Hinge mechanisms and electronic devices
By employing a tilting sliding fit and gear meshing design in the hinge mechanism, the problem of large space occupation of the hinge mechanism is solved, resulting in a smaller structural size and better component layout, while protecting the display screen in the event of a drop.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202310405390.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-14
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-04-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing hinge mechanisms are large in size, especially in width perpendicular to the rotation axis, resulting in less space for arranging other parts in electronic devices.
The sliding component design employs an inclined sliding fit. By sliding the first and second sliding parts together in the inclined direction, the size of the hinge mechanism in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the synchronous arm is reduced. The synchronous rotation of the synchronous arm is achieved through a gear meshing mechanism, preventing collisions between components.
It effectively reduces the space occupied by the hinge mechanism in electronic devices, increases the space for the layout of other components, and prevents components from being damaged by collisions when dropped.
Smart Images

Figure CN116398534B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of electronic equipment technology, specifically relating to a hinge mechanism and an electronic device. Background Technology
[0002] With technological advancements, user demand for foldable electronic devices that combine large display areas with strong portability is gradually increasing. Typically, foldable electronic devices utilize hinge mechanisms to achieve their folding capability. However, current hinge mechanisms are relatively large in overall size, especially in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, or in other words, the width of the hinge mechanism. This results in relatively little space within the electronic device for accommodating other components. Summary of the Invention
[0003] This application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device. The hinge mechanism has a relatively small dimension in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, which can increase the space available for arranging other parts in the electronic device.
[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a hinge mechanism, which includes a base, a first bracket, a second bracket, a first connecting arm, a second connecting arm, a first synchronizing arm, and a second synchronizing arm, wherein...
[0005] One end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the first bracket, and the other end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the base; one end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the second bracket, and the other end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the base.
[0006] Both the first synchronous arm and the second synchronous arm are rotatably mounted on the base, and the first synchronous arm and the second synchronous arm are connected by a gear meshing mechanism.
[0007] The first synchronous arm and the base are movably engaged in the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm. The first bracket is provided with a first sliding part, and the first synchronous arm is provided with a second sliding part. The first sliding part and the second sliding part are slidably engaged in a direction inclined relative to the rotation axis, and the first sliding part and the second sliding part are upper limit engaged in a direction perpendicular to their sliding direction.
[0008] The second bracket and the second synchronous arm can move relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the second synchronous arm, and the second bracket and the second synchronous arm are engaged in a direction perpendicular to their sliding direction.
[0009] Secondly, this application discloses an electronic device comprising a flexible screen, a first base, a second base, and the aforementioned hinge mechanism. The first base is fixedly connected to a first bracket of the hinge mechanism, and the second base is fixedly connected to a second bracket of the hinge mechanism. The flexible screen is mounted on the first base and the second base.
[0010] This application discloses a hinge mechanism, which includes a base, a first connecting arm, a first bracket, and a first synchronizing arm. One end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the base, and the other end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the first bracket, thereby enabling the first bracket to rotate and displace relative to the base.
[0011] Furthermore, the first support is provided with a first sliding part, and the first synchronous arm is provided with a second sliding part. The first sliding part and the second sliding part slide in a first direction and are also in an upper limit engagement in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. This allows the first support and the first synchronous arm to rotate together relative to the base. Since the first synchronous arm and the first support have the ability to move relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm, the first synchronous arm does not restrict the displacement of the first support relative to the base. Simultaneously, by allowing the first synchronous arm to move in conjunction with the base along the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm, the base also does not obstruct the movement of the first synchronous arm.
[0012] In the hinge mechanism disclosed in the embodiments of this application, the first direction is inclined relative to the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm, that is, the angle formed by the first direction and the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm is greater than ° and less than °. By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, while ensuring that the sliding stroke of the first sliding part and the second sliding part is relatively large, thereby enabling them to have good sliding fit stability, it is also possible to make the dimensions of the first sliding part and the second sliding part relatively small in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm, thereby reducing the dimension of the hinge mechanism in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm and reducing the space occupied by the hinge mechanism in the electronic device.
[0013] Furthermore, when an electronic device employing the aforementioned hinge mechanism is in a folded state and an accident such as a fall occurs, even if the impact force is transmitted to the first synchronizing arm, the mating surfaces of the first and second sliding parts can provide mutual support in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronizing arm. This prevents the first synchronizing arm from moving relative to other components in the electronic device, especially the display screen, in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronizing arm. Consequently, it prevents the two from colliding and damaging the display screen. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism disclosed in the embodiments of this application in a folded state;
[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism disclosed in the embodiments of this application in the unfolded state;
[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first synchronizing arm in the hinge mechanism disclosed in the embodiments of this application;
[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first synchronizing arm in the hinge mechanism disclosed in the embodiments of this application in another direction;
[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first bracket in the hinge mechanism disclosed in the embodiments of this application;
[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the hinge mechanism disclosed in the embodiments of this application;
[0020] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of the hinge mechanism disclosed in the embodiments of this application.
[0021] The attached diagram is described as follows:
[0022] 100 - base, 110 - limiting notch
[0023] 201 - Clearance hole, 210 - First bracket, 220 - Second bracket
[0024] 310 - First connecting arm, 320 - Second connecting arm
[0025] 401-Connecting seat, 402-Pin, 410-First synchronizing arm, 411-Rotating connecting part, 412-Limiting part, 413-First sliding arm, 414-Second sliding arm, 420-Second synchronizing arm
[0026] 510 - First shaft, 520 - Second shaft, 530 - First gear, 540 - Second gear
[0027] 601 - Track limiting part, 610 - First support plate, 620 - Second support plate
[0028] 700-Damping Components. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0030] 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.
[0031] The hinge mechanism and electronic device provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, through specific embodiments and application scenarios.
[0032] like Figures 1-7 As shown in the illustration, this application provides a hinge mechanism that can be applied to electronic devices such as mobile phones, thereby enabling the electronic devices to have foldable capabilities, thus allowing them to balance a larger display area and better portability. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the hinge mechanism includes a base 100, a first support 210, a first connecting arm 310, and a first synchronizing arm 410. Both the first connecting arm 310 and the first synchronizing arm 410 are connected to the first support 210 and are located on one side of the base 100, allowing the first support 210 to be interconnected with the base 100. Correspondingly, a second support 220, a second connecting arm 320, and a second synchronizing arm 420 can also be provided on the other side of the base 100. Both the second connecting arm 320 and the second synchronizing arm 420 are connected to the second support 220, forming a connection between the second support 220 and the base 100. Additionally, the hinge mechanism may also include a damping component 700, which cooperates with the first synchronizing arm 410 and the second synchronizing arm 420 to enable the hinge mechanism to have a hovering capability. For the sake of brevity, this will not be described in detail here.
[0033] The base 100 is the fundamental component of the hinge mechanism, serving as the mounting base for other components within the mechanism, thereby connecting the various parts to form a unified whole. The base 100 can be made of rigid materials such as metal or plastic, and it has structures such as slots or holes for connecting with other components, or for mounting other components. In practical applications, the specific shape and structure of the base 100 can be determined according to the actual situation; this document does not impose any limitations on this.
[0034] The first bracket 210 and the second bracket 220 are hinge mechanisms used to connect to the base of an electronic device when applied to the device. The base is a device used to support the display screen in the electronic device. By connecting the first bracket 210 and the second bracket 220 to the two bases respectively, the first bracket 210 and the second bracket 220 can be driven to rotate relative to each other when the two bases rotate relative to each other.
[0035] The first connecting arm 310 and the second connecting arm 320 are devices in the hinge mechanism that are directly connected to the base 100. The first connecting arm 310 connects between the first support 210 and the base 100, and the second connecting arm 320 connects between the second support 220 and the base 100. The specific structures of the first connecting arm 310 and the second connecting arm 320 may differ. However, for ease of processing and assembly, in one specific embodiment of this application, the structures of the first connecting arm 310 and the second connecting arm 320 are identical.
[0036] Similarly, the first synchronous arm 410 and the second synchronous arm 420 have the same function, both of which are used to provide synchronous rotation so that the first bracket 210 and the second bracket 220 can rotate synchronously relative to the base 100. Thus, when this hinge mechanism is applied in an electronic device, the two seats connected to the first bracket 210 and the second bracket 220 respectively can also rotate synchronously relative to the base 100, thereby driving the corresponding display screen or a part of the display screen to rotate relative to the base 100 at equal angles.
[0037] In order for the components in the hinge mechanism to be connected to each other, such as Figure 1 As shown, one end of the first connecting arm 310 is rotatably connected to the first bracket 210, and the other end of the first connecting arm 310 is rotatably connected to the base 100, thereby enabling the first bracket 210 to form a connection with the base 100; similarly, one end of the second connecting arm 320 is rotatably connected to the second bracket 220, and the other end of the second connecting arm 320 is rotatably connected to the base 100, thereby enabling the second bracket 220 to form a connection with the base 100.
[0038] With the above technical solution, the first bracket 210 can rotate relative to the base 100, and the second bracket 220 can rotate relative to the base 100. At the same time, the first bracket 210 and the second bracket 220 can also have relative displacement with respect to the base 100. Thus, during the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, both the first bracket 210 and the second bracket 220 can rotate more than 90° relative to the base 100. This minimizes the distance between the end of the first bracket 210 away from the base 100 and the end of the second bracket 220 away from the base 100. Consequently, when the electronic device is in the folded state, the gap formed between the two folded parts of the electronic device is relatively small, preventing damage to the electronic device from fine particles entering the aforementioned gap.
[0039] Specifically, both the base 100 and the first support 210 can be rotatably connected to the first connecting arm 310 using pins or other connecting components. In another embodiment of this application, to reduce the design complexity of the base 100 and make the overall structure of the hinge mechanism more compact, the first connecting arm 310 and the base 100 can be rotatably connected using a tile-like structure, thereby placing the axis of rotation between the first connecting arm 310 and the base 100 outside the base 100. Simultaneously, the first connecting arm 310 and the first support 210 are rotatably connected using pins, ensuring relatively high connection stability between them. Similarly, the specific connection methods between the base 100 and the second support 220 and the second connecting arm 320 can be set with reference to the first connecting arm 310.
[0040] Accordingly, to ensure that the first synchronous arm 410 and the second synchronous arm 420 have the ability to rotate synchronously, both the first synchronous arm 410 and the second synchronous arm 420 are rotatably mounted on the base 100, ensuring that both can form a connection with the base 100. Optionally, the first synchronous arm 410 and the second synchronous arm 420 can also be rotatably connected to the base 100 through the aforementioned tile-like structure. To improve the reliability of the connection between the first synchronous arm 410 and the second synchronous arm 420 and the base 100, the first synchronous arm 410 is rotatably connected to the base 100 through the first rotating shaft 510, and the second synchronous arm 420 is rotatably connected to the base 100 through the second rotating shaft 520.
[0041] Meanwhile, the first synchronous arm 410 and the second synchronous arm 420 can form a transmission connection through a gear meshing mechanism or other transmission mechanism to ensure that they have the ability to move synchronously towards and away from each other. Specifically, the gear meshing mechanism can include multiple gear teeth. By setting multiple gear teeth on the outer periphery of the end of the first synchronous arm 410 and the second synchronous arm 420 that is connected to the base 100, and making the first synchronous arm 410 and the second synchronous arm 420 mesh with each other through the aforementioned gear teeth, the first synchronous arm 410 and the second synchronous arm 420 can form a synchronous rotation relationship, thereby enabling them to rotate synchronously towards or away from each other.
[0042] In another embodiment of this application, the gear meshing mechanism further includes a first gear 530 and a second gear 540, and the first gear 530 and the second gear 540 mesh with each other. The first gear 530 meshes with the outer teeth of the first synchronous arm 410, and the second gear 540 meshes with the outer teeth of the second synchronous arm 420, thereby forming a transmission connection between the first synchronous arm 410 and the second synchronous arm 420. Furthermore, by adopting the above technical solution, the dimensions of the first synchronous arm 410 and the second synchronous arm 420 in the direction around the rotation axis can be reduced. That is, the overall dimensions of the ends of the first synchronous arm 410 and the second synchronous arm 420 connected to the base 100 are relatively small, improving the compactness of the components within the hinge mechanism.
[0043] As described above, the first connecting arm 310, the second connecting arm 320, the first synchronizing arm 410 and the second synchronizing arm 420 are all rotatably connected to the base 100. The first connecting arm 310 is also rotatably connected to the first bracket 210, and the second connecting arm 320 is also rotatably connected to the second bracket 220. Based on this, in order to reduce the design difficulty of the hinge mechanism, the rotation axes of the two corresponding mutually rotatably connected components can be made parallel to each other.
[0044] To ensure that the first synchronous arm 410 and the second synchronous arm 420 respectively have the ability to rotate relative to the base 100 with the first bracket 210 and the second bracket 220, such as Figure 1As shown, there are corresponding connections between the first synchronizing arm 410 and the first support 210, and between the second synchronizing arm 420 and the second support 220. As described above, in order to make the gap between the first support 210 and the second support 220 relatively small in the hinge mechanism in the folded state, both the first support 210 and the second support 220 have the ability to move relative to the base 100. Therefore, when the first synchronizing arm 410 and the second synchronizing arm 420 are connected to the first support 210 and the second support 220 respectively, in order to prevent the first synchronizing arm 410 and the second synchronizing arm 420 from hindering the movement of the first support 210 and the second support 220 relative to the base 100, it is necessary that the first synchronizing arm 410 and the first support 210, and the second synchronizing arm 420 and the second support 220, have a cooperative relationship while also having the ability to move relative to each other.
[0045] Based on the above, in order to ensure that the first bracket 210 and the second bracket 220 can respectively drive the first synchronous arm 410 and the second synchronous arm 420 to rotate relative to the base 100, in this embodiment of the application, the first synchronous arm 410 and the first bracket 210 are made capable of relative movement in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm 410, and the two are relatively fixed in other directions besides the aforementioned relative movement direction.
[0046] In detail, the first support 210 is provided with a first sliding part, and the first synchronous arm 410 is provided with a second sliding part. The first sliding part and the second sliding part are slidably engaged in a first direction, and the first sliding part and the second sliding part are engaged in an upper limit engagement in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Furthermore, the first direction is inclined relative to the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm 410; more intuitively, the angle formed between the first direction and the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm is greater than 0° and less than 90°. The first direction can be... Figure 3 Direction A in the middle.
[0047] When the above technical solution is adopted, by making the first sliding part and the second sliding part slide together along the first direction, the two have the ability to move relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm 410, thereby ensuring that the first bracket 210 has the ability to displace relative to the base 100 and drive the first synchronous arm 410 to rotate relative to the base 100.
[0048] Meanwhile, by making the first sliding part and the second sliding part slide together along the first direction, while keeping their sliding stroke unchanged, the dimensions of the first sliding part and the second sliding part in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm 410 can be made relatively smaller. This makes the dimensions of the first bracket 210 in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm 410 relatively smaller, that is, the width of the hinge mechanism is relatively smaller, thereby reducing the space occupied by the entire hinge mechanism in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm 410, and increasing the space that can be used to install other devices besides the hinge mechanism in the electronic device using the above-mentioned hinge mechanism.
[0049] In addition, in order to ensure that the first sliding part and the second sliding part have the ability to slide and engage in a direction inclined relative to the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm 410, it is also necessary to enable the first synchronous arm 410 and the base 100 to move and engage in a direction along the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm 410, thereby preventing the base 100 from restricting the first synchronous arm 410 from moving along its own rotation axis.
[0050] Specifically, one of the first sliding part and the second sliding part may include an elongated hole, and the other may include a long rod, so that the first sliding part and the second sliding part form a shaft-hole type mating structure, ensuring that they can move relative to each other in the sliding direction and are limited in other directions perpendicular to the sliding direction. At the same time, by making the connection structure between the first synchronizing arm 410 and the base 100 located outside the base 100, it is possible to prevent the base 100 from restricting the first synchronizing arm 410 from moving relative to the base 100 along its own axial direction.
[0051] Correspondingly, in order to ensure that the second support 220 has displacement relative to the base 100 and has the ability to drive the second synchronous arm 420 to rotate relative to the base 100, the second support 220 can also move relative to the second synchronous arm 420 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the second synchronous arm 420, and the second support 220 and the second synchronous arm 420 are in upper limit engagement in a direction perpendicular to their sliding direction.
[0052] Specifically, sliding portions can also be correspondingly provided on the second bracket 220 and the second synchronous arm 420, and the extension direction of the aforementioned sliding portions can be perpendicular to the rotation axis of the second synchronous arm 420. Accordingly, the sliding portions on the second bracket 220 and the second synchronous arm 420 can also form a shaft-hole type mating structure, which ensures that the two can slide and engage in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the second synchronous arm 420, while also allowing the second bracket 220 and the second synchronous arm 420 to engage in a positional engagement in a direction perpendicular to their sliding direction.
[0053] This application discloses a hinge mechanism, which includes a base 100, a first connecting arm 310, a first support 210 and a first synchronizing arm 410. One end of the first connecting arm 310 is rotatably connected to the base 100, and the other end of the first connecting arm 310 is rotatably connected to the first support 210, so that the first support 210 can rotate and move relative to the base 100.
[0054] Furthermore, the first support 210 is provided with a first sliding portion, and the first synchronizing arm 410 is provided with a second sliding portion. The first sliding portion and the second sliding portion slide in a first direction and are also in an upper limit engagement in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. This allows the first support 210 and the first synchronizing arm 410 to rotate together relative to the base 100. Since the first synchronizing arm 410 and the first support 210 have the ability to move relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronizing arm 410, the first synchronizing arm 410 does not restrict the displacement of the first support 210 relative to the base 100. Simultaneously, by allowing the first synchronizing arm 410 and the base 100 to move in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronizing arm 410, the base 100 does not obstruct the movement of the first synchronizing arm 410.
[0055] In the hinge mechanism disclosed in the embodiments of this application, the first direction is inclined relative to the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm 410, that is, the angle formed between the first direction and the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm 410 is greater than 0° and less than 90°. By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, while ensuring that the sliding stroke of the first sliding part and the second sliding part is relatively large, thereby enabling them to have good sliding fit stability, it is also possible to make the dimensions of the first sliding part and the second sliding part relatively small in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm 410, thereby reducing the dimensions of the hinge mechanism in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm 410 and reducing the space occupied by the hinge mechanism in the electronic device.
[0056] Furthermore, when an electronic device employing the aforementioned hinge mechanism is in a folded state and an accident such as a fall occurs, even if the impact force is transmitted to the first synchronizing arm 410, the mating surfaces of the first sliding part and the second sliding part can provide mutual support in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronizing arm 410. This prevents the first synchronizing arm 410 from moving relative to other components in the electronic device, especially the first synchronizing arm 410 and the display screen, in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronizing arm 410. Consequently, it prevents the two from colliding with each other and damaging the display screen.
[0057] Furthermore, the sliding engagement direction between the second bracket 220 and the second synchronous arm 420 can also be tilted relative to the rotation axis of the second synchronous arm 420, so as to ensure that the second synchronous arm 420 and the second bracket 220 have a relatively large sliding stroke, while minimizing the size of the second bracket 220 in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the second synchronous arm 420, so as to further reduce the space occupied by the hinge mechanism in the electronic device.
[0058] Specifically, the second bracket 220 may be provided with a third sliding part, and the second synchronous arm 420 may be provided with a fourth sliding part. The third and fourth sliding parts slide in cooperation in the second direction, and are also in upper limit cooperation in the direction perpendicular to the second direction. The second direction is inclined relative to the rotation axis of the second synchronous arm 420, or in other words, the angle between the second direction and the rotation axis of the second synchronous arm 420 is greater than 0° and less than 90°. Furthermore, by adopting the above technical solution, the second synchronous arm 420 and the base 100 can also be movable in cooperation in the rotation axis of the second synchronous arm 420, thereby ensuring that the base 100 does not show any movement of the second synchronous arm 420.
[0059] Optionally, the extension direction of the third sliding part is not parallel to the extension direction of the first extension part. In another embodiment of this application, the extension direction of the third sliding part can be parallel to the extension direction of the first extension part.
[0060] In yet another embodiment of this application, as Figure 2 As shown, the extension direction of the third sliding part is symmetrical to the extension direction of the first sliding part in the plane containing the rotation axis of the first synchronizing arm 410. In other words, both the first and third sliding parts extend towards the same end of the hinge mechanism, meaning that when the straight lines containing the respective extension directions of the first and third sliding parts intersect, the included angle between them is less than 180°. Alternatively, the second support 220 and the first support 210 are symmetrical to the plane containing the rotation axis of the first synchronizing arm 410, and the second synchronizing arm 420 is symmetrical to the plane containing the rotation axis of the first synchronizing arm 410.
[0061] By adopting the above technical solution, by designing the specific structures of the first sliding part and the third sliding part accordingly, the structures of the first sliding part and the third sliding part can be made to correspond to the same structure, thereby enabling the first support 210 where the first sliding part is located and the second support 220 where the third sliding part is located to be used interchangeably. That is, the structures of the first support 210 and the second support 220 correspond to the same structure, thereby reducing the processing and assembly difficulty of the two. Correspondingly, the processing and assembly difficulty of the first synchronous arm 410 and the second synchronous arm 420 can also be reduced.
[0062] Furthermore, the angle between the first direction and the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm 410 can be greater than 45°. When this technical solution is adopted, the width of the hinge mechanism can be further reduced, and the tilt of the sliding direction of the first sliding part relative to the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm 410 is relatively smaller, thereby improving the smoothness of sliding between the first sliding part and the second sliding part, and making the range of motion of the first synchronous arm 410 in its own rotation axis relatively small, thus improving the reliability of the hinge mechanism.
[0063] As described above, the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion can be shaft-hole type structures. In another embodiment of this application, one of the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion includes a groove, and the other includes a first sliding arm 413 and a second sliding arm 414 that are opposite to each other. The first sliding arm 413 and the second sliding arm 414 are fixed relative to each other, and both the first sliding arm 413 and the second sliding arm 414 are used to slide and engage with opposite side walls in the groove. Specifically, the inner wall of the groove includes two side walls that are opposite to each other along the rotation axis of the first synchronizing arm 410. The end face of the first sliding arm 413 facing away from the second sliding arm 414 slides and engages with one of the aforementioned side walls of the groove, and the end face of the second sliding arm 414 facing away from the first sliding arm 413 slides and engages with the other aforementioned side wall of the groove, ensuring that the stability of the sliding engagement relationship formed between the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion is relatively high.
[0064] Of course, in order to limit the relative movement of the first sliding part and the second sliding part in a direction perpendicular to their sliding direction, the size or structure of at least one of the first sliding arm 413 and the second sliding arm 414 can be designed so that at least one of the first sliding arm 413 and the second sliding arm 414 can be in upper limit engagement with the slide groove in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the first sliding arm 413.
[0065] When a hinge mechanism is applied in an electronic device, the display screen of the electronic device is located on one side of the hinge mechanism. To improve the support effect of the hinge mechanism on the display screen, the hinge mechanism disclosed in this application embodiment may further include a first support plate 610, which is mounted on a first bracket 210 to provide support for the display screen. Correspondingly, the hinge mechanism may also include a second support plate 620, which corresponds to the second bracket 220, thereby further improving the integrity of the support provided by the hinge mechanism to the display screen.
[0066] In detail, the first bracket 210 is rotatably connected to the first support plate 610, and as described above, the rotation angle of the first bracket 210 relative to the base 100 can be greater than 90°. Furthermore, in order to prevent the first support plate 610 from hindering the rotation process of the first bracket 210, the side of the first bracket 210 away from the base 100 can be rotatably connected to the side of the first support plate 610; or, in layman's terms, the outer side of the first bracket 210 away from the base 100 can be rotatably connected to the outer side of the first support plate 610 away from the base 100, so that the first bracket 210 can drive the first support plate 610 to rotate relative to the base 100.
[0067] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the movement trajectory of the inner side of the first support plate 610, that is, the side of the first support plate 610 close to the base 100, is controlled, the first support plate 610 is provided with a trajectory limiting part 601 on the side facing the first bracket 210, and the trajectory limiting part 601 has a movable space; at the same time, the first bracket 210 is provided with an avoidance hole 201, and the first synchronous arm 410 is provided with a connecting seat 401 to cooperate with the first support plate 610, thereby limiting the movement trajectory of the first support plate 610.
[0068] In detail, during the assembly of the first support plate 610, at least a portion of the trajectory limiting portion 601 of the first support plate 610 passes through the clearance hole 201 of the first bracket 210 to connect with the first synchronizing arm 410 located on the side of the first bracket 210 opposite to the first support plate 610. The trajectory limiting portion 601 extends through the clearance hole 201 to the other side of the first bracket 210, so that the movable space of the trajectory limiting portion 601 is opposite to the connecting seat 401 on the first synchronizing arm 410 in the rotation axis of the first synchronizing arm 410, thereby allowing the connecting seat 401 to be connected to the first support plate 610 through the pin 402 extending into the movable space.
[0069] Based on this, during the rotation of the first synchronous arm 410 relative to the base 100 and the sliding of the first bracket 210, the first synchronous arm 410 can control the movement trajectory of the first support plate 610 by using the pin that slides within the active space, so that the first support plate 610 can also rotate more than 90° relative to the base 100. This provides a larger accommodating space for the bent part of the display screen in the electronic device when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, and flattens the first support plate 610 when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, providing stable support for the display screen.
[0070] When the hinge mechanism includes the first support plate 610, the dimensions of the first synchronous arm 410 and the second sliding part in the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm 410 can be relatively small, so as to reserve space for avoiding the trajectory limiting part 601 of the first support plate 610.
[0071] Based on the above-described structure of the first sliding part and the second sliding part, the slide groove can have the aforementioned clearance hole 201, and the first sliding arm 413 and the second sliding arm 414 can be spaced apart from each other in the rotational axis of the first synchronous arm 410. This allows for the clearance of the trajectory limiting part 601 while simultaneously increasing the dimensions of the first sliding part and the second sliding part in the rotational axis of the first synchronous arm 410 within a certain range, thereby improving the stability of their engagement. Correspondingly, in designing the first sliding arm 413 and the second sliding arm 414, the interval between them needs to be aligned with the clearance hole 201 of the slide groove to ensure that the trajectory limiting part 601 can pass through the clearance hole 201 and connect with the connecting seat 401 on the first synchronous arm 410.
[0072] Furthermore, the first synchronizing arm 410 includes a rotating connecting part 411, a sliding arm, and a limiting part 412. The rotating connecting part 411 is fixedly connected to the sliding arm and is also drively connected to the second synchronizing arm 420, thereby causing the rotating connecting part 411 to drive the sliding arm to rotate relative to the base 100. The sliding arm is slidably engaged with the first bracket 210. The limiting part 412 is connected to one end of the sliding arm near the rotating connecting part 411 and protrudes from one side of the sliding part, so that the limiting part 412 can engage with the first bracket 210 in the sliding direction of the sliding arm, thereby limiting the sliding stroke of the sliding arm and preventing damage or damage to the display screen due to excessive displacement of the sliding arm and the slide groove in the sliding direction.
[0073] Specifically, the rotating connecting part 411, the sliding arm, and the limiting part 412 can be integrally formed. Furthermore, the sliding arm's sliding stroke can be designed with redundancy to prevent collisions between the first synchronizing arm 410 and the first support 210 in the sliding direction during the use of the hinge mechanism. Simultaneously, to prevent excessive sliding between the first synchronizing arm 410 and the first support 210, the limiting part 412 is designed to restrict the sliding stroke of the sliding arm. This ensures that when the sliding arm reaches its position, the limiting part 412 and the first support 210 are mutually limited in the sliding direction. At this point, there is still a gap between the ends of the first and second sliding parts in the sliding direction.
[0074] To further improve the stability of the limiting effect of the sliding part, optionally, limiting parts 412 are provided on both opposite sides of the sliding arm along the rotation axis of the first synchronous swing arm. Then, the limiting parts 412 on both opposite sides of the sliding arm form a limiting cooperation relationship with the first bracket 210 in the sliding direction, which can make the limiting reliability of the sliding arm higher.
[0075] As described above, the first synchronous arm 410 and the base 100 are movablely engaged in the rotational axis of the first synchronous arm 410. To further improve the operational stability of the hinge mechanism, the base 100 may optionally be provided with a limiting notch 110. During the assembly of the hinge mechanism, the first synchronous arm 410 extends into the limiting notch 110, and the first synchronous arm 410 moves relative to the base 100 within the limiting notch 110 in its own rotational axis. That is, by providing a limiting notch 110 on the base 100, the range of motion of the first synchronous arm 410 relative to the base 100 is limited, thereby improving the operational stability of the first synchronous arm 410 and further preventing excessive movement between the first synchronous arm 410 and the first support 210. Of course, if the second synchronous arm 420 also has the ability to move relative to the base 100 along its own rotational axis, a limiting notch 110 for engaging with the second synchronous arm 420 may also be provided on the base 100.
[0076] Based on the hinge mechanism disclosed in the above embodiments, this application also discloses an electronic device, which includes a flexible screen, a first base, a second base, and any of the above-mentioned hinge mechanisms. The first base can be fixedly connected to the first bracket 210 in the hinge mechanism by means of screws or other connecting parts, and the second base can be fixedly connected to the second base in the hinge mechanism. One side of the flexible screen is fixedly connected to the first base, and the other side of the flexible screen is fixedly connected to the second base. Thus, during the use of the electronic device, the relative rotation between the first base and the second base can drive the flexible screen to fold and unfold, so that the electronic device has a folded state and an unfolded state.
[0077] 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. A hinge mechanism, characterized in that, It includes a base, a first support, a first connecting arm, and a first synchronizing arm, wherein, One end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the first bracket, and the other end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the base; the first synchronizing arm is rotatably mounted on the base, and the first synchronizing arm and the base are movablely engaged in the rotation axis of the first synchronizing arm; The first bracket is provided with a first sliding part, and the first synchronous arm is provided with a second sliding part. The first sliding part and the second sliding part slide in a first direction and are in a stop engagement in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The angle formed by the first direction and the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm is greater than 0° and less than 90°.
2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the first sliding part and the second sliding part is a sliding groove, and the other includes a first sliding arm and a second sliding arm disposed opposite to each other. The first sliding arm and the second sliding arm slide in cooperation with the opposite side walls of the sliding groove.
3. The hinge mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first bracket is provided with a clearance hole, the first synchronous arm is provided with a connecting seat, and the hinge mechanism further includes a first support plate. The side of the first bracket away from the base is rotatably connected to the side of the first support plate. The side of the first support plate facing the first bracket is provided with a trajectory limiting part. The trajectory limiting part has a movable space. At least a portion of the trajectory limiting part passes through the clearance hole, and the movable space of the trajectory limiting part is opposite to the connecting seat in the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm. The connecting seat is connected to the first support plate by a pin extending into the movable space.
4. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first synchronizing arm includes a rotating connecting part, a sliding arm, and a limiting part. The rotating connecting part is fixedly connected to the sliding arm, and the sliding arm is slidably engaged with the first bracket. The limiting part is connected to one end of the sliding arm near the rotating connecting part, and the limiting part protrudes from one side of the sliding arm. The limiting part is used to engage with the first bracket in an upper limiting engagement in the sliding direction of the sliding arm to limit the sliding stroke of the sliding arm.
5. The hinge mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, On the rotational axis of the first synchronizing arm, the limiting portion is provided on both opposite sides of the sliding arm.
6. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base is provided with a limiting notch, and the first synchronous arm extends into the limiting notch.
7. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the first direction and the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm is greater than 45°.
8. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge mechanism includes a second bracket, a second connecting arm, and a second synchronous arm. One end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the second bracket, and the other end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the base. The second synchronous arm is drively connected to the first synchronous arm. The second synchronous arm is rotatably mounted on the base, and the second synchronous arm and the base are movablely engaged in the rotation axis of the second synchronous arm. The second bracket is provided with a third sliding part, and the second synchronous arm is provided with a fourth sliding part. The third sliding part and the fourth sliding part slide in a second direction, and in a direction perpendicular to the second direction, the third sliding part and the fourth sliding part limit the engagement. The angle formed by the second direction and the rotation axis of the second synchronous arm is greater than 0° and less than 90°.
9. The hinge mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second bracket and the first bracket are symmetrical about the plane containing the rotation axis of the first synchronous arm; The second synchronous arm is symmetrical to the plane in which the first synchronous arm rotates relative to the axis of rotation of the first synchronous arm.
10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes a flexible screen, a first base, a second base, and a hinge mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the first base is fixedly connected to a first bracket of the hinge mechanism, and the second base is fixedly connected to a second bracket of the hinge mechanism, and the flexible screen is mounted on the first base and the second base.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Hinge, display panel and electronic device
CN113404770A