Rotating shaft assembly, hinge device and foldable electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a rotating shaft assembly, a hinge device and foldable electronic equipment, a wheel set of the rotating shaft assembly comprises a first wheel and a second wheel, and the first wheel and the second wheel are in mutual contact and extrusion and can rotate relatively. The first wheel is provided with a protruding part, the second wheel is provided with a concave part, the concave part is provided with a sliding face, and when the first wheel rotates relative to the second wheel, the protruding part slides on the sliding face of the corresponding concave part all the time. The sliding face is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft and extends from the first end to the second end in the axis direction of the connecting shaft in the direction away from the first wheel. When the foldable electronic equipment is in a closed state, the protruding parts abut against the first ends of the corresponding sliding faces. When the foldable electronic device is in an open state, the protruding parts abut against the second ends of the corresponding sliding faces. The rotating shaft assembly provided by the invention can automatically rotate, so that the foldable electronic equipment can be automatically bounced from a closed state to an open state, and the operation is more convenient and labor-saving.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of hinges, and in particular to a hinge assembly, a hinge device and a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Foldable electronic devices (e.g., foldable screen mobile phones) can switch between unfolded and folded states at will, combining portability with large-screen display effects, and are becoming increasingly popular in the market. The hinge device is the core structure for foldable electronic devices to achieve the folding and unfolding functions. The hinge device includes a shaft assembly, and two wheels that can rotate relative to each other are arranged in the shaft assembly. The two components of the foldable electronic device are respectively connected to the two wheels through structures such as damping swing arms, so that the relative rotation between the two wheels drives the two components to rotate relative to each other, thereby achieving the folding and unfolding functions.

[0003] In the prior art, a damping structure is usually designed between the two wheels of the shaft assembly, that is, an uneven structure is designed on the contact surface between the two wheels, and axial pressure is applied to squeeze the two wheels against each other. During the relative rotation between the wheels, the contact surfaces of the two wheels rub against each other. Since the actual contact position changes with the relative rotation angle between the wheels, the friction force will also change accordingly, thereby providing a feel that changes with the folding and unfolding angle of the product. However, the shaft assemblies in foldable electronic devices currently on the market usually only consider the design of the shaft damping force when the product is manually folded or unfolded, which is relatively laborious to use. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a hinge assembly, a hinge device and a foldable electronic device, which solve the problem that the hinge assembly in the prior art usually only considers the design of the hinge damping force when the product is manually folded or unfolded, which is relatively laborious to use.

[0005] The embodiment of the present application provides a hinge assembly for a foldable electronic device, comprising a connecting shaft, at least one wheel set and an elastic member. Each wheel set in the at least one wheel set comprises a first wheel and a second wheel that are in contact and pressed against each other, the first wheel and the second wheel are sequentially sleeved on the connecting shaft along the axis direction of the connecting shaft, and the first wheel and the second wheel are configured to: generate relative rotation around the axis of the connecting shaft, and generate relative movement along the axis direction of the connecting shaft, so that the first wheel can move and switch between a first position and a second position relative to the second wheel.

[0006] Among them, at least one protrusion protruding outward along the axial direction of the connecting shaft is provided on one end surface of the first wheel facing the second wheel, and at least one recessed portion recessed inward along the axial direction of the connecting shaft is provided on one end surface of the second wheel facing the first wheel, and the at least one protrusion corresponds to the at least one recessed portion one by one, and each recessed portion in the at least one recessed portion has a sliding surface for sliding the corresponding protrusion, so that when the first wheel moves and switches between the first position and the second position relative to the second wheel, each protrusion in the at least one protrusion always slides on the sliding surface of the corresponding recessed portion;

[0007] Furthermore, the sliding surface is configured to be inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft, and the sliding surface has a first end and a second end, and from the first end to the second end, along the axial direction of the connecting shaft, the sliding surface extends in a direction away from the first wheel.

[0008] When the first wheel is in a first position relative to the second wheel, each of the at least one raised portion abuts against a first end of a sliding surface of a corresponding recessed portion, and the foldable electronic device is in a closed state; when the first wheel is in a second position relative to the second wheel, each of the at least one raised portion abuts against a second end of a sliding surface of a corresponding recessed portion, and the foldable electronic device is in an open state.

[0009] The rotating shaft assembly provided by the present application can rotate relative to each other between the first wheel and the second wheel, and drive the two components of the foldable electronic device to rotate relative to each other, so as to switch between a closed state (i.e., a folded state) and an open state (i.e., an unfolded state). An uneven structure is designed on the facing end surfaces of the first wheel and the second wheel, wherein the first wheel is provided with a protruding portion protruding outward, and the second wheel is provided with a concave portion concave inward. When the two wheels rotate relative to each other, the protruding portion slides on the sliding surface in the corresponding concave portion, and the change of the damping force is achieved by the design of the sliding surface.

[0010] Further, the sliding surface is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft, and from the first end to the second end, the sliding surface extends in a direction away from the first wheel along the axis of the connecting shaft, that is, the sliding surface as a whole is a surface inclined relative to the radial direction of the connecting shaft, and the sliding surface always extends in a direction away from the first wheel from the first end to the second end. It can be understood that the process of the cam sliding from the first end to the second end along the sliding surface is always a downhill route. With this structure, when the foldable electronic device is in a closed state, the protrusion abuts against the first end of the sliding surface, and due to the elastic force of the elastic member, the first wheel and the second wheel are squeezed against each other, and the protrusion has a tendency to move toward the second wheel. At this time, as long as the locking force that keeps the foldable electronic device in the closed state is released, the protrusion on the first wheel will automatically slide from the first end to the second end along the downhill route, and the first wheel and the second wheel rotate from the first position to the second position, and the foldable electronic device automatically switches from the closed state to the open state.

[0011] Therefore, the hinge assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application can rotate automatically, so that the foldable electronic device can automatically switch from a closed state to an open state and automatically pop open, making it more convenient and labor-saving to use.

[0012] In some embodiments, each recessed portion in at least one recessed portion includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface connected to each other, and the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are both inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft. The first end of the sliding surface is located on the first inclined surface, and the second end of the sliding surface is located on the second inclined surface. The surface of the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface located between the first end and the second end constitutes the sliding surface.

[0013] With the above solution, since the foldable electronic device has different requirements for hand feel at different stages of switching between the open state and the closed state, the design structure of dividing the sliding surface into two inclined surfaces is conducive to the design of hand feel at all stages.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first inclined surface is inclined at an angle of 10°-15° relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft. The second inclined surface is inclined at an angle of 60°-65° relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft.

[0015] By adopting the above scheme, the first inclined surface is designed with a smaller inclination angle, and the protrusion is more labor-saving when moving on the second inclined surface toward the second end of the sliding surface, and the foldable electronic device is more labor-saving in the later stage of switching from the open state to the closed state. When the foldable electronic device is in the open state, the first wheel is in the second position relative to the second wheel, and the protrusion cooperates with the second inclined surface. The second inclined surface is designed with a larger inclination angle, which can prevent the protrusion from moving along the second inclined surface to the first end of the sliding surface under a slight external force (such as the foldable electronic device is bumped and vibrated), causing the foldable electronic device to accidentally switch to the closed state, that is, the holding force of the foldable electronic device in the open state is increased.

[0016] In some embodiments, when each protrusion of the first wheel moves along the recessed portion from the second end of the sliding surface to the junction of the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, the relative rotation angle between the first wheel and the second wheel is 20°-30°.

[0017] Since the inclination angle of the second inclined surface is relatively large, the movement of the protrusion on the second inclined surface is relatively strenuous. Designing this part to have a shorter stroke can reduce the strenuous stage during the relative rotation of the first wheel and the second wheel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are connected by a first arc surface, so that the sliding connection between the protrusion and the first inclined surface is smoother.

[0019] In some embodiments, an end of the first inclined surface away from the second inclined surface is spaced apart from the first end of the sliding surface, and a certain distance is reserved between the first end of the sliding surface and the end of the first inclined surface away from the second inclined surface as redundancy, thereby reducing the processing accuracy requirements of the second wheel.

[0020] In some embodiments, the end of the second inclined surface away from the first inclined surface is spaced apart from the second end of the sliding surface, and a certain distance is reserved between the second end of the sliding surface and the end of the second inclined surface away from the first inclined surface as redundancy, thereby reducing the processing accuracy requirements of the second wheel.

[0021] In some embodiments, when each protrusion moves along its corresponding recessed portion from the second end of the sliding surface to an end of the second inclined surface away from the first inclined surface, the relative rotation angle between the first wheel and the second wheel is 3°-10°.

[0022] In some embodiments, each recessed portion also includes a bottom surface connected to one end of the second inclined surface away from the first inclined surface. When the protruding portion abuts against the second end of the sliding surface of the recessed portion, there is a gap between the protruding portion and the bottom surface. Lubricating grease can be added to the gap to reduce the friction force of the relative rotation between the first wheel and the second wheel, making the relative rotation process between the first wheel and the second wheel smoother.

[0023] In some embodiments, the recessed portion also includes a side surface connected to the bottom surface facing away from the second inclined surface. When the protrusion abuts against the second end of the sliding surface of the recessed portion, the protrusion also abuts against the side surface of the recessed portion to limit the relative rotation between the first wheel and the second wheel.

[0024] By adopting the above scheme, when the first wheel rotates to the second position relative to the second wheel, the first curved surface of the raised portion abuts against the second inclined surface of the recessed portion, and the third connecting surface of the raised portion abuts against the side surface of the recessed portion, so that the entire raised portion is engaged in the recessed portion, preventing the first wheel and the second wheel from continuing to rotate. At this time, the preset rotation angle is reached between the first wheel and the second wheel, that is, the side surface of the recessed portion serves to limit the rotation stroke of the first wheel.

[0025] In some embodiments, the bottom surface is configured as an inclined surface inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft, so as to reserve a gap between the bottom surface and the protruding portion.

[0026] In some embodiments, when each protrusion moves from the first position to the second position, the protrusion maintains line contact with the sliding surface of the corresponding recessed portion to reduce the friction between the first wheel and the second wheel.

[0027] In some embodiments, the protrusion has a first connection surface, a second connection surface, and a third connection surface that are connected in sequence. The second connection surface is located on the side of the end surface of the first wheel close to the second wheel. One end of the first connection surface and the third connection surface are both connected to the end surface of the first wheel, and the other ends are respectively connected to the two ends of the second connection surface. The second connection surface is connected to the first connection surface through the first curved surface. When each protrusion moves from the first position to the second position, the first curved surface and the second connection surface abut against the sliding surface of the corresponding recessed portion.

[0028] Since the first curved surface is a curved surface as a whole, and the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface on the recessed portion are both planes, the first curved surface and the sliding surface can always maintain line contact. The portion of the second connecting surface that contacts the sliding surface is set as a curved surface or an arc surface, which can also keep the second connecting surface and the sliding surface in line contact.

[0029] In some embodiments, when the first wheel moves from the first position to the second position relative to the second wheel, the relative rotation angle between the first wheel and the second wheel is 85°-95°.

[0030] In some embodiments, at least one raised portion is three raised portions evenly spaced along the circumference of the first wheel, and at least one recessed portion is three recessed portions evenly spaced along the circumference of the second wheel. This can increase the contact area between the first wheel and the second wheel, making them more stable when rotating relative to each other.

[0031] In some embodiments, the rotating shaft assembly further comprises an elastic member, which is sleeved on the connecting shaft. The elastic member is arranged at an end of the first wheel away from the second wheel, the second wheel is fixed relative to the connecting shaft in the axial direction of the connecting shaft, and the elastic member is used to apply an elastic force to the first wheel through its own deformation, so that the first wheel and the second wheel are in contact and extrusion with each other. Alternatively, the elastic member is arranged at an end of the second wheel away from the first wheel, the first wheel is fixed relative to the connecting shaft in the axial direction of the connecting shaft, and the elastic member is used to apply an elastic force to the second wheel through its own deformation, so that the first wheel and the second wheel are in contact and extrusion with each other.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one wheel set is two wheel sets respectively arranged at both ends of the elastic member, and the second wheel of each wheel set in the two wheel sets is arranged between the elastic member and the first wheel of the wheel set, and the elastic member simultaneously provides mutual extrusion force between the first wheel and the second wheel for the two wheel sets.

[0033] An embodiment of the present application also provides a hinge device, including the rotating shaft assembly provided by any of the above embodiments. Each rotating shaft assembly in the hinge device can rotate automatically, which is more convenient and labor-saving when used.

[0034] The embodiment of the present application also provides a foldable electronic device, including a housing assembly, the housing assembly including a first housing and a second housing, the housing assembly further including a hinge device provided in any of the above embodiments, the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected by the hinge device, so that the foldable electronic device can be switched between a closed state and an open state. The foldable electronic device can automatically switch from a closed state to an open state, which is more convenient.

[0035] In some embodiments, the hinge device includes at least one set of rotating shaft assemblies, each set of rotating shaft assemblies includes two rotating shaft assemblies arranged symmetrically, and each rotating shaft assembly also includes a damping swing arm, one end of the damping swing arm has a rotating portion, and the rotating portion is configured as a first wheel. The other end of the damping swing arm of one rotating shaft assembly in each set of rotating shaft assemblies is connected to the first shell, and the other end of the damping swing arm of the other rotating shaft assembly is connected to the second shell. The foldable electronic device also includes a locking mechanism, when the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the first shell and the second shell are stacked and kept relatively fixed, and when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state, the first shell and the second shell can rotate relative to each other.

[0036] In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device further comprises a display screen, which is arranged on one side of the housing assembly. When the foldable electronic device is in a closed state, the display screen surrounds the outer side of the housing assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in an open state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable electronic device switching from an open state to a closed state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the hinge device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 3b for Figure 3a A partial enlarged view of the X part;

[0042] Figure 4a-4b It is a partial structural schematic diagram of a rotating shaft assembly, wherein: Figure 4b for Figure 4a A partial enlarged view of the Y part;

[0043] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the local structure of a concave wheel in a rotating shaft assembly unfolded along the circumferential direction;

[0044] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of another implementation of the shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 8a-8d This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second wheel in the shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application, wherein: Figure 8b for Figure 8a A partial enlarged view of the middle Z section;

[0047] Figure 9a This is a schematic diagram of the 120° structure of the second wheel in the shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application unfolded along the circumferential direction;

[0048] Figure 9b This is a schematic diagram of the 360° structure of the second wheel in the rotating shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application unfolded along the circumferential direction;

[0049] Fig.10a This is a schematic diagram of a 120° structure of another implementation of the second wheel in the shaft assembly of an embodiment of the present application unfolded along the axis;

[0050] Fig.10b This is a schematic diagram of a 360° structure of another implementation of the second wheel in the rotating shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application unfolded along the axis;

[0051] Figure 11a-Figure 11c This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first wheel in the shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Fig.12a This is a schematic diagram of the 120° structure of the first wheel in the rotating shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application unfolded along the circumferential direction;

[0053] Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram of the 360° structure of the first wheel in the rotating shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application unfolded along the circumferential direction;

[0054] Figure 13a-13b This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first wheel and the second wheel in the rotating shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application at the first position;

[0055] Figure 14a-14b A schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first wheel and the second wheel in the shaft assembly of an embodiment of the present application between the first position and the second position;

[0056] Figure 15a-Figure 15b This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first wheel and the second wheel in the rotating shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application in the second position;

[0057] Figure 16a-Figure 16c This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a set of rotating shaft components according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Fig.17 for Fig.16c A partial enlarged view of the middle Q part;

[0059] Figure 18a-18b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of two adjacent second wheels in a set of rotating shaft assemblies according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0060] Description of reference numerals:

[0061] Existing technology:

[0062] 100': shaft assembly;

[0063] 1': connecting shaft;

[0064] 2': cam; 21': raised portion;

[0065] 3': concave wheel; 31': recessed part;

[0066] 311': first bevel; 312': flat grinding surface; 313': second bevel;

[0067] This application:

[0068] 100: shaft assembly;

[0069] 1: Connecting shaft;

[0070] 2: Wheel set;

[0071] 21: first round; 210: raised part;

[0072] 211: first connection surface; 212: second connection surface; 213: third connection surface;

[0073] 214: first curved surface; 215: second curved surface;

[0074] 22: second round; 220: recessed part;

[0075] 221: sliding surface; 221a: first end; 221b: second end;

[0076] 223: first inclined surface; 223a: first end; 223b: second end;

[0077] 224: second inclined surface; 224a: first end; 224b: second end;

[0078] 225: first curved surface; 226: bottom surface; 227: side surface;

[0079] 3: elastic member; 4: damping swing arm; 41: rotating part; 42: abutting part;

[0080] 200: hinge device;

[0081] 50: base; 51: first connecting plate; 52: second connecting plate;

[0082] 6: abutment seat;

[0083] 7: synchronization mechanism; 71: first gear; 72: second gear;

[0084] 300: Foldable electronic devices;

[0085] 8: housing assembly; 81: first housing; 810: side; 82: second housing; 820: side edge; 821: side; 83: buckle; 84: slot; 85: button;

[0086] 9: display screen; 91: first part; 92: second part; 93: foldable part;

[0087] M: axis of connecting shaft; s: gap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present application, and those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present application from the contents disclosed in this specification. Although the description of the present application will be introduced in conjunction with some embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this application are limited to the implementation. On the contrary, the purpose of introducing the application in conjunction with the implementation is to cover other options or modifications that may be extended based on the claims of the present application. In order to provide a deep understanding of the present application, the following description will include many specific details. The present application can also be implemented without using these details. In addition, in order to avoid confusion or blurring the focus of the present application, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0089] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in the subsequent drawings.

[0090] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0091] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the internal communication of two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0092] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the mutual perpendicularity in the present application is not absolute perpendicularity, and the approximate perpendicularity caused by processing errors and assembly errors (for example, the angle between the two structural features is 89.9°) is also within the scope of mutual perpendicularity in the present application. The mutual parallelism in the present application is also not absolute parallelism, and the approximate parallelism caused by processing errors and assembly errors (for example, the angle between the two structural features is 0.1°) is also within the scope of mutual parallelism in the present application. The axisymmetry in the present application is not absolute axisymmetry, and the approximate axisymmetry caused by processing errors and assembly errors (for example, part of the structure is offset by a certain distance or angle relative to the axis of symmetry) is also within the scope of axisymmetry in the present application. The central symmetry in the present application is not absolute central symmetry, and the approximate central symmetry caused by processing errors and assembly errors (for example, part of the structure is offset by a certain distance or angle relative to the axis of symmetry) is also within the scope of central symmetry in the present application. This application does not make specific restrictions on this.

[0093] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the implementation methods of the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0094] An embodiment of the present application provides a foldable electronic device, which may be but is not limited to a foldable screen mobile phone, a foldable tablet computer, a foldable laptop computer, a foldable display, a personal digital device, a smart wearable device, etc. The following uses a foldable screen mobile phone as an example to illustrate the structure of the foldable electronic device.

[0095] See also Figure 1-2b , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in an open state according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable electronic device switching from an open state to a closed state according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0096] like Figure 1-2b As shown, the foldable electronic device 300 includes a first housing 81, a second housing 82 and a hinge device 200. The first housing 81 and the second housing 82 are rotatably connected via the hinge device 200. In different usage scenarios, the foldable electronic device 300 can have different usage states. Figure 1 The foldable electronic device 300 is shown in an open state (which can be understood as an unfolded state). Figure 2bThe foldable electronic device 300 is shown in a closed state (which can be understood as a folded state). When the foldable electronic device 300 is in an open state, the opening angle is 180°, that is, the angle between the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 is 180°. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the opening angle of the foldable electronic device 300 can also be 90°, 120°, 210°, etc., and the present application does not limit this, and the angles illustrated in the present application are allowed to have a slight deviation. For example, when the foldable electronic device 300 is in an open state, the opening angle can be 180°, or it can be approximately 180°, such as 170°, 175°, 185° or 190°, etc., and the same understanding can be made for other angles in the following text.

[0097] Furthermore, the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 can both rotate around the hinge device 200, so that the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 rotate relative to each other. When the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 rotate relative to each other to be coplanar, the foldable electronic device is in Figure 1 In the open state shown in FIG. 1 , the angle between the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 is 180°. When the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 are relatively rotated to overlap each other, the foldable electronic device 300 is Figure 2b In the closed state shown, the angle between the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 can be approximately regarded as 0°.

[0098] Those skilled in the art can understand that the present application does not limit the specific structure of the foldable electronic device 300. For example, the foldable electronic device 300 can also include various electronic components. The first housing 81, the second housing 82 and the hinge device 200 together constitute the housing assembly 8 of the foldable electronic device 300, providing protection and support for various electronic components and other structures. To facilitate understanding of the folding process and usage scenarios of the foldable electronic device, the following exemplary illustrates the possible structures.

[0099] like Figure 1-2bAs shown, in one embodiment, the foldable electronic device 300 further includes a display screen 9, which is laid on one side of the housing assembly 8. The display screen 9 can be, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode or an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen, etc., and the present application does not impose any restrictions on this. The display screen 9 is connected to a side surface of the housing assembly 8, and a side surface of the display screen 9 facing away from the housing assembly 8 is its display surface, which is used to display information and provide an interactive interface for the user.

[0100] Further, the display screen 9 includes a first portion 91, a second portion 92 and a foldable portion 93, the first portion 91 is connected to the first shell 81, the second portion 92 is connected to the second shell 82, and the foldable portion 93 is located between the first portion 91 and the second portion 92. During the use of the foldable electronic device 300, the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 always maintain a planar state, and the foldable portion 93 can be bent to change the angle between the first portion 91 and the second portion 92, so that the display screen 9 is folded or unfolded with the movement of the shell assembly 8, so as to realize the foldable electronic device 300 switching between the folded state and the unfolded state. Exemplarily, in the display screen 9, at least the foldable portion 93 is made of a flexible material so that the foldable portion 93 can be bent.

[0101] Driven by the hinge device 200, the display screen 9 opens or closes together with the first shell 81 and the second shell 82. The foldable portion 93 of the display screen 9 is flattened or bent so that the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 can rotate relative to each other. When the foldable electronic device 300 is in an open state, the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 are in a relatively far-reaching unfolded state, the foldable portion 93 is flattened, and the display surfaces of the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 face the same direction. When the foldable electronic device 300 is in a closed state, the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 are relatively stacked, the foldable portion 93 is in a bent state, and the display surfaces of the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 face each other or face away from each other.

[0102] It should be noted that the foldable electronic device 300 provided in the present application may be an outward-folding electronic device or an inward-folding electronic device, such as Figure 1-2bAs shown, in one embodiment, the foldable electronic device 300 is an outward-folding electronic device, and when the outward-folding electronic device is in a closed state, the display screen 9 surrounds the outside of the housing assembly 8. Or it can be understood that the first part 91 and the second part 92 of the display screen 9 are arranged back to back, the housing assembly 8 is located between the first part 91 and the second part 92, and the display surfaces of the first part 91 and the second part 92 are exposed to the user.

[0103] In an example scenario, when the foldable electronic device 300 is an inward-folding electronic device, when it is in a closed state, the first part 91 and the second part 92 of the display screen 9 face each other, and the display screen 9 is entirely contained inside the shell assembly 8. The shell assembly 8 protects the outside of the display screen 9, and the user cannot see the display surface of the display screen 9 from the outside.

[0104] In one embodiment, the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 have a storage space inside to accommodate some electronic components, wherein the electronic components include but are not limited to circuit boards, batteries, camera modules, microphones, speakers, etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0105] In one embodiment, the foldable electronic device further comprises a locking mechanism (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2a The locking mechanism can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state. When the locking mechanism is in the locked state, the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 are stacked and relatively fixed, that is, the foldable electronic device 300 is kept in a closed state by the locking mechanism to improve the stability of the foldable electronic device. When the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 can rotate relative to each other.

[0106] The specific type and structure of the locking mechanism are not limited. Figure 1 to Figure 2b As shown, the locking mechanism can be a snap-fit ​​structure, which includes a snap 83, a slot 84 and a button 85. The snap 83 is telescopically mounted on a side edge portion 820 of the second housing 82 away from the hinge device 200. The button 85 is also mounted on the side edge portion 820 of the second housing 82, and the telescopic state of the snap 83 can be adjusted by pressing the button 85. The slot 84 can be provided on a side 810 of the first housing 81 away from the hinge device 200.

[0107] like Figure 1 As shown, when the foldable electronic device 300 is in the open state, the buckle 83 and the slot 84 (see Figure 2a ) is separated, and the buckle 83 extends out of the side edge portion 820 of the second shell 82 and protrudes from a side surface 821 of the side edge portion 820 facing the hinge device 200.

[0108] like Figure 2a-2b As shown, when the foldable electronic device 300 switches from an open state to a closed state, the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 rotate towards each other, and the side 810 of the first shell 81 gradually approaches the side 821 of the side edge 820 of the second shell 82. When the first shell 81 rotates to a position abutting the buckle 83, the buckle 83 retracts into the side edge 820 of the second shell 82. When the first shell 81 continues to rotate to a position where the slot 84 is opposite to the buckle 83, the buckle 83 extends out of the side edge 820 of the second shell 82 and engages in the slot 84. The stacked first shell 81 and the second shell 82 can be kept relatively fixed, so that the foldable electronic device 300 is kept in a closed state.

[0109] like Figure 2b As shown, combined with Figure 2a It is understood that when the foldable electronic device 300 is in a closed state, the buckle 83 can be retracted into the side edge 820 of the second housing 82 by pressing the button 85, the buckle 83 is separated from the slot 84, and the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 can rotate relative to each other. It should be noted that when the pressing force applied to the button 85 is cancelled, the buckle 83 can extend out of the side edge 820 of the second housing 82.

[0110] In other alternative embodiments, the locking mechanism may also be a magnetic attraction component, and magnetic attraction structures are respectively arranged in the first shell 81 and the second shell 82. When the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 are rotated to be closed, the magnetic attraction structures on both sides attract each other to prevent the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 from rotating relative to each other. When the foldable electronic device 300 needs to be switched to the open state, the first shell 81 or the second shell 82 is rotated by a certain angle to separate the magnetic attraction structures from each other, and the locking mechanism is automatically unlocked, and the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 can continue to rotate relative to each other.

[0111] In some foldable electronic devices, the user needs to manually rotate the first shell and the second shell to switch the foldable electronic device from a closed state to an open state. The hinge assembly 100 in the hinge device 200 of the present application is set to a specific structure, which can achieve the effect that when the locking mechanism of the foldable electronic device 300 is unlocked, the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 can automatically rotate, and the foldable electronic device 300 automatically switches from a closed state to an open state, that is, the foldable electronic device automatically opens. For example, Figure 1 to Figure 2b As shown, when the foldable electronic device 300 is in the Figure 2bIn the closed state shown in FIG. 1 , the buckle 83 can be retracted into the side edge portion 820 of the second shell 82 by pressing the button 85, and the buckle 83 is separated from the card slot 84. By adopting the hinge assembly 100 of the present application, the foldable electronic device 300 can be moved from the foldable electronic device 300 to the foldable electronic device 300 as shown in FIG. Figure 2b The closed state shown automatically opens to Figure 1 To facilitate understanding of the principle of the hinge device 200 driving the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 to rotate, the overall structure of the hinge device 200 is described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0112] See also Figure 3a-Figure 3b , Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the hinge device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3b for Figure 3a A partial enlarged view of the X part in the middle.

[0113] like Figure 3a-Figure 3b As shown, the embodiment of the present application provides a hinge device 200, including a base 50 and at least one set of rotating shaft assemblies. One set of rotating shaft assemblies includes two rotating shaft assemblies 100 arranged symmetrically. Each rotating shaft assembly 100 includes a damping swing arm 4. One end of the damping swing arm 4 in one rotating shaft assembly 100 located on one side is rotatable relative to the base 50, and the other end is connected to the first housing 81 (refer to Figure 1-2b ), one end of the damping swing arm 4 in another rotating shaft assembly 100 on the other side is rotatable relative to the base 50, and the other end is connected to the second housing 82 (reference Figure 1-2b When the damping swing arms 4 of each rotating shaft assembly 100 rotate relative to the base 50, the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 can be driven to rotate relative to the base 50. The two damping swing arms 4 in each set of rotating shaft assemblies 100 respectively drive the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 to rotate, so that the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 rotate relative to each other, so that the foldable electronic device 300 can switch between the open state and the closed state.

[0114] The connection method between each damping swing arm 4 and the first shell 81 or the second shell 82 is not limited. In one embodiment, the hinge device 200 is further provided with two connecting plates, namely, a first connecting plate 51 connected to the first shell 81, and a second connecting plate 52 connected to the second shell 82. Each damping swing arm 4 is respectively connected to the first connecting plate 51 or the second connecting plate 52 to be indirectly connected to the first shell 81 or the second shell 82. In other alternative embodiments, each damping swing arm 4 can also be connected to the shell of the foldable electronic device 300 in other ways, which are not listed one by one in this application.

[0115] It should be noted that the structures of the two rotating shaft assemblies 100 in a set of rotating shaft assemblies can be the same or different; the two can be symmetrically arranged or asymmetrically arranged, and the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0116] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the number and arrangement of the rotating shaft assemblies 100 are not limited. In one embodiment, two groups of symmetrical rotating shaft assemblies 100 are arranged in the hinge device 200 along the longitudinal direction, and the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 are respectively connected to the two damping swing arms 4, so that the force is more uniform. In other alternative embodiments, one or more than two groups of rotating shaft assemblies 100 may also be arranged, and this application does not limit this.

[0117] In one embodiment, the hinge device 200 further includes a plurality of abutment seats 6 disposed on the base 50, each abutment seat being disposed at the end of a group of rotating shaft assemblies 100 and being fixedly connected to the base 50 to limit the position of each rotating shaft assembly 100 relative to the base 50 in the longitudinal direction of the base 50. The number of abutment seats 6 is not limited, and generally corresponds to the number of rotating shaft assemblies 100. The specific structure of the abutment seat 6 and the connection method with the base 50 are not limited. For example, the abutment seat 6 can be connected to the base 50 by screw connection, welding, etc., and the abutment seat 6 can also be integrally formed with the base 50 (or it can be understood that a part of the base 50 constitutes the abutment seat 6).

[0118] In one embodiment, the hinge device 200 is further provided with a plurality of synchronization mechanisms 7 , and under the transmission action of the synchronization mechanisms 7 , the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 can rotate synchronously relative to the base 50 , thereby improving the rotation experience of the foldable electronic device 300 .

[0119] The specific structure of the synchronization mechanism 7 is not limited. In one embodiment, the synchronization mechanism 7 includes a first gear 71 and a second gear 72, the two gears are meshed with each other, and are respectively connected to the first housing 81 and the second housing 82, and the two gears are meshed with each other to achieve synchronous rotation of the two gears, and drive the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 to rotate synchronously. In other alternative embodiments, the relative rotation between the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 can also be driven by various transmission methods such as chain drive and belt drive, and this application does not limit this.

[0120] It should be noted that the number of synchronization mechanisms 7 is not limited. In one embodiment, two synchronization mechanisms 7 are symmetrically arranged in the hinge device 200. In other alternative embodiments, only a single synchronization mechanism 7 may be arranged, or more than three synchronization mechanisms 7 may be arranged when the hinge device 200 is longer.

[0121] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above description of the hinge device 200 is merely an example and does not limit the hinge device 200 provided in the present application. In fact, the hinge device 200 may include more or fewer components than those exemplified above.

[0122] The foregoing mainly describes the structure of the foldable electronic device 300 and the hinge device 200 to roughly illustrate the usage scenario of the hinge assembly 100 provided in the present application. The structure of the hinge assembly in the present application and other reference designs is described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to better illustrate the technical effects that can be produced by the hinge assembly provided in the present application.

[0123] See also Figure 4a-Figure 5 , Figure 4a-4b It is a partial structural schematic diagram of a rotating shaft assembly, wherein: Figure 4b for Figure 4a A partial enlarged view of the Y part; Figure 5 The diagram is a partial structural diagram of a concave wheel in a rotating shaft assembly unfolded along the circumferential direction.

[0124] like Figure 4a-Figure 5 As shown, the rotating shaft assembly 100' comprises a connecting shaft 1' and a concave cam assembly. The concave cam assembly comprises a concave wheel 3' and a cam 2' sleeved on the connecting shaft 1', and the concave wheel 3' and the cam 2' can rotate relative to each other around the axis of the connecting shaft 1'. The relative rotation of the concave wheel 3' and the cam 2' can further drive the housing of the foldable electronic device to rotate relative to each other, thereby switching between a closed state and an open state.

[0125] Furthermore, the end surfaces of the cam 3' and the cam 2' that contact each other are both arranged to have an uneven structure, the cam 2' is provided with a plurality of protrusions 21' that protrude outward, and the cam 3' is provided with a plurality of recessed portions 31' that are recessed inward, and the plurality of recessed portions 31' and the structure connecting the plurality of recessed portions 31' form sliding surfaces that cooperate with the plurality of protrusions 21', and when the cam 2' and the cam 3' rotate relative to each other, the protrusions 21' slide on the sliding surfaces.

[0126] like Figure 5As shown, each sliding surface on the cam 3' includes a first inclined surface 311', a flat grinding surface 312' and a second inclined surface 313' which are connected in sequence. The flat grinding surface 312' is a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft 1', and the first inclined surface 311' and the second inclined surface 313' are both inclined surfaces inclined relative to the flat grinding surface 312'. During the relative rotation of the cam 3' and the cam 2', the cam 2' first moves along one of the inclined surfaces, then moves along the flat grinding surface 312', and then moves along the other inclined surface. Regardless of which movement process, the cam 2' needs to first move uphill along one of the inclined surfaces, needs to overcome the mutual squeezing force and friction between the cam 3' and the cam 2', and needs to rely on external force to rotate. Exemplarily, when the hinge assembly 100' is used in a foldable electronic device, when the foldable electronic device is in a closed state, the locking mechanism is unlocked, and the raised portion 21' on the cam 2' is engaged in the corresponding recessed portion 31' on the concave wheel 3'. If the concave wheel 3' and the cam 2' are to rotate relative to each other, the raised portion 21' needs to first slide along the first inclined surface 311' and rise from the bottom of the first inclined surface 311' to the top to enter the flat grinding surface 312'. Since the cam 2' and the concave wheel 3' are squeezed toward each other, the raised portion 21' needs to overcome the squeezing force and the friction between the raised portion 21' and the first inclined surface 311' when rotating. Therefore, it is necessary to manually rotate one of the shells of the foldable electronic device to force the concave wheel and the cam to rotate relative to each other, and the automatic rotation between the concave wheel and the cam cannot be achieved, that is, the foldable electronic device cannot be automatically opened, and it is more laborious to use.

[0127] Based on this, the present application provides a hinge assembly 100 for a foldable electronic device 300, which can rotate automatically to drive the foldable electronic device 300 to automatically switch from a closed state to an open state, that is, to realize the automatic opening of the foldable electronic device 300 from a closed state to an open state, which is more convenient and labor-saving when used.

[0128] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of another implementation of the shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application.

[0129] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the shaft assembly 100 includes a connecting shaft 1 and at least one wheel set 2. In one embodiment, the connecting shaft 1 can be fixed relative to the base 50 of the hinge device 200. In other alternative embodiments, the connecting shaft 1 can also rotate around the axis of the connecting shaft 1 relative to the base 50 of the hinge device 200.

[0130] Further, each wheel set 2 includes a first wheel 21 and a second wheel 22 that are in contact and pressed against each other. The first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 are sequentially sleeved on the connecting shaft 1 along the axis M of the connecting shaft, and are configured to: generate relative rotation around the axis M of the connecting shaft, and generate relative movement along the axis M of the connecting shaft, so that the first wheel 21 can move and switch between the first position and the second position relative to the second wheel 22. The first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 can generate relative rotation around the axis M of the connecting shaft, and any one of the wheels can rotate around the connecting shaft 1.

[0131] In one embodiment, the first wheel 21 is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 1, and the second wheel 22 is fixedly disposed on the connecting shaft 1 (i.e., cannot rotate relative to the connecting shaft 1). In other alternative embodiments, the first wheel 21 may be fixedly connected to the connecting shaft 1, and the second wheel 22 may be rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 1, etc., and the present application does not limit this.

[0132] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the specific form of the first wheel 21 is not limited. Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, one end of the damping swing arm 4 has a rotating portion 41, and the rotating portion 41 is configured as the first wheel 21, that is, the damping swing arm 4 and each first wheel 21 on the rotating shaft assembly 100 where it is located are integrally formed. The specific structure of the rotating portion 41 is not limited, for example, it can be a sleeve, and the damping swing arm 4 is directly sleeved on the connecting shaft 1 through the sleeve. In other alternative embodiments, the first wheel 21 can also be independently provided (such as Figure 6 ), and then connected to the damping swing arm 4 or other components by welding, bonding, screwing, etc. (for example, when the hinge assembly 100 is applied to a laptop computer, the damping swing arm may not be provided in the hinge assembly 100, and the first wheel 21 is independently provided and can be connected to the shell on the side where the display screen of the laptop computer is located or the shell on the side where the keyboard is located), and the present application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0133] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the manner in which the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 contact and squeeze each other is not limited. In one embodiment, the shaft assembly 100 further includes an elastic member 3, which is sleeved on the connecting shaft 1 and abuts against one of the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22, and the other wheel is relatively fixed relative to the connecting shaft 1 in the direction of the axis M of the connecting shaft. The elastic member 3 applies an elastic force to one of the wheels through its own deformation, so that one of the wheels and the other wheel contact and squeeze each other (that is, the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 contact and squeeze each other). Among them, the specific position of the elastic member 3 is not limited, and it can abut against the first wheel 21 or the second wheel 22. In one embodiment, the elastic member 3 is arranged at the end of the second wheel 22 away from the first wheel 21, that is, the second wheel 22 is arranged between the elastic member 3 and the first wheel 21 of the wheel set 2, and the elastic member 3 abuts against the second wheel 22. The first wheel 21 is fixed relative to the connecting shaft 1 in the axial direction of the connecting shaft 1 (it can be understood that the first wheel 21 cannot slide relative to the connecting shaft 1 along the axis M of the connecting shaft), and the second wheel 22 is slidably connected to the connecting shaft 1 in the axis M of the connecting shaft. The elastic member 3 presses against the second wheel 22 through its own elastic force, so that the second wheel 22 and the first wheel 21 are squeezed against each other.

[0134] In an alternative embodiment, the elastic member 3 may also be disposed at one end of the first wheel 21 away from the second wheel 22, that is, the first wheel 21 is disposed between the elastic member 3 and the second wheel 22 of the wheel set 2, and the elastic member 3 abuts against the first wheel 21. The second wheel 22 is fixed relative to the connecting shaft 1 in the axial direction of the connecting shaft 1 (it can be understood that the second wheel 22 cannot slide relative to the connecting shaft 1 along the axis M of the connecting shaft), the first wheel 21 is slidably connected to the connecting shaft 1 in the axis M of the connecting shaft, and the elastic member 3 presses against the first wheel 21 through its own elastic force, so that the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 are squeezed against each other.

[0135] The manner in which the first wheel 21 is fixed relative to the connecting shaft 1 in the direction of the axis M of the connecting shaft is not limited. In one embodiment, the first wheel 21 is provided with an abutment portion 42 on the side of the axis M of the connecting shaft away from the elastic member 3, and the abutment portion 42 is fixed relative to the connecting shaft 1 in the direction of the axis M of the connecting shaft, and the first wheel 21 is pressed against the abutment portion 42 under the extrusion force of the elastic member 3 and the second wheel 22, so that the first wheel 21 remains fixed relative to the connecting shaft 1 on the axis M of the connecting shaft. The manner in which the abutment portion 42 is fixed to the connecting shaft 1 is not limited, for example, an inwardly recessed slot can be provided on the connecting shaft 1, and the abutment portion 42 is engaged in the slot. The specific structure of the abutment portion 42 is not limited, for example, a snap ring structure can be adopted. The installation position of the abutment portion 42 is not limited, and it can be installed on the connecting shaft 1, or on the base 50 or the abutment seat 6, as long as the first wheel 21 can be fixed relative to the connecting shaft 1 in the direction of the axis M of the connecting shaft.

[0136] See also Figure 8a-Figure 10b , Figure 8a-8d This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second wheel in the shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application, wherein: Figure 8b for Figure 8a A partial enlarged view of the middle Z section; Figure 9a This is a schematic diagram of the 120° structure of the second wheel in the shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application unfolded along the circumferential direction; Figure 9b This is a schematic diagram of the 360° structure of the second wheel in the rotating shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application unfolded along the circumferential direction; Fig.10a This is a schematic diagram of a 120° structure of another implementation of the second wheel in the shaft assembly of an embodiment of the present application, unfolded along the circumferential direction; Fig.10b This is a schematic diagram of the 360° structure unfolded along the circumferential direction of another implementation manner of the second wheel in the shaft assembly of an embodiment of the present application.

[0137] like Figure 8a-Figure 10b As shown, at least one protrusion 210 (see FIG. 2 ) protruding outward along the axis M of the connecting shaft is provided on one end surface of the first wheel 21 facing the second wheel 22. Figure 11a-Figure 12b ), at least one recessed portion 220 is provided on one end surface of the second wheel 22 facing the first wheel 21, and is recessed inwardly along the axis M of the connecting shaft. The protrusions 210 and the recessed portions 220 correspond to each other one by one, and each recessed portion 220 has a sliding surface 221 (i.e., Figure 9a-Figure 10b EF surface in the middle), so that when the first wheel 21 moves and switches between the first position and the second position relative to the second wheel 22, each protrusion 210 always slides on the sliding surface 221 of the corresponding recessed portion 220. Or it can be understood that during the relative rotation of the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22, a portion of the protrusion 210 on the first wheel 21 always contacts the sliding surface 221 on the corresponding recessed portion 220.

[0138] Further, the sliding surface 221 is configured to be inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis M of the connecting shaft, and as Figure 8b-Figure 9a , Fig.10a As shown, the sliding surface 221 has a first end 221a and a second end 221b, and the surface between the first end 221a and the second end 221b constitutes the sliding surface 221. For ease of understanding, Figure 9a-Figure 10bIn the figure, E represents the first end 221a, F represents the second end 221b, and the sliding surface 221 can be understood as the EF surface. From the first end 221a to the second end 221b, along the axis M direction of the connecting shaft, the sliding surface 221 extends in the direction away from the first wheel 21 (or it can be understood that from the first end 221a to the second end 221b, along the axis M direction of the connecting shaft, the distance from the sliding surface 221 to the end surface of the second wheel 22 away from the first wheel 21 gradually decreases). When the first wheel 21 is in the first position relative to the second wheel 22, each protrusion 210 abuts against the first end 221a of the sliding surface 221 of the corresponding recessed portion 220, and the foldable electronic device 300 is in a closed state. When the first wheel 21 is in the second position relative to the second wheel 22, each protrusion 210 abuts against the second end 221b of the sliding surface 221 of the corresponding recessed portion 220, and the foldable electronic device 300 is in an open state. The plane perpendicular to the axis M of the connecting shaft can be understood as a plane in the radial direction of the connecting shaft 1 , and the sliding surface 221 is inclined relative to the plane.

[0139] The rotating shaft assembly 100 provided in the present application can rotate relative to each other between the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22, and drive the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 of the foldable electronic device 300 to rotate relative to each other, so as to switch between the closed state and the open state. An uneven structure is designed on the facing end surfaces of the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22, wherein the first wheel 21 is provided with a protruding portion 210 protruding outward, and the second wheel 22 is provided with a recessed portion 220 recessed inward. When the two wheels rotate relative to each other, the protruding portion 210 slides on the sliding surface 221 in the corresponding recessed portion 220, and the change of the damping force is achieved by the design of the sliding surface 221.

[0140] The sliding surface 221 is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis M of the connecting shaft, and from the first end 221a to the second end 221b, the sliding surface 221 extends in the direction away from the first wheel 21 along the axis M of the connecting shaft, that is, the sliding surface 221 is a surface inclined relative to the radial direction of the connecting shaft 1 as a whole, and the sliding surface 221 always extends in the direction away from the first wheel 21 from the first end 221a to the second end 221b. It can be understood that the process of the cam sliding along the sliding surface 221 from the first end 221a to the second end 221b is always a downhill route. With this structure, when the foldable electronic device 300 is in a closed state, the protrusion 210 abuts against the first end 221a of the sliding surface 221. Due to the elastic force of the elastic member 3, the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 are squeezed against each other, and the protrusion 210 tends to move toward the second wheel 22. At this time, as long as the locking force that keeps the foldable electronic device 300 in the closed state is released (for example, the locking structure is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state), the protrusion 210 on the first wheel 21 will automatically slide from the first end 221a to the second end 221b along a downhill route, and the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 will rotate from the first position to the second position, and the foldable electronic device 300 will automatically switch from the closed state to the open state.

[0141] Therefore, the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 of the hinge assembly 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application can automatically rotate from the first position to the second position, so that the foldable electronic device 300 can automatically switch from a closed state to an open state, and the foldable electronic device 300 can automatically pop open from a closed state to an open state, which is more convenient and labor-saving to use.

[0142] Those skilled in the art can understand that when the first wheel 21 moves from the first position to the second position relative to the second wheel 22, the relative rotation angle between the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 is not limited, for example, it can be any angle within 85°-95° ​​(for example, 85°, 90°, 95°), or it can be less than 85°, or it can be greater than 95°, etc., and the present application does not limit this. In one embodiment, when the first wheel 21 moves from the first position to the second position relative to the second wheel 22, the relative rotation angle between the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 is 90°, each damping swing arm 4 rotates 90° under the drive of the corresponding first wheel 21, and the two damping swing arms 4 in each group of symmetrical rotating shaft assemblies 100 rotate 90° relative to the base 50, then the two damping swing arms 4 rotate 180° relative to each other, so that the first shell 81 and the second shell 82 of the foldable electronic device 300 are relatively opened 180°.

[0143] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of the wheel set 2 , the number of the protrusions 210 on the first wheel 21 , and the number of the recesses 220 on the second wheel 22 are all unlimited.

[0144] In one embodiment, two wheel sets 2 are provided in a rotating shaft assembly 100, and the two wheel sets 2 are respectively located at the two ends of the elastic member 3, and the elastic member 3 simultaneously provides mutual squeezing force between the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 for the two wheel sets 2. The two damping swing arms 4 connected to the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 can be connected to the first wheels 21 on the two wheel sets 2 at the same time, and the two first wheels 21 rotate synchronously to drive the damping swing arms 4 to rotate.

[0145] In one embodiment, three protrusions 210 are evenly spaced apart on each first wheel 21 along the circumference of the first wheel 21 (see Figure 11a-Figure 12b ), three recessed portions 220 are evenly spaced along the circumference of each second wheel 22, that is, each wheel set 2 has three pairs of mutually matching protrusions 210 and recessed portions 220, which can increase the contact area between the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22, and make them more stable when rotating relative to each other. In other alternative embodiments, one or more wheel sets 2 can be provided in the shaft assembly 100, and each wheel set 2 can be provided with less than or more than three pairs of protrusions 210 and recessed portions 220, which is not limited in the present application.

[0146] Those skilled in the art can understand that the specific structure of the sliding surface 221 on the recessed portion 220 is not limited, for example, it can be an inclined plane, a curved surface, an arc surface, or a surface formed by splicing several of the inclined plane, the curved surface, and the arc surface, and it only needs to satisfy the requirement of being inclined as a whole relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis M of the connecting shaft, and extending from the first end 221a to the second end 221b along the axis M of the connecting shaft in a direction away from the first wheel 21. The following is an example of the structure that can be used for the sliding surface 221 with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0147] like Figure 8b , Figure 9a-Figure 10b As shown, in one embodiment, the recessed portion 220 includes a first inclined surface 223 and a second inclined surface 224 connected to each other. The first inclined surface 223 has a first end 223a and a second end 223b. Figure 8b , Figure 8d The surface between the first end 223a and the second end 223b is the first inclined surface 223. The second inclined surface 224 has a first end 224a and a second end 224b. Figure 8b , Figure 8d The surface between the first end 224a and the second end 224b represents the second inclined surface 224. For ease of understanding, Figure 9a-Figure 10bA represents the first end 223a of the first slope 223, C represents the second end 224b of the second slope 224, and B represents the junction of the first slope 223 and the second slope 224. The second end 223b of the first slope 223 and the first end 224a of the second slope 224 can coincide with B at the same time, or can be located on both sides of B respectively.

[0148] The first inclined surface 223 and the second inclined surface 224 are both inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis M of the connecting shaft, the first end 221a of the sliding surface 221 is located on the first inclined surface 223, the second end 221b of the sliding surface 221 is located on the second inclined surface 224, and the surface between the first end 221a and the second end 221b of the first inclined surface 223 and the second inclined surface 224 constitutes the sliding surface 221. Or it can be understood that the sliding surface 221 includes two sections of inclined surfaces with different inclination angles: the entire or partial section of the first inclined surface 223 and the entire or partial section of the second inclined surface 224. Since the requirements for the hand feel of the foldable electronic device 300 at each stage of switching between the open state and the closed state are different, the design structure of dividing the sliding surface 221 into two sections of inclined surfaces is conducive to the design of the hand feel of each stage.

[0149] The inclination angles of the first inclined surface 223 and the second inclined surface 224 are not limited. In one embodiment, the first inclined surface 223 is inclined at an angle of 10°-15° relative to the plane perpendicular to the axis M of the connecting shaft, for example, 10°, 12°, 15°, etc. The second inclined surface 224 is inclined at an angle of 60°-65° relative to the plane perpendicular to the axis M of the connecting shaft, for example, 60°, 63°, 65°, etc. Figure 9a , Fig.10aThe range of the middle angle θ1 is 10°-15°, and the range of the angle θ2 is 60°-65°. When the foldable electronic device 300 is in the open state, the first wheel 21 is in the second position relative to the second wheel 22, and the protrusion 210 cooperates with the second inclined surface 224. The second inclined surface 224 is designed with a larger inclination angle, which can prevent the protrusion 210 from moving along the second inclined surface 224 toward the first end 221a of the sliding surface 221 under a slight external force (such as the foldable electronic device 300 is bumped and vibrated), causing the foldable electronic device 300 to accidentally switch to the closed state, that is, increase the holding force of the foldable electronic device 300 in the open state. At the same time, the first inclined surface 223 is designed to have a smaller inclination angle, so that the protrusion 210 is less labor-saving when moving on the second inclined surface 224 toward the second end 221b of the sliding surface 221, and the foldable electronic device 300 is less labor-saving in the later stage of switching from the open state to the closed state. Therefore, this structure combines the effect of automatic rotation between the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22, the retention force when the first wheel 21 is in the second position, and the feel when the first wheel 21 rotates to the first position. In other alternative embodiments, the first inclined surface 223 can be inclined at an angle less than 10 degrees or greater than 15 degrees relative to the plane perpendicular to the axis M of the connecting shaft, and the second inclined surface 224 can be inclined at an angle less than 60 degrees or greater than 65 degrees relative to the plane perpendicular to the axis M of the connecting shaft, and the present application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0150] It should be noted that the transition between the first inclined surface 223 and the second inclined surface 224 is not limited. Figure 8b-Figure 9a As shown, in one embodiment, the first inclined surface 223 and the second inclined surface 224 are connected by the first curved surface 225, so that the sliding connection between the protrusion 210 and the first inclined surface 223 and the second inclined surface 224 is relatively smooth. Figure 10a-Figure 10b As shown, in other alternative implementations, the first inclined surface 223 and the second inclined surface 224 may also be directly connected, and the present application does not limit this.

[0151] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the junction of the first inclined surface 223 and the second inclined surface 224 (i.e. Figure 9a-Figure 10bB in the figure. When the first inclined surface 223 and the second inclined surface 224 are connected through the first arc surface 225, B is located on the first arc surface 225. When the first inclined surface 223 and the second inclined surface 224 are directly connected, B is located on the intersection line of the first inclined surface 223 and the second inclined surface 224). The position of B is not limited. In one embodiment, when the protrusion 210 of the first wheel 21 moves along the recessed portion 220 from the second end 221b of the sliding surface 221 to the junction of the first inclined surface 223 and the second inclined surface 224 (i.e., from E to B), the angle of relative rotation between the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 is 20°-30°, for example, it can be 20°, 24°, 26°, 30°, etc. Since the inclination angle of the second inclined surface 224 is large, the movement of the protrusion 210 on the second inclined surface 224 is relatively laborious. Designing this part as a shorter stroke can reduce the laborious stage during the relative rotation of the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22. In other alternative embodiments, when the protrusion 210 of the first wheel 21 moves along the recessed portion 220 from the second end 221b of the sliding surface 221 to the junction of the first inclined surface 223 and the second inclined surface 224, the relative rotation angle between the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 may also be less than 20° or greater than 30°, and the present application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0152] Those skilled in the art can understand that the first end 221a of the sliding surface 221 can be located at any position of the first inclined surface 223, and the second end 221b can also be located at any position of the second inclined surface 224. For example, the first end 221a can be located between the two ends of the first inclined surface 223 or at an end point (that is, the first end 221a of the sliding surface 221 can be located between the first end 223a and the second end 223b of the first inclined surface 223, or at the first end 223a), and the second end 221b can also be located between the two ends of the second inclined surface 224 or at an end point (that is, the second end 221b of the sliding surface 221 can be located between the first end 224a and the second end 224b of the second inclined surface 224, or at the second end 224b), etc.

[0153] In one embodiment, the end of the first inclined surface 223 away from the second inclined surface 224 is spaced from the first end 221a of the sliding surface 221, that is, a certain distance is reserved between the first end 221a of the sliding surface 221 and the first end 223a of the first inclined surface 223 as redundancy (which can be understood as AE having a certain length). Similarly, the end of the second inclined surface 224 away from the first inclined surface 223 is spaced from the second end 221b of the sliding surface 221, that is, a certain distance is reserved between the second end 221b of the sliding surface 221 and the second end 224b of the second inclined surface 224 as redundancy (which can be understood as CF having a certain length). With this structure, the protrusion 210 can slide at a position other than the sliding surface 221, thereby reducing the processing accuracy requirements of the second wheel 22.

[0154] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the redundant distances between the two ends of the sliding surface 221 and the two ends of the first inclined surface 223 and the second inclined surface 224 are not limited. In one embodiment, when each protrusion 210 moves from the second end 221b of the sliding surface 221 to the second end 224b of the second inclined surface 224 (i.e., moves from F to C) along its corresponding recessed portion 220, the relative rotation angle between the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 is 3°-10°, that is, the redundant distance between the second end 221b and the second end 224b of the second inclined surface 224 is within the rotation stroke of 3°-10°. More specifically, it can be 5°, 7°, 8°, etc. In an example, when the protrusion 210 moves from the second end 221b of the sliding surface 221 to the second end 224b of the second inclined surface 224 along its corresponding recessed portion 220, the relative rotation angle between the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 is 5°. In other alternative embodiments, the angle may also be less than 3° or greater than 10°, and the present application does not impose any limitation thereto.

[0155] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the structure of each protrusion 210 on the first wheel 21 is not limited, and the matching mode of the protrusion 210 on the first wheel 21 and the recessed portion 220 on the second wheel 22 is not limited, for example, it can be point matching (point contact between the protrusion 210 and the recessed portion 220), line matching (line contact between the protrusion 210 and the recessed portion 220), surface matching (surface contact between the protrusion 210 and the recessed portion 220), etc. In one embodiment, during the movement of the protrusion 210 from the first position to the second position, the protrusion 210 maintains line contact with the sliding surface 221 of the corresponding recessed portion 220, that is, the protrusion 210 and the corresponding recessed portion 220 always maintain line matching to reduce the friction between the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22.

[0156] The following is an illustrative description of the possible structures of the protruding portion 210 and the process of matching the protruding portion 210 with the recessed portion 220 with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0157] See also Figure 11a-Figure 15b , Figure 11a-Figure 11c This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first wheel in the shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application; Fig.12a This is a schematic diagram of the 120° structure of the first wheel in the rotating shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application unfolded along the circumferential direction; Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram of the 360° structure of the first wheel in the rotating shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application unfolded along the circumferential direction; Figure 13a-13b This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first wheel and the second wheel in the rotating shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present application at the first position; Figure 14a-14b A schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first wheel and the second wheel in the shaft assembly of an embodiment of the present application between the first position and the second position; Figure 15a-Figure 15bThis is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first wheel and the second wheel in the shaft assembly of an embodiment of the present application in the second position.

[0158] like Figure 11a-Figure 12b As shown, in one embodiment, the protrusion 210 has a first connection surface 211, a second connection surface 212, and a third connection surface 213 connected in sequence, the second connection surface 212 is located on the side of the end surface of the first wheel 21 close to the second wheel 22, one end of the first connection surface 211 and the third connection surface 213 are both connected to the end surface of the first wheel 21, and the other ends are respectively connected to the two ends of the second connection surface 212. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the specific types of the first connection surface 211, the second connection surface 212, and the third connection surface 213 are not limited, and can be a plane, a cambered surface, a curved surface, or a surface formed by splicing any of the planes, cambered surfaces, and curved surfaces.

[0159] It should be noted that the second connection surface 212 and the first connection surface 211 are connected in any manner, for example, they can be connected directly, or they can be connected through a plane, a curved surface, an arc surface, etc. In one embodiment, the second connection surface 212 and the first connection surface 211 are connected through the first curved surface 214. During the movement of each protrusion 210 from the first position to the second position, the first curved surface 214 and the second connection surface 212 abut against the sliding surface 221 of the corresponding recessed portion 220. Since the first curved surface 214 is a curved surface as a whole, and the first inclined surface 223 and the second inclined surface 224 on the recessed portion 220 are both planes, when the first curved surface 214 abuts against the sliding surface 221 (for example Figure 14a-Figure 15b The curvature radius of the first curved surface 214 is not limited. In other alternative embodiments, the first curved surface 214 may also be a curved surface, etc., which is not limited in the present application. In one embodiment, the first connecting surface 211 is a curved surface. When the first connecting surface 211 abuts against the sliding surface 221 (for example, Figure 13a-13b In other alternative embodiments, the first connecting surface 211 may also be a curved surface, or the portion of the first connecting surface 211 in contact with the sliding surface 221 may be a curved surface or a curved surface, and the remaining portion may be a flat surface, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0160] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the second connection surface 212 and the third connection surface 213 may be connected in any manner, for example, they may be connected directly, or they may be connected via a plane, a curved surface, an arc surface, etc. In one embodiment, the second connection surface 212 and the third connection surface 213 are connected via a second curved surface 215. During the movement of each protrusion 210 from the first position to the second position, the second curved surface 215 may also abut against the sliding surface 221 of the corresponding recessed portion 220, and the position where the second curved surface 215 and the second connection surface 212 are connected may also abut against the sliding surface 221 of the corresponding recessed portion 220, and the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0161] In order to more clearly illustrate the positions of the protrusions 210 and the corresponding recesses 220 during the relative rotation of the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22, the relative rotation process of the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 is described below by taking a specific embodiment as an example. Figure 13a-Figure 15b As shown, in one embodiment, when the first wheel 21 is in the first position relative to the second wheel 22 (such as Figure 13a-13b ), the second connecting surface 212 on each protrusion 210 contacts the first end 221a of the sliding surface 221 on the corresponding recess 220, and the position of the second connecting surface 212 in contact with the sliding surface 221 is close to the second curved surface 215. When the first wheel 21 is in the second position relative to the second wheel 22 (such as Figure 15a-Figure 15b ), the first curved surface 214 on each protrusion 210 contacts the second end 221b of the sliding surface 221 on the corresponding recessed portion 220. When the first wheel 21 rotates from the first position to the second position relative to the second wheel 22 (such as Figure 14a-14b ), the part of each protrusion 210 that contacts the sliding surface 221 gradually transitions from the second connecting surface 212 to the first curved surface 214, and finally changes to the first curved surface 214 contacting the sliding surface 221. It should be noted that the above process is only an example, and other matching modes may be used when the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 rotate relative to each other. For example, during the process of the first wheel 21 rotating from the first position to the second position relative to the second wheel 22, the second curved surface 215, the second connecting surface 212, and the first curved surface 214 on each protrusion 210 may contact the sliding surface 221 in sequence, or the first curved surface 214 may always contact the sliding surface 221, etc., and the present application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0162] like Figure 9a-9b , Figure 13a-Figure 15b As shown, in one embodiment, the recessed portion 220 further includes a bottom surface 226 (i.e. Figure 9a-Figure 10bThe bottom surface 226 is connected to the second end 224b of the second inclined surface 224, and when the protrusion 210 abuts against the second end 221b of the sliding surface 221 of the recessed portion 220, a gap s is provided between the protrusion 210 and the bottom surface 226. Alternatively, it can be understood that a gap s is provided between the bottom surface 226 of the recessed portion 220 and the second connecting surface 212 of the protrusion 210.

[0163] It should be noted that the specific structure of the bottom surface 226 is not limited. In one embodiment, the bottom surface 226 is configured as an inclined surface inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis M of the connecting shaft. The second connecting surface 212 can be a plane perpendicular to the axis M of the connecting shaft, or it can be an inclined surface inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis M of the connecting shaft. By designing the bottom surface 226 and the second connecting surface 212 to have different inclination angles, when the protrusion 210 abuts against the second end 221b of the sliding surface 221, there is a gap s between the bottom surface 226 and the protrusion 210. Lubricating grease can be added to the gap s, thereby reducing the friction of the relative rotation of the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22, so that the relative rotation process between the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 is smoother.

[0164] like Figure 9a-9b , Figure 13a-Figure 15b As shown, in one embodiment, the recessed portion 220 further includes a side surface 227 (ie, Figure 9b , Fig.10b AD surface in the figure), when the protrusion 210 abuts against the second end 221b of the sliding surface 221 of the recessed part 220, the protrusion 210 also abuts against the side surface 227 of the recessed part 220 to limit the relative rotation between the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22. Or it can be understood that when the first wheel 21 rotates to the second position relative to the second wheel 22, the first curved surface 214 of the protrusion 210 abuts against the second inclined surface 224 of the recessed part 220, and the third connecting surface 213 of the protrusion 210 abuts against the side surface 227 of the recessed part 220, so that the entire protrusion 210 is engaged in the recessed part 220, preventing the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 from continuing to rotate. At this time, the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 reach a preset rotation angle, that is, the side surface 227 of the recessed part 220 plays a role in limiting the rotation stroke of the first wheel 21.

[0165] The specific structure of the rotating shaft assembly 100 is described above. The following describes, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a structure that a symmetrically arranged group of rotating shaft assemblies 100 may adopt when multiple groups of rotating shaft assemblies 100 are arranged in the hinge device 200.

[0166] See also Figure 16a-Figure 18b , Figure 16a-Figure 16c This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a set of rotating shaft components according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig.17 for Fig.16c A partial enlarged view of the middle Q part; Figure 18a-18b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of two adjacent second wheels in a set of rotating shaft assemblies according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0167] like Figure 16a-Figure 18b As shown, in one embodiment, the two adjacent second wheels 22 on each set of rotating shaft assemblies 100 are an integrated structure, so that each second wheel 22 is fixedly arranged on the connecting shaft 1 where it is located. Among them, the two adjacent second wheels 22 can be understood as two second wheels 22 located on the same side of the elastic member 3 in the direction of the axis M of the connecting shaft. In other alternative embodiments, the two adjacent second wheels 22 on each set of rotating shaft assemblies 100 can also be a split structure, and the two are independently arranged, or fixedly connected by bonding, welding, screwing, etc., and the present application does not limit this.

[0168] like Figure 16a-Figure 18b As shown, in one embodiment, two adjacent second wheels 22 on each set of rotating shaft assemblies 100 are arranged axially symmetrically, which can be understood as each recessed portion 220 in the two adjacent second wheels 22, and the sliding surface 221 in each recessed portion 220 are all arranged axially symmetrically relative to the axis P, wherein the axis P is an axis parallel to the axis M of the connecting shaft and located between the two adjacent second wheels 22. Similarly, the two first wheels 21 corresponding to the two adjacent second wheels 22 are also arranged axially symmetrically, which is not described in detail in this application. Through such an arrangement, the feel of the rotation of the two rotating shaft assemblies 100 can be made more symmetrical. In other alternative embodiments, the two adjacent second wheels 22 and the two first wheels 21 corresponding to the two adjacent second wheels 22 can also be arranged asymmetrically, which is not limited in this application.

[0169] like Figure 16a-Figure 16c As shown, in one embodiment, the two adjacent abutment portions 42 on each set of rotating shaft assemblies 100 may also be an integrated structure. The two adjacent abutment portions 42 may be understood as two abutment portions 42 located on the same side of the elastic member 3 in the direction of the axis M of the connecting shaft. In other alternative embodiments, the two adjacent abutment portions 42 on each set of rotating shaft assemblies 100 may also be a split structure, which are independently arranged or fixedly connected by bonding, welding, screwing, etc., and the present application does not limit this.

[0170] In summary, the hinge assembly 100 provided in the present application can automatically rotate from the first position to the second position, and can enable the foldable electronic device 300 to automatically switch from a closed state to an open state, which is more convenient and labor-saving when used.

[0171] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly for a foldable electronic device, characterized in that: include: Connecting shaft; At least one wheel set, each wheel set in the at least one wheel set includes a first wheel and a second wheel that are in contact and pressed against each other, the first wheel and the second wheel are sequentially sleeved on the connecting shaft along the axis direction of the connecting shaft, and the first wheel and the second wheel are configured to: generate relative rotation around the axis of the connecting shaft and generate relative movement along the axis direction of the connecting shaft, so that the first wheel can move and switch between a first position and a second position relative to the second wheel; wherein, at least one protrusion protruding outwardly along the axial direction of the connecting shaft is provided on one end surface of the first wheel facing the second wheel, and at least one recessed portion recessed inwardly along the axial direction of the connecting shaft is provided on one end surface of the second wheel facing the first wheel, the at least one protrusion and the at least one recessed portion correspond to each other one by one, and each recessed portion in the at least one recessed portion has a sliding surface for sliding of the corresponding protrusion, so that when the first wheel moves and switches between the first position and the second position relative to the second wheel, each protrusion in the at least one protrusion always slides on the sliding surface of the corresponding recessed portion; Furthermore, the sliding surface is configured to be inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft, and the sliding surface has a first end and a second end, and from the first end to the second end, along the axis direction of the connecting shaft, the sliding surface extends in a direction away from the first wheel; When the first wheel is in the first position relative to the second wheel, each of the at least one raised portion abuts against the first end of the sliding surface of the corresponding recessed portion, and the foldable electronic device is in a closed state; when the first wheel is in the second position relative to the second wheel, each of the at least one raised portion abuts against the second end of the sliding surface of the corresponding recessed portion, and the foldable electronic device is in an open state.

2. The shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the at least one recessed portion includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface connected to each other, and the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are both inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft. The first end of the sliding surface is located on the first inclined surface, and the second end of the sliding surface is located on the second inclined surface. The surface of the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface located between the first end and the second end constitutes the sliding surface.

3. The shaft assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first inclined surface is inclined at an angle of 10°-15° relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft; the second inclined surface is inclined at an angle of 60°-65° relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft.

4. The shaft assembly according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: When each of the protrusions of the first wheel moves along the recessed portion from the second end of the sliding surface to the junction of the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, the relative rotation angle between the first wheel and the second wheel is 20°-30°.

5. The shaft assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are connected by a first arc surface.

6. The shaft assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: One end of the first inclined surface away from the second inclined surface is spaced apart from the first end of the sliding surface.

7. The shaft assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: One end of the second inclined surface away from the first inclined surface is spaced apart from the second end of the sliding surface.

8. The shaft assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: When each of the protrusions moves along its corresponding recessed portion from the second end of the sliding surface to an end of the second inclined surface away from the first inclined surface, the relative rotation angle between the first wheel and the second wheel is 3°-10°.

9. The shaft assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that: Each of the recessed portions further includes a bottom surface connected to an end of the second inclined surface away from the first inclined surface. When the protruding portion abuts against the second end of the sliding surface of the recessed portion, a gap is provided between the protruding portion and the bottom surface.

10. The shaft assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The recessed portion also includes a side surface connected to the bottom surface and facing away from the second inclined surface. When the protrusion abuts against the second end of the sliding surface of the recessed portion, the protrusion also abuts against the side surface of the recessed portion to limit the relative rotation between the first wheel and the second wheel.

11. The shaft assembly according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The bottom surface is configured as an inclined surface inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft.

12. The shaft assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: When each of the protruding portions moves from the first position to the second position, the protruding portion maintains line contact with the sliding surface of the corresponding recessed portion.

13. The shaft assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The protrusion has a first connecting surface, a second connecting surface, and a third connecting surface connected in sequence, the second connecting surface is located on a side of the end surface of the first wheel close to the second wheel, one end of the first connecting surface and the third connecting surface are both connected to the end surface of the first wheel, and the other ends are respectively connected to two ends of the second connecting surface; The second connecting surface is connected to the first connecting surface via a first curved surface. When each protrusion moves from the first position to the second position, the first curved surface and the second connecting surface abut against the sliding surface of the corresponding recessed portion.

14. The shaft assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: When the first wheel moves from the first position to the second position relative to the second wheel, the relative rotation angle between the first wheel and the second wheel is 85°-95°.

15. The shaft assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The at least one protrusion is three protrusions evenly spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the first wheel, and the at least one concave portion is three concave portions evenly spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the second wheel.

16. The shaft assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: The rotating shaft assembly further comprises an elastic member, and the elastic member is sleeved on the connecting shaft; The elastic member is arranged at one end of the first wheel away from the second wheel, the second wheel is fixed relative to the connecting shaft in the axial direction of the connecting shaft, and the elastic member is used to apply elastic force to the first wheel through its own deformation, so that the first wheel and the second wheel are in contact and squeezed with each other; Alternatively, the elastic member is arranged at an end of the second wheel away from the first wheel, the first wheel is fixed relative to the connecting shaft in the axial direction of the connecting shaft, and the elastic member is used to apply elastic force to the second wheel through its own deformation, so that the first wheel and the second wheel are in contact and squeeze with each other.

17. The shaft assembly according to claim 16, wherein: The at least one wheel set is two wheel sets respectively arranged at two ends of the elastic member, and the second wheel of each wheel set in the two wheel sets is arranged between the elastic member and the first wheel of the wheel set.

18. A hinge device, characterized in that: Comprising a rotating shaft assembly as described in any one of claims 1-17.

19. A foldable electronic device, comprising a housing assembly, wherein the housing assembly comprises a first housing and a second housing, wherein: The shell assembly also includes a hinge device as described in claim 18, and the first shell and the second shell are rotatably connected through the hinge device so that the foldable electronic device can switch between the closed state and the open state.

20. The foldable electronic device according to claim 19, characterized in that: The hinge device comprises at least one group of the rotating shaft assemblies, each group of the rotating shaft assemblies comprises two rotating shaft assemblies which are symmetrically arranged, each rotating shaft assembly further comprises a damping swing arm, one end of the damping swing arm has a rotating portion, and the rotating portion is configured as the first wheel; The other end of the damping swing arm of one of the rotating shaft assemblies in each group of the rotating shaft assemblies is connected to the first housing, and the other end of the damping swing arm of the other rotating shaft assembly is connected to the second housing; The foldable electronic device also includes a locking mechanism. When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the first shell and the second shell are stacked and remain relatively fixed. When the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state, the first shell and the second shell can rotate relative to each other.

21. The foldable electronic device according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that: The foldable electronic device also includes a display screen, which is laid on one side of the shell assembly; when the foldable electronic device is in the closed state, the display screen surrounds the outer side of the shell assembly.

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