Hinge structure and terminal device

Abstract

A hinge structure includes two hinge arms, two shaft gears, at least one first elastic sheet and at least one second elastic sheet. Each hinge arm includes a central shaft; the shaft gears are connected with the central shaft and fixed relative to the central shaft, each shaft gear includes a first gear part and an extension part, and each extension part is provided with a groove; each first elastic sheet includes two elastic arms, a first connecting part and two convex point structures, the two elastic arms are arranged on opposite sides of the first connecting part, each elastic arm and the first connecting part surround to form a first opening, the extension part passes through the first opening and is connected with the first connecting part, and each convex point structure is arranged on the surface of the elastic arm facing the extension part; the second elastic sheet is sleeved on the two extension parts; and the convex point structures are correspondingly arranged in the two grooves. The application also provides a terminal device including the hinge structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mechanical structure technology, and in particular to a hinge structure and a terminal device. Background Technology

[0002] As flexible foldable screen technology matures, foldable terminal devices have become a trend. Foldable terminal devices need to meet high reliability and a good user experience.

[0003] The hinge structure is the core mechanism for achieving folding, and it needs to enable the self-locking and hovering functions of the terminal device. However, current hinge structures are relatively large in size, occupy a lot of space, have many parts, are costly, and are complex to assemble. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A hinge structure includes two hinge arms, two shaft gears, at least one first spring plate, and at least one second spring plate. Each hinge arm includes a central shaft; the shaft gears are connected to and fixed relative to the central shaft, each shaft gear includes a first gear portion and an extension portion, each extension portion having a groove; each first spring plate includes two elastic arms, a first connecting portion, and two protrusion structures, the two elastic arms being disposed on opposite sides of the first connecting portion, each elastic arm and the first connecting portion forming a first opening, the extension portion passing through the first opening and connecting to the first connecting portion, each protrusion structure being disposed on the surface of the elastic arm facing the extension portion; the second spring plate is sleeved on the two extension portions; wherein, the protrusion structures can be correspondingly disposed in the two grooves.

[0005] This application also provides a terminal device including a hinge structure.

[0006] The hinge structure provided in this application can simultaneously realize the torque function and self-locking function of the hinge structure by sleeved a first spring and a second spring with a certain structure on the shaft gear; in addition, the first spring and the second spring in this application are designed to be small in size and occupy little space, and only need to be sleeved on the shaft gear when assembling the hinge structure; the number of parts is small. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the terminal device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the hinge structure provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0009] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The hinge structure shown is a cross-sectional view along the III-III direction.

[0010] Figure 4 for Figure 2 An exploded view of the hinge structure 100 shown.

[0011] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the shaft gear in the hinge structure shown.

[0012] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the first spring in the hinge structure shown.

[0013] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the second spring in the hinge structure shown.

[0014] Figure 8 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the hinge structure in its fully open state.

[0015] Figure 9 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the hinge structure in a suspended state.

[0016] Figure 10 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the hinge structure in the fully closed state.

[0017] Figure 11 They are respectively Figure 5 The shaft gear shown Figure 7 The diagram shown illustrates the relationship between torque and angle after the second spring is assembled. Figure 5 The shaft gear shown Figure 6 The diagram shown illustrates the relationship between torque and angle after the first spring assembly. Figure 5 The shaft gear shown Figure 6 The first shrapnel shown and Figure 7 The diagram shows the relationship between torque and angle after the second spring is assembled.

[0018] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the first spring sheet provided for other embodiments of this application.

[0019] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing the force analysis of the first spring clip being fitted onto the shaft gear and rotating relative to it.

[0020] Figure 14 After the first spring is sleeved on the shaft gear, it connects with... Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the forces acting on the oppositely rotating components.

[0021] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the first spring sheet provided for some embodiments of this application.

[0022] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the hinge structure in the fully open state provided in some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the hinge structure in a suspended state, provided for some other embodiments.

[0024] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the hinge structure in the fully closed state provided in some embodiments.

[0025] Figure 19 They are respectively Figure 16 The shaft gear shown Figure 7 The diagram shown illustrates the relationship between torque and angle after the second spring is assembled. Figure 16 The shaft gear shown Figure 15 The diagram shown illustrates the relationship between torque and angle after the first spring assembly. Figure 16 The shaft gear shown Figure 15 The first shrapnel shown and Figure 7 The diagram shows the relationship between torque and angle after the second spring is assembled.

[0026] Figure 20 They are respectively Figure 16 The shaft gear shown Figure 7 The diagram shown illustrates the relationship between torque and angle after the second spring is assembled. Figure 16 The shaft gear shown Figure 12 The diagram shown illustrates the relationship between torque and angle after the first spring assembly. Figure 16 The shaft gear shown Figure 12 The first shrapnel shown and Figure 7 The diagram shows the relationship between torque and angle after the second spring is assembled.

[0027] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a shaft gear provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0028] Figure 22 for Figure 21 The shaft gear shown Figure 7 The diagram shown illustrates the relationship between torque and angle after the second spring is assembled. Figure 21 The shaft gear shown Figure 15 The diagram shown illustrates the relationship between torque and angle after the first spring assembly. Figure 21 The shaft gear shown Figure 15 The first shrapnel shown and Figure 7 The diagram shows the relationship between torque and angle after the second spring is assembled.

[0029] Figure 23This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the hinge structure provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0030] Figure 24 for Figure 23 A schematic diagram of the structure in which two shaft gears mesh with each other.

[0031] Explanation of main component symbols The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application, the application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application; the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments described in this application.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes all and any combination of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] In the various embodiments of this application, for ease of description and not limitation, the term "connection" used in the patent application specification and claims is not limited to physical or mechanical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "above," "below," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship also changes accordingly.

[0035] Please see Figure 1This application provides a terminal device 200, which is a product that can utilize a hinge structure 100. The terminal device 200 can be an electronic product, including but not limited to foldable phones, foldable tablets, foldable computers, cameras, drones, desk lamps, etc.; the terminal device 200 can also be a non-electronic product, including but not limited to Bluetooth headset cases, glasses cases, etc. In this embodiment, taking a foldable phone as an example, the foldable phone includes a screen 220 and two bodies 210. The screen 220 is connected to the two bodies 210, and the hinge structure 100 connects the two bodies 210. The relative angle between the two bodies 210 can be changed through the hinge structure 100. Users can change the relative angle between the two bodies 210 according to their usage needs. For example, when the user does not need to use the terminal device 200, the angle between the two bodies 210 can be 0°, so that the terminal device 200 is in a fully closed state, making the terminal device 200 more portable. For example, when a user needs to view screen 220, the angle between the two bodies 210 can be 180°, so that the terminal device 200 is in a fully open state.

[0036] In some embodiments, screen 220 can be a foldable screen, i.e., a screen with folding functionality, used to display the user interface of various applications; when screen 220 also has touch functionality, it is also used to receive touch operations from the user using a finger, stylus, or any suitable object on or near it. To achieve the folding display, in one possible implementation, screen 220 is made of a flexible material (with a certain degree of stretchability), and screen 220 can be, but is not limited to, a flexible OLED.

[0037] The specific names of the two bodies 210 are related to the actual application scenario of the hinge structure 100. For example, in this embodiment, both bodies 210 are the parts where the screen 220 is located.

[0038] Please see Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of hinge structure 100. Figure 3 for Figure 2A cross-sectional view along direction III-III. The hinge structure 100 includes two hinge arms 10, two shaft gears 20, two connecting gears 30, at least one first spring piece 40, and at least one second spring piece 50. The two hinge arms 10 are respectively used for fixed connection to two bodies 210. The two connecting gears 30 are located between and mesh with the two shaft gears 20. Each hinge arm 10 is adjacent to one shaft gear 20, one connecting gear 30, one first spring piece 40, and one second spring piece 50, wherein the functions of the first spring piece 40 and the second spring piece 50 may be different. The hinge structure 100 also includes two fixing plates 60, and the shaft gears 20, two connecting gears 30, at least one first spring piece 40, and at least one second spring piece 50 are located between the two fixing plates 60. In this embodiment, the first spring 40 mainly provides a self-locking function for the hinge structure 100 and can also provide a partial torque function, while the second spring 50 provides a torque function for the hinge structure 100, thereby realizing the self-locking and torque functions of the hinge structure 100.

[0039] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 , Figure 4 for Figure 2 The exploded view of the hinge structure 100 is shown. Each hinge arm 10 includes a fixed part 11 and a central shaft 13 that are fixedly connected. Each fixed part 11 is used to fixally connect to a body 210. Each fixed part 11 includes a first fixed part 112 and a second fixed part 114. The second fixed part 114 is parallel to and adjacent to the first fixed part 112 and protrudes relative to the first fixed part 112. Each central shaft 13 extends from the second fixed part 114, protruding from the surface of the first fixed part 112 and extending toward the direction of the first fixed part 112. The extension directions of the two central shafts 13 are parallel to each other and located on the same side of the two fixed parts 11. Each fixed part 11 is flat to facilitate fixed connection with the shaft gear 20 and to ensure that the movement of the hinge arm 10 and the shaft gear 20 are consistent.

[0040] Please see Figure 5 Each shaft gear 20 includes a first gear portion 21 and an extension portion 23 fixedly connected, with the extension portion 23 extending from a surface of the first gear portion 21. Each shaft gear 20 has a through hole 25 that passes through the first gear portion 21 and the extension portion 23. The through hole 25 is flat and adapted to the central shaft 13, so that the shaft gear 20 is detachably fixed to the hinge arm 10, thereby causing the shaft gear 20 to rotate synchronously when the hinge arm 10 rotates.

[0041] Each extension 23 includes an inner surface 231, an outer surface 232, and an end face 233. The inner surface 231 surrounds a portion of the through hole 25. The outer surface 232 is opposite to the inner surface 231 and connected to the first gear portion 21. The end face 233 is located on the side of the extension 23 opposite to the first gear portion 21 and connects the inner surface 231 and the outer surface 232. Each extension 23 has a groove 234, which is recessed from the outer surface 232 toward the inner surface 231. Each groove 234 includes a first sidewall 2341 and a second sidewall 2343 that are connected to each other. The first sidewall 2341 and the second sidewall 2343 can be directly connected to each other or indirectly connected to each other. In this embodiment, the first sidewall 2341 and the second sidewall 2343 are directly connected to each other. The first sidewall 2341 of one groove 234 is adjacent to the second sidewall 2343 of another adjacent groove 234. Both the first sidewall 2341 and the second sidewall 2343 are connected to the outer surface 232.

[0042] In some embodiments, the number of grooves 234 may be related to the number of angles required to achieve the self-locking function during the relative rotation of the two bodies 210. When there are multiple grooves 234, they are spaced apart. In this embodiment, the number of angles requiring the self-locking function is two, so there are two grooves 234 on each extension 23. In other embodiments, the number of grooves 234 may be one or more. The position of the grooves 234 is related to the angle between the two hinge arms 10 when the two bodies 210 achieve self-locking during relative rotation. In this embodiment, the angles between the two hinge arms 10 are 0° and 180° respectively when the self-locking function is required, so the angle between two adjacent grooves 234 on each extension 23 is 90°. In other embodiments, the angle between two adjacent grooves 234 may be set according to actual needs.

[0043] Please refer to it again. Figure 2 and Figure 4 Two connecting gears 30 are disposed between two shaft gears 20. Each connecting gear 30 includes a second gear part 31 and two rod parts 33. The two rod parts 33 are respectively located on both sides of the second gear part 31. The two second gear parts 31 are respectively meshed with the two first gear parts 21, so that the two shaft gears 20 can rotate in opposite directions, thereby driving the two hinge arms 10 to rotate in opposite directions. That is, when one hinge arm 10 rotates clockwise, the other hinge arm 10 rotates counterclockwise.

[0044] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 6In this embodiment, there are three first spring pieces 40. In some embodiments, the number of first spring pieces 40 may be greater or less than three, depending on the actual needs, and this disclosure does not limit this. Each first spring piece 40 includes a first connecting portion 41, two elastic arms 43, and two protrusion structures 45. The two elastic arms 43 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the first connecting portion 41. One end of each elastic arm 43 is connected to the first connecting portion 41, and the other end is spaced apart from the first connecting portion 41 to form a first notch 433. Each elastic arm 43 and the first connecting portion 41 surround a first opening 431. The extension 23 of the shaft gear 20 passes through the first opening 431 and contacts the first connecting portion 41 of the first spring piece 40. A protrusion structure 45 is disposed on the surface of the elastic arm 43 facing the extension 23. In this embodiment, the protrusion structure 45 is disposed at the end of the elastic arm 43 near the first notch 433 to extend the arm length of the elastic arm 43. In other embodiments, the protrusion structure 45 is not limited to being disposed at the end of the elastic arm 43. During the relative rotation of the two hinge arms 10, the first spring piece 40 rotates relative to the shaft gear 20, and the elastic arm 43 can deform. The protrusion structure 45 can be accommodated in the groove 234 of the shaft gear 20 to realize the self-locking function of the hinge structure 100.

[0045] In this embodiment, three first spring pieces 40 are adjacent to each other and sleeved on the end of the extension 23. The groove 234 is recessed by the end face 233 and the outer surface 232. The first spring pieces 40 are located at the end of the extension 23, which can reduce the length of the groove 234 along the extension direction of the extension 23, so as to reduce the influence of the groove 234 on the strength of the extension 23.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 41 includes a first surface 411 and a second surface 413 disposed opposite to each other. The first connecting portion 41 includes a first region 415 and a second region 417 connected to each other. The first region 415 includes a portion of the first surface 411 and a portion of the second surface 413. The second region 417 includes the remaining portion of the first surface 411 and the remaining portion of the second surface 413. One elastic arm 43 is connected to the first connecting portion 41 and is bent from the first surface 411 of the first region 415 toward the second region 417 to form a first opening 431. The other elastic arm 43 is bent from the second surface 413 of the second region 417 toward the first region 415 to form another first opening 431. The bending directions of the two elastic arms 43 are the same, that is, the two elastic arms 43 are formed by extending simultaneously clockwise or simultaneously counterclockwise from the surfaces on opposite sides of the first connecting portion 41. The two elastic arms 43 have a centrally symmetrical structure. Two first notches 433 are disposed at different ends of the first connecting portion 41.

[0047] The first connecting part 41 is also provided with a set of second openings 435. In one embodiment of the present invention, the set of second openings 435 consists of two second openings 435, and the rods 33 of the two connecting gears 30 pass through the corresponding second openings 435 respectively.

[0048] The first connecting portion 41 is provided with a set of second notches 437, which consists of two second notches 437. The second notches 437 are located between the second opening 435 and the first opening 431 to connect the first opening 431 and the second opening 435, thereby effectively extending the elastic arm 43. The first connecting portion 41 is provided with the second notches 437 and is roughly in the shape of an "I".

[0049] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, there are two second spring pieces 50. In some embodiments, the number of second spring pieces 50 is greater than or less than two, depending on the actual needs. This disclosure does not limit this. The two second spring pieces 50 are adjacent to each other and located between the first spring piece 40 and the first gear portion 21. Each second spring piece 50 includes a second connecting portion 51 and two snap-fit ​​structures 53. The two snap-fit ​​structures 53 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second connecting portion 51. Each snap-fit ​​structure 53 and the second connecting portion 51 form a C-shaped third opening 531. The two snap-fit ​​structures 53 located on the same side of the second connecting portion 51 are spaced apart to form a third notch 533. The extension portion 23 of the shaft gear 20 passes through the third opening 531. The third notch 533 is provided so that the second spring piece 50 and the extension portion 23 are interference-fitted. That is, when the second spring piece 50 is not sleeved on the extension portion 23, the diameter of the third opening 531 is smaller than the shaft diameter of the extension portion 23. During the relative rotation of the two hinge arms 10 or when there is a tendency for relative rotation, the second spring 50 rotates relative to the shaft gear 20. Frictional resistance is generated between the second spring 50 and the extension 23, thereby providing a certain torque to the hinge structure 100, thus providing a hovering function to the hinge structure 100, that is, the terminal device 200 can maintain a stable opening and closing angle required by the user.

[0050] The second connecting part 51 also has two fourth openings 535, through which the two connecting gears 30 pass respectively.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first spring 40 and the second spring 50 are made of the same material. In other embodiments, the first spring 40 and the second spring 50 may be made of different materials. During the relative rotation of the two hinge arms 10, when the protrusion structure 45 is accommodated in the groove 234, the diameter of the elastic arm 43 is relatively small, and when the protrusion structure 45 is not accommodated in the groove 234, the diameter of the elastic arm 43 is relatively large. The elastic arm 43 needs to deform, that is, the material and structure of the first spring 40 make the first spring 40 have a certain elasticity and be able to recover its deformation. During the relative rotation of the two hinge arms 10 or when there is a tendency for relative rotation, the second spring 50 needs to generate frictional resistance with the extension 23 to continuously provide torque to the hinge structure 100. Therefore, the material and structure of the second spring 50 need to have a certain plasticity.

[0052] Please refer to it again. Figure 4 Two fixing plates 60 are respectively disposed on both sides of the first gear part 21. The shaft gear 20, the first spring plate 40, the second spring plate 50, and the connecting gear 30 are located between the two fixing parts 11. The rod part 33 of the connecting gear 30 passes through the two fixing plates 60. The two fixing plates 60 connect the hinge arm 10, the shaft gear 20, the connecting gear 30, the first spring plate 40, and the second spring plate 50 into a movable whole. In some embodiments, the number of fixing plates 60 may be one or more.

[0053] Specifically, each fixed plate 60 includes two fifth openings 61 and two sixth openings 63, with the two sixth openings 63 located between the two fifth openings 61. An extension 23 of a shaft gear 20 passes through one fifth opening 61, and a rod 33 of a connecting gear 30 passes through one of the sixth openings 63, thereby connecting the hinge arm 10, shaft gear 20, connecting gear 30, first spring plate 40, and second spring plate 50 into a movable unit. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 8 to 11 To more clearly illustrate the self-locking mechanism of the hinge structure 100 in the terminal device 200 of this embodiment, the operation process of the hinge structure 100 provided in this embodiment is described in detail below. Among them, Figure 8 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 Figure (a) in the figure corresponds to the schematic diagram of the terminal device 200 changing from fully open to fully closed. Figure 8 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 Figure (b) in the figure corresponds to a schematic diagram of the hinge structure 100 from fully open to fully closed by the terminal device 200. Figure 11 The upper curve corresponds to the torque change curve of the hinge structure 100 during the process from fully open to fully closed, while the lower curve shows the opposite process, from fully closed to fully open.

[0054] Please see Figure 8When the terminal device 200 is in the fully open state, the two bodies 210 are on the same plane, that is, the angle between the two bodies 210 is 180°, the protrusion structure 45 is located in one of the grooves 234, and the protrusion structure 45 is connected to the first side wall 2341 and the second side wall 2343.

[0055] Please see Figure 9 When an external force is applied, the two bodies 210 close together. During the application of the external force, the hinge arms 10 fixedly connected to the bodies 210 close together synchronously, causing the shaft gears 20 fixedly connected to the hinge arms 10 to rotate synchronously. Under the meshing action of the connecting gears 30, the two shaft gears 20 rotate in opposite directions. During the relative rotation of the two shaft gears 20, the shaft gears 20 rotate relative to the first spring piece 40 and the second spring piece 50 sleeved on the extension 23. Then, the protrusion structure 45 moves relative to the groove 234. The protrusion structure 45 gradually moves out of the groove 234 along the first sidewall 2341 and generates frictional resistance with the first sidewall 2341. The elastic arm 43 deforms with the end near the first connecting part 41 as the fulcrum until the protrusion structure 45 contacts the outer surface 232 of the extension 23. The second spring piece 50 continuously generates stable frictional resistance with the extension 23. During this process, the external force needs to overcome the resistance of the protrusion structure 45 as it moves out of the groove 234 and the frictional resistance between the second spring 50 and the extension 23. The resistance of the protrusion structure 45 as it moves out of the groove 234 gradually increases until the protrusion structure 45 contacts the outer surface 232. After the protrusion structure 45 contacts the outer surface 232 of the extension 23, the external force overcomes the frictional resistance between the second spring 50 and the extension 23 and the frictional resistance between the protrusion structure 45 and the outer surface 232. That is, the frictional resistance between the second spring 50 and the extension 23 and the frictional resistance between the protrusion structure 45 and the outer surface 232 together provide torque. During this process, the two bodies 210 can be in a suspended state.

[0056] Please see Figure 10 The external force is continued to be applied so that the two bodies 210 close together. The protrusion structure 45 enters the other groove 234 along the second sidewall 2343 of the other groove 234. Since the elastic arm 43 has a certain elastic restoring force, the magnitude of the external force can be reduced. At this time, the included angle between the two bodies 210 is 0°.

[0057] Please see Figure 11(a) Figure is a schematic diagram of the relationship between torque and angle after the shaft gear 20 and the second spring 50 are combined. (b) Figure is a schematic diagram of the relationship between torque and angle after the shaft gear 20 and the first spring 40 are combined. (c) Figure is a schematic diagram of the relationship between torque and angle after the shaft gear 20, the first spring 40 and the second spring 50 are combined. In this combination, the shaft gear 20 and the second spring 50 are combined. During the process of the two bodies 210 closing or opening with each other, the torque is a constant value, namely the frictional force between the second spring 50 and the extension 23. When the shaft gear 20 and the first spring 40 are combined, the torque increases due to the obstruction of the second side wall 2343 of the groove when the protrusion structure 45 moves out of the groove 234. When it moves out of the groove 234, the frictional resistance generated after the protrusion structure 45 contacts the outer surface 232 provides a certain torque. When the protrusion structure 45 enters the groove 234, the deformation of the elastic arm 43 decreases, and the force between the elastic arm 43 and the extension 23 decreases, resulting in a decrease in torque. The torque after the combination of the shaft gear 20, the first spring 40, and the second spring 50 is the sum of the combination of the shaft gear 20 and the second spring 50 and the combination of the shaft gear 20 and the first spring 40.

[0058] Please see Figure 12 Other embodiments provide a first spring 40a, each first spring 40a further including two protrusions 47a, each protrusion 47a being disposed on the surface of each elastic arm 43 facing the extension 23, the protrusion 47a being disposed between the protrusion structure 45 and the first connecting portion 41, the protrusion 47a and the extension 23 being interlocked, that is, both the protrusion 47a and the first connecting portion 41 are in contact with the extension 23.

[0059] Please see Figure 13 Taking the relative movement between the left extension 23 and the elastic arm 43 as an example, when the extension 23 rotates counterclockwise, the protrusion structure 45 is subjected to an upward supporting force F1 and a leftward reaction force F2. At this time, the elastic arm 43 tends to be compressed to the left. By connecting the second opening 435 and the first opening 431 through the second notch 437, the end point of the first connecting part 41 connected to the extension 23 can be used as a fulcrum, thereby increasing the arm length of the elastic arm 43 (e.g., ...). Figure 13 The length of the dashed line within the elastic arm 43 is L1, so that the elastic arm 43 can deform during compression.

[0060] Please see Figure 14 Taking the relative movement between the left extension 23 and the elastic arm 43 as an example, when the extension 23 rotates clockwise, the protrusion structure 45 is subjected to an upward supporting force F1 and a rightward reaction force F2'. At this time, the elastic arm 43 tends to be stretched to the right. By contacting the protrusion 47a with the extension 23, the arm length of the elastic arm 43 can be reduced (e.g., by using the protrusion 47a connected to the extension 23 as a fulcrum). Figure 14 The length L2 of the dashed line within the elastic arm 43 can reduce torque fluctuations.

[0061] In this embodiment, both elastic arms 43 of the first spring 40a are formed by winding in a clockwise direction. During the opening of the two hinge arms 10, the left extension 23 rotates counterclockwise, and the right extension 23 rotates clockwise. Therefore, the elastic arm 43 corresponding to the left extension 23 tends to be compressed, and the elastic arm 43 corresponding to the right extension 23 tends to be stretched. During the closing of the two hinge arms 10, the left extension 23 rotates clockwise, and the right extension 23 rotates counterclockwise. Therefore, the elastic arm 43 corresponding to the left extension 23 tends to be stretched, and the elastic arm 43 corresponding to the right extension 23 tends to be compressed. Thus, the two elastic arms 43 of the first spring 40a exhibit inconsistent tendencies during the opening and closing of the two hinge arms 10.

[0062] Please see Figure 15 In other embodiments of this application, a first elastic piece 40b is provided, wherein two elastic arms 43 are respectively bent from the first surface 411 and the second surface 413 of the first region 415 toward the second region 417 to form two first openings 431. The bending directions of the two elastic arms 43 are opposite, that is, the two elastic arms 43 are respectively formed by extending from opposite sides of the first connecting portion 41 in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction. Two elastic arms 43 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the first connecting portion 41. Two first notches 433 are provided at the same end of the first connecting portion 41, so that during the movement of the elastic arms 43 relative to the extension portion 23, the relative rotation direction between the two extension portions 23 and the corresponding elastic arms 43 covering the extension portion 23 is consistent, thereby making the deformation tendency of the two elastic arms 43 of the first elastic piece 40b consistent. Figure 13 , Figure 14 As can be seen from the working principle of the first spring 40a in the previous embodiment, Figure 15When the first spring 40b is applied to the hinge structure 100b, during the opening of the two hinge arms 10, the left extension 23 rotates counterclockwise and the right extension 23 rotates clockwise. Therefore, the elastic arm 43 corresponding to the left extension 23 tends to be compressed, and the elastic arm 43 corresponding to the right extension 23 also tends to be compressed. During the closing of the two hinge arms 10, the left extension 23 rotates clockwise and the right extension 23 rotates counterclockwise. Therefore, the elastic arm 43 corresponding to the left extension 23 tends to be stretched, and the elastic arm 43 corresponding to the right extension 23 also tends to be stretched. Thus, the two elastic arms 43 of the first spring 40b exhibit consistent tendencies during the opening or closing of the two hinge arms 10; that is, both elastic arms 43 simultaneously exhibit either a stretching tendency or a compression tendency, ensuring that the forces acting on the two elastic arms 43 remain consistent. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 41 is not completely symmetrical, which can prevent mistaken connection during the assembly of the hinge structure 100b. The first spring piece 40b may have a second notch 437b for extending the elastic arm 43.

[0063] In this embodiment, the elastic arm 43 of the first spring 40b may also be provided with a protrusion 47b.

[0064] In this embodiment, the second opening 435 for the gear 30 to pass through can be omitted from the first connecting portion 41. The first spring piece 40b is sleeved on the extension portion 23, and the first spring piece 40b and the extension portion 23 have a certain interaction, which enables the first spring piece 40b and the extension portion 23 to connect with each other, thereby omitting the second opening 435 for the gear 30 to pass through. Similarly, the fourth opening 535 for the gear 30 to pass through on the second spring piece 50 can also be omitted.

[0065] Please see Figure 16 , Figure 17 as well as Figure 18 In other embodiments of this application, a hinge structure 100b is also provided. The difference between the hinge structure 100b and the hinge structure 100 in this embodiment is that the extension 23 in this embodiment has one groove 234b. The groove 234b includes a first sidewall 2341b, a second sidewall 2343b and a bottom wall 2345b. The bottom wall 2345b connects the first sidewall 2341b and the second sidewall 2343b, which means that the groove 234b has a certain width.

[0066] When both bodies 210 are in the fully open state (see [link]) Figure 16 ) or when completely off (see Figure 18Therefore, the protrusion structure 45 contacts the outer surface 232, meaning the protrusion structure 45 is not located in the groove 234b, and the elastic arm 43 deforms; during the process of the two bodies 210 moving from fully open to fully closed or from fully closed to fully open, the protrusion structure 45 is accommodated in the groove 234b (see [link]). Figure 17 The frictional resistance generated during the contact and relative displacement between the protrusion structure 45 and the outer surface 232 is stable, and the frictional resistance between the second spring piece 50 and the extension 23 also remains stable. Therefore, the torque formed by the two frictional resistances is also relatively stable (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 19 (The self-locking interval); when the protrusion structure 45 is housed in the groove 234b structure, the protrusion structure 45 can be spaced apart from the bottom wall 2345b, then the torque is the frictional resistance between the second spring 50 and the extension 23 (see [reference]). Figure 19 (hovering range in the middle).

[0067] Please see Figure 19 (a) Figure shows the relationship between torque and angle after the shaft gear 20 and the second spring piece 50 are combined. (b) Figure shows the relationship between torque and angle after the shaft gear 20 and the first spring piece 40b are combined. (c) Figure shows the relationship between torque and angle after the shaft gear 20, the first spring piece 40b, and the second spring piece 50 are combined. When the shaft gear 20 and the second spring piece 50 are combined, the torque is a constant value during the process of the two bodies 210 closing or opening relative to each other, i.e., the frictional force between the second spring piece 50 and the extension 23. When the shaft gear 20 and the first spring piece 40b are combined, before the protrusion structure 45 enters the groove 234b, the elastic arm 43 has a certain deformation, and there is a certain frictional resistance between the elastic arm 43 and the extension 23. After the protrusion structure 45 enters the groove 234b, the deformation of the elastic arm 43 decreases. Since the dot structure 45 does not contact the bottom wall 2345b of the groove 234b, the frictional resistance is further reduced. Therefore, the torque of the dot structure 45 is relatively reduced when it is in the groove 234b. When the dot structure 45 moves out of the groove 234b, the torque increases due to the resistance of the second side wall 2343b of the groove 234b. The torque after the combination of the shaft gear 20, the first spring 40b and the second spring 50 is the sum of the combination of the shaft gear 20 and the second spring 50 and the combination of the shaft gear 20 and the first spring 40b.

[0068] Please see Figure 20 (a) Figure shows the relationship between torque and angle after the shaft gear 20 and the second spring 50 are combined; (b) Figure shows the relationship between torque and angle after the shaft gear 20 and the first spring 40a are combined; (c) Figure shows the relationship between torque and angle after the shaft gear 20, the first spring 40a, and the second spring 50 are combined. Figure 19The difference lies in replacing the first spring 40b with the second spring 40a; the relationship between the magnitude of the torque and the angle remains essentially the same. Specifically, when the shaft gear 20 and the second spring 50 are combined, the torque remains constant during the closing or opening of the two bodies 210, representing the frictional force between the second spring 50 and the extension 23. When the shaft gear 20 and the first spring 40a are combined, before the protrusion structure 45 enters the groove 234b, the elastic arm 43 exhibits a certain deformation, resulting in frictional resistance between the elastic arm 43 and the extension 23. After the protrusion structure 45 enters the groove 234b, the deformation of the elastic arm 43 decreases, and the protrusion... Since the dot structure 45 does not contact the bottom wall 2345b of the groove 234b, the frictional resistance is further reduced. Therefore, the torque of the dot structure 45 is relatively reduced when it is in the groove 234b. When the dot structure 45 moves out of the groove 234b, the torque increases due to the resistance of the second side wall 2343b of the groove 234b. The torque after the combination of the shaft gear 20, the first spring 40a and the second spring 50 is the sum of the combination of the shaft gear 20 and the second spring 50 and the combination of the shaft gear 20 and the first spring 40a.

[0069] Please see Figure 21 In some embodiments of this application, the shaft gear 20c and Figure 16 The difference in the shaft gear 20 shown is that the groove 234b is replaced by a plateau region 24c, that is, the plateau region 24c is formed by the missing part of the cylindrical extension 23c.

[0070] Please see Figure 22 (a) Figure shows the relationship between torque and angle after the shaft gear 20c and the second spring 50 are combined; (b) Figure shows the relationship between torque and angle after the shaft gear 20c and the first spring 40b are combined; (c) Figure shows the relationship between torque and angle after the shaft gear 20c, the first spring 40b, and the second spring 50 are combined. When the shaft gear 20c and the second spring 50 are combined, the torque is a constant value during the process of the two bodies 210 closing or opening relative to each other, i.e., the frictional force between the second spring 50 and the extension 23c. Before the convex structure 45 enters the platform area 24c, the elastic arm 43 has a certain deformation and there is a certain frictional resistance between the elastic arm 43 and the extension 23. After the convex structure 45 enters the platform area 24c, the deformation of the elastic arm 43 decreases, and the convex structure 45 and the platform area 24c gradually change from contact to non-contact and then back to contact. Therefore, the torque of the convex structure 45 in the platform area 24c decreases relatively until it reaches a constant value and then gradually increases. After the convex structure 45 moves out of the platform area 24c, the torque it receives increases. The torque after the combination of the shaft gear 20c, the first spring 40b and the second spring 50 is the sum of the combination of the shaft gear 20c and the second spring 50 and the combination of the shaft gear 20c and the first spring 40b.

[0071] Please see Figure 23 , Figure 24 In other embodiments of this application, a hinge structure 100d is provided. The difference between hinge structure 100d and hinge structure 100 in this embodiment is that hinge structure 100d does not have a connecting gear 30; the two shaft gears 20 are directly meshed and connected, enabling rotation between the two shaft gears 20 in opposite directions. It is understood that the second opening 435 on the first spring plate 40 for the connecting gear 30 to pass through and the fourth opening 535 on the second spring plate 50 for the connecting gear 30 to pass through can both be omitted. In other embodiments, the number of connecting gears 30 is not limited to two; an even number is sufficient, as long as the shaft gears 20 can rotate in opposite directions.

[0072] The number of first spring pieces 40 can be one or more. When there are multiple first spring pieces 40, their structures can be identical. The number of second spring pieces 50 can also be one or more. When there are multiple second spring pieces 50, their structures can be identical. Under the premise of satisfying the same self-locking and torque functions, setting multiple first spring pieces 40 and / or multiple second spring pieces 50 can reduce processing costs. Furthermore, the relatively thinner first spring pieces 40 or second spring pieces 50 have higher processing precision. Additionally, the number of first spring pieces 40 and / or second spring pieces 50 can be increased or decreased according to actual needs.

[0073] In other embodiments, when at least one of the first spring tabs 40 and the second spring tabs 50 is multiple, the multiple first spring tabs 40 and the multiple second spring tabs 50 can be arranged sequentially. It is understood that the length of the groove 234 along the extending direction must at least ensure that the protrusion structures 45 of the multiple first spring tabs 40 can be accommodated in the groove 234, that is, along the extending direction of the extension portion 23, the length of the groove 234 is equal to the total thickness of the multiple first spring tabs 40.

[0074] In other embodiments, when at least one of the first spring piece 40 and the second spring piece 50 is multiple, the multiple first spring pieces 40 and the multiple second spring pieces 50 can be arranged alternately, for example, in the manner of one first spring piece 40, one second spring piece 50, one first spring piece 40, and one second spring piece 50, etc. The above-mentioned alternate arrangement is only for illustrative purposes. In other embodiments, multiple second spring pieces 50 can also be arranged at both ends and multiple first spring pieces 40 in the middle, and the number and position of the arrangement are not limited. It can be understood that the length of the groove 234 along the extending direction must at least ensure that the protrusion structure 45 of the first spring piece 40 near the first gear portion 21 can be accommodated in the groove 234, that is, along the extending direction of the extension portion 23, the length of the groove 234 is greater than or equal to the total thickness of the multiple first spring pieces 40 and the multiple second spring pieces 50.

[0075] It is understandable that the number of the first spring pieces 40a and 40b and their arrangement with the second spring piece 50 can be the same as the first spring piece 40. That is, the first spring pieces 40a and 40b can be one or more, arranged continuously, or staggered with the second spring piece 50.

[0076] The hinge structures 100, 100b, and 100d provided in this application can simultaneously achieve the torque function and self-locking function of the hinge structures 100, 100b, and 100d by sleeved first spring pieces 40, 40a, 40b and second spring pieces 50 with a certain structure on the shaft gear 20. In addition, the first spring pieces 40, 40a, 40b and second spring pieces 50 in this application are designed to be small in size and occupy little space. When assembling the hinge structures 100, 100b, and 100d, they only need to be sleeved on the shaft gear 20. The number of parts is small and the cost is low, achieving the effect of making the rotating shaft thinner and lighter.

[0077] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions to the technical solutions of this application should not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A hinge structure, characterized in that, include: Two hinge arms, each of which includes a central axis; Two shaft gears are connected to and fixed relative to the central shaft. Each shaft gear includes a first gear portion and an extension portion, and each extension portion is provided with a groove. At least one first spring clip, each first spring clip including two elastic arms, a first connecting portion, and two protrusion structures, the two elastic arms being disposed on opposite sides of the first connecting portion, each elastic arm and the first connecting portion forming a first opening, the extension portion passing through the first opening and connected to the first connecting portion, and each protrusion structure being disposed on the surface of the elastic arm facing the extension portion; and At least one second spring is fitted onto the two extensions; The protrusion structure can be correspondingly disposed in the two grooves.

2. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first spring sheet further includes two protrusions, each of which is disposed on the surface of each elastic arm facing the extension, and the protrusions are disposed between the protrusion structure and the first connecting portion.

3. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of each elastic arm is connected to the first connecting portion, and the other end is spaced apart from the first connecting portion to form a first notch. The protrusion structure is disposed at the end of the elastic arm near the first notch.

4. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge structure further includes an even number of connecting gears, which are located between two first gear portions and mesh with the first gear portions. The connecting gear includes a rod portion, and a set of second openings is provided on the first connecting portion. The rod portion passes through the set of second openings. A set of second notches is provided on the first connecting portion around the second openings. The set of second notches is provided between the set of first openings and the set of second openings and connects the set of first openings and the set of second openings.

5. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the second spring pieces includes a second connecting portion and two snap-fit ​​structures. The two snap-fit ​​structures are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second connecting portion. Each snap-fit ​​structure and the second connecting portion form a third opening, and the extension portion passes through the third opening.

6. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the first spring and the number of the second spring are both multiple, and the multiple first springs and multiple second springs are arranged alternately.

7. The hinge structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, Along the extending direction of the extension, the length of the groove is greater than or equal to the total thickness of the plurality of first spring sheets and the plurality of second spring sheets.

8. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the elastic arms is C-shaped, with one end connected to the first connecting portion and the other end spaced apart from the first connecting portion to form a first notch. The two first notches are located at different ends of the first connecting portion.

9. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the elastic arms is C-shaped, with one end connected to the first connecting portion and the other end spaced apart from the first connecting portion to form a first notch. The two first notches are located at the same end of the first connecting portion.

10. A terminal device, characterized in that, The terminal device includes the hinge structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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