Electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses an electronic device, and belongs to the technical field of communication devices. The electronic device comprises a connecting cover, a shell and a limiting assembly. The opposite sides of the connecting cover are provided with the shells. Each shell is rotationally connected with the connecting cover along the direction around the rotation axis, so that the electronic device is switched between a folded state and an unfolded state. At least one shell is matched with the connecting cover through the limiting assembly. The limiting assembly comprises a first limiting block and a connecting rod. The first limiting block is connected to the first end of the connecting rod, and the two are relatively fixed in the rotation axis direction. One of the connecting cover and the shell is provided with a first limiting groove and a first perforation which are distributed along the rotation axis and are interconnected. The first limiting block is arranged in the first limiting groove, and the first limiting block and the first limiting groove are relatively fixed in the rotation axis direction. The second end of the connecting rod extends from the first perforation, and is relatively fixed with the other one of the connecting cover and the shell in the rotation axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of communication equipment technology, and specifically relates to an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of technology, foldable mobile phones and other electronic devices are increasingly favored by users due to their combination of large display area and strong portability. Foldable electronic devices include at least two housings and a hinge mechanism connecting the housings. To ensure reliable relative rotation between the two housings, the hinge mechanism needs to have a slight clearance in the axial direction. However, the existence of these clearances causes the housings to easily slip along the rotation axis with the hinge mechanism, which can seriously affect the lifespan of the electronic device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide an electronic device that solves the problem that slippage along the rotation axis easily occurs between the housing and the hinge mechanism in current foldable electronic devices, which has a serious adverse effect on the service life of the electronic device.

[0004] This application discloses an electronic device, which includes a connecting cover, a housing, and a limiting component. The housing is provided on both opposite sides of the connecting cover. Each housing is rotatably connected to the connecting cover in a direction about the rotation axis, so that the electronic device can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. At least one housing is engaged with the connecting cover through the limiting component.

[0005] The limiting assembly includes a first limiting block and a connecting rod. The first limiting block is connected to the first end of the connecting rod, and the two are fixed relative to each other in the rotation axis. One of the connecting cover and the housing is provided with a first limiting groove and a first through hole distributed along the rotation axis and communicating with each other. The first limiting block is disposed in the first limiting groove, and the first limiting block and the first limiting groove are fixed relative to each other in the rotation axis. The second end of the connecting rod extends out from the first through hole and is fixed relative to the other of the connecting cover and the housing in the rotation axis.

[0006] This application discloses an electronic device, which includes a connecting cover, a housing, and a limiting component. The housing is provided on both opposite sides of the connecting cover, and each housing is rotatably connected to the connecting cover in a direction around the rotation axis, so that the electronic device can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state, ensuring that the electronic device has both good portability and a large display area.

[0007] Furthermore, at least one housing engages with the connecting cover via a limiting assembly to fix the housing and the connecting cover relative to each other in the rotational axis. Specifically, the limiting assembly includes a first limiting block and a connecting rod. The first limiting block is connected to the first end of the connecting rod, and the two are fixed relative to each other in the rotational axis. By positioning the first limiting block within a first limiting groove on one of the connecting cover and the housing, the first limiting groove limits the first limiting block in the rotational axis, thus forming a limiting engagement relationship between the housing or connecting cover with the first limiting groove and the limiting assembly in the rotational axis. Simultaneously, the second end of the connecting block extends from a first through hole communicating with the first limiting groove and is fixed relative to the connecting cover or the housing without the first limiting groove in the rotational axis. This ensures that the housing can form a limiting engagement relationship with the connecting cover in the rotational axis through the limiting assembly, thereby preventing the housing from slipping relative to the hinge mechanism in the rotational axis during use and improving the service life of the electronic device. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0010] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting component in the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the limiting component in the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0014] Figure 6 This is an assembly diagram of the connecting rod and the connecting cover in the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0015] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of other parts of the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0016] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of other parts of the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0018] 100 - Connecting cover, 110 - First limiting groove, 111 - First groove wall, 112 - Second groove wall, 120 - First through hole

[0019] 200 - Housing, 210 - Second limiting groove, 220 - Second through hole

[0020] 300-Limiting component, 310-First limiting block, 311-First end face, 312-Second end face, 320-Second limiting block, 330-Connecting rod, 340-Elastic element, 350-Positioning pin.

[0021] 400-Anti-slip structure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one 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.

[0024] The electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0025] like Figures 1-8 As shown in the illustration, this application discloses an electronic device, specifically a foldable electronic device, which has both a folded state and an unfolded state, thus combining good portability with a large display area. Of course, the foldable electronic device disclosed in this application can be a horizontally folding structure or a vertically folding structure; this is not limited thereto.

[0026] Generally, a foldable electronic device typically includes a hinge mechanism and at least two housings 200. Adjacent housings 200 are connected by the hinge mechanism, and each housing 200 is rotatably engaged with the hinge mechanism, allowing relative rotation between adjacent housings 200, thereby switching the electronic device between an unfolded state and a folded state. For ease of description, the following description uses an electronic device comprising two housings 200 and one hinge mechanism as an example. In other embodiments of this application, the electronic device may also include three or more housings 200 and two or more hinge mechanisms; this is not a limitation herein.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electronic device disclosed in this application includes a connecting cover 100, a housing 200, and a limiting component 300. The connecting cover 100 is a structure within a hinge mechanism, serving as the outer shell of the hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism also includes structures such as a swing arm and a pivot, all of which are concealed by the connecting cover 100. This prevents the internal components of the hinge mechanism from being exposed during use, improving the reliability and lifespan of the electronic device and enhancing its appearance. Furthermore, by engaging the limiting component 300 with the connecting cover 100 of the hinge mechanism, the presence of the limiting component 300 can prevent obstruction of the normal movement of the swing arm and pivot within the hinge mechanism, ensuring relatively high stability of the electronic device.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, housings 200 are provided on both opposite sides of the connecting cover 100, and each housing 200 is rotatably connected to the connecting cover 100 along a direction around the rotation axis, ensuring that the two housings 200 can rotate relative to each other, so that the electronic device can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. The aforementioned rotation axis is the rotation axis of the swing arm in the hinge mechanism, or the axis of the pivot in the hinge mechanism. It should be noted that the size and shape of the housings 200 connected to the opposite sides of the connecting cover 100 can be the same or different, and this article does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0029] Meanwhile, in order to enable the housing 200 to form a relatively reliable relative fixed relationship with the connecting cover 100 of the hinge mechanism in the rotational axis, as described above, the electronic device disclosed in this application embodiment is provided with a limiting component 300, and at least one housing 200 cooperates with the connecting cover 100 through the limiting component 300. That is, in this application, the limiting component 300 can at least provide a limiting effect in the rotational axis for the housing 200 and the connecting cover 100.

[0030] In detail, the limiting component 300 includes a first limiting block 310 and a connecting rod 330, with the first limiting block 310 connected to the first end of the connecting rod 330. The two are relatively fixed in the rotational axis to ensure that the limiting component 300 has the ability to provide a limiting function in the rotational axis. Specifically, the first limiting block 310 can be fixedly connected to the first end of the connecting rod 330 by welding or bonding, which can ensure that the two can be relatively fixed in the rotational axis. In other embodiments of this application, the first limiting block 310 and the connecting rod 330 can also be made to rotate in the direction about the rotational axis, and the two can be relatively fixed in the direction along the rotational axis. For example, the two can be connected to each other by a rotating structure such as a bearing.

[0031] As described above, at least one housing 200 engages with the connecting cover 100 via a limiting component 300. Specifically, to enable both the housing 200 and the connecting cover 100 to form a connection with the limiting component 300, one of the connecting cover 100 and the housing 200 is provided with a first limiting groove 110 and a first through hole 120. The first limiting groove 110 and the first through hole 120 are distributed along the rotation axis and are interconnected. During the installation of the limiting component 300, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the first limiting block 310 is disposed within the first limiting groove 110, and through the first through hole 120 communicating with the first limiting groove 110, the connecting rod 330, whose first end is connected to the first limiting block 310, can extend out from the first through hole 120, thereby ensuring that the limiting assembly 300 can form a connection relationship with the other of the connecting cover 100 and the housing 200. In other words, after the first limiting block 310 is installed in the first limiting groove 110, the second end of the connecting rod 330, which is away from the first limiting block 310, can extend out from the first through hole 120 and form a connection relationship with the other of the connecting cover 100 and the housing 200, ensuring that the housing 200 can cooperate with the connecting cover 100 through the limiting assembly 300 including the first limiting block 310 and the connecting rod 330.

[0032] Of course, in order to ensure that the limiting component 300 has the ability to limit the housing 200 and the connecting cover 100 in the rotational axis, by designing the size and shape of at least one of the first limiting groove 110 and the first limiting block 310, the first limiting block 310 installed in the first limiting groove 110 can be relatively fixed to the first limiting groove 110 in the rotational axis. For example, the dimensions of the first limiting groove 110 and the first limiting block 310 at any position in the rotational axis can be equal. This ensures that after the first limiting block 310 is installed in the first limiting groove 110, the two outer walls of the first limiting block 310 opposite to each other in the rotational axis can be respectively limited by the two inner walls of the first limiting groove 110 opposite to each other in the rotational axis, thereby forming a relatively fixed relationship between the first limiting block 310 and the first limiting groove 110 in the rotational axis.

[0033] As described above, the first limiting groove 110 is located on one of the connecting cover 100 and the housing 200. By adopting the above technical solution, the limiting component 300 can form a relatively fixed relationship with one of the connecting cover 100 and the housing 200 in the rotational axis. For the other of the connecting cover 100 and the housing 200, in this embodiment, by fixing the other of the connecting cover 100 and the housing 200 relative to the second end of the connecting rod 330 extending from the first through hole 120 in the rotational axis, specifically, the other of the connecting rod and the housing 200 can form a fixed connection with the connecting rod 330 by means of bonding or welding. This ensures that the connecting cover 100 and the housing 200 can form a relatively fixed relationship in the rotational axis through the limiting component 300. Of course, the other of the connecting rod and the housing 200 can also form a non-fixed connection with the connecting rod 330, such as a rotating and axially fixed relationship, which is not limited herein.

[0034] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the housing 200 and the connecting cover 100 of the hinge mechanism can still rotate relative to each other when engaged by the limiting component 300, so as to enable the electronic device to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state, at least one of the connecting cover 100 and the housing 200 needs to form a rotational engagement with the limiting component 300, and at least one of the connecting cover 100 and the housing 200 needs to have the ability to move relative to the limiting component 300. For example, when the first limiting groove 110 is provided on the connecting cover 100, the first limiting block 310 can be rotatedly engaged with the first limiting groove 110 in the direction about the rotation axis, and the first limiting block 310 can move within the first limiting groove 110; or, when the first limiting block 310 has the ability to rotately engage with the first limiting groove 110 in the direction about the rotation axis, the connecting rod 330 can also have the ability to move relative to the first limiting block 310 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and the connecting rod 330 can move within the first through hole 120 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. By adopting the above technical solution, the second end of the connecting rod 330 is fixedly connected to the housing 200, which also ensures that the housing 200 has the ability to rotate relative to the connecting cover 100.

[0035] This application discloses an electronic device, which includes a connecting cover 100, a housing 200 and a limiting component 300. The housing 200 is provided on both opposite sides of the connecting cover 100, and each housing 200 is rotatably connected to the connecting cover 100 in a direction around the rotation axis, so that the electronic device can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state, ensuring that the electronic device has both good portability and a large display area.

[0036] Furthermore, at least one housing 200 engages with the connecting cover 100 via a limiting assembly 300, thereby fixing the housing 200 and the connecting cover 100 relative to each other in the rotational axis. Specifically, the limiting assembly 300 includes a first limiting block 310 and a connecting rod 330. The first limiting block 310 is connected to the first end of the connecting rod 330, and the two are fixed relative to each other in the rotational axis. By positioning the first limiting block 310 within a first limiting groove 110 on either the connecting cover 100 or the housing 200, the first limiting groove 110 limits the first limiting block 310 in the rotational axis, thereby forming a rotational axis between the housing 200 or the connecting cover 100 with the first limiting groove 110 and the limiting assembly 300. The limiting engagement relationship is established; at the same time, the second end of the connecting block extends out from the first through hole 120 communicating with the first limiting groove 110, and is relatively fixed in the rotational axis to the connecting cover 100 and the housing 200 that does not have the first limiting groove 110, ensuring that the housing 200 can form a limiting engagement relationship in the rotational axis with the connecting cover 100 through the limiting component 300, thereby preventing the housing 200 from slipping in the rotational axis relative to the hinge mechanism during the use of the electronic device, and improving the service life of the electronic device.

[0037] As described above, the connecting rod 330 can be directly and fixedly connected to the housing 200 by welding or other means. In other embodiments of this application, the connecting rod 330 can also be indirectly and fixedly connected to the housing 200 by other structural components. Specifically, for example... Figure 5 As shown, the limiting assembly 300 also includes a second limiting block 320, which is connected to the second end of the connecting rod 330. The second limiting block 320 and the connecting rod 330 are relatively fixed in the rotational axis to ensure that the length of the entire limiting assembly 300 in the rotational axis does not change. Similar to the first limiting block 310, the second limiting block 320 can also be fixedly or rotatably connected to the connecting rod 330.

[0038] As described above, one of the connecting cover 100 and the housing 200 is provided with a first limiting groove 110. In this embodiment, the other of the connecting cover 100 and the housing 200 is provided with a second limiting groove 210 and a second through hole 220. The second limiting groove 210 and the second through hole 220 are distributed along the rotation axis and are interconnected. Similarly, the second limiting block 320 is disposed in the second limiting groove 210, and by making the dimensions of the second limiting groove 210 and the second limiting block 320 equal in the rotation axis, it can be ensured that the second limiting block 320 and the second limiting groove 210 can form a relatively fixed fitting relationship in the rotation axis. Correspondingly, the second end of the connecting rod 330 is connected to the second limiting block 320, and the first end of the connecting rod 330 passes through the second through hole 220 and extends into the first through hole 120, connecting with the first limiting block 310 located in the first limiting groove 110.

[0039] As described above, in order to ensure that the housing 200 and the connecting cover 100 of the hinge mechanism still have the ability to rotate relative to each other, so that the electronic device can switch between an unfolded state and a folded state, one of the housing 200 and the connecting cover 100 needs to form a rotational engagement relationship and relative movement capability with the limiting component 300. In the above embodiment, the first limiting groove 110 can be located on the connecting cover 100, and the second limiting groove 210 can be located on the housing 200. In this case, the first limiting block 310 can be rotatedly engaged with the first limiting groove 110, and the two can have the ability to move relative to each other. At this time, the second limiting block 320 and the second limiting groove 210 can be fixed relative to each other in any direction.

[0040] In this embodiment, the second limiting block 320 is fixed to the housing 200. Compared with directly fixing the connecting rod 330 to the housing 200, this method can make the external structure of the entire electronic device more refined, prevent the exposure of adhesive or welding marks, and prevent adhesive or welding marks from hindering the relative movement between the housing 200 and the hinge mechanism.

[0041] Specifically, the housing 200 may include multiple parts, and the multiple parts are assembled with each other. By forming the second limiting groove 210 and the second through hole 220 on at least two parts of the housing 200 respectively, and before assembling the entire housing 200, first installing the second limiting block 320 and a part of the connecting rod 330 to the second limiting groove 210 and the second through hole 220 respectively, and then assembling the multiple parts of the housing 200 with each other, the second limiting block 320 and the second limiting groove 210 can form a reliable relative fixed relationship in the rotation axis.

[0042] Of course, to prevent the second limiting block 320 from rotating relative to the second limiting groove 210, the cross-sections of the connecting rod 330 and the second through hole 220 can be non-circular, so that the connecting rod 330 and the second through hole 220 are mutually limited in the direction around the rotation axis. In another embodiment of this application, the cross-sections of the second limiting block 320 and the second limiting groove 210 can also be non-circular, so that the mutual limiting relationship between the second limiting block 320 and the second limiting groove 210 in the rotation axis can ensure that the limiting component 300 and the housing 200 can form a fixed connection relationship.

[0043] To improve the stability of the fixed connection between the limiting component 300 and the housing 200, the shapes of the second limiting block 320 and the second limiting groove 210 cut by a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis can both be triangles. Of course, the dimensions of the cross sections of the two are also equal, ensuring that the second limiting block 320 installed in the second limiting groove 210 can form a relatively reliable fixed relationship with the second limiting groove 210.

[0044] In the above embodiments, one of the housing 200 and the connecting cover 100 can rotate and move relative to the limiting component 300 to ensure that the electronic device has the ability to unfold and fold. For example, the first limiting groove 110 can be located on the housing 200, that is, the limiting component 300 and the housing 200 are rotatably engaged, and the two have the ability to move relative to each other. In this case, the limiting component 300 can be fixedly connected to the connecting cover 100. In other embodiments of this application, the first limiting groove 110 is located on the connecting cover 100. This can effectively utilize the installation space of the connecting cover 100 in the hinge mechanism, improve the structural compactness of the electronic device, and save space for the housing 200, which is the main installation space of the electronic device.

[0045] Therefore, the following description will use the example of the first limiting groove 110 being located in the connecting cover 100 and the limiting component 300 being fixedly connected to the housing 200. As described above, the first limiting block 310 can be rotatably installed in the first limiting groove 110 of the connecting cover 100. In order to ensure that the limiting component 300 can move relative to the connecting cover 100, the connecting rod 330 can be made capable of moving relative to the first limiting block 310 in the first through hole 120 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. Specifically, by making the dimension of the first limiting groove 110 in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis larger than the dimension of the first limiting block 310 in the corresponding direction, it can be ensured that the first limiting block 310 can rotate in the first limiting groove 110 in a direction around the rotation axis. Alternatively, the outer circumferential surface of the first limiting block 310 can be made into a circular structure, which can also enable the first limiting block 310 to rotate in the first limiting groove 110, ensuring that the first limiting block 310 can rotate relative to the connecting cover 100. Accordingly, by enabling the connecting rod 330 and the first limiting block 310 to move relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, the connecting rod 330 can move along the first through hole 120 and relative to the first limiting block 310 during the process of the housing 200 driving the connecting rod 330 to rotate relative to the connecting cover 100, thus ensuring that the housing 200 can rotate relative to the connecting cover 100.

[0046] To reduce the difficulty of connecting components in electronic devices and improve the reliability of the connections, in another embodiment of this application, when the connecting rod 330 is fixedly connected to the housing 200, the first limiting block 310 can also be fixedly connected to the connecting rod 330, thereby making the limiting component 300 a non-deformable structure. In this case, the first limiting block 310 cannot rotate relative to the connecting rod 330. Furthermore, in order to ensure that the limiting component 300 does not hinder the relative rotation process between the housing 200 and the connecting cover 100, the first limiting groove 110 can have a certain extension length, so that as the housing 200 rotates relative to the connecting cover 100, the first limiting block 310 can move within the first limiting groove 110. Correspondingly, the first through hole 120 can have a certain extension length, and as the housing 200 rotates relative to the connecting cover 100, the first limiting block 310 can move within the first through hole 120, ensuring that the limiting component 300 does not hinder the housing 200 from driving the limiting component 300 to rotate relative to the connecting cover 100.

[0047] Specifically, based on parameters such as the motion trajectories of the first limiting block 310 and the connecting rod 330 of the limiting assembly 300 driven by the housing 200 during its rotation relative to the connecting cover 100, the corresponding trajectories of the first limiting groove 110 and the first through hole 120 in the connecting cover 100 can be determined, and the first limiting groove 110 and the first through hole 120 can be formed based on the aforementioned trajectories. It should be noted that the tangential direction of the extension direction at any position on the first limiting groove 110 and the first through hole 120 is perpendicular to the rotation axis, but the first limiting groove 110 and the first through hole 120 do not necessarily extend along a straight line.

[0048] Based on the above embodiments, when the housing 200 can drive the limiting component 300 to rotate relative to the connecting cover 100, a damping effect can be generated between the housing 200 and the connecting cover 100 by adding other structures or devices, thereby enabling the electronic device to have hovering capability. Furthermore, by restricting the added structures or devices, the housing 200 and the connecting cover 100 can have the ability to hover at any angle.

[0049] In one specific embodiment of this application, friction can be used to limit the relative movement between the first limiting block 310 and the first limiting groove 110, so that the first limiting block 310 can overcome the friction between itself and the first limiting groove 110 and move relative to the first limiting groove 110 under the action of external force provided by the user or others. Then, after the external force is removed, the housing 200 can not rotate uncontrollably relative to the connecting cover 100, so that the electronic device has the ability to hover at any angle.

[0050] To achieve the above technical solution, such as Figure 4 and Figure 8As shown, the first limiting block 310 has a first end face 311, and the first limiting groove 110 has a first groove wall 111. The first end face 311 and the first groove wall 111 are disposed opposite to each other, and at least one of the first end face 311 and the first groove wall 111 is provided with an anti-slip structure 400. The relatively large frictional force of the anti-slip structure 400 restricts the movement of the first limiting block 310 within the first limiting groove 110. Correspondingly, when an external force is applied between the housing 200 and the connecting cover 100, and the external force is greater than the frictional force of the anti-slip structure 400, the first limiting block 310 can be driven to move within the first limiting groove 110, thereby causing the housing 200 to rotate relative to the connecting cover 100.

[0051] Specifically, an anti-slip structure 400 can be provided on only one of the first end face 311 and the first groove wall 111. To improve the reliability of mutual positioning between the first limiting block 310 and the first limiting groove 110, an anti-slip structure 400 can be provided on both the first end face 311 and the first groove wall 111. Since the first limiting block 310 has the ability to move relative to the first limiting groove 110, an anti-slip structure 400 can be provided on the first groove wall 111 corresponding to the range of movement of the first limiting block 310 within the first limiting groove 110. In addition, the anti-slip structure 400 can be a surface with relatively large surface roughness, such as a frosted surface, or it can also have an anti-slip function by providing structures such as protrusions.

[0052] Of course, in order to increase the contact area between the first end face 311 and the first groove wall 111, the first end face 311 can be made as a whole planar surface, and the shape of the first end face 311 can be a rectangular structure, so as to maximize the area on the first end face 311 where the anti-slip structure 400 can be formed within a limited space.

[0053] In one specific embodiment of this application, both the first end face 311 and the first groove wall 111 are provided with anti-slip structures 400. In this case, the anti-slip structure 400 can include multiple limiting protrusions, and the multiple limiting protrusions extend along the rotation axis, that is, the limiting protrusions are strip-shaped protrusions. At the same time, by arranging the multiple limiting protrusions at intervals along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, the limiting protrusions respectively provided on the first end face 311 and the first groove wall 111 cooperate with each other, providing a more stable and reliable mutual limiting relationship for the first limiting block 310 and the first limiting groove 110.

[0054] More specifically, the outer surface of any limiting protrusion that provides the limiting function can be a broken line segment when the cross-section is perpendicular to the rotation axis. In another embodiment of this application, the aforementioned pattern can be an arc segment, which makes the surface of the limiting protrusion smoother, thereby reducing the difficulty of the limiting protrusions located on the first end face 311 and the first groove surface being misaligned by force to move, improving smoothness, and reducing noise generation.

[0055] To further improve the reliability of mutual positioning between the first limiting block 310 and the first limiting groove 110, in another embodiment of this application, the first limiting block 310 also has a second end face 312 disposed opposite to the first end face 311, and the first limiting groove 110 also has a second groove wall 112 disposed opposite to the first groove wall 111. The second end face 312 is disposed opposite to the second groove wall 112, and at least one of the second end face 312 and the second groove wall 112 is provided with the above-mentioned anti-slip structure 400, so that the surfaces on both opposite sides of the first limiting block 310 can form a mutual friction relationship with the inner wall of the first limiting groove 110, which can further prevent the first limiting block 310 from rotating in the first limiting groove 110. Specifically, anti-slip structures 400 can be provided on both the second end face 312 and the second groove wall 112, and the structures of the anti-slip structures 400 provided on the first end face 311, the first groove wall 111, the second end face 312, and the second groove wall 112 can be identical to reduce the processing difficulty of each component. More specifically, without considering the limiting protrusion, the shape of the first limiting block 310 intercepted by a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis can be rectangular to reduce the processing difficulty of the first limiting block 310 and improve space utilization.

[0056] In the above embodiments, only one housing 200 may engage with the connecting cover 100 via the limiting component 300. However, to improve the overall integrity and lifespan of the electronic device, both housings 200 connected to opposite sides of the connecting cover 100 may engage with it via the limiting component 300, ensuring that both housings 200 can form a limiting engagement relationship with the connecting cover 100 along the rotational axis. Furthermore, by adopting the technical solution disclosed in the above embodiments, both housings 200 can also be suspended at any angle relative to the connecting cover 100 of the hinge mechanism.

[0057] In order to enable both housings 200 located on opposite sides of the connecting cover 100 to hover relative to the connecting cover 100, in another embodiment of this application, such as Figure 3 and Figure 8As shown, the first limiting block 310 of each of the limiting components 300 connected to the two housings 200 can be a magnet. At the same time, by elastically equipping the two first limiting blocks 310 with elastic elements 340, and making the elastic force of the elastic element 340 equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the magnetic force between the two first limiting elements, each housing 200 can be rotated relative to the connecting cover 100 and suspended at any angle when no external force is applied.

[0058] Specifically, each of the two first limiting members can be individually equipped with an elastic element 340, and the end of the elastic element 340 away from the first limiting block 310 is respectively abutted against the inner wall of the corresponding first limiting groove 110. In another embodiment of this application, the first limiting blocks 310 of the two limiting components 300 respectively connected to the two housings 200 can be located in the same first limiting groove 110, that is, the first limiting grooves 110 corresponding to the two first limiting blocks 310 are interconnected, thereby forming a "new" first limiting groove 110. In this case, an elastic element 340 can be provided between the two first limiting members, and the elastic element 340 can interact with the two first limiting blocks 310 at the same time. This can improve the fit stability between the two first limiting blocks 310 and reduce the processing and assembly difficulty of the components. Therefore, the following description will take the fit between the two first limiting blocks 310 and the same elastic element 340 as an example. In addition, when the elastic member 340 is disposed between the two first limiting blocks 310, a positioning post 350 can be provided on the side of the first limiting block 310, and the elastic member 340 can be sleeved outside the positioning post 350, so that the positioning post 350 can provide a positioning function for the elastic member 340, prevent the elastic member 340 from slipping, and thus improve the reliability of the fit between the elastic member 340 and the first limiting member.

[0059] In detail, the magnetic poles represented by the portions of the two first limiting blocks 310 that bring them close together are opposite, meaning that the two first limiting blocks 310 attract each other. The greater the distance between the two first limiting blocks 310, the weaker the attraction between them. Based on this, the elastic member 340 disposed between the two first limiting blocks 310 can exert a force to move the two first limiting blocks 310 away from each other; that is, the elastic member 340 is in a compressed state. Correspondingly, the greater the distance between the two first limiting blocks 310, the greater the degree of compression of the elastic member 340, and the stronger its ability to overcome the magnetic attraction.

[0060] Accordingly, by designing the parameters of the first limiting member and the elastic member 340, the mutual attraction between the two first limiting members and the elastic repulsion provided by the elastic member 340 can be balanced, thereby ensuring that the two first limiting blocks 310 can remain stationary at any position in the first limiting groove 110 without external interference. Then, after the housing 200 is rotated to any angle relative to the connecting cover 100 by external force, the external force can be removed, and the housing 200 and the connecting cover 100 can remain relatively stationary, so that the housing 200 has the ability to suspend relative to the connecting cover 100 at any angle.

[0061] When housings 200 are provided on both opposite sides of the connecting cover 100 of the hinge mechanism, in order to improve the function of the electronic device, the two first limiting blocks 310 can be controlled to interact in a controlled manner through electronic control. That is, the two first limiting blocks 310 interact with each other when they are close to each other or far apart. Under the drive of the two first limiting blocks 310, the two housings 200 connected to the connecting cover 100 can automatically rotate relative to each other, thereby enabling the electronic device to have the ability to open and close automatically.

[0062] Specifically, in the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application, both first limiting blocks 310 are magnets, and at least one first limiting block 310 is an electromagnet. This allows the magnetic pole distribution of at least one first limiting block 310 to be changed, thereby enabling the two first limiting blocks 310 to switch between mutually repulsive and mutually attractive states in a controlled manner. This provides a basis for the electronic device to have an automatic opening and closing function, enabling the electronic device to have the ability to open and close automatically.

[0063] To ensure that the relative displacement between the two first limiting blocks 310 can be controlled, and that the electronic device can automatically unfold or fold to any unfolding angle, further, by adding other structures or devices, resistance can be provided for the relative movement between the two first limiting blocks 310. In the process of interaction between the two first limiting blocks 310, this resistance is also used to overcome the resistance to the relative movement between the two first limiting blocks 310, and to make the two first limiting blocks 310 move away from or closer to each other, thereby achieving the purpose of limiting the movement distance between the two first limiting blocks 310 by using the resistance between the two first limiting blocks 310.

[0064] Optionally, the source of resistance to the relative movement between the two first limiting blocks 310 can be friction or elastic force, etc. Specifically, by providing the anti-slip structure 400 mentioned in the above embodiment for the first end face 311 and the first groove wall 111 of the first limiting block 310 and the first limiting groove 110 respectively, it can be ensured that the two first limiting blocks 310 can be subjected to corresponding frictional resistance during relative movement. More specifically, if it is necessary to bring the two first limiting blocks 310 closer together, the magnetic pole distribution of the first limiting blocks 310 can be changed to make the two first limiting blocks 310 attract each other. At the same time, by increasing the current, the attraction between the two first limiting blocks 310 can be increased, so that the two first limiting blocks 310 can overcome the frictional resistance between themselves and the first groove wall 111 and move closer together. Correspondingly, as the two first limiting blocks 310 move closer together, both housings 200 rotate relative to the connecting cover 100, and the electronic device gradually switches to a folded state until the angle between the two housings 200 meets the requirements. Then, by de-energizing the first limiting blocks 310 or reducing the current flowing into the first limiting blocks 310, the interaction force between the two first limiting blocks 310 is equal to or less than the frictional force between the first limiting blocks 310 and the first groove wall 111, so that the two first limiting blocks 310 remain relatively stationary, thereby keeping the two housings 200 at the required unfolding angle and achieving the purpose of hovering. Of course, if it is necessary to move the two first limiting blocks 310 away from each other, the polarity of the magnetic poles of the two first limiting blocks 310 that are close to each other can be made to be the same, and the magnetic repulsion between the two first limiting blocks 310 can be made greater than the aforementioned frictional resistance. This will move the two first limiting blocks 310 away from each other and cause the two housings 200 to rotate in opposite directions, so that the electronic device gradually switches to the unfolded state.

[0065] Alternatively, both first limiting blocks 310 can be equipped with the elastic element 340 mentioned in the above embodiments, and the elastic element 340 can be connected to the first limiting block 310. The elastic element 340 provides elastic resistance to prevent the two first limiting blocks from attracting or repelling each other uncontrollably. Specifically, as described above, each of the two first limiting blocks can be equipped with an elastic element 340 individually, or they can share a single elastic element 340. Taking the example of the same elastic element 340 sandwiched between the two first limiting blocks, the elastic element 340 can be pressed between the two first limiting blocks. By controlling the direction of current flow into the first limiting block, an attractive force can be generated between the two first limiting blocks. The magnitude of the attractive force between the two first limiting blocks can be flexibly controlled according to actual needs, so that the two first limiting blocks 310 move closer or further apart. Accordingly, after the two first limiting blocks 310 have moved into position, the magnetic force between the two first limiting blocks 310 can be controlled to make the magnetic force and the elastic force equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, so as to keep the two first limiting blocks 310 relatively stationary, thereby keeping the electronic device in a hovering state.

[0066] As described above, in the electronic device disclosed in this application embodiment, one or both of the housings 200 connected to the opposite sides of the connecting cover 100 can cooperate with the connecting cover 100 through the limiting component 300. Optionally, when any housing 200 cooperates with the connecting cover 100 through the limiting component 300, the limiting component 300 can be provided only on one side of the opposite sides of the housing 200 along the rotation axis. Further, along the rotation axis, at least one housing 200 can be cooperated with the connecting cover 100 through the limiting component 300 on both opposite sides, thereby making the cooperation reliability between the housing 200 and the connecting cover 100 relatively higher, and improving the operating accuracy of the housing 200, thereby increasing the service life of the electronic device. Specifically, the limiting components 300 connected to the opposite sides of the same housing 200 can be the same to reduce the difficulty of spare parts and assembly of the electronic device.

[0067] Furthermore, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments of this application can be combined with each other. For example, when at least one of the first end face 311 of the first limiting block 310 and the first groove wall 111 of the first limiting groove 110 is provided with an anti-slip structure 400, the two housings 200 can respectively cooperate with the connecting cover 100 through the limiting component 300, and the first limiting grooves 110 where the first limiting blocks 310 of the limiting components 300 respectively connected to the two housings 200 are located can communicate with each other. At the same time, an elastic member 340 can be provided in the first limiting groove 110, and the elastic member 340 is elastically compressed between the two first limiting blocks 310. Of course, the above technical solutions are only one specific case of the combination of multiple embodiments in this application. Considering the brevity of the text, other specific implementation methods formed by the combination of multiple embodiments will not be described one by one in this article.

[0068] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0069] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: The application relates to a connecting cover (100), a shell (200) and a limiting assembly (300), the connecting cover (100) is provided with the shell (200) on two opposite sides, each shell (200) is rotationally connected with the connecting cover (100) along the direction of the rotation axis, so that the electronic device can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state, and at least one shell (200) is matched with the connecting cover (100) through the limiting assembly (300). The limiting assembly (300) comprises a first limiting block (310) and a connecting rod (330), the first limiting block (310) is connected to the first end of the connecting rod (330), and the two are fixed relative to each other along the rotation axis; one of the connecting cover (100) and the shell (200) is provided with a first limiting groove (110) and a first perforation (120) which are distributed along the rotation axis and are communicated with each other, the first limiting block (310) is arranged in the first limiting groove (110), and the first limiting block (310) and the first limiting groove (110) are fixed relative to each other along the rotation axis, the second end of the connecting rod (330) extends out of the first perforation (120), and is fixed relative to the other one of the connecting cover (100) and the shell (200) along the rotation axis.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The first limiting block (310) and the shell (200) are fixedly connected with the connecting rod (330), the first limiting groove (110) is located in the connecting cover (100), and moves in the first limiting groove (110) when the shell (200) rotates relative to the connecting cover (100), and the connecting rod moves in the first perforation.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein, The first limiting block (310) has a first end face, the first limiting groove (110) has a first groove wall, the first end face is arranged opposite to the first groove wall, and at least one of the first end face and the first groove wall is provided with an anti-skid structure to limit the movement of the first limiting block (310) in the first limiting groove.

4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein, The anti-skid structures are arranged on the first end face and the first groove wall, and each anti-skid structure comprises a plurality of limiting protrusions extending along the rotation axis, and the plurality of limiting protrusions are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

5. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein, The first limiting block (310) further has a second end face arranged opposite to the first end face, the first limiting groove (110) further has a second groove wall arranged opposite to the first groove wall, the second end face is arranged opposite to the second groove wall, and at least one of the second end face and the second groove wall is provided with the anti-skid structure.

6. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein, Each shell (200) is matched with the connecting cover (100) through the limiting assembly (300).

7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein, Both of the first limiting blocks (310) are magnets, and both of the first limiting blocks (310) are elastically provided with elastic members (340), the elastic force of the elastic members (340) is equal to the magnetic force between the two first limiting blocks (310) in size, and the directions are opposite.

8. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein, Both of the first limiting blocks (310) are magnets, and at least one of the first limiting blocks (310) is an electromagnet, by making the two first limiting blocks (310) interact, to overcome the resistance of the relative motion between the two first limiting blocks, and make the two first limiting blocks correspondingly far away from each other or close to each other.

9. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein, The first limiting blocks (310) of the two limiting assemblies (300) connected with the two housings (200) respectively are located in the same first limiting groove (110); The opposite sides of at least one of the housings (200) are matched with the connecting cover (100) through the limiting assemblies (300) along the rotation axis.

10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The limiting assembly (300) further comprises a second limiting block (320), the second limiting block (320) is connected to the second end of the connecting rod (330), and the second limiting block (320) and the connecting rod (330) are relatively fixed in the rotation axis direction; The other of the connecting cover (100) and the housing (200) is provided with a second limiting groove and a second through hole which are distributed along the rotation axis and are communicated with each other, the second limiting block (320) is arranged in the second limiting groove, and the second limiting block (320) and the second limiting groove are relatively fixed in the rotation axis direction; The second limiting block and the second limiting groove are both triangular when being cut by a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis. The second limiting block and the second limiting groove are both triangular when being cut by a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.

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