Electronic device

Abstract

This application discloses an electronic device belonging to the field of communication equipment technology. The electronic device includes a hinge mechanism, a damping mechanism, and at least two housings. The at least two housings are rotatably connected by the hinge mechanism, and the at least two housings have an unfolded state and a folded state. The hinge mechanism includes a base and a synchronous swing arm. One end of the synchronous swing arm is rotatably connected to the base, and the end of the synchronous swing arm opposite to the base is slidably connected to the corresponding housing. The housing is provided with the damping mechanism, which cooperates with the end of the synchronous swing arm opposite to the base to enable the at least two housings to hover at any position when switching between the unfolded state and the folded state.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of flexible display technology, foldable electronic devices are becoming increasingly popular. A foldable electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a flexible screen, and a hinge mechanism. The first and second housings are rotatably connected by the hinge mechanism. The flexible screen is mounted on both the first and second housings. The first and second housings can rotate relative to each other, thus enabling the foldable electronic device to be folded and unfolded.

[0003] In related technologies, to enable the two housings of an electronic device to hover at any position, a damping mechanism is usually provided on the base of the hinge mechanism. The damping mechanism is used to increase the damping force for the two housings to hover. However, the damping mechanism occupies a large installation space on the base of the hinge mechanism, thus making the hinge mechanism relatively large. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an electronic device that can solve the problem of the large size of the hinge mechanism.

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

[0006] This application provides an electronic device, including a hinge mechanism, a damping mechanism, and at least two housings;

[0007] At least two of the housings are rotatably connected by the hinge mechanism, and at least two of the housings have an unfolded state and a folded state;

[0008] The hinge mechanism includes a base and a synchronous swing arm. One end of the synchronous swing arm is rotatably connected to the base, and the end of the synchronous swing arm away from the base is slidably connected to the corresponding housing.

[0009] The housing is provided with the damping mechanism, which cooperates with the end of the synchronous swing arm away from the base, so that at least two of the housings can be hovered at any position when switching between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0010] In this embodiment, a damping mechanism is provided on the housing. The damping mechanism cooperates with the end of the synchronous swing arm away from the base, so that at least two housings can be hovered at any position when switching between the unfolded and folded states. The technical solution disclosed in this application sets the damping mechanism in the housing. Therefore, the damping mechanism in this application does not occupy the installation space of the base, and there is no need to reserve an installation position for the damping mechanism on the base of the hinge mechanism, thereby effectively reducing the volume of the hinge mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0012] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0016] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0017] Figures 8 to 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of some components of the damping mechanism in the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the movement of an electronic device disclosed in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0020] 100 - Housing, 101 - Mounting slot, 102 - Bottom surface, 110 - First housing, 120 - Second housing;

[0021] 200-Hinge mechanism, 210-Main swing arm, 2101-First pin, 2102-Second pin, 2103-Rotating component, 211-First main swing arm, 212-Second main swing arm, 220-Synchronous swing arm, 221-First synchronous swing arm, 222-Second synchronous swing arm, 230-Base;

[0022] 300-Damping mechanism, 301-First damping mechanism, 302-Second damping mechanism, 310-Sliding part, 311-First arc-shaped part, 312-Strip-shaped part, 313-Second arc-shaped part, 320-Damping part, 321-First abutting part, 3211-First surface, 3212-Second surface, 3213-Third surface, 3214-First arc-shaped surface, 3215-Second arc-shaped surface, 322-Second abutting part, 3221-Fourth surface, 3222-Fifth surface, 3223-Sixth surface, 3224-Third arc-shaped surface, 3225-Fourth arc-shaped surface, 323-Elastic element, 3231-First elastic part, 3232-Second elastic part, 330-Connecting rod;

[0023] 400 - Sliding channel, 410 - First sliding segment, 420 - Second sliding segment, 430 - Third sliding segment;

[0024] 510 - First mating hole, 520 - First mating protrusion, 530 - Second mating hole, 540 - Second mating protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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. 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.

[0026] 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 terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Please refer to Figures 1 to 13 This application discloses an electronic device, which includes a hinge mechanism 200, a damping mechanism 300, and at least two housings 100.

[0029] At least two housings 100 are rotatably connected by a hinge mechanism 200, and the at least two housings 100 have an unfolded state and a folded state. Specifically, when the at least two housings 100 are in the folded state, the at least two housings 100 are stacked, thereby making the electronic device smaller; when the at least two housings 100 are in the unfolded state, the angle between the at least two housings 100 increases, thereby making the electronic device larger.

[0030] The hinge mechanism 200 includes a base 230 and a synchronous swing arm 220. The base 230 provides a mounting foundation for other components of the hinge mechanism 200. The synchronous swing arm 220 is used to achieve synchronous opening and closing between at least two housings 100. One end of the synchronous swing arm 220 is rotatably connected to the base 230, and the end of the synchronous swing arm 220 facing away from the base 230 is slidably connected to its corresponding housing 100. Optionally, the synchronous swing arms 220 corresponding to at least two housings 100 can achieve synchronous transmission through a gear assembly, a worm gear assembly, or a conveyor belt assembly.

[0031] In the specific operation process, the first end of the synchronous swing arm 220 is rotatably connected to the base 230. When the user applies an opening and closing force to the housing, the first end of the synchronous swing arm 220 rotates around its axis of rotation with the base 230. Here, the first end of the synchronous swing arm 220 and the base 230 can be rotatably connected via a pivot. The second end of the synchronous swing arm 220 extends to one of the corresponding housings 100 and is slidably connected to that housing 100. During the rotation of the first end of the synchronous swing arm 220 around the axis of rotation, the second end of the synchronous swing arm 220 slides relative to its corresponding housing 100. This relative sliding between the second end of the synchronous swing arm 220 and the housing 100 adapts to the switching between the unfolded and folded states of the electronic device, avoiding the risk of the second end of the synchronous swing arm 220 becoming stuck.

[0032] like Figure 13 As shown, Figure 13 The path shown by the solid line is the rotation path of the synchronous swing arm 220. When at least two housings 100 are in the deployed state, the second end of the synchronous swing arm 220 is in the... Figure 13 Position A is shown in the middle. When at least two shells switch from the unfolded state to the folded state, shell 100 slides away from the synchronous swing arm 220, and the second end of the synchronous swing arm 220 slides to the position shown in point C.

[0033] A damping mechanism 300 is provided on the housing 100. The damping mechanism 300 cooperates with the end of the synchronous swing arm 220 away from the base 230, so that at least two housings 100 can be hovered at any position when switching between an unfolded state and a folded state. Here, the damping mechanism 300 cooperating with the end of the synchronous swing arm 220 away from the base 230 means that during the switching process between the unfolded and folded states, the damping mechanism 300 can apply a damping force to the second end of the synchronous swing arm 220. In other words, the damping mechanism 300 provides the synchronous swing arm 220 with the frictional force required to generate hovering between the housings 100. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the position of the electronic device in the unfolded and folded states, and to hover the electronic device at any position in the unfolded and folded states.

[0034] In the embodiments disclosed in this application, the damping mechanism 300 is disposed in the housing 100. Therefore, the damping mechanism 300 in the electronic device disclosed in this application does not occupy the installation space of the base 230. Since the damping mechanism 300 is disposed on the housing 100 of the electronic device, there is no need to reserve an installation position for the damping mechanism 300 on the base 230 of the hinge mechanism 200, thereby effectively reducing the volume of the hinge mechanism 200.

[0035] In the above embodiments, the damping mechanism 300 may include an elastic structural member, one end of which is fixedly connected to the housing 100, and the other end of which abuts against the synchronous swing arm 220. During the sliding process of the second end of the synchronous swing arm 220 relative to the housing 100, the elastic structural member always abuts against the synchronous swing arm 220. Therefore, the force between the elastic structural member and the synchronous swing arm 220 can achieve the hovering effect of the electronic device's housing 100 at any position. Alternatively, a cam may be provided on the synchronous swing arm 220. When the elastic structural member cooperates with the cam, it can compress the elastic structural member, thereby increasing the force exerted by the elastic structural member on the synchronous swing arm 220, resulting in a better hovering effect for the electronic device. Furthermore, the damping mechanism 300 may be a friction cam, which can frictionally contact the side wall of the synchronous swing arm 220, thereby increasing the frictional force on the synchronous swing arm 220.

[0036] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, at least two housings 100 include a first housing 110 and a second housing 120, which are rotatably connected by a hinge mechanism 200. A base 230 is rotatably connected to the first housing 110 via a first synchronous swing arm 221, and to the second housing 120 via a second synchronous swing arm 222. The damping mechanism 300 on the first housing 110 is a first damping mechanism 301, and the damping mechanism 300 on the second housing 120 is a second damping mechanism 302. The first damping mechanism 301 cooperates with the first synchronous swing arm 221, and the second damping mechanism 302 cooperates with the second synchronous swing arm 222. In this design, both the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are equipped with corresponding damping mechanisms 300, resulting in better damping during the switching between unfolded and folded states, thus enabling better hovering of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 at any angle.

[0037] In the above embodiment, the hinge mechanism 200 further includes a synchronous gear set, which may include a first gear and a second gear. Both the first gear and the second gear are rotatably connected to the base 230, and the first gear meshes with the second gear. The first gear meshes with the first end of the first synchronous swing arm 221. The second gear is connected to the first end of the second synchronous swing arm 222. The first gear and the second gear enable the first synchronous swing arm 221 and the second synchronous swing arm 222 to rotate together, thereby making the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 rotate at the same angle.

[0038] In another alternative embodiment, the electronic device may further include a flexible screen disposed on at least two housings 100. In this case, when the electronic device is folded, its size is smaller, and it can utilize the display screen on only one of the housings 100. When the electronic device is unfolded, its size increases, and the displays on at least two housings 100 form a larger overall display screen, thus multiplying the display area of ​​the electronic device. This electronic device can be either an outward-folding or inward-folding type; this is not a limitation.

[0039] In the electronic device disclosed in this application, the damping mechanism 300 is disposed in the housing 100, thus allowing for a larger clearance space on the base 230 of the hinge mechanism 200, thereby increasing the bending radius of the flexible screen's bending area. Therefore, the electronic device in this application can form a larger water droplet clearance space, effectively reducing creases in the flexible screen and improving the display performance of the electronic device.

[0040] In the embodiments disclosed in this application, the hinge mechanism 200 further includes a main swing arm 210, which is spaced apart from the synchronous swing arm 220. Here, the main swing arm 210 is a virtual swing arm of the hinge mechanism 200, used to realize the rotational connection between the base 230 and the housing 100.

[0041] In the electronic devices disclosed in this application, such as Figure 13 As shown, the path indicated by the dashed line is the rotation path of the main swing arm 210. The rotation connection point between the main swing arm 210 and the housing 100 is point B. The connection point between the main swing arm 210 and the housing 100 does not change as it unfolds and folds.

[0042] Therefore, the angle between the synchronous swing arm 220 and the housing 100 remains consistent. However, the synchronous swing arm 220 and the housing 100 can generate relative longitudinal displacement because the second end of the synchronous swing arm 220 can slide relative to the housing 100. Due to the constraint of the sliding direction, the rotation angle between the synchronous swing arm 220 and the housing 100 remains consistent. Simultaneously, the longitudinal displacement between the main swing arm 210 and the housing 100 remains consistent, but the angular displacement between the main swing arm 210 and the housing 100 can occur. This is because the main swing arm 210 and the housing 100 are rotatably connected via a pivot. The pivot can constrain displacement but not angle, thus allowing rotation. Therefore, the synchronous swing arm 220 can slide, but the angle must remain consistent; the main swing arm 210 can rotate, but the longitudinal displacement must remain consistent. Thus, during the rotation of the housing 100, the synchronous swing arm 220 will rotate synchronously with the housing 100, and simultaneously, the synchronous swing arm 220 will also translate with the housing 100, thereby cooperating with the damping mechanism 300.

[0043] In one specific embodiment, the number of main swing arms 210 can be at least two, including a first main swing arm 211 and a second main swing arm 212 respectively. The base 230 is rotatably connected to the first housing 110 via the first main swing arm 211, and the base 230 is rotatably connected to the second housing 120 via the second main swing arm 212.

[0044] In another alternative embodiment, the damping mechanism 300 may include a sliding portion 310 and a damping portion 320, the damping portion 320 being connected to the housing 100. The sliding portion 310 may be connected to one end of the synchronous swing arm 220 away from the base 230. Specifically, the sliding portion 310 may be connected to the second end of the synchronous swing arm 220. The damping portion 320 may have a sliding channel 400. The sliding portion 310 can slide within the sliding channel 400. The damping portion 320 provides a damping force to the sliding portion 310. The sliding portion 310 and the damping portion 320 cooperate to enable at least two housings 100 to hover at any position.

[0045] During operation, when the electronic device switches between an unfolded and folded state, the second end of the synchronous swing arm 220 drives the sliding part 310 to slide within the sliding channel 400. At this time, the damping part 320 provides the necessary force for hovering the sliding part 310. Optionally, the sliding part 310 can contact the inner wall of the sliding channel 400. In this case, the friction between the sliding part 310 and the damping part 320 is the aforementioned damping force. That is, the friction between the sliding part 310 and the damping part 320 enables the at least two housings 100 to be hovered at any position.

[0046] In this design, the damping part 320 does not directly engage with the synchronous swing arm 220. Instead, the damping part 320 indirectly engages with the synchronous swing arm 220 through the sliding part 310. This avoids wear on the synchronous swing arm 220, thereby increasing its service life. Furthermore, the damping part 320 has a sliding channel 400, which guides the sliding direction of the synchronous swing arm 220, improving the sliding accuracy between the synchronous swing arm 220 and the housing 100. Additionally, the sliding part 310 can slide within the sliding channel 400, thus avoiding the risk of interference between the sliding part 310 and other components.

[0047] In the above embodiments, during prolonged friction, the sliding part 310 and the damping part 320 are prone to mutual wear, which reduces the frictional force between them. Consequently, the damping force provided by the damping part 320 to the sliding part 310 is reduced, which in turn affects the hovering of at least two housings 100 at any position. This results in poor reliability of the electronic device.

[0048] Based on this, in another optional embodiment, the damping portion 320 may include a first abutment portion 321, a second abutment portion 322, and an elastic member 323. At least one of the first abutment portion 321 and the second abutment portion 322 may be elastically connected to the housing 100 via the elastic member 323. The first abutment portion 321 and the second abutment portion 322 may be opposite to each other and spaced apart, forming a sliding channel 400 between them. The elastic member 323 may drive at least one of the first abutment portion 321 and the second abutment portion 322 to press against the sliding portion 310.

[0049] In one specific embodiment, the number of elastic elements 323 can be one. In this case, the first abutment portion 321 can be elastically connected to the housing 100 via the elastic element 323, and the second abutment portion 322 can be directly fixed to the housing 100, or the second abutment portion 322 can be a part of the housing 100. The elastic element 323 provides pressure, causing the first abutment portion 321 to press against the sliding portion 310. Simultaneously, the elastic force of the elastic element 323 is transmitted from the first abutment portion 321 to the sliding portion 310, causing the other side of the sliding portion 310 to press against the second abutment portion 322. Therefore, the elastic element 323 allows the first abutment portion 321 and the second abutment portion 322 to form a clamping structure, thereby clamping the sliding portion 310 within the clamping structure formed by the first abutment portion 321 and the second abutment portion 322. Of course, the second abutment portion 322 can be elastically connected to the housing 100 through the elastic member 323, the first abutment portion 321 can be directly fixed to the housing 100, or the second abutment portion 322 can be a part of the housing 100.

[0050] In this design, when wear occurs between the sliding part 310 and the damping part 320, the elastic element 323 can adjust its elongation, thereby ensuring close contact between the sliding part 310 and the damping part 320. This avoids the risk of reduced friction between the sliding part 310 and the damping part 320, and thus makes it less likely to affect the hovering of at least two housings 100 at any position, thereby improving the reliability of the electronic device.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the opposite sides of the sliding portion 310 abut against the first abutting portion 321 and the second abutting portion 322, respectively. Therefore, the wear on both sides of the sliding portion 310 is equivalent. When wear occurs on both sides of the sliding portion 310, the sliding portion 310 is prone to tilting towards the side away from the elastic member 323, which can easily cause the sliding position of the sliding portion 310 to tilt, and consequently, the sliding direction of the synchronous swing arm 220 to tilt, thus creating a risk of the synchronous swing arm 220 jamming.

[0052] Based on this, in another optional embodiment, the elastic member 323 may include a first elastic portion 3231 and a second elastic portion 3232. The first abutting portion 321 can be elastically connected to the housing 100 through the first elastic portion 3231. The second abutting portion 322 can be elastically connected to the housing 100 through the second elastic portion 3232.

[0053] In this design, when wear occurs on both sides of the sliding part 310, the relative elongation of the first elastic part 3231 and the second elastic part 3232 is basically the same, so the position of the sliding part 310 remains basically unchanged and the sliding part 310 is not easy to tilt to one side, thus it is not easy to cause the sliding direction of the synchronous swing arm 220 to tilt, avoiding the risk of the synchronous swing arm 220 getting stuck.

[0054] In the above embodiments, the elastic extension direction of the elastic member 323 can be parallel to the arrangement direction of the first abutment portion 321, the sliding portion 310, and the second abutment portion 322, or it can have a certain angle with the arrangement direction of the first abutment portion 321, the sliding portion 310, and the second abutment portion 322. However, the elastic extension direction of the elastic member 323 cannot be perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first abutment portion 321, the sliding portion 310, and the second abutment portion 322; otherwise, the first abutment portion 321 and the second abutment portion 322 cannot abut against the sliding portion 310.

[0055] Optionally, the elastic element 323 can be a spring, an elastic sheet, an elastic rod, or other structures. Of course, the elastic element 323 can also be other elastic structures, which are not limited in this article.

[0056] To improve the opening and closing feel of the electronic device, in another optional embodiment, the surface of the first abutment portion 321 facing the second abutment portion 322 may have a first surface 3211, a second surface 3212, and a third surface 3213 connected in sequence. Here, the first surface 3211, the second surface 3212, and the third surface 3213 are distributed sequentially along the sliding direction of the sliding portion 310. The surface of the second abutment portion 322 facing the first abutment portion 321 has a fourth surface 3221, a fifth surface 3222, and a sixth surface 3223 connected in sequence. Here, the fourth surface 3221, the fifth surface 3222, and the sixth surface 3223 are distributed sequentially along the sliding direction of the sliding portion 310.

[0057] The first surface 3211 and the fourth surface 3221 are disposed opposite to each other, and the distance between the first surface 3211 and the fourth surface 3221 is a first distance. When the sliding part 310 is located between the first surface 3211 and the fourth surface 3221, at least two housings 100 are in an unfolded state. At this time, the first surface 3211 and the fourth surface 3221 can form the first sliding segment 410 of the sliding channel 400, that is, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the sliding part 310 can be located within the first sliding segment 410. The aforementioned first distance refers to the width of the first sliding segment 410.

[0058] The second surface 3212 and the fifth surface 3222 are positioned opposite each other. The distance between the second surface 3212 and the fifth surface 3222 is called the second distance. The second surface 3212 and the fifth surface 3222 can form the second sliding segment 420 of the sliding channel 400. The aforementioned second distance refers to the width of the second sliding segment 420.

[0059] The third surface 3213 and the sixth surface 3223 are arranged opposite to each other, and the distance between the third surface 3213 and the sixth surface 3223 is the third distance. When the sliding part 310 is located on the third surface 3213 and the sixth surface 3223, at least two housings 100 are in a folded state. At this time, the third surface 3213 and the sixth surface 3223 form the third sliding segment 430 of the sliding channel 400. The aforementioned third distance refers to the width of the third sliding segment 430.

[0060] Where the first distance and the third distance are both greater than the second distance, the widths of the first sliding segment 410 and the third sliding segment 430 are both greater than the width of the second sliding segment 420.

[0061] In the specific operation process, such as Figures 8 to 10As shown, during the switching between the unfolded and folded states of the electronic device, the sliding part switches between the first sliding segment 410, the second sliding segment 420, and the third sliding segment 430. Since the sliding part 310 is located within the first sliding segment 410 in the unfolded state and within the third sliding segment 430 in the folded state, the widths of the first sliding segment 410 and the third sliding segment 430 can be greater than or equal to the width of the sliding part 310. This allows the sliding part 310 to be located within the first sliding segment 410 in the unfolded state and within the third sliding segment 430 in the folded state.

[0062] During the switching process between the unfolded and folded states of the electronic device, the sliding part 310 needs to pass through the second sliding section 420. At this time, when the electronic device is in the unfolded or folded state, the width of the sliding part 310 is smaller than the width of the second sliding section 420. When the electronic device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the synchronous swing arm 220 drives the sliding part to slide. At this time, the sliding part 310 applies a reaction force to the first abutment part 321 and / or the second abutment part 322, thereby compressing the elastic member 323, causing the first abutment part 321 and / or the second abutment part 322 to move towards the side away from the sliding part 310, thereby increasing the distance between the first abutment part 321 and the second abutment part 322, so that the sliding part 310 can enter the second sliding section 420. At this time, the compression of the elastic member 323 is increased, thus increasing the reaction force between the elastic member 323 and the first abutment portion 321 and / or the second abutment portion 322, and thus increasing the damping force between the first abutment portion 321 and the second abutment portion 322 and the sliding portion 310. Similarly, the process of switching the electronic device from a folded state to an unfolded state is similar to the above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0063] In this solution, the holding force on at least two housings 100 can be further increased by compressing the elastic element 323, thereby making the hovering state of the electronic device more stable, avoiding the risk of the electronic device being accidentally unfolded or folded, and further improving the reliability of the electronic device.

[0064] In addition, since the width of the second sliding segment 420 is smaller than the width of the first sliding segment 410 and the third sliding segment 430, when the sliding part 310 slides into the second sliding segment 420 during the opening and closing of the electronic device, the damping force of the first abutment part 321 and the second abutment part 322 on the sliding part 310 increases, thus increasing the torque feel during the opening and closing of the electronic device, thereby further improving the user experience.

[0065] In the above embodiments, the first surface 3211, the second surface 3212, the third surface 3213, the fourth surface 3221, the fifth surface 3222, and the sixth surface 3223 can all be planar. Since the first distance and the third distance can both be greater than the second distance, the second surface 3212 can protrude relative to the first surface 3211 and the third surface 3213 on the side facing the second abutment 322. That is, there is a height difference between the second surface 3212 and the first surface 3211 and the third surface 3213. At this time, a right-angled stepped structure can be formed between the first surface 3211, the second surface 3212, and the third surface 3213. The sliding part 310 is prone to getting stuck on the side wall of the stepped structure, which can easily cause the electronic device to be difficult to open and close.

[0066] Based on this, in another optional embodiment, the first surface 3211 can be connected to the second surface 3212 via the first arcuate surface 3214. The third surface 3213 can be connected to the second surface 3212 via the second arcuate surface 3215. In this scheme, arcuate surfaces are provided between the second surface 3212 and the first surface 3211 and the third surface 3213 for guidance. Therefore, the first surface 3211, the first arcuate surface 3214, the second surface 3212, the second arcuate surface 3215, and the third surface 3213 of the first abutment portion 321 form a flange structure, thus making the first abutment portion 321 a cam structure. This makes it easier for the sliding portion 310 to enter the second sliding section 420, avoiding the risk of the sliding portion 310 easily getting stuck with the side wall of the stepped structure, thereby avoiding the risk of the electronic device being difficult to open and close, and thus improving the reliability of the electronic device.

[0067] Similarly, the fourth surface 3221 can be connected to the fifth surface 3222 via the third arc-shaped surface 3224. The sixth surface 3223 can be connected to the fifth surface 3222 via the fourth arc-shaped surface 3225. This scheme achieves the same effect as the schemes described above, and will not be elaborated upon further.

[0068] This application is not limited to using curved surfaces for guiding; inclined surfaces can also be used for guiding. Therefore, the first surface 3211 can be connected to the second surface 3212 through an inclined surface, and inclined surfaces can be provided between other surfaces, which will not be elaborated here.

[0069] In another alternative embodiment, the first surface 3211, the third surface 3213, the fourth surface 3221, and the sixth surface 3223 can all be curved surfaces. In this case, the distance between the first surface 3211 and the fourth surface 3221 is the maximum distance between them. For example, the distance between the side of the first surface 3211 facing away from the second surface 3212 and the side of the fourth surface 3221 facing away from the fifth surface 3222 can be the first distance described above. Other surfaces can also have the same structure, which will not be elaborated here.

[0070] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, the second surface 3212 protrudes from the first surface 3211 and the third surface 3213 towards the second abutment portion 322. The first surface 3211 is connected to the second surface 3212 via the first arcuate surface 3214. The third surface 3213 is connected to the second surface 3212 via the second arcuate surface 3215. The fifth surface 3222 protrudes from the fourth surface 3221 and the sixth surface 3223 towards the first abutment portion 321. The fourth surface 3221 is connected to the fifth surface 3222 via the third arcuate surface 3224. The sixth surface 3223 is connected to the fifth surface 3222 via the fourth arcuate surface 3225. Simultaneously, the first abutment portion 321 and the second abutment portion 322 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the sliding portion 310. Here, symmetrical distribution means that the first abutment portion 321 and the second abutment portion 322 have the same shape, therefore the surfaces corresponding to the first abutment portion 321 and the second abutment portion 322 are the same.

[0071] In this design, the opposite sides of the sliding part 310 have the same contact area with the first abutment part 321 and the second abutment part 322. Therefore, the sliding part 310 is subjected to relatively balanced forces, and the sliding part 310 is less prone to the risk of tilting to one side, thereby further improving the reliability of the electronic device.

[0072] In the above embodiments, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the user does not apply external force to the housing 100. The edge of the sliding part 310 can be matched with the first arcuate surface 3214 and / or the third arcuate surface 3224, thus avoiding the risk of the electronic device being accidentally folded. Similarly, when the electronic device is in the folded state, the edge of the sliding part 310 can be matched with the second arcuate surface 3215 and / or the fourth arcuate surface 3225, thus avoiding the risk of the electronic device being accidentally unfolded.

[0073] This application discloses a novel damping mechanism 300, which is a linear cam mechanism. The linear cam mechanism can replace the rotary cam mechanism located at the bottom of the hinge in related technologies to provide damping force, resulting in less space occupied at the bottom of the hinge, more space for water droplets to avoid, and reduced creases formed on the flexible screen when the electronic device is folded. Meanwhile, the rotary cam mechanism in related technologies places all parts at the bottom of the hinge, which easily causes the hinge mechanism to collide and be squeezed against the screen during a drop, posing a reliability risk. This application, by moving the damping mechanism 300 to the housing 100 of the electronic device, improves the reliability of the hinge mechanism 200 during a drop.

[0074] Furthermore, compared to the limited space of hinge mechanisms in related technologies, the electronic device in this application has a larger space on both sides of the housing 100. Through the cooperation between the synchronous swing arm 220 and the main swing arm 210 during opening and closing, the synchronous swing arm 220 slides on the housing 100. By utilizing the sliding of the synchronous swing arm 220 within the housing 100, this application's technical solution designs a linearly moving cam mechanism as a damping mechanism 300, which can convert the body rotation motion during the folding and unfolding of the electronic device into the linear motion of the damping mechanism 300. Simultaneously, by utilizing the damping mechanism 300 to design corresponding torques for different positions of the linear motion and the force of the elastic cam, the hinge structure is thinned, a larger teardrop shape is formed by avoiding gaps, and the reliability of the hinge area is improved, effectively enhancing the reliability of the phone and the user experience. Furthermore, by designing the torque curve through the elastic element 323 and the cam shape, the torque feel during the opening and closing of the electronic device is improved, enhancing the overall reliability of the device.

[0075] In another optional embodiment, the sliding portion 310 may include a first arc-shaped portion 311, a strip-shaped portion 312, and a second arc-shaped portion 313 connected in sequence. The first arc-shaped portion 311, the strip-shaped portion 312, and the second arc-shaped portion 313 may be arranged along the sliding direction of the sliding portion 310. In this solution, the opposite ends of the sliding portion 310 are arc-shaped structures, thus enabling better sliding fit between the two ends of the sliding portion 310 and the first abutment portion 321 and the second abutment portion 322. This facilitates the sliding portion 310 sliding between the first abutment portion 321 and the second abutment portion 322, avoiding the risk of the sliding portion 310 getting stuck between the first abutment portion 321 and the second abutment portion 322, thereby further improving the reliability of the electronic device.

[0076] Optionally, the arc surfaces of the first arc-shaped portion 311 and the second arc-shaped portion 313 can both protrude in the direction away from the strip-shaped portion 312, or both can be recessed in the direction closer to the strip-shaped portion 312.

[0077] In another alternative embodiment, the damping mechanism 300 may further include a connecting rod 330, one end of which may be connected to the end of the synchronous swing arm 220 away from the base 230. Specifically, one end of the connecting rod 330 may be connected to the second end of the synchronous swing arm 220. The other end of the connecting rod 330 may be connected to the sliding part 310. The synchronous swing arm 220 can drive the sliding part 310 to slide via the connecting rod 330. This solution can avoid the synchronous swing arm 220 from being too long, thereby reducing the manufacturing difficulty of the synchronous swing arm 220. In addition, in this solution, the connecting rod 330 can shorten the length of the synchronous swing arm 220, thus avoiding the risk of breakage due to the synchronous swing arm 220 being too long.

[0078] Furthermore, in the connecting rod 330 and the synchronous swing arm 220, one may have a first mating hole 510, and the other may have a first mating protrusion 520, with the first mating hole 510 and the first mating protrusion 520 engaging with each other. In this case, the first mating protrusion 520 can be directly inserted into the first mating hole 510, thus simplifying the connection between the connecting rod 330 and the synchronous swing arm 220 and making their assembly and disassembly more convenient.

[0079] In the above embodiments, the first mating protrusion 520 and the first mating hole 510 can be interference-fitted, or the first mating protrusion 520 and the first mating hole 510 can be snap-fitted. Of course, the first mating protrusion 520 and the first mating hole 510 are not limited to the above-described mating methods, and can also be other mating methods, which are not limited herein.

[0080] Similarly, in the connecting rod 330 and the sliding part 310, one can have a second mating hole 530, and the other can have a second mating protrusion 540. The second mating hole 530 and the second mating protrusion 540 can mate with each other. In this case, the second mating protrusion 540 can be directly inserted into the second mating hole 530, thus simplifying the connection between the connecting rod 330 and the sliding part 310 and making it easier to assemble and disassemble them.

[0081] In the above embodiments, the second mating protrusion 540 and the second mating hole 530 can be interference-fitted, or the second mating protrusion 540 and the second mating hole 530 can be snap-fitted. Of course, the second mating protrusion 540 and the second mating hole 530 are not limited to the above-described mating methods, and can also be other mating methods, which are not limited herein.

[0082] Of course, the connection structure between the connecting rod 330 and the synchronous swing arm 220, and between the connecting rod 330 and the sliding part 310, is not limited to the above-described mating structure; they can also be connected by rivets, bolts, or other components. The specific connection methods between the connecting rod 330 and the synchronous swing arm 220, and between the connecting rod 330 and the sliding part 310, are not limited in this document.

[0083] In another alternative embodiment, the housing 100 may have a mounting groove 101, and at least a portion of the sliding portion 310 and the damping portion 320 may be located within the mounting groove 101. In this solution, at least a portion of the sliding portion 310 and the damping portion 320 can be hidden within the mounting groove 101, thereby reducing the stacking thickness of the damping mechanism 300 and the housing 100, and thus reducing the thickness of the electronic device.

[0084] Furthermore, the mounting groove 101 may have a bottom surface 102, on which both the sliding part 310 and the damping part 320 can be supported, and the connecting rod 330 may be located on the side of the sliding part 310 away from the bottom surface 102. In this design, the bottom surface 102 of the mounting groove 101 can provide auxiliary support for the sliding part 310 and the damping part 320, thereby reducing the wobbling of the sliding part 310 and the damping part 320, making the sliding part 310 slide more smoothly, and thus further improving the reliability of opening and closing the electronic device.

[0085] In addition, the connecting rod 330 is located on the side of the sliding part 310 away from the bottom surface 102. At this time, the connecting rod 330 is less likely to interfere with the housing 100, thereby further avoiding the risk of abnormal noise and jamming during the unfolding and folding of electronic devices.

[0086] In another optional embodiment, the main swing arm 210 may include a first pin 2101, a second pin 2102, and a rotating member 2103. One end of the rotating member 2103 can be rotatably connected to the base 230 via the first pin 2101, and the other end of the rotating member 2103 can be rotatably connected to the housing 100 via the second pin 2102. In this solution, the main swing arm 210 has a simple structure, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of electronic devices.

[0087] Optionally, the rotating component 2103 can be a strip structure or a rod structure. The number of rotating components 2103 can be one or more, and the number of rotating components 2103 can be flexibly selected according to the actual working conditions.

[0088] Of course, the structure of the main swing arm 210 is not limited to the structure disclosed in this application. The main swing arm 210 can also be other structures. For example, one end of the main swing arm 210 can be rotatably connected to the base 230 through a virtual bearing, and the other end of the main swing arm 210 can be connected to the housing 100 through a pin.

[0089] The electronic devices disclosed in this application can be smartphones, tablets, e-book readers, wearable devices (such as smartwatches), video game consoles, etc. This application does not limit the specific types of electronic devices.

[0090] 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, characterized in that, Includes a hinge mechanism, a damping mechanism, and at least two housings; At least two of the housings are rotatably connected by the hinge mechanism, and at least two of the housings have an unfolded state and a folded state; The hinge mechanism includes a base and a synchronous swing arm. One end of the synchronous swing arm is rotatably connected to the base, and the end of the synchronous swing arm away from the base is slidably connected to the corresponding housing. The housing is provided with the damping mechanism, which cooperates with the end of the synchronous swing arm away from the base, so that at least two of the housings can be hovered at any position when switching between the unfolded state and the folded state; The damping mechanism includes a sliding part and a damping part. The damping part is connected to the housing, and the sliding part is connected to the end of the synchronous swing arm away from the base. The damping part has a sliding channel. The sliding part can slide within the sliding channel. The damping part provides damping force to the sliding part. The sliding part and the damping part cooperate to enable at least two of the housings to be suspended at any position. The damping part includes a first abutting part, a second abutting part, and an elastic element. The elastic element includes a first elastic part and a second elastic part. The first abutting part is elastically connected to the housing through the first elastic part, and the second abutting part is elastically connected to the housing through the second elastic part. The first abutting part and the second abutting part are opposite to each other and spaced apart, forming a sliding channel between them. The first elastic part drives the first abutting part to abut against the sliding part, and the second elastic part drives the second abutting part to abut against the sliding part. The surface of the first abutting portion facing the second abutting portion has a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface connected in sequence; the surface of the second abutting portion facing the first abutting portion has a fourth surface, a fifth surface, and a sixth surface connected in sequence; the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, the fourth surface, the fifth surface, and the sixth surface are all planar. The first surface and the fourth surface are disposed opposite each other, and the distance between the first surface and the fourth surface is a first distance; the second surface and the fifth surface are disposed opposite each other, and the distance between the second surface and the fifth surface is a second distance; the third surface and the sixth surface are disposed opposite each other, and the distance between the third surface and the sixth surface is a third distance; wherein, both the first distance and the third distance are greater than the second distance; The first surface is connected to the second surface via a first arcuate surface; the third surface is connected to the second surface via a second arcuate surface; the fourth surface is connected to the fifth surface via a third arcuate surface; and the sixth surface is connected to the fifth surface via a fourth arcuate surface. The sliding part includes a first arc-shaped part, a strip-shaped part, and a second arc-shaped part connected in sequence. The first arc-shaped part, the strip-shaped part, and the second arc-shaped part are arranged along the sliding direction of the sliding part. The arc-shaped surfaces of the first arc-shaped part and the second arc-shaped part both protrude in a direction away from the strip-shaped part.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the sliding part is located between the first surface and the fourth surface, at least two of the housings are in the unfolded state; When the sliding part is located on the third surface and the sixth surface, at least two of the housings are in the folded state.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping mechanism further includes a connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the end of the synchronous swing arm away from the base, and the other end of which is connected to the sliding part. The synchronous swing arm drives the sliding part to slide through the connecting rod.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Of the connecting rod and the synchronous swing arm, one has a first mating hole, and the other has a first mating protrusion, wherein the first mating hole and the first mating protrusion mate; and / or, The connecting rod and the sliding part each have a second mating hole and a second mating protrusion, and the second mating hole and the second mating protrusion are mated together.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a mounting groove, and at least a portion of the sliding part and the damping part are located within the mounting groove.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge mechanism further includes a main swing arm, which is spaced apart from the synchronous swing arm. The housing is rotatably connected to the base through the main swing arm. The main swing arm includes a first pin, a second pin, and a rotating member. One end of the rotating member is rotatably connected to the base through the first pin, and the other end of the rotating member is rotatably connected to the housing through the second pin.

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