Hinge mechanism and foldable electronic device

Abstract

The present application discloses a hinge mechanism and a foldable electronic device, belonging to the technical field of electronic devices. The hinge mechanism includes an axle seat, a connecting assembly and a damping assembly; the connecting assembly includes a first door panel rotatably connected to the axle seat, and a second door panel rotatably connected to the first door panel, and a receiving groove is provided on the second door panel; the damping assembly includes a guide structure and an elastic structure, the guide structure is rotatably connected to the axle seat and slidably installed on the second door panel, the guide structure can move along the length direction perpendicular to the axle seat, and the guide structure has a first guide surface and a second guide surface that are relatively inclined in at least part of the area; the compression direction of the elastic structure is parallel to the length direction of the axle seat, the elastic structure is slidably assembled in the receiving groove, and the two ends of the elastic structure are in contact with the first guide surface and the second guide surface respectively. The thickness of the hinge mechanism provided by the present application is relatively small, thereby reducing the thickness of the foldable electronic device using the hinge mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In recent years, electronic devices have been updated at an increasingly rapid pace. Foldable electronic devices are becoming increasingly popular among users because they can combine a larger display area with better portability.

[0003] A foldable electronic device typically includes a display screen, a base, and two housings. The two housings are pivotally mounted on either side of the base via swing arms and can rotate relative to the base. The display screen is placed on the two housings and the base. When the two housings are rotated so that they face each other, the display screen is folded, making the foldable electronic device portable. When the two housings are rotated so that they lie on the same plane, the display screen is unfolded, providing a larger display area. In related art, a damping structure and a door panel are connected between the base and the housing. The damping structure is mounted on the door panel, which is connected to the housing. The damping structure includes a sliding block, a cover plate, and a coil spring. The sliding block has a receiving groove, the spring is mounted within the groove, and the cover plate covers the opening of the groove. The axis of the coil spring is perpendicular to the axis of the base, and one end of the coil spring contacts the base. The sliding block is slidably mounted on the door panel, and one end of the sliding block is pivotally connected to the base. As the housing rotates relative to the base, the coil spring rotates relative to the base and is compressed, generating a damping force.

[0004] However, the thickness of the damping structure and the door panel in the related art is relatively large, which makes the thickness of the foldable electronic device larger. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and a foldable electronic device. The thickness of the hinge mechanism is relatively small, thereby reducing the thickness of the foldable electronic device to a certain extent.

[0006] The technical solution is as follows:

[0007] A first aspect of the present application provides a hinge mechanism, comprising: an axle seat, a connecting assembly, and a damping assembly;

[0008] Connectivity components include:

[0009] A first door panel is rotatably connected to the shaft seat;

[0010] The second door panel is rotatably connected to the first door panel, and the second door panel is provided with a receiving groove;

[0011] The damping components include:

[0012] A guide structure, the guide structure is rotatably connected to the shaft seat and slidably mounted on the second door panel, the guide structure is capable of moving along a first direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the length direction of the shaft seat, the guide structure has a first guide surface and a second guide surface arranged opposite to each other, and at least a portion of the first guide surface is inclined relative to the second guide surface;

[0013] The elastic structure has a compression direction parallel to the length direction of the shaft seat, the elastic structure is slidably assembled in the accommodating groove, and two ends of the elastic structure are in contact with the first guide surface and the second guide surface respectively.

[0014] In the hinge mechanism provided in the present application, the second door panel can rotate relative to the first door panel, and the second door panel can drive the first door panel and the guide structure to rotate relative to the shaft seat. During the rotation of the second door panel relative to the shaft seat, the guide structure rotates relative to the shaft seat and slides relative to the second door panel, thereby causing the elastic structure to move relative to the first guide surface and the second guide surface. When the elastic structure moves in the relatively inclined area between the first guide surface and the second guide surface, the elastic structure is compressed, thereby providing a damping force. Since in the hinge mechanism provided in the present application, the elastic structure is directly mounted on the second door panel, the thickness of the hinge mechanism is relatively small, thereby reducing the thickness of the foldable electronic device using the hinge mechanism.

[0015] In some implementations, the elastic structure has an avoidance gap, the guide structure has a guide rotation portion, and when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, at least a portion of the structure of the guide rotation portion is located in the avoidance gap.

[0016] In some implementations, the elastic structure includes an elastic portion, a sliding portion, and a rolling portion. At least one end of the elastic portion is connected to the sliding portion. The rolling portion is rotatably mounted on the sliding portion. The rolling portion can roll along one of the first guide surface and the second guide surface.

[0017] In some implementations, the second door panel is provided with a first sliding groove, and the sliding portion is slidably installed in the first sliding groove.

[0018] In some implementations, sliding parts are installed at both ends of the elastic part, and each sliding part is provided with a rolling part, one rolling part abuts against the first guide surface, and the other rolling part abuts against the second guide surface.

[0019] In some implementations, the first guide surface has a first oblique portion and a first straight portion distributed in sequence along the first direction, and the first oblique portion and the first straight portion are arranged to be inclined relative to each other. The second guide surface has a second oblique portion and a second straight portion distributed in sequence along the first direction, and the second oblique portion and the second straight portion are arranged to be inclined relative to each other. The first straight portion and the second straight portion are both parallel to the first direction, and the inclination directions of the first oblique portion and the second oblique portion are opposite.

[0020] In some implementations, the first guide surface further has a third oblique portion, which is located on a side of the first straight portion away from the first oblique portion, is inclined relative to the first straight portion, and has an inclination direction opposite to that of the first oblique portion; the second guide surface further has a fourth oblique portion, which is located on a side of the second straight portion away from the second oblique portion, is inclined relative to the second straight portion, and has an inclination direction opposite to that of the second oblique portion.

[0021] In some implementations, the axial direction of the rolling portion is the second direction, and the length of the rolling portion in the second direction is less than the maximum length of the elastic portion in the second direction.

[0022] In some implementations, the guide structure has a pressure plate having a first pressure surface and a second pressure surface, the first pressure surface is used to limit the elastic portion in the second direction, and the second pressure surface is used to limit the rolling portion in the second direction.

[0023] In some implementations, in the second direction, the length of the sliding portion is greater than the length of the rolling portion, and the length of the sliding portion is less than the length of the elastic portion. The pressure plate has a third pressing surface, which is located between the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface. The third pressing surface is used to limit the sliding portion in the second direction.

[0024] In some implementations, the second door panel is provided with a second sliding groove, and the guide structure is slidably assembled in the second sliding groove.

[0025] In some implementations, the connecting assembly further includes a first swing arm, and the second door panel is rotatably connected to the first door panel via the first swing arm.

[0026] In some implementations, the second door panel is connected to the first swing arm, the first swing arm has a first arc-shaped groove, the axle seat is provided with a second arc-shaped groove, the first door panel is provided with a first arc-shaped rotating part and a second arc-shaped rotating part, the first arc-shaped rotating part is assembled in the first arc-shaped groove, and the second arc-shaped rotating part is assembled in the second arc-shaped groove.

[0027] In some implementations, a decorative panel is provided on a side of the guide structure away from the second door panel.

[0028] In some implementations, an adapter plate is provided on a side of the guide structure away from the second door panel, and the guide structure is connected to the decorative panel via the adapter plate.

[0029] In some implementations, the guide structure is provided with a third sliding groove, the adapter plate has a transfer sliding portion, and the transfer sliding portion is assembled in the third sliding groove.

[0030] In some implementations, the adapter plate and the guide structure are connected by a locking member. The adapter plate includes an adapter body and a flange portion connected to the body. The adapter body is located on the side of the guide structure away from the second door panel, and the flange portion is located on the side of the guide structure away from the axle seat. The guide structure is provided with a first assembly hole, and the flange portion is provided with a second assembly hole. The locking member is passed through the second assembly hole and connected to the second assembly hole.

[0031] A second aspect of the present application provides a foldable electronic device, comprising a housing and a hinge mechanism as provided in any of the above technical solutions, wherein the housing and the second door panel in the hinge mechanism are connected.

[0032] Through the above technical solution, since the foldable electronic device includes the above hinge mechanism, it at least has all the beneficial effects of the hinge mechanism, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application in a first state;

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application in a second state;

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in a third state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the foldable electronic device shown;

[0037] Figure 5 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of parts of a hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state at one viewing angle;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of a guide structure in a hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application at one viewing angle;

[0040] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the guide structure in the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application from another perspective;

[0041] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state from another perspective;

[0042] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Cross-sectional view at the middle BB;

[0043] Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram of a hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application in a semi-expanded state at one viewing angle;

[0044] Figure 12 is a structural schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application in a folded state at one viewing angle;

[0045] Figure 13 is a structural schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application in a folded state from another perspective;

[0046] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Cross-sectional view at CC;

[0047] Figure 15 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the parts of the central axis seat of the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 16 This is a schematic structural diagram of the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state without a cover plate;

[0049] Figure 17 is a structural schematic diagram of a first swing arm in a hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 18 is a structural schematic diagram of a first door panel in a hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the first door panel and the center beam in the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 20 is a structural schematic diagram of the elastic structure of the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application at a viewing angle;

[0053] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the second door panel, the guide structure, and the elastic structure in the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 22 yes Figure 13 Cross-sectional view at DD in the middle;

[0055] Figure 23 is a structural schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state from another viewing angle;

[0056] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 Cross-sectional view at EE;

[0057] Figure 25This is an exploded schematic diagram of parts of the elastic structure in the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 26 This is a structural schematic diagram of the second door panel in the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application at a certain viewing angle;

[0059] Figure 27 is a structural schematic diagram of the elastic structure in the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application from another perspective;

[0060] Figure 28 is a structural schematic diagram of the second door panel in the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application from another perspective;

[0061] Figure 29 is a structural schematic diagram of the elastic structure in the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application at another viewing angle;

[0062] Figure 30 is a structural schematic diagram of the guide structure in the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application from another perspective;

[0063] Figure 31 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0064] Figure 32 It is a structural schematic diagram of the adapter plate in the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0065] The meanings of the figures are as follows:

[0066] 1-foldable electronic device; 10-hinge mechanism; 20-first housing; 30-second housing; 40-display screen; 41-first portion; 42-second portion; 43-foldable portion;

[0067] 100-axle seat; 110-middle beam; 120-cover plate; 130-second arc groove; 140-fixing piece; 150-third arc groove;

[0068] 200 - connecting assembly; 210 - first door panel; 211 - first arc-shaped rotating portion; 212 - second arc-shaped rotating portion; 220 - second door panel; 221 - accommodating groove; 222 - first slide groove; 223 - second slide groove; 224 - first guard plate; 225 - second guard plate; 230 - first swing arm; 231 - first arc groove;

[0069] 300-damping assembly;

[0070] 310 - guide structure; 311 - first guide surface; 311a - first oblique portion; 311b - first straight portion; 311c - third oblique portion; 312 - second guide surface; 312a - second oblique portion; 312b - second straight portion; 312c - fourth oblique portion; 313 - guide rotating portion; 314 - pressing plate; 314a - first pressing surface; 314b - second pressing surface; 314c - third pressing surface; 315 - guide body; 316 - sliding matching portion; 317 - first assembly hole; 318 - third sliding groove;

[0071] 320 - elastic structure; 321 - elastic portion; 322 - sliding portion; 322a - first protrusion; 323 - rolling portion; 324 - avoidance gap;

[0072] 400 - adapter plate; 410 - adapter body; 420 - flange portion; 421 - second assembly hole; 430 - adapter sliding portion; 440 - positioning hole;

[0073] 500-synchronous swing arm; 510-limit sleeve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the implementation methods of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0075] It should be understood that the “multiple” mentioned in this application refers to two or more. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, “ / ” means or, for example, A / B can mean A or B; “and / or” in this article is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, in order to facilitate the clear description of the technical solution of this application, words such as “first” and “second” are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with basically the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art can understand that words such as “first” and “second” do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as “first” and “second” do not necessarily limit them to be different.

[0076] In related art, in the hinge mechanism of a foldable electronic device, a damping structure and a door panel are connected between the base and the housing. The damping structure is mounted on the door panel, which is connected to the housing. The damping structure includes a sliding block, a cover plate, and a coil spring. The sliding block has a receiving slot, the spring is mounted within the slot, and the cover plate covers the opening of the slot. The axis of the coil spring is perpendicular to the axis of the base, and one end of the coil spring contacts the base. The sliding block is slidably mounted on the door panel, and one end of the sliding block is rotatably connected to the base. As the housing rotates relative to the base, the coil spring rotates relative to the base and is compressed, thereby generating a damping force.

[0077] In the hinge mechanism of related art, the thickness of the damping structure in the area includes at least the thickness of the cover plate, the thickness of the bottom plate of the sliding block (i.e., the thickness of the sliding block's receiving groove), the thickness of the spring, and the thickness of the door panel. The thickness of the hinge mechanism is at least the sum of the thicknesses of these four components, making it relatively thick, which is not conducive to the lightweight and thin design of foldable electronic devices.

[0078] To solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned related technologies, the embodiments of the present application provide a hinge mechanism and a foldable electronic device, which can be applied in foldable electronic devices. The hinge mechanism and foldable electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present application are explained in detail below. In the various drawings of the present application, the leads with hollow arrows all point to the surface of the device, the leads with dots all point to a spatial area within a certain range such as a hole, groove, or cavity, and the leads with solid arrows point to the device itself.

[0079] The foldable electronic device 1 includes, but is not limited to, a cell phone, a notebook computer, a tablet personal computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant, a wearable device, or a mobile device. In the embodiment of the present application, the foldable electronic device 1 is described as a cell phone.

[0080] Figure 1 The foldable electronic device 1 is shown in a folded state. Figure 2 The foldable electronic device 1 is shown in a semi-expanded state. Figure 3 The foldable electronic device 1 is shown in an unfolded state. Figure 2 The unfolding angle α of the foldable electronic device 1 is 90 degrees. Figure 3 The unfolding angle β of the foldable electronic device 1 is shown to be 180 degrees.

[0081] It should be noted that the angles described in the examples in this application are all allowed to have slight deviations. For example, Figure 2 The unfolding angle α of the foldable electronic device 1 shown is 90 degrees, which means that α can be 90 degrees, or approximately 90 degrees, such as 80 degrees, 85 degrees, 95 degrees or 100 degrees. Figure 3 The unfolding angle β of the foldable electronic device 1 shown is 180 degrees, which means that β can be 180 degrees or approximately 180 degrees, such as 170 degrees, 175 degrees, 185 degrees, and 190 degrees. The angles described below as examples can be understood in the same way.

[0082] The foldable electronic device 1 shown in the embodiment of the present application is an electronic device that can be folded once. In other embodiments, the foldable electronic device 1 can also be an electronic device that can be folded multiple times (more than twice). In this case, the foldable electronic device 1 can include multiple parts, where two adjacent parts can be folded relatively close together until the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state, and two adjacent parts can be unfolded relatively far apart until the foldable electronic device 1 is in an unfolded state.

[0083] For ease of description, in this embodiment, the width of the foldable electronic device 1 is defined as the X-axis, the length of the foldable electronic device 1 is defined as the Y-axis, and the thickness of the foldable electronic device 1 is defined as the Z-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are mutually perpendicular. It should be noted that the width direction is based on the foldable electronic device 1 in its flattened state. The width dimension is not necessarily larger than the length dimension. It is worth noting that the qualifiers for positional relationships, such as parallel and perpendicular, mentioned in this embodiment are based on current technological standards and are not absolute, strict mathematical definitions. Slight deviations are permitted, and both approximately parallel and approximately perpendicular are acceptable. For example, "A and B are parallel" means that A and B are parallel or approximately parallel, and the angle between A and B can be between 0 and 10 degrees. For example, "A and B are perpendicular" means that A and B are perpendicular or approximately perpendicular, and the angle between A and B can be between 80 and 100 degrees. This embodiment uses directional terms such as "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "front" and "back" to describe the foldable electronic device 1. The directions are mainly based on the location of the foldable terminal in the surrounding area. Figure 3 The display directions are explained in the figure, with the positive direction of the Y axis as the "top", the negative direction of the Y axis as the "bottom", the positive direction of the X axis as the "left", the negative direction of the X axis as the "right", the positive direction of the Z axis as the "front", and the negative direction of the Z axis as the "back".

[0084] See also Figure 4 , Figure 4 yes Figure 3The figure shows an exploded schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device 1. The foldable electronic device 1 includes a first housing 20, a second housing 30, a hinge mechanism 10, and a display screen 40. The hinge mechanism 10 is connected between the first and second housings 20, 30. Specifically, the first and second housings 20, 30 are mounted on opposite sides of the hinge mechanism 10 in the width direction. That is, the first and second housings 20, 30 are mounted on the left and right sides of the hinge mechanism 10, respectively. The first and second housings 20, 30 rotate relative to each other via the hinge mechanism 10. The first and second housings 20, 30 rotate in opposite directions. The display screen 40 is positioned on one side of the first and second housings 20, 30, and hinge mechanism 10. Specifically, the display screen 40 is positioned in front of the first and second housings 20, 30, and hinge mechanism 10. The display screen 40 includes a first portion 41, a second portion 42, and a foldable portion 43. The foldable portion 43 is located between the first and second portions 41, 42 and can bend along the Y-axis. The first portion 41, the second portion 42, and the foldable portion 43 together constitute a display screen 40. In this embodiment, the display screen 40 is a flexible display screen, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen.

[0085] The foldable electronic device 1 folds by folding the display screen 40 by bringing the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 closer together. When the foldable electronic device 1 is folded, the foldable portion 43 of the display screen 40 bends, and the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 are positioned opposite each other. At this point, the display screen 40 is positioned between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30, significantly reducing the risk of damage to the display screen 40 and effectively protecting it.

[0086] Please also refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4The first housing 20 and the second housing 30 rotate relative to each other via the hinge mechanism 10, and the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 move away from each other to cause the display screen 40 to unfold, thereby unfolding the foldable electronic device 1 to a semi-expanded state. When the foldable electronic device 1 is in the semi-expanded state, the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 unfold relative to each other, and the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 unfold relative to each other, which in turn causes the foldable portion 43 to unfold.

[0087] Please also refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first housing 20 and the second housing 30 rotate relative to each other via the hinge mechanism 10. The first housing 20 and the second housing 30 can have the same structure and can be arranged in mirror symmetry with respect to the hinge mechanism 10. The first housing 20 and the second housing 30 move away from each other, driving the display screen 40 to further unfold until the foldable electronic device 1 is flattened.

[0088] It should be understood that the foldable electronic device 1 shown in the embodiment of the present application is folded in an outward folding manner, and the display screen 40 of the foldable electronic device 1 in the folded state is located on the outside of the hinge mechanism 10.

[0089] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of parts of a hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 is a structural diagram of a hinge mechanism provided by this embodiment at a certain viewing angle, Figure 7 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guide structure in the hinge mechanism provided in this embodiment at a certain viewing angle. Figure 5-30 The hinge mechanisms shown in the figures are partial schematic diagrams of the area near the bottom end.

[0090] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the hinge mechanism includes a shaft base 100, a connecting assembly 200, and a damping assembly 300. The connecting assembly 200 includes a first door panel 210 and a second door panel 220. The first door panel 210 is rotatably connected to the shaft base 100, and the second door panel 220 is rotatably connected to the first door panel 210. The second door panel 220 is provided with a receiving groove 221. The damping assembly 300 includes a guide structure 310 and an elastic structure 320. The guide structure 310 is mounted on the shaft base 100 and is rotatable relative to the shaft base 100. The guide structure 310 is slidably mounted on the second door panel 220. The guide structure 310 has a first guide surface 311 and a second guide surface 312 that are oppositely disposed. At least a portion of the first guide surface 311 is inclined relative to the second guide surface 312. The elastic structure 320 is slidably mounted within the receiving groove 221, with its ends respectively contacting the first guide surface 311 and the second guide surface 312.

[0091] The longitudinal direction of the shaft base 100 is the Y-axis direction. The first door panel 210 can rotate relative to the shaft base 100 about a first axis, and the second door panel 220 can rotate relative to the first door panel 210 about a second axis. The first axis and the second axis are parallel, and both the first axis and the second axis are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shaft base 100. The compression direction of the elastic structure 320 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shaft base 100. The direction in which the guide structure 310 moves relative to the second door panel 220 is a first direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft base 100 and is parallel to the X-axis direction when the hinge mechanism is in a flattened state.

[0092] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the hinge mechanism, there are two first door panels 210 and two second door panels 220. The two first door panels 210 are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the shaft seat 100, and the two second door panels 220 are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the shaft seat 100. In the first door panel 210 and the second door panel 220 located on the same side, the second door panel 220 is located on the side of the first door panel 210 away from the shaft seat 100. In one feasible embodiment, a synchronization assembly is further disposed between the two second door panels 220. The synchronization assembly includes two synchronization swing arms 500. One end of each synchronization swing arm 500 has a synchronization shaft, and the synchronization shaft is circumferentially provided with synchronization teeth. The synchronization shaft is rotatably mounted on the shaft seat 100. The other end of the synchronization swing arm 500 is slidably mounted in the second door panel 220. The synchronization swing arm 500 can move in a first direction relative to the second door panel 220. The synchronization teeth on the two synchronization swing arms 500 are meshed. The two synchronous swing arms 500 can be connected by a limiting sleeve 510. The limiting sleeve 510 has two limiting holes. The synchronous rotating shafts of the two synchronous swing arms 500 extend into the two limiting holes respectively. The synchronous swing arms 500 can rotate relative to the limiting sleeve 510. The limiting sleeve 510 plays a limiting role in the first direction for the synchronous swing arms 500. The limiting sleeve 510 is installed on the shaft seat 100. It is worth noting that Figure 5 and Figure 6 Only one synchronization component is shown in the figure, but more synchronization components can be provided in the hinge mechanism. When the hinge mechanism is provided with multiple synchronization components, the multiple synchronization components are spaced apart along the length direction of the shaft seat 100.

[0093] like Figure 7As shown, the guide structure 310 includes a guide body 315 having a guide groove formed therein. The guide groove opens toward the second door panel 220. The inner wall of the guide groove includes a first guide surface 311 and a second guide surface 312. The first guide surface 311 and the second guide surface 312 are disposed opposite each other along the length direction of the shaft seat 100. At least portions of the first guide surface 311 and the second guide surface 312 are disposed at an angle relative to each other. The regions of the first guide surface 311 and the second guide surface 312 disposed at an angle relative to each other vary in the first direction. All regions of the first guide surface 311 and the second guide surface 312 are disposed at an angle relative to each other, and the relative inclination directions may vary. For example, the distance between portions of the first guide surface 311 and the second guide surface 312 gradually increases along the first direction toward the shaft seat 100, while the distance between other portions of the first guide surface 311 and the second guide surface 312 gradually decreases along the first direction toward the shaft seat 100. In other embodiments, the first guide surface 311 and the second guide surface 312 are relatively parallel in a portion close to the shaft seat 100, and the distance between the first guide surface 311 and the second guide surface 312 in a portion away from the shaft seat 100 gradually decreases along the first direction toward the shaft seat 100. It is worth noting that the distance between the first guide surface 311 and the second guide surface 312 refers to the distance in the length direction of the shaft seat 100.

[0094] In a specific example, Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first guide surface 311 has a first inclined portion 311a and a first straight portion 311b sequentially distributed along the first direction, with the first inclined portion 311a and the first straight portion 311b being arranged at an angle relative to each other. The second guide surface 312 has a second inclined portion 312a and a second straight portion 312b sequentially distributed along the first direction, with the second inclined portion 312a and the second straight portion 312b being arranged at an angle relative to each other. The first straight portion 311b and the second straight portion 312b are both parallel to the first direction, and the first inclined portion 311a and the second inclined portion 312a are inclined in opposite directions. In the first guide surface 311, the first straight portion 311b is located on the side of the first inclined portion 311a closer to the shaft seat 100, and the second straight portion 312b is located on the side of the second inclined portion 312a closer to the shaft seat 100. The distance between the first oblique portion 311a and the second oblique portion 312a gradually decreases along the first direction toward the shaft seat 100, and the distance between the first straight portion 311b and the second straight portion 312b is less than or equal to the minimum distance between the first oblique portion 311a and the second oblique portion 312a. Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, in the flattened state, the two ends of the elastic structure 320 are in contact with the area of ​​the first inclined portion 311a away from the first straight portion 311b, and the area of ​​the second inclined portion 312a away from the first straight portion 311b, respectively. The elastic structure 320 is in a compressed state between the first inclined portion 311a and the second inclined portion 312a. Therefore, when folding from the flattened state to the folded state, the elastic structure 320 moves relative to the guide structure 310 toward the direction close to the shaft seat 100. Due to the distance between the first inclined portion 311a and the second inclined portion 312a, the elastic structure 320 is compressed. It gradually decreases, so the compression amount of the elastic structure 320 is greater, and the damping force of the elastic structure 320 on the guide structure 310 is greater. Therefore, if you want to fold it from the flat state to the folded state, you need to overcome the damping force of the elastic structure 320 on the guide structure 310, that is, the elastic structure 320 can enable the hinge mechanism to remain in the flat state when there is no external force and the external force is less than the damping force of the elastic structure 320 on the guide structure 310, so that the user can use the foldable electronic device with the hinge mechanism in the flat state. The damping force of the elastic structure 320 on the guide structure 310 is the component force of the elastic force of the elastic structure 320 in the first direction. When the user overcomes the damping force of the elastic structure 320 between the first oblique portion 311a and the second oblique portion 312a, so that the elastic structure 320 moves to between the first straight portion 311b and the second straight portion 312b, the hinge mechanism is in a semi-expanded state (such as Figure 11 As the second door panel 220 rotates relative to the shaft base 100 and the elastic structure 320 moves relative to the guide structure 310 toward the shaft base 100, the first straight portion 311b and the second straight portion 312b are parallel to the moving direction of the elastic structure 320. Therefore, the component force of the elastic structure 320 in the first direction is small or zero, allowing the user to more smoothly fold the foldable electronic device incorporating the hinge mechanism.

[0095] In some implementations, the first guide surface 311 further has a third oblique portion 311c, which is located on a side of the first straight portion 311b away from the first oblique portion 311a, is inclined relative to the first straight portion 311b, and is inclined in the opposite direction to the first oblique portion 311a. The second guide surface 312 further has a fourth oblique portion 312c, which is located on a side of the second straight portion 312b away from the second oblique portion 312a, is inclined relative to the second straight portion 312b, and is inclined in the opposite direction to the second oblique portion 312a. The distance between the third oblique portion 311c and the fourth oblique portion 312c gradually increases along the first direction toward the direction close to the shaft seat 100. Figure 12 、 Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the two ends of the elastic structure 320 are in contact with the third inclined portion 311c and the fourth inclined portion 312c respectively, and the elastic structure 320 is in a compressed state. If the hinge mechanism is to be unfolded from the folded state to the unfolded state, the elastic structure 320 will increase in the process of moving along the third inclined portion 311c and the fourth inclined portion 312c. Since the third inclined portion 311c and the fourth inclined portion 312c are both inclined to the moving direction of the elastic structure 320, the elastic structure 320 has an effect on the moving direction. That is, when the elastic structure 320 is located between the third inclined portion 311c and the fourth inclined portion 312c, a damping force is applied to the guide structure 310. Therefore, if it is to be unfolded from a folded state to a flattened state, it is necessary to overcome the damping force of the elastic structure 320 acting on the guide structure 310. That is, the elastic structure 320 can enable the hinge mechanism to remain in the folded state when there is no external force and the external force is less than the damping force of the elastic structure 320 acting on the guide structure 310, so as to facilitate users to use the foldable electronic device using the hinge mechanism in the folded state.

[0096] In the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application, the second door panel 220 is rotatable relative to the first door panel 210, and the second door panel 220 drives the first door panel 210 and the guide structure 310 to rotate relative to the shaft base 100. During the rotation of the second door panel 220 relative to the shaft base 100, the guide structure 310 rotates relative to the shaft base 100 and slides relative to the second door panel 220, thereby causing the elastic structure 320 to move relative to the first guide surface 311 and the second guide surface 312. As the elastic structure 320 moves in the relatively inclined regions of the first guide surface 311 and the second guide surface 312, it is compressed, thereby providing a damping force. Because the elastic structure 320 in the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application is directly mounted on the second door panel 220, the thickness of the hinge mechanism comprises the sum of the thickness of the second door panel 220 and the thickness of the elastic structure 320. This results in a relatively small thickness of the hinge mechanism, thereby reducing the thickness of a foldable electronic device incorporating the hinge mechanism. Furthermore, since the elastic structure 320 is directly mounted on the second door panel 220, it is positioned relatively further back in the hinge mechanism. This increases the distance between the elastic structure 320 and the rotation axis of the guide structure 310, thereby increasing the torque exerted by the elastic structure 320 on the guide structure 310. This helps increase the torque, thus preventing the loss of torque feel due to the thinning of the hinge mechanism. If the hinge mechanism is not thinned, the thickness of the elastic structure 320 can be increased to increase the torque feel and enhance the user experience.

[0097] In some embodiments, as Figure 15As shown, the axle seat 100 includes a center beam 110 and a cover plate 120. The cover plate 120 is connected to the front side of the center beam 110. The center beam 110 and the cover plate 120 can be connected by welding, clamping, bonding, bolting, etc. Figure 15 In the embodiment, the cover plate 120 is connected to the center beam 110 via a plurality of fixing members 140. In a specific example, the fixing members 140 are bolts. The center beam 110 is provided with a plurality of threaded holes along its length, and the cover plate 120 is provided with through holes opposite to the threaded holes. The bolts pass through the through holes and screw into the threaded holes, thereby fixing the center beam 110 to the cover plate 120. The through holes in the cover plate 120 can be countersunk holes.

[0098] In some implementations, such as Figure 16 As shown, the connecting assembly 200 further includes a first swing arm 230, through which the second door panel 220 is rotatably connected to the first door panel 210. The second door panel 220 is fixedly connected to the first swing arm 230, and the first swing arm 230 is rotatably connected to the first door panel 210. The provision of the first swing arm 230 reduces the structural complexity of the second door panel 220, facilitates the production and processing of the second door panel 220, and realizes the rotatable connection between the second door panel 220 and the first door panel 210.

[0099] like Figures 15 to 19 As shown, in some implementations, the second door panel 220 is connected to the first swing arm 230, the first swing arm 230 has a first arcuate slot 231, the shaft seat 100 is provided with a second arcuate slot 130, and the first door panel 210 is provided with a first arcuate rotating portion 211 and a second arcuate rotating portion 212. The first arcuate rotating portion 211 is assembled in the first arcuate slot 231, and the second arcuate rotating portion 212 is assembled in the second arcuate slot 130. In this arrangement, the first arcuate rotating portion 211 of the first door panel 210 extends into the first arcuate slot 231, so that the first door panel 210 can rotate relative to the shaft seat 100. During the process of the first door panel 210 rotating relative to the shaft seat 100, the first arcuate rotating portion 211 slides relative to the first arcuate slot 231. The second arc-shaped rotating portion 212 of the first door panel 210 extends into the second arc-shaped groove 130 so that the first door panel 210 can rotate relative to the second door panel 220. During the rotation of the first door panel 210 relative to the second door panel 220, the second arc-shaped rotating portion 212 slides relative to the second arc-shaped groove 130.

[0100] In a specific embodiment, Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, the first swing arm 230 may be provided with a through hole for a bolt to pass through, so that the first swing arm 230 can be connected to the second door panel 220 by the bolt. A threaded hole is provided on the second door panel 220 at a position opposite to the through hole of the first swing arm 230. The rod of the bolt passes through the through hole of the first swing arm 230 and is screwed into the threaded hole of the second door panel 220, thereby fixing the first swing arm 230 to the second door panel 220. Of course, in other embodiments, the first swing arm 230 can also be fixedly connected to the second door panel 220 by welding, bonding, interference fit connection, clamping, or other connection methods. Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the embodiment, a through hole is provided at one end of the first swing arm 230 away from the shaft seat 100. Figure 17 In the embodiment, a first arcuate groove 231 is provided at one end of the first swing arm 230, which is close to the shaft seat 100. The first arcuate groove 231 has two arcuate surfaces spaced apart from each other. The first arcuate rotating portion 211 is a curved plate-like structure, and the first arcuate rotating portion 211 is in contact with at least one of the two arcuate surfaces in the first arcuate groove 231. For example, opposite sides of the first arcuate rotating portion 211 are respectively in contact with the two arcuate surfaces in the first arcuate groove 231. The first arcuate groove 231 serves as a guide and limiter for the first arcuate rotating portion 211.

[0101] The second arcuate groove 130 on the axle seat 100 is formed between the center beam 110 and the cover plate 120. The second arcuate groove 130 includes two opposite arcuate surfaces, one of which is located on the front side of the center beam 110, and the other is located on the rear side of the cover plate 120. After the cover plate 120 is connected to the center beam 110, the arcuate surface on the cover plate 120 and the arcuate surface on the center beam 110 are spaced apart, thereby forming the second arcuate groove 130. The adapter body 410 of the second arcuate groove 130 can be set on the center beam 110, that is, the center beam 110 has an arcuate groove with a bottom surface protruding toward the rear side, and the front side of the cover plate 120 has a protrusion protruding toward the rear side, and the surface of the protrusion is an arcuate surface. When the cover plate 120 is installed on the center beam 110, the protrusion extends into the arcuate groove, and the second arcuate groove 130 is formed between the arcuate surface of the protrusion and the bottom surface of the arcuate groove. With such an arrangement, as Figure 19 As shown, during the assembly process of the first door panel 210, the second arc-shaped rotating portion 212 of the first door panel 210 can be placed in the arc-shaped groove on the center beam 110 to limit the first door panel 210 to a certain extent, and then the cover plate 120 is installed so that the first arc-shaped rotating rod portion is slidably assembled in the second arc-shaped groove 130. Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, the second arcuate rotating portion 212 is an arcuate plate-like structure, and the second arcuate rotating portion 212 is in contact with at least one of the two arcuate surfaces in the second arcuate groove 130. For example, opposite sides of the second arcuate rotating portion 212 are in contact with the two arcuate surfaces in the second arcuate groove 130, respectively. The second arcuate groove 130 serves to guide and limit the second arcuate rotating portion 212.

[0102] The first door panel 210 and the second door panel 220 are both strip-shaped plate structures. At least one first arc-shaped rotating portion 211 and at least one second arc-shaped rotating portion 212 are provided on the first door panel 210. The first arc-shaped rotating portion 211 and the second arc-shaped rotating portion 212 are spaced apart along the length direction on the first door panel 210. A first arc-shaped rotating portion 211 and a second arc-shaped rotating portion 212 form a group of rotating portions. At least one group of rotating portions is provided on the first door panel 210. In a group of rotating portions, the first arc-shaped rotating portion 211 and the second arc-shaped rotating portion 212 are spaced apart, and the spacing is relatively close. In some examples, multiple groups of rotating portions may be provided on the first door panel 210. The multiple groups of rotating portions are spaced apart along the length direction on the first door panel 210. The distance between two adjacent groups of rotating portions is greater than the distance between the first arc-shaped rotating portion 211 and the second arc-shaped rotating portion 212 in the same group. Figure 18 In the embodiment, two sets of rotating parts are provided on the first door panel 210 . Correspondingly, the first door panel 210 is rotatably connected to the second door panel 220 via two first swing arms 230 , and two first arc-shaped grooves 231 are provided on the shaft seat 100 .

[0103] like Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, in some implementations, the elastic structure 320 has an avoidance gap 324, and the guide structure 310 has a guide rotation portion 313, as shown in FIG. Figure 22 As shown, when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, at least a portion of the structure of the guide rotating portion 313 is located in the avoidance gap 324 .

[0104] The guide structure 310 is rotatably connected to the shaft seat 100 via the guide rotating portion 313. In a specific example, Figure 21 As shown, the guide rotating portion 313 is an arc-shaped plate structure. Figure 15 As shown, the middle beam 110 of the shaft seat 100 is provided with a third arc groove 150, and the guide rotating part 313 is slidably assembled in the third arc groove 150. Figure 20 As shown, the bottom surface of the avoidance gap 324 is an arc-shaped surface that matches the guide rotating portion 313. Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the guide rotating portion 313 is completely located outside the avoidance gap 324, as shown in FIG. Figure 22As shown, when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the guide rotating portion 313 extends into the avoidance notch 324. The bottom surface of the avoidance notch 324 matches the bottom surface of the guide rotating portion 313, and the bottom surface of the avoidance notch 324 is adjacent to and spaced from the bottom surface of the wire rotating portion. In this arrangement, since the avoidance notch 324 is provided on the elastic structure 320, there is no need to reduce the size of the elastic structure 320 in the first direction to avoid the guide rotating portion 313. Therefore, the size of the elastic structure 320 in the first direction can be relatively larger. In this way, even if the thickness of the elastic structure 320 is further reduced to further thin the hinge mechanism, the elastic structure 320 can still provide a relatively large damping force.

[0105] like Figure 25 As shown, in some implementations, the elastic structure 320 includes an elastic portion 321, a sliding portion 322, and a rolling portion 323. The sliding portion 322 is connected to at least one end of the elastic portion 321, and the rolling portion 323 is rotatably mounted on the sliding portion 322. The rolling portion 323 is capable of rolling along one of the first guide surface 311 and the second guide surface 312. In other words, the elastic portion 321 may be connected to the sliding portion 322 at only one end, with the rolling portion 323 mounted on the sliding portion 322, while the other end of the elastic portion 321 is fixedly mounted to the second door panel 220. In this arrangement, the first guide surface 311 is parallel to the first direction, the second guide surface 312 is inclined relative to the first guide surface 311, and the rolling portion 323 is in contact with the second guide surface 312. During the rotation of the second door panel 220 relative to the shaft seat 100, the position of the end of the elastic portion 321 in contact with the first guide surface 311 in the longitudinal direction of the shaft seat 100 remains unchanged. When the rolling portion 323 provided at the other end of the elastic portion 321 moves along the second guide surface 312 to the inclined surface, the rolling portion 323 rolls along the second guide surface 312 and drives the sliding portion 322 to move in the longitudinal direction of the shaft seat 100 to approach or move away from the other end of the elastic portion 321, thereby increasing or decreasing the compression amount of the elastic portion 321. Alternatively, in other configurations, such as Figure 25As shown, sliding portions 322 are provided at both ends of the elastic portion 321, and rolling portions 323 are provided on both sliding portions 322. One rolling portion 323 abuts against the first guide surface 311, and the other rolling portion 323 abuts against the second guide surface 312. In this arrangement, only one of the first guide surface 311 and the second guide surface 312 can be provided with an inclined surface, or both can be provided with inclined surfaces. For example, when the first guide surface 311 includes a first oblique portion 311a, a first straight portion 311b, and a third oblique portion 311c, and the second guide surface 312 includes a second oblique portion 312a, a second straight portion 312b, and a fourth oblique portion 312c, during movement of the elastic structure 320 relative to the guide structure 310 in the first direction, the ends of the elastic portion 321 are respectively squeezed by the first guide surface 311 and the second guide surface 312. As a result, at the same rotation angle, the elastic portion 321 in this arrangement is squeezed by both ends simultaneously, resulting in a greater compression amount and providing a greater elastic force, thereby exerting a greater damping force on the guide structure 310 in both the folded and flattened states. For example, the elastic portion 321 may be a spring structure formed by multiple bends of a plate-like structure.

[0106] like Figure 20 As shown, part of the avoidance notch is located on the elastic portion 321 and part is located on the sliding portion 322. In other words, notches are provided on both the elastic portion 321 and the sliding portion 322, and the notch of the elastic portion 321 and the notch of the sliding portion 322 together constitute the avoidance notch.

[0107] The sliding part 322 is slidably connected to the second door panel 220. For example, a protrusion can be set on one of the sliding part 322 and the second door panel 220, and a sliding groove can be set on the other. The protrusion is slidably assembled in the sliding groove, so that the sliding part 322 is slidably assembled in the second door panel 220.

[0108] like Figure 26 As shown, in some implementations, the second door panel 220 is provided with a first slide groove 222, and the sliding portion 322 is slidably installed in the first slide groove 222. The extension direction of the first slide groove 222 is the length direction of the shaft seat 100, and one or more first slide grooves 222 can be provided corresponding to one sliding portion 322. Figure 27 As shown, a first protrusion 322a is provided at the bottom of the sliding portion 322, and the length of the first protrusion 322a in the longitudinal direction of the shaft seat 100 is smaller than the length of the first sliding groove 222, so that the first protrusion 322a can slide along the first sliding groove 222 in the longitudinal direction of the shaft seat 100 after extending into the first sliding groove 222.

[0109] In a specific example, Figure 28As shown, the second door panel 220 is provided with a first guard plate 224 and a second guard plate 225, which are spaced apart in the first direction, and a receiving groove 221 is formed between the first guard plate 224 and the second guard plate 225. Four first slide grooves 222 are provided at the bottom of the receiving groove 221, two of which are located at one end of the shaft seat 100 in the longitudinal direction of the receiving groove 221, and the other two first slide grooves 222 are located at the other end of the shaft seat 100 in the longitudinal direction of the receiving groove 221. Each first slide groove 222 runs through the second door panel 220. Figure 27 As shown, two sliding parts 322 are provided in the elastic structure 320, and two first protrusions 322a are provided on each sliding part 322. The two first protrusions 322a are spaced apart in the first direction, and the two first protrusions 322a respectively extend into the two first sliding grooves 222 located at the same end of the accommodating groove 221.

[0110] like Figure 29 As shown, in some implementations, the axial direction of the rolling portion 323 is the second direction, and the length H1 of the rolling portion 323 in the second direction is less than the maximum length H3 of the elastic portion 321 in the second direction. When the hinge mechanism is in a flattened state, the second direction is the thickness direction of the hinge mechanism, which is also the front-to-back direction. The bottom surface of the accommodating groove 221 is flat. Because the length of the rolling portion 323 in the second direction is smaller than that of the elastic portion 321, the center of gravity of the rolling portion 323 is located closer to the bottom surface of the accommodating groove 221, or in other words, the center of gravity of the rolling portion 323 is further rearward. Because the rolling portion 323 abuts the guide structure 310, the elastic force of the elastic portion 321 is transmitted to the guide structure 310 via the rolling portion 323. The further rearward the center of gravity of the rolling portion 323 is, the further away from the rotation axis of the guide structure 310, resulting in a longer moment arm and greater torque exerted by the elastic structure 320 on the guide structure 310.

[0111] like Figure 30As shown, in some implementations, the guide structure 310 includes a pressure plate 314 having a first pressing surface 314a and a second pressing surface 314b. The first pressing surface 314a is used to limit the elastic portion 321 in the second direction, and the second pressing surface 314b is used to limit the rolling portion 323 in the second direction. In one possible embodiment, the first pressing surface 314a may contact or face a side of the elastic portion 321 in the second direction away from the second door panel 220 with a small gap therebetween, while the second pressing surface 314b may contact or face a side of the rolling portion 323 in the second direction away from the second door panel 220 with a small gap therebetween. The gap may be 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. For example, assuming the bottom surface of the receiving groove 221 on the second door panel 220 is a plane, the distance between the first pressing surface 314a and the bottom surface of the receiving groove 221 is greater than the distance between the second pressing surface 314b and the bottom surface of the receiving groove 221. In this arrangement, the pressure plate 314 limits the elastic portion 321 and the rolling portion 323 of different sizes in the second direction through the first pressure surface 314a and the second pressure surface 314b of different heights, thereby improving the stability of the elastic portion 321 and the rolling portion 323 during movement. Figure 30 In the embodiment, the guide structure 310 has two pressing plates 314, which are respectively used to limit the two ends of the elastic structure 320.

[0112] In some implementations, in the second direction, the length H2 of the sliding portion 322 is greater than the length H1 of the rolling portion 323, and the length of the sliding portion 322 is less than the length H3 of the elastic portion 321. The pressing plate 314 has a third pressing surface 314c located between the first pressing surface 314a and the second pressing surface 314b. The third pressing surface 314c is used to limit the sliding portion 322 in the second direction. The third pressing surface 314c may contact or face a side of the sliding portion 322 that is distal from the second door panel 220 in the second direction, with a small gap therebetween. The gap may be 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. For example, assuming the bottom surface of the receiving groove 221 on the second door panel 220 is a plane, the distance between the third pressing surface 314c and the bottom surface of the receiving groove 221 is between the distance between the first pressing surface 314a and the bottom surface of the receiving groove 221 and the distance between the second pressing surface 314b and the bottom surface of the receiving groove 221. In this setting, the pressure plate 314 limits the elastic part 321, the rolling part 323 and the sliding part 322 of different sizes in the second direction through the first pressure surface 314a, the second pressure surface 314b and the third pressure surface 314c of different heights, thereby improving the stability of the elastic structure 320 during movement.

[0113] In some implementations, the second door panel 220 is provided with a second sliding groove 223 (eg Figure 28 As shown), the guide structure 310 is slidably assembled in the second slide groove 223. In some examples, such as Figure 30As shown, the guide structure 310 includes a guide body 315. The guide body 315 is provided with a guide rotating portion 313 on one side in the first direction and a pressure plate 314 on the other side in the first direction. The guide structure 310 is provided with sliding matching portions 316 at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the shaft seat 100. Two second sliding grooves 223 are provided in the second door panel 220. The two second sliding grooves 223 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart, and the longitudinal direction of the second sliding grooves 223 is the first direction. The two sliding matching portions 316 of the guide structure 310 are slidably assembled in the two second sliding grooves 223 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0114] In some implementations, a decorative panel (not shown) is provided on a side of the guide structure 310 away from the second door panel 220. The decorative panel is fixedly connected to the guide structure 310 and serves a decorative purpose. The decorative panel is approximately the same length as the axle seat 100 in the longitudinal direction of the axle seat 100. The decorative panel can obscure portions of the structure mounted on the second door panel 220 and protect the obscured structure. The decorative panel can be fixedly connected to the guide structure 310 by bonding, welding, or clamping, among other methods.

[0115] like Figure 31 As shown, in some implementations, an adapter plate 400 is provided on a side of the guide structure 310 away from the second door panel 220, and the guide structure 310 is connected to the decorative panel via the adapter plate 400. The adapter plate 400 is used to fill a gap between the decorative panel and the guide structure 310 when the decorative panel has been overlapped with the second door panel 220 or other structure mounted on the second door panel 220, providing stronger support for the decorative panel and facilitating the connection between the decorative panel and the guide structure 310.

[0116] like Figure 30 、 Figure 31 and Figure 32 As shown, in some implementations, the guide structure 310 is provided with a third sliding groove 318, and the adapter plate 400 has a transfer sliding portion 430, which is assembled in the third sliding groove 318. The provision of the third sliding groove 318 and the transfer sliding portion 430 facilitates the assembly of the adapter plate 400 on the guide structure 310. During the assembly process, the transfer sliding portion 430 of the adapter plate 400 is slid along the third sliding groove 318, thereby moving the adapter plate 400 to a relative position on the guide structure 310, thereby facilitating the positioning of the adapter plate 400.

[0117] like Figure 30 As shown, in the guide structure 310, the guide body 315 is provided with third sliding grooves 318 on both sides of the shaft seat 100 in the longitudinal direction, and the third sliding grooves 318 extend along the first direction. Figure 31 and Figure 32As shown, bending portions are formed on both sides of the adapter plate 400 along the length direction of the shaft seat 100. The bending direction of the bending portion is from front to back and then bends along the length direction of the shaft seat 100. The end of the bending portion forms an adapter sliding portion 430.

[0118] In some implementations, such as Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, the adapter plate 400 is connected to the guide structure 310 via a locking member (not shown). The adapter plate 400 includes an adapter body 410 and a flange portion 420 connected to the body. The adapter body 410 is located on the side of the guide structure 310 away from the second door panel 220, and the flange portion 420 is located on the side of the guide structure 310 away from the shaft seat 100. The guide structure 310 is provided with a first assembly hole 317, and the flange portion 420 is provided with a second assembly hole 421. The locking member is provided through the second assembly hole 421 and connected to the second assembly hole 421. The provision of the flange portion 420 increases the area of ​​the adapter plate 400 for connection with the guide structure 310, thereby facilitating the connection between the adapter plate 400 and the guide structure 310.

[0119] In a specific example, the locking member is a bolt, the first assembly hole 317 is a plain hole, and the second assembly hole 421 is a threaded hole. The first assembly hole 317 is a through hole, and the second assembly hole 421 can be a through hole or a blind hole.

[0120] like Figure 32 As shown, in a specific embodiment, a positioning hole 440 is provided on the adapter plate 400, and a positioning column is provided on the decorative plate. During the process of connecting the decorative plate and the adapter plate 400, the positioning column can be inserted into the positioning hole 440 to align the adapter plate 400 and the decorative plate.

[0121] The present application also provides a foldable electronic device, comprising a housing and a hinge mechanism according to any of the above technical solutions, wherein the housing is connected to a second door panel in the hinge mechanism. Because the foldable electronic device includes the above hinge mechanism, it at least possesses all the beneficial effects of the hinge mechanism, which will not be further elaborated here.

[0122] Specifically, the housing includes a first housing and a second housing, and the hinge mechanism includes two second door panels. The first housing is connected to one of the first housings, and the second housing is connected to the other second door panel. The first housing and the second door panel, and the second housing and the second door panel are both fixedly connected, for example, by bolts.

[0123] During the folding or unfolding process of the foldable electronic device, the shell drives the second door panel to rotate, and the second door panel rotates synchronously under the action of the synchronization component, and the second door panel drives the first door panel and the guide structure to rotate. During the rotation of the second door panel and the guide structure, the second door panel is parallel to and does not overlap with the rotation axis of the guide structure, so that the guide structure slides relative to the second door panel, thereby compressing the elastic structure installed on the second door panel. The elastic structure applies a damping force to the guide structure, thereby providing a damping force for the folded state or the flattened state, so that the foldable electronic device can be maintained in the folded state or the flattened state without external force or with a small external force.

[0124] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present application, and should all be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism, characterized in that: include: Shaft seats, connecting components and damping components; The connection component includes: a first door panel, rotatably connected to the shaft seat; a second door panel, rotatably connected to the first door panel, wherein the second door panel is provided with a receiving groove; The damping assembly comprises: a guide structure, the guide structure being rotatably connected to the shaft seat and slidably mounted on the second door panel, the guide structure being capable of moving along a first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the length direction of the shaft seat, the guide structure having a first guide surface and a second guide surface arranged opposite to each other, at least a portion of the first guide surface being inclined relative to the second guide surface; An elastic structure, wherein the compression direction of the elastic structure is parallel to the length direction of the shaft seat, the elastic structure is slidably assembled in the accommodating groove, and the two ends of the elastic structure are in contact with the first guide surface and the second guide surface respectively.

2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic structure has an avoidance gap, and the guide structure has a guide rotating portion. When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, at least a portion of the structure of the guide rotating portion is located in the avoidance gap.

3. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic structure includes an elastic portion, a sliding portion and a rolling portion. At least one end of the elastic portion is connected to the sliding portion. The rolling portion is rotatably mounted on the sliding portion. The rolling portion can roll along one of the first guide surface and the second guide surface.

4. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The second door panel is provided with a first sliding groove, and the sliding portion is slidably installed in the first sliding groove.

5. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The sliding parts are installed at both ends of the elastic part, and the rolling parts are provided on each sliding part. One rolling part abuts against the first guide surface, and the other rolling part abuts against the second guide surface.

6. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first guide surface has a first oblique portion and a first straight portion distributed in sequence along the first direction, and the first oblique portion is arranged to be inclined relative to the first straight portion. The second guide surface has a second oblique portion and a second straight portion distributed in sequence along the first direction, and the second oblique portion is arranged to be inclined relative to the second straight portion. The first straight portion and the second straight portion are both parallel to the first direction, and the inclination directions of the first oblique portion and the second oblique portion are opposite.

7. The hinge mechanism according to claim 6, wherein: The first guide surface also has a third oblique portion, which is located on a side of the first straight portion away from the first oblique portion, the third oblique portion is inclined relative to the first straight portion, and the inclination direction of the third oblique portion is opposite to that of the first oblique portion; the second guide surface also has a fourth oblique portion, which is located on a side of the second straight portion away from the second oblique portion, the fourth oblique portion is inclined relative to the second straight portion, and the inclination direction of the fourth oblique portion is opposite to that of the second oblique portion.

8. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The axial direction of the rolling portion is a second direction, and the length of the rolling portion in the second direction is smaller than the maximum length of the elastic portion in the second direction.

9. The hinge mechanism according to claim 8, wherein: The guide structure includes a pressing plate, and the pressing plate includes a first pressing surface and a second pressing surface. The first pressing surface is used to limit the elastic portion in the second direction, and the second pressing surface is used to limit the rolling portion in the second direction.

10. The hinge mechanism according to claim 9, wherein: In the second direction, the length of the sliding portion is greater than the length of the rolling portion, and the length of the sliding portion is less than the length of the elastic portion. The pressure plate has a third pressing surface, which is located between the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface. The third pressing surface is used to limit the sliding portion in the second direction.

11. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that: The second door panel is provided with a second sliding groove, and the guide structure is slidably assembled in the second sliding groove.

12. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that: The connecting assembly further includes a first swing arm, and the second door panel is rotatably connected to the first door panel via the first swing arm.

13. The hinge mechanism according to claim 12, wherein: The second door panel is connected to the first swing arm, the first swing arm has a first arc-shaped groove, the axle seat is provided with a second arc-shaped groove, the first door panel is provided with a first arc-shaped rotating part and a second arc-shaped rotating part, the first arc-shaped rotating part is assembled in the first arc-shaped groove, and the second arc-shaped rotating part is assembled in the second arc-shaped groove.

14. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that: A decorative panel is provided on a side of the guide structure away from the second door panel.

15. The hinge mechanism according to claim 14, wherein: An adapter plate is provided on a side of the guide structure away from the second door panel, and the guide structure is connected to the decorative panel via the adapter plate.

16. The hinge mechanism according to claim 15, wherein: The guide structure is provided with a third sliding groove, and the adapter plate has a transfer sliding portion, and the transfer sliding portion is assembled in the third sliding groove.

17. The hinge mechanism according to claim 15, wherein: The adapter plate is connected to the guide structure via a locking piece. The adapter plate includes an adapter body and a flange portion connected to the adapter body. The adapter body is located on the side of the guide structure away from the second door panel. The flange portion is located on the side of the guide structure away from the axle seat. The guide structure is provided with a first assembly hole, and the flange portion is provided with a second assembly hole. The locking piece is passed through the second assembly hole and connected to the second assembly hole.

18. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that: It comprises a housing and the hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the housing is connected to the second door panel in the hinge mechanism.

Images