Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment. The rotating shaft mechanism comprises a main shaft, a rotating module, a first door plate and a second door plate, and the rotating module comprises a first rotating assembly, a second rotating assembly, a first shell fixing frame and a second shell fixing frame. The first rotating assembly comprises a first supporting arm, a first connecting piece and a first door plate fixing frame, the first connecting piece is rotationally connected with the first supporting arm and the first door plate fixing frame, and the first connecting piece is rotationally or slidably connected with the main shaft. The second rotating assembly comprises a second supporting arm, a second connecting piece and a second door plate fixing frame, the second connecting piece is rotationally connected with the second supporting arm and the second door plate fixing frame, and the second connecting piece is rotationally or slidably connected with the main shaft. The first door plate is fixedly connected with the first door plate fixing frame, and the second door plate is fixedly connected with the second door plate fixing frame. The size of the rotating shaft mechanism is small, and the flexible display screen can be prevented from being extruded or pulled in the folding and unfolding process of the rotating shaft mechanism.

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 May 12, 2023, with application number 202310539481.2 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] In current foldable electronic devices, as the hinge mechanism continues to shrink in size, the space it creates for the screen when the device is closed becomes increasingly difficult to accommodate the bending requirements of the foldable portion of the flexible display. This can easily cause compression on the flexible display, making it difficult to maintain its structural strength. Therefore, how to achieve 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 achieve a miniaturized design of the hinge mechanism and improve 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 that 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, a rotating module, a first door panel and a second door panel. 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. The first rotating assembly may include a first support arm, a first door panel fixing frame and a first connecting member, the first support arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first support arm is slidably connected to the first shell fixing frame, the first door panel fixing frame is rotatably connected to the second shell fixing frame, the first connecting member is located between the first support arm and the first door panel fixing frame, the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first door panel fixing frame, and the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first support arm. In addition, the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the main shaft, or the first connecting member is slidably connected to the main shaft to limit the movement trajectory of the first connecting member, thereby limiting the movement trajectory of the first support arm pulled by the first door panel fixing frame through the first connecting member. The second rotating assembly may include a second support arm, a second door panel fixing frame, and a second connecting member, the second support arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the second support arm is slidably connected to the second shell fixing frame, the second door panel fixing frame is rotatably connected to the first shell fixing frame, the second connecting member is located between the second support arm and the second door panel fixing frame, the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second door panel fixing frame, and the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second support arm. In addition, the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the main shaft, or the second connecting member is slidably connected to the main shaft to limit the movement trajectory of the second connecting member, thereby limiting the movement trajectory of the second door panel fixing frame pulling the second support arm through the second connecting member. In the hinge mechanism provided in the present application, the first door panel may be located on the side of the first door panel fixing frame facing the flexible display screen, and the first door panel is fixedly connected to the first door panel fixing frame. The second door panel may be located on a side of the second door panel fixing frame facing the flexible display screen, and the second door panel is fixedly connected to the second door panel fixing frame.

[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 support arm to rotate clockwise around the main axis, the first support arm can drive the first connecting member to move toward the first door panel fixing frame relative to the main axis, thereby driving the first door panel fixing frame to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis; when the second shell fixing frame drives the second support arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis, the second support arm can drive the second connecting member to move toward the second door panel fixing frame relative to the main axis, thereby driving the second door panel fixing frame 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 away from each other. When the first housing fixing frame drives the first support arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis, the first support arm can drive the first connecting member to move toward the first support arm relative to the main axis, thereby driving the first housing fixing frame to rotate clockwise around the main axis. When the second housing fixing frame drives the second support arm to rotate clockwise around the main axis, the second support arm can drive the second connecting member to move toward the second housing fixing frame relative to the main axis, thereby driving the second housing fixing frame to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis. This realizes the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism.

[0011] In order to ensure the stability of some existing hinge mechanisms, it is necessary to strengthen 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, and there is a risk that the rotating assembly will fall off the main shaft when the electronic device falls, which will greatly affect the reliability of the hinge mechanism and thus reduce the life of the electronic device. The above-mentioned hinge mechanism of the present application has a streamlined structure. Through the above-mentioned structural relationship, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are slidably connected or rotatably connected to the main shaft to link the first support arm, the second support arm, the first door panel fixing frame and the second door panel fixing frame on the left and right sides. Therefore, the thickness section of the first connecting member and the second connecting member does not need to be made very thick to shuttle through the main shaft. At the same time, because the first connecting member and the second connecting member are respectively connected to the first support arm (the second support arm) and the first door panel fixing frame (the second door panel fixing frame), the first connecting member (the second connecting member) has a sufficient length extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis, and therefore has sufficient strength to ensure the reliability of the hinge mechanism. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft and the entire machine can be reduced, while the reliability of the shaft mechanism can be maintained, making the entire shaft mechanism light, thin and reliable.

[0012] In the present application, the rotational connection between the first connecting member and the first support arm can be divided into a direct rotational connection and an indirect rotational connection. Among them, the direct rotational connection means that there is no other structure between the first connecting member and the first support arm, and the two are directly connected through a rotating shaft. The indirect connection means that other possible connection structures can also be provided between the first connecting member and the first support arm, and the first connecting member and the first support arm are rotationally connected by rotationally connecting with the connection structure respectively. Exemplarily, the first rotating assembly also includes a first connecting rod, the first connecting rod is located between the first support arm and the first connecting member, the first support arm is rotationally connected to the first connecting rod, the first connecting member is rotationally connected to the first connecting rod, and the axis of rotation of the first support arm relative to the first connecting rod is parallel to and does not overlap with the axis of rotation of the first connecting member relative to the first connecting rod. The rotating shaft mechanism provided in the present application, in which the first connecting member and the first support plate are indirectly rotationally connected via the first connecting rod, can realize the folding and unfolding functions of the rotating shaft mechanism while being conducive to reducing the size of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0013] In addition, the second rotating assembly also includes a second connecting rod, which is located between the second support arm and the second connecting member. The second support arm is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod, and the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod. The axis of rotation of the second support arm relative to the second connecting rod is parallel to the axis of rotation of the second connecting member relative to the second connecting rod and does not overlap, thereby realizing an indirect rotation connection between the second connecting member and the second support arm, which can realize the folding and unfolding functions of the rotating shaft mechanism while being conducive to reducing the size of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0014] In the present application, the first door panel fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame can be rotatably connected by means of a virtual axis. Specifically, the end of the first door panel fixing frame facing the second shell fixing frame can be provided with a first arc-shaped groove, and the second shell fixing frame can be provided with a second arc-shaped rotating block, the second arc-shaped rotating block is installed in the first arc-shaped groove, and the second arc-shaped rotating block can slide along the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove. By rotatably connecting the first door panel fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame by means of a virtual axis, it is possible to ensure the structural reliability of the first door panel fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame while facilitating their size reduction, thereby facilitating the miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism. In addition, the risk of squeezing or pulling the flexible display screen can be reduced during the folding process of the electronic device.

[0015] It can be understood that for an inward-folding electronic device, when the first door panel fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame are rotationally connected through a virtual axis, the axis of rotation of the second shell fixing frame relative to the first door panel fixing frame is located on the side of the first door panel fixing frame facing the flexible display screen.

[0016] In addition, a second arcuate groove can be provided at the end of the second door panel fixing frame facing the first shell fixing frame, and the first shell fixing frame can be provided with a first arcuate rotating block. The first arcuate rotating block is mounted in the second arcuate groove, and the first arcuate rotating block can slide along the groove surface of the second arcuate groove, thereby enabling the second door panel fixing frame and the first shell fixing frame to be rotationally connected via a virtual axis. In this way, while ensuring the structural reliability of the second door panel fixing frame and the first shell fixing frame, their size can be reduced, thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the hinge mechanism. In addition, the risk of squeezing or pulling the flexible display screen during the folding process of the electronic device can be reduced.

[0017] It can be understood that for an inward-folding electronic device, when the second door panel fixing frame and the first shell fixing frame are rotationally connected through a virtual axis, the axis of rotation of the first shell fixing frame relative to the second door panel fixing frame is located on the side of the second door panel fixing frame facing the flexible display screen.

[0018] As described above, the first connecting member can be slidably connected to the main shaft, and the second connecting member can be slidably connected to the main shaft. Specifically, the main shaft is provided with a first track groove and a second track groove. The first connecting member includes a first slider, which is mounted in the first track groove and can slide relative to the main shaft along the first track groove to limit the movement of the first connecting member. The second connecting member includes a second slider, which is mounted in the second track groove and can slide relative to the main shaft along the second track groove to limit the movement of the second connecting member.

[0019] In addition, the first connecting member is also rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second connecting member is also rotatably connected to the main shaft. In a specific embodiment, the main shaft is provided with a first track groove and a second track groove, wherein the first track groove is an arcuate groove, and the first connecting member includes a first slider, which is an arcuate slider and is mounted in the first track groove and can rotate relative to the main shaft along the first track groove to limit the movement trajectory of the first connecting member. The second track groove is an arcuate groove, and the second connecting member includes a second slider, which is an arcuate slider and is mounted in the second track groove and can rotate relative to the main shaft along the second track groove to limit the movement trajectory of the second connecting member.

[0020] Regardless of whether the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected to the main shaft in a sliding or rotational manner, the first connecting member can move along a set trajectory within the first trajectory groove, and the second connecting member can move along a set trajectory within the second trajectory groove, thereby avoiding uncontrolled movement of the first connecting member and the second connecting member during the entire 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, by reasonably designing the first trajectory groove and the second trajectory groove, the outer tangent of the hinge mechanism can also maintain a constant length throughout the entire folding and unfolding process, thereby allowing the flexible display screen covering the surface of the hinge mechanism to basically maintain a constant length. In this way, squeezing or pulling of the flexible display screen can be effectively avoided, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display screen, and thereby improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0021] When the first slider is an arc-shaped slider, the first connector may include two first sliders, and along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the two first sliders are respectively disposed at the two ends of the first connector. The two first sliders can be respectively installed in a first track groove to enable the first connector to rotate relative to the main shaft, which can help improve the reliability of the rotational connection between the first connector and the main shaft. In addition, in the present application, the specific configurations of the two first sliders of the first connector can be the same or different, as long as the axes of rotation of the two first sliders relative to the main shaft coincide, thereby improving the stability of the first connector's rotation around the main shaft.

[0022] When the second slider is an arc-shaped slider, the second connector includes two second sliders, which are respectively disposed at the two ends of the second connector along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism. The two second sliders can be respectively installed in a second track groove to enable the second connector to rotate relative to the main shaft, which can help improve the reliability of the rotational connection between the second connector and the main shaft. In addition, in the present application, the specific configurations of the two second sliders of the second connector can be the same or different, as long as the axes of rotation of the two second sliders relative to the main shaft coincide, thereby improving the stability of the second connector's rotation around the main shaft.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the present application, the hinge mechanism includes multiple rotating modules, with the first door panel fixedly connected to each first door panel mounting bracket, and the second door panel fixedly connected to each second door panel mounting bracket. This can help improve the integrity of the bearing surface provided by the hinge mechanism for the flexible display, thereby facilitating smooth support for the flexible display.

[0024] In one possible implementation of the present application, the hinge mechanism further includes a synchronization assembly, which includes a synchronization gear. The synchronization gear is located between the first connector and the second connector along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. Furthermore, a first gear surface is provided on the end of the first connector facing the synchronization gear, and a second gear surface is provided on the end of the second connector facing the synchronization gear. The first gear surface meshes with the gear surface of the synchronization gear, and the second gear surface meshes with the gear surface of the synchronization gear. 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, synchronized reverse motion of the first housing fixing frame and the second housing fixing frame can be achieved. This helps improve the stability of the hinge mechanism's movement and effectively reduces the risk of the electronic device's flexible display being subjected to instantaneous compression or tensile stress, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display. Furthermore, the synchronization assembly provided in the present application has a relatively simple structure and occupies a small amount of space in the hinge mechanism, thereby facilitating a miniaturized design of the hinge mechanism.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the present application, the first connecting member includes two first sliders, disposed at either end of the first connecting member along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism. A first track groove is provided on the main shaft corresponding to each first slider. Each first slider is mounted in a corresponding first track groove and can slide or rotate relative to the main shaft along the corresponding first track groove, which can improve the reliability of the rotational connection between the first connecting member and the main shaft. Furthermore, a first gear surface can be disposed on the first slider facing the synchronous gear, which facilitates the integrated design of the rotating shaft mechanism and thus facilitates reducing the size of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0026] Similarly, the second connecting member includes two second sliders, one located at each end of the second connecting member along the axis of the rotating shaft mechanism. The spindle is provided with a second track groove corresponding to each second slider. Each second slider is mounted in a corresponding second track groove, and the second slider can slide or rotate relative to the spindle along the second track groove, which can help improve the reliability of the rotational connection between the second connecting member and the spindle. Furthermore, a second gear surface can be provided on the second slider facing the synchronous gear, which facilitates the integrated design of the rotating shaft mechanism and thus facilitates the reduction of the rotating shaft mechanism's size.

[0027] In one possible implementation of the present application, the pivot mechanism further includes a damping module, which includes a first rocker arm assembly, a second rocker arm assembly, an elastic assembly, and a first integrated cam. Along the axial direction of the pivot mechanism, the first rocker arm assembly is located between the elastic assembly and the first integrated cam, and the second rocker arm assembly is located between the elastic assembly and the first integrated cam. The first rocker arm assembly may include a first rocker arm, a second rocker arm, and a first guide rod. The first and second rocker arms are rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the first and second rocker arms are connected by the first guide rod. The first housing mounting frame is provided with a third track groove, and the first guide rod is inserted into the third track groove and can slide along the third track groove. The second rocker arm assembly may include a third rocker arm, a fourth rocker arm, and a second guide rod. The third and fourth rocker arms are rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the third and fourth rocker arms are connected by the second guide rod. The second housing mounting frame is provided with a fourth track groove, and the second guide rod is inserted into the fourth track groove and can slide along the fourth track groove. In addition, the end surface of the first swing arm facing the first integrated cam is provided with a first cam surface, and the end surface of the third swing arm facing the first integrated cam is provided with a third cam surface. The first integrated cam includes a fifth cam surface facing the first swing arm and a sixth cam surface facing the third swing arm. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, under the elastic force of the elastic component, the first cam surface abuts the fifth cam surface, and the third cam surface abuts the sixth cam surface. Thus, during rotation of the first and second housing mounts relative to the rotating shaft mechanism, the contact between the inclined surfaces of the abutting cam surfaces generates a corresponding damping force. This damping force enables the electronic device to self-expand in the final stage of its expanded state and self-close in the final stage of its closed state. Furthermore, this damping force provides a more noticeable jerk when the user opens and closes the electronic device, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0028] The damping module may also include a second conjoined cam. The first rocker assembly is positioned between the first and second conjoined cams, and the second rocker assembly is positioned between the first and second conjoined cams. The second rocker assembly has a second cam surface on its end facing the second conjoined cam, and the fourth rocker assembly has a fourth cam surface on its end facing the second conjoined cam. The second conjoined cam includes a seventh cam surface facing the second rocker assembly and an eighth cam surface facing the fourth rocker assembly. Along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the elastic force of the elastic assembly, the second cam surface abuts the seventh cam surface, and the fourth cam surface abuts the eighth cam surface. This allows the hinge mechanism to provide greater damping force, thereby improving the stability of an electronic device incorporating the hinge mechanism in its extended, closed, or intermediate states. Furthermore, this effectively enhances the user's feel when opening and closing the electronic device, enhancing the user experience.

[0029] To rotationally connect the damping module to the main shaft, in one possible implementation of the present application, the main shaft further includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the first mounting portion is located between the first and second rocker arms, which are rotationally connected to the first mounting portion via a first axis. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the second mounting portion is located between the third and fourth rocker arms, which are rotationally connected to the second mounting portion via a second axis.

[0030] In addition, the damping module further includes a plurality of gaskets, at least one of which is located between the first and second rocker arms. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, under the elastic force of the elastic assembly, the first and second rocker arms press the at least one gasket located between the first and second rocker arms toward the first mounting portion. Furthermore, at least one gasket is located between the third and fourth rocker arms. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, under the elastic force of the elastic assembly, the third and fourth rocker arms press the at least one gasket located between the third and fourth rocker arms toward the second mounting portion. During rotation of the first and second rocker arm assemblies about the main axis, relative rotation may occur between the contacting rocker arms and the gaskets, thereby generating frictional resistance. This frictional resistance acts as a damping force to hinder rotation of the first and second rocker arm assemblies relative to the main axis, thereby increasing the damping force provided by the damping module.

[0031] In one possible implementation of the present application, a first slot is provided on at least one side of the first mounting portion along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, at least one gasket located between the first and second rocker arms is secured in the first slot, and in the direction in which the first rocker arm assembly rotates relative to the main shaft, at least one gasket located between the first and second rocker arms is relatively fixed to the first mounting portion. A second slot is provided on at least one side of the second mounting portion along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, at least one gasket located between the third and fourth rocker arms is secured in the second slot, and in the direction in which the second rocker arm assembly rotates relative to the main shaft, at least one gasket located between the third and fourth rocker arms is relatively fixed to the second mounting portion. This prevents the gasket from rotating with the rocker arm relative to the main shaft, thereby enabling a more stable frictional force to be generated between the rocker arm and the gasket, thereby improving the stability of the damping force provided by the damping module.

[0032] In the present application, in addition to the aforementioned design, the damping module's gaskets, in one possible implementation, further comprise a plurality of gaskets, each of which is sleeved between the first and second shafts. At least a portion of at least one gasket is located between the first and second rocker arms. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, under the elastic force of the elastic assembly, the first and second rocker arms press at least a portion of the at least one gasket located between the first and second rocker arms toward the first mounting portion. Furthermore, at least a portion of at least one gasket is located between the third and fourth rocker arms. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, under the elastic force of the elastic assembly, the third and fourth rocker arms press at least a portion of the at least one gasket located between the third rocker arm and the second mounting portion toward the second mounting portion. This allows the parallel first and second shafts to restrict the rotation of each gasket relative to the first and second mounting portions, thereby generating a relatively stable frictional force between the rocker arms and the gaskets, thereby enhancing the stability of the damping force provided by the damping module.

[0033] 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

[0034] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in an unfolded state;

[0035] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in a closed state;

[0036] FIG3 is an exploded view of the electronic device shown in FIG1 ;

[0037] FIG4 is an exploded view of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG6 is an exploded view of the structure shown in FIG5 ;

[0040] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the matching relationship between the first connecting member and the main shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG8 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;

[0042] 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;

[0043] FIG10 is an exploded view of a partial structure of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the first support arm and the first housing fixing frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the matching relationship between the first door panel fixing frame and the second housing fixing frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG14 is another exploded view of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in FIG14;

[0049] FIG16 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism shown in FIG15 when the electronic device is in a closed state;

[0050] FIG17 is another exploded view of the structure shown in FIG5 ;

[0051] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of the coordination relationship between the damping module and the main shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a main shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG20 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in an unfolded state;

[0054] FIG21 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state;

[0055] FIG22 is another structural schematic diagram of the damping module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0056] Reference numerals:

[0057] 1-rotating shaft mechanism; 1a-carrying surface; 1b-third appearance surface; 101-rotating module; 1011-first rotating assembly;

[0058] 10111-first support arm; 101111-first avoidance opening; 101112-first guide portion; 10112-first door panel fixing bracket;

[0059] 101121-first protrusion; 101122-first arc-shaped groove; 10113-first connecting member; 101131-first sliding block;

[0060] 101132 - second sub-bearing surface; 101133 - second avoidance opening; 101134 - third avoidance opening; 101135 - first gear surface;

[0061] 10114-first connecting rod; 10115-first rotating shaft; 10116-second rotating shaft; 10117-third rotating shaft; 10118-fourth rotating shaft;

[0062] 1012-second rotating assembly; 10121-second supporting arm; 101211-second guide portion; 10122-second door panel fixing bracket;

[0063] 101221 - second arc groove; 10123 - second connecting member; 101231 - second sliding block; 101232 - third sub-bearing surface;

[0064] 101233-second gear surface; 10124-second connecting rod;

[0065] 1013-first housing fixing frame; 10131-first slide groove; 101311-first slideway; 10132-first arc-shaped rotating block;

[0066] 10133-third track slot;

[0067] 1014-second housing fixing frame; 10141-second slide groove; 101411-second slideway; 10142-second arc-shaped rotating block;

[0068] 10143-fourth track slot;

[0069] 102-spindle; 1021-first track groove; 1022-first mounting groove; 1023-second track groove; 1024-second mounting groove;

[0070] 1025 - first sub-bearing surface; 1026 - first mounting portion; 10261 - first slot; 10262 - first mounting hole;

[0071] 102621 - first opening; 1027 - second mounting portion; 10271 - second slot; 10272 - second mounting hole;

[0072] 102721-Second opening;

[0073] 103 - shaft back cover; 104 - first door panel; 1041 - first panel surface; 105 - second door panel; 1051 - second panel surface;

[0074] 106-connecting beam; 107-synchronizing assembly; 1071-synchronizing gear;

[0075] 108-damping module; 1081-first rocker assembly; 10811-first rocker; 108111-first cam surface;

[0076] 10812-second rocker arm; 108121-second cam surface; 10813-first guide rod; 1082-second rocker arm assembly;

[0077] 10821-third swing rod; 108211-third cam surface; 10822-fourth swing rod; 108221-fourth cam surface;

[0078] 10823 - second guide rod; 1083 - first shaft; 1084 - second shaft; 1085 - gasket; 1086 - elastic component;

[0079] 1087-first conjoined cam; 10871-fifth cam surface; 10872-sixth cam surface; 1088-second conjoined cam;

[0080] 10881-seventh cam surface; 10882-eighth cam surface; 1089-first stopper; 10810-second stopper;

[0081] 2-first housing; 2a-first supporting surface; 2b-first exterior surface; 201-first receiving groove;

[0082] 3-second housing; 3a-second supporting surface; 3b-second exterior surface; 301-second receiving groove;

[0083] 4- Flexible display. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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, but is not limited to, applied 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 an unfolded 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 opposite sides of the hinge mechanism 1 and can rotate around the hinge mechanism 1, respectively. When in use, the electronic device can be closed and unfolded according to different usage scenarios.

[0087] 1 , which shows the structure of the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface of the first shell 2, and the first surface of the second shell 3. In the unfolded state, the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface of the first shell 2, and the first surface of the second shell 3 can be connected to form a flat support surface. 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 this application, the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can be defined as the bearing surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface of the first shell 2 can be defined as the first support surface 2a, and the first surface of the second shell 3 can be defined as the second support surface 3a.

[0088] 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 1, the hinge mechanism 1, the first housing 2, and the second housing 3 can provide a flat support for the flexible display.

[0089] In the present application, the electronic device may be an inward-folding electronic device. When the inward-folding electronic device is in the closed state, the flexible display is located on the inner side of the electronic device. Figure 2 illustrates the relative positional relationship between the hinge mechanism 1 and the two housings when the electronic device is in the closed state. Figure 2 shows the structures of the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the second surface of the first housing 2, and the second surface of the second housing 3. The second surface of the hinge mechanism 1 refers to the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 facing away from the flexible display, the second surface of the first housing 2 refers to the surface of the first housing 2 facing away from the flexible display, and the second surface of the second housing 3 refers to the surface of the second housing 3 facing away from the flexible display. The first and second surfaces of the hinge mechanism 1, the first and second surfaces of the first housing 2, and the first and second surfaces of the second housing 3 are arranged opposite each other. In the present application, the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the second surface of the first housing 2, and the second surface of the second housing 3 may be referred to as the exterior surfaces of the electronic device. For ease of description, the second surface of the first housing 2 may be defined as the first exterior surface 2b, the second surface of the second housing 3 as the second exterior surface 3b, and the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1 as the third exterior surface 1b. It is understandable that, for an inward-folding electronic device, its exterior surface is exposed to the outside of the electronic device when the electronic device is in the unfolded state and the closed state.

[0090] In the present application, during the relative rotation of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 from the unfolded state shown in FIG1 to the closed state shown in FIG2 , or from the closed state shown in FIG2 to the unfolded state shown in FIG1 , the flexible display screen can be bent or flattened along with the first shell 2 and the second shell 3. In addition, it can be understood that the process of the electronic device from the unfolded state shown in FIG1 to the closed state shown in FIG2 , or from the closed state shown in FIG2 to the unfolded state shown in FIG1 , is the process of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 rotating around the hinge mechanism 1. As a key functional component in a foldable electronic device, the hinge mechanism 1 can be arranged corresponding to the foldable portion of the flexible display screen. Therefore, it plays an important role in supporting the foldable portion of the flexible display screen in the unfolded state shown in FIG1 and accommodating the foldable portion of the flexible display screen in the closed state shown in FIG2 .

[0091] When the hinge mechanism is specifically set up, in order to achieve its rotation function and avoid squeezing or pulling the flexible display screen during the folding process of the electronic device, the motion component of the hinge mechanism may usually include multiple interconnected connectors, so that the mutual pulling movement between the connectors can make the motion component move along a set trajectory. However, as the size of the hinge mechanism continues to decrease, when the electronic device is in the closed state, the screen space formed by the hinge mechanism is increasingly difficult to meet the bending requirements of the foldable part of the flexible display screen, which can easily cause squeezing of the flexible display screen, making it difficult to ensure the structural strength of the flexible display screen. In addition, the reduction in the size of the hinge mechanism can also easily lead to insufficient structural strength of the motion component, thereby affecting the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism.

[0092] The hinge mechanism provided in this 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, while meeting the requirements of the miniaturized design of the hinge mechanism, and improving the structural strength of the hinge mechanism. In addition, by rationally designing the motion trajectory of the rotating module used to realize the rotation function in the hinge mechanism, when the electronic device is in a closed state, the screen space formed by the hinge mechanism can meet the bending requirements of the foldable part of the flexible display screen, so as to avoid squeezing the flexible display screen, 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 this application, its specific structure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] Referring to Figure 3, which is an exploded view of the electronic device shown in Figure 1, a first receiving groove 201 may be provided at the end of the first housing 2 facing the hinge mechanism 1, and a second receiving groove 301 may be provided at the end of the second housing 3 facing the hinge mechanism 1. At least a portion of the hinge mechanism 1 is received in the first receiving groove 201 and connected to the first housing 2, while at least a portion of the hinge mechanism 1 is received in the second receiving groove 301 and connected to the second housing 3. Rotation of the hinge mechanism 1 enables the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 to move in directions toward or away from each other, thereby achieving the foldable function of the electronic device.

[0094] In the present application, in order to realize the rotation function of the hinge mechanism 1, the hinge mechanism 1 may include a rotation module 101. Referring to FIG4 , FIG4 is an exploded view of the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application. The present application does not limit the number of rotation modules 101 in the hinge mechanism 1. The hinge mechanism 1 may include only one rotation module 101 or multiple rotation modules 101. The hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG4 includes three rotation modules 101, which may be arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1. In the present application, the axial 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 FIG1 around the hinge mechanism 1. It can be understood that in the present application, by providing multiple rotation modules 101 in the hinge mechanism 1, so that the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are rotatably connected through the multiple rotation modules 101, the stability of the rotation of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 of the electronic device relative to the hinge mechanism 1 can be effectively improved.

[0095] Continuing with Figure 4 , the hinge mechanism 1 may further include a main shaft 102 and a hinge back cover 103. The hinge back cover 103 is located on the side of the main shaft 102 facing away from the flexible display screen and is fixedly connected to the main shaft 102. The connection method may include, but is not limited to, welding or threaded connection. The hinge back cover 103 serves as the appearance of the hinge mechanism 1, protecting the various components within the hinge mechanism 1. Furthermore, it is understood that the appearance surface of the hinge back cover 103 may serve as the third appearance surface 1b of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0096] To facilitate understanding of the structure of the rotating module 101, reference is made to FIG5 , which is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application. This diagram illustrates the arrangement of the rotating module 101 within the rotating shaft mechanism 1. In the present application, the rotating module 101 may include a first rotating assembly 1011 and a second rotating assembly 1012. Furthermore, as shown in FIG5 , the main shaft 102 may serve as a supporting member for the first rotating assembly 1011 and the second rotating assembly 1012.

[0097] It is worth mentioning that in the embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG4 , when there are multiple rotating modules 101, 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, thereby making the setting of the rotating module 101 more flexible. In other possible embodiments 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, so as to improve the degree of integration of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 and thus enhance the structural reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0098] Referring to Figure 6, Figure 6 is an exploded view of the structure shown in Figure 5. In the present application, the first rotating assembly 1011 may include a first support arm 10111, a first door panel fixing frame 10112, and a first connecting member 10113. The first connecting member 10113 is located between the first support arm 10111 and the first door panel fixing frame 10112, and the first connecting member 10113 is rotationally connected to the first support arm 10111. The first connecting member 10113 is also rotationally connected to the first door panel fixing frame 10112, so that the first support arm 10111 and the first door panel fixing frame 10112 are pulled against each other through the first connecting member 10113. Based on this, 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.

[0099] In the present application, the first connecting member 10113 is movable relative to the spindle 102. For a specific implementation, refer to FIG7 , which is a schematic diagram illustrating the mating relationship between the first connecting member 10113 and the spindle 102 according to an embodiment of the present application. The spindle 102 is provided with a first track groove 1021 , along which the first connecting member 10113 is movable relative to the spindle 102 , thereby limiting the motion trajectory of the first connecting member 10113 . In the present application, in order to realize the movement of the first connecting member 10113 along the first trajectory groove 1021, the first connecting member 10113 can include a first slider 101131. The first slider 101131 can be installed in the first trajectory groove 1021 and can move along the first trajectory groove 1021, so that the first trajectory groove 1021 limits the movement trajectory of the first connecting member 10113, so that the position of the first connecting member 10113 is relatively stable during the unfolded state and the closed state of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, and no virtual shaking occurs, so as to improve the reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 in the above two states.

[0100] In this application, the shape of the first trajectory groove 1021 is not specifically limited. For example, it can be the arcuate groove shown in FIG7 . The arcuate groove can be a circular arcuate groove, an elliptical arcuate groove, or any other possible arcuate groove shape. The first slider 101131 can be an arcuate slider, a circular arcuate slider, an elliptical arcuate slider, or any other possible arcuate slider shape. In this case, the first slider 101131 can rotate relative to the main shaft 102 along the first trajectory groove 1021, thereby achieving a rotational connection between the first connecting member 10113 and the main shaft 102, thereby limiting the motion trajectory of the first connecting member 10113.

[0101] In some other possible embodiments of the present application, the first slider 101131 can also slide along the first track groove 1021 relative to the main shaft 102 to achieve a sliding connection between the first connecting member 10113 and the main shaft 102, thereby limiting the motion trajectory of the first connecting member 10113. In a specific implementation, the first track groove 1021 can also be a linear groove, and the first slider 101131 can be adaptively configured as a linear slider. It is understood that in the present application, the shape of the first slider 101131 matches that of the first track groove 1021 to improve the smoothness of the sliding of the first slider 101131 along the first track groove 1021.

[0102] 7 , the main shaft 102 may further be provided with a first mounting groove 1022, and the first connecting member 10113 may be mounted in the first mounting groove 1022. This allows the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 to be more compact, thereby facilitating a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. The first track groove 1021 may be formed in a groove wall of the first mounting groove 1022 arranged along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, and the first sliding block 101131 may be disposed at the end of the first connecting member 10113 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0103] Referring to Figures 5 and 7 , the main shaft 102 includes a first sub-supporting surface 1025, which is positioned toward the flexible display. Furthermore, the first connector 10113 includes a second sub-supporting surface 101132. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first sub-supporting surface 1025 and the second sub-supporting surface 101132 can be used together to provide a flat support for the flexible display, thereby improving the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 in supporting the flexible display when the electronic device is in the unfolded state.

[0104] It is worth mentioning that in a possible embodiment of the present application, the first connecting member 10113 as a whole can serve as the first slider 101131. At this time, the first track groove 1021 can be adaptively adjusted so that the first connecting member 10113 as a whole can be installed in the first track groove 1021 and rotate or slide along the first track groove 1021 relative to the main shaft 102.

[0105] Referring to Figure 8, Figure 8 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 expanded state. This view illustrates the mating relationship between the first slider 101131 of the first connecting member 10113 and the first track groove 1021. Furthermore, referring to Figure 9, 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 the closed state. Referring to Figures 8 and 9 together, it can be seen that when the electronic device moves from the expanded state to the closed state, the first slider 101131 of the first connecting member 10113 can move within the first track groove 1021 toward the first door panel mounting bracket 10112. Conversely, when the electronic device moves from the closed state to the expanded state, the first slider 101131 of the first connecting member 10113 can move within the first track groove 1021 toward the first support arm 10111. This allows the first connecting member 10113 to move relative to the main shaft 102 along a predetermined trajectory.

[0106] 8 and 9 together, it can be seen that when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, or from a closed state to an expanded state, the first support arm 10111 and the first door panel fixing frame 10112 achieve mutual pulling movement through the first connecting member 10113, thereby achieving the rotation of the first support arm 10111 and the first door panel fixing frame 10112 around the main axis 102.

[0107] In the present application, when the first support arm 10111 is specifically rotatably connected to the first connecting member 10113, reference may be made to FIG10 , which is an exploded view of a partial structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application, and can be used to illustrate the relative positional relationship between the first support arm 10111, the first connecting member 10113, and the first door panel fixing bracket 10112. As shown in FIG10 , the first rotating assembly 1011 may further include a first connecting rod 10114, which is located between the first support arm 10111 and the first connecting member 10113, and the first support arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the first connecting rod 10114, and the first connecting member 10113 is rotatably connected to the first connecting rod 10114, and the axis of rotation of the first support arm 10111 relative to the first connecting rod 10114 is parallel to and does not overlap with the axis of rotation of the first connecting member 10113 relative to the first connecting rod 10114. In a specific implementation, the first connecting rod 10114 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10111 via the first rotating shaft 10115, and the axis of the first rotating shaft 10115 extends along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. In addition, referring to Figures 6 and 10, the first supporting arm 10111 can be provided with a first avoidance opening 101111, and at least a portion of the first connecting rod 10114 can be accommodated in the first avoidance opening 101111, which can make the structure of the first rotating assembly 1011 more compact, thereby facilitating a reduction in the size of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0108] 10 , first support arm 10111 and main shaft 102 are rotatably connected via second rotating shaft 10116, wherein the axis of first rotating shaft 10115 is parallel to, but not coincident with, the axis of second rotating shaft 10116. Referring to both FIG8 and FIG10 , second rotating shaft 10116 is located on the side of first rotating shaft 10115 facing away from the flexible display screen.

[0109] Continuing with Figure 10 , the first connecting rod 10114 is rotatably connected to the first connecting member 10113 via the third rotating shaft 10117. The axis of the first rotating shaft 10115 is parallel to, but not coincident with, the axis of the third rotating shaft 10117. Furthermore, a second escape opening 101133 may be provided at the end of the first connecting member 10113 facing the first connecting rod 10114. At least a portion of the first connecting member 10113 may be accommodated within the second escape opening 101133, thereby making the structure of the first rotating assembly 1011 more compact.

[0110] In the present application, the first connecting member 10113 and the first door panel fixing frame 10112 can be rotatably connected via a fourth rotating shaft 10118. The axis of the fourth rotating shaft 10118 is parallel to and does not overlap with the axis of the third rotating shaft 10117. In addition, as shown in FIG10 , the end of the first connecting member 10113 facing the first door panel fixing frame 10112 can be provided with a third avoidance opening 101134, and the end of the first door panel fixing frame 10112 facing the first connecting member 10113 can be provided with a first protrusion 101121. The first protrusion 101121 can be accommodated in the third avoidance opening 101134. This allows the first protrusion 101121 to be rotatably connected to the first connecting member 10113 via the fourth rotating shaft 10118, thereby achieving a rotatable connection between the first connecting member 10113 and the first door panel fixing frame 10112, thereby making the structure of the first rotating assembly 10111 more compact.

[0111] Continuing with reference to FIG. 10 , in the present application, the rotation 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 rotation assembly 1011 is located between the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014. A first support arm 10111 is slidably connected to the first housing fixing frame 1013. For specific implementation, reference may be made to FIG. 11 , which is a schematic diagram illustrating the mating relationship between the first support arm 10111 and the first housing fixing frame 1013 according to an embodiment of the present application. The first housing fixing frame 1013 is provided with a first slide groove 10131 extending in a first direction. The first support 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 main shaft 102. Furthermore, to prevent the first support arm 10111 from falling out of the first chute 10131, a first slideway 101311 can be provided on the wall of the first chute 10131, and a first guide portion 101112 can be provided on the first support arm 10111. In this way, the first guide portion 101112 can be secured to the first slideway 101311 and slide along the first slideway 101311 to limit the position of the first support arm 10111 within the first chute 10131. Furthermore, by providing the first slideway 101311 on the wall of the first chute 10131, it can provide guidance for the first support arm 10111 as it slides along the first chute 10131, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the first support arm 10111.

[0112] In the present application, the first door panel fixing frame 10112 can be rotatably connected to the second shell fixing frame 1014. The first door panel fixing frame 10112 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 can be rotatably connected by means of a virtual axis. It is worth mentioning that in the present application, the virtual axis refers to the axis of an arc-shaped structure, and the two rotatably connected parts can rotate relative to the virtual axis, and the position of the virtual axis is fixed as the two rotatably connected parts rotate relative to each other. When the first door panel fixing frame 10112 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 are rotatably connected by a virtual axis, reference can be made to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of the matching relationship between the first door panel fixing frame 10112 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The end of the first door panel fixing frame 10112 facing the second shell fixing frame 1014 is provided with a first arc groove 101122, and the second shell fixing frame 1014 is provided with a second arc rotation block 10142. 8 and 12 , the second arc-shaped rotating block 10142 is installed in the first arc-shaped groove 101122 , and the second arc-shaped rotating block 10142 can slide along the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove 101122 , thereby realizing the relative rotation of the first door panel fixing frame 10112 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 .

[0113] It can be understood that in a possible embodiment of the present application, a second arc-shaped rotating block 10142 can be provided at the end of the first door panel fixing frame 10112 facing the second shell fixing frame 1014, and the first arc-shaped groove 101122 can be provided on the second shell fixing frame 1014. The relative rotation of the first door panel fixing frame 10112 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 can also be achieved by sliding the second arc-shaped rotating block 10142 along the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove 101122.

[0114] It is worth mentioning that for the inward-folding electronic device, the first door panel fixing frame 10112 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 are rotationally connected through a virtual axis, and the axis of rotation of the second shell fixing frame 1014 relative to the first door panel fixing frame 10112 is located on the side of the first door panel fixing frame 10112 facing the flexible display screen.

[0115] In the present application, in addition to being rotatably connected via a virtual axis, the first door panel fixing frame 10112 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 can also be rotatably connected via a solid axis, so that the connection between the first door panel fixing frame 10112 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 is more reliable.

[0116] Based on the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the above embodiment of the present application, with reference to Figures 8 and 9, when the electronic device moves from an unfolded state to a closed state, the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 move toward each other. When the first shell fixing frame 1013 drives the first support arm 10111 to rotate clockwise around the main axis 102, the first support arm 10111 can slide relative to the first shell fixing frame 1013 in the direction toward the main axis 102 in the first sliding groove 10131. Since the first support arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the first connecting member 10113 via the first connecting rod 10114, and the first support arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via the second rotating shaft 10116, when the first support arm 10111 rotates clockwise around the main shaft 102, the first support arm 10111 can push the first connecting member 10113 to move in the first track groove 1021 toward the first door panel fixing frame 10112 via the first connecting rod 10114 based on the principle of leverage, thereby pushing the first door panel fixing frame 10112 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102. Furthermore, since the first door panel fixing frame 10112 is rotatably connected to the second housing fixing frame 1014, the counterclockwise rotation of the first door panel fixing frame 10112 around the main shaft 102 can drive the second housing fixing frame 1014 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102. 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 support arm 10111 to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis 102, the first support arm 10111 can pull the first connecting member 10113 in the first track groove 1021 toward the first support arm 10111 through the first connecting rod 10114, thereby driving the first door panel fixing frame 10112 to rotate clockwise around the main axis 102, and driving the second housing fixing frame 1014 to rotate clockwise around the main axis 102 through the first door panel fixing frame 10112. Thus, the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism 1 are realized.

[0117] In some existing hinge mechanisms 1, 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 102. This will make the main shaft 102 and the hinge mechanism 1 very thick and heavy. If the thickness is forcibly reduced, the strength of the rotating assembly will be easily weakened. In addition, when the electronic device is dropped, the rotating assembly is at risk of falling off the main shaft 102, which greatly affects the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 and thus shortens the life of the electronic device. The hinge mechanism 1 described above in the present application has a streamlined structure. Through the above structural relationship, the cross-section of the first slider 101131 of the first connecting member 10113 can be made smaller to shuttle through the first track groove 1021 of the main shaft 102. At the same time, because the first connecting member 10113 has a sufficient length extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis and is respectively connected to the first support arm 10111 and the first door panel fixing frame 10112, 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.

[0118] In addition, since the first connecting member 10113 can move along a set trajectory within the first trajectory groove 1021, 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 1021, the inner 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.

[0119] Continuing with FIG. 6 , 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 support arm 10121, a second door panel fixing frame 10122, and a second connecting member 10123. The second connecting member 10123 is located between the second support arm 10121 and the second door panel fixing frame 10122, and is rotationally connected to the second support arm 10121 and the second door panel fixing frame 10122. In the present application, when the second connecting member 10123 is rotationally connected to the second support arm 10121 and the second door panel fixing frame 10122, the configuration may be similar to the above-described configuration of the rotational connection between the first connecting member 10113 and the second support arm 10121 and the second door panel fixing frame 10122. For example, reference may be made to FIG7 , which may also be used to illustrate the mating relationship between the second connecting member 10123 and the main shaft 102 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The main shaft 102 is provided with a second trajectory groove 1023 , and the second connecting member 10123 is mounted in the second trajectory groove 1023 and can move relative to the main shaft 102 along the second trajectory groove 1023 , so that the second trajectory groove 1023 limits the movement trajectory of the second connecting member 10123 . When the second connecting member 10123 is specifically provided, it may include a second slider 101231 , which can be mounted in the second trajectory groove 1023 and can move along the second trajectory groove 1023 , so that the second trajectory groove 1023 limits the movement trajectory of the second connecting member 10123 , so that the position of the second connecting member 10123 is relatively stable during the process of the hinge mechanism 1 being in the expanded state and the closed state, and no virtual position shaking occurs, thereby improving the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 in the above two states.

[0120] In this application, the shape of the second trajectory groove 1023 is not specifically limited. For example, it can be the arcuate groove shown in FIG7 , which can be a circular arcuate groove, an elliptical arcuate groove, or any other possible arcuate groove shape. The second slider 101231 can be an arcuate slider, which can be a circular arcuate slider, an elliptical arcuate slider, or any other possible arcuate slider shape. In this case, the second slider 101231 can rotate relative to the main shaft 102 along the second trajectory groove 1023, thereby achieving a rotational connection between the second connecting member 10123 and the main shaft 102, thereby limiting the motion trajectory of the second connecting member 10123.

[0121] In some other possible embodiments of the present application, the second slider 101231 can also slide along the second track groove 1023 relative to the main shaft 102 to achieve a sliding connection between the second connecting member 10123 and the main shaft 102, thereby limiting the motion trajectory of the second connecting member 10123. In a specific implementation, the second track groove 1023 can also be a linear groove, and the second slider 101231 can be adaptively configured as a linear slider. It is understood that in the present application, the shape of the second slider 101231 matches the shape of the second track groove 1023 to improve the smoothness of the second slider 101231 sliding along the second track groove 1023.

[0122] 7 , the main shaft 102 may further be provided with a second mounting groove 1024, and the second connecting member 10123 may be mounted in the second mounting groove 1024. This allows for a more compact structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, facilitating a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. The second track groove 1023 may be formed in a groove wall of the second mounting groove 1024 arranged along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, and the second slider 101231 may be disposed at the end of the second connecting member 10123 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0123] 5 and 7 , the second connecting member 10123 may include a third sub-supporting surface 101232. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first sub-supporting surface 1025, the second sub-supporting surface 101132, and the third sub-supporting surface 101232 may be used together to flatly support the flexible display screen, thereby facilitating improved support reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 for the flexible display screen when the electronic device is in the unfolded state.

[0124] It is worth mentioning that in a possible embodiment of the present application, the second connecting member 10123 as a whole can serve as the second slider 101231. At this time, the second track groove 1023 can be adaptively adjusted so that the second connecting member 10123 as a whole can be installed in the second track groove 1023 and move relative to the main shaft 102 along the second track groove 1023.

[0125] In the present application, when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, or from a closed state to an expanded state, the second support arm 10121 and the second door panel fixing frame 10122 achieve mutual pulling movement through the second connecting member 10123, thereby achieving the rotation of the second support arm 10121 and the second door panel fixing frame 10122 around the main axis 102. Specifically, when the second support arm 10121 is rotationally connected to the second connecting member 10123, referring to FIG. 6 , the second rotating assembly 1012 may further include a second connecting rod 10124, which is located between the second support arm 10121 and the second connecting member 10123. The second support arm 10121 and the second connecting rod 10124 are rotationally connected, and the second connecting member 10123 and the second connecting rod 10124 are rotationally connected. The axis of rotation of the second support arm 10121 relative to the second connecting rod 10124 is parallel to, but not coincident with, the axis of rotation of the second connecting member 10123 relative to the second connecting rod 10124. In a specific implementation, the second connecting rod 10124 is rotationally connected to the second support arm 10121 via a fifth rotating shaft, and the axis of the fifth rotating shaft extends along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. 6 , the second support arm 10121 may be provided with a fourth avoidance opening, and at least a portion of the second connecting rod 10124 may be accommodated in the fourth avoidance opening, which may make the structure of the second rotating assembly 1012 more compact, thereby facilitating a reduction in the size of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 .

[0126] In addition, the second support arm 10121 and the main shaft 102 can be rotatably connected through a sixth rotating shaft, wherein the axis of the fifth rotating shaft is parallel to the axis of the sixth rotating shaft but does not overlap, and the sixth rotating shaft is located on the side of the fifth rotating shaft away from the flexible display screen.

[0127] In the present application, the second connecting rod 10124 is rotatably connected to the second connecting member 10123 via a seventh rotating shaft, the axis of which is parallel to, but not coincident with, the axis of the fifth rotating shaft. Furthermore, the end of the second connecting member 10123 facing the second connecting rod 10124 may be provided with a fifth relief opening, so that at least a portion of the second connecting member 10123 can be accommodated within the fifth relief opening, thereby making the structure of the second rotating assembly 1012 more compact.

[0128] In the present application, the second connecting member 10123 can be rotatably connected to the second door panel fixing frame 10122 via an eighth rotating shaft, and the axis of the eighth rotating shaft is parallel to and does not overlap with the axis of the seventh rotating shaft. In addition, the end of the second connecting member 10123 facing the second door panel fixing frame 10122 can be provided with a sixth avoidance opening, and the end of the second door panel fixing frame 10122 facing the second connecting member 10123 can be provided with a second protrusion, which can be accommodated in the sixth avoidance opening. The second protrusion can then be rotatably connected to the second connecting member 10123 via the eighth rotating shaft to achieve the rotational connection between the second connecting member 10123 and the second door panel fixing frame 10122, thereby making the structure of the second rotating assembly 1012 more compact.

[0129] In the present application, the second support arm 10121 is slidably connected to the second housing mount 1014. For specific implementation, please continue to refer to FIG11 , which can also be used to illustrate the mating relationship between the second support arm 10121 and the second housing mount 1014. The second housing mount 1014 is provided with a second slide groove 10141 extending along a second direction. The second support arm 10121 can be mounted in the second slide groove 10141 and can slide within the second slide groove 10141 along a second direction. The second direction can be the direction in which the second housing mount 1014 moves toward or away from the main shaft 102. Furthermore, to prevent the second support arm 10121 from falling out of the second slide groove 10141, a second slideway 101411 can be provided on the wall of the second slide groove 10141, and a second guide portion 101211 can be provided on the second support arm 10121. In this way, the second guide portion 101211 can be clamped in the second slideway 101411 and can slide along the second slideway 101411 to limit the position of the second support arm 10121 in the second slide groove 10141. In addition, by providing the second slideway 101411 on the groove wall of the second slide groove 10141, it can provide guidance for the sliding of the second support arm 10121 along the second slide groove 10141, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the second support arm 10121.

[0130] In addition, the second door panel fixing frame 10122 can be rotatably connected to the first shell fixing frame 1013. The second door panel fixing frame 10122 and the first shell fixing frame 1013 can be rotatably connected by a virtual axis. In a specific implementation, reference can be made to FIG12 , which can also be used to illustrate the coordination between the second door panel fixing frame 10122 and the first shell fixing frame 1013. A second arcuate groove is provided at the end of the second door panel fixing frame 10122 facing the first shell fixing frame 1013, and a first arcuate rotating block 10132 is provided at the first shell fixing frame 1013. The first arcuate rotating block 10132 is mounted in the second arcuate groove, and the first arcuate rotating block 10132 can slide along the groove surface of the second arcuate groove, thereby achieving relative rotation between the second door panel fixing frame 10122 and the first shell fixing frame 1013.

[0131] It can be understood that in a possible embodiment of the present application, the second door panel fixing frame 10122 can be provided with a first arc-shaped rotating block 10132 at the end facing the first shell fixing frame 1013, and the second arc-shaped groove 101221 can be provided on the first shell fixing frame 1013. The relative rotation of the second door panel fixing frame 10122 and the first shell fixing frame 1013 can also be achieved by sliding the first arc-shaped rotating block 10132 along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 101221.

[0132] It is worth mentioning that for the inward-folding electronic device, the second door panel fixing frame 10122 is rotationally connected to the first shell fixing frame 1013 through a virtual axis, and the axis of rotation of the first shell fixing frame 1013 relative to the second door panel fixing frame 10122 is located on the side of the second door panel fixing frame 10122 facing the flexible display screen.

[0133] In the present application, in addition to being rotatably connected to the first shell fixing frame 1013 through a virtual axis, the second door panel fixing frame 10122 and the first shell fixing frame 1013 can also be rotatably connected through a solid axis, so that the connection between the second door panel fixing frame 10122 and the first shell fixing frame 1013 is more reliable.

[0134] Based on the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device moves from an unfolded state to a closed state, the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 move toward each other. When the second shell fixing frame 1014 drives the second support arm 10121 to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis 102, the second support arm 10121 can slide relative to the second shell fixing frame 1014 in the direction toward the main axis 102 in the second slide groove 10141. Since the second support arm 10121 is rotationally connected to the second connecting member 10123 via the second connecting rod 10124, and the second support arm 10121 is rotationally connected to the main shaft 102 via the sixth rotating shaft, when the second support arm 10121 rotates clockwise around the main shaft 102, based on the principle of leverage, the second support arm 10121 can push the second connecting member 10123 to move in the second track groove 1023 toward the second door panel fixing frame 10122 via the second connecting rod 10124, thereby pushing the second door panel fixing frame 10122 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102. Furthermore, since the second door panel fixing frame 10122 is rotationally connected to the first housing fixing frame 1013, the clockwise rotation of the second door panel fixing frame 10122 around the main shaft 102 can drive the first housing fixing frame 1013 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102. 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 away from each other. When the second housing fixing frame 1014 drives the second support arm 10121 to rotate clockwise around the main axis 102, the second support arm 10121 can pull the second connecting member 10123 in the second track groove 1023 toward the second support arm 10121 through the second connecting rod 10124, thereby driving the second door panel fixing frame 10122 to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis 102, and driving the first housing fixing frame 1013 to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis 102 through the second door panel fixing frame 10122. Thus, the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism 1 are realized.

[0135] In order to ensure the stability of some existing hinge mechanisms 1, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the rotating assembly connected to the main shaft 102. This will make the main shaft 102 and the hinge mechanism 1 very thick and heavy. If the thickness is forcibly reduced, the strength of the rotating assembly will be easily weakened. In addition, when the electronic device is dropped, the rotating assembly is at risk of falling off the main shaft 102, which greatly affects the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 and thus shortens the life of the electronic device. The hinge mechanism 1 described above in the present application has a streamlined structure. Through the above structural relationship, the cross-section of the second slider 101231 of the second connecting member 10123 can be made smaller to shuttle through the second track groove 1023 of the main shaft 102. At the same time, because the second connecting member 10123 has a sufficient length extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis and is respectively connected to the first and second support arms and the second door panel fixing frame 10122, 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.

[0136] In addition, since the second connecting member 10123 can move along a set trajectory within the second trajectory groove 1023, 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 1023, the inner 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.

[0137] Referring to Figure 13, Figure 13 is a partial structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application, and the main shaft 102 is omitted in Figure 13 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 support arm 10111 is slidably connected to the first shell fixing frame 1013, and the first door panel fixing frame 10112 is rotatably connected to the second shell fixing frame 1014. The first support arm 10111 can pull the first door panel fixing frame 10112 to move along a set trajectory through the first connecting member 10113; the second support arm 10121 is slidably connected to the second shell fixing frame 1014, and the second door panel fixing frame 10122 is rotatably connected to the first shell fixing frame 1013. The second support arm 10121 can pull the second door panel fixing frame 10122 to move along a set trajectory through the second connecting member 10123. In this way, the movement distance of the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 toward or away from the main axis 102 can be limited, so that when the electronic device is in any folded state, the distance between the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 and the main axis 102 is equal. In addition, when the electronic device moves from the unfolded state to the closed state, and from the closed state to the unfolded state, the distance the first shell fixing frame 1013 moves relative to the main axis 102 can be equal, and the distance the second shell fixing frame 1014 moves relative to the main axis 102 can be equal. Therefore, when the hinge mechanism 1 is applied to the electronic device shown in Figure 1, the folding function of the electronic device can be achieved while avoiding squeezing or pulling on the flexible display screen, thereby extending the service life of the flexible display screen and improving the reliability of the electronic device.

[0138] Referring to Figure 14 , Figure 14 is another exploded view of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The hinge mechanism 1 further comprises a first door panel 104 and a second door panel 105. The first door panel 104 is located on the side of the first door panel mounting bracket 10112 facing the flexible display screen. The first door panel 104 is fixedly connected to the first door panel mounting bracket 10112 and includes a first panel surface 1041 facing the flexible display screen. The second door panel 105 is located on the side of the second door panel mounting bracket 10122 facing the flexible display screen. The second door panel 105 is fixedly connected to the second door panel mounting bracket 10122 and includes a second panel surface 1051 facing the flexible display screen. The connection method between the first door panel 104 and the second door panel 105 of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the present application and the corresponding rotating components is relatively simple, and the motion driving mechanism of the first door panel 104 and the second door panel 105 is the mechanism of the hinge mechanism 1 used to realize the folding and unfolding functions, which can improve the integration of the hinge mechanism 1, so that the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 can be simplified, thereby facilitating the miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0139] In a possible embodiment of the present application, the first door panel 104 and the first door panel fixing frame 10112 may be an integral structure, and the second door panel 105 and the second door panel fixing frame 10122 may be an integral structure to simplify the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 .

[0140] As can be seen from the above description of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, when the rotating shaft mechanism 1 includes multiple rotating modules 101, a separate main shaft 102 can be provided for each rotating module 101. Furthermore, referring to FIG14 , two adjacent main shafts 102 can be connected by a connecting beam 106, and the specific connection method can be, but is not limited to, welding, riveting, or bonding. Referring to Figure 15, Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in Figure 14. In the present application, the first door panel 104 and the second door panel 105 can both be set as an integrated structure, and the first door panel 104 is fixedly connected to the first door panel fixing frame 10112 of the multiple rotating modules 101, and the second door panel 105 is fixedly connected to the second door panel fixing frame 10122 of the multiple rotating modules 101. In this way, when the electronic device is in the expanded state, the first door panel 104, the main shaft 102 and the second door panel 105 can be used together to support the flexible display screen, which is conducive to improving the integrity of the support surface provided by the hinge mechanism 1 for the flexible display screen in this state, so as to achieve flat support of the flexible display screen by the hinge mechanism 1.

[0141] In addition, referring to Figure 16, Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in Figure 15 when the electronic device is in a closed state, which can be used to show a cross-sectional view of the first door panel 104 and the second door panel 105 in this state. As shown in Figure 16, the hinge mechanism 1 provided by the present application reasonably designs the motion trajectory of the first rotating component 1011 and the second rotating component 1012, and makes each rotating component rotationally connected to one shell fixing frame through a fixed axis, and slidingly connected to the other shell fixing frame. This can make the screen-holding space formed by the hinge mechanism 1 when the electronic device is in a closed state more compatible with the bending shape of the foldable part of the flexible display screen 4, which can avoid squeezing the flexible display screen 4, thereby helping to improve the structural reliability of the flexible display screen 4. In addition, the structural design of the hinge mechanism 1 provided by the present application can make the structural strength of each component of the hinge mechanism 1 better, which is conducive to improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0142] It is understood that during the unfolding and closing process of the electronic device, by making the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 move synchronously, the risk of the flexible display being subjected to instantaneous compression or pulling stress can be effectively reduced. Based on this, the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application can also include a synchronization component 107. In specific implementation, referring to Figure 13, the synchronization component 107 includes a synchronization gear 1071. Along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, the synchronization gear 1071 is located between the first connecting member 10113 and the second connecting member 10123. In addition, a first gear surface 101135 is provided on the end of the first connecting member 10113 facing the synchronous gear 1071, and a second gear surface 101233 is provided on the end of the second connecting member 10123 facing the synchronous gear 1071. The first gear surface 101135 and the second gear surface 101233 are transmission-connected via the synchronous gear 1071, so that when the first connecting member 10113 rotates relative to the synchronous gear 1071, the second connecting member 10123 can be driven to move synchronously in the opposite direction relative to the synchronous gear 1071. This application does not limit the number of synchronous gears 1071, which can be, for example, one as shown in FIG. 13, and the first gear surface 101135 can mesh with the gear surface of the synchronous gear 1071, and the second gear surface 101233 can mesh with the gear surface of the synchronous gear 1071.

[0143] As shown in FIG13 , the first connecting member 10113 may include two first sliders 101131. The two first sliders 101131 are respectively disposed at the two ends of the first connecting member 10113 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. The first gear surface 101135 may be disposed on the first slider 101131 of the first connecting member 10113 facing the synchronous gear 1071. In the present application, when the first connecting member 10113 includes two first sliders 101131, the main shaft 102 may be provided with a first track groove 1021 corresponding to each first slider 101131, so that each first slider 101131 is mounted in a corresponding first track groove 1021 and each first slider 101131 can slide or rotate relative to the main shaft along the corresponding first track groove 1021, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the first connecting member 10113 relative to the main shaft 102. It is understood that when the two first sliders 101131 of the first connecting member 10113 are arc-shaped sliders, the shapes of the two first sliders 101131 can be the same or different, but the axes of rotation of the two first sliders 101131 relative to the main shaft 102 coincide. For example, the two first sliders 101131 are both arc-shaped sliders, and the radii of the circles on which the two first sliders 101131 are located are the same or different, but the axes of rotation of the two first sliders 101131 relative to the main shaft 102 coincide. This improves the stability of the first connecting member 10113 in rotation relative to the main shaft 102.

[0144] In the present application, the second connecting member 10123 may include two second sliders 101231. The two second sliders 101231 are respectively provided at the two ends of the second connecting member 10123 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. The second gear surface 101233 may be provided on the second slider 101231 of the second connecting member 10123 facing the synchronous gear 1071. In the present application, when the second connecting member 10123 includes two second sliders 101231, the main shaft 102 may be provided with a second track groove 1023 corresponding to each second slider 101231, so that each second slider 101231 is installed in the corresponding second track groove 1023 and each second slider 101231 can slide or rotate relative to the main shaft along the corresponding second track groove 1023, thereby improving the stability of the second connecting member 10123 in its movement relative to the main shaft 102. It is understood that when the two second sliders 101231 of the second connecting member 10123 are arc-shaped sliders, the shapes of the two second sliders 101231 can be the same or different, but the axes of rotation of the two second sliders 101231 relative to the main shaft 102 coincide. For example, the two second sliders 101231 are both arc-shaped sliders, and the radii of the circles on which the two second sliders 101231 are located are the same or different, but the axes of rotation of the two second sliders 101231 relative to the main shaft 102 coincide. This improves the stability of the movement of the second connecting member 10123 relative to the main shaft 102.

[0145] In the present application, by setting the first gear surface 101135 of the first connecting member 10113 on a first slider 101131 of the first connecting member 10113, and setting the second gear surface 101233 of the second connecting member 10123 on a second slider 101231 of the second connecting member 10123, the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 can be made more compact while achieving synchronous rotation of the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014, which is conducive to achieving a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0146] Based on the above introduction to the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a closed state, the first shell fixing frame 1013 rotates clockwise around the main axis 102, which can drive the first support arm 10111 to rotate clockwise around the main axis 102, thereby causing the first support arm 10111 to push the first connecting member 10113 through the first connecting rod 10114 to move toward the first door panel fixing frame 10112 in the first track groove 1021. Because the first connecting member 10113 and the second connecting member 10123 are connected through the synchronous gear 1071, the first connecting member 10113 moves toward the first door panel fixing frame 10112 in the first track groove 1021, which can drive the second connecting member 10123 to move toward the second door panel fixing frame 10122 in the second track groove 1023, so that the second door panel fixing frame 10122 pulls the second connecting member 10123 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102 through the second connecting rod 10124, and then drives the second shell fixing frame 1014 to rotate synchronously in the counterclockwise direction around the main shaft 102, thereby realizing the synchronous opposite rotation of the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014. 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.

[0147] The hinge mechanism 1 provided in this application can achieve its folding and unfolding functions through the mutual pulling between the various structures connected in rotation. At the same time, the provision of the synchronization component 107 can achieve the synchronous rotation of the two housing fixing frames toward or away from each other, thereby making the rotation of the hinge mechanism 1 more reliable. In addition, because the structures of the mechanism for achieving the rotation function and the mechanism for achieving the synchronization function of the hinge mechanism 1 are both relatively simple, the structure of the entire hinge mechanism 1 can be effectively simplified, thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the hinge mechanism 1 and reducing the cost of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0148] Referring to Figure 17 , which is another exploded view of the structure shown in Figure 5 , the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include a damping module 108 , which includes a first rocker assembly 1081 and a second rocker assembly 1082 , wherein the first rocker assembly 1081 and the second rocker assembly 1082 are rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 , and the first rocker assembly 1081 and the first housing fixing frame 1013 are located on the same side of the main shaft 102 , and the second rocker assembly 1082 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 are located on the same side of the main shaft 102 .

[0149] Referring to Figure 18 , Figure 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mating relationship between the damping module 108 and the main shaft 102 according to an embodiment of the present application. The main shaft 102 further includes a first mounting portion 1026 and a second mounting portion 1027. A first rocker assembly 1081 is rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 1026 via a first axis 1083, and a second rocker assembly 1082 is rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 1027 via a second axis 1084. The first axis 1083 and the second axis 1084 are parallel and non-overlapping. In specific implementation, the first rocker arm assembly 1081 includes a first rocker arm 10811 and a second rocker arm 10812. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, the first mounting portion 1026 is located between the first rocker arm 10811 and the second rocker arm 10812. The first shaft 1083 can be simultaneously passed through the first rocker arm 10811, the first mounting portion 1026 and the second rocker arm 10812. Then, the first rocker arm 10811 and the second rocker arm 10812 are rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 1026 through the first shaft 1083, thereby realizing the rotational connection between the first rocker arm assembly 1081 and the main shaft 102.

[0150] Similarly, the second rocker arm assembly 1082 includes a third rocker arm 10821 and a fourth rocker arm 10822. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, the second mounting portion 1027 is located between the third rocker arm 10821 and the fourth rocker arm 10822. The second shaft 1084 can be simultaneously passed through the third rocker arm 10821, the second mounting portion 1027 and the fourth rocker arm 10822. Then, the third rocker arm 10821 and the fourth rocker arm 10822 are rotationally connected to the second mounting portion 1027 through the second shaft 1084, thereby realizing the rotational connection between the second rocker arm assembly 1082 and the main shaft 102.

[0151] As shown in FIG18 , in the present application, the damping module 108 further includes a gasket 1085. In this embodiment of the present application, the damping module 108 includes multiple gaskets 1085, at least one gasket 1085 being located between the first rocker arm 10811 and the second rocker arm 10812, and at least one gasket 1085 being located between the third rocker arm 10821 and the fourth rocker arm 10822. Exemplarily, at least one gasket 1085 is located between the first rocker arm 10811 and the first mounting portion 1026 and is sleeved around the first shaft 1083; at least one gasket 1085 is located between the second rocker arm 10812 and the first mounting portion 1026 and is sleeved around the first shaft 1083; at least one gasket 1085 is located between the third rocker arm 10821 and the second mounting portion 1027 and is sleeved around the second shaft 1084; and at least one gasket 1085 is located between the fourth rocker arm 10822 and the second mounting portion 1027 and is sleeved around the second shaft 1084.

[0152] The damping module 108 also includes an elastic component 1086. The present application does not limit the specific setting form of the elastic component 1086. It exemplarily includes multiple springs, and at least one spring is arranged on the first shaft 1083, and at least one spring is arranged on the second shaft 1084, so as to improve the movement reliability of the elastic component 1086 and enable the elastic component 1086 to generate an elastic force along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0153] Then, along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component 1086, the first rocker arm 10811 and the second rocker arm 10812 press the gasket 1085 located between the first rocker arm 10811 and the second rocker arm 10812 toward the first mounting portion 1026, and the third rocker arm 10821 and the fourth rocker arm 10822 press the gasket 1085 located between the third rocker arm 10821 and the fourth rocker arm 10822 toward the second mounting portion 1027.

[0154] Continuing with FIG. 18 , along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 , at least one side surface of the first mounting portion 1026 is provided with a first engaging groove 10261. At least one washer 1085 located between the first swing arm 10811 and the second swing arm 10812 is engaged in the first engaging groove 10261. Furthermore, in the direction in which the first swing arm assembly 1081 rotates relative to the main shaft 102, the washer 1085 located between the first swing arm 10811 and the second swing arm 10812 is relatively fixed to the first mounting portion 1026. This prevents the washer 1085 from rotating along with the first swing arm assembly 1081 around the main shaft 102 during rotation of the first swing arm assembly 1081 around the main shaft 102. Because the first rocker arm assembly 1081 and the gasket 1085 are squeezed into contact under the elastic force of the elastic assembly 1086, when the first rocker arm assembly 1081 rotates relative to the main shaft 102, friction resistance can be generated between the first rocker arm assembly 1081 and the gasket 1085. This friction resistance can serve as a damping force to hinder the first rocker arm assembly 1081 from rotating relative to the main shaft 102.

[0155] It can be understood that in the present application, when at least one gasket 1085 is arranged between the first rocker arm 10811 and the first mounting portion 1026, and at least one gasket 1085 is arranged between the second rocker arm 10812 and the first mounting portion 1026, the side of the first mounting portion 1026 facing the first rocker arm 10811 and the side of the first mounting portion 1026 facing the second rocker arm 10812 can both be provided with a first card slot 10261, and the gasket 1085 located between the first rocker arm 10811 and the second rocker arm 10812 can be respectively clamped in the corresponding first card slot 10261.

[0156] Referring to Figure 19, Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a spindle provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first mounting portion 1026 is provided with a first mounting hole 10262, which includes a first opening 102621. The first opening 102621 faces away from the flexible display screen. When the damping module 108 is assembled with the spindle 102, the first shaft 1083 can be mounted in the first mounting hole 10262 via the first opening 102621. Furthermore, the movement of the gasket 1085 toward the first opening 102621 is restricted by the engagement of the gasket 1085 between the first and second rocker arms 10811 and 10812 with the first slot 10261 of the first mounting portion 1026. This simplifies the assembly process of the damping module 108 with the spindle 102 and prevents the damping module 108 from falling off the spindle 102, thereby improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0157] Similarly, with continued reference to Figures 18 and 19, along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, a second engaging groove 10271 is provided on at least one side surface of the second mounting portion 1027. A gasket 1085 located between the third swing arm 10821 and the fourth swing arm 10822 is engaged in the second engaging groove 10271. Furthermore, in the direction in which the second swing arm assembly 1082 rotates relative to the main shaft 102, the gasket 1085 located between the third swing arm 10821 and the fourth swing arm 10822 is fixed relative to the second mounting portion 1027. This prevents the gasket 1085 from rotating along with the second swing arm assembly 1082 around the main shaft 102 during rotation of the second swing arm assembly 1082 around the main shaft 102. Because the second rocker arm assembly 1082 and the gasket 1085 are squeezed into contact under the elastic force of the elastic assembly 1086, when the second rocker arm assembly 1082 rotates relative to the main shaft 102, friction resistance can be generated between the second rocker arm assembly 1082 and the gasket 1085. This friction resistance can serve as a damping force to hinder the second rocker arm assembly 1082 from rotating relative to the main shaft 102.

[0158] It is understood that, in the present application, when at least one gasket 1085 is disposed between the third swing arm 10821 and the second mounting portion 1027, and at least one gasket 1085 is disposed between the fourth swing arm 10822 and the second mounting portion 1027, the side of the second mounting portion 1027 facing the third swing arm 10821 and the side of the second mounting portion 1027 facing the fourth swing arm 10822 may both be provided with second engaging grooves 10271. The gaskets 1085 located between the third swing arm 10821 and the fourth swing arm 10822 may be respectively engaged in the corresponding second engaging grooves 10271.

[0159] As shown in Figure 19, the second mounting portion 1027 is provided with a second mounting hole 10272, which includes a second opening 102721, which faces away from the flexible display screen. When the damping module 108 is assembled with the main shaft 102, the second shaft 1084 can be mounted in the second mounting hole 10272 via the second opening 102721. Furthermore, the engagement of the gasket 1085 between the first and second rocker arms 10811, 10812 and the second engaging slot 10271 of the second mounting portion 1027 restricts the movement of the gasket 1085 toward the second opening 102721. This simplifies the assembly process of the damping module 108 with the main shaft 102 and prevents the damping module 108 from falling off the main shaft 102, thereby improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0160] In the embodiment of the present application, the specific shape of the gasket 1085 is not limited. It can be a regular shape such as a polygon, or it can be some possible irregular shape, as long as the gasket 1085 and the corresponding mounting part can be relatively fixed along the rotation direction by the engagement between the gasket 1085 and the corresponding slot.

[0161] Continuing with FIG. 18 , the damping module 108 may further include a first integrated cam 1087, which is sleeved between the first shaft 1083 and the second shaft 1084. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, the first rocker assembly 1081 is located between the elastic assembly 1086 and the first integrated cam 1087, and the second rocker assembly 1082 is located between the elastic assembly 1086 and the first integrated cam 1087. The end surface of the first rocker 10811 facing the first integrated cam 1087 is provided with a first cam surface 108111, and the end surface of the third rocker 10821 facing the first integrated cam 1087 is provided with a third cam surface 108211. Furthermore, the first integrated cam 1087 includes a fifth cam surface 10871 facing the first rocker 10811 and a sixth cam surface 10872 facing the third rocker 10821. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 , under the elastic force of the elastic component 1086 , the first cam surface 108111 abuts against the fifth cam surface 10871 , and the third cam surface 108211 abuts against the sixth cam surface 10872 .

[0162] In the present application, along the axial direction of each corresponding axis, the cam surface may include a raised portion and a recessed portion, with an inclined surface present during the transition from the raised portion to the recessed portion, or vice versa. Therefore, during the rotation of the first rocker assembly 1081 and the second rocker assembly 1082 about the corresponding rotation axis, the contact between the inclined surfaces of the two abutting cam surfaces may generate a corresponding damping force. This damping force enables the electronic device to self-expand at the end of its expanded state, and self-close at the end of its closed state. Furthermore, this damping force can provide a user with a noticeable jerk when opening and closing the electronic device, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0163] It is understood that increasing the number of abutting cam surfaces in the damping module 108 can increase the damping force provided by the rotating shaft mechanism 1. With reference to FIG. 18 , the damping module 108 can further include a second conjoined cam 1088, which is sleeved around the first shaft 1083 and the second shaft 1084. The second conjoined cam 1088 is positioned between the elastic component 1086 and the first rocker assembly 1081, and the second conjoined cam 1088 is positioned between the elastic component 1086 and the second rocker assembly 1082. The first rocker assembly 1081 is positioned between the first conjoined cam 1087 and the second conjoined cam 1088, and the second rocker assembly 1082 is positioned between the first conjoined cam 1087 and the second conjoined cam 1088.

[0164] In addition, the end surface of the second swing arm 10812 facing the second integrated cam 1088 is provided with a second cam surface 108121, and the end surface of the fourth swing arm 10822 facing the second integrated cam 1088 is provided with a fourth cam surface 108221. Furthermore, the second integrated cam 1088 includes a seventh cam surface 10881 facing the second swing arm 10812 and an eighth cam surface 10882 facing the fourth swing arm 10822. Along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, under the elastic force of the elastic assembly 1086, the second cam surface 108121 abuts against the seventh cam surface 10881, and the fourth cam surface 108221 abuts against the eighth cam surface 10882. This allows the hinge mechanism 1 to provide greater damping force, thereby improving the stability of the electronic device incorporating the hinge mechanism 1 in its extended, closed, or intermediate states. Furthermore, this effectively enhances the user's feel when opening and closing the electronic device, enhancing the user experience.

[0165] In the present application, in order to enable the elastic component 1086 to compress the first conjoined cam 1087, the first rocker assembly 1081, and the second conjoined cam 1088, and to compress the first conjoined cam 1087, the second rocker assembly 1081, and the second conjoined cam 1088, the damping module 108 may further include a first stopper 1089. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, the first conjoined cam 1087 is located between the first stopper 1089 and the first rocker assembly 1081, and between the first stopper 1089 and the second rocker assembly 1082. In addition, one end of the first limit member 1089 can be locked in a limit position with the first shaft 1083, and the other end of the first limit member 1089 can be locked in a limit position with the second shaft 1084, and along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component 1086, the first connected cam 1087 abuts against the first limit member 1089, thereby preventing the various structures arranged on the first shaft 1083 and the second shaft 1084 from falling off the corresponding shaft, so as to improve the structural reliability of the damping module 108.

[0166] Continuing with FIG. 18 , the damping module 108 may further include a second stopper 10810, and the elastic assembly 1086 may be positioned between the second integral cam 1088 and the second stopper 10810. One end of the second stopper 10810 may be engaged with the first shaft 1083, while the other end of the second stopper 10810 may be engaged with the second shaft 1084. Furthermore, along the axial direction of the first shaft 1083, the elastic assembly 1086 and the second stopper 10810 may abut against each other, thereby preventing the various structures disposed on the first shaft 1083 and the second shaft 1084 from falling off the corresponding shafts, thereby improving the structural reliability of the damping module 108.

[0167] 17 , the first housing fixing frame 1013 is further provided with a third track groove 10133. Furthermore, as shown in FIG18 , the first swing arm assembly 1081 is provided with a first guide rod 10813, through which the first swing arm 10811 and the second swing arm 10812 are connected. The first guide rod 10813 is inserted into the third track groove 10133 and can slide along the third track groove 10133.

[0168] Similarly, the second housing fixing frame 1014 is further provided with a fourth track groove 10143. The second swing arm assembly 1082 is provided with a second guide rod 10823, which is inserted into the fourth track groove 10143 and can slide along the fourth track groove 10143.

[0169] Referring to FIG20 , FIG20 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in the expanded state. This view can be used to illustrate the relative position of the first guide rod 10813 within the third track groove 10133 and the relative position of the second guide rod 10823 within the fourth track groove 10143 in this state. Furthermore, referring to FIG21 , FIG21 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in the closed state. This view can be used to illustrate the relative position of the first guide rod 10813 within the third track groove 10133 and the relative position of the second guide rod 10823 within the fourth track groove 10143 in this state. Referring to FIG20 and FIG21 together, when the electronic device is in the expanded state shown in FIG20 , the first guide rod 10813 is located at the end of the third track groove 10133 farthest from the main shaft 102, and the second guide rod 10823 is located at the end of the fourth track groove 10143 farthest from the main shaft 102. During the process of the electronic device moving from the expanded state shown in FIG20 to the closed state shown in FIG21 , the first guide rod 10813 slides within the third track groove 10133 relative to the first housing fixing frame 1013 toward the main shaft 102, and the second guide rod 10823 slides within the fourth track groove 10143 relative to the second housing fixing frame 1014 toward the main shaft 102. Therefore, during the process of the electronic device moving from the closed state shown in FIG21 to the expanded state shown in FIG20 , the first guide rod 10813 slides within the third track groove 10133 relative to the first housing fixing frame 1013 toward the direction away from the main shaft 102, and the second guide rod 10823 slides within the fourth track groove 10143 relative to the second housing fixing frame 1014 toward the direction away from the main shaft 102. When the electronic device is in the closed state shown in FIG. 21 , the first guide rod 10813 is located at the end of the third track groove 10133 closest to the main shaft 102 , and the second guide rod 10823 is located at the end of the fourth track groove 10143 closest to the main shaft 102 .

[0170] It is worth mentioning that the present application does not specifically limit the forms of the third track groove 10133 and the fourth track groove 10143. They can be obtained by fitting the motion trajectories of the first rotating component 1011 and the second rotating component 1012 in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the closed state and from the closed state to the unfolded state. In this way, while realizing the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism 1, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first door panel 104, the second door panel 105 and the main shaft 102 can provide a flat support surface for the flexible display screen, and when the electronic device is in the closed state, the first door panel 104, the second door panel 105 and the main shaft 102 can form a screen-holding space that matches the bending shape of the foldable part of the flexible display screen.

[0171] As can be seen from the above description of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in this application, the damping module 108 in the hinge mechanism 1 can provide a large damping force, which can be transmitted to the corresponding housing mount via the first rocker assembly 1081 and the second rocker assembly 1082. When the hinge mechanism 1 is applied to an electronic device, the housing mount can transmit the damping force provided by the damping module 108 to the corresponding housing of the electronic device, thereby enabling the electronic device to be stably maintained in the expanded state or the closed state, or in a state intermediate between the expanded and closed states, which is beneficial for improving the user experience. In addition, the damping force generated by the abutting cam surfaces in the hinge mechanism 1 can realize the self-expansion function of the electronic device at the end of the expanded state and the self-closing function at the end of the closed state. Under the action of this damping force, the user can experience a more obvious jerk when opening and closing the electronic device, thereby improving the user experience.

[0172] In addition, referring to Figure 22, Figure 22 is another schematic diagram of the structure of the damping module 108 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Unlike the above embodiment, in Figure 22, each of the multiple gaskets 1085 of the damping module 108 can be simultaneously mounted on the first shaft 1083 and the second shaft 1084. In this way, the parallel first shaft 1083 and the second shaft 1084 can limit the rotation of each gasket 1085 relative to the first mounting portion 1026 and the second mounting portion 1027.

[0173] It is worth mentioning that in the embodiment shown in Figure 22, at least a portion of the at least one gasket 1085 is located between the first swing link 10811 and the second swing link 10812, and at least a portion of the at least one gasket 1085 is located between the third swing link 10821 and the fourth swing link 10822. Exemplarily, at least a portion of the at least one gasket 1085 is located between the first swing link 10811 and the first mounting portion 1026, at least a portion of the at least one gasket 1085 is located between the second swing link 10812 and the first mounting portion 1026, at least a portion of the at least one gasket 1085 is located between the third swing link 10821 and the second mounting portion 1027, and at least a portion of the at least one gasket 1085 is located between the fourth swing link 10822 and the second mounting portion 1027.

[0174] In addition, along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component 1086, the first rocker arm 10811 and the second rocker arm 10812 press at least a portion of at least one gasket 1085 located between the first rocker arm 10811 and the second rocker arm 10812 toward the first mounting portion 1026, and the third rocker arm 10821 and the fourth rocker arm 10822 press at least a portion of at least one gasket 1085 located between the third rocker arm 10821 and the fourth rocker arm 10822 toward the second mounting portion 1027.

[0175] In this application, there is no limitation on the number of spacers 1085 located between the first swing arm 10811 and the second swing arm 10812; the number of spacers 1085 can be one or more. Similarly, the number of spacers 1085 located between the third swing arm 10821 and the fourth swing arm 10822 can also be one or more. The other structures of the damping module 108 shown in FIG. 22 , as well as the connection method between the damping module 108 and the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014, can be configured with reference to the above-described embodiments and will not be further described here.

[0176] 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 2. 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 1, 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 1. 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 in opposite directions, that is, the process of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 rotating in opposite directions.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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:

[0179] When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the bearing surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first supporting surface 2a of the first housing, and the second supporting surface 3a of the second housing 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. 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.

[0180] 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 shaft mechanism includes a main shaft, a rotating module, a first door plate and a second door plate, 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 supporting arm, a first connecting member and a first door panel fixing frame, the first supporting arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first supporting arm is slidably connected to the first shell fixing frame, the first door panel fixing frame is rotatably connected to the second shell fixing frame, the first connecting member is located between the first supporting arm and the first door panel fixing frame, the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first supporting arm, and the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first door panel fixing frame; the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the main shaft, or the first connecting member is slidably connected to the main shaft; The second rotating assembly includes a second supporting arm, a second connecting member and a second door panel fixing frame, the second supporting arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the second supporting arm is slidably connected to the second shell fixing frame, the second door panel fixing frame is rotatably connected to the first shell fixing frame, the second connecting member is located between the second supporting arm and the second door panel fixing frame, the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second supporting arm, and the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second door panel fixing frame; the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the main shaft, or the second connecting member is slidably connected to the main shaft; The first door panel is located on a side of the first door panel fixing frame facing the flexible display screen, and the first door panel is fixedly connected to the first door panel fixing frame; the second door panel is located on a side of the second door panel fixing frame facing the flexible display screen, and the second door panel is fixedly connected to the second door panel fixing frame.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first rotating assembly further includes a first connecting rod, the first connecting rod is located between the first supporting arm and the first connecting member, the first supporting arm is rotatably connected to the first connecting rod, the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first connecting rod, and an axis of rotation of the first supporting arm relative to the first connecting rod is parallel to and does not overlap with an axis of rotation of the first connecting member relative to the first connecting rod; The second rotating assembly also includes a second connecting rod, which is located between the second support arm and the second connecting member. The second support arm is rotationally connected to the second connecting rod, and the second connecting member is rotationally connected to the second connecting rod. The axis of rotation of the second support arm relative to the second connecting rod is parallel to and does not overlap with the axis of rotation of the second connecting member relative to the second connecting rod.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first door panel fixing frame is provided with a first arc-shaped groove at the end thereof facing the second shell fixing frame, and the second shell fixing frame is provided with a second arc-shaped rotating block, the second arc-shaped rotating block is installed in the first arc-shaped groove, and the second arc-shaped rotating block can slide along the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove; The second door panel fixing frame is provided with a second arc groove at the end facing the first shell fixing frame, and the first shell fixing frame is provided with a first arc rotating block, which is installed in the second arc groove and can slide along the groove surface of the second arc groove.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The axis of rotation of the second shell fixing frame relative to the first door panel fixing frame is located on the side of the first door panel fixing frame facing the flexible display screen; the axis of rotation of the first shell fixing frame relative to the second door panel fixing frame is located on the side of the second door panel fixing frame facing the flexible display screen.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The spindle is provided with a first track groove and a second track groove; the first connecting member includes a first slider, the first slider is installed in the first track groove, and the first slider can slide relative to the spindle along the first track groove to limit the movement track of the first connecting member; The second connecting member includes a second slider installed in the second track groove, and the second slider can slide along the second track groove relative to the main shaft to limit the movement track of the second connecting member.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The spindle is provided with a first track groove and a second track groove; the first track groove is an arc-shaped groove, the first connecting member includes a first slider, the first slider is an arc-shaped slider, the first slider is installed in the first track groove, and the first slider can rotate relative to the spindle along the first track groove to limit the movement track of the first connecting member; The second track groove is an arc groove, the second connecting member includes a second slider, the second slider is an arc slider, the second slider is installed in the second track groove, and the second slider can rotate relative to the main shaft along the second track groove to limit the second connecting member. The movement trajectory of the connector.

7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first connecting member includes two first sliding blocks, which are respectively arranged at two ends of the first connecting member along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the axes of rotation of the two first sliding blocks relative to the main shaft coincide with each other; The second connecting member includes two second sliding blocks. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the two second sliding blocks are respectively arranged at two ends of the second connecting member, and the axes of rotation of the two first sliding blocks relative to the main shaft coincide with each other.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The rotating shaft mechanism includes a plurality of rotating modules; the first door panel is fixedly connected to each of the first door panel fixing frames; and the second door panel is fixedly connected to each of the second door panel fixing frames.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The rotating shaft mechanism further includes a synchronization component, and the synchronization component includes a synchronization gear. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the synchronization gear is located between the first connecting member and the second connecting member; The end of the first connecting member facing the synchronous gear is provided with a first gear surface, and the end of the second connecting member facing the synchronous gear is provided with a second gear surface. The first gear surface meshes with the gear surface of the synchronous gear, and the second gear surface meshes with the gear surface of the synchronous gear.

10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first connecting member includes two first sliders, which are respectively arranged at two ends of the first connecting member along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the main shaft is respectively provided with a first track groove corresponding to each of the first sliders, each of the first sliders is installed in the corresponding first track groove, and each of the first sliders can slide or rotate relative to the main shaft along the corresponding first track groove; the first gear surface is arranged on the first slider facing the synchronous gear; The second connecting member includes two second sliders. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the two second sliders are respectively arranged at the two ends of the second connecting member. The main shaft is respectively provided with a second track groove corresponding to each second slider. Each second slider is installed in the corresponding second track groove, and the second slider can slide or rotate relative to the main shaft along the second track groove; the second gear surface is arranged on the second slider facing the synchronous gear.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The rotating shaft mechanism further includes a damping module, which includes a first swing arm assembly, a second swing arm assembly, an elastic assembly and a first conjoined cam; along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the first swing arm assembly is located between the elastic assembly and the first conjoined cam, and the second swing arm assembly is located between the elastic assembly and the first conjoined cam; The first swing rod assembly includes a first swing rod, a second swing rod and a first guide rod, the first swing rod and the second swing rod are rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the first swing rod and the second swing rod are connected through the first guide rod; the first housing fixing frame is provided with a third track groove, the first guide rod is inserted in the third track groove, and the first guide rod can slide along the third track groove; The second swing rod assembly includes a third swing rod, a fourth swing rod and a second guide rod, the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod are rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod are connected through the second guide rod; the second housing fixing frame is provided with a fourth track groove, the second guide rod is inserted in the fourth track groove, and the second guide rod can slide along the fourth track groove; The end surface of the first rocker arm facing the first connected cam is provided with a first cam surface, the end surface of the third rocker arm facing the first connected cam is provided with a third cam surface, and the first connected cam includes a fifth cam surface provided toward the first rocker arm and a sixth cam surface provided toward the third rocker arm; along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the first cam surface abuts against the fifth cam surface, and the third cam surface abuts against the sixth cam surface.

12. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that: The damping module further includes a second conjoined cam, the first swing arm assembly is located between the first conjoined cam and the second conjoined cam, and the second swing arm assembly is located between the first conjoined cam and the second conjoined cam; The end surface of the second rocker arm facing the second connected cam is provided with a second cam surface, and the end surface of the fourth rocker arm facing the second connected cam is provided with a fourth cam surface; the second connected cam includes a seventh cam surface provided toward the second rocker arm and an eighth cam surface provided toward the fourth rocker arm; along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the second cam surface abuts against the seventh cam surface, and the fourth cam surface abuts against the eighth cam surface.

13. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The main shaft further includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the first mounting portion is located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod. The first swing rod and the second swing rod are rotatably connected to the first mounting portion through the first shaft. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the second mounting portion is located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod, and the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod are rotationally connected to the second mounting portion through the second shaft.

14. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 13, characterized in that: The damping module further includes a plurality of gaskets, at least one of which is located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod; along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, under the elastic force of the elastic component, the first swing rod and the second swing rod press at least one of the gaskets located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod toward the first mounting portion; At least one of the gaskets is located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod; along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod press at least one of the gaskets located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod toward the second mounting portion.

15. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 14, characterized in that: Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, at least one side surface of the first mounting portion is provided with a first clamping groove, at least one of the gaskets located between the first swing arm and the second swing arm is clamped in the first clamping groove, and in the direction in which the first swing arm assembly rotates relative to the main shaft, at least one of the gaskets located between the first swing arm and the second swing arm is relatively fixed to the first mounting portion; Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, at least one side surface of the second mounting portion is provided with a second slot, at least one gasket located between the third rocker arm and the fourth rocker arm is clamped in the second slot, and in the direction in which the second rocker arm assembly rotates relative to the main shaft, at least one gasket located between the third rocker arm and the fourth rocker arm is relatively fixed to the second mounting portion.

16. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 13, characterized in that: The damping module further includes a plurality of gaskets, each of which is sleeved on the first shaft and the second shaft, and at least a portion of at least one of the gaskets is located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod; along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, under the elastic force of the elastic component, the first swing rod and the second swing rod press at least a portion of at least one of the gaskets located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod toward the first mounting portion; At least a portion of at least one of the gaskets is located between the third rocker arm and the fourth rocker arm; along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the third rocker arm and the fourth rocker arm press at least a portion of at least one of the gaskets located between the third rocker arm and the second mounting portion toward the second mounting portion.

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.

Images