arm 30 to rotate, and further achieving a more stable hovering of the hinge assembly 100 (the repulsive force of the magnetic component is as follows). Figure 5 (As indicated by the middle arrow).

[0059] When the user does not need to lock the device in place and needs to open and close it normally, this is the normal state for folding electronic devices. The second electromagnetic component 81 is not energized, and the pressure between the cam surfaces is at an appropriate level to meet the user's needs for normal opening and closing.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hinge bracket 20 includes: a connecting shaft 21, the second end of the synchronous swing arm 30 being pivotally sleeved on the connecting shaft 21, and a mating member 50 being pivotally sleeved on the connecting shaft 21.

[0061] In other words, such as Figure 1 As shown, the hinge bracket 20 includes a connecting shaft 21. The second end of the synchronous swing arm 30 is sleeved on the connecting shaft 21, and the second end of the synchronous swing arm 30 can rotate around the connecting shaft 21. The mating member 50 is sleeved on the connecting shaft 21 and is axially movable relative to the connecting shaft 21. When the hinge assembly 100 moves between folding and opening, the second end of the synchronous swing arm 30 rotates around the connecting shaft 21.

[0062] During rotation, multiple limiting surfaces 311 continuously contact and press with multiple mating surfaces 51 on the mating component 50, achieving initial hovering of the hinge assembly 100 at any folded position. Furthermore, under the limiting engagement of the limiting surfaces 311 and mating surfaces 51, and the magnetic force of the magnetic attraction component, it can resist certain external forces, maintaining the hovering angle unchanged. This ensures the stability and reliability of the hinge assembly 100 during folding and hovering, improving the user experience.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first cam 31 is formed at the second end of the synchronous swing arm 30. A plurality of first teeth are formed on the side of the first cam 31 facing the mating member 50, and the profile surface of each first tooth is formed as a limiting surface 311. The mating member 50 forms a second cam, and a plurality of second teeth are formed on the side of the second cam facing the first cam 31, and the profile surface of each second tooth is formed as a limiting surface 311.

[0064] In other words, see Figure 1 The second end of the synchronous swing arm 30 can be configured as a first cam 31. The side of the first cam 31 facing the mating member 50 can be provided with multiple continuously arranged first protruding teeth, the contour surface of each first protruding tooth forming a limiting surface 311. The mating member 50 can be designed as a second cam. The side of the second cam facing the first cam 31 can be designed with multiple continuously arranged second protruding teeth, the contour surface of each second protruding tooth forming a limiting surface 311. During the movement of the hinge assembly 100 between folding and opening, the second end of the synchronous swing arm 30 rotates around the connecting shaft 21. During rotation, the multiple first protruding teeth and the multiple second protruding teeth mesh with each other, achieving stable suspension of the hinge assembly 100 at any folded position.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hinge assembly 100 further includes: a first elastic member 60, which is sleeved on the connecting shaft 21, and one end of the first elastic member 60 is connected to the hinge bracket 20, and the other end of the first elastic member 60 is connected to the side of the mating member 50 facing away from the synchronous swing arm 30.

[0066] In other words, such as Figure 1 As shown, the hinge assembly 100 may further include a first elastic element 60, which may be a spring post. The first elastic element 60 may be sleeved on the connecting shaft 21, with one end connected to the hinge bracket 20 and the other end connected to the side of the mating member 50 facing away from the synchronous swing arm 30. The first elastic element 60 can provide elastic force to the mating member 50. When the hinge assembly 100 moves between folding and opening, the second end of the synchronous swing arm 30 rotates around the connecting shaft 21. During the rotation, multiple first teeth and multiple second teeth mesh with each other. As the synchronous swing arm 30 rotates around the connecting shaft 21 of the hinge bracket 20, the first elastic element 60 provides different magnitudes of torque force to the middle frame bracket 10, which is more conducive to achieving stable suspension of the hinge assembly 100 in any folded position.

[0067] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, a movable groove is provided on the side of the virtual swing arm 40 near the hinge bracket 20, and the hinge bracket 20 can pivot relative to the movable groove. The virtual swing arm 40 serves as a virtual swing arm of the hinge assembly 100. The virtual swing arm 40 itself does not move, but plays the role of supporting the middle frame bracket 10 and the hinge bracket 20. The hinge bracket 20 can rotate about a fixed axis around the virtual swing arm 40.

[0068] In summary, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the hinge assembly 100, the middle frame support 10, the hinge support 20, the synchronous swing arm 30, and the virtual swing arm 40 constitute a movable hinge structure. By providing multiple limiting surfaces 311 at the second end of the synchronous swing arm 30 and multiple mating surfaces 51 on the mating member 50, the hinge assembly 100 can achieve initial suspension at any folding position during the movement of the hinge assembly 100 through the limiting cooperation of the limiting surfaces 311 and the mating surfaces 51.

[0069] Meanwhile, when the hinge bracket 20 moves to any desired hovering position relative to the middle frame bracket 10, the magnetic attraction component generates a magnetic attraction force when energized, which can further restrict the movement of the synchronous swing arm 30 or the mating part 50, improving the hovering stability of the hinge assembly 100. Under the limiting cooperation of the limiting surface 311 and the mating surface 51, as well as the dual action of the magnetic attraction component, the hinge assembly can resist a certain external force and maintain the hovering angle without change, thereby maintaining the stability and reliability of the hinge assembly 100 when folded and hovering, and improving the user experience.

[0070] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, including the hinge assembly 100 of the above embodiments. The electronic device may be a foldable product such as a foldable screen phone or a foldable screen computer. Since the hinge assembly 100 of the present invention has the above-described technical effects, the electronic device according to the present invention should also have corresponding technical effects, that is, by employing the hinge assembly 100, the electronic device of the present invention achieves stable hovering of the foldable screen at any folded position, thereby improving the user experience.

[0071] Of course, other structures and working principles of electronic devices are understandable and achievable by those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail in this invention.

[0072] 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 the invention. 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.

[0073] Although embodiments of the invention 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 the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly, characterized in that, include: A mid-frame support, wherein a cavity is provided within the mid-frame support; A hinge bracket, wherein the hinge bracket and the middle frame bracket are spaced apart and opposite to each other; A synchronous swing arm, the first end of which is movably disposed in the cavity, and the second end of which is movably connected to the hinge bracket; the second end of the synchronous swing arm is provided with multiple limiting surfaces; A virtual swing arm is provided, which is spaced apart from the synchronous swing arm. One end of the virtual swing arm is fixedly connected to the middle frame bracket, and the other end of the virtual swing arm is movably connected to the hinge bracket. A mating component, which is movably disposed on the hinge bracket, has multiple mating surfaces corresponding to the limiting surface; A magnetic suction assembly is provided on the middle frame bracket or the hinge bracket. The magnetic suction assembly can be switched between an energized state and an de-energized state. When the hinge bracket moves to different positions relative to the middle frame bracket, the multiple limiting surfaces can respectively limit and cooperate with the multiple mating surfaces. When the magnetic suction assembly is in the energized state, the magnetic suction assembly restricts the movement of the synchronous swing arm or the mating component. The magnetic attraction assembly includes a first electromagnetic component, a first magnetic attraction component, a pressure plate, and a second elastic component. The first electromagnetic component, the first magnetic attraction component, the pressure plate, and the second elastic component are all disposed within the cavity. The first magnetic attraction component is connected to the middle frame support, and the positions of the first magnetic attraction component and the first electromagnetic component correspond. The first end of the synchronous swing arm is located between the first magnetic attraction component and the first electromagnetic component. The first electromagnetic component is disposed on the pressure plate. The second elastic component supports the pressure plate, and the first end of the synchronous swing arm is located between the pressure plate and the middle frame support.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electromagnetic component can be switched between a power-off state and a power-on state. When the first electromagnetic component is in the power-off state, the first magnetic component and the first electromagnetic component are disengaged. When the first electromagnetic component is in the energized state, the first electromagnetic component attracts the first magnetic component, so that the limiting surface is tightly against the mating surface.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure plate can be switched between a first position and a second position. When the first electromagnetic component is in the de-energized state, the pressure plate is spaced apart from the first end of the synchronous swing arm, and the length of the second elastic component is the first length. When the first electromagnetic component is in the energized state, the pressure plate is in contact and fixed with the synchronous swing arm, and the length of the second elastic component is the second length, and the first length is greater than the second length.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The magnetic attraction component further includes: a first circuit board, which is connected to the first electromagnetic component, and the first circuit board controls the first electromagnetic component to switch between a power-off state and a power-on state.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mating component further includes a connecting plate, which is connected to the hinge bracket; the magnetic attraction assembly further includes: The second electromagnetic component is disposed on the hinge bracket; The second circuit board is connected to the second electromagnetic component, and the second circuit board powers or de-powers the second electromagnetic component. The second magnetic attractor is disposed on the connecting plate and corresponds to the second electromagnetic component. When the second electromagnetic component is energized, the second magnetic attractor and the second electromagnetic component repel each other so that the mating surface of the mating component is tightly against the limiting surface.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge bracket includes: a connecting shaft, the second end of the synchronous swing arm is pivotally mounted on the connecting shaft, and the mating component is mounted on the connecting shaft and is movable in the axial direction of the connecting shaft.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second end of the synchronous swing arm forms a first cam, and a plurality of first protrusions are formed on the side of the first cam facing the mating member. The contour surface of each first protrusion is formed as the limiting surface. The mating member forms a second cam, and a plurality of second protrusions are formed on the side of the second cam facing the first cam. The contour surface of each second protrusion is formed as the limiting surface.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: A first elastic element is sleeved on the connecting shaft, with one end of the first elastic element connected to the hinge bracket and the other end of the first elastic element connected to the side of the mating member facing away from the synchronous swing arm.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The virtual swing arm has a movable groove on the side near the hinge bracket, and the hinge bracket is pivotable relative to the movable groove.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The hinge assembly includes any one of claims 1-9.

Images