Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment. The rotating shaft mechanism comprises a main shaft (102) and a rotating module (101), and the rotating module (101) comprises a first rotating assembly (1011), a second rotating assembly (1012), a first shell fixing frame (1013) and a second shell fixing frame (1014). The first rotating assembly (1011) comprises a first swing arm (10111), a first supporting arm (10112) and a first connecting piece (10113), the first connecting piece (10113) is rotationally connected with the first swing arm (10111) and the first supporting arm (10112), and the first connecting piece (10113) can move along a first track groove (1023) of the main shaft (102) so as to limit the motion track of the first connecting piece (10113). The second rotating assembly (1012) comprises a second swing arm (10121), a second supporting arm (10122) and a second connecting piece (10123), the second connecting piece (10123) is rotationally connected with the second swing arm (10121) and the second supporting arm (10122), and the second connecting piece (10123) can move along a second track groove (1024) of the main shaft (102) so as to limit the motion track of the second connecting piece (10123). According to the design of the rotating shaft mechanism, the movement distance of the first shell fixing frame (1013) and the second shell fixing frame (1014) relative to the main shaft (102) can be limited, so that the flexible display screen of the electronic equipment can be prevented from being extruded or pulled.

Description

Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on April 27, 2023, with application number 202310480902.9 and application name “A Rotating Shaft Mechanism and Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment. Background Art

[0004] As flexible display technology matures, the display mode of electronic devices has undergone tremendous changes. Foldable flexible display mobile phones, foldable flexible display tablets, and wearable electronic devices with foldable flexible displays are an important evolutionary direction for future smart electronic devices.

[0005] Flexible displays are key components in foldable electronic devices, offering continuous foldability. The hinge mechanism, a crucial component in achieving this folding function, flattens or bends the flexible display during the unfolding and closing process.

[0006] To achieve the folding function while avoiding squeezing or pulling on the flexible display during the folding process, current foldable electronic devices require complex hinge mechanisms with large moving components. This often results in a large hinge mechanism, making it difficult to meet the miniaturization requirements of the entire foldable electronic device. Therefore, achieving a miniaturized hinge mechanism while ensuring the structural reliability of the flexible display has become a major challenge facing those skilled in the art.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device to reduce the size of the hinge mechanism of the electronic device and ensure the structural reliability of the flexible display screen during the rotation of the hinge mechanism, thereby improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0009] In a first aspect, the present application provides a hinge mechanism, which can be used for a foldable electronic device, and the hinge mechanism is arranged relative to the foldable part of the flexible display screen of the electronic device, and the electronic device is unfolded or closed by the hinge mechanism. In the specific arrangement of the hinge mechanism, it may include a main shaft and a rotating module. The rotating module includes a first rotating component, a second rotating component, a first shell fixing frame and a second shell fixing frame, the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the main shaft, the first rotating component is located between the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame, and the second rotating component is located between the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame. The first rotating component may include a first swing arm, a first support arm and a first connecting member, the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first shell fixing frame, the first support arm is rotatably connected to the second shell fixing frame, the first connecting member is located between the first swing arm and the first support arm, the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first swing arm, and the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first support arm. In addition, the main shaft is provided with a first trajectory groove, and the first connecting member can move along the first trajectory groove to limit the movement trajectory of the first connecting member, thereby limiting the movement trajectory of the first swing arm pulling the first support arm through the first connecting member. The second rotating assembly may include a second swing arm, a second support arm and a second connecting member, the second swing arm is rotationally connected to the main shaft, the second swing arm is slidingly connected to the second shell fixing frame, the second support arm is rotationally connected to the first shell fixing frame, the second connecting member is located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, the second connecting member is rotationally connected to the second swing arm, and the second connecting member is rotationally connected to the second support arm. In addition, the main shaft is also provided with a second trajectory groove, and the second connecting member can move along the second trajectory groove to limit the movement trajectory of the second connecting member, thereby limiting the movement trajectory of the second swing arm pulling the second support arm through the second connecting member.

[0010] Based on the above-mentioned rotating shaft mechanism of the present application, when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame move toward each other. When the first shell fixing frame drives the first swing arm to rotate clockwise around the main axis, the first swing arm can drive the first connecting member to move toward the first swing arm in the first track groove of the main axis, thereby driving the first support arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis; when the second shell fixing frame drives the second swing arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis, the second swing arm can drive the second connecting member to move toward the second swing arm in the second track groove of the main axis, thereby driving the second support arm to rotate clockwise around the main axis. When the electronic device moves from a closed state to an unfolded state, the first housing fixing frame and the second housing fixing frame move in opposite directions. When the first housing fixing frame drives the first swing arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis, the first swing arm can drive the first connecting member to move within the first track groove of the main axis toward the first support arm, thereby driving the first support arm to rotate clockwise around the main axis. When the second housing fixing frame drives the second swing arm to rotate clockwise around the main axis, the second swing arm can drive the second connecting member to move within the second track groove of the main axis toward the second support arm, thereby driving the second support arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis. This realizes the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism.

[0011] In some existing hinge mechanisms, in order to ensure the stability of the mechanism, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the rotating assembly connected to the main shaft. This will make the main shaft and the hinge mechanism very thick. If the thickness is forcibly reduced, the strength of the rotating assembly will be weakened, which will greatly affect the reliability of the hinge mechanism and thus reduce the life of the electronic device. The hinge mechanism of the present application has a streamlined structure. Through the above structural relationship, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can slide in the main shaft to link the first swing arm, the second swing arm, the first support arm and the second support arm on the left and right sides. Therefore, the thickness and cross-section of the first connecting member and the second connecting member do not need to be made very thick to shuttle between the first track groove and the second track groove of the main shaft. At the same time, because the first connecting member and the second connecting member are respectively connected to the first swing arm (second swing arm) and the first support arm (second support arm), the first connecting member (second connecting member) has a sufficient length extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis, thus having sufficient strength to ensure the reliability of the hinge mechanism. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft and the thickness of the entire device can be reduced while maintaining the reliability of the hinge mechanism, making the entire hinge mechanism light and reliable.

[0012] In addition, since the first connecting member can move along a set trajectory within the first track groove, and the second connecting member can move along a set trajectory within the second track groove, uncontrolled movement of the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be avoided throughout the folding and unfolding process, thereby avoiding random movement of the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame, thereby ensuring the structural and movement stability of the entire hinge mechanism. In some cases, through reasonable design of the first track groove and the second track groove, the outer tangent of the hinge mechanism can also maintain a constant length throughout the folding and unfolding process, thereby allowing the flexible display covering the surface of the hinge mechanism to basically maintain a constant length. In this way, squeezing or pulling of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display, and thus improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0013] In a possible implementation of the present application, the main shaft includes a base and a cover plate, the cover plate is provided on the base, the base is provided with a first arcuate groove, and the cover plate includes a first protrusion provided toward the first arcuate groove, and the gap between the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first arcuate groove can serve as a first track groove. In addition, the first connecting member may include a first arcuate surface and a second arcuate surface, and when the electronic device is in the expanded state and the closed state, the first arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and the second arcuate surface abuts against the groove surface of the first arcuate groove. As a result, the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first arcuate groove limit the first connecting member to the first track groove, so that when the rotating shaft mechanism is in the expanded state and the closed state, the position of the first connecting member is relatively stable, and no virtual position shaking occurs, thereby improving the reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism in the above two states.

[0014] In addition, the base may be provided with a third arcuate groove, and the cover may further include a third protrusion disposed toward the third arcuate groove. The gap between the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arcuate groove serves as a second track groove. The second connector includes a third arcuate surface and a fourth arcuate surface. When the electronic device is in the expanded state and the closed state, the third arcuate surface abuts the surface of the third protrusion, and the fourth arcuate surface abuts the groove surface of the third arcuate groove. Thus, the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arcuate groove constrain the second connector to the second track groove, so that the position of the second connector is relatively stable in the expanded state and the closed state of the hinge mechanism, without any virtual position shaking, thereby improving the reliability of the hinge mechanism in the above two states.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the present application, when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, the first curved surface abuts the surface of the first protrusion, and a gap exists between the second curved surface and the groove surface of the first curved groove. When the electronic device moves from a closed state to an expanded state, the second curved surface abuts the groove surface of the first curved groove, and a gap exists between the first curved surface and the surface of the first protrusion. This results in the first connector's movement trajectory within the first trajectory groove during the electronic device's transition from an expanded state to a closed state being different from the first connector's movement trajectory within the first trajectory groove during the electronic device's transition from a closed state to an expanded state, which helps enhance the flexibility of the hinge mechanism design.

[0016] Furthermore, when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, the third curved surface abuts the surface of the third protrusion, leaving a gap between the fourth curved surface and the groove surface of the third curved groove. Conversely, when the electronic device moves from a closed state to an expanded state, the fourth curved surface abuts the groove surface of the third curved groove, leaving a gap between the third curved surface and the surface of the third protrusion. This results in a different trajectory for the second connector within the second track groove when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state than when the electronic device moves from a closed state to an expanded state, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the hinge mechanism design.

[0017] In the present application, the motion trajectory of the first connector within the first trajectory groove during the electronic device's transition from an expanded state to a closed state can be the same as the motion trajectory of the first connector within the first trajectory groove during the electronic device's transition from a closed state to an expanded state. Specifically, the spacing between the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first arcuate groove is equal at all locations. In this case, the first trajectory groove is a groove of uniform width. During the transition of the electronic device from an expanded state to a closed state and vice versa, the first arcuate surface abuts the surface of the first protrusion, and the second arcuate surface abuts the groove surface of the first arcuate groove. This can help improve the stability of the first connector's movement within the first trajectory groove. Similarly, the distances between the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arcuate groove can also be equal at all locations, so that the second track groove is a groove of equal width. In addition, during the process of the electronic device changing from the expanded state to the closed state and from the closed state to the expanded state, the third arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and the fourth arcuate surface abuts against the groove surface of the third arcuate groove, so that the movement trajectory of the second connecting member in the second track groove during the process of the electronic device changing from the expanded state to the closed state is the same as the movement trajectory of the second connecting member in the second track groove during the process of the electronic device changing from the closed state to the expanded state, thereby improving the stability of the second connecting member's movement in the second track groove.

[0018] In a possible implementation of the present application, the first curved surface of the first connecting member may be a circular arc surface, and the second curved surface may also be a circular arc surface. In this case, the sum of the radius of the first curved surface and the radius of the second curved surface can be equal to the distance between the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first curved groove, so as to improve the smoothness of the movement of the first connecting member in the first trajectory groove.

[0019] Similarly, the third arc surface of the second connecting member can be a circular arc surface, and the fourth arc surface can also be a circular arc surface. In this case, the sum of the radius of the third arc surface and the radius of the fourth arc surface can be equal to the distance between the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arc groove, so as to improve the smoothness of the movement of the second connecting member in the second track groove.

[0020] In the present application, a first swing arm is rotationally connected to the spindle. A second arcuate slot is provided on the base, and the first swing arm includes a first arcuate rotating block. The first arcuate rotating block is accommodated in the second arcuate slot and can slide along the slot surface of the second arcuate slot to achieve the rotational connection between the first swing arm and the spindle. This rotational connection between the first swing arm and the spindle is achieved through a virtual axis, which helps reduce the space occupied by the first swing arm on the spindle, thereby facilitating a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0021] The second swing arm is also rotationally connected to the main shaft. The base is further provided with a fourth arcuate slot. The second swing arm includes a second arcuate rotating block, which is accommodated in the fourth arcuate slot and can slide along the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot to achieve the rotational connection between the second swing arm and the main shaft. This ensures that the second swing arm and the main shaft are rotationally connected via a virtual axis, which helps reduce the space occupied by the second swing arm on the main shaft, thereby facilitating a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0022] It is understood that for an outward-folding electronic device, when the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft via a virtual shaft or a solid shaft, the axis of rotation of the first swing arm about the main shaft is located on the side of the main shaft facing away from the flexible display. Furthermore, when the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft via a virtual shaft or a solid shaft, the axis of rotation of the second swing arm about the main shaft is located on the side of the main shaft facing away from the flexible display.

[0023] In order to improve the reliability of the connection between the first swing arm and the main shaft, in the present application, the cover plate also includes a second protrusion arranged toward the second arc-shaped groove, and at least a portion of the first arc-shaped rotating block is located between the second protrusion and the second arc-shaped groove, so that the first swing arm is limited to the main shaft by the second protrusion and the second arc-shaped groove, thereby preventing the first swing arm from falling out of the second arc-shaped groove.

[0024] In addition, the cover plate also includes a fourth protrusion arranged toward the fourth arc-shaped groove, and at least a portion of the second arc-shaped rotating block is located between the fourth protrusion and the fourth arc-shaped groove, so that the second swing arm is limited to the main shaft through the fourth protrusion and the fourth arc-shaped groove, thereby preventing the second swing arm from escaping from the fourth arc-shaped groove.

[0025] In a possible implementation of the present application, the first connecting member includes a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft. The first connecting member and the first swing arm are rotationally connected through the first rotating shaft, and the first connecting member and the first support arm are rotationally connected through the second rotating shaft. The axis of the first rotating shaft is parallel to the axis of the second rotating shaft and does not overlap, so that the first swing arm and the first support arm can achieve mutual pulling movement through the first connecting member.

[0026] The second connecting member includes a third rotating shaft and a fourth rotating shaft. The second connecting member and the second swing arm are rotationally connected through the third rotating shaft. The second connecting member and the second support arm are rotationally connected through the fourth rotating shaft. The axis of the third rotating shaft is parallel to the axis of the fourth rotating shaft and does not overlap, so that the second swing arm and the second support arm can achieve mutual pulling movement through the second connecting member.

[0027] When the first swing arm and the first connecting member are rotationally connected via the first rotating shaft, the first arcuate rotating block can be provided with a first mounting groove, with the opening of the first mounting groove facing the second arcuate groove. The first rotating shaft is mounted in the first mounting groove, with a portion of the first rotating shaft surface contacting the groove surface of the first mounting groove, and a portion of the first rotating shaft surface contacting the groove surface of the second arcuate groove. By mounting the first rotating shaft in the open first mounting groove of the first arcuate rotating block so as to contact the groove surface of the second arcuate groove, the size of the first arcuate rotating block can be effectively reduced, eliminating the need to increase the thickness of the first mounting groove due to the size of the first rotating shaft, thereby facilitating a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0028] In addition, the groove surface of the first mounting groove includes a first arc surface, and the surface of the first rotating shaft used to contact the groove surface of the first mounting groove is a second arc surface. The center of the first arc surface coincides with the center of the second arc surface. In this way, when the first arc rotating block slides along the groove surface of the second arc groove, the first rotating shaft can rotate relative to the first arc rotating block to realize the rotational connection between the first swing arm and the first rotating shaft.

[0029] The groove surface of the second arc groove is the third arc surface, and the surface of the first rotating shaft used to contact the groove surface of the second arc groove is the fourth arc surface. The center of the third arc surface coincides with the center of the fourth arc surface. In this way, while the first rotating shaft slides along the groove surface of the second arc groove with the first arc rotating block, the first rotating shaft can also rotate relative to the first arc rotating block and the second arc groove, thereby facilitating the movement of the first connecting member relative to the main shaft.

[0030] Similarly, the second arc-shaped rotating block is provided with a second mounting slot, the opening of which faces the fourth arc-shaped slot. The third rotating shaft is mounted in the open second mounting slot so as to contact the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot. A portion of the third rotating shaft's surface contacts the slot surface of the second mounting slot, and a portion of the third rotating shaft's surface contacts the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot. By mounting the third rotating shaft in the second mounting slot of the second arc-shaped rotating block, the size of the second arc-shaped rotating block can be effectively reduced, eliminating the need to increase the thickness of the second mounting slot due to the size of the third rotating shaft, thereby facilitating a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0031] The second mounting groove may include a fifth arcuate surface, the surface of the third rotating shaft that contacts the groove surface of the second mounting groove may be a sixth arcuate surface, and the center of the fifth arcuate surface coincides with the center of the sixth arcuate surface. Alternatively, the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove may be a seventh arcuate surface, and the surface of the third rotating shaft that contacts the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove may be an eighth arcuate surface, and the center of the seventh arcuate surface coincides with the center of the eighth arcuate surface. Thus, while the third rotating shaft slides along the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove with the second arcuate rotating block, it can also rotate relative to the second arcuate rotating block and the fourth arcuate groove, thereby facilitating movement of the second connecting member relative to the main shaft.

[0032] In one possible implementation of the present application, the first connecting member may include a plurality of first sub-connecting members that are sequentially rotatably connected. Furthermore, the plurality of first sub-connecting members may be located between the first swing arm and the first support arm, such that the first swing arm can be rotatably connected to adjacent first sub-connecting members, and the first support arm can be rotatably connected to adjacent first sub-connecting members. The connection between the first swing arm and the first support arm via the plurality of first sub-connecting members can effectively improve the speed uniformity of the first swing arm and the first support arm during rotation about the main axis, thereby enhancing the smoothness of the mutual pulling motion between the first swing arm and the first support arm.

[0033] Additionally, the second connecting member may include multiple second sub-connecting members that are sequentially rotatably connected. Furthermore, these multiple second sub-connecting members may be located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, allowing the second swing arm to be rotatably connected to adjacent second sub-connecting members, and the second support arm to be rotatably connected to adjacent second sub-connecting members. The connection between the second swing arm and the second support arm via the multiple second sub-connecting members effectively improves the speed uniformity of the second swing arm and the second support arm during rotation about the main axis, thereby enhancing the smoothness of the mutual pulling motion between the second swing arm and the second support arm.

[0034] In a possible implementation of the present application, the hinge mechanism further includes a synchronization component, which includes a first gear connecting rod and a second gear connecting rod, the first gear connecting rod includes a first gear and a first connecting rod, the first gear is rotationally connected to the main shaft, and the first connecting rod is slidably connected to the first shell fixing frame. The second gear connecting rod includes a second gear and a second connecting rod, the second gear is rotationally connected to the main shaft, the second connecting rod is slidably connected to the second shell fixing frame, and the first gear and the second gear are transmission-connected. In this way, when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, or from a closed state to an expanded state, the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame can achieve synchronous reverse movement, which is conducive to improving the stability of the hinge mechanism movement and can effectively reduce the risk of the flexible display screen of the electronic device being subjected to instantaneous compression or pulling stress, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display screen.

[0035] In the present application, the first gear can be rotatably connected to the main shaft via the fifth rotating shaft, and the second gear can be rotatably connected to the main shaft via the sixth rotating shaft to improve the stability of the first gear connecting rod and the second gear connecting rod rotating around the main shaft.

[0036] In addition, in order to achieve a sliding connection between the first connecting rod and the first shell fixing frame, the first shell fixing frame can be further provided with a third sliding groove, and the first connecting rod can be installed in the third sliding groove and can slide in the third sliding groove relative to the first shell fixing frame in a direction toward or away from the base.

[0037] When the second connecting rod is slidably connected to the second housing fixing frame, the second housing fixing frame is further provided with a fourth sliding groove. The second connecting rod is installed in the fourth sliding groove and can slide relative to the second housing fixing frame in the fourth sliding groove toward or away from the base.

[0038] In the second aspect, the present application also provides an electronic device, which includes a first shell, a second shell, a flexible display screen and the hinge mechanism of the first aspect, wherein the first shell and the second shell are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the hinge mechanism, the first shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the first shell, and the second shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the second shell. The flexible display screen continuously covers the first shell, the second shell and the hinge mechanism, and the flexible display screen is fixedly connected to the first shell and the second shell. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the hinge mechanism, the first shell and the second shell jointly play the role of flattening the flexible display screen, thereby ensuring the integrity of the shape of the electronic device in the unfolded state. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the closed state, the two shells rotate towards each other to drive the flexible display screen to rotate, which can effectively avoid deformation of the flexible display screen to reduce the risk of damage to the flexible display screen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in a closed state;

[0040] FIG2a is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in an unfolded state;

[0041] FIG2 b is another structural schematic diagram of the electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in an unfolded state;

[0042] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the rotating shaft mechanism of the electronic device in FIG2b;

[0043] FIG4 is an exploded view of the structure shown in FIG3 ;

[0044] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting member of the rotating shaft mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in an unfolded state;

[0045] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a main shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of the base of the main shaft shown in FIG6 ;

[0047] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the cover plate of the main shaft shown in FIG6 ;

[0048] FIG9 is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting member of the rotating shaft mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state;

[0049] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a first connecting member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first connecting member and the main shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG12 is an AA cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG3 ;

[0052] FIG13 is a cross-sectional view of the first swing arm of the rotating shaft mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state;

[0053] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a first rotating assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a first swing arm provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the motion mechanism of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG18 is a cross-sectional view of a synchronization component of a rotating shaft mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in an unfolded state;

[0058] FIG19 is a cross-sectional view of the synchronization component of the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state.

[0059] Reference numerals:

[0060] 1-rotating shaft mechanism; 1a-carrying surface; 1b-third appearance surface; 101-rotating module; 1011-first rotating assembly;

[0061] 10111-first swing arm; 101111-first arc-shaped rotating block; 1011111-first recessed portion; 1011112-first mounting slot;

[0062] 10111121-first arc surface; 10112-first support arm; 10113-first connecting member; 101131-first rotating shaft;

[0063] 1011311-second arc surface; 1011312-fourth arc surface; 101132-second rotation axis; 101133-first arc surface;

[0064] 101134-second curved surface;

[0065] 1012-second rotating assembly; 10121-second swing arm; 101211-second arc-shaped rotating block; 1012111-second recessed portion;

[0066] 1012112 - second mounting slot; 10121121 - fifth arc surface; 10122 - second support arm; 10123 - second connecting member;

[0067] 101231-third rotation axis; 1012311-sixth arc surface; 1012312-eighth arc surface; 101232-fourth rotation axis;

[0068] 101233-third curved surface; 101234-fourth curved surface;

[0069] 1013-first housing fixing frame; 10131-first slide groove; 10132-first mounting portion; 10133-third slide groove;

[0070] 1014-second housing fixing frame; 10141-second slide groove; 10142-second mounting portion; 10143-fourth slide groove;

[0071] 102-main shaft; 1021-base; 10211-first arcuate groove; 102111-groove surface of the first arcuate groove;

[0072] 10212 - second arcuate groove; 102121 - third arcuate surface; 10213 - third arcuate groove; 102131 - groove surface of the third arcuate groove;

[0073] 10214-fourth arc groove; 102141-seventh arc surface;

[0074] 1022 - cover plate; 10221 - first protrusion; 102211 - surface of the first protrusion; 10222 - second protrusion;

[0075] 102221 - surface of the second protrusion; 10223 - first plug-in portion; 10224 - third protrusion; 102241 - surface of the third protrusion;

[0076] 10225- fourth protrusion; 102251- surface of the fourth protrusion;

[0077] 1023 - first track slot; 1024 - second track slot;

[0078] 103-synchronizing assembly; 1031-first gear connecting rod; 10311-first gear; 10312-first connecting rod; 10313-fifth rotating shaft;

[0079] 1032 - second gear connecting rod; 10321 - second gear; 10322 - second connecting rod; 10323 - sixth rotating shaft;

[0080] 2-first shell; 2a-first support surface; 2b-first appearance surface;

[0081] 3-second shell; 3a-second supporting surface; 3b-second appearance surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms used in the following embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting of the present application. As used in the specification and appended claims of the present application, the singular expressions "a", "a", "said", "above", "the" and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more", unless there is a clear indication to the contrary in the context.

[0083] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," and "in yet other embodiments" appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more but not all embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0084] In order to facilitate understanding of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application, its application scenario is first described below. The hinge mechanism can be applied to, but is not limited to, foldable electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers or tablet computers. When the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to electronic devices, reference can be made to FIG1 , which is a structural schematic diagram of the electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application when it is in a closed state. In addition to the hinge mechanism 1, the electronic device may also include two shells and a flexible display screen (not shown in FIG1 ). For ease of description, the two shells may be named as a first shell 2 and a second shell 3, respectively. The first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are located on both sides of the hinge mechanism 1 and can rotate around the hinge mechanism 1. When in use, the electronic device can be closed and unfolded according to different usage scenarios.

[0085] In the present application, the electronic device may be an outward-folding electronic device. In the process of the outward-folding electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the closed state, the flexible display screen is always located on the outside of the electronic device. Figure 1 shows the relative positional relationship between the hinge mechanism 1 and the two shells when the electronic device is in the closed state. At this time, the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface of the first shell, and the first surface of the second shell can collectively serve as the support surface for the flexible display screen. In Figure 1, the flexible display screen is omitted, the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1 refers to the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 facing the flexible display screen, the first surface of the first shell 2 refers to the surface of the first shell 2 facing the flexible display screen, and the first surface of the second shell 3 refers to the surface of the second shell 3 facing the flexible display screen. For ease of description, in the present application, the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1 may be defined as the bearing surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface of the first shell 2 may be defined as the first support surface 2a, and the first surface of the second shell 3 may be defined as the second support surface 3a.

[0086] Referring to Figure 2a, Figure 2a illustrates a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device in an unfolded state, and shows the structure of the first supporting surface 2a of the first housing 2 and the second supporting surface 3a of the second housing 3. In this unfolded state, the bearing surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first supporting surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the second supporting surface 3a of the second housing 3 are connected to form a flat supporting surface.

[0087] Based on this, the flexible display can continuously cover the bearing surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3. The hinge mechanism 1 is arranged opposite the foldable portion of the flexible display, and the flexible display can be fixedly connected to the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2 and the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3. The connection method can be, but is not limited to, adhesive bonding. In this way, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state as shown in Figure 2a, the hinge mechanism 1, the first housing 2, and the second housing 3 can provide a flat support for the flexible display.

[0088] In addition, reference may be made to Figure 2b, which is another structural schematic diagram of the electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in an unfolded state. Figure 2b shows the structure of the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the second surface of the first shell 2, and the second surface of the second shell 3. Among them, the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1 refers to the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 facing away from the flexible display screen, the second surface of the first shell 2 refers to the surface of the first shell 2 facing away from the flexible display screen, and the second surface of the second shell 3 refers to the surface of the second shell 3 facing away from the flexible display screen. Then, the first surface and the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1 are arranged opposite to each other, the first surface and the second surface of the first shell 2 are arranged opposite to each other, and the first surface and the second surface of the second shell 3 are arranged opposite to each other. In this application, the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the second surface of the first shell 2, and the second surface of the second shell 3 can be regarded as the appearance surface of the electronic device. For the convenience of description, the second surface of the first shell 2 can be defined as the first appearance surface 2b, the second surface of the second shell 3 can be defined as the second appearance surface 3b, and the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can be defined as the third appearance surface 1b. It is understood that for an outward-folding electronic device, its exterior surface is exposed on the outside of the electronic device when the electronic device is in the unfolded state; and its exterior surface is located on the inside of the electronic device when the electronic device is in the closed state. In the present application, during the relative rotation of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 from the unfolded state shown in Figure 2a or 2b to the closed state shown in Figure 1, or from the closed state shown in Figure 1 to the unfolded state shown in Figure 2a or 2b, the flexible display can bend or flatten along with the first housing 2 and the second housing 3. Furthermore, it is understood that the process of the electronic device from the unfolded state shown in Figure 2a or 2b to the closed state shown in Figure 1, or from the closed state shown in Figure 1 to the unfolded state shown in Figure 2a or 2b, is the process of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotating about the hinge mechanism 1. The hinge mechanism 1, as a key functional component in a foldable electronic device, can be arranged corresponding to the foldable portion of the flexible display. Therefore, it plays an important role in supporting the foldable portion of the flexible display in both the unfolded state shown in Figure 2a or 2b and the closed state shown in Figure 1.

[0089] In order to achieve rotation while also preventing the flexible display from being squeezed or pulled during folding, the hinge mechanism's moving component typically includes multiple interconnected connectors. These connectors pull against each other to move the moving component along a predetermined trajectory. However, existing hinge mechanisms are often complex, large, and costly.

[0090] The hinge mechanism provided in the present application is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems by optimizing the design of the rotating module used to realize the rotation function in the hinge mechanism, thereby reducing the size of the hinge mechanism, simplifying the structure of the hinge mechanism, and reducing the weight, thereby reducing the space occupied by the hinge mechanism in the entire electronic device, and reserving more space for the installation of other components, which is conducive to improving the performance of the electronic device. In addition, by rationally designing the motion trajectory of the rotating module used to realize the rotation function in the hinge mechanism, the flexible display screen can be prevented from being squeezed or pulled during the folding process of the electronic device, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display screen and extending the service life of the flexible display screen. To facilitate the understanding of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application, its specific structure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0091] Referring to Figure 3, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the hinge mechanism 1 of the electronic device shown in Figure 2b. In the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may include a rotating module 101. The number of rotating modules 101 in the hinge mechanism 1 is not limited in the present application. The hinge mechanism 1 may include only one rotating module 101 or may include multiple rotating modules 101. When the hinge mechanism 1 includes multiple rotating modules 101, the multiple rotating modules 101 may be arranged at intervals along the length direction of the hinge mechanism 1. In the present application, the length direction of the hinge mechanism 1 is the extension direction of the axis of rotation of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 shown in Figure 2b around the hinge mechanism 1. It can be understood that the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are rotatably connected by multiple rotating modules 101, which can effectively improve the stability of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 of the electronic device in rotation relative to the hinge mechanism 1.

[0092] To facilitate understanding of the structure of rotating module 101, please refer to FIG4 , which is an exploded view of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 shown in FIG3 . Rotating module 101 may include a first rotating assembly 1011 and a second rotating assembly 1012 . Furthermore, as shown in FIG4 , rotating shaft mechanism 1 may also include a main shaft 102 , which serves as a supporting member for first rotating assembly 1011 and second rotating assembly 1012 .

[0093] It is worth mentioning that in the embodiment of the present application, when there are multiple rotating modules 101, the first rotating components 1011 and the second rotating components 1012 of the multiple rotating modules 101 can all use the same main shaft 102 as a bearing component to improve the integration level of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. In other possible embodiments of the present application, the rotating shaft mechanism 1 can be provided with a main shaft 102 corresponding to each rotating module 101, so that the first rotating component 1011 and the second rotating component 1012 of each rotating module 101 use the corresponding main shaft 102 as a bearing component.

[0094] Continuing with FIG4 , the first rotating assembly 1011 may include a first swing arm 10111, a first support arm 10112, and a first connecting member 10113. The first connecting member 10113 is located between the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112. The first connecting member 10113 is rotationally connected to the first swing arm 10111, and the first connecting member 10113 is rotationally connected to the first support arm 10112, so that the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 are pulled against each other via the first connecting member 10113. It can be understood that the motion trajectory of the first connecting member 10113 plays a key role in the motion trajectory of the first rotating assembly 1011.

[0095] In the present application, the first connecting member 10113 is movable relative to the main shaft 102. For a specific implementation, refer to Figure 5, which is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting member 10113 of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state. The main shaft 102 may be provided with a first track groove 1023, along which the first connecting member 10113 can move, thereby limiting the movement trajectory of the first connecting member 10113.

[0096] Referring to Figure 6, Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of the main shaft 102 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The main shaft 102 may include a base 1021 and a cover plate 1022. The cover plate 1022 is covered on the base 1021, and the outer surface of the cover plate 1022 can serve as the third appearance surface 1b of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. Referring to Figure 7, Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of the base 1021 of the main shaft 102 shown in Figure 6. The base 1021 may be provided with a first arcuate groove 10211. Referring to Figures 5 and 7 together, the first connecting member 10113 is accommodated in the first arcuate groove 10211, and the first connecting member 10113 can slide along the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove. In addition, referring to Figure 8, Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of the cover plate 1022 of the main shaft 102 shown in Figure 6, and Figure 8 is used to illustrate the structure of the cover plate 1022 facing the base 1021. The cover plate 1022 includes a first protrusion 10221 , as shown in FIG. 5 . The first protrusion 10221 may be disposed toward the first arcuate groove 10211 . A gap exists between the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove. The gap serves as the first track groove 1023 .

[0097] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting member 10113 of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state. Figure 5 and Figure 9 can be referred to together. When the electronic device is in a process of changing from an expanded state to a closed state, the first connecting member 10113 can move toward the first swing arm 10111 in the first track groove 1023, and when it is in a process of changing from a closed state to an expanded state, the first connecting member 10113 can move toward the first support arm 10112 in the first track groove 1023, so that the first connecting member 10113 can move relative to the main shaft 102 according to the set track.

[0098] 5 and 9 , it can be seen that when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, or vice versa, the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 can rotate about the main axis 102. Furthermore, because the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 are mutually pulled by the first connecting member 10113, the first connecting member 10113 can also rotate relative to the first raised surface 102211 and the groove surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped groove during its movement within the first track groove 1023, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement of the first rotating assembly 1011.

[0099] Referring to Figure 10 , Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a first connecting member 10113 provided in an embodiment of the present application. In the present application, the first connecting member 10113 may include a first curved surface 101133 and a second curved surface 101134. To enable the first connecting member 10113 to rotate relative to the first raised surface 102211 and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove, the first curved surface 101133 and the second curved surface 101134 may be arcuate surfaces, with the center of the first curved surface 101133 coinciding with the center of the second curved surface 101134. The radii of the first curved surface 101133 and the second curved surface 101134 may be equal or different, and are not limited thereto in the present application. In addition, considering the design tolerance, the first arc surface 101133 and the second arc surface 101134 can also be arc surfaces of other possible shapes such as elliptical arc surfaces, as long as the first connecting member 10113 can be rotated relative to the first raised surface 102211 and the groove surface 102111 of the first arc groove.

[0100] 5 and 9 , when the electronic device is in the expanded state as shown in FIG5 and the closed state as shown in FIG9 , the first curved surface 101133 of the first connecting member 10113 can abut against the surface 102211 of the first protrusion, and the second curved surface 101134 abuts against the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove, so that the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove limit the first connecting member 10113 to the first track groove 1023, so that when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the expanded state and the closed state, the position of the first connecting member 10113 is relatively stable and no virtual shaking occurs, thereby improving the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 in the above two states.

[0101] In this application, when the electronic device is in the expanded state as shown in FIG5 , the distance between the point where the first protruding surface 102211 abuts the first curved surface 101133 and the point where the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove abuts the second curved surface 101134 can be recorded as d1. When the electronic device is in the closed state as shown in FIG9 , the distance between the point where the first protruding surface 102211 abuts the first curved surface 101133 and the point where the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove abuts the second curved surface 101134 can be recorded as d2. Since the first curved surface 101133 of the first connecting member 10113 can abut against the surface 102211 of the first protrusion, and the second curved surface 101134 abuts against the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove when the electronic device is in the expanded state and the closed state, when the first curved surface 101133 and the second curved surface 101134 are both circular arc surfaces, it can be concluded that d1=d2.

[0102] In the present application, the specific configuration of the first protruding surface 102211 and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove is not limited. For example, the first protruding surface 102211 can be a circular arc surface, and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove can be a circular arc surface. In addition, the center of the first protruding surface 102211 coincides with the center of the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove. In other possible embodiments of the present application, the first protruding surface 102211 and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove can also be set as planes, so that the first track groove 1023 is a straight groove; or the first protruding surface 102211 and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove can also be curved surfaces of other shapes, so that the first track groove 1023 is a curved groove of any shape, all of which should be understood to fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0103] Continuing with FIG. 5 , in the present application, the spacing between the first raised surface 102211 and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove can be made equal at all locations, so that the first trajectory groove 1023 is a uniformly wide groove. In this case, during the electronic device's transition from an expanded state to a closed state, and vice versa, the first raised surface 102211 and the first arcuate surface 101133, as well as the groove surface 102111 and the second arcuate surface 101134 of the first arcuate groove, are always in contact. This ensures that the motion trajectory of the first connecting member 10113 remains consistent during the transition from the expanded state to the closed state, and vice versa. This helps improve the stability of the movement of the first connecting member 10113, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the first rotating assembly 10111.

[0104] Referring to Figure 11, Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first connecting member 10113 and the main shaft 102 according to an embodiment of the present application. In the present application, when the first track groove 1023 is a groove of equal width, and the first curved surface 101133 and the second curved surface 101134 are circular arc surfaces, the sum of the radius R1 of the first curved surface 101133 and the radius R1 of the second curved surface 101134 is equal to the distance D between the first raised surface 102211 and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove. In addition, considering the smooth movement of the first connecting member 10113 within the first track groove 1023, a certain design gap can be retained between the first curved surface 101133 and the first raised surface 102211, and / or between the second curved surface 101134 and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove.

[0105] In other possible embodiments of the present application, the motion trajectory of the first connector 10113 during the electronic device's transition from an expanded state to a closed state can be different from the motion trajectory of the first connector 10113 during the transition from a closed state to an expanded state. Specifically, during the transition from the expanded state to the closed state, the first curved surface 101133 abuts the first raised surface 102211, and a gap exists between the second curved surface 101134 and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove. Furthermore, during the transition from the expanded state to the closed state, the second curved surface 101134 abuts the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove, and a gap exists between the first curved surface 101133 and the first raised surface 102211. In this embodiment, the gaps between the first raised surface 102211 and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove can vary, and the first trajectory groove 1023 can be a non-uniform width groove.

[0106] As can be seen from the above description, in the present application, the first swing arm 10111 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 102, wherein the first swing arm 10111 and the main shaft 102 can be rotatably connected by means of a virtual axis. This can help reduce the space occupied by the first swing arm 10111 on the main shaft 102, thereby helping to reduce the volume of the rotating module 101, so as to facilitate the miniaturization of the hinge mechanism 1. In addition, it can be understood that for an outward-folding electronic device, when the first swing arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 by means of a virtual axis, the axis of rotation of the first swing arm 10111 around the main shaft 102 is located on the side of the main shaft 102 facing away from the flexible display screen.

[0107] It is worth mentioning that in this application, a virtual axis refers to the axis of an arc-shaped structure, and two rotatably connected components can rotate relative to the virtual axis, and the position of the virtual axis is fixed as the two rotatably connected components rotate relative to each other. For example, as shown in Figure 12, Figure 12 is an AA cross-sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 3. The end of the first swing arm 10111 facing the base 1021 can be provided with a first arc-shaped rotating block 101111. In addition, referring to Figure 7, the base 1021 can be provided with a second arc-shaped groove 10212. The first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be accommodated in the second arc-shaped groove 10212, and the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can slide along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212, thereby realizing the rotation of the first swing arm 10111 around the main shaft 102 by sliding the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 along the arc surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212. In addition, in the present application, the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped rotating block, and the second arc-shaped groove 10212 can be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped groove. It is understood that when the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 is a circular arc-shaped rotating block, its surface for contacting the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212 can be a circular arc surface, and the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212 can also be a circular arc surface, with the centers of the two circular arc surfaces coinciding.

[0108] 8 and 12 , the cover plate 1022 may include a second protrusion 10222 arranged toward the second arc-shaped groove 10212, at least a portion of the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 is located between the second protrusion 10222 and the second arc-shaped groove 10212, and the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 may contact the surface 102221 of the second protrusion, thereby limiting the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 between the cover plate 1022 and the base 1021, which can effectively improve the stability of the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 relative to the base 1021.

[0109] It's worth noting that when the second arcuate groove 10212 is formed as an arc, the portion of the second protrusion's surface 102221 that contacts the first arcuate rotating block 101111 can also be an arc, with the centers of the two arcs coinciding. Furthermore, the surface of the first arcuate rotating block 101111 facing the second protrusion 10222 can be either flat or arcuate, as long as the first arcuate rotating block 101111 can rotate relative to the second protrusion 10222.

[0110] Reference may be made to Figure 13, which is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application at the first swing arm 10111 when the electronic device is in a closed state. In the present application, the first arcuate rotating block 101111 may also be provided with a first recessed portion 1011111, with the opening of the first recessed portion 1011111 facing the cover plate 1022. Furthermore, the end of the cover plate 1022 facing the first swing arm 10111 may be provided with a first plug-in portion 10223. In this closed state, the first plug-in portion 10223 may be inserted into the first recessed portion 1011111, and the surface of the first plug-in portion 10223 facing the second arcuate groove 10212 abuts against at least a portion of the surface of the first recessed portion 1011111. In this way, the rotation position of the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be limited, and the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be prevented from escaping from the second arc-shaped groove 10212, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the first swing arm 10111 and the base 1021, and improving the structural reliability of the entire rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0111] It is worth mentioning that, in the present application, in addition to being rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a virtual shaft, the first swing arm 10111 can also be rotatably connected via a solid shaft, which can make the connection between the first swing arm 10111 and the main shaft 102 more reliable. It is understandable that when the first swing arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a solid shaft, the axis of rotation of the first swing arm 10111 around the main shaft 102 is also located on the side of the main shaft 102 facing away from the flexible display screen.

[0112] In the present application, when the first swing arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the first connecting member 10113, reference can continue to be made to Figure 10. The first connecting member 10113 may include a first rotating shaft 101131 and a second rotating shaft 101132. The axis of the first rotating shaft 101131 is parallel to the axis of the second rotating shaft 101132 and does not overlap.

[0113] In addition, referring to Figure 14, Figure 14 is a schematic structural diagram of the first rotating assembly 1011 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first connecting member 10113 is rotationally connected to the first swing arm 10111 via a first rotating shaft 101131, and the first connecting member 10113 is rotationally connected to the first support arm 10112 via a second rotating shaft 101132. This allows the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 to engage in mutual pulling motion via the first connecting member 10113.

[0114] Referring to FIG15 , FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a first swing arm 10111 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 of the first swing arm 10111 is provided with a first mounting groove 1011112. Referring to FIG12 and FIG15 together, the notch of the first mounting groove 1011112 is disposed toward the second arc-shaped groove 10212, so that the first rotating shaft 101131 can be mounted in the first mounting groove 1011112. A portion of the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 can contact the groove surface of the first mounting groove 1011112, and a portion of the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 can contact the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212, thereby confining the first rotating shaft 101131 in the first mounting groove 1011112.

[0115] Continuing with reference to Figures 12 and 15 , the groove surface of the first mounting groove 1011112 may include a first arcuate surface 10111121, and the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 that contacts the groove surface of the first mounting groove 1011112 is a second arcuate surface 1011311, with the center of the first arcuate surface 10111121 coinciding with the center of the second arcuate surface 1011311. Furthermore, referring to Figure 7 , the groove surface of the second arcuate groove 10212 may be a third arcuate surface 102121. As shown in Figure 12 , the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 that contacts the groove surface of the second arcuate groove 10212 may be a fourth arcuate surface 1011312, with the center of the third arcuate surface 102121 coinciding with the center of the fourth arcuate surface 1011312. In this way, referring to Figures 12 and 13 together, while the first rotating shaft 101131 slides along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212 with the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111, the first rotating shaft 101131 can also be rotated relative to the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111, thereby facilitating the movement of the first connecting member 10113 relative to the main shaft 102.

[0116] In the present application, when the first connecting member 10113 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10112, as shown in FIG14 , the second rotating shaft 101132 can be simultaneously provided through the first connecting member 10113 and the first support arm 10112. This simplifies the connection between the first connecting member 10113 and the first support arm 10112, which helps to simplify the structure of the first rotating assembly 1011, thereby simplifying the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. It is worth mentioning that when the first curved surface 101133 and the second curved surface 101134 of the first connecting member 10113 are both circular arc surfaces, the center of the first curved surface 101133, the center of the second curved surface 101134, and the axis of the second rotating shaft 101132 coincide with each other.

[0117] It is understandable that in the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the first connecting member 10113 may include a plurality of first sub-connecting members that are rotatably connected in sequence. In addition, the plurality of first sub-connecting members may be located between the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112, so that the first swing arm 10111 can be rotatably connected to the adjacent first sub-connecting member, and the first support arm 10112 can be rotatably connected to the adjacent first sub-connecting member. The manner in which the first swing arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the adjacent first sub-connecting member, and the manner in which the first support arm 10112 is rotatably connected to the adjacent first sub-connecting member, can be specifically set with reference to the above description of the rotatable connection between the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 and the first connecting member 10113, and will not be elaborated on here. In the present application, by setting the first connecting member 10113 as a plurality of first sub-connecting members that are connected in rotation in sequence, so that the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 are connected through a plurality of first sub-connecting members, the speed uniformity of the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 during the rotation around the main axis 102 can be effectively improved, thereby improving the smoothness of the mutual pulling movement of the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112.

[0118] Continuing with FIG. 4 , in the present application, the rotating module 101 may further include a first housing fixing frame 1013 and a second housing fixing frame 1014. The first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 are disposed on opposite sides of the main shaft 102, and the first rotating assembly 1011 is located between the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014. A first swing arm 10111 is slidably connected to the first housing fixing frame 1013. Specifically, the first housing fixing frame 1013 is provided with a first slide groove 10131. The first slide groove 10131 extends in a first direction, and the first swing arm 10111 can be mounted in the first slide groove 10131 and can slide within the first slide groove 10131 in the first direction. The first direction can be the direction in which the first housing fixing frame 1013 moves toward or away from the base 1021. Furthermore, to prevent the first swing arm 10111 from falling out of the first chute 10131, a first slideway can be provided on the wall of the first chute 10131, and a first slider can be provided on the first swing arm 10111. Thus, the first slider can be engaged with the first slideway and can slide along the first slideway to limit the position of the first swing arm 10111 within the first chute 10131. Furthermore, by providing the first slideway on the wall of the first chute 10131, it can provide a guide for the first swing arm 10111 to slide along the first chute 10131, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the first swing arm 10111.

[0119] In the present application, the first support arm 10112 can be rotatably connected to the second housing fixing frame 1014. In a specific implementation, referring to Figure 4, the second housing fixing frame 1014 has a second mounting portion 10142. The end of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing fixing frame 1014 is mounted on the second mounting portion 10142, and the end of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing fixing frame 1014 is rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 10142.

[0120] In the embodiment of the present application, the specific manner in which the end portion of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing fixing frame 1014 is rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 10142 is not limited. For example, with continued reference to FIG. 4 , the second mounting portion 10142 may be provided with a first mounting hole, and the end portion of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing fixing frame 1014 may be provided with a second mounting hole. Then, the end portion of the first support arm 10112 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 may be rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 10142 via a rotating shaft that passes through both the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

[0121] Referring to Figure 16, which is a schematic diagram of the motion mechanism of the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, based on the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the above embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device moves from an unfolded state to a closed state, the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 move toward each other. When the first housing fixing frame 1013 drives the first swing arm 10111 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102, the first swing arm 10111 can slide along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212, thereby driving the first connecting member 10113 to move toward the first swing arm 10111 within the first track groove 1023 of the main shaft 102. Because the first connecting member 10113 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10112, the first connecting member 10113 can drive the first support arm 10112 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102 during the process of moving toward the first swing arm 10111 in the first track groove 1023 of the main shaft 102, thereby driving the second shell fixing frame 1014 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102 through the first support arm 10112. When the electronic device moves from the closed state to the unfolded state, the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 move in opposite directions. When the first housing fixing frame 1013 drives the first swing arm 10111 to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis 102, the first swing arm 10111 can drive the first connecting member 10113 to move toward the first support arm 10112 within the first track groove 1023 of the main axis 102, thereby driving the first support arm 10112 to rotate clockwise around the main axis 102. The second housing fixing frame 1014 can then be driven to rotate clockwise around the main axis 102 via the first support arm 10112. This achieves the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0122] In order to ensure the stability of some existing hinge mechanisms, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the rotating assembly connected to the main shaft, which will make the main shaft and the hinge mechanism very thick. If the thickness is forcibly reduced, the strength of the rotating assembly will be easily weakened, which will greatly affect the reliability of the hinge mechanism and thus reduce the life of the electronic device. The above-mentioned hinge mechanism 1 of the present application has a streamlined structure. Through the above-mentioned structural relationship, the cross-section of the first connecting member 10113 can be made smaller to shuttle through the first track groove 1023 of the main shaft 102. At the same time, because the first connecting member 10113 has a sufficient length to extend in the vertical axial direction and is connected to the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 respectively, the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be guaranteed. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft 102 and the thickness of the entire machine can be reduced while maintaining the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1, making the entire hinge mechanism 1 light, thin and reliable.

[0123] In addition, since the first connecting member 10113 can move along a set trajectory within the first trajectory groove 1023, it can prevent the first connecting member 10113 from moving uncontrollably during the entire folding and unfolding process, thereby preventing the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 from moving randomly, thereby ensuring the structural and motion stability of the entire hinge mechanism 1. In some cases, through reasonable design of the first trajectory groove 1023, the outer tangent of the hinge mechanism 1 can also maintain a constant length throughout the entire folding and unfolding process, thereby ensuring that the flexible display covering the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can also maintain a substantially constant length. In this way, squeezing or pulling of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display, and thus improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0124] Continuing with FIG. 4 , similar to the structure of the first rotating assembly 1011, when the second rotating assembly 1012 is specifically configured, the second rotating assembly 1012 is located between the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014. Furthermore, the second rotating assembly 1012 may include a second swing arm 10121, a second support arm 10122, and a second connecting member 10123. The second connecting member 10123 is located between the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122, and is rotationally connected to the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122. In the present application, when the second connecting member 10123 is rotationally connected to the second swing arm 10121 and the first support arm 10112, the configuration may be similar to the above-described configuration of the first connecting member 10113 rotationally connected to the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122. For example, reference may be made to FIG10 , which may also be used to illustrate the structure of the second connecting member 10123 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The second connecting member 10123 may include a third rotating shaft 101231 and a fourth rotating shaft 101232, wherein the axis of the third rotating shaft 101231 is parallel to and does not overlap with the axis of the fourth rotating shaft 101232. The second connecting member 10123 and the second swing arm 10121 may be rotatably connected via the third rotating shaft 101231, and the second connecting member 10123 and the second support arm 10122 may be rotatably connected via the fourth rotating shaft 101232, thereby allowing the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 to perform a pulling motion with each other via the second connecting member 10123.

[0125] In addition, referring to FIG6 , the spindle 102 may be provided with a second trajectory groove 1024, along which the second connecting member 10123 can move, thereby limiting the movement trajectory of the second connecting member 10123. Specifically, referring to FIG7 , the base 1021 may be provided with a third arcuate groove 10213, in which the second connecting member 10123 is accommodated and can slide along the groove surface of the third arcuate groove 10213. Furthermore, referring to FIG8 , the cover 1022 includes a third protrusion 10224, which may be positioned toward the third arcuate groove 10213 of the base 1021 in FIG7 . A gap is formed between the surface 102241 of the third protrusion and the groove surface 102131 of the third arcuate groove, which serves as the second trajectory groove 1024.

[0126] In the present application, as shown in FIG10 , the second connecting member 10123 may include a third curved surface 101233 and a fourth curved surface 101234. When the electronic device is in the expanded state and the closed state, the third curved surface 101233 of the second connecting member 10123 may abut against the surface 102241 of the third protrusion, and the fourth curved surface 101234 may abut against the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove, so that the surface 102241 of the third protrusion and the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove restrict the second connecting member 10123 to the second track groove 1024. This ensures that the position of the second connecting member 10123 is relatively stable when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the expanded state and the closed state, and does not cause virtual position shaking, thereby improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 in the above two states.

[0127] In the embodiment of the present application, the third curved surface 101233 of the second connecting member 10123 can be configured with reference to the first curved surface 101133 of the first connecting member 10113, and the fourth curved surface 101234 can be configured with reference to the second curved surface 101134 of the first connecting member 10113, which will not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the second track groove 1024 can be configured with reference to the first track groove 1023. In short, the spacing between the third raised surface 102241 and the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove is equal at all locations, so that the second track groove 1024 is a groove of uniform width. In this case, during the process of the electronic device moving from the expanded state to the closed state, and vice versa, the third raised surface 102241 and the third curved surface 101233, as well as the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove and the fourth curved surface 101234, are always in contact. Thus, when the electronic device moves from the expanded state to the closed state and from the closed state to the expanded state, the movement trajectory of the second connecting member 10123 within the second trajectory groove 1024 is the same. Alternatively, when the electronic device moves from the expanded state to the closed state, the third curved surface 101233 abuts against the third raised surface 102241, and a gap exists between the fourth curved surface 101234 and the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove. When the electronic device moves from the closed state to the expanded state, the fourth curved surface 101234 abuts against the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove, and a gap exists between the third curved surface 101233 and the third raised surface 102241. This ensures that the movement trajectory of the second connecting member 10123 when the electronic device moves from the expanded state to the closed state is different from the movement trajectory of the second connecting member 10123 when the electronic device moves from the closed state to the expanded state.

[0128] In the present application, the second swing arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102. The second swing arm 10121 and the main shaft 102 can be rotatably connected via a virtual axis. In a specific implementation, as shown in FIG7 , the base 1021 can be provided with a fourth arcuate groove 10214. In addition, referring to FIG4 and FIG15 , FIG15 can also be used to illustrate the structure of the second swing arm 10121. A second arcuate rotating block 101211 is provided at one end of the second swing arm 10121 facing the base 1021. The second arcuate rotating block 101211 can be, but is not limited to, a circular arcuate rotating block, and the fourth arcuate groove 10214 can be, but is not limited to, a circular arcuate groove. The second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 can be accommodated in the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214 and can slide along the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214, thereby achieving the rotation of the second swing arm 10121 about the base 1021 through the sliding of the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 along the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214. This can help reduce the space occupied by the second swing arm 10121 on the main shaft 102, thereby helping to reduce the volume of the rotating module 101, so as to achieve a miniaturized design of the hinge mechanism 1. It is understandable that for an outward-folding electronic device, when the second swing arm 10121 is rotationally connected to the main shaft 102 via a virtual axis, the axis of rotation of the second swing arm 10121 about the main shaft 102 is located on the side of the hinge mechanism facing away from the flexible display screen.

[0129] Furthermore, in the present application, the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped rotating block, and the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped groove. It is understood that when the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 is a circular arc-shaped rotating block, its surface for contact with the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214 may be a circular arc surface, and the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214 may also be a circular arc surface, with the centers of the two circular arc surfaces coinciding.

[0130] In the present application, in order to improve the stability of the second swing arm 10121 rotating about the main axis 102, as shown in FIG8 , the cover plate 1022 further includes a fourth protrusion 10225 disposed toward the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214. At least a portion of the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 is located between the fourth protrusion 10225 and the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214, and the surface of the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 facing the fourth protrusion 10225 can contact the surface 102251 of the fourth protrusion, thereby confining the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 between the cover plate 1022 and the base 1021. This can effectively improve the stability of the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 rotating relative to the base 1021. Furthermore, when the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove 10214 is an arcuate surface, the portion of the surface 102251 of the fourth protrusion that contacts the second arcuate rotating block 101211 may also be an arcuate surface, with the centers of the two arcuate surfaces coinciding. In the present application, the surface of the second arcuate rotating block 101211 facing the fourth protrusion 10225 may be a flat surface or an arcuate surface, as long as the second arcuate rotating block 101211 can rotate relative to the fourth protrusion 10225 while sliding along the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove 10214.

[0131] To enhance the reliability of the connection between the second swing arm 10121 and the base 1021, the second arcuate rotating block 101211 may also be provided with a second recessed portion 1012111, the opening of which faces the cover plate 1022. Furthermore, the end of the cover plate 1022 facing the second housing fixing frame 1014 may be provided with a second plug-in portion. In the closed state, the second plug-in portion may be inserted into the second recessed portion 1012111, with the surface of the second plug-in portion facing the fourth arcuate slot 10214 abutting at least partially against the surface of the second recessed portion 1012111. This limits the rotational position of the second arcuate rotating block 101211, thereby preventing the second arcuate rotating block 101211 from dislodging from the fourth arcuate slot 10214.

[0132] It's worth noting that, in this application, in addition to being rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a virtual shaft, the second swing arm 10121 can also be rotatably connected via a solid shaft, which provides a more reliable connection between the first swing arm 10111 and the main shaft 102. For outward-folding electronic devices, when the second swing arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a solid shaft, the axis of rotation of the second swing arm 10121 around the main shaft 102 is also located on the side of the hinge mechanism facing away from the flexible display.

[0133] When the second connecting member 10123 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10121 through the third rotating shaft 101231, reference can be continued to Figure 15. The second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 is provided with a second mounting groove 1012112, and the groove opening of the second mounting groove 1012112 is set toward the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214. Then the third rotating shaft 101231 can be installed in the second mounting groove 1012112, and part of the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 can contact the groove surface of the second mounting groove 1012112, and part of the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 is in contact with the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214, so as to limit the third rotating shaft 101231 to the second mounting groove 1012112.

[0134] As shown in FIG15 , in the present application, the groove surface of the second mounting groove 1012112 may include a fifth arcuate surface 10121121, and as shown in FIG10 , the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 that contacts the groove surface of the second mounting groove 1012112 is a sixth arcuate surface 1012311, and the center of the fifth arcuate surface 10121121 coincides with the center of the sixth arcuate surface 1012311. Furthermore, the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove 10214 is a seventh arcuate surface 102141, and the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 that contacts the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove 10214 may be an eighth arcuate surface 1012312, and the center of the seventh arcuate surface 102141 coincides with the center of the eighth arcuate surface 1012312. In this way, while the third rotating shaft 101231 slides along the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214 with the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211, the third rotating shaft 101231 can also be rotated relative to the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211, thereby facilitating the movement of the second connecting member 10123 relative to the main shaft 102.

[0135] In the embodiment of the present application, when the second connecting member 10123 and the second support arm 10122 are rotatably connected through the fourth rotating shaft 101232, the fourth rotating shaft 101232 can be simultaneously passed through the second connecting member 10123 and the second support arm 10122. Then, the connection method between the second connecting member 10123 and the second support arm 10122 is relatively simple, which is conducive to simplifying the structure of the second rotating component 1012, thereby simplifying the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0136] It is understood that in the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the second connecting member 10123 may include a plurality of second sub-connecting members that are rotatably connected in sequence. In addition, the plurality of second sub-connecting members may be located between the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122, so that the second swing arm 10121 can be rotatably connected to the adjacent second sub-connecting member, and the second support arm 10122 can be rotatably connected to the adjacent second sub-connecting member. The manner in which the second swing arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the adjacent second sub-connecting member, and the manner in which the second support arm 10122 is rotatably connected to the adjacent second sub-connecting member, can be specifically set with reference to the above description of the rotatable connection between the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 and the second connecting member 10123, and will not be described in detail here. In the present application, by setting the second connecting member 10123 as a plurality of second sub-connecting members that are rotatably connected in sequence, so that the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 are rotatably connected through the plurality of second sub-connecting members, the speed uniformity of the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 during the rotation around the main axis 102 can be effectively improved, thereby improving the smoothness of the mutual pulling movement of the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122.

[0137] In the present application, the second swing arm 10121 can be slidably connected to the second housing fixing frame 1014. In a specific implementation, the second housing fixing frame 1014 is provided with a second slide groove 10141. The second slide groove 10141 is spaced apart from the second mounting portion 10142 along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. The second slide groove 10141 extends along a second direction. The second swing arm 10121 can be mounted in the second slide groove 10141 and can slide within the second slide groove 10141 along the second direction. The second direction can be the direction in which the second housing fixing frame 1014 moves toward or away from the base 1021. In addition, to prevent the second swing arm 10121 from falling out of the second slide groove 10141, a second slideway can be provided on the groove wall of the second slide groove 10141, and a second slider can be provided on the second swing arm 10121. In this way, the second slider can be locked in the second slideway and slide along the second slideway to limit the second swing arm 10121 in the second slide groove 10141. In addition, by providing the second slideway on the groove wall of the second slide groove 10141, it can provide a guide for the second swing arm 10121 to slide along the second slide groove 10141, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the second swing arm 10121.

[0138] In addition, the second support arm 10122 can be rotatably connected to the first housing fixing frame 1013. In a specific embodiment, the first housing fixing frame 1013 has a first mounting portion 10132, which is spaced apart from the first slide groove 10131 along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. The end of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 is mounted on the first mounting portion 10132, and the end of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 is rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 10132.

[0139] In the embodiment of the present application, the specific manner in which the end portion of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 is rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 10132 is not limited. For example, with continued reference to FIG. 4 , the first mounting portion 10132 may be provided with a third mounting hole, while the end portion of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 is provided with a fourth mounting hole. In this case, the end portion of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 may be rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 10132 via a rotating shaft that passes through both the third mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole.

[0140] Based on the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the above-described embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device moves from an open state to a closed state, the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 move toward each other. When the second housing fixing frame 1014 drives the second swing arm 10121 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102, the second swing arm 10121 can drive the second connecting member 10123 to move toward the second swing arm 10121 within the second track groove 1024 of the main shaft 102. Because the second connecting member 10123 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10122, when the second connecting member 10123 moves toward the second swing arm 10121 within the second track groove 1024 of the main shaft 102, it can drive the second support arm 10122 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102, thereby driving the first housing fixing frame 1013 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102 through the second support arm 10122. When the electronic device moves from the closed state to the unfolded state, the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 move in opposite directions. When the second housing fixing frame 1014 drives the second swing arm 10121 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102, the second swing arm 10121 can drive the second connecting member 10123 to move within the second track groove 1024 of the main shaft 102 toward the second support arm 10122, thereby driving the second support arm 10122 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102. The second support arm 10122 drives the first housing fixing frame 1013 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102, thereby realizing the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0141] In order to ensure the stability of some existing hinge mechanisms, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the rotating assembly connected to the main shaft. This will make the main shaft and the hinge mechanism very thick. If the thickness is forcibly reduced, the strength of the rotating assembly will be easily weakened, which will greatly affect the reliability of the hinge mechanism and thus reduce the life of the electronic device. The above-mentioned hinge mechanism 1 of the present application has a streamlined structure. Through the above-mentioned structural relationship, the cross-section of the second connecting member 10123 can be made smaller to shuttle through the second track groove 1024 of the main shaft 102. At the same time, because the second connecting member 10123 has a sufficient length to extend in the direction perpendicular to the axis and is connected to the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 respectively, the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be guaranteed. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft 102 and the thickness of the entire device can be reduced while maintaining the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1, making the entire hinge mechanism 1 light, thin and reliable.

[0142] Since the second connecting member 10123 can move along a set trajectory, it can prevent the second connecting member 10123 from moving uncontrollably during the entire folding and unfolding process, thereby preventing the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 from moving randomly, thereby ensuring the structural and motion stability of the entire hinge mechanism 1. In some cases, through the reasonable design of the second trajectory groove 1024, the outer tangent of the hinge mechanism 1 can also maintain a constant length throughout the entire folding and unfolding process, thereby ensuring that the flexible display covering the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can also maintain a substantially constant length. In this way, squeezing or pulling of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display, and thus improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0143] Referring to Figure 17, Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application, and the main shaft 102 is omitted in Figure 17 to facilitate the description of the mutual pulling movement relationship between the first rotating component 1011 and the second rotating component 1012. In the present application, the first swing arm 10111 is slidably connected to the first shell fixing frame 1013, and the first support arm 10112 is rotatably connected to the second shell fixing frame 1014. The first swing arm 10111 can pull the first support arm 10112 to move along a set trajectory through the first connecting member 10113; the second swing arm 10121 is slidably connected to the second shell fixing frame 1014, and the second support arm 10122 is rotatably connected to the first shell fixing frame 1013. The second swing arm 10121 can pull the second support arm 10122 to move along a set trajectory through the two connecting members 10123. In this way, the movement distances of the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 toward or away from the main axis 102 can be limited, so that the distances between the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 and the main axis 102 are equal when the electronic device is in any folded state. In addition, the distances that the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 move relative to the main axis 102 can be equal when the electronic device moves from the unfolded state to the closed state, and from the closed state to the unfolded state. Therefore, when the hinge mechanism 1 is applied to the electronic device shown in FIG. 2 b , the extended length of the support surface formed by the first housing 2, the second housing 3, and the hinge mechanism 1 in the unfolded state can be adapted to the flattened length of the flexible display. When the electronic device is in the closed state, the folding requirements of the foldable portion of the flexible display can be met, thereby preventing deformation of the flexible display and reducing the compression or tensile stress on the flexible display, thereby extending the service life of the flexible display and improving the reliability of the electronic device.

[0144] It is understood that by synchronizing the movement of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 during the unfolding and closing of the electronic device, the risk of the flexible display being subjected to instantaneous compression or tensile stress can be effectively reduced. Based on this, the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application may also include a synchronization component 103. In a specific implementation, refer to Figure 18, which is a cross-sectional view of the synchronization component 103 of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in the unfolded state. The synchronization component 103 may include a first gear connecting rod 1031 and a second gear connecting rod 1032, which are rotatably connected to the main shaft 102. In a specific implementation, the first gear connecting rod 1031 includes a first gear 10311 and a first connecting rod 10312. The first gear 10311 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a fifth rotating shaft 10313 to improve the stability of the first gear connecting rod 1031's rotation around the main shaft 102, wherein the axis of the fifth rotating shaft 10313 extends in the same direction as the length of the hinge mechanism 1. In addition, the first shell fixing frame 1013 is also provided with a third slide groove 10133, which is spaced apart from the first slide groove 10131. The first connecting rod 10312 is installed in the third slide groove 10133 and can slide in the third slide groove 10133 relative to the first shell fixing frame 1013 in the direction toward or away from the base 1021, thereby realizing the sliding connection between the first connecting rod 10312 and the first shell fixing frame 1013.

[0145] Similarly, the second gear connecting rod 1032 may include a second gear 10321 and a second connecting rod 10322. The second gear 10321 may be rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a sixth rotating shaft 10323 to enhance the stability of the second gear connecting rod 1032's rotation about the main shaft 102. The axis of the sixth rotating shaft 10323 is parallel to the axis of the fifth rotating shaft 10313. In the present application, the second gear 10321 is in transmission connection with the first gear 10311. In the present application, the transmission connection between the second gear 10321 and the first gear 10311 may be achieved by meshing the second gear 10321 with the first gear 10311. Alternatively, an intermediate gear may be provided between the first gear 10311 and the second gear 10321, thereby achieving a transmission connection between the first gear 10311 and the second gear 10321 by meshing the first gear 10311 and the second gear 10321 with adjacent intermediate gears.

[0146] In addition, the second shell fixing frame 1014 is also provided with a fourth slide groove 10143, which is spaced apart from the second slide groove 10141. The second connecting rod 10322 is installed in the fourth slide groove 10143 and can slide in the fourth slide groove 10143 relative to the second shell fixing frame 1014 in the direction toward or away from the base 1021, thereby realizing the sliding connection between the second connecting rod 10322 and the second shell fixing frame 1014.

[0147] Based on the above description of the structure of the synchronization assembly 103, reference may be made to Figures 18 and 19. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the synchronization assembly 103 of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state. When the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, the rotation of the first housing mount 1013 drives the first gear link 1031 to rotate about the base 1021. Because the first gear 10311 of the first gear link 1031 is in transmission connection with the second gear 10321 of the second gear link 1032, the rotation of the first gear link 1031 drives the second gear link 1032 to rotate in the same direction. The sliding of the second gear link 1032 along the fourth slot 10143 of the second housing mount 1014 drives the second housing mount 1014 to rotate in the same direction, thereby achieving synchronous rotation of the first housing mount 1013 and the second housing mount 1014 in the same direction. In addition, when the electronic device moves from a closed state to an expanded state, the movement direction of each structure is opposite to the movement direction of the electronic device from an expanded state to a closed state mentioned above, which will not be described in detail here, thereby realizing the synchronous opposite rotation of the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014.

[0148] The rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in the present application can realize its rotation function by pulling the connecting rods together, and can realize the synchronous rotation of the two housing fixing frames in the direction or opposite directions by setting the synchronization component 103. In addition, since the structures of the mechanism for realizing the rotation function and the mechanism for realizing the synchronization function of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 are relatively simple, it can effectively simplify the structure of the entire rotating shaft mechanism 1, thereby facilitating the miniaturization design of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 and reducing the cost of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. Furthermore, since the mechanism for realizing the rotation function and the mechanism for realizing the synchronization function of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 are two independent mechanisms, the failure of any one mechanism will not affect the realization of the function of the other mechanism, which can effectively improve the reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0149] The rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in the above-mentioned embodiments of the present application can be used for example in the electronic device shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2a. Among them, the first shell fixing frame 1013 can be fixedly connected to the shell located on the same side of the main shaft 102, and the second shell fixing frame 1014 can be fixedly connected to the other shell. Exemplarily, the first shell fixing frame 1013 can be used to be fixedly connected to the first shell 2 of the electronic device shown in Figure 2a, and the second shell fixing frame 1014 can be used to be fixedly connected to the second shell 3 of the electronic device shown in Figure 2a. Based on this, it can be understood that the process of the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 rotating synchronously in opposite directions, that is, the process of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 rotating synchronously in opposite directions.

[0150] In addition, the flexible display screen of the electronic device can be fixedly connected to the first shell 2 and the second shell 3, and the connection method can be, but is not limited to, bonding. In a specific implementation, the flexible display screen can be bonded to a portion of the first support surface 2a of the first shell 2, and the flexible display screen can be bonded to a portion of the second support surface 3a of the second shell 3, so that when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the bearing surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first support surface 2a of the first shell 2, and the second support surface 3a of the second shell 3 can jointly play a role in flattening the flexible display screen, thereby ensuring the integrity of the electronic device in the unfolded state. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the closed state, the two shells rotate towards each other to drive the flexible display screen to rotate, which can effectively prevent the flexible display screen from deforming, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the flexible display screen.

[0151] It should be understood that in order to realize the form of the above-mentioned electronic device, the present application is not limited to the various embodiments of the hinge mechanism 1 mentioned above, and any hinge mechanism 1 that can realize the following states is acceptable, namely:

[0152] When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the bearing surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3 work together to provide a smooth support for the flexible display. When the electronic device moves from the unfolded state to the closed state, the two housings of the electronic device rotate toward each other, causing the flexible display to bend. Conversely, when the electronic device moves from the closed state to the unfolded state, the two housings rotate away from each other, causing the flexible display to unfold.

[0153] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism for a foldable electronic device, wherein the hinge mechanism is arranged opposite to a foldable portion of a flexible display screen of the electronic device, and the electronic device is unfolded or closed by the hinge mechanism, characterized in that: The rotating shaft mechanism includes a main shaft and a rotating module, the rotating module includes a first rotating assembly, a second rotating assembly, a first shell fixing frame and a second shell fixing frame, the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the main shaft, the first rotating assembly is located between the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame, and the second rotating assembly is located between the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame, wherein: The first rotating assembly includes a first swing arm, a first support arm and a first connecting member, the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first housing fixing frame, the first support arm is rotatably connected to the second housing fixing frame, the first connecting member is located between the first swing arm and the first support arm, the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first swing arm, and the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first support arm; the main shaft is provided with a first track groove, the first connecting member can move along the first track groove to limit the movement track of the first connecting member; The second rotating assembly includes a second swing arm, a second support arm and a second connecting piece, the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the second swing arm is slidably connected to the second shell fixing frame, the second support arm is rotatably connected to the first shell fixing frame, the second connecting piece is located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, the second connecting piece is rotatably connected to the second swing arm, and the second connecting piece is rotatably connected to the second support arm; the main shaft is provided with a second trajectory groove, the second connecting piece can move along the second trajectory groove to limit the movement trajectory of the second connecting piece.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main shaft comprises a base and a cover plate, wherein the base is provided with a first arc-shaped groove and a third arc-shaped groove; the cover plate is provided on the base, and the cover plate comprises a first protrusion arranged toward the first arc-shaped groove and a third protrusion arranged toward the third arc-shaped groove; The gap between the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove serves as the first track groove, the first connecting member includes a first arc-shaped surface and a second arc-shaped surface, and when the electronic device is in an unfolded state and a closed state, the first arc-shaped surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and the second arc-shaped surface abuts against the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove; The gap between the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arc-shaped groove serves as the second track groove. The second connecting member includes a third arc-shaped surface and a fourth arc-shaped surface. When the electronic device is in an expanded state and a closed state, the third arc-shaped surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and the fourth arc-shaped surface abuts against the groove surface of the third arc-shaped groove.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the closed state, the first arc surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and there is a gap between the second arc surface and the groove surface of the first arc groove; when the electronic device changes from the closed state to the unfolded state, the second arc surface abuts against the groove surface of the first arc groove, and there is a gap between the first arc surface and the surface of the first protrusion; When the electronic device changes from an expanded state to a closed state, the third curved surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and there is a gap between the fourth curved surface and the groove surface of the third curved groove; when the electronic device changes from a closed state to an expanded state, the fourth curved surface abuts against the groove surface of the third curved groove, and there is a gap between the third curved surface and the surface of the third protrusion.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The distances between the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove are equal at all locations, and when the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the closed state and from the closed state to the unfolded state, the first arc-shaped surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and the second arc-shaped surface abuts against the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove; The distances between the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arc-shaped groove are equal at all locations. When the electronic device changes from an expanded state to a closed state and from a closed state to an expanded state, the third arc-shaped surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and the fourth arc-shaped surface abuts against the groove surface of the third arc-shaped groove.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first arc surface is an arc surface, the second arc surface is an arc surface, and the sum of the radius of the first arc surface and the radius of the second arc surface is equal to the distance between the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first arc groove; The third arcuate surface is an arcuate surface, the fourth arcuate surface is an arcuate surface, and the sum of the radius of the third arcuate surface and the radius of the fourth arcuate surface is equal to the distance between the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arcuate groove.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The main shaft includes a base, the base is provided with a second arc groove and a fourth arc groove, the first swing arm includes a first arc rotating block, the first arc rotating block is accommodated in the second arc groove, and the first arc rotating block can slide along the groove surface of the second arc groove to realize the rotation connection between the first swing arm and the main shaft; The second swing arm includes a second arc-shaped rotating block, which is accommodated in the fourth arc-shaped groove, and the second arc-shaped rotating block can slide along the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove to realize the rotation connection between the second swing arm and the main shaft.

7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The main shaft further comprises a cover plate, the cover plate is disposed on the base, the cover plate comprises a second protrusion disposed toward the second arc-shaped groove, and at least a portion of the first arc-shaped rotating block is located between the second protrusion and the second arc-shaped groove; The cover plate further includes a fourth protrusion disposed toward the fourth arc-shaped groove, and at least a portion of the second arc-shaped rotating block is located between the fourth protrusion and the fourth arc-shaped groove.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The first connecting member includes a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft, the first connecting member and the first swing arm are rotatably connected via the first rotating shaft, the first connecting member and the first supporting arm are rotatably connected via the second rotating shaft, and the axis of the first rotating shaft is parallel to the axis of the second rotating shaft and does not overlap; The second connecting member includes a third rotating shaft and a fourth rotating shaft. The second connecting member and the second swing arm are rotationally connected via the third rotating shaft. The second connecting member and the second support arm are rotationally connected via the fourth rotating shaft. The axis of the third rotating shaft is parallel to and does not overlap with the axis of the fourth rotating shaft.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first arc-shaped rotating block is provided with a first mounting groove, the notch of the first mounting groove is arranged toward the second arc-shaped groove, the first rotating shaft is installed in the first mounting groove, a part of the surface of the first rotating shaft contacts the groove surface of the first mounting groove, and a part of the surface of the first rotating shaft contacts the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove; The second arc-shaped rotating block is provided with a second mounting groove, the groove opening of the second mounting groove is arranged toward the fourth arc-shaped groove, the third rotating shaft is installed in the second mounting groove, a partial surface of the third rotating shaft contacts the groove surface of the second mounting groove, and a partial surface of the third rotating shaft contacts the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove.

10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that: The groove surface of the first installation groove includes a first arc surface, the surface of the first rotating shaft for contacting with the groove surface of the first installation groove is a second arc surface, and the center of the first arc surface coincides with the center of the second arc surface; The groove surface of the second installation groove includes a fifth arc surface, the surface of the third rotating shaft for contacting the groove surface of the second installation groove is a sixth arc surface, and the center of the fifth arc surface coincides with the center of the sixth arc surface.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that: The groove surface of the second arc groove is a third arc surface, the surface of the first rotating shaft for contacting the groove surface of the second arc groove is a fourth arc surface, and the center of the third arc surface coincides with the center of the fourth arc surface; The groove surface of the fourth arc groove is the seventh arc surface, the surface of the third rotating shaft for contacting the groove surface of the fourth arc groove is the eighth arc surface, and the center of the seventh arc surface coincides with the center of the eighth arc surface.

12. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The axis center of rotation of the first swing arm around the main axis is located on the side of the main axis away from the flexible display screen; the axis center of rotation of the second swing arm around the main axis is located on the side of the main axis away from the flexible display screen.

13. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The first connecting member includes a plurality of first sub-connecting members that are rotatably connected in sequence; the plurality of first sub-connecting members are located between the first swing arm and the first support arm, the first swing arm is rotatably connected to adjacent first sub-connecting members, and the first support arm is rotatably connected to adjacent first sub-connecting members; The second connecting member includes a plurality of second sub-connecting members that are rotatably connected in sequence; the plurality of second sub-connecting members are located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, the second swing arm is rotatably connected to adjacent second sub-connecting members, and the second support arm is rotatably connected to adjacent second sub-connecting members.

14. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The shaft mechanism further includes a synchronization assembly, the synchronization assembly includes a first gear connecting rod and a second gear connecting rod, the first gear connecting rod includes a first gear and a first connecting rod, the first gear is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the first connecting rod is slidably connected to the first housing fixing frame; The second gear connecting rod includes a second gear and a second connecting rod, the second gear is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the second connecting rod is slidably connected to the second housing fixing frame, and the first gear is transmission-connected to the second gear.

15. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first gear is rotationally connected to the main shaft via a fifth rotating shaft, and the second gear is rotationally connected to the main shaft via a sixth rotating shaft.

16. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The first housing fixing frame is provided with a third slide groove, the first connecting rod is installed in the third slide groove, and can slide in the third slide groove relative to the first housing fixing frame in a direction toward or away from the main axis; The second housing fixing frame is provided with a fourth sliding groove, the second connecting rod is installed in the fourth sliding groove, and can slide in the fourth sliding groove relative to the second housing fixing frame in a direction toward or away from the main axis.

17. An electronic device, characterized in that: The device comprises a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display screen, and a hinge mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: The first shell and the second shell are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the rotating shaft mechanism, the first shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the first shell, and the second shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the second shell; The flexible display screen continuously covers the first shell, the second shell and the hinge mechanism, and the flexible display screen is fixedly connected to the first shell and the second shell.

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