Hinge assembly and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a hinge assembly and electronic equipment. The hinge assembly comprises a base, a first swing arm, a second swing arm and a damping mechanism. The first swing arm is rotationally connected with the base and provided with a first driving wheel. The second swing arm is rotationally connected with the base and provided with a second driving wheel. The damping mechanism comprises a deformable elastic piece, a first driven wheel meshed with the first driving wheel and a second driven wheel meshed with the second driving wheel, the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel are arranged on the base in a sliding mode and are limited to rotate, and the overall outline of the elastic piece is of a flat block-shaped structure. According to the hinge assembly, the overall outline of the elastic piece providing the damping hand feeling force is of the flat block structure, the occupied size in the thickness direction is small, and therefore the arrangement space of the base can be prevented from being occupied, it is ensured that the base has the enough thickness to meet the impact strength, and the service life of the base is prolonged. And therefore, the risks of deformation and breakage of the hinge assembly are reduced.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application submitted to the State Intellectual Property Office on May 31, 2023, with application number 202310638002.2 and application name "Hinge Assembly and Electronic Device". Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of hinge assemblies, and more particularly, to a hinge assembly for a foldable electronic device and an electronic device. Background Art

[0003] Foldable electronic devices have hinge components. In order to increase the damping feel of the foldable electronic device when it is folded and to achieve the hovering effect after folding, the hinge component also needs to be equipped with a damping mechanism. In the industry, there are two main forms of damping mechanisms: one is an outer damping mechanism set on a support plate or a swing arm, and the other is an in-axis damping mechanism set on a base.

[0004] Taking the in-shaft damping mechanism as an example, the current damping mechanism mostly uses standard parts of cylindrical springs and is used in conjunction with guide shafts. The damping mechanism is usually installed in a groove opened on the base. Since the cylindrical spring occupies a large space in the thickness direction (or Z direction), it will encroach on the thickness of the base. Especially under the trend of lightweight hinge components, in order to ensure the damping feel, the size of the cylindrical spring is usually not reduced. The requirement of overall lightweight hinge components can only be achieved by reducing the thickness of the base. This makes the position on the base corresponding to the installation of the cylindrical spring thinner and has weaker impact resistance, resulting in the risk of deformation and breakage of the hinge component as a whole.

[0005] Therefore, how to reduce the footprint of the damping mechanism in the thickness direction becomes the key to ensuring the impact strength of the base and reducing the risk of deformation and breakage of the hinge assembly. Summary of the invention

[0006] The purpose of the present application is to provide a hinge assembly, in which the elastic part for providing damping feel force in the damping mechanism has an overall contour of a flat block structure. Compared with the cylindrical spring in the related art, the elastic part in the present application has a smaller size in the thickness direction, thereby avoiding encroaching on the layout space of the base, thereby ensuring that the base has sufficient thickness to meet the impact resistance, thereby reducing the risk of deformation and breakage of the hinge assembly.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a hinge assembly, including a base, a first swing arm, a second swing arm, and a damping mechanism.

[0008] The first swing arm is rotatably connected to the base and has a first driving wheel.

[0009] The second swing arm is rotatably connected to the base and has a second driving wheel.

[0010] The damping mechanism is arranged on the base, and the damping mechanism includes a deformable elastic member, a first driven wheel and a second driven wheel, the first driven wheel is meshed with the first driving wheel, the second driven wheel is meshed with the second driving wheel, the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel are slidably arranged on the base and are restricted from rotating, and the overall outline of the elastic member is a flat block structure.

[0011] As the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate, the first driving wheel can squeeze or release the elastic member through the first driven wheel, and the second driving wheel can squeeze or release the elastic member through the second driven wheel.

[0012] The hinge assembly provided in the present application has a damping mechanism including an elastic member with an overall flat block-shaped structure and a driven wheel. When the swing arm rotates, the driving wheel on the swing arm rotates synchronously and squeezes the driven wheel to make it slide on the base. At the same time, the driven wheel will also squeeze the elastic member to cause it to deform. The elastic restoring force generated by the elastic member when it is deformed will act on the driving wheel through the driven wheel, so that the driving wheel and the swing arm are hindered and difficult to continue rotating. This effect forms a damping feel when the user folds the hinge assembly, and provides support for the hinge assembly when it is hovering.

[0013] Since the elastic member providing the damping feel force in the present application is a flat block structure with an overall contour, compared with the cylindrical spring in the related art, the elastic member in the present application has a smaller size in the thickness direction, thereby avoiding encroaching on the layout space of the base, thereby ensuring that the base has sufficient thickness to meet the impact resistance, thereby reducing the risk of deformation and breakage of the hinge assembly.

[0014] In a possible design, the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel are connected to form a driven wheel set with an integrated structure.

[0015] In a possible design, the elastic member is disposed between the two driven wheel sets.

[0016] In a possible design, the base is provided with a first shaft, a first shaft hole is provided on the first swing arm at the first driving wheel, and the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the base via the first shaft; the base is provided with a second shaft, a second shaft hole is provided on the second swing arm at the second driving wheel, and the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the base via the second shaft.

[0017] In a possible design, the first driven wheel is provided with a first guide hole slidably connected to the first shaft; the second driven wheel is provided with a second guide hole slidably connected to the second shaft.

[0018] In a possible design, the base is provided with a mounting groove for accommodating the damping mechanism, and the elastic member is arranged between the driven wheel set and a groove wall of the mounting groove.

[0019] In a possible design, the first driving wheel, the second driving wheel, the first driven wheel, and the second driven wheel are all end face cams.

[0020] In a possible design, the elastic member is provided with a deformation gap for compression of the elastic member.

[0021] In a possible design, the deformation gap runs through two side surfaces of the elastic member facing toward and away from the base.

[0022] When the elastic member is compressed, it will not bulge toward the base, thereby not affecting the shape of the base.

[0023] In a possible design, the elastic member is bent in a circuitous manner as a whole.

[0024] In a possible design, the elastic member is bent into an S-shaped structure or a combination of a plurality of S-shaped structures.

[0025] In a possible design, the elastic member includes a plurality of connecting arms and a plurality of deformable arms, the connecting arms and the deformable arms are alternately connected in sequence to form the S-shaped structure, and the deformation gap is provided between two adjacent connecting arms.

[0026] In a possible design, bottom surfaces of the connecting arm and the deformable arm are flush.

[0027] In a possible design, the entire deformable arm is an arc-shaped structure.

[0028] In a possible design, the length of the deformation arm in the width direction of the elastic member is 1 / 5-1 / 2 of the length of the deformation arm in the thickness direction of the elastic member.

[0029] In a possible design, a plurality of the S-shaped structures are combined along the length direction and the width direction of the elastic member.

[0030] In a possible design, the elastic member includes a plurality of connecting arms, a plurality of deformation arms and a plurality of stress dispersion blocks, the deformation arms and the connecting arms are arranged to form a frame structure, the stress dispersion blocks are arranged inside the frame structure and connected to the deformation arms, so as to disperse the deformation stress of the deformation arms; the deformation gaps include a plurality of first gaps, and the first gaps are distributed on both sides of the stress dispersion blocks.

[0031] In a possible design, the deformation gap also includes a second gap, which is distributed on the center line of the frame structure and runs through the connecting arms on either side.

[0032] In a possible design, bottom surfaces of the connecting arm, the deformable arm, and the stress dispersion block are flush.

[0033] In a possible design, the length of the deformation arm in the width direction of the elastic member is 1 / 6-1 / 3 of the length of the deformation arm in the thickness direction of the elastic member.

[0034] In a possible design, the elastic member is an integrally formed structure.

[0035] In a second aspect, the present application also provides a hinge assembly, including a base, a first swing arm, a second swing arm and a damping mechanism.

[0036] The base has a first blocking portion and a second blocking portion.

[0037] The first swing arm is rotatably connected to the base and has a first accommodating groove.

[0038] The second swing arm is rotatably connected to the base and has a second accommodating groove.

[0039] The damping mechanism is arranged on the first swing arm and the second swing arm, and can rotate with the first swing arm and the second swing arm. The damping mechanism includes an elastic member and a sliding frame. The overall contour of the elastic member is a flat block structure. The sliding frame is slidably arranged in the first accommodating groove and the second accommodating groove. At least one elastic member is arranged between the groove wall of the first accommodating groove away from the side of the base and the sliding frame. At least one elastic member is arranged between the groove wall of the second accommodating groove away from the side of the base and the sliding frame. The first blocking portion and the second blocking portion are located on the rotation trajectory of the sliding frame and can squeeze or release the elastic member through the sliding frame.

[0040] The hinge assembly provided in the present application has an elastic part that provides damping feel and has an overall flat block structure. Compared with the cylindrical spring in the related art, the elastic part in the present application has a smaller size in the thickness direction, thereby avoiding encroaching on the layout space of the swing arm, thereby ensuring that the swing arm has sufficient thickness to meet the impact resistance, thereby reducing the risk of deformation and breakage of the hinge assembly.

[0041] In a possible design, a roller is rotatably disposed on one side of the sliding frame toward the base, and the first blocking portion and the second blocking portion are located on a rotation track of the roller, and the sliding frame can be squeezed by the roller.

[0042] In a possible design, the sliding direction of the sliding frame in the first accommodating groove is the same as the deformation direction of the elastic member in the first accommodating groove; the sliding direction of the sliding frame in the second accommodating groove is the same as the deformation direction of the elastic member in the second accommodating groove.

[0043] In a possible design, the sliding frame is provided with a slider; the first accommodating groove is provided with a third sliding groove for slidably connecting the slider, the groove wall of the third sliding groove has a first notch through which the slider can pass, and the sliding frame is slidably set in the first accommodating groove through the first notch; the second accommodating groove is provided with a fourth sliding groove for slidably connecting the slider, the groove wall of the fourth sliding groove has a second notch through which the slider can pass, and the sliding frame is slidably set in the second accommodating groove through the second notch.

[0044] In a possible design, the elastic member is provided with a deformation gap for compression of the elastic member.

[0045] In a possible design, the deformation gap runs through two side surfaces of the elastic member facing toward and away from the base.

[0046] In a possible design, the elastic member is bent in a circuitous manner as a whole.

[0047] In a possible design, the elastic member is bent into an S-shaped structure or a combination of a plurality of S-shaped structures.

[0048] In a possible design, the elastic member includes a plurality of connecting arms and a plurality of deformable arms, the connecting arms and the deformable arms are alternately connected in sequence to form the S-shaped structure, and the deformation gap is provided between two adjacent connecting arms.

[0049] In a possible design, bottom surfaces of the connecting arm and the deformable arm are flush.

[0050] In a possible design, the entire deformable arm is an arc-shaped structure.

[0051] In a possible design, the length of the deformation arm in the width direction of the elastic member is 1 / 5-1 / 2 of the length of the deformation arm in the thickness direction of the elastic member.

[0052] In a possible design, a plurality of the S-shaped structures are combined along the length direction and the width direction of the elastic member.

[0053] In a possible design, the elastic member includes a plurality of connecting arms, a plurality of deformation arms and a plurality of stress dispersion blocks, the deformation arms and the connecting arms are arranged to form a frame structure, the stress dispersion blocks are arranged inside the frame structure and connected to the deformation arms, so as to disperse the deformation stress of the deformation arms; the deformation gaps include a plurality of first gaps, and the first gaps are distributed on both sides of the stress dispersion blocks.

[0054] In a possible design, the deformation gap also includes a second gap, which is distributed on the center line of the frame structure and runs through the connecting arms on either side.

[0055] In a possible design, bottom surfaces of the connecting arm, the deformable arm, and the stress dispersion block are flush.

[0056] In a possible design, the length of the deformation arm in the width direction of the elastic member is 1 / 6-1 / 3 of the length of the deformation arm in the thickness direction of the elastic member.

[0057] In a possible design, the elastic member is an integrally formed structure.

[0058] In a third aspect, the present application also provides an electronic device, comprising a first shell, a second shell, a screen and the above-mentioned hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly is connected between the first shell and the second shell, and the screen is laid on one side of the first shell, the hinge assembly and the second shell.

[0059] In a possible design, the first shell and the second shell are folded or flattened in a space on one side away from the screen.

[0060] The electronic device in the present application adopts the above-mentioned hinge assembly. The elastic part in the hinge assembly that provides damping feel force has an overall flat block structure. Compared with the cylindrical spring in the related art, the elastic part in the present application has a smaller footprint in the thickness direction, thereby avoiding encroaching on the layout space of the base or the swing arm, thereby ensuring that the base or the swing arm has sufficient thickness to meet the impact resistance, thereby reducing the risk of deformation and breakage of the hinge assembly and increasing the service life of the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a cylindrical spring and a base in the related art;

[0062] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an outward folding mobile phone provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 3is a schematic diagram of an outward folding mobile phone provided in an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0064] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an outward folding mobile phone provided in an embodiment of the present application during a folding process;

[0065] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an outward folding mobile phone provided in an embodiment of the present application in a folded state;

[0066] Figure 6 is an assembly diagram of an example of a hinge assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial exploded view of the hinge assembly;

[0068] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of the

[0069] Fig. 9 is a partial schematic diagram of a hinge assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0070] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of the principle of the hinge assembly in a flattened state;

[0071] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 A partial schematic diagram of the hinge assembly during the folding process;

[0072] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Schematic diagram of the principle of the hinge assembly during the folding process;

[0073] Fig.13 yes Fig. 9 A partial schematic diagram of the hinge assembly in a folded state;

[0074] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 Schematic diagram of the principle of the hinge assembly in the folded state;

[0075] Fig.15 is a schematic diagram of an elastic member and a base provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] Fig.16 is a schematic diagram of an example of an elastic member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] Fig.17 is a schematic diagram of another example of an elastic member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] Fig.18is a schematic diagram of another example of an elastic member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] Fig.19 is a schematic diagram of another example of an elastic member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram of another example of an elastic member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] Fig.21 is a schematic diagram of another example of an elastic member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram of another example of an elastic member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] Fig.23 is a schematic diagram of another example of an elastic member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] Fig.24 is a schematic diagram of another example of an elastic member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] Fig.25 is a schematic diagram of another example of an elastic member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] Fig.26 is a schematic diagram of another example of an elastic member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] Fig. 27 is a schematic diagram of another example of an elastic member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 Schematic diagram of the working principle of the elastic member;

[0089] Fig.29 is a schematic diagram of an example of a first swing arm, a second swing arm and an elastic member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] Fig.30 is a schematic diagram of another example of a first swing arm, a second swing arm, and an elastic member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] Fig.31 is a schematic diagram of another example of a hinge assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] Fig.32 yes Fig.31 A partial exploded view of the hinge assembly;

[0093] Fig.33 is a schematic diagram of a second support plate and a damping mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] Fig.34 yes Fig.31 Sectional view of AA in the middle;

[0095] Fig.35 yes Fig.31 Cross-sectional view of the middle BB;

[0096] Fig.36 is a schematic diagram of a second support plate and a second swing arm provided in an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0097] Fig.37 is a schematic diagram of the second support plate and the second swing arm provided in an embodiment of the present application during the folding process;

[0098] Fig.38 yes Fig.37 Schematic diagram of the second support plate and the second swing arm after further folding.

[0099] Reference numerals:

[0100] 10. base; 11. mounting groove; 111. reinforcement member; 12. first shaft; 13. second shaft; 14. shaft mounting frame; 15. cover plate; 16. first blocking portion; 17. second blocking portion; 18. first arc-shaped slide groove; 19. second arc-shaped slide groove;

[0101] 20. first swing arm; 21. first driving wheel; 211. first shaft hole; 22. first receiving groove; 221. third sliding groove; 222. first notch; 23. first sliding part;

[0102] 30. second swing arm; 31. second driving wheel; 311. second shaft hole; 32. second receiving groove; 321. fourth sliding groove; 322. second notch; 33. second sliding part;

[0103] 40. Damping mechanism; 41. Elastic member; 411. Deformation gap; 411a. First gap; 411b. Second gap; 412. Connecting arm; 413. Deformation arm; 414. Stress dispersion block; 42. First driven wheel; 421. First guide hole; 43. Second driven wheel; 431. Second guide hole; 44. Driven wheel group; 45. S-shaped structure; 46. Sliding frame; 461. Roller; 462. Sliding block;

[0104] 51. first support plate; 511. first slide groove; 52. second support plate; 521. second slide groove; 60. cylindrical spring;

[0105] 100. Hinge assembly; 200. First shell; 300. Second shell; 400. Screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0106] The following is an exemplary introduction to the relevant contents that may be involved in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments.

[0107] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or mutual communication; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0108] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "side", "inside", "outside", "top", "bottom", etc. indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the installation, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0109] It should also be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, the same figure mark is used to represent the same component or the same part. For the same parts in the embodiments of the present application, the figure may only mark one of the parts or parts as an example. It should be understood that the figure mark also applies to other identical parts or parts.

[0110] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the term "and / or" is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone.

[0111] Curved screen electronic products refer to electronic products with a certain curvature on the edge of the screen. Take a curved screen mobile phone as an example. When viewed from the front of the phone, the side frames of the curved screen mobile phone will be smaller. If the curvature of the screen edge is large enough, the side frames can even disappear completely. Compared with flat screen mobile phones, curved screen mobile phones have better visual effects and are therefore very popular among consumers.

[0112] As the name implies, a flexible screen is a soft screen. Its manufacturing principle is to replace the screen substrate from the original rigid material (such as glass) with a flexible material (such as plastic). Flexible screens have the property of being bendable and have been widely used in electronic devices such as foldable mobile phones. The display screens of such electronic devices can increase the size of the screen without increasing the volume, while also having a high screen-to-body ratio and clarity. For example, a foldable mobile phone can be only the size of a traditional mobile phone after folding, making it easy to carry, and can have the display size of a tablet computer after flattening. These features make foldable electronic devices very popular with consumers.

[0113] The current foldable phones mainly include inward-folding phones and outward-folding phones. Among them, since the folding of the flexible screen of the outward-folding phone is smaller than the inward-folding, the damage to the flexible screen is relatively weak. After the phone is flattened, there is almost no crease at the folding point, making the entire screen appear very smooth, which greatly improves the texture of the phone and also increases the service life of the phone screen.

[0114] The following technical solution is demonstrated by taking the electronic device as an external folding mobile phone as an example. Of course, in other embodiments, the electronic device may also include but is not limited to an internal folding mobile phone, a tablet computer, a handheld game console, an electronic reader, a wearable device, etc.

[0115] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of an outward folding mobile phone provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of an outward folding mobile phone provided in an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state. Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the outward folding mobile phone provided in an embodiment of the present application during the folding process. Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of an outward folding mobile phone provided in an embodiment of the present application in a folded state.

[0116] like Figure 2-Figure 5 As shown, taking the electronic device as an outward folding mobile phone as an example, the outward folding mobile phone includes a first shell 200, a second shell 300, a screen 400 and a hinge assembly 100, the hinge assembly 100 is connected between the first shell 200 and the second shell 300, and the screen 400 is arranged on one side of the first shell 200, the hinge assembly 100 and the second shell 300.

[0117] The first shell 200 and the second shell 300 are used to carry the screen 400 and protect the components inside the mobile phone. The parts of the screen 400 at both ends are connected to the first shell 200 and the second shell 300 respectively, and the first shell 200 and the second shell 300 can firmly support the two ends of the screen 400.

[0118] The hinge assembly 100 can be deformed as the second housing 300 is folded or flattened relative to the first housing 200, and restricts the second housing 300 from being separated from the first housing 200. When folded or flattened, the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are in a space on one side away from the screen 400.

[0119] Specifically, the hinge assembly 100 includes a base 10, a first support plate 51 and a second support plate 52. The first support plate 51 and the second support plate 52 can rotate relative to the base 10. The first support plate 51 and the second support plate 52 are respectively connected to the first shell 200 and the second shell 300. The hinge assembly 100 uses its own rotatable characteristics to allow the first shell 200 to be flipped relative to the second shell 300, so that the first shell 200 is folded relative to the second shell 300, or flattened, or in a state between folding and flattening.

[0120] The first shell 200 and the second shell 300 can be folded or flattened relative to each other, so that the external folding mobile phone provided in the embodiment of the present application has multiple modes and can meet the user's usage needs in different scenarios.

[0121] The first shell 200 and the second shell 300 can be relatively flat, for example, Figure 3 As shown, an angle of 180 degrees is formed between the two, so that the external folding mobile phone provided in the embodiment of the present application can achieve a large-screen display, can provide users with richer information, and bring users a better user experience.

[0122] The first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can also be folded relative to each other, for example, Figure 4 As shown, an angle of 60-90 degrees is formed between the two, so that the external folding mobile phone can be switched to a usage mode that can be placed on a desktop. At this time, the first shell 200 and the screen 400 thereon can face the user, the second shell 300 and the screen 400 thereon are placed on a placement surface such as a storage table or a desk, and the second shell 300 has a function similar to the counterweight base 10, which can ensure that the external folding mobile phone is placed stably; or, the second shell 300 and the screen 400 thereon can face the user, the first shell 200 and the screen 400 thereon are placed on a placement surface such as a storage table or a desk, and the first shell 200 has a function similar to the counterweight base 10, which can ensure that the external folding mobile phone is placed stably.

[0123] The first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can be folded together to fit snugly, for example. Figure 5 As shown, the two can fit together, so that the external folding mobile phone switches to the closed mode. At this time, the external folding mobile phone has a smaller volume, so that it is convenient for users to store and carry it; or, half of the screen 400 is used to display information and provide user operation at the same time.

[0124] It can be understood that when the user holds the outward folding phone, the position of the earpiece module of the outward folding phone can be defined as the top of the outward folding phone, the position of the microphone module of the outward folding phone can be defined as the bottom of the outward folding phone, and the two sides of the outward folding phone held by the user's left and right hands can be defined as the left and right sides of the outward folding phone.

[0125] In some embodiments of the present application, the first shell 200 and the second shell 300 are arranged up and down, so that the external folding mobile phone can be folded in half up and down.

[0126] In some other embodiments of the present application, the first shell 200 and the second shell 300 are arranged left and right, so that the external folding mobile phone can be folded in half left and right.

[0127] Optionally, the screen 400 may be a flexible screen that is foldable in its entirety, or the screen 400 may be a combination of a foldable flexible screen in the middle area and rigid screens at both ends, which is not limited in this application.

[0128] Optionally, the screen 400 can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode or an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, a mini organic light-emitting diode (miniorganic light-emitting diode) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (micro organic light-emitting diode) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (micro organic light-emitting diode) display, a quantum dot light emitting diode (quantum dot light emitting diodes, QLED) display, etc.

[0129] Optionally, the external folding mobile phone may also include: a processor, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a charging management module, a power management module, a battery, a microphone, a motor, a speaker, a mobile communication module, an antenna, a wireless communication module, an audio module, a headphone interface, a sensor module, a button, a camera, and a subscriber identification module (SIM) card interface, etc.

[0130] The processor may include one or more processing units, for example, the processor may include an application processor (AP), a modem processor, a graphics processor (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, a memory, a video codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), a baseband processor, a neural-network processing unit (NPU), etc. Among them, different processing units may be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors.

[0131] The USB interface is an interface that complies with the USB standard specification, and can be a Mini USB interface, a Micro USB interface, a USB Type C interface, etc. The USB interface can be used to connect a charger to charge the external folding mobile phone, and can also be used to transfer data between the external folding mobile phone and peripheral devices. It can also be used to connect headphones and play audio through the headphones. The interface can also be used to connect other electronic devices, such as projectors, game controllers, etc.

[0132] The charging management module is used to receive charging input from a charger. Optionally, the charging management module can receive charging input from a wired charger through a USB interface. Optionally, the charging management module can receive wireless charging input through a wireless charging coil of the external folding mobile phone. While the charging management module is charging the battery, it can also power the external folding mobile phone through the power management module.

[0133] The power management module is used to connect the battery, the charging management module and the processor. The power management module receives input from the battery and / or the charging management module to power the processor, the internal memory, the external memory, the screen 400, the camera and the wireless communication module.

[0134] The battery is used to store electric energy charged from the outside and to supply power to other power-consuming modules to drive them to work (for example, drive the screen 400 to display). The battery can be any one of a nickel-cadmium battery, a lithium battery, and the like.

[0135] Microphones are also commonly called pickups, microphones, microphone heads, microphone cores, etc. They are energy conversion devices that convert sound signals into electrical signals, and are devices that have the opposite function of speakers. Depending on the transducer principle of the microphone, the microphone can be any type of microphone, such as an electrodynamic microphone, a condenser microphone, a piezoelectric microphone, an electromagnetic microphone, or a semiconductor microphone.

[0136] The motor can generate vibration prompts, which can be used for incoming call vibration prompts, touch vibration feedback, touch operations of different applications (e.g., taking pictures, audio playback, etc.), and can correspond to different vibration feedback effects. The motor can also correspond to different vibration feedback effects for touch operations on different areas of the screen 400. Different application scenarios (e.g., time reminders, receiving messages, alarm clocks, etc.) can also correspond to different vibration feedback effects. The touch vibration feedback effect can also support customization.

[0137] A loudspeaker, also known as a speaker or audio unit, is a commonly used electroacoustic transducer. The main working principle of a loudspeaker is to use an energized element to drive the diaphragm to produce mechanical vibrations, and push the surrounding air, causing the air medium to fluctuate, thereby achieving the conversion of "electricity-force-sound".

[0138] The wireless communication function of the foldable mobile phone can be realized through an antenna, a mobile communication module, a wireless communication module, a modem processor, and a baseband processor.

[0139] The mobile communication module can provide solutions for wireless communications including 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G, etc., which are applied to foldable mobile phones. The wireless communication module can provide solutions for wireless communications including wireless local area networks (WLAN), Bluetooth (BT), global navigation satellite system (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), nearfield communication technology (NFC), infrared technology (IR), etc., which are applied to foldable mobile phones.

[0140] In order to increase the damping feel of the external folding mobile phone when it is folded and to satisfy the hovering effect of the first shell 200 and the second shell 300 , the hinge assembly 100 usually needs to be additionally provided with a damping mechanism 40 .

[0141] In the industry, there are mainly two types of damping mechanisms 40 , one is an outboard damping mechanism 40 disposed on a support plate or a swing arm, and the other is an in-shaft damping mechanism 40 disposed on a base 10 .

[0142] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a cylindrical spring 60 and a base 10 in the related art.

[0143] like Figure 1As shown, the current in-axis damping mechanism 40 mostly uses standard parts of cylindrical springs 60, the number of which is about 2-4, and is used in conjunction with a guide shaft (not shown) that is inserted into the cylindrical spring 60. The damping mechanism 40 is usually installed in a groove opened on the base 10. Since the cylindrical spring 60 and the guide shaft occupy a large space in the thickness direction, they will occupy the thickness of the base 10. Especially under the trend of lightweight hinge assembly 100, in order to ensure the damping feel, the size of the cylindrical spring 60 is often not reduced, and the requirement of lightweight hinge assembly 100 can only be achieved by reducing the thickness of the base 10. This makes the position on the base 10 corresponding to the installation of the cylindrical spring 60 relatively thin, and the impact resistance is weak, resulting in the risk of deformation and breakage of the hinge assembly 100.

[0144] It can be seen that how to reduce the size of the damping mechanism 40 in the thickness direction becomes the key to ensuring the impact resistance of the base 10 and reducing the risk of deformation and fracture of the hinge assembly 100. This has become one of the problems to be solved in the industry.

[0145] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present application provides a hinge assembly 100, in which the elastic part 41 in the damping mechanism for providing the damping feel force has an overall contour of a flat block structure. Compared with the cylindrical spring 60 in the related technology, the elastic part 41 in the present application has a smaller footprint in the thickness direction, thereby avoiding encroaching on the layout space of the base 10, thereby ensuring that the base 10 has sufficient thickness to meet the impact resistance, thereby reducing the risk of deformation and breakage of the hinge assembly 100.

[0146] The hinge assembly 100 provided in the present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0147] Figure 6 It is an assembly diagram of an example of the hinge assembly 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial exploded view of the hinge assembly 100 in FIG. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of the .

[0148] like Figure 6-Figure 8 As shown, a hinge assembly 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a base 10, a first swing arm 20, a second swing arm 30, and a damping mechanism 40. In addition, the hinge assembly 100 also includes a first support plate 51 and a second support plate 52, the first support plate 51 is used to connect with the first shell 200, and the second support plate 52 is used to connect with the second shell 300.

[0149] The base 10 is used to provide a mounting base for the first swing arm 20, the second swing arm 30, the damping mechanism 40, the first support plate 51, and the second support plate 52. Optionally, the base 10 may have a mounting groove 11, and the damping mechanism 40 is located in the mounting groove 11; or, the base 10 is in an arc-shaped shell shape as a whole, and in other embodiments, it is not necessary to separately set the mounting groove 11.

[0150] One end of the first swing arm 20 is rotatably connected to the base 10, and the end of the first swing arm 20 has a first driving wheel 21; the other end of the first swing arm 20 is slidably connected to the first support plate 51. Specifically, a first slide groove 511 is provided on the first support plate 51 extending in the width direction d of the first support plate 51, and the end of the first swing arm 20 is slidably connected in the first slide groove 511. The rotation axis of the first support plate 51 relative to the base 10 is not coaxial with the rotation axis of the first swing arm 20 relative to the base 10. When the user folds the first shell 200, the first shell 200 drives the first support plate 51 to rotate, and the first support plate 51 drives the first swing arm 20 to slide in the first slide groove 511 and rotate relative to the base 10 through the groove wall of the first slide groove 511.

[0151] One end of the second swing arm 30 is rotatably connected to the base 10, and the end of the second swing arm 30 has a second driving wheel 31; the other end of the second swing arm 30 is slidably connected to the second support plate 52. Specifically, a second slide groove 521 is provided on the second support plate 52 extending in the width direction d of the second support plate 52, and the end of the second swing arm 30 is slidably connected in the second slide groove 521. The rotation axis of the second support plate 52 relative to the base 10 is not coaxial with the rotation axis of the second swing arm 30 relative to the base 10. When the user folds the second shell 300, the second shell 300 drives the second support plate 52 to rotate, and the second support plate 52 drives the second swing arm 30 to slide in the second slide groove 521 and rotate relative to the base 10 through the groove wall of the second slide groove 521.

[0152] The damping mechanism 40 is arranged on the base 10, and the damping mechanism 40 includes a deformable elastic member 41, a first driven wheel 42 and a second driven wheel 43. The first driven wheel 42 is meshed with the first driving wheel 21, and the second driven wheel 43 is meshed with the second driving wheel 31. The first driven wheel 42 and the second driven wheel 43 are slidably arranged on the base 10 and are restricted from rotating. The overall outline of the elastic member 41 is a flat block structure.

[0153] As the first swing arm 20 and the second swing arm 30 rotate, the first driving wheel 21 can squeeze or release the elastic member 41 through the first driven wheel 42 , and the second driving wheel 31 can squeeze or release the elastic member 41 through the second driven wheel 43 .

[0154] The specific movement process of the hinge assembly 100 in the embodiment of the present application is as follows.

[0155] Fig. 9 It is a partial schematic diagram of the hinge assembly 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state. Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a principle of the hinge assembly 100 in a flattened state.

[0156] like Fig. 9 Fig.10 As shown, when the hinge assembly 100 in this embodiment is in a flattened state, the first support plate 51, the second support plate 52, the first swing arm 20 and the second swing arm 30 are all in a horizontal state. At this time, the first driven wheel 42 and the first driving wheel 21 are in close contact, and the second driven wheel 43 and the second driving wheel 31 are in close contact. At this time, the elastic member 41 is in an uncompressed state.

[0157] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 A partial schematic diagram of the hinge assembly 100 during the folding process. Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Schematic diagram of the principle of the hinge assembly 100 during the folding process.

[0158] like Figure 11-Figure 12 As shown, when the user folds the first shell 200, the first shell 200 drives the first swing arm 20 to rotate through the first support plate 51. As the first swing arm 20 rotates, it squeezes the first driven wheel 42 through the first driving wheel 21, specifically, the tooth tops of the first driving wheel 21 squeeze the tooth tops of the first driven wheel 42. Since the first driven wheel 42 is restricted from rotating, the first driven wheel 42 will slide on the base 10 under the squeezing of the first driving wheel 21, thereby squeezing the elastic member 41 so that the elastic member 41 is deformed to generate an elastic restoring force, which will eventually be transmitted to the first shell 200 to form a rotational resistance, thereby allowing the user to feel the damping feel of the damping mechanism 40.

[0159] Synchronously with the first shell 200, the second shell 300 drives the second swing arm 30 to rotate through the second support plate 52. As the second swing arm 30 rotates, it will squeeze the second driven wheel 43 through the second driving wheel 31, specifically, the tooth tops of the second driving wheel 31 squeeze the tooth tops of the second driven wheel 43. Since the second driven wheel 43 is restricted from rotating, the second driven wheel 43 will slide on the base 10 under the squeezing of the second driving wheel 31, thereby squeezing the elastic member 41 so that the elastic member 41 is deformed to generate an elastic restoring force, which will eventually be transmitted to the second shell 300 to form a rotational resistance, thereby allowing the user to feel the damping feel of the damping mechanism 40.

[0160] Fig.13 yes Fig. 9 A partial schematic diagram of the hinge assembly 100 in a folded state. Fig.14 yes Fig.13 Schematic diagram of the principle of the hinge assembly 100 in the folded state.

[0161] like Figure 13-Figure 14 As shown, in this embodiment, when the hinge assembly 100 is in the folded state, the first swing arm 20 and the second swing arm 30 rotate relative to each other to the extreme positions. At this time, the first driven wheel 42 is squeezed to the extreme positions by the first driving wheel 21, and the second driven wheel 43 is squeezed to the extreme positions by the second driving wheel 31, and the elastic member 41 is compressed to the maximum deformation state that the first driven wheel 42 and the second driven wheel 43 can reach, so that the damping mechanism 40 provides the user with a maximum damping feel.

[0162] For example Figure 11-Figure 12 As shown, when the user folds the first shell 200 to a flattened state, the first shell 200 drives the first swing arm 20 to rotate in the opposite direction through the first support plate 51. As the first swing arm 20 rotates in the opposite direction, it releases the first driven wheel 42 and the elastic member 41 through the first driving wheel 21. When it is completely flattened, the elastic member 41 pushes the first driven wheel 42 to re-engage tightly with the first driving wheel 21 under the action of the elastic reset force.

[0163] Synchronously with the first shell 200, the second shell 300 drives the second swing arm 30 to rotate in the opposite direction through the second support plate 52. As the second swing arm 30 rotates in the opposite direction, it releases the second driven wheel 43 and the elastic member 41 through the second driving wheel 31. When it is fully flattened, the elastic member 41 pushes the second driven wheel 43 to re-engage tightly with the second driving wheel 31 under the action of the elastic reset force.

[0164] The hinge assembly 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application has a damping mechanism 40 including an elastic member 41 having an overall flat block-shaped structure and a driven wheel. When the swing arm rotates, the driving wheel on the swing arm rotates synchronously and squeezes the driven wheel to make it slide on the base 10. At the same time, the driven wheel will also squeeze the elastic member 41 to cause it to deform. The elastic restoring force generated by the elastic member 41 when deformed will act on the driving wheel through the driven wheel, so that the driving wheel and the swing arm are hindered and difficult to continue rotating. This effect forms a damping feel when the user folds the hinge assembly 100, and provides support for the hinge assembly 100 when it is hovering.

[0165] Since the elastic member 41 providing the elastic reset force in the embodiment of the present application is a flat block structure in overall outline, compared with the cylindrical spring 60 in the related art, the elastic member 41 in the embodiment of the present application has a smaller footprint in the thickness direction, thereby avoiding encroaching on the layout space of the base 10, thereby ensuring that the base 10 has sufficient thickness to meet the impact resistance, thereby reducing the risk of deformation and breakage of the hinge assembly 100.

[0166] Fig.15It is a schematic diagram of the elastic member 41 and the base 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0167] like Fig.15 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, a reinforcement member 111 may be additionally added to the position of the base 10 corresponding to the installation position of the elastic member 41. Figure 5 The position on the middle base 10 corresponds to the position where the cylindrical spring 60 is installed. In the embodiment of the present application, the thickness of the base 10 at this position is increased, thereby improving the impact resistance of the base 10.

[0168] In addition, the hinge assembly 100 in the embodiment of the present application, since the elastic member 41 occupies a smaller size in the thickness direction, the space saved by the elastic member 41 in the thickness direction can be vacated for other functional parts of the hinge assembly 100 without increasing the thickness of the base 10, thereby making the structural design of the hinge assembly 100 more flexible and changeable, thereby facilitating the optimization of the structural design.

[0169] Optionally, the material of the elastic member 41 may also be a metal material such as iron, steel, copper alloy, nickel alloy, etc.; or, the material of the elastic member 41 may include but is not limited to organic polymer materials such as resin, rubber, elastomer, etc.

[0170] Optionally, the elastic member 41 with a flat block structure as a whole profile may be a rubber block, a square spring, a special-shaped spring, etc. For a more detailed description, please refer to the following embodiments.

[0171] Alternatively, the first driven wheel 42 and the second driven wheel 43 may be separate components; or the first driven wheel 42 and the second driven wheel 43 may be an integral structure connected together. For a more detailed description, please refer to the following embodiments.

[0172] Optionally, the first swing arm 20 may be provided with one first driving wheel 21; or, the first swing arm 20 may be provided with two first driving wheels 21. For a more detailed description, please refer to the following embodiments.

[0173] Optionally, the second swing arm 30 may be provided with one second driving wheel 31; or, the second swing arm 30 may be provided with two second driving wheels 31. For a more detailed description, please refer to the following embodiments.

[0174] Optionally, the first driven wheel 42 slides on the base 10, which can be achieved by means of a slide rail or an axis, etc.; the second driven wheel 43 slides on the base 10, which can be achieved by means of a slide rail or an axis, etc.

[0175] Optionally, the first driven wheel 42 and the second driven wheel 43 are restricted from rotating, and can be restricted by a limiting groove provided on the base 10. In addition, the length of the limiting groove also needs to meet the sliding stroke of the first driven wheel 42 and the second driven wheel 43 relative to the base 10 when the elastic member 41 is compressed.

[0176] Optionally, the elastic member 41 may abut against the first driven wheel 42 and the second driven wheel 43; or, the elastic member 41 may be fixed together with the first driven wheel 42 and the second driven wheel 43 by welding, bonding, bolting or the like.

[0177] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram of an example of the elastic member 41 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0178] like Fig.16 As shown, in one embodiment provided in the present application, the elastic member 41 is a rubber block with a flat structure.

[0179] In some foldable electronic devices, the side of the base 10 away from the elastic member 41 is to bear the screen 400, and the flatness of the screen 400 is easily affected by the shape of the base 10. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid the elastic member 41 from bulging when deforming, so as to prevent the elastic member 41 from squeezing and deforming the base 10, and ensure that the flatness of the screen 400 is not affected.

[0180] In addition, in the following text, the elastic member 41 may also be located in the first receiving groove 22 of the first swing arm 20 (or the second receiving groove 32 of the second swing arm 30). If the elastic member 41 bulges when deformed and squeezes the bottom wall of the first receiving groove 22, the first swing arm 20 will not slide smoothly in the first slide groove 511. Therefore, it should be avoided as much as possible that the elastic member 41 squeezes the bottom wall of the first receiving groove 22 when deformed.

[0181] In summary, if the elastic member 41 bulges or bulges when being compressed, it will have an adverse effect on other components.

[0182] Fig.17 It is a schematic diagram of another example of the elastic member 41 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0183] In order to solve the above problems, Fig.17 As shown, in one embodiment provided in the present application, the elastic member 41 is provided with a deformation gap 411 for the elastic member 41 to be compressed.

[0184] The deformation gap 411 provides a certain deformation margin for the elastic member 41 body, which can prevent the elastic member 41 from bulging toward the base 10 when compressed, thereby preventing the shape of the base 10 from being adversely affected.

[0185] Optionally, the deformation gap 411 may be located inside the elastic member 41 ; or, the deformation gap 411 may penetrate the elastic member 41 . For more detailed description, please refer to the embodiments described below.

[0186] Optionally, the deformation gap 411 may be a plurality of bubbles located inside the elastic member 41 ; or, the deformation gap 411 may be an integral hollow structure.

[0187] When the deformation gap 411 is located inside the elastic member 41, after the elastic member 41 is compressed, the portion used to surround and form the deformation gap 411 may bulge, especially when the bulge is toward the base 10, it will also have an adverse effect on the shape of the base 10. Therefore, in order to avoid this situation, in an embodiment provided in the present application, the deformation gap 411 runs through the two side surfaces of the elastic member 41 facing and away from the base 10.

[0188] In this embodiment, the deformation gap 411 penetrates the two side surfaces of the elastic member 41 facing and away from the base 10, and when the elastic member 41 is compressed, it will not bulge in the direction of the base 10, thereby not affecting the shape of the base 10. It also does not affect the bottom wall of the first receiving groove 22 and the second receiving groove 32.

[0189] In an embodiment provided in the present application, the elastic member 41 is bent in a circuitous manner as a whole.

[0190] Fig.18 It is a schematic diagram of another example of the elastic member 41 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0191] like Fig.18 As shown, the elastic member 41 is bent into a spiral structure, and the overall profile is still a flat block structure.

[0192] Fig.19 It is a schematic diagram of another example of the elastic member 41 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 20 It is a schematic diagram of another example of the elastic member 41 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.21 It is a schematic diagram of another example of the elastic member 41 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0193] The elastic member 41 is bent in a circuitous manner as a whole, and the elastic member 41 may be bent into an S-shaped structure 45 or a combination of multiple S-shaped structures 45 .

[0194] Optionally, when the elastic member 41 is a combination of a plurality of S-shaped structures 45, the plurality of S-shaped structures 45 may be combined along the length direction c of the elastic member 41, for example, Fig.19 and Fig. 20In the elastic member 41 shown, a plurality of S-shaped structures 45 are combined along the length direction c of the elastic member 41; or, a plurality of S-shaped structures 45 can be combined along the width direction a of the elastic member 41, for example, Fig.21 In the elastic member 41 shown, a plurality of S-shaped structures 45 are combined in the width direction a of the elastic member 41; or, a plurality of S-shaped structures 45 may be combined along the length direction c and the width direction a of the elastic member 41. For a more detailed description, please refer to the embodiments described below.

[0195] For example Fig.19 and Fig. 20 As shown, in an embodiment provided in the present application, the elastic member 41 includes a plurality of connecting arms 412 and a plurality of deformable arms 413 , the connecting arms 412 and the deformable arms 413 are alternately connected in sequence, and a deformation gap 411 is provided between two adjacent connecting arms 412 .

[0196] The aforementioned S-shaped structure 45 is formed by three connecting arms 412 and two deformable arms 413 .

[0197] Optionally, the connecting arm 412 and the deformable arm 413 may be connected end to end by welding, bonding, hot-melt connection, fastener locking, etc.

[0198] In this embodiment, the connecting arm 412 and the deformable arm 413 are connected end to end, and the whole is bent in a circuitous manner. When the first driven wheel 42 and the second driven wheel 43 are pressed together, each deformable arm 413 bends and deforms, and the connecting arm 412 does not bend, and two adjacent connecting arms 412 will move closer to each other, so that the spatial size of the deformation gap 411 is reduced.

[0199] In this embodiment, the connecting arms 412 and the deformable arms 413 are connected alternately in sequence to form the elastic member 41. The elastic member 41 can be assembled on the hinge assembly 100 as a whole, so that the difficulty of the assembly stage is reduced.

[0200] In addition, the connecting arm 412 and the deformable arm 413 are connected end to end to form a structural connection relationship, so that the connecting arm 412 and the deformable arm 413 can be subjected to force as a whole. When the outermost connecting arm 412 is squeezed by the driven wheel, the squeezing force can be transmitted to each deformable arm 413 and each connecting arm 412 in turn, so that each deformable arm 413 can evenly share the squeezing force and bend and deform, and the curvature of each deformable arm 413 during deformation is also uniform, so that the overall stability of the elastic member 41 is good, thereby reducing the impact of squeezing deformation on surrounding components.

[0201] Assuming that the deformation arm 413 and the connecting arm 412 do not form a structural connection relationship, but only achieve abutment by abutting against each other, then abnormal situations may occur: first, when the outermost connecting arm 412 is squeezed by the driven wheel, the squeezing force cannot be evenly transmitted to each deformation arm 413 and each connecting arm 412. Compared with the deformation arm 413 and the connecting arm 412 located in the middle, the outermost deformation arm 413 and the connecting arm 412 will bear a larger squeezing force and have a larger deformation amount, so that the outermost deformation arm 413 and the connecting arm 412 have the possibility of slipping outward. First, if there is no cover on the elastic member 41, there is a risk of the deformation arm 413 and the connecting arm 412 being ejected outward, so the stability and reliability of the elastic member 41 are poor; second, compared with the multiple deformation arms 413 evenly sharing the extrusion force and undergoing slight bending deformation, when the outermost deformation arm 413 and the connecting arm 412 cannot smoothly transmit the extrusion force, they will bear a larger extrusion force and undergo a large deformation, which makes the elastic member 41 form a more obvious bulge or protrusion outward, which will have an adverse effect of extrusion deformation on surrounding components.

[0202] In an embodiment provided in the present application, the elastic member 41 is an integrally formed structure, that is, the connecting arm 412 and the deformable arm 413 are connected as a whole during the forming stage.

[0203] The elastic member 41 in this embodiment adopts an integrally formed structure, so the elastic member 41 can be formed at one time during the processing stage. Compared with the above embodiment, there is no need to separately form the connecting arm 412 and the deformable arm 413 and then assemble them through welding, bonding, hot-melt connection, fastener locking and other workstations. Therefore, this embodiment has higher production efficiency in the processing stage.

[0204] In addition, the integrally formed elastic member 41 has good structural strength, and the stress in the connection between the connecting arm 412 and the deformable arm 413 can be evenly dispersed when it is compressed and deformed, and there will be no problem of fracture at the connection due to stress concentration. Among them, stress concentration refers to the phenomenon of local stress increase in an object, which generally occurs in places where the shape of the object changes dramatically, such as notches, holes, grooves, and rigid constraints. Imagine that if the connecting arm 412 and the deformable arm 413 are connected by welding, bonding, hot melt connection, fastener locking, etc., then the connection will never be able to achieve a uniform transition like an integrally formed structure. The connection must be transitioned through welding agents, adhesives, gaps, fasteners, etc., so stress concentration problems are likely to occur.

[0205] Optionally, when the elastic part 41 is made of an organic polymer material such as resin, rubber, or elastomer, it can be integrally formed through an injection molding process or through 3D printing technology; or, the base material of the resin, rubber, or elastomer can be formed into the elastic part 41 through laser etching or cutting technology.

[0206] Optionally, when the elastic member 41 is made of a metal material such as iron, steel, copper alloy, nickel alloy, etc., it can be integrally formed through a metal mold casting process; or, a block substrate of iron, steel, copper alloy, nickel alloy, etc. can be formed into the elastic member 41 at one time through grinding, cutting, drilling, turning, milling, etc.; or, a strip or wire substrate of iron, steel, copper alloy, nickel alloy, etc. can be formed at one time through winding.

[0207] For example Fig.19 As shown, in one embodiment provided in the present application, the bottom surfaces of the connecting arm 412 and the deformable arm 413 are flush.

[0208] In this embodiment, the bottom surfaces of the connecting arm 412 and the deformable arm 413 are flush, avoiding the appearance of protrusions or other special-shaped structures, which can effectively prevent the deformable arm 413 from having an adverse effect on the base 10 when deformed, and ensure that the flatness of the screen 400 is not affected. In addition, the deformable arm 413 is prevented from having an adverse effect on the bottom wall of the first receiving groove 22 and the second receiving groove 32 when deformed.

[0209] Optionally, protrusions or other special-shaped structures are also avoided on the top surfaces of the connecting arm 412 and the deformable arm 413 to prevent adverse effects on components on the side surface. Therefore, in another embodiment provided in the present application, the top surfaces of the connecting arm 412 and the deformable arm 413 are flush.

[0210] For example Fig.19 As shown, in one embodiment provided in the present application, the length L1 of the deformation arm 413 in the width direction a of the elastic member 41 is 1 / 5-1 / 2 of the length L2 of the deformation arm 413 in the thickness direction b of the elastic member 41 .

[0211] When the deformable arm 413 is squeezed and deformed, it should be guided to bend and deform in both directions as much as possible, that is, to bend and deform in the width direction a, so that the deformable arm 413 can be prevented from bulging toward the base 10, and the connecting arm 412 can be prevented from swinging toward the base 10, thereby avoiding the adverse effect of the elastic member 41 on the shape of the base 10. Therefore, the length L1 of the deformable arm 413 is not easy to be too large, and the length L2 is not easy to be too small. In this embodiment, the ratio of the length L1 and the length L2 of the deformable arm 413 is limited. When L1 is 1 / 5-1 / 2 of L2, the deformable arm 413 can be better guided to bend and deform in both directions, and the deformable arm 413 will not bulge toward the base 10. In addition, the deformable arm 413 will not bulge toward the bottom wall of the first accommodating groove 22 and the second accommodating groove 32.

[0212] In an embodiment provided in the present application, the entire deformable arm 413 is an arc-shaped structure.

[0213] In the present embodiment, when the elastic member 41 is squeezed, the elastic force is mainly generated by bending and deforming the deformation arm 413. The overall design of the deformation arm 413 as an arc structure can make the deformation arm 413 bend and deform more easily after being compressed. At the same time, compared with the deformation arm 413 with a straight plate structure, the deformation arm 413 with an arc structure can also effectively disperse the stress to prevent the deformation arm 413 from breaking. In addition, the overall deformation arm 413 is an arc structure, which makes the transition between the deformation arm 413 and the connecting arm 412 smooth. Compared with the straight-angled connection, the smooth connection can well disperse the stress and avoid stress concentration, so that the connection between the deformation arm 413 and the connecting arm 412 is not easy to break, thereby improving the overall strength of the elastic member 41.

[0214] Fig. 22 It is a schematic diagram of another example of the elastic member 41 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0215] As mentioned above, when the elastic member 41 is a combination of multiple S-shaped structures 45, the multiple S-shaped structures 45 can be combined along the length direction c and the width direction a of the elastic member 41, that is, as in an embodiment provided by the present application, Fig. 22 As shown, a plurality of S-shaped structures 45 are combined along the length direction c and the width direction a of the elastic member 41 to together constitute the elastic member 41 .

[0216] In this embodiment, a plurality of S-shaped structures 45 are combined along the length direction c and the width direction a of the elastic member 41 , and the elastic member 41 thus formed has a smaller thickness, thereby being able to meet the design requirements of a thinner hinge assembly 100 .

[0217] How to understand the above advantages? Fig.23is a schematic diagram of another example of the elastic member 41 provided in the embodiment of the present application. Fig.23 Give an example.

[0218] First, if Fig. 22 As shown, the damping feel of the elastic member 41 when being squeezed is mainly limited by the number, material and volume of the deformable arms 413, and the volume of the deformable arms 413 is limited by the values ​​of the length L1 and the length L2. When other variables are the same, the more the deformable arms 413 are, the stronger the damping feel is; when other variables are the same, the larger the L2 value of the deformable arms 413 is, the stronger the damping feel is.

[0219] Therefore, when two elastic parts 41 are used to obtain the same damping feel, if one of the elastic parts 41 has a larger number of deformation arms 413, the L2 value of the deformation arm 413 can be designed to be smaller; while if the other elastic part 41 has a smaller number of deformation arms 413, the L2 value of the deformation arm 413 needs to be designed to be larger.

[0220] Assumptions Fig. 22 and Fig.23 The elastic member 41 has the same size in the horizontal direction, and the size of the deformation gap 411 is also the same. Fig. 22 and Fig.23 It can be seen from the elastic member 41 in Fig. 22 When a plurality of S-shaped structures 45 are combined along the length direction c and the width direction a of the elastic member 41 to form the elastic member 41, each deformation gap 411 can correspond to two deformation arms 413 in the extension direction, and the total number of deformation arms 413 is ten. Fig.23 In the example, when the S-shaped structure 45 is combined only along the length direction c of the elastic member 41 to form the elastic member 41, each deformation gap 411 corresponds to only one deformation arm 413, and the total number of deformation arms 413 is five. Assuming that L1 = L1' and the materials are the same, in order to obtain the same damping feel, Fig.23 Since the number of the deformable arms 413 is small, the value of L2' must be increased. L2 and L2' are actually the thickness dimensions of the elastic member 41. It can be determined that L2' must be greater than L2.

[0221] Therefore, compared with multiple S-shaped structures 45 that are combined only along the length direction c of the elastic member 41, multiple S-shaped structures 45 that are combined along the length direction c and the width direction a of the elastic member 41 have a smaller thickness, thereby being able to meet the design requirements of a lighter and thinner hinge assembly 100.

[0222] Fig.24 is a schematic diagram of another example of the elastic member 41 provided in the embodiment of the present application. Fig.24(a) and (b) are two elastic members 41 of different forms.

[0223] like Fig.24 As shown, in an embodiment provided by the present application, two S-shaped structures 45 are first combined into a row along the length direction c of the elastic member 41, and then three rows are formed along the width direction a of the elastic member 41, thereby forming the elastic member 41. Each deformation gap 411 has three corresponding deformation arms 413 in its extension direction.

[0224] in, Fig.24 (a) is formed by winding a strip or wire-shaped substrate in one step; Fig.24 (b) is formed in one step through casting, injection molding, 3D printing, cutting and other processes.

[0225] Fig.25 It is a schematic diagram of another example of the elastic member 41 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0226] like Fig.25 As shown, in an embodiment provided by the present application, two S-shaped structures 45 are first combined into a row along the length direction c of the elastic member 41, and then four rows are formed along the width direction a of the elastic member 41, thereby forming the elastic member 41. Each deformation gap 411 has four corresponding deformation arms 413 in the extension direction.

[0227] In this embodiment, the elastic member 41 is formed by winding a strip or line-shaped substrate in one step.

[0228] In summary, when the number of rows of S-shaped structures 45 in the width direction a of the elastic member 41 increases, the number of deformation arms 413 corresponding to a single deformation gap 411 increases. When the length L1 remains the same, the length L2 can be appropriately reduced, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the elastic member 41.

[0229] In other embodiments, n S-shaped structures 45 may be first combined into rows along the length direction c of the elastic member 41 and then formed into m rows along the width direction a of the elastic member 41 , and the values ​​of n and m are not limited.

[0230] For example, when n is three and m is four, the three S-shaped structures 45 are first combined into a row along the length direction c of the elastic member 41 , and then form four rows along the width direction a of the elastic member 41 , thereby forming the elastic member 41 .

[0231] For another example, when n is five and m is three, the five S-shaped structures 45 are first combined into a row along the length direction c of the elastic member 41 , and then form three rows along the width direction a of the elastic member 41 , thereby forming the elastic member 41 .

[0232] Fig.26 It is a schematic diagram of another example of the elastic member 41 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0233] like Fig.26 As shown, in an embodiment provided in the present application, the elastic member 41 includes a plurality of connecting arms 412, a plurality of deformation arms 413 and a plurality of stress dispersion blocks 414. The deformation arms 413 and the connecting arms 412 are arranged to form a frame structure. The stress dispersion blocks 414 are arranged inside the frame structure and connected to the deformation arms 413 for dispersing the deformation stress of the deformation arms 413. The deformation gaps 411 include a plurality of first gaps 411a, and the first gaps 411a are distributed on both sides of the stress dispersion blocks 414.

[0234] The elastic member 41 in this embodiment is surrounded by a connecting arm 412 and a deformable arm 413 connected end to end to form a frame structure. A plurality of stress dispersion blocks 414 are connected to the deformable arm 413, and a first gap 411a is formed between two adjacent stress dispersion blocks 414. The main function of the stress dispersion block 414 is to disperse the deformation stress of the deformable arm 413, so that when the elastic member 41 is squeezed, a slight bending deformation will occur at the position corresponding to each first gap 411a on the deformable arm 413. Assuming that there is no stress dispersion block 414, after the deformable arm 413 is squeezed, the middle part will bulge or bulge to the side, which will cause adverse effects on the side parts. For example, if there is a part on the side of the elastic member 41 that is fixedly connected to the base 10, when the part is affected by the elastic member 41, it will also have a collateral effect on the base 10, and will eventually affect the flatness of the screen 400.

[0235] In summary, the elastic member 41 in this embodiment is provided with a plurality of stress dispersion blocks 414 on the deformation arm 413 to prevent the middle portion of the deformation arm 413 from bulging or bulging laterally, thereby reducing the adverse effects of the elastic member 41 on the side components.

[0236] For example Fig.26 As shown, in one embodiment provided in the present application, the length L3 of the deformation arm 413 in the width direction a of the elastic member 41 is 1 / 6-1 / 3 of the length L4 of the deformation arm 413 in the thickness direction b of the elastic member 41 .

[0237] In the elastic member 41 of the present embodiment, when the deformation arm 413 is squeezed and deformed, it should also be guided to bend and deform in both directions as much as possible, that is, to bend and deform in the width direction a, so that the deformation arm 413 and the stress dispersion block 414 in the middle of the elastic member 41 can be prevented from bulging toward the base 10, and the adverse effect of the elastic member 41 on the shape of the base 10 is avoided. Therefore, the length L3 of the deformation arm 413 is not easy to be too large, and the length L4 is not easy to be too small. In the present embodiment, the ratio of the length L3 and the length L4 of the deformation arm 413 is limited. When L3 is 1 / 6-1 / 3 of L4, the deformation arm 413 can be better guided to bend and deform in both directions, and the deformation arm 413 will not bulge toward the base 10. In addition, the deformation arm 413 will not bulge toward the bottom wall of the first accommodating groove 22 and the second accommodating groove 32.

[0238] Fig. 27 It is a schematic diagram of another example of the elastic member 41 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0239] like Fig. 27 As shown, in one embodiment provided in the present application, the deformation gap 411 also includes a second gap 411b, and the second gap 411b is distributed on the center line of the frame structure and runs through the connecting arms 412 on either side.

[0240] In this embodiment, a second gap 411b is set on the center line of the frame structure, and the second gap 411b runs through the connecting arm 412 on either side, so that the deformation arms 413 on both sides can deflect toward the center line when deforming, thereby completely avoiding affecting the side components.

[0241] Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 Schematic diagram of the working principle of the elastic member 41. Fig.28 (a) is a schematic diagram when not squeezed; Fig.28 (b) is a schematic diagram of being squeezed.

[0242] like Fig.28 As shown, when the elastic member 41 is squeezed, due to the second gap 411b on its center line, the deformable arm 413 can be deflected toward the center line when deformed, thereby preventing the deformable arm 413 from bulging or bulging to the side, or even the slight bending deformation caused by the position of each first gap 411a on the deformable arm 413. Since the whole is displaced toward the center line, it will not affect the side parts.

[0243] Therefore, the elastic member 41 in this embodiment, due to the adoption of the above-mentioned special structural design, can better avoid the impact on surrounding components when it is squeezed and deformed, and can reduce the possibility of affecting the flatness of the screen 400 to the extreme.

[0244] In an embodiment provided in the present application, the bottom surfaces of the connecting arm 412 , the deformable arm 413 , and the stress dispersion block 414 are flush.

[0245] In this embodiment, the bottom surfaces of the connecting arm 412, the deformable arm 413 and the stress dispersion block 414 are flush, avoiding the appearance of protrusions or other special-shaped structures, which can effectively prevent the deformable arm 413 from having an adverse effect on the base 10 when deformed, and ensure that the flatness of the screen 400 is not affected. In addition, the deformable arm 413 is prevented from having an adverse effect on the bottom wall of the first receiving groove 22 and the second receiving groove 32 when deformed.

[0246] Optionally, protrusions or other special-shaped structures are avoided on the top surfaces of the connecting arm 412, the deformable arm 413 and the stress dispersion block 414, so as to prevent adverse effects on the components on the side surface. Therefore, in another embodiment provided in the present application, the top surfaces of the connecting arm 412, the deformable arm 413 and the stress dispersion block 414 are flush.

[0247] For example Figure 8 As shown, in an embodiment provided in the present application, the first driven wheel 42 and the second driven wheel 43 are connected to form a driven wheel set 44 of an integrated structure.

[0248] In the present embodiment, the first driven wheel 42 and the second driven wheel 43 are connected to form a driven wheel assembly 44 of an integral structure. When performing the action of extruding the elastic member 41, the consistency is better and the extrusion force on the elastic member 41 is more balanced, thereby avoiding the situation where the elastic member 41 is compressed at an angle due to the different extrusion amounts of the first driven wheel 42 and the second driven wheel 43.

[0249] Optionally, the elastic member 41 may be squeezed synchronously by two driven wheel sets 44 ; or, the elastic member 41 may be squeezed by one driven wheel set 44 .

[0250] Fig.29 It is a schematic diagram of an example of the first swing arm 20, the second swing arm 30 and the elastic member 41 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.30 It is a schematic diagram of another example of the first swing arm 20, the second swing arm 30 and the elastic member 41 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0251] In an embodiment provided in the present application, the base 10 is provided with a mounting groove 11 for accommodating the damping mechanism 40 , and the elastic member 41 is provided between the driven wheel set 44 and the groove wall of the mounting groove 11 .

[0252] Alternatively, if Fig.29 As shown, the first swing arm 20 is provided with a first driving wheel 21 , the second swing arm 30 is provided with a second driving wheel 31 , and the corresponding driven wheel set 44 is also only one.

[0253] Alternatively, if Fig.30 As shown, the first swing arm 20 is provided with two first driving wheels 21 , the second swing arm 30 is provided with two second driving wheels 31 , and there are two corresponding driven wheel sets 44 .

[0254] For example Fig.10 As shown, in an embodiment provided by the present application, the elastic member 41 is disposed between two driven wheel groups 44. The first swing arm 20 has two first driving wheels 21 that are opposite and spaced apart; the second swing arm 30 has two second driving wheels 31 that are opposite and spaced apart.

[0255] In this embodiment, the elastic member 41 is relatively synchronously squeezed by the driven wheel groups 44 on both sides thereof, which can increase the compression amount of the elastic member 41, and thus the damping feel that responds to the user is stronger. For example, if the elastic member 41 is squeezed by the driven wheel group 44 on one side, if the rotation angle of the first swing arm 20 is 40°, the driven wheel group 44 is displaced by x, then the deformation amount of the elastic member 41 is also x, and the elastic reset force generated is kx; if the elastic member 41 is relatively synchronously squeezed by the driven wheel groups 44 on both sides thereof, so the relative displacement of the driven wheel groups 44 on both sides is 2x, then the deformation amount of the elastic member 41 is also 2x, and the elastic reset force generated is 2kx, so the resistance transmitted to the user's hand is greater, and the damping feel is stronger.

[0256] For example Figure 8 As shown, in an embodiment provided in the present application, the base 10 is provided with a first shaft 12, and a first shaft hole 211 is provided on the first swing arm 20 at the first driving wheel 21, and the first swing arm 20 is rotatably connected to the base 10 through the first shaft 12; the base 10 is provided with a second shaft 13, and a second shaft hole 311 is provided on the second swing arm 30 at the second driving wheel 31, and the second swing arm 30 is rotatably connected to the base 10 through the second shaft 13.

[0257] In this embodiment, the rotational connection modes of the first swing arm 20 and the second swing arm 30 with the base 10 are specifically defined. This structure is simple, reliable and easy to implement.

[0258] As mentioned above, the sliding connection between the first driven wheel 42 and the second driven wheel 43 relative to the base 10 can be achieved through an axis, that is, as in an embodiment provided by the present application, Figure 8 As shown, the first driven wheel 42 is provided with a first guide hole 421 slidably connected to the first shaft 12 ; the second driven wheel 43 is provided with a second guide hole 431 slidably connected to the second shaft 13 .

[0259] In this embodiment, the shaft that is rotatably connected between the first swing arm 20 and the second swing arm 30 relative to the base 10 is utilized, so that the overall structure is compact, which is conducive to the lightweight design of the hinge assembly 100.

[0260] Optionally, the first shaft 12 and the second shaft 13 are fixed on the base 10 via a shaft mounting bracket 14 .

[0261] Specifically, a semicircular groove is provided on the base 10 at the position corresponding to the installation of the first shaft 12 and the second shaft 13. A cover plate 15 is also fixed to the base 10 by screws. The cover plate 15 also has a semicircular groove. After the cover plate 15 is fixed to the base 10, a circular groove is formed for plugging and installing the first shaft 12 and the second shaft 13.

[0262] In an embodiment provided in the present application, the first driving wheel 21 , the second driving wheel 31 , the first driven wheel 42 and the second driven wheel 43 are all end face cams.

[0263] The end face cam in this embodiment refers to a cam whose contour curve is located at the end and rotates around its axis, so that the driven wheel can obtain a larger sliding stroke through the end face cam with a small diameter.

[0264] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the elastic member 41 is applied to the inner-shaft damping mechanism 40. In other embodiments provided in the present application, the elastic member 41 can also be applied to the outer-side damping mechanism 40. The specific technical solution is shown below.

[0265] Fig.31 It is a schematic diagram of another example of the hinge assembly 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.32 yes Fig.31 A partial exploded view of the hinge assembly 100 in FIG.

[0266] like Figure 31-Figure 32 As shown, a hinge assembly 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a base 10, a first swing arm 20, a second swing arm 30, and a damping mechanism 40. In addition, the hinge assembly 100 also includes a first support plate 51 and a second support plate 52, the first support plate 51 is used to connect with the first shell 200, and the second support plate 52 is used to connect with the second shell 300.

[0267] One end of the first swing arm 20 is rotatably connected to the base 10, and the other end of the first swing arm 20 is slidably connected to the first support plate 51. Specifically, a first slide groove 511 is provided on the first support plate 51 extending in the width direction d of the first support plate 51, and the end of the first swing arm 20 is slidably connected in the first slide groove 511. The rotation axis of the first support plate 51 relative to the base 10 is not coaxial with the rotation axis of the first swing arm 20 relative to the base 10. When the user folds the first shell 200, the first shell 200 drives the first support plate 51 to rotate, and the first support plate 51 drives the first swing arm 20 to slide in the first slide groove 511 and rotate relative to the base 10 through the groove wall of the first slide groove 511.

[0268] One end of the second swing arm 30 is rotatably connected to the base 10, and the other end of the second swing arm 30 is slidably connected to the second support plate 52. Specifically, a second slide groove 521 is provided on the second support plate 52 extending in the width direction d of the second support plate 52, and the end of the second swing arm 30 is slidably connected in the second slide groove 521. The rotation axis of the second support plate 52 relative to the base 10 is not coaxial with the rotation axis of the second swing arm 30 relative to the base 10. When the user folds the second housing 300, the second housing 300 drives the second support plate 52 to rotate, and the second support plate 52 drives the second swing arm 30 to slide in the second slide groove 521 and rotate relative to the base 10 through the groove wall of the second slide groove 521.

[0269] The damping mechanism 40 is disposed on the first swing arm 20 and the second swing arm 30 , and the damping mechanism 40 includes the elastic member 41 used in any of the aforementioned embodiments. In addition, the damping mechanism 40 also includes a sliding frame 46 .

[0270] The first swing arm 20 is further provided with a first receiving groove 22 for installing an elastic member 41 and a sliding frame 46, and the first receiving groove 22 can be extended in the width direction e of the first swing arm 20. The sliding frame 46 is slidably disposed in the first receiving groove 22, and at least one elastic member 41 is arranged between the sliding frame 46 and a groove wall in the first receiving groove 22 away from the base 10.

[0271] When the first swing arm 20 rotates relative to the base 10, the first swing arm 20 also drives the elastic member 41 and the sliding frame 46 to rotate synchronously. A first blocking portion 16 is provided on the base 10, and the first blocking portion 16 is located on the rotation track of the sliding frame 46 and is used to interfere with and block the sliding frame 46.

[0272] When the first swing arm 20 drives the sliding frame 46 to rotate to the first blocking portion 16, the sliding frame 46 and the first blocking portion 16 are against each other. If the first swing arm 20 is rotated further, the first blocking portion 16 will push the sliding frame 46 to slide in the first receiving groove 22, and at the same time, the sliding frame 46 squeezes the elastic member 41 to deform the elastic member 41 to generate an elastic restoring force, which will eventually be transmitted to the first housing 200 to form a rotation resistance. If the first swing arm 20 is rotated further, the sliding frame 46 slides over the surface of the first blocking portion 16, the elastic member 41 recovers its shape, and the sliding frame 46 is reset.

[0273] Similar to the first swing arm 20, the second swing arm 30 is further provided with a second receiving groove 32 for installing the elastic member 41 and the sliding frame 46, and the second receiving groove 32 can be extended in the width direction e of the second swing arm 30. The sliding frame 46 is slidably disposed in the second receiving groove 32, and at least one elastic member 41 is arranged between the sliding frame 46 and the groove wall of the second receiving groove 32 away from the base 10.

[0274] When the second swing arm 30 rotates relative to the base 10, the second swing arm 30 also drives the elastic member 41 and the sliding frame 46 to rotate synchronously. A second blocking portion 17 is provided on the base 10, and the second blocking portion 17 is located on the rotation track of the sliding frame 46 and is used to interfere with and block the sliding frame 46.

[0275] When the second swing arm 30 drives the sliding frame 46 to rotate to the second blocking portion 17, the sliding frame 46 and the second blocking portion 17 are against each other, and the second swing arm 30 is continuously rotated, so that the second blocking portion 17 pushes the sliding frame 46 to slide in the second receiving groove 32, and at the same time, the sliding frame 46 squeezes the elastic member 41 to deform the elastic member 41 to generate an elastic reset force, which is eventually transmitted to the second housing 300 to form a rotation resistance, so that the user can feel the damping feel of the damping mechanism 40. If the second swing arm 30 is continuously rotated, the sliding frame 46 slides over the surface of the second blocking portion 17, the elastic member 41 recovers its shape, and the sliding frame 46 is reset.

[0276] The hinge assembly 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application has an elastic member 41 that provides damping feel and has an overall flat block structure. Compared with the cylindrical spring 60 in the related art, the elastic member 41 in the embodiment of the present application has a smaller footprint in the thickness direction, thereby avoiding encroaching on the layout space of the swing arm, thereby ensuring that the swing arm has sufficient thickness to meet the impact resistance, thereby reducing the risk of deformation and breakage of the hinge assembly 100.

[0277] Optionally, the number of the elastic member 41 in the first receiving groove 22 may be one or more, and the number of the elastic member 41 in the second receiving groove 32 may be one or more. There is no limitation on the number of the elastic members 41 used.

[0278] Optionally, the groove wall of the first accommodating groove 22, the elastic member 41 and the sliding frame 46 may be disconnected from each other and installed in an abutting manner; or, the two ends of the elastic member 41 are fixedly connected to the groove wall of the first accommodating groove 22 and the sliding frame 46 respectively.

[0279] Optionally, the groove wall of the second accommodating groove 32, the elastic member 41 and the sliding frame 46 may be disconnected from each other and installed in an abutting manner; or, the two ends of the elastic member 41 are fixedly connected to the groove wall of the second accommodating groove 32 and the sliding frame 46 respectively.

[0280] In an embodiment provided in the present application, the sliding direction of the sliding frame 46 in the first accommodating groove 22 is the same as the direction of the compression deformation of the elastic member 41, and the sliding direction of the sliding frame 46 in the second accommodating groove 32 is the same as the direction of the compression deformation of the elastic member 41.

[0281] The elastic member 41 in this embodiment will not be affected by the component force of the sliding frame 46, so the elastic member 41 will not be deflected, thereby preventing the elastic member 41 from getting stuck, allowing the elastic member 41 to be compressed and deformed smoothly, avoiding the swing arm from getting stuck or shaking, and ensuring the folding feel of the hinge assembly 100.

[0282] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the damping mechanism 40 is installed on the first swing arm 20 and the second swing arm 30 to rotate synchronously with the first swing arm 20 and the second swing arm 30, and interferes with and blocks the rotation of the sliding frame 46 on each swing arm through the first blocking portion 16 and the second blocking portion 17 arranged on the base 10, thereby squeezing the elastic member 41 through the sliding frame 46.

[0283] Then, in other embodiments, the damping mechanism 40 can also be removed from the first swing arm 20 and the second swing arm 30 and installed on the first support plate 51 and the second support plate 52. The specific implementation method is similar to the setting method of the damping mechanism 40 on the first swing arm 20 and the second swing arm 30, as follows.

[0284] Fig.33 It is a schematic diagram of the second support plate 52 and the damping mechanism 40 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0285] Take the damping mechanism 40 installed on the second support plate 52 as an example. Fig.33 As shown, the second support plate 52 has a sufficient length, the second accommodating groove 32 is opened on the second support plate 52, the sliding frame 46 is slidably arranged in the second accommodating groove 32, and the elastic member 41 is arranged between the sliding frame 46 and the groove wall of the second accommodating groove 32. The elastic member 41 and the sliding frame 46 rotate synchronously with the second support plate 52, and interfere with and block the rotation of the sliding frame 46 through the second blocking portion 17 (not shown in the figure) arranged on the base 10, so as to squeeze the elastic member 41 through the sliding frame 46 and the groove wall of the second accommodating groove 32.

[0286] Similar to the second support plate 52, the first accommodating groove 22 is opened on the first support plate 51, the sliding frame 46 is slidably set in the first accommodating groove 22, and the elastic member 41 is arranged between the sliding frame 46 and the groove wall of the first accommodating groove 22. The elastic member 41 and the sliding frame 46 rotate synchronously with the first support plate 51, and the first blocking portion 16 set on the base 10 interferes with and blocks the rotation of the sliding frame 46, thereby squeezing the elastic member 41 through the sliding frame 46 and the groove wall of the first accommodating groove 22.

[0287] In this embodiment, when the damping mechanism 40 is installed on the first support plate 51 and the second support plate 52, the elastic member 41 occupies a smaller size in the thickness direction, thereby avoiding encroaching on the layout space of the support plate, thereby ensuring that the support plate has sufficient thickness to meet the impact resistance, thereby reducing the risk of deformation and breakage of the hinge assembly 100.

[0288] Of course, in other embodiments, the damping mechanism 40 may also be present on the first swing arm 20 and the second swing arm 30 as well as the first support plate 51 and the second support plate 52. In this way, the damping mechanism 40 may be arranged on the hinge assembly 100 in a plurality of evenly distributed forms, so that when the electronic device is folded, the hand feeling force generated by the damping mechanism 40 can be evenly distributed around the electronic device, so that the user can feel better when folding the electronic device, avoiding the situation where the hand feeling force is strong at a local position and weak at other positions, and also so that the first shell 200 and the second shell 300 can be stably hovered at a certain folding angle, thereby improving the hovering accuracy.

[0289] Fig.34 yes Fig.31 Sectional view of AA. Fig.35 yes Fig.31 Cross-sectional view of BB.

[0290] like Figure 34-Figure 35 As shown, in an embodiment provided by the present application, the first swing arm 20 includes a first sliding portion 23, the base 10 is provided with a first arc-shaped slide groove 18, and the first swing arm 20 is slidably connected to the first arc-shaped slide groove 18 through the first sliding portion 23. The second swing arm 30 includes a second sliding portion 33, the base 10 is provided with a second arc-shaped slide groove 19, and the second swing arm 30 is slidably connected to the second arc-shaped slide groove 19 through the second sliding portion 33.

[0291] Optionally, in other embodiments, the first swing arm 20 and the second swing arm 30 may be rotatably connected to the base 10 via a rotating shaft and an axis hole.

[0292] As mentioned above, when the first blocking portion 16 and the second blocking portion 17 interfere with and block the rotation of the sliding frame 46, if the first swing arm 20 and the second swing arm 30 continue to rotate, the sliding frame 46 will slide along the surfaces of the first blocking portion 16 and the second blocking portion 17, so that the first blocking portion 16 and the second blocking portion 17 squeeze the sliding frame 46. If the sliding frame 46 does not slide smoothly along the surfaces of the first blocking portion 16 and the second blocking portion 17, it will cause a poor damping feel.

[0293] Therefore, in order to reduce the sliding resistance between the sliding frame 46 and the first blocking portion 16 and the second blocking portion 17, so that the first blocking portion 16 and the second blocking portion 17 can press the sliding frame 46 more smoothly, Fig.32 As shown, in an embodiment provided in the present application, a roller 461 is set on the sliding frame 46 to rotate toward one side of the base 10, and the first blocking portion 16 and the second blocking portion 17 are located on the rotation trajectory of the roller 461 and are used to interfere with and block the roller 461, so that the first blocking portion 16 and the second blocking portion 17 squeeze the sliding frame 46 through the roller 461.

[0294] The resistance of rolling friction is much smaller than that of sliding friction. Therefore, a roller 461 is provided on the sliding frame 46 in this embodiment, so that the first blocking part 16 and the second blocking part 17 can squeeze the sliding frame 46 more smoothly, thereby ensuring the damping feel of the damping mechanism 40.

[0295] Taking the second receiving groove 32 as an example, usually, the sliding frame 46 does not have a slider 462, and the groove wall of the second receiving groove 32 does not have a fourth sliding groove 321. The sliding frame 46 is directly placed in the second receiving groove 32 and then slides through the surfaces of the two. In such a design, a cover plate is required to cover the groove of the second receiving groove 32, so that the sliding frame 46 is confined inside the second receiving groove 32.

[0296] It can be seen that the above design needs to add a cover plate component, and also needs to add a fixing structure and installation process of the cover plate, which increases the material cost and installation cost. Therefore, in order to solve this problem, it is considered to limit the sliding frame 46 inside the second receiving groove 32 through other sliding structures, so that the cover plate component can be omitted, as follows.

[0297] For example Fig.32As shown, in an embodiment provided in the present application, sliders 462 are arranged on opposite sides of the sliding frame 46, and fourth sliding grooves 321 for slidingly connecting the sliders 462 are provided on opposite side groove walls in the second accommodating groove 32, wherein the groove wall of one of the fourth sliding grooves 321 has a second notch 322, through which the slider 462 of the sliding frame 46 can pass, so that the sliding frame 46 can be conveniently installed in the second accommodating groove 32, and then the slider 462 is staggered from the second notch 322 under the action of the elastic member 41, so that the slider 462 cannot escape from the second notch 322.

[0298] Similarly, the groove walls on opposite sides of the first receiving groove 22 are provided with third sliding grooves 221 for slidingly connecting the slider 462, and the groove wall of one of the third sliding grooves 221 has a first notch 222, through which the slider 462 of the sliding frame 46 can pass, thereby allowing the sliding frame 46 to be conveniently installed in the first receiving groove 22.

[0299] In this embodiment, the sliding frame 46 can be confined inside the first accommodating groove 22 by the slider 462 and the third slide groove 221, and the sliding frame 46 can be confined inside the second accommodating groove 32 by the slider 462 and the fourth slide groove 321, thereby eliminating the component of the cover plate, thereby reducing material cost and installation cost.

[0300] Now, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, taking the damping mechanism 40 of the second swing arm 30 as an example, the specific movement process of the hinge assembly 100 provided in the present application is described in detail.

[0301] Fig.36 It is a schematic diagram of the second support plate 52 and the second swing arm 30 provided in an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state.

[0302] like Fig.36 As shown, when the hinge assembly 100 in this embodiment is in a flattened state, the second support plate 52 and the second swing arm 30 are both in a horizontal state, wherein the area C between the two dotted lines in the figure is the rotation track of the roller 461. At this time, the second blocking portion 17 is in close contact with the roller 461, the elastic member 41 is in an uncompressed state, and the damping mechanism 40 does not provide a damping feel for the user.

[0303] Fig.37 It is a schematic diagram of the second support plate 52 and the second swing arm 30 provided in an embodiment of the present application during the folding process.

[0304] like Fig.37As shown, when the user folds the second housing 300 (not shown in the figure), the second housing 300 drives the second swing arm 30 to rotate through the second support plate 52, and the second swing arm 30 drives the roller 461, the sliding frame 46, and the elastic member 41 to rotate. When the second swing arm 30 rotates to a certain angle, the second blocking portion 17 and the roller 461 will interfere with each other, as shown at G in the figure, so that the second blocking portion 17 pushes the roller 461 to move away from the base 10, and the roller 461 drives the sliding frame 46 to slide in the second receiving groove 32, thereby squeezing the elastic member 41 located between the sliding frame 46 and the second receiving groove 32 The groove wall is squeezed, so that the elastic member 41 is deformed to generate an elastic reset force, and the elastic reset force is finally transmitted to the second housing 300 to form a rotation resistance, so that the user can feel the damping feel of the damping mechanism 40.

[0305] Fig.38 yes Fig.37 Schematic diagram of the second support plate 52 and the second swing arm 30 after further folding.

[0306] like Fig.38 As shown, as the second swing arm 30 rotates further, the roller 461 slides through the second blocking portion 17, and the second blocking portion 17 no longer interferes with and blocks the roller 461. The roller 461 is no longer pushed by the second blocking portion 17, and the elastic member 41 pushes the sliding frame 46 and the roller 461 to reset under the action of the elastic reset force.

[0307] For example Fig.37 As shown, when the user folds the second shell 300 to a flat state, the second shell 300 drives the second swing arm 30 to rotate in the opposite direction through the second support plate 52. As the second swing arm 30 rotates to a certain angle, the second blocking portion 17 interferes with the roller 461, causing the elastic member 41 to be squeezed, thereby allowing the user to feel the damping feel of the damping mechanism 40.

[0308] Similarly, the movement process of the damping mechanism 40 of the first swing arm 20 is consistent with the movement process of the damping mechanism 40 of the second swing arm 30 described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0309] Finally, it should be noted that the above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly, characterized in that: include: Pedestal; A swing arm is rotatably connected to the base and has a driving wheel; A damping mechanism is provided on the base, comprising an elastic member and a driven wheel meshed with the driving wheel, wherein the elastic member abuts against the driven wheel, the driven wheel is slidably provided on the base and is restricted from rotating, and as the swing arm rotates, the driving wheel can squeeze or release the elastic member through the driven wheel; The elastic member is bent into an S-shaped structure or a combination of a plurality of S-shaped structures, and the side of the elastic member abutting against the driven wheel is a plane, and the deformation direction of the elastic member is the same as the sliding direction of the driven wheel.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic member comprises a plurality of connecting arms and a plurality of deformable arms, wherein the connecting arms and the deformable arms are alternately connected in sequence to form the S-shaped structure, and a deformation gap is provided between two adjacent connecting arms.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom surfaces of the connecting arm and the deformable arm are flush.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The overall deformable arm is an arc-shaped structure.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The length of the deformation arm in the width direction of the elastic member is 1 / 5-1 / 2 of the length of the deformation arm in the thickness direction of the elastic member.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of the S-shaped structures are combined along the length direction and the width direction of the elastic member.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are two swing arms disposed on both sides of the base, namely a first swing arm and a second swing arm, the first swing arm having a first driving wheel, and the second swing arm having a second driving wheel; There are two driven wheels, namely a first driven wheel and a second driven wheel. The first driven wheel and the second driven wheel are connected to form a driven wheel set with an integrated structure.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The elastic member is arranged between the two driven wheel groups.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The base is provided with a first shaft, and a first shaft hole is provided on the first swing arm at the first driving wheel, and the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the base through the first shaft; The base is provided with a second shaft, and a second shaft hole is provided on the second swing arm at the second driving wheel, and the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the base through the second shaft.

10. The hinge assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first driven wheel is provided with a first guide hole slidably connected to the first shaft; The second driven wheel is provided with a second guide hole slidably connected to the second shaft.

11. The hinge assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The base is provided with a mounting groove for accommodating the damping mechanism, the elastic member is supported between the driven wheel set and the groove wall of the mounting groove, and the side of the elastic member that is supported against the groove wall of the mounting groove is a plane.

12. A hinge assembly, characterized in that: include: A base having a blocking portion; A swing arm is rotatably connected to the base and has a receiving groove; a damping mechanism, which is arranged on the swing arm and can rotate with the swing arm, and comprises an elastic member and a sliding frame, wherein the sliding frame is slidably arranged in the receiving groove, the elastic member is abutted between the sliding frame and a groove wall of the receiving groove away from the base, the blocking portion is located on the rotation track of the sliding frame, and can squeeze or release the elastic member through the sliding frame; Among them, the elastic member is bent into an S-shaped structure or a combination of multiple S-shaped structures, and the side of the elastic member that abuts against the sliding frame and the side that abuts against the accommodating groove wall are both planes, and the deformation direction of the elastic member is the same as the sliding direction of the sliding frame.

13. The hinge assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that: The elastic member comprises a plurality of connecting arms and a plurality of deformable arms, wherein the connecting arms and the deformable arms are alternately connected in sequence to form the S-shaped structure, and a deformation gap is provided between two adjacent connecting arms.

14. The hinge assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that: The bottom surfaces of the connecting arm and the deformable arm are flush.

15. The hinge assembly according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: The overall deformable arm is an arc-shaped structure.

16. The hinge assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that: The length of the deformation arm in the width direction of the elastic member is 1 / 5-1 / 2 of the length of the deformation arm in the thickness direction of the elastic member.

17. The hinge assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that: A plurality of the S-shaped structures are combined along the length direction and the width direction of the elastic member.

18. The hinge assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that: A roller is rotatably arranged on one side of the sliding frame toward the base, and the blocking portion is located on the rotation track of the roller and can press the sliding frame through the roller.

19. The hinge assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that The sliding frame is provided with a sliding block; The receiving groove is provided with a sliding groove for slidably connecting the sliding block, and the groove wall of the sliding groove has a notch through which the sliding block can pass, and the sliding frame is slidably arranged in the receiving groove through the notch.

20. The hinge assembly according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that: The swing arm has a sliding portion, the base is provided with an arc-shaped sliding groove, and the swing arm is slidably connected to the arc-shaped sliding groove through the sliding portion, so that the swing arm is rotatably connected to the base.

21. A hinge assembly, characterized in that: include: Pedestal; A swing arm is rotatably connected to the base and has a driving wheel; A damping mechanism is provided on the base, the damping mechanism comprises an elastic member and a driven wheel meshed with the driving wheel, the elastic member abuts against the driven wheel, the driven wheel is slidably provided on the base and is restricted from rotating, and as the swing arm rotates, the driving wheel can squeeze or release the elastic member through the driven wheel; The elastic member is provided with a deformation gap penetrating along the thickness direction; the elastic member comprises a plurality of connecting arms, a plurality of deforming arms and a plurality of stress dispersion blocks, the deforming arms and the connecting arms are surrounded to form a frame structure, the stress dispersion blocks are arranged inside the frame structure and connected to the deforming arms; The deformation gap includes a plurality of first gaps, and the first gaps are distributed on both sides of the stress dispersion block.

22. The hinge assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that The deformation gap also includes a second gap, which is distributed on the center line of the frame structure and passes through the connecting arms on either side.

23. The hinge assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that The bottom surfaces of the connecting arm, the deformable arm and the stress dispersion block are flush.

24. The hinge assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that The length of the deformation arm in the width direction of the elastic member is 1 / 6-1 / 3 of the length of the deformation arm in the thickness direction of the elastic member.

25. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that: The elastic member is an integrally formed structure.

26. The hinge assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that There are two swing arms disposed on both sides of the base, namely a first swing arm and a second swing arm, the first swing arm having a first driving wheel, and the second swing arm having a second driving wheel; There are two driven wheels, namely a first driven wheel and a second driven wheel. The first driven wheel and the second driven wheel are connected to form a driven wheel set with an integrated structure.

27. The hinge assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that The elastic member is arranged between the two driven wheel groups.

28. The hinge assembly according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that: The base is provided with a first shaft, and a first shaft hole is provided on the first swing arm at the first driving wheel, and the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the base through the first shaft; The base is provided with a second shaft, and a second shaft hole is provided on the second swing arm at the second driving wheel, and the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the base through the second shaft.

29. The hinge assembly according to claim 28, characterized in that The first driven wheel is provided with a first guide hole slidably connected to the first shaft; The second driven wheel is provided with a second guide hole slidably connected to the second shaft.

30. The hinge assembly according to claim 26, wherein: The base is provided with a mounting groove for accommodating the damping mechanism, the elastic member is supported between the driven wheel set and the groove wall of the mounting groove, and the side of the elastic member that is supported against the groove wall of the mounting groove is a plane.

31. A hinge assembly, characterized in that: include: A base having a blocking portion; A swing arm is rotatably connected to the base and has a receiving groove; a damping mechanism, which is arranged on the swing arm and can rotate with the swing arm, the damping mechanism comprises an elastic member and a sliding frame, the sliding frame is slidably arranged in the receiving groove, the elastic member is abutted between the sliding frame and a groove wall of the receiving groove away from the base, the blocking portion is located on the rotation track of the sliding frame, and can squeeze or release the elastic member through the sliding frame; The elastic member is provided with a deformation gap penetrating along the thickness direction; the elastic member comprises a plurality of connecting arms, a plurality of deforming arms and a plurality of stress dispersion blocks, the deforming arms and the connecting arms are surrounded to form a frame structure, the stress dispersion blocks are arranged inside the frame structure and connected to the deforming arms; The deformation gap includes a plurality of first gaps, and the first gaps are distributed on both sides of the stress dispersion block.

32. The hinge assembly according to claim 31, characterized in that The deformation gap also includes a second gap, which is distributed on the center line of the frame structure and passes through the connecting arms on either side.

33. The hinge assembly according to claim 31, characterized in that The bottom surfaces of the connecting arm, the deformable arm and the stress dispersion block are flush.

34. The hinge assembly according to claim 31, characterized in that The length of the deformation arm in the width direction of the elastic member is 1 / 6-1 / 3 of the length of the deformation arm in the thickness direction of the elastic member.

35. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that: The elastic member is an integrally formed structure.

36. The hinge assembly according to claim 31, characterized in that A roller is rotatably arranged on one side of the sliding frame toward the base, and the blocking portion is located on the rotation track of the roller and can press the sliding frame through the roller.

37. The hinge assembly according to claim 36, characterized in that The sliding frame is provided with a sliding block; The receiving groove is provided with a sliding groove for slidably connecting the sliding block, and the groove wall of the sliding groove has a notch through which the sliding block can pass, and the sliding frame is slidably arranged in the receiving groove through the notch.

38. The hinge assembly according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that: The swing arm has a sliding portion, the base is provided with an arc-shaped sliding groove, and the swing arm is slidably connected to the arc-shaped sliding groove through the sliding portion, so that the swing arm is rotatably connected to the base.

39. An electronic device, characterized in that: It includes a first shell, a second shell, a screen and a hinge assembly as described in any one of claims 1-38, wherein the hinge assembly is connected between the first shell and the second shell, and the screen is laid on one side of the first shell, the hinge assembly and the second shell.

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