Hinge mechanism, folding device and foldable electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a hinge mechanism, a folding device and foldable electronic equipment. The hinge mechanism comprises a middle beam, a first supporting plate, a second supporting plate, a first compensation assembly and a second compensation assembly. Relative rotating connection among all the components is achieved through the connecting shafts, and the effective supporting length of the hinge mechanism for supporting the display screen is adjusted through stretching and retracting of the compensation supports of all the compensation assemblies and the corresponding body supports, so that the effective supporting lengths of the hinge mechanism in the unfolded state and the folded state are the same. Further, the length difference between the effective supporting length of the folding device and the length of the display screen is compensated. According to the hinge mechanism, under the condition that the length difference can be compensated, relative shaking is not likely to be generated between the supporting plate and the middle beam and between the supporting plate and the corresponding fixing support in the hinge mechanism, the structural stability is good, the impact resistance effect is good, and the foldable electronic equipment can be light and thin.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The application number of the original application is 202311085252.4, and the original application date is August 25, 2023. The entire contents of the original application are incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a hinge mechanism, a folding device and a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, flexible screens (i.e., flexible display screens) have been widely used in foldable electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, game consoles, and wearable devices because of their thinness, bendability, and other characteristics. In foldable electronic devices, the flexible screen is usually covered on the surface of a folding device to support the flexible screen through the folding device. Among them, the folding device usually includes a first shell, a second shell, and a hinge mechanism rotatably connected between the first shell and the second shell. The hinge mechanism enables the first shell and the second shell to be relatively unfolded or relatively folded, thereby realizing the unfolding or folding of the flexible screen. When the first shell and the second shell are relatively unfolded to the same plane, the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state. At this time, the flexible screen is in an unfolded state and has a larger display area; when the first shell and the second shell are relatively folded to a stacked setting, the foldable electronic device is in a folded state and has a smaller volume. At this time, the flexible screen is in a folded state.

[0004] Although the flexible screen can be bent, if the bend presents a straight edge, it may cause permanent deformation of the flexible screen or loss of function. Therefore, in order to avoid damage to the flexible screen, when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the bending area of ​​the flexible screen is in the shape of an arc with a certain curvature. However, for an outward-folding electronic device, when the folding device is rotated to this form, the effective support length of the folding device for the flexible screen changes compared to the unfolded state, while the screen length of the flexible screen is constant. There is a length difference between the effective support length of the folding device and the screen length of the flexible screen. Therefore, a hinge mechanism that can compensate for this length difference is required on the outward-folding electronic device.

[0005] The hinge mechanism in the existing related technology generally includes a center beam, two support plates arranged on both sides of the center beam, and two fixed brackets arranged on the side of the two support plates away from the center beam. The two fixed brackets are respectively fixed to the two shells of the folding device. Each fixed bracket and the corresponding support plate, and each support plate and the center beam are rotatably connected through a sliding tongue structure (including mutually cooperating arc-shaped slide bars and arc-shaped slide grooves), or it can be understood that a virtual axis structure is used to achieve a rotational connection, so that the two fixed brackets can be relatively unfolded or folded, and the rotational connection achieved by the sliding tongue structure can compensate for the length difference mentioned above. However, in order to ensure the convenient installation and smooth sliding of the sliding tongue structure, a large assembly gap is provided in the horizontal direction (corresponding to the width direction of the center beam) and the longitudinal direction (corresponding to the length direction of the center beam) of the hinge mechanism, which will produce a virtual position, resulting in relative shaking between the support plate and the center beam, and between the support plate and the corresponding fixed bracket in the hinge mechanism, and its structural stability is poor and the impact resistance is poor.

[0006] It can be seen that the outward folding hinge mechanism in the prior art will produce virtual position by compensating the length difference through the sliding tongue structure, which will cause relative shaking between the support plate and the middle beam, and between the support plate and the corresponding fixed bracket in the hinge mechanism, resulting in poor structural stability and poor impact resistance. Summary of the invention

[0007] The purpose of the present application is to provide a hinge mechanism, a folding device and a foldable electronic device, which solves the problem that in the existing outward-folding hinge mechanism, virtual position will be generated by compensating the length difference through the sliding tongue structure, resulting in relative shaking between the support plate and the middle beam, and between the support plate and the corresponding fixed bracket, poor structural stability, and poor impact resistance.

[0008] An embodiment of the present application provides a hinge mechanism for a foldable electronic device, including a center beam, a first support plate and a second support plate respectively arranged on both sides of the center beam, and a first compensation component and a second compensation component.

[0009] One side of the first support plate is rotatably connected to one side of the center beam via a first connecting shaft, and one side of the second support plate is rotatably connected to the other side of the center beam via a second connecting shaft.

[0010] The first compensation component includes a first main body bracket, a first compensation bracket and a first driving component, one side of the first main body bracket is rotatably connected to the other side of the first support plate through a third connecting shaft, and the first compensation bracket is slidably connected to the first main body bracket, so that the first compensation bracket and the first main body bracket can be rotated relative to the middle beam through the first support plate, and the first compensation bracket can slide in a direction close to or away from the first support plate; wherein the first driving component is configured to: drive the first compensation bracket to slide, and the first compensation bracket is used to be fixedly connected to the first shell of the foldable electronic device.

[0011] The second compensation component includes a second body bracket, a second compensation bracket and a second driving component, one side of the second body bracket is rotatably connected to the other side of the second support plate through a fourth connecting shaft, and the second compensation bracket is slidably connected to the second body bracket, so that the second compensation bracket and the second body bracket can be rotated relative to the middle beam through the second support plate, and the second compensation bracket can slide in a direction close to or away from the second support plate; wherein the second driving component is configured to: drive the second compensation bracket to slide, and the second compensation bracket is used to be fixedly connected to the second shell of the foldable electronic device.

[0012] Among them, when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the first body bracket and the second body bracket are stacked and arranged opposite to each other, and the front side of the first body bracket and the front side of the second body bracket are arranged back to back, and both are used to be arranged towards the display screen of the foldable electronic device.

[0013] The hinge mechanism in the present application is achieved by setting the connecting bracket connected between the first shell of the electronic device and the first support plate into a first main body bracket and a first compensation bracket that are slidably connected to each other, and the first compensation bracket is fixedly connected to the first shell, and the first main body bracket and the first support plate, and the first support plate and the middle beam are all rotationally connected through real axes (i.e., the third connecting axis and the first connecting axis), so that the overall structure formed by the first main body bracket and the first compensation bracket can be linked to the rotation of the first support plate relative to the middle beam, and the first compensation bracket can be extended and retracted relative to the first main body bracket, so that the effective support length of the hinge mechanism supporting the display screen can be adjusted, and then the effective support length of the folding device can be adjusted. Similarly, it can be known that the overall structure formed by the second main body bracket and the second compensation bracket can be linked to the rotation of the second support plate relative to the middle beam, and the second compensation bracket can be extended and retracted relative to the second main body bracket, so that the effective support length of the hinge mechanism supporting the display screen can be adjusted, and then the effective support length of the folding device can be adjusted.

[0014] It can be seen from this that the hinge mechanism in the present application realizes rotational connection through a real axis, which can be understood as realizing rotational connection through a structure that cooperates with an axis hole. There is no need to reserve a large assembly gap, thus avoiding the virtual position problem caused by the use of a sliding tongue structure for rotational connection. As a result, it is not easy for relative shaking to occur between the support plate and the middle beam, and between the support plate and the corresponding fixed bracket in the hinge mechanism. The structural stability is better and the impact resistance is better. For example, when the hinge mechanism is impacted by external force, it is not easy for relative shaking to occur between the support plate and the middle beam and the fixed bracket, so that the hinge mechanism can be stably maintained in the expanded state or the folded state; during the rotation of the hinge mechanism (that is, during the switching process between the expanded state and the folded state), the hinge mechanism can rotate more smoothly and reliably.

[0015] Furthermore, by extending and retracting each compensation bracket in the first compensation bracket and the second compensation bracket and the corresponding main body bracket, the effective supporting length of the hinge mechanism supporting the display screen can be adjusted, so that the effective supporting length of the hinge mechanism in the unfolded state and the folded state is the same, thereby making the effective supporting length of the folding device in the unfolded state and the folded state the same, thereby compensating for the length difference between the effective supporting length of the folding device and the length of the display screen, avoiding squeezing or stretching of the display screen, and improving the reliability and life of the display screen.

[0016] Furthermore, the hinge mechanism in the present application adopts a real axis (i.e., the above-mentioned connecting axes) to achieve rotational connection, and there is no need to reserve sufficient thickness on the middle beam and each main body bracket to open a sliding groove, thereby reducing the restrictions on the size of the hinge mechanism, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the folding device, and is conducive to realizing the lightweight and thinness of the foldable electronic device.

[0017] Therefore, when the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application is able to compensate for the length difference (i.e., the difference between the effective support length of the folding device and the length of the display screen), relative shaking is not likely to occur between the support plate and the middle beam, and between the support plate and the corresponding fixed bracket in the hinge mechanism. The structural stability is better, the impact resistance is better, and it is conducive to realizing the lightweight and thinness of the foldable electronic device.

[0018] In some embodiments, when the hinge mechanism switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first compensation bracket slides from a first position along the width direction of the first body bracket toward the first support plate to a second position relative to the first body bracket, and the second compensation bracket slides from a third position along the width direction of the second body bracket toward the second support plate to a fourth position relative to the second body bracket.

[0019] When the hinge mechanism switches from a folded state to an unfolded state, the first compensation bracket slides from the second position along the width direction of the first body bracket toward a direction away from the first support plate to the first position relative to the first body bracket, and the second compensation bracket slides from the fourth position along the width direction of the second body bracket toward a direction away from the second support plate to the third position relative to the second body bracket.

[0020] By adopting the above scheme, it can be achieved that when the hinge mechanism undergoes a morphological transformation (i.e., during the switching process between the unfolded state and the folded state), the rotation of the hinge mechanism and the compensation for the length difference (i.e., the difference between the effective supporting length of the folding device and the length of the display screen) occur simultaneously, thereby avoiding the length difference in the rotation process from squeezing or stretching the display screen and causing permanent damage to the surface of the display screen.

[0021] In some embodiments, a groove is provided on the other side of the first body bracket, which is recessed toward one side of the first body bracket. One side of the first compensation bracket is arranged opposite to the bottom surface of the groove of the first body bracket, and both ends of the first compensation bracket in the length direction are slidably connected to the two side surfaces of the groove, so that the first compensation bracket can slide relative to the first body bracket along its width direction.

[0022] A groove is provided on the other side of the second body bracket, which is recessed toward one side of the second body bracket. One side of the second compensation bracket is arranged opposite to the bottom surface of the groove of the second body bracket, and both ends of the second compensation bracket in the length direction are slidably connected to the two side surfaces of the groove, so that the second compensation bracket can slide relative to the second body bracket along its width direction. The length directions of the first compensation bracket and the second compensation bracket are parallel to the length direction of the middle beam.

[0023] Wherein, the distance between one side of the first compensation bracket and the bottom surface of the groove of the first main body bracket when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state is smaller than the distance when the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state. The distance between one side of the second compensation bracket and the bottom surface of the groove of the second main body bracket when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state is smaller than the distance when the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state.

[0024] With the above solution, when the hinge mechanism undergoes shape transformation, the two ends of each compensation bracket are slidably connected to the two side surfaces of the corresponding main body bracket groove, so that the relative sliding between each compensation bracket and the corresponding main body bracket is more stable.

[0025] In some embodiments, when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, one side of the first compensation bracket contacts the bottom surface of the groove of the first main body bracket, and the other side of the first compensation bracket is aligned with the other side of the first main body bracket. One side of the second compensation bracket contacts the bottom surface of the groove of the second main body bracket, and the other side of the second compensation bracket is aligned with the other side of the second main body bracket. With the above scheme, when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, one side of each compensation bracket contacts the bottom surface of the groove of the corresponding main body bracket, so that there is no gap between them; the other side of each compensation bracket is aligned with the other side of the corresponding main body bracket, so that there is no gap between each main body bracket and the corresponding shell. While making the hinge mechanism more compact in structure, the front of the folding device has more effective support for the display screen, avoiding the display screen from being dented and damaged due to lack of support in the gap when subjected to external force.

[0026] In some embodiments, the two ends of the first compensation bracket are respectively slidably connected to the corresponding sides of the groove of the first main body bracket through the first slide rail structure, the first slide rail structure includes a first slide rail and a first slide groove that cooperate with each other, one of the first slide rail and the first slide groove is set on the first compensation bracket, and the other is set in the groove of the first main body bracket. The two ends of the second compensation bracket are respectively slidably connected to the corresponding sides of the groove of the second main body bracket through the second slide rail structure, the second slide rail structure includes a second slide rail and a second slide groove that cooperate with each other, one of the second slide rail and the second slide groove is set on the second compensation bracket, and the other is set in the groove of the second main body bracket. With the above scheme, when the hinge mechanism undergoes a shape transformation, the two ends of each compensation bracket are slidably connected to the corresponding main body bracket through the slide rail structure, and the stability of the relative sliding between each compensation bracket and the corresponding main body bracket is further enhanced.

[0027] In some embodiments, the groove of each of the first body bracket and the second body bracket also penetrates the thickness of the corresponding body bracket.

[0028] In some embodiments, the front of the first main support, the front of the first compensation support, the front of the second main support, and the front of the second compensation support are all used to support the display screen. When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the front of the first compensation support is arranged opposite to the front of the second compensation support. Through such a design, the effective support surface of the hinge mechanism for the display screen is increased, and the reliability of the folding device is enhanced.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first driving component is configured as a first slider, one end of the first slider is rotatably connected to the middle beam, and the other end is slidably connected to the first body bracket, so that the first slider can slide relative to the first body bracket along the width direction of the first body bracket, and the first slider can slide relative to the first body bracket to link the first compensation bracket to slide relative to the first body bracket. The second driving component is configured as a second slider, one end of the second slider is rotatably connected to the middle beam, and the other end is slidably connected to the second body bracket, so that the second slider can slide relative to the second body bracket along the width direction of the second body bracket, and the second slider can slide relative to the second body bracket to link the second compensation bracket to slide relative to the second body bracket.

[0030] With the above solution, each compensation bracket is driven by a corresponding slider, and one end of each slider is rotatably connected to the middle beam, and the other end is slidably connected to the corresponding main body bracket, so that when the hinge mechanism switches its form, each slider synchronously slides relative to the corresponding main body bracket, and links the corresponding compensation bracket to slide relative to the main body bracket, so as to achieve compensation for the length difference (i.e., the difference between the effective support length of the folding device and the length of the display screen). It can be seen that the rotation of the hinge mechanism and the compensation for the length difference can be synchronized through the slider structure, so as to avoid the length difference in the rotation process causing squeezing or stretching of the display screen and causing permanent damage to the surface of the display screen, and the slider structure is simple and compact, with low manufacturing cost and low assembly difficulty.

[0031] In some embodiments, the middle beam has a first arc groove and a second arc groove. One end of the first slider has a first arc rotating portion, which is installed in the first arc groove so that one end of the first slider is rotatably connected to the middle beam. One end of the second slider has a second arc rotating portion, which is installed in the second arc groove so that one end of the second slider is rotatably connected to the middle beam. This facilitates assembly.

[0032] In some embodiments, one end of the first slider has two first arc-shaped rotating parts, and one end of the second slider has two second arc-shaped rotating parts. The middle beam is provided with two first arc-shaped grooves corresponding to the two first arc-shaped rotating parts, and two second arc-shaped grooves corresponding to the two second arc-shaped rotating parts. The two first arc-shaped grooves and the two second arc-shaped grooves are arranged in a staggered manner along the length direction of the middle beam, and each first arc-shaped groove and a second arc-shaped groove are arranged in a staggered manner. Through such a design, the multiple arc-shaped grooves opened on the middle beam are staggered and staggered, which is conducive to reducing the size of the middle beam in the width direction and making the structure of the hinge mechanism more compact.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first slider is transmission-connected to the first compensation bracket through a first connecting rod mechanism, so that the sliding of the first slider relative to the first body bracket can be linked to the sliding of the first compensation bracket relative to the first body bracket through the first connecting rod mechanism. Wherein, the sliding direction of the first slider is opposite to the sliding direction of the first compensation bracket. The second slider is transmission-connected to the second compensation bracket through a second connecting rod mechanism, so that the sliding of the second slider relative to the second body bracket can be linked to the sliding of the second compensation bracket relative to the second body bracket through the second connecting rod mechanism. Wherein, the sliding direction of the second slider is opposite to the sliding direction of the second compensation bracket. With the above scheme, each slider transmits power to the corresponding compensation bracket through the corresponding connecting rod mechanism, and each connecting rod mechanism is used for power transmission, which has the advantages of simple and compact transmission component structure, high transmission efficiency, and easy assembly.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first link mechanism includes at least one first link, each of which is rotatably connected to the first body bracket, and one end of which is rotatably and slidably connected to the first slider, and the other end of which is rotatably and slidably connected to the first compensation bracket.

[0035] The second link mechanism includes at least one second link, each second link is rotatably connected to the second body bracket, one end of which is rotatably and slidably connected to the second sliding block, and the other end of which is rotatably and slidably connected to the second compensation bracket.

[0036] In some embodiments, each first connecting rod is provided with a first pin hole, and a first pivot shaft hole is provided at a position corresponding to each first pin hole on the first main body bracket, and a first pin shaft is inserted in each first pin hole and the corresponding first pivot shaft hole, so that each first connecting rod is rotatably connected to the first main body bracket. Each first connecting rod is provided with a strip hole at both ends, and the first pin hole is located between the strip holes at both ends. A first connecting column is provided at a position corresponding to the strip hole provided at one end of each first connecting rod on the first slider, and the first connecting column is rotatably and slidably connected in the corresponding strip hole, so that one end of each first connecting rod is rotatably and slidably connected to the first slider. A second connecting column is provided at a position corresponding to the strip hole provided at the other end of each first connecting rod on the first compensation bracket, and the second connecting column is rotatably and slidably connected in the corresponding strip hole, so that the other end of each first connecting rod is rotatably and slidably connected to the first compensation bracket.

[0037] Each second connecting rod is provided with a second pin hole, and a second pivot shaft hole is provided at a position corresponding to each second pin hole on the second main body bracket, and a second pin shaft is inserted in each second pin hole and the corresponding second pivot shaft hole, so that each second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second main body bracket. Each second connecting rod is provided with a strip hole at both ends, and the second pin hole is located between the strip holes at both ends. A third connecting column is provided at a position corresponding to the strip hole provided at one end of each second connecting rod on the second slider, and the third connecting column is rotatably and slidably connected in the corresponding strip hole, so that one end of each second connecting rod is rotatably and slidably connected to the second slider. A fourth connecting column is provided at a position corresponding to the strip hole provided at the other end of each second connecting rod on the second compensation bracket, and the fourth connecting column is rotatably and slidably connected in the corresponding strip hole, so that the other end of each second connecting rod is rotatably and slidably connected to the second compensation bracket.

[0038] Through the above design, the connection method between each connecting rod and the corresponding main body bracket, and between each sliding block and the corresponding compensation bracket is simple and easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0039] In some embodiments, when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the first connecting column and the second connecting column respectively abut against the outer ends of the corresponding strip holes on the first connecting rod, and the third connecting column and the fourth connecting column respectively abut against the outer ends of the corresponding strip holes on the second connecting rod.

[0040] When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the first connecting column and the second connecting column respectively abut against the inner ends of the corresponding strip holes on the first connecting rod, and the third connecting column and the fourth connecting column respectively abut against the inner ends of the corresponding strip holes on the second connecting rod.

[0041] Among them, in each first connecting rod, the outer end of each strip hole is an end of the strip hole away from the first pin hole, and the inner end of each strip hole is an end of the strip hole close to the first pin hole.

[0042] In each second connecting rod, the outer end of each strip hole is an end of the strip hole away from the second pin hole, and the inner end of each strip hole is an end of the strip hole close to the second pin hole.

[0043] By adopting the above solution, when the hinge mechanism undergoes a morphological transformation (i.e., the process of the hinge mechanism transforming from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state), the position of each connecting column in the corresponding connecting rod bar hole changes. The displacement difference of each connecting rod in the length direction of the center beam is compensated by the position change of the corresponding connecting column in the bar hole, making the structure of the hinge mechanism more compact.

[0044] In some embodiments, all first connecting rods are located on the back of the first compensation bracket and the first main body bracket; all second connecting rods are located on the back of the second compensation bracket and the second main body bracket. This can greatly increase the effective support surface of the folding device.

[0045] In some embodiments, the at least one first connecting rod is two first connecting rods spaced apart in the length direction of the middle beam, and the at least one second connecting rod is two second connecting rods spaced apart in the length direction of the middle beam. With the above solution, the two first connecting rods are spaced apart, and the two second connecting rods are also spaced apart, which can effectively enhance the motion stability between the corresponding main support and the compensation support when the hinge mechanism undergoes a shape transformation.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first body bracket has: an extension platform extending from the bottom surface of the groove of the first body bracket toward the inside of the groove along the width direction of the first body bracket, a receiving groove recessed toward the other side of the first compensation bracket is opened at a position corresponding to the extension platform on one side of the first compensation bracket, the side of the extension platform away from the bottom surface of the groove of the first body bracket is arranged opposite to the bottom surface of the receiving groove, and the two ends of the extension platform in the length direction are slidably connected to the two sides of the receiving groove of the first compensation bracket. The first slider is slidably connected to the extension platform of the first body bracket along the width direction of the first body bracket, and all the first connecting rods are rotatably connected to the extension platform of the first body bracket. The length direction of the extension platform of the first body bracket is parallel to the length direction of the middle beam.

[0047] The second body bracket has: an extension platform extending from the bottom surface of the groove of the second body bracket along the width direction of the second body bracket toward the inside of the groove, a receiving groove recessed toward the other side of the second compensation bracket is provided at a position corresponding to the extension platform on one side of the second compensation bracket, the side of the extension platform of the second body bracket away from the bottom surface of the groove is arranged opposite to the bottom surface of the receiving groove of the second compensation bracket, and the two ends of the extension platform of the second body bracket in the length direction are slidably connected to the two sides of the receiving groove of the second compensation bracket. The second slider is slidably connected to the extension platform of the second body bracket along the width direction of the second body bracket, and all the second connecting rods are rotatably connected to the extension platform of the second body bracket. The length direction of the extension platform of the second body bracket is parallel to the length direction of the middle beam.

[0048] Through the above design, the two sides of each compensation bracket accommodating groove are slidably connected to the two sides of the corresponding main body bracket extension platform, which enhances the stability of each compensation bracket when sliding relative to the corresponding main body bracket, and makes the structure of the hinge mechanism more compact. Each slider is slidably connected to the corresponding main body bracket extension platform, which enhances the stability of each slider when sliding relative to the corresponding main body bracket.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, there is a first gap between the side of the extension platform of the first main body bracket facing away from the bottom surface of the corresponding groove and the bottom surface of the accommodating groove of the first compensation bracket, and there is a second gap between the side of the extension platform of the second main body bracket facing away from the bottom surface of the corresponding groove and the bottom surface of the accommodating groove of the second compensation bracket.

[0050] When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the side of the extension platform of the first body bracket away from the bottom surface of the corresponding groove contacts the bottom surface of the receiving groove of the first compensation bracket, and the side of the extension platform of the second body bracket away from the bottom surface of the corresponding groove contacts the bottom surface of the receiving groove of the second compensation bracket. This makes the structure of the hinge mechanism more compact.

[0051] In some embodiments, the two first connecting rods are respectively rotatably connected to the two ends of the extension platform of the first main body bracket along its length direction, one end of which is respectively connected to different positions of the other end of the first slider in the length direction of the middle beam, and the other end is respectively connected to the positions outside the two sides of the accommodating groove in the first compensation bracket.

[0052] The two second connecting rods are rotatably connected to the two ends of the extension platform of the second main body bracket along its length direction, and one end thereof is respectively connected to different positions of the other end of the second slider in the length direction of the middle beam, and the other ends of the two second connecting rods are respectively connected to the positions outside the two sides of the accommodating groove in the second compensation bracket.

[0053] In some embodiments, the two first connecting rods are axially symmetrically distributed with respect to the first axis, and the first axis is parallel to the width direction of the first body support. The two second connecting rods are axially symmetrically distributed with respect to the second axis, and the second axis is parallel to the width direction of the second body support. This further enhances the operational stability of each compensation component when the hinge mechanism undergoes a shape transformation.

[0054] In some embodiments, a first damping structure is provided on the first body bracket, and the first damping structure is configured to apply an extrusion force to the first slider along the length direction of the first body bracket. A second damping structure is provided on the second body bracket, and the second damping structure is configured to apply an extrusion force to the second slider along the length direction of the second body bracket. Among them, the length direction of the first body bracket, the length direction of the second body bracket and the length direction of the middle beam are parallel to each other. With the above scheme, when the user operates the electronic device to rotate the hinge mechanism, the user will get a force feedback, which enhances the user's experience. In addition, in the hinge mechanism, an extrusion force is applied to the corresponding slider by each damping structure, thereby providing damping to the slider, or it can be understood that each slider is a damping slider, that is, each damping slider is reused as a driving component in the corresponding compensation component, and there is no need to set up an additional driving component, and the structure is simple and compact.

[0055] In some embodiments, a receiving groove is provided on the back side of the first main body bracket, and one end of the first sliding block is slidably connected to the two sides of the receiving groove along the length direction of the middle beam; an installation bin is provided on the bottom surface of the receiving groove of the first main body bracket, and the first damping structure is installed in the installation bin, and includes a first elastic member, and two first rolling components arranged at both ends of the first elastic member; a first avoidance groove is provided on the surface of one end of the first sliding block facing the first damping structure, and both side surfaces of the first avoidance groove relatively arranged along the length direction of the middle beam have a first sliding surface for the corresponding first rolling component to roll, and the first sliding surface is configured as a concave-convex surface, and the concave-convex surface includes a first concave surface, a convex surface and a second concave surface connected in sequence.

[0056] A receiving groove is provided on the back side of the second main body bracket, and two sides of one end of the second sliding block are slidably connected to the two sides of the receiving groove of the second main body bracket along the length direction of the middle beam; an installation bin is provided on the bottom surface of the receiving groove of the second main body bracket, and the second damping structure is installed in the installation bin of the second main body bracket, and includes a second elastic member, and two second rolling components arranged at both ends of the second elastic member; a second avoidance groove is provided on the surface of one end of the second sliding block facing the second damping structure, and both side surfaces of the second avoidance groove that are relatively arranged along the length direction of the middle beam have second sliding surfaces for the corresponding second rolling components to roll, and the second sliding surface is configured as a concave-convex surface, and the concave-convex surface includes a first concave surface, a convex surface and a second concave surface that are connected in sequence.

[0057] Wherein, when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, each first rolling assembly abuts against the first concave surface of the first sliding surface corresponding to the first sliding surface of the first sliding block, and each second rolling assembly abuts against the first concave surface of the second sliding surface corresponding to the second sliding block;

[0058] When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, each first rolling assembly abuts against the second concave surface of the first sliding surface corresponding to the first sliding surface of the first sliding block, and each second rolling assembly abuts against the second concave surface of the second sliding surface corresponding to the second sliding block.

[0059] By adopting the above solution, each slider of the hinge mechanism is located in a concave surface of the corresponding sliding surface when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state and the folded state, ensuring that the hinge mechanism is not prone to relative rotation when in these two states, thereby enhancing the stability and reliability of the electronic device when in use. At the same time, the two ends of each slider are slidably connected to the two sides of the corresponding body bracket receiving groove, which can further enhance the relative sliding stability between each slider and the corresponding body bracket, and make the structure of each compensation component more compact.

[0060] In some embodiments, the mounting bin of the first body bracket is disposed on the extension platform of the first body bracket, and the mounting bin of the second body bracket is disposed on the extension platform of the second body bracket. This makes the structure of each compensation component more compact.

[0061] In some embodiments, the axes of the first connecting axis, the second connecting axis, the third connecting axis and the fourth connecting axis are parallel to each other, and the axes of the connecting axis are parallel to the length direction of the middle beam, thereby improving the operational stability of the hinge mechanism when rotating.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first connecting shaft is disposed on one side of the first support plate, a first connecting hole is disposed on one side of the middle beam, and the first connecting shaft is rotatably connected in the first connecting hole, so that one side of the first support plate can rotate relative to the middle beam around the axis of the first connecting shaft;

[0063] The second connecting shaft is arranged on one side of the second supporting plate, and a second connecting hole is arranged on the other side of the middle beam. The second connecting shaft is rotatably connected in the second connecting hole, so that one side of the second supporting plate can rotate relative to the middle beam around the axis of the second connecting shaft.

[0064] The third connecting shaft is arranged on the other side of the first supporting plate, and a third connecting hole is arranged on one side of the first main body bracket, and the third connecting shaft is rotatably connected in the third connecting hole, so that one side of the first main body bracket can rotate relative to the first supporting plate around the axis of the third connecting shaft;

[0065] The fourth connecting shaft is arranged on the other side of the second support plate, and a fourth connecting hole is provided on the side of the second body bracket close to the middle beam. The fourth connecting shaft is rotatably connected in the fourth connecting hole so that one side of the second body bracket can rotate relative to the second support plate around the axis of the fourth connecting shaft.

[0066] By adopting the above scheme, the connecting shaft on one side of each support plate is rotatably connected to the connecting hole on the central beam, and the connecting shaft on the other side of each support plate is rotatably connected to the connecting hole on the corresponding main body bracket. This can effectively avoid the influence of the virtual position of the sliding tongue structure on the operating stability of the folding device and reduce the difficulty of assembly, and also make the structure of the hinge mechanism more compact.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first compensation component and the second compensation component are arranged axially symmetrically with respect to the center beam, so that the process of switching the hinge mechanism form and compensating the length difference can be made smoother and more reliable, and the difficulty of assembly is reduced.

[0068] In some embodiments, the hinge mechanism further includes a synchronization component that drives the first compensation component and the second compensation component to rotate synchronously relative to the middle beam, and the synchronization component includes a first synchronization swing arm and a second synchronization swing arm, one end of the first synchronization swing arm is rotationally connected to one side of the middle beam, and the other end is slidably connected to the first body bracket, and one end of the second synchronization swing arm is rotationally connected to the other side of the middle beam, and the other end is slidably connected to the second body bracket; wherein one end of the first synchronization swing arm and one end of the second synchronization swing arm rotate synchronously and in the opposite direction. With the above solution, each synchronization swing arm rotates synchronously in the opposite direction, so that each compensation component of the hinge mechanism can rotate synchronously, which greatly improves the user experience.

[0069] In some embodiments, there are multiple first compensation components and multiple second compensation components, the multiple first compensation components are arranged at intervals in the length direction of the middle beam, the multiple second compensation components are arranged at intervals in the length direction of the middle beam, and the multiple first compensation components and the multiple second compensation components are arranged one by one.

[0070] The first support plate includes a plurality of first support segments connected in sequence, the plurality of first support segments are arranged corresponding to the plurality of first compensation components, and one side of the first body bracket of each first compensation component is rotatably connected to the other side of the corresponding first support segment. The second support plate includes a plurality of second support segments connected in sequence, the plurality of second support segments are arranged corresponding to the plurality of second compensation components, and one side of the second body bracket of each second compensation component is rotatably connected to the other side of the corresponding second support segment. The middle beam includes a plurality of middle beam segments connected in sequence, the plurality of middle beam segments are arranged corresponding to the plurality of first support segments and the plurality of second support segments, and one side of each first support segment is rotatably connected to one side of the corresponding middle beam segment, and one side of each second support segment is rotatably connected to the other side of the corresponding middle beam segment.

[0071] Each first compensation component is integrated into a motion module with the corresponding first support section, the middle beam section, the second support section, and each second compensation component.

[0072] By adopting the above scheme, each compensation component is combined with the corresponding center beam section and the corresponding support section to form a motion module, so that the hinge mechanism is modular. Compared with the integrated hinge mechanism, the modular design scheme in this application reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled simultaneously when installing each compensation component, thereby greatly reducing the difficulty of assembly.

[0073] In some embodiments, adjacent middle beam segments among the plurality of middle beam segments are fixedly and detachably connected via the middle beam connecting segment, adjacent first support segments among the plurality of first support segments are fixedly and detachably connected via the first support connecting segment, and adjacent second support segments among the plurality of second support segments are fixedly and detachably connected via the second support connecting segment. With the above solution, adjacent motion modules are connected via each support connecting segment and the corresponding middle beam connecting segment, the number of parts required to connect adjacent motion modules is small and the structure is simple, which is convenient for processing and manufacturing and reduces production costs.

[0074] In some embodiments, plug-in parts are provided at both ends of the first supporting connection section, and one end of each of the adjacent first supporting sections fixed by the first supporting connection section is provided with a plug-in slot plugged into the plug-in part. Plug-in parts are provided at both ends of the second supporting connection section, and one end of each of the adjacent second supporting sections fixed by the second supporting connection section is provided with a plug-in slot plugged into the plug-in part. With the above scheme, each supporting connection section is directly detachably connected to the corresponding adjacent supporting section by plugging, and the installation method is simple, which is conducive to reducing the difficulty of assembly and disassembly between each motion module.

[0075] In some embodiments, the folding device includes a first shell, a second shell, and a hinge mechanism provided in any of the above embodiments, and the first shell and the second shell are rotatably connected by the hinge mechanism so that the first shell and the second shell are relatively folded or relatively unfolded. The first shell is fixedly connected to the first compensation bracket, and the second shell is fixedly connected to the second compensation bracket. In the folding device of the present application, the hinge mechanism provided in any of the above embodiments is adopted, and each shell is connected to the compensation bracket on the corresponding compensation component in the hinge mechanism, so that the effective support length of the folding device supporting the display screen can be adjusted to make the effective support length in the unfolded state and the folded state the same, thereby compensating for the length difference between the effective support length of the folding device and the length of the display screen, avoiding squeezing or stretching the display screen, improving the reliability and life of the display screen, and also greatly enhancing the structural stability and impact resistance of the folding device, and is conducive to realizing the thinness of foldable electronic devices.

[0076] In some embodiments, a mounting groove is provided on the front side of the first compensation bracket, a connecting groove is provided on the side of the first shell facing the center beam, a mounting plate is provided in the connecting groove of the first shell and extends from the bottom surface of the connecting groove toward the center beam, the mounting plate of the first shell is accommodated in and fixedly connected to the mounting groove of the first compensation bracket, and the front side of the mounting plate of the first shell is used to support the display screen; the two ends of the first main body bracket in the length direction are slidably connected to the two sides of the connecting groove of the first shell, so that the first shell can slide relative to the first main body bracket along the width direction of the first main body bracket.

[0077] A mounting groove is provided on the front side of the second compensation bracket, and a connecting groove is provided on the side of the second shell facing the central beam. A mounting plate is provided in the connecting groove of the second shell and extends from the bottom surface of the connecting groove toward the central beam. The mounting plate of the second shell is accommodated in and fixedly connected to the mounting groove of the second compensation bracket, and the front side of the mounting plate of the second shell is used to support the display screen; the two ends of the second body bracket in the length direction are slidably connected to the two sides of the connecting groove of the second shell, so that the second shell can slide relative to the second body bracket along the width direction of the second body bracket.

[0078] With the above solution, each housing mounting plate is fixedly connected to the groove opened on the corresponding compensation bracket, making the structure of the folding device more compact. After each housing mounting plate is connected to the groove of the corresponding compensation bracket, the front faces of the two are flush and used to support the display screen, effectively increasing the support area of ​​the display screen.

[0079] In some embodiments, stepped platforms are provided at both ends of the first body bracket in the length direction, the parts on both sides of the connection groove of the first shell are provided with stepped structures, and the stepped structure of the first shell is slidably connected to the stepped platform of the first body bracket. Stepped platforms are provided at both ends of the second body bracket in the length direction, the parts on both sides of the connection groove of the second shell are provided with stepped structures, and the stepped structure of the second shell is slidably connected to the stepped platform of the second body bracket. With the above scheme, the stepped platform of each body bracket is slidably connected to the stepped structure of the corresponding shell, which effectively enhances the stability of the relative sliding of each body bracket and the corresponding shell.

[0080] In some embodiments, a strip hole is opened on each stepped platform of the first main body bracket, and a mounting hole corresponding to the strip hole is opened on the stepped structure of the first shell. A first limiting column is passed through the mounting hole of the first shell and the strip hole corresponding to the first main body bracket, and the first limiting column can slide in the strip hole along its length direction.

[0081] A strip hole is provided on each stepped platform of the second main body bracket, a mounting hole is provided on the stepped structure of the second shell, a second limiting column is passed through the mounting hole of the second shell and the strip hole corresponding to the second main body bracket, and the second limiting column can slide in the strip hole of the second main body bracket along its length direction.

[0082] When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the first limiting column abuts against one end of the strip hole of the first body bracket away from the middle beam, and the second limiting column abuts against one end of the strip hole of the second body bracket away from the middle beam.

[0083] By adopting the above method, when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, each limit column abuts against the end of the strip hole of the corresponding main body bracket away from the center beam, preventing each shell and the corresponding compensation bracket from excessively sliding relative to the corresponding main body bracket in the unfolded state.

[0084] The embodiment of the present application also provides a foldable electronic device, including a display screen and a folding device provided by any of the above embodiments, wherein the display screen is laid on the front of the folding device. The use of the folding device provided by any of the above embodiments in the foldable electronic device of the present application can improve the reliability and life of the display screen of the foldable electronic device, and also greatly enhance the structural stability and impact resistance of the electronic device, and is conducive to achieving the lightness and thinness of the foldable electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism in some schemes;

[0086] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device in the embodiment of the present application when it is in an unfolded state;

[0087] Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device in the embodiment of the present application when it is in a folded state;

[0088] Figure 2c This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device in the embodiment of the present application when it is in an intermediate state;

[0089] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the electronic device in the embodiment of the present application when it is in an unfolded state;

[0090] Figure 4a It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure when the folding device of the embodiment of the present application is in an unfolded state, viewed from the front;

[0091] Figure 4b This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure when the folding device of the embodiment of the present application is in an unfolded state from a front perspective;

[0092] Figure 4c It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure when the folding device of the embodiment of the present application is in an unfolded state, as viewed from the back;

[0093] Figure 4d This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure when the folding device of the embodiment of the present application is in an unfolded state, as viewed from the back;

[0094] Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application from the front view;

[0095] Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application as seen from the back;

[0096] Figure 5c This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application from a front perspective;

[0097] Figure 5d This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application as seen from the back;

[0098] Figure 5e for Figure 5b A partial enlarged view of part A;

[0099] Figure 5f It is a schematic diagram of a partial three-dimensional structure when the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application is in a semi-expanded and semi-folded state as viewed from the back;

[0100] Figure 5g for Figure 4a A partial enlarged view of part B from another perspective;

[0101] Figure 5h It is a schematic diagram of a partial three-dimensional structure when the folding device of the embodiment of the present application is in an unfolded state, viewed from the back;

[0102] Figure 6a It is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application when it is in a folded state;

[0103] Figure 6b It is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application when it is in an unfolded state;

[0104] Figure 6c This is a schematic diagram of the principle of compensating for length difference of the hinge mechanism in an embodiment of the present application;

[0105] Figure 7a This is a schematic diagram of the actual axis connection of the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application;

[0106] Figure 7b This is a schematic diagram of a hinge mechanism support plate according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] Figure 8 for Figure 7a A partial enlarged view of part C from another perspective;

[0108] Fig. 9 for Figure 7a A partial enlarged view of part D from another perspective;

[0109] Fig.10 for Figure 5h Sectional view in the AA direction;

[0110] Fig.11 for Figure 5h A partial enlarged view of part E from another perspective;

[0111] Fig.12a This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the modular hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application from a front perspective;

[0112] Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the modular hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application from the back side perspective;

[0113] Fig.12c This is a schematic diagram of the modular structure of the hinge mechanism of an embodiment of the present application from a front perspective;

[0114] Fig.12d This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the modular hinge mechanism of an embodiment of the present application from a back perspective;

[0115] Fig.13a This is a schematic diagram of the connection method of one end of the middle beam connecting section in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application;

[0116] Fig.13b This is a schematic diagram of the connection method of the other end of the middle beam connecting section in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application;

[0117] Fig.13c This is a schematic diagram of the connection method of one end of the support plate connecting section in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application;

[0118] Fig.13d This is a schematic diagram of the connection method of the other end of the support plate connecting section in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application;

[0119] Fig.14 for Figure 4b A partial enlarged view of part F in the middle;

[0120] Fig.15a for Figure 4c A partial enlarged view of part G from another perspective;

[0121] Fig.15b for Figure 4c A partial enlarged view of part H from another perspective;

[0122] Fig.15c for Fig.15b Schematic diagram of the structure in a folded state;

[0123] Fig.16a for Figure 5fA partial enlarged view of the compensation bracket and the main bracket from another perspective in the middle folded state;

[0124] Fig.16b for Figure 5f A partial enlarged view of the compensation bracket and the main bracket from another perspective in the middle unfolded state;

[0125] Fig.16c This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the hinge mechanism motion module of the embodiment of the present application;

[0126] Fig.16d for Figure 5h A cross-sectional view from another perspective in the AA direction;

[0127] Fig.16e for Figure 5h Cross-sectional view in the BB direction;

[0128] Fig.17 This is a schematic diagram of the back three-dimensional structure of the hinge mechanism motion module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0129] Fig.18 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the connection between the slider and the center beam in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application;

[0130] Fig.19 for Figure 5h Cross-sectional view in CC direction;

[0131] Fig. 20 for Fig.16c A partial enlarged view of part I;

[0132] Fig.21 for Fig.17 Schematic diagram of the decomposition structure;

[0133] Fig. 22 This is a schematic diagram of a method for determining the axis position of a connecting rod in a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0134] Fig.23 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the damping structure in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application;

[0135] Fig.24 for Fig.23 Schematic diagram of the decomposition structure;

[0136] Fig.25 This is a schematic diagram of the decomposition and installation of the damping structure in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application;

[0137] Fig.26 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of a slider in the hinge mechanism of an embodiment of the present application;

[0138] Fig. 27It is a schematic diagram of the decomposed structure of the damping structure in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application.

[0139] Description of reference numerals:

[0140] Some solutions:

[0141] 3', hinge mechanism;

[0142] 4', sliding tongue structure; 41', arc-shaped sliding strip; 42', arc-shaped groove;

[0143] 6', middle beam;

[0144] 7A', first support plate; 7B', second support plate;

[0145] 8A', first fixing bracket; 8B', second fixing bracket.

[0146] This application:

[0147] 1. Foldable electronic devices;

[0148] 2. Folding device; 21. Front side; 22. Back side;

[0149] 3. Display screen; 30. Front; 31. First part; 32. Second part; 33. Foldable part; 35. Back;

[0150] 4. Hinge mechanism; 40. Front; 41. Real axis; 42. Motion module; 43. Back;

[0151] 5A, first housing; 50A, front; 51A, connection groove; 510A, bottom; 52A, mounting plate; 520A, front; 53A, step structure; 54A, mounting hole;

[0152] 5B, second housing; 50B, front; 51B, connection groove; 510B, bottom; 52B, mounting plate; 520B, front; 53B, step structure; 54B, mounting hole;

[0153] 6. Middle beam; 61. First connecting hole; 62. Second connecting hole; 63. Middle beam section; 64. Middle beam connecting section; 65. First arc groove; 66. Second arc groove; 67. Strip groove; 68. Screw mounting hole; 69. Threaded hole; 610. Cover plate;

[0154] 7A, first support plate; 71A, first connecting shaft; 72A, third connecting shaft; 73A, first support section; 74A, first support connecting section; 75A, plug-in portion; 76A, plug-in slot;

[0155] 7B, second support plate; 71B, second connecting shaft; 72B, fourth connecting shaft; 73B, second support section; 74B, second support connecting section;

[0156] 8A, a first compensation component;

[0157] 81A, first body bracket; 810A, front; 811A, third connecting hole; 812A, step platform; 813A, bar hole; 814A, groove; 815A, first slide rail; 816A, extension platform; 817A, third slide rail; 818A, first pivot axis hole; 819A, installation compartment; 820A, fifth slide slot; 822A, receiving slot; 823A, notch;

[0158] 82A, first compensation bracket; 825A, first slide slot; 826A, receiving slot; 827A, third slide slot; 828A, second connecting column; 829A, mounting slot; 830A, front side; 831A, back side;

[0159] 83A, first driving component;

[0160] 84A, first slider; 840A, front surface; 841A, first arc-shaped rotating portion; 842A, first connecting column; 843A, fifth slide rail; 844A, avoidance groove; 845A, sliding surface; 846A, first concave surface; 847A, convex surface; 848A, second concave surface;

[0161] 85A, first connecting rod mechanism; 851A, first connecting rod; 852A, first pin hole; 853A, strip hole;

[0162] 8B, a second compensation component;

[0163] 81B, second body bracket; 810B, front; 811B, fourth connecting hole; 812B, step platform; 813B, bar hole; 814B, groove; 815B, second slide rail; 816B, extension platform; 817B, fourth slide rail; 818B, second pivot axis hole; 819B, installation compartment; 820B, sixth slide groove; 822B, receiving groove; 823B, notch;

[0164] 82B, second compensation bracket; 825B, second slide slot; 826B, receiving slot; 827B, fourth slide slot; 828B, fourth connecting column; 829B, mounting slot; 830B, front side; 831B, back side;

[0165] 83B, second driving component;

[0166] 84B, second sliding block; 840B, front side; 841B, second arc-shaped rotating portion; 842B, third connecting column; 843B, sixth sliding rail;

[0167] 85B, second connecting rod mechanism; 851B, second connecting rod; 852B, second pin hole; 853B, strip hole;

[0168] 9A, first damping structure; 91A, first rolling assembly; 911A, rolling seat; 912A, rolling body; 92A, first elastic member;

[0169] 9B, second damping structure;

[0170] 10. Synchronous assembly; 101. First synchronous swing arm; 102. Second synchronous swing arm;

[0171] x, length direction of the middle beam; y, width direction of the middle beam;

[0172] L1, first gap; L2, second gap;

[0173] O1, first position; O2, second position; O3, third position; O4, fourth position;

[0174] Q1, first axis; Q2, second axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0175] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present application, and those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present application from the contents disclosed in this specification. Although the description of the present application will be introduced in conjunction with some embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this application are limited to the implementation. On the contrary, the purpose of introducing the application in conjunction with the implementation is to cover other options or modifications that may be extended based on the claims of the present application. In order to provide a deep understanding of the present application, the following description will include many specific details. The present application can also be implemented without using these details. In addition, in order to avoid confusion or blurring the focus of the present application, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0176] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in the subsequent drawings.

[0177] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0178] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0179] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the mutual perpendicularity in the present application is not absolute perpendicularity, and the approximate perpendicularity caused by processing errors and assembly errors (for example, the angle between the two structural features is 89.9°) is also within the scope of mutual perpendicularity in the present application. The mutual parallelism in the present application is also not absolute parallelism, and the approximate parallelism caused by processing errors and assembly errors (for example, the angle between the two structural features is 0.1°) is also within the scope of mutual parallelism in the present application. The axisymmetry in the present application is not absolute axisymmetry, and the approximate axisymmetry caused by processing errors and assembly errors (for example, part of the structure is offset by a certain distance or angle relative to the axis of symmetry) is also within the scope of axisymmetry in the present application. The central symmetry in the present application is not absolute central symmetry, and the approximate central symmetry caused by processing errors and assembly errors (for example, part of the structure is offset by a certain distance or angle relative to the axis of symmetry) is also within the scope of central symmetry in the present application. This application does not make specific restrictions on this.

[0180] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the implementation methods of the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0181] 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). Although the flexible screen has the property of being bendable, if it is completely bent to present a straight edge, it may cause permanent deformation or loss of function of the flexible screen. Therefore, in order to avoid damage to the flexible screen, the flexible screen needs to be kept in the shell in the form of an arc with a certain radius of curvature after the electronic device is folded. When the electronic device is rotated from the unfolded state to the folded state, the effective support length of the folding device for the flexible screen changes compared to the unfolded state, while the screen length of the flexible screen is constant, and there is a length difference between the effective support length of the folding device and the screen length of the flexible screen. In order to prevent the flexible screen from being squeezed and stretched during the transformation of the electronic device's form, thereby causing permanent deformation and damage, a hinge mechanism that can compensate for the length difference needs to be applied to the electronic device.

[0182] The design method for compensating for the length difference in the prior art is to compensate for it by rotating the tongue structure (including arc-shaped slide bars and arc-shaped slide grooves that slide against each other) between each fixed bracket and the corresponding support plate, and between each support plate and the middle beam, or it can be understood that the rotation connection is realized by using a virtual axis structure, so that the two fixed brackets can be relatively unfolded or folded. However, in order to ensure the convenient installation and smooth sliding of the tongue structure, a large assembly gap is provided in the horizontal direction (corresponding to the width direction of the middle beam) and the longitudinal direction (corresponding to the length direction of the middle beam) of the hinge mechanism, which will produce a virtual position, resulting in relative shaking between the support plate and the middle beam, and between the support plate and the corresponding fixed bracket in the hinge mechanism, and its structural stability is poor and the impact resistance is poor.

[0183] The above-mentioned problems existing in the hinge mechanism design in some solutions are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0184] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism in some schemes.

[0185] like Figure 1 As shown, the hinge mechanism 3' includes a middle beam 6', a first support plate 7A' and a second support plate 7B' arranged on both sides of the middle beam 6', and a first fixing bracket 8A' and a second fixing bracket 8B' respectively arranged on the first support plate 7A' and the second support plate 7B' away from the middle beam 6', wherein the first fixing bracket 8A' and the second fixing bracket 8B' are respectively fixed to the first shell and the second shell (not shown in the figure) of the foldable electronic device.

[0186] The middle beam 6' has arc grooves 42' on both sides in the width direction, the first fixed bracket 8A' has an arc groove 42' on the side close to the middle beam 6', and the first support plate 7A' has arc slides 41' on both sides in the width direction. The arc slides 41' on the side close to the middle beam 6' of the first support plate 7A' are slidably connected to the arc grooves 42' on the middle beam 6' close to the side of the first support plate 7A', and the arc slides 41' on the side close to the first fixed bracket 8A' of the first support plate 7A' are connected to the side close to the middle beam 6' of the first fixed bracket 8A'. The arc groove 42' is slidably connected to the second fixed bracket 8B', an arc groove 42' is opened on the side close to the middle beam 6', and arc sliding bars 41' are respectively arranged on both sides of the width direction of the second support plate 7A'. The arc sliding bar 41' on the side close to the middle beam 6' of the second support plate 7B' is slidably connected to the arc groove 42' on the side close to the second support plate 7B' of the middle beam 6', and the arc sliding bar 41' on the side close to the second fixed bracket 8B' of the second support plate 7B' is slidably connected to the arc groove 42' on the second fixed bracket 8B' near the side close to the middle beam 6'.

[0187] It should be noted that the arc-shaped slide bar 41' and the arc-shaped groove 42' that are slidably connected to each other can be understood as constituting a sliding tongue structure 4'. When the hinge mechanism rotates, the length of the arc-shaped slide bar 41' sliding into the arc-shaped groove 42' changes accordingly. The sliding tongue structure 4' compensates for the length difference that occurs when the electronic device switches states by the change in the length of the arc-shaped slide bar 41' sliding into the arc-shaped groove 42'. However, in order to ensure that the sliding tongue structure 4' is easy to install and slide smoothly, a large assembly gap must be left for the sliding tongue structure 4', which will cause a virtual position problem, making the structural stability and impact resistance of the hinge mechanism 3' worse.

[0188] Based on this, the embodiments of the present application provide a hinge mechanism, a folding device and an electronic device. In the hinge mechanism, a real axis is used for rotational connection between each fixed bracket and the corresponding support plate, and between each support plate and the central beam, and a corresponding compensation structure is designed to replace the traditional sliding tongue structure. While being able to compensate for the length difference (that is, the difference between the effective support length of the folding device and the length of the display screen), the occurrence of the virtual position problem is avoided. The hinge mechanism has better structural stability and better impact resistance, and is conducive to achieving the lightweight and thinness of the foldable electronic device.

[0189] It should be noted that the foldable electronic device in the present application can be but is not limited to foldable screen mobile phones, foldable tablet computers, foldable laptops, foldable displays, personal digital devices, smart wearable devices, etc. The following is combined with the accompanying drawings to illustrate the structure, working principle and beneficial effects of the foldable electronic device using a foldable screen mobile phone as an example.

[0190] See also Figures 2a to 4d , Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device in the embodiment of the present application when it is in an unfolded state; Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device in the embodiment of the present application when it is in a folded state; Figure 2c This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device in the embodiment of the present application when it is in an intermediate state; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the electronic device in the embodiment of the present application when it is in an unfolded state; Figure 4a It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure when the folding device of the embodiment of the present application is in an unfolded state, viewed from the front; Figure 4b This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure when the folding device of the embodiment of the present application is in an unfolded state from a front perspective; Figure 4c It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure when the folding device of the embodiment of the present application is in an unfolded state, as viewed from the back; Figure 4d This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure when the folding device of the embodiment of the present application is in an unfolded state as viewed from the back.

[0191] like Figures 2a to 4d As shown, the foldable electronic device 1 includes a folding device 2. The folding device 2 includes a first shell 5A, a second shell 5B and a hinge mechanism 4. The first shell 5A and the second shell 5B are rotatably connected through the hinge mechanism 4, so that the first shell 5A and the second shell 5B can be relatively folded or relatively unfolded.

[0192] In different usage scenarios, foldable electronic devices can have different usage states. Figure 2a The foldable electronic device 1 is shown in an unfolded state. When the foldable electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state, the first shell 5A and the second shell 5B are relatively rotated to be coplanar, and the angle at which the foldable electronic device 1 is opened is 180°, that is, the angle between the first shell 5A and the second shell 5B is 180°. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the opening angle of the foldable electronic device 1 can also be 90°, 120°, 210°, etc., and the present application does not limit this, and the angles illustrated in the present application are allowed to have a slight deviation. For example, when the foldable electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state, the opening angle can be 180°, or about 180°, such as 170°, 175°, 185° or 190°, etc., and the same understanding can be made for other angles in the following text.

[0193] Figure 2b The foldable electronic device 1 is shown in a folded state. When the foldable electronic device 1 is in the folded state, the first shell 5A and the second shell 5B can be completely folded to be substantially parallel to each other (a slight deviation is allowed) and stacked, and at this time, the angle between the first shell 5A and the second shell 5B can be approximately regarded as 0. Figure 2c The foldable electronic device 1 is shown in an intermediate state, wherein the intermediate state can be understood as any state between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0194] Those skilled in the art can understand that the present application does not limit the specific structure of the foldable electronic device 1. For example, the foldable electronic device 1 can also include various electronic components. The folding device 2 composed of the first shell 5A, the second shell 5B and the hinge mechanism 4 provides protection and support for various electronic components and other structures. To facilitate understanding of the folding process and usage scenarios of the foldable electronic device 1, the following exemplifies the possible structures thereof.

[0195] like Figures 2a to 3 As shown, the foldable electronic device 1 also includes a display screen 3, which is laid on the front 21 of the folding device 2. Among them, the function of the display screen 3 is to display images, which can be, but not limited to, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode or an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MIL-E) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MIL-E) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MIL-E) display screen, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen, etc., and this application does not limit this. The display screen 3 is fixed on the front 21 of the folding device 2, and the side surface of the display screen 3 facing away from the folding device 2 is its display surface, which is used to display information and provide an interactive interface for the user. The display screen 3 fixed on the folding device 2 is unfolded or folded as the folding device 2 rotates. The hinge mechanism 4 , the first shell 5A and the second shell 5B in the folding device 2 together provide effective support for the display screen 3 in various states, so that the display screen 3 is not easily dented under the action of external force, thereby avoiding damage to the display screen 3 .

[0196] It should be noted that if Figure 2b and Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the display surface of the display screen 3 is defined as its front surface 30, and the other side surface of the display screen 3 opposite to the front surface 30 is defined as its back surface 35. That is, the front surface 30 of the display screen 3 is exposed outside the folding device 2, and the back surface 35 of the display screen 3 faces the folding device 2 and is connected to the folding device 2. Accordingly, the side surface of the folding device 2 facing the display screen 3 is defined as the front surface 21 of the folding device 2, and the side surface of the folding device 2 facing away from the display screen 3 is defined as the back surface 22 of the folding device 2. In one example, the display screen 3 may include a first portion 31, a second portion 32, and a foldable portion 33, and the foldable portion 33 is located between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32. The first shell 5A supports and fixes the first portion 31 of the display screen 3, and the second shell 5B supports and fixes the second portion 32 of the display screen 3. In other words, the first portion 31 of the display screen 3 is fixedly connected to the first shell 5A, and the second portion 32 of the display screen 3 is fixedly connected to the second shell 5B. The foldable portion 33 of the display screen 3 is arranged corresponding to the hinge mechanism 4. When the hinge mechanism 4 drives the first shell 5A and the second shell 5B to rotate relative to each other, the first part 31 and the second part 32 of the display screen 3 change their orientations accordingly, and the foldable part 33 of the display screen 3 bends or flattens as the orientations of the first part 31 and the second part 32 change.

[0197] For example, Figure 3 As shown, the front side 50A of the first shell 5A has a support surface facing the first portion 31 of the display screen 3, and the back side of the first portion 31 of the display screen 3 is attached to the support surface of the first shell 5A, for example, the back side of the first portion 31 of the display screen 3 is bonded to the support surface of the first shell 5A. Similarly, the front side 50B of the second shell 5B may have a support surface facing the second portion 32 of the display screen 3, and the back side of the second portion 32 of the display screen 3 is attached to the support surface of the second shell 5B, for example, the back side of the second portion 32 of the display screen 3 is bonded to the support surface of the second shell 5B. The front side 40 of the hinge mechanism 4 has a support surface facing the foldable portion 33 of the display screen 3. In one example, the middle beam 6 of the hinge mechanism 4 mentioned below (see Figure 5a-Figure 6b ) can be bonded and fixed to the back of the foldable portion 33 of the display screen 3, and the rest of the hinge mechanism 4 (for example, the first support plate 7A, the second support plate 7B, the first body bracket 81A, the first compensation bracket 82A, the second body bracket 81B, the second compensation bracket 82B, see Figure 5a-Figure 6b The front of the foldable portion 33 of the display screen 3 is not bonded and fixed, and it can support the back of the display screen 3 and slide relative to the back of the display screen 33. Of course, the above is only an example, and this application does not limit this.

[0198] During the use of the foldable electronic device 1, the first part 31 and the second part 32 always maintain a planar state, and the foldable part 33 can be bent to change the angle between the first part 31 and the second part 32, so that the display screen 3 is folded or unfolded with the movement of the folding device 2, so as to realize the switching of the foldable electronic device 1 between the folded state and the unfolded state. Exemplarily, in the display screen 3, at least the foldable part 33 is made of a flexible material so that the foldable part 33 is bendable. The first part 31 and the second part 32 can be made of a flexible material, or a rigid material, or partially made of a rigid material and partially made of a flexible material, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0199] like Figure 2a to Figure 2c As shown, driven by the hinge mechanism 4, the display screen 3 is unfolded or folded together with the first shell 5A and the second shell 5B. The foldable part 33 of the display screen 3 is flattened or bent so that the first part 31 and the second part 32 can rotate relative to each other. When the foldable electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state, the first part 31 and the second part 32 are in a relatively far unfolded state, the foldable part 33 is flattened without bending, and the display surfaces of the first part 31, the second part 32 and the foldable part 33 face the same direction and are in a coplanar state. At this time, the angle between the first part 31 and the second part 32 is 180°, and the display screen 3 can realize large-screen display, which can provide users with richer information and bring users a better user experience.

[0200] like Figure 2b As shown, when the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state, the first part 31 and the second part 32 are relatively stacked, the foldable part 33 is in a bent state, and the display surfaces of the first part 31 and the second part 32 are opposite to each other.

[0201] like Figure 2b As shown, in one embodiment, the foldable electronic device 1 is an outward-folding electronic device, and when the outward-folding electronic device is in a folded state, the display screen 3 surrounds the outside of the folding device 2. Or it can be understood that the first part 31 and the second part 32 of the display screen 3 are arranged opposite to each other, the folding device 2 is located between the first part 31 and the second part 32, and the display surfaces of the first part 31 and the second part 32 are exposed to the user, and the display screen 3 can be used to realize the display function, so there is no need to add an additional display screen 3 on the back of the shell in order to realize the display function of the foldable electronic device 1 in the folded state.

[0202] like Figures 3 to 4dAs shown, in one embodiment, the first shell 5A and the second shell 5B may have a storage space inside to accommodate some electronic components (not shown in the figure). Among them, the electronic components include but are not limited to circuit boards, batteries, camera modules, microphones, speakers, etc., and the present application does not limit this. Exemplarily, a circuit board may be provided in the first shell 5A and the second shell 5B, and the electrical connection between the devices in the two shells is achieved through the circuit boards in the two shells; the battery for powering the device may be only provided in the first shell 5A or the second shell 5B, or the battery may be provided in the first shell 5A and the second shell 5B; as for other devices such as camera modules, microphones, speakers, etc., they may be concentrated in the first shell 5A or the second shell 5B, or some devices may be provided in the first shell 5A and some devices may be provided in the second shell 5B.

[0203] The first shell 5A and the second shell 5B may both include a middle frame (not shown in the figure) and a back cover (not shown in the figure). The middle frame is connected between the display screen 3 and the back cover. The side surface of the middle frame facing the display screen 3 forms the above-mentioned supporting surface. The display screen 3 can be mounted on the side surface of the middle frame. The back cover is connected to the side of the middle frame away from the display screen 3. The middle frame and the back cover together enclose a storage space for installing devices.

[0204] The above systematically explains the structure of the foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application, the functions of each component, and the working principle of the foldable electronic device switching between the unfolded state and the folded state. The following, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, explains in detail the overall structure of the hinge mechanism, the hinge mechanism driving the first shell and the second shell to rotate, and the principle of compensating for the length difference mentioned above.

[0205] See also Figures 5a to 13d , Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application from the front view; Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application as seen from the back; Figure 5c This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application from a front perspective; Figure 5d This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application as seen from the back; Figure 5e for Figure 5b A partial enlarged view of part A; Figure 5f It is a schematic diagram of a partial three-dimensional structure when the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application is in a semi-expanded and semi-folded state as viewed from the back;

[0206] Figure 5g for Figure 4a A partial enlarged view of part B from another perspective; Figure 5h It is a schematic diagram of a partial three-dimensional structure when the folding device of the embodiment of the present application is in an unfolded state, viewed from the back; Figure 6a It is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application when it is in a folded state; Figure 6b It is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application when it is in an unfolded state; Figure 6c This is a schematic diagram of the principle of compensating for length difference of the hinge mechanism in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 7a This is a schematic diagram of the actual axis connection of the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application; Figure 7b This is a schematic diagram of a hinge mechanism support plate according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 8 for Figure 7a A partial enlarged view of part C from another perspective; Fig. 9 for Figure 7a A partial enlarged view of part D from another perspective;

[0207] Fig.10 for Figure 5h Sectional view in the AA direction; Fig.11 for Figure 5h A partial enlarged view of part E from another perspective; Fig.12a This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the modular hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application from a front perspective; Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the modular hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application from the back side perspective; Fig.12c This is a schematic diagram of the modular structure of the hinge mechanism of an embodiment of the present application from a front perspective; Fig.12d This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the modular hinge mechanism of an embodiment of the present application from a back perspective; Fig.13a This is a schematic diagram of the connection method of one end of the middle beam connecting section in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application; Fig.13b This is a schematic diagram of the connection method of the other end of the middle beam connecting section in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application; Fig.13c This is a schematic diagram of the connection method of one end of the support plate connecting section in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application; Fig.13d This is a schematic diagram of the connection method of the other end of the support plate connecting section in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application.

[0208] The fasteners in the folding device are not shown in the drawings of the present application so that the schematic diagram can more clearly show the main structure of the folding device.

[0209] like Figure 5a to Figure 5d As shown, the hinge mechanism 4 may include a center beam 6, a first support plate 7A, a second support plate 7B, a first compensation component 8A and a second compensation component 8B.

[0210] like Figure 5a to Figure 5h As shown, combined with Figure 6a and Figure 6bIt is understood that the first support plate 7A and the second support plate 7B are respectively arranged on both sides of the center beam 6 in the width direction. One side of the first support plate 7A in the width direction is rotatably connected to one side of the center beam 6 in the width direction through the first connecting shaft 71A, so that the first support plate 7A can rotate relative to the center beam 6 around the axis of the first connecting shaft 71A. One side of the second support plate 7B in the width direction is rotatably connected to the other side of the center beam 6 in the width direction through the second connecting shaft 71B, so that the second support plate 7B can rotate relative to the center beam 6 around the axis of the second connecting shaft 71B. Thus, the first support plate 7A and the second support plate 7B can rotate relative to the center beam 6, respectively.

[0211] In addition, the first compensation component 8A and the second compensation component 8B are also respectively arranged on both sides of the width direction of the center beam 6. The first compensation component 8A connects the first support plate 7A with the first shell 5A, so that the first shell 5A can rotate relative to the first support plate 7A. The second compensation component 8B connects the second support plate 7B with the second shell 5B, so that the second shell 5B can rotate relative to the second support plate 7B. Thus, the first shell 5A can rotate relative to the center beam 6 by linking the first support plate 7A with the first compensation component 8A, and the second shell 5B can rotate relative to the center beam 6 by linking the second support plate 7B with the second compensation component 8B, thereby enabling the first shell 5A and the second shell 5B to rotate relative to the center beam 6, respectively, and finally enabling the folding device 2 to switch between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0212] It should be noted that, in the unfolded state and the folded state, the folding device 2 changes the shape of the hinge mechanism 4, resulting in a change in the effective support length of the hinge mechanism 4 for the display screen 3. However, according to the above-mentioned matching relationship between the first shell 5A, the second shell 5B and the display screen 3, it can be seen that the first shell 5A is fixedly connected to the first part 31 of the display screen 3, and the second shell 5B is fixedly connected to the second part 32 of the display screen 3, so that the effective support length of the first shell 5A and the second shell 5B for the display screen 3 remains unchanged. In general, the effective support length of the display screen 3 of the folding device 2 changes in the two states, while the screen length of the display screen 3 is constant, which will inevitably lead to a length difference between the effective support length of the folding device 2 in a certain state and the screen length of the display screen 3, so that the display screen 3 is squeezed or stretched to produce permanent deformation and damage. For example, if it is ensured that the effective support length of the folding device 2 in the unfolded state is equal to the screen length of the display screen 3, then there is a length difference between the effective support length of the folding device 2 in the folded state and the screen length of the display screen 3; if it is ensured that the effective support length of the folding device 2 in the folded state is equal to the screen length of the display screen 3, then there is a length difference between the effective support length of the folding device 2 in the unfolded state and the screen length of the display screen 3.

[0213] In order to prevent the display screen 3 from being squeezed and stretched during the transformation of the electronic device form, thereby causing permanent deformation and damage, the compensation component of the hinge mechanism 4 of the present application is set as a compensation structure that can compensate for the length difference. The effective support length of each compensation component of the first compensation component 8A and the second compensation component 8B mentioned above for the display screen 3 can be adjusted, so that the effective support length of the hinge mechanism 4 can be adjusted, and finally the effective support length of the folding device 2 for the display screen 3 can be adjusted. In this way, the effective support length of the folding device 2 in the unfolded state and the folded state can be the same, so that the effective support length of the folding device 2 and the screen length of the display screen 3 are equal in both the unfolded state and the folded state, avoiding the length difference.

[0214] It should be noted that the effective support length of the hinge mechanism for the display screen and the compensation length between the display screens are different when different foldable electronic devices are rotated, and can be obtained through calculation or measurement.

[0215] The reasons for the above-mentioned length difference and the principle of compensating the length difference of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0216] like Figure 6a and Figure 6c As shown, when the hinge mechanism 4 is in the folded state, the effective supporting length of the middle beam 6, the first support plate 7A, the second support plate 7B, the first compensation component 8A and the second compensation component 8B for the foldable part 33 of the display screen 3 is the length of the U-shaped path from point A to point B. Figure 6b and Figure 6c As shown, when the hinge mechanism 4 is in the unfolded state, the effective supporting length of the middle beam 6, the first support plate 7A, the second support plate 7B, the first compensation component 8A and the second compensation component 8B for the foldable portion 33 of the display screen 3 becomes the straight line length from point A1 to point B1. The length of the U-shaped path in the folded state becomes the length of the multiple arc paths from point A1 to point B1, and the length of the multiple arc paths equal to the length of the U-shaped path is greater than the straight line length from point A1 to point B1.

[0217] Therefore, when the hinge mechanism 4 transforms its form, there will be a length difference in the effective support length of the foldable portion 33 of the display screen 3, which is the difference between the length of the U-shaped path and the length of the straight line. This length difference needs to be compensated during the rotation of the electronic device to prevent the display screen 3 from being squeezed and stretched during the rotation and being damaged.

[0218] like Figure 6a-6c As shown, the first compensation component 8A and the second compensation component 8B are both configured as retractable structures, so that the effective supporting length of each compensation component for the entire display screen 3 can be adjusted. Figure 6b The expanded state shown is compared to Figure 6aIn the folded state shown, the first compensation component 8A extends in a direction away from the first support plate 7A, and the extended length is L1; the second compensation component 8B extends in a direction away from the second support plate 7B, and the extended length is L2. The sum of the lengths of L1 and L2 can be set to be equal to the difference between the length of the U-shaped path and the length of the straight line, so as to compensate for the above-mentioned length difference, so that the hinge mechanism 4 has the same effective support length for the entire display screen 3 in the unfolded state and the folded state, and further, the folding device 2 has the same effective support length as the display screen 3 in both the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0219] The main structural components of the first compensation component and the second compensation component and the structure for achieving length difference compensation are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figure 5a to Figure 5h As shown, combined with Figure 6a and Figure 6b It is understood that the first compensation assembly 8A includes a first body bracket 81A, a first compensation bracket 82A and a first driving component 83A. One side of the first body bracket 81A in the width direction is connected by a third connecting shaft 72A (see Figure 6a ) is rotatably connected to the other side of the first support plate 7A in the width direction, and the first compensation bracket 82A is slidably connected to the first body bracket 81A, so that the first compensation bracket 82A and the first body bracket 81A can be rotated relative to the middle beam 6 through the first support plate 7A, and the first compensation bracket 82A can slide in a direction close to or away from the first support plate 7A. Among them, the first driving component 83A is configured to: drive the first compensation bracket 82A to slide. The first compensation bracket 82A is fixedly connected to the first shell 5A of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0220] The second compensation assembly 8B includes a second body bracket 81B, a second compensation bracket 82B and a second driving component 83B. One side of the second body bracket 81B in the width direction is connected by a fourth connecting shaft 72B (see Figure 6a ) is rotatably connected to the other side in the width direction of the second support plate 7B, and the second compensation bracket 82B is slidably connected to the second body bracket 81B, so that the second compensation bracket 82B and the second body bracket 81B can be rotated relative to the middle beam 6 through the second support plate 7B, and the second compensation bracket 82B can slide in a direction close to or away from the second support plate 7B. Among them, the second driving component 83B is configured to: drive the second compensation bracket 82B to slide. The second compensation bracket 82B is used to be fixedly connected to the second shell 5B of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0221] It should be noted that Figure 5fIt is a schematic diagram of the partial three-dimensional structure when viewed from the back side when the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application is in a semi-expanded and semi-folded state; the semi-expanded and semi-folded state portion is not any form of the hinge mechanism, but is only for the convenience of comparing and displaying the hinge mechanism in the folded state and the unfolded state.

[0222] like Figure 2b and Figure 6a As shown, when the hinge mechanism 4 is in a folded state, the first main body bracket 81A and the second main body bracket 81B are stacked and arranged opposite to each other, the first compensation bracket 82A and the second compensation bracket 82B are stacked and arranged opposite to each other, and the front side 810A of the first main body bracket 81A and the front side 810B of the second main body bracket 81B are arranged back to back and both are arranged toward the display screen 3 of the foldable electronic device 1, and the front side 830A of the first compensation bracket 82A and the front side 830B of the second compensation bracket 82B are arranged back to back and both are arranged toward the display screen 3 of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0223] Furthermore, if Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 4b and Figure 5g As shown, the front side 810A of the first main body bracket 81A, the front side 830A of the first compensation bracket 82A, the front side 810B of the second main body bracket 81B, the front side 830B of the second compensation bracket 82B and the front side of the middle beam 6 all support the display screen 3. With such a design, the effective support surface of the hinge mechanism 4 for the display screen 3 is increased, and the reliability of the folding device 2 is enhanced.

[0224] like Figure 5e to Figure 6b As shown, the hinge mechanism 4 is configured by setting the connecting bracket connected between the first shell 5A and the first support plate 7A into: a first main body bracket 81A and a first compensation bracket 82A that are slidably connected to each other, and the first compensation bracket 82A is fixedly connected to the first shell 5A, and the first main body bracket 81A and the first support plate 7A, as well as the first support plate 7A and the middle beam 6 are rotationally connected through the real axis 41 (i.e., the third connecting axis 72A and the first connecting axis 71A), so that the overall structure formed by the first main body bracket 81A and the first compensation bracket 82A can be linked to the rotation of the first support plate 7A relative to the middle beam 6, and the first compensation bracket 82A can be extended and retracted relative to the first main body bracket 81A, so that the effective supporting length of the hinge mechanism 4 supporting the display screen 3 can be adjusted, and then the effective supporting length of the folding device 2 can be adjusted. Similarly, it can be known that the overall structure formed by the second main body bracket 81B and the second compensation bracket 82B can link the second support plate 7B to rotate relative to the middle beam 6, and the second compensation bracket 82B can be extended and retracted relative to the second main body bracket 81B, thereby adjusting the effective supporting length of the hinge mechanism 4 supporting the display screen 3, and then adjusting the effective supporting length of the folding device 2.

[0225] It can be seen from this that by extending and retracting each compensation bracket in the first compensation bracket 82A and the second compensation bracket 82B and the corresponding main body bracket, the effective supporting length of the hinge mechanism 4 supporting the display screen 3 can be adjusted, so that the effective supporting length of the hinge mechanism 4 in the unfolded state and the folded state is the same, thereby making the effective supporting length of the folding device 2 in the unfolded state and the folded state the same, thereby compensating for the length difference between the effective supporting length of the folding device 2 and the length of the display screen 3, avoiding squeezing or stretching of the display screen 3, and improving the reliability and life of the display screen 3.

[0226] The hinge mechanism realizes rotational connection through a real axis, which can be understood as realizing rotational connection through a structure matched with an axis hole, without reserving a large assembly gap, avoiding the virtual position problem caused by the use of a sliding tongue structure for rotational connection, so that the support plate and the middle beam, and the support plate and the corresponding fixed bracket in the hinge mechanism are not easy to shake relative to each other, and the structural stability is better, and the impact resistance effect is better. For example, when the hinge mechanism is impacted by external force, the support plate and the middle beam and the fixed bracket are not easy to shake relative to each other, so that the hinge mechanism can be stably maintained in the unfolded state or the folded state; during the rotation of the hinge mechanism (that is, during the switching process between the unfolded state and the folded state), the hinge mechanism can rotate more smoothly and reliably.

[0227] It should be noted that the specific structure of any of the first connecting shaft 71A, the second connecting shaft 71B, the third connecting shaft 72A and the fourth connecting shaft 72B mentioned above is not limited. For example, a solid shaft or a hollow shaft can be used, and the present application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0228] Furthermore, there is no limit to the manner in which two mating components are rotationally connected through a connecting shaft (for example, the first connecting shaft 71A, the second connecting shaft 71B, the third connecting shaft 72A and the fourth connecting shaft 72B). For example, connecting holes can be set on both mating components, and the connecting shaft can be passed through the connecting holes of the two components to achieve rotational connection between the two components; or a connecting hole can be set on one component, and a connecting shaft can be set on the other component, and the connecting shaft on the other component can be passed through the connecting hole on one component to achieve rotational connection between the two components. The present application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0229] like Figure 5d , Figure 6a , Figures 7a to 10 As shown, in one embodiment, the first connecting shaft 71A is arranged on one side of the first support plate 7A, and a first connecting hole 61 is provided on one side of the middle beam 6. The first connecting shaft 71A is rotatably connected in the first connecting hole 61, so that one side of the first support plate 7A can rotate relative to the middle beam 6 around the axis of the first connecting shaft 71A.

[0230] The second connecting shaft 71B is arranged on one side of the second supporting plate 7B, and a second connecting hole 62 is provided on the other side of the middle beam 6. The second connecting shaft 71B is rotatably connected in the second connecting hole 62 so that one side of the second supporting plate 7B can rotate relative to the middle beam 6 around the axis of the second connecting shaft 71B.

[0231] The third connecting shaft 72A is arranged on the other side of the first support plate 7A, and a third connecting hole 811A is provided on one side of the first main body bracket 81A. The third connecting shaft 72A is rotatably connected in the third connecting hole 811A so that one side of the first main body bracket 81A can rotate around the axis of the third connecting shaft 72A relative to the first support plate 7A.

[0232] The fourth connecting shaft 72B is arranged on the other side of the second support plate 7B, and a fourth connecting hole 811B is provided on the side of the second main body bracket 81B close to the middle beam 6. The fourth connecting shaft 72B is rotatably connected in the fourth connecting hole 811B so that one side of the second main body bracket 81B can rotate around the axis of the fourth connecting shaft 72B relative to the second support plate 7B.

[0233] The connecting shaft on one side of each support plate is rotatably connected to the connecting hole on the central beam, and the connecting shaft on the other side of each support plate is rotatably connected to the connecting hole on the corresponding main body bracket. This can effectively avoid the influence of the virtual position of the sliding tongue structure on the operating stability of the folding device and reduce the difficulty of assembly, and also make the structure of the hinge mechanism more compact.

[0234] Furthermore, the axes of the first connecting shaft 71A, the second connecting shaft 71B, the third connecting shaft 72A and the fourth connecting shaft 72B are parallel to each other, and the axes of the connecting shafts are parallel to the length direction of the middle beam 6. This improves the operational stability of the hinge mechanism 4 when it rotates.

[0235] Furthermore, the hinge mechanism 4 adopts a real axis 41 (i.e., the above-mentioned connecting axes) to realize the rotational connection, and there is no need to reserve sufficient thickness on the middle beam 6 and each main body bracket to open a slide groove, thereby reducing the restriction on the size of the hinge mechanism 4, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the folding device 2, which is conducive to realizing the lightweight and thin foldable electronic device.

[0236] Therefore, when the hinge mechanism provided in the present application is able to compensate for the length difference (i.e., the difference between the effective support length of the folding device and the length of the display screen), relative shaking is not likely to occur between the support plate and the middle beam, and between the support plate and the corresponding fixed bracket in the hinge mechanism. The structural stability is better, the impact resistance is better, and it is conducive to realizing the lightweight and thinness of the foldable electronic device.

[0237] It should be noted that the number of the first compensation components 8A and the second compensation components 8B is not limited. For example, the number of the first compensation components 8A and the second compensation components 8B in the hinge mechanism 4 can be one or more. The arrangement of the first compensation components 8A and the second compensation components 8B is not limited. For example, the first compensation components 8A and the second compensation components 8B can be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, or it can be understood that the number of the first compensation components 8A and the second compensation components 8B is the same, and each first compensation component 8A is arranged in correspondence with one second compensation component 8B. The first compensation components 8A and the second compensation components 8B may also not be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, or it can be understood that the number of the first compensation components 8A and the second compensation components 8B is different.

[0238] like Figure 5a to Figure 5d As shown, in one embodiment, there are multiple first compensation components 8A and multiple second compensation components 8B, all first compensation components 8A are arranged at intervals in the length direction of the middle beam 6, all second compensation components 8B are arranged at intervals in the length direction of the middle beam 6, and multiple first compensation components 8A and multiple second compensation components 8B are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. In an example, there are two first compensation components 8A and two second compensation components 8B, and they are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the middle beam 6.

[0239] The structures of the plurality of first compensation components 8A may be the same or different, and the structures of the plurality of second compensation components 8B may be the same or different. The following is a detailed description of the structures of one first compensation component 8A and one second compensation component 8B, and the other first compensation components 8A may also adopt the structures described below, and the other second compensation components 8B may also adopt the same structure.

[0240] It should be noted that the corresponding arrangement of the first compensation component 8A and the second compensation component 8B arranged one by one is not limited. For example, the first compensation component 8A and the second compensation component 8B arranged one by one can be arranged axially symmetrically with respect to the middle beam 6, or can be arranged asymmetrically with respect to the middle beam 6 (for example, staggered with respect to the middle beam 6).

[0241] like Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, in one embodiment, the first compensation component 8A and the second compensation component 8B are arranged axially symmetrically with respect to the middle beam 6. This can make the process of switching the hinge mechanism 4 and compensating the length difference more stable and reliable, and reduce the difficulty of assembly.

[0242] It should be noted that, during the rotation of the hinge mechanism, the first compensation component 8A and the second compensation component 8B may rotate synchronously with respect to the center beam 6, or may rotate asynchronously with respect to the center beam 6. This application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0243] In one embodiment, Figure 5h and Fig.11 As shown, the hinge mechanism 4 may include a synchronization component 10 , which drives the first compensation component 8A and the second compensation component 8B to rotate synchronously relative to the center beam 6 .

[0244] The specific structure of the synchronization component 10 is not limited. In an exemplary structure, the synchronization component 10 may include a first synchronization swing arm 101 and a second synchronization swing arm 102, wherein one end of the first synchronization swing arm 101 is rotationally connected to one side of the middle beam 6, and the other end is slidably connected to the first body bracket 81A. One end of the second synchronization swing arm 102 is rotationally connected to the other side of the middle beam 6, and the other end is slidably connected to the second body bracket 81B. Among them, one end of the first synchronization swing arm 101 and one end of the second synchronization swing arm 102 rotate synchronously and in the opposite direction. The synchronization swing arms rotate synchronously in the opposite direction, so that the compensation components of the hinge mechanism 4 can rotate synchronously, which greatly improves the user experience.

[0245] It should be noted that the first body bracket 81A of all first compensation components 8A can be an integrated bracket structure or a split bracket structure. The second body bracket 81B of all second compensation components 8B can be an integrated bracket structure or a split bracket structure. Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, the first body bracket 81A of all the first compensation components 8A adopts a split structure, and the second body bracket 81B of all the second compensation components 8B also adopts a split structure.

[0246] Furthermore, the first support plate may adopt an integrated support structure along its length direction (or it may be understood that it is not divided into multiple first support segments along its length direction), or a split support structure (or it may be understood that it is divided into multiple first support segments along its length direction). The second support plate may adopt an integrated support structure along its length direction (or it may be understood that it is not divided into multiple second support segments along its length direction), or a split support structure (or it may be understood that it is divided into multiple second support segments along its length direction). The middle beam may adopt an integrated structure along its length direction (or it may be understood that it is not divided into multiple middle beam segments along its length direction), or a split support structure (or it may be understood that it is divided into multiple middle beam segments along its length direction). This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0247] In one embodiment, if Figure 12a to Figure 12b As shown, combined with Figure 5c and Figure 5dIt is understood that the first support plate 7A may include a plurality of first support segments 73A connected in sequence along its length direction, the plurality of first support segments 73A are arranged corresponding to the plurality of first compensation components 8A, and one side of the first main body bracket 81A of each first compensation component 8A is rotatably connected to the other side of the corresponding first support segment 73A.

[0248] The second support plate 7B includes a plurality of second support segments 73B connected in sequence along its length direction. The plurality of second support segments 73B are arranged corresponding to the plurality of second compensation components 8B, and one side of the second main body bracket 81B of each second compensation component 8B is rotatably connected to the other side of the corresponding second support segment 73B.

[0249] The center beam 6 includes a plurality of center beam sections 63 connected in sequence along its length direction. The plurality of center beam sections 63 are respectively arranged corresponding to a plurality of first support sections 73A and a plurality of second support sections 73B, and one side of each first support section 73A is rotationally connected to one side of the corresponding center beam section 63, and one side of each second support section 73B is rotationally connected to the other side of the corresponding center beam section 63.

[0250] The length direction of the first support plate 7A, the length direction of the second support plate 7B and the length direction of the middle beam 6 are parallel to each other.

[0251] Furthermore, if Figures 12a to 12d As shown, combined with Figure 5a and Figure 5b It is understood that each first compensation component 8A is integrated with the corresponding first support segment 73A, the middle beam segment 63, the second support segment 73B, and a second compensation component 8B into a motion module 42. Each compensation component is formed into a motion module 42 with the corresponding middle beam segment 63 and the corresponding support segment, so that the hinge mechanism 4 is modularized. Compared with the integrated hinge mechanism, the modular design scheme in this embodiment reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled simultaneously when installing each compensation component, greatly reducing the difficulty of assembly.

[0252] Specifically, when installing each main body bracket, each motion module 42 only needs to ensure that the corresponding slider (please see the first slider 84A and the second slider 84B mentioned below for details) and the corresponding synchronous swing arm can be installed on each main body bracket at the same time, while the one-piece hinge mechanism in the prior art requires more than four parts to be installed at the same time.

[0253] It should be noted that when the hinge mechanism 4 is composed of a plurality of motion modules 42, the connection between adjacent motion modules is not limited. For example, two motion modules 42 can be directly connected or indirectly connected through corresponding intermediate connecting sections of each component.

[0254] Furthermore, there is no limit to the connection method between adjacent middle beam segments 63 in the plurality of middle beam segments 63, between adjacent first support segments 73A in the plurality of first support segments 73A, and between adjacent second support segments 73B in the plurality of second support segments 73B. For example, a non-detachable fixed connection can be performed by welding, gluing, etc., or a fixed and detachable connection can be performed.

[0255] like Figures 12a to 12d As shown, combined with Figure 5a to Figure 5b It is understood that in one embodiment, the hinge mechanism 4 is composed of two motion modules 42, and is indirectly connected through the corresponding intermediate connecting sections of each part. Among them, the adjacent middle beam sections 63 are fixedly and detachably connected through the middle beam connecting section 64. The adjacent first support sections 73A are fixedly and detachably connected through the first support connecting section 74A. The adjacent second support sections 73B are fixedly and detachably connected through the second support connecting section 74B. The adjacent motion modules 42 are connected through each support connecting section 74A, 74B and the corresponding middle beam connecting section 64. The number of parts required to connect the adjacent motion modules 42 is small and the structure is simple, which is convenient for processing and manufacturing and reduces production costs.

[0256] It should be noted that the specific method of fixed and detachable connection is not limited, for example, fixed and detachable connection can be achieved by means of screw connection, bolt and nut structure, and plug-in structure.

[0257] In one embodiment, the connection between the middle beam sections 63 is achieved by screw connection. Fig.13a and Fig.13b As shown, two threaded holes 69 are provided at one end of each center beam section 63 adjacent to the center beam connecting section 64, and both ends of the center beam connecting section 64 are arranged as a trapezoidal structure, and a strip groove 67 is provided on the trapezoidal platform, and further, a screw mounting hole 68 corresponding to the threaded hole 69 is provided on the bottom surface of the strip groove 67, and a screw (not shown in the figure) is fixedly and detachably connected with the threaded hole 69 through the screw mounting hole 68.

[0258] In one embodiment, the fixed connection between the support segments is achieved through a plug-in structure. Fig.13c and Fig.13dAs shown, plug-in portions 75A are provided at both ends of the first supporting connection segment 74A, and in the adjacent first supporting segments 73A fixed by the first supporting connection segment 74A, one end of each first supporting segment 73A is provided with a plug-in groove 76A plugged with the plug-in portion 75A. Plug-in portions (not shown in the figure) are provided at both ends of the second supporting connection segment 74B, and in the adjacent second supporting segments 73B fixed by the second supporting connection segment 74B, one end of each second supporting segment 73B is provided with a plug-in groove (not shown in the figure) plugged with the plug-in portion. The structure of the plug-in portion and the plug-in groove between the second supporting connection segment and the adjacent second supporting segment can also be adopted as shown in the figure. Fig.13c and Fig.13d Each supporting connection segment is directly and detachably connected to the corresponding adjacent supporting segment by plugging, which is simple to install and helps to reduce the difficulty of assembly and disassembly between the motion modules.

[0259] The working principle and main structural components of the hinge mechanism are systematically described above. The following text will describe in detail the specific structure of a first compensation component, a second compensation component, a first shell, a second shell, a first support plate, a second support plate, and a middle beam matching part in combination with the accompanying drawings.

[0260] See also Figure 14 to Figure 15c , Fig.14 for Figure 4b A partial enlarged view of part F in the middle; Fig.15a for Figure 4c A partial enlarged view of part G from another perspective; Fig.15b for Figure 4c A partial enlarged view of part H from another perspective; Fig.15c for Fig.15b Schematic diagram of the structure in the folded state.

[0261] The connection method between each compensation component and the corresponding housing is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0262] It should be noted that there is no limit to the connection method between each compensation bracket and the corresponding shell. For example, the compensation bracket can be fixedly connected by means of an installation groove and a mounting plate, or the compensation bracket can be fixedly connected to the corresponding shell by other structures. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0263] like Fig.14 As shown, combined with Figure 5g and Figure 5hIt is understood that, in one embodiment, the front face 830A of the first compensation bracket 82A is provided with a mounting groove 829A. A connection groove 51A is provided on the side of the first shell 5A facing the middle beam 6, and a mounting plate 52A is provided in the connection groove 51A of the first shell 5A, extending from the bottom surface of the connection groove 51A toward the middle beam 6. The mounting plate 52A of the first shell 5A is accommodated in and fixedly connected to the mounting groove 829A of the first compensation bracket 82A, and the front face of the mounting plate 52A of the first shell 5A supports the display screen 3.

[0264] The front face 830B of the second compensation bracket 82B is provided with a mounting groove 829B. A connecting groove 51B is provided on the side of the second housing 5B facing the middle beam 6, and a mounting plate 52B is provided in the connecting groove 51B of the second housing 5B, extending from the bottom surface of the connecting groove 51B toward the middle beam 6. The mounting plate 52B of the second housing 5B is accommodated in and fixedly connected to the mounting groove 829B of the second compensation bracket 82B, and the front face of the mounting plate 52B of the second housing 5B supports the display screen 3.

[0265] The mounting plate of each housing is fixedly connected to the mounting slot on the corresponding compensation bracket, making the structure of the folding device more compact. After the mounting plate of each housing is connected to the mounting slot of the corresponding compensation bracket, the front faces of the two are flush and used to support the display screen, effectively increasing the supporting area of ​​the display screen.

[0266] It should be noted that in the present application, there is no limit to the number of mounting slots on the front of each compensation bracket, which may be 1 or 2 or more, and there is no limit to the number of mounting plates in the connecting slot of each shell, which may be 1 or 2 or more.

[0267] In one example, the front face 830A of the first compensation bracket 82A is provided with two mounting grooves 829A, and the two mounting grooves 829A are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the first compensation bracket 82A. In one example, the two mounting grooves 829A are located at both ends of the front face 830A of the first compensation bracket 82A along its length direction, and the receiving groove 826A of the first compensation bracket 82A mentioned below is located between the two mounting grooves 829A in the length direction of the first compensation bracket 82A. Two mounting plates 52A corresponding to the two mounting grooves 829A are provided in the connection groove 51A of the first housing 5A, and each mounting plate 52A of the first housing 5A is accommodated in and fixedly connected to the mounting groove 829A corresponding to the first compensation bracket 82A.

[0268] The front face 830B of the second compensation bracket 82B is provided with two mounting grooves 829B, and the two mounting grooves 829B are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the second compensation bracket 82B. In an example, the two mounting grooves 829B are located at both ends of the front face 830B of the second compensation bracket 82B along its length direction, and the receiving groove 826B of the second compensation bracket 82B mentioned below is located between the two mounting grooves 829B in the length direction of the second compensation bracket 82B. The connection groove 51B of the second housing 5B has two mounting plates arranged one-to-one corresponding to the two mounting grooves 829B, and each mounting plate 52B of the second housing 5B is accommodated in and fixedly connected to the mounting groove 829B corresponding to the second compensation bracket 82B. It should be noted that the length direction of the first compensation bracket 82A, the length direction of the second compensation bracket 82B, and the length direction of the middle beam 6 are parallel to each other.

[0269] like Fig.14 , Fig.15a As shown, combined with Figure 5g and Figure 5h It is understood that in one embodiment, the two ends of the first body bracket 81A in the length direction are slidably connected to the two sides of the connection groove 51A of the first shell 5A, so that the first shell 5A can slide relative to the first body bracket 81A along the width direction of the first body bracket 81A. The two ends of the second body bracket 81B in the length direction are slidably connected to the two sides of the connection groove 51B of the second shell 5B, so that the second shell 5B can slide relative to the second body bracket 81B along the width direction of the second body bracket 81B. Among them, the length direction of the first body bracket 81A, the length direction of the second body bracket 81B, and the length direction of the middle beam 6 are parallel to each other.

[0270] It should be noted that in the present application, the two ends of each body bracket are slidably connected to the two sides of the connection groove of the corresponding shell in any form. For example, the two ends of each body bracket and the two sides of the connection groove of the corresponding shell can be slidably connected by a slide rail structure, or by a step structure and a step platform.

[0271] In one embodiment, if Fig.15a As shown, combined with Figure 5g and Figure 5hIt is understood that the two ends of the first body bracket 81A in the length direction may be provided with a stepped platform 812A, the parts on both sides of the connection groove 51A of the first shell 5A may be provided with a stepped structure 53A, and the stepped structure 53A of the first shell 5A is slidably connected to the stepped platform 812A of the first body bracket 81A. The two ends of the second body bracket 81B in the length direction may be provided with a stepped platform 812B, the parts on both sides of the connection groove 51B of the second shell 5B may be provided with a stepped structure 53B, and the stepped structure 53B of the second shell 5B is slidably connected to the stepped platform 812B of the second body bracket 81B. The stepped platform of each body bracket is slidably connected to the stepped structure of the corresponding shell, which effectively enhances the stability of the relative sliding of each body bracket and the corresponding shell.

[0272] Furthermore, if Fig.15b As shown, combined with Figure 5g and Figure 5h It is understood that a strip hole 813A is provided on one of the stepped platforms 812A of the first body bracket 81A, and a mounting hole 54A corresponding to the strip hole 813A is provided on the stepped structure 53A of the first shell 5A. A first limiting column (not shown in the figure) is inserted into the mounting hole 54A of the first shell 5A and the strip hole 813A corresponding to the first body bracket 81A, and the first limiting column can slide along its length direction in the strip hole 813A. A strip hole 813B is provided on one of the stepped platforms 812B of the second body bracket 81B, and a mounting hole 54B is provided on the stepped structure 53B of the second shell 5B. A second limiting column (not shown in the figure) is inserted into the mounting hole 54B of the second shell 5B and the strip hole 813B corresponding to the second body bracket 81B, and the second limiting column can slide along its length direction in the strip hole 813B of the second body bracket 81B.

[0273] It should be noted that when the hinge mechanism is in a stable state (unfolded state or folded state), the limiting column can slide to one end of the bar hole for limiting, or it may not slide to one end of the bar hole and make it impossible to limit; or it may be limited in one stable state and not in another stable state.

[0274] For example, Fig.15b and Fig.15c As shown, combined with Figure 5g and Figure 5hIt is understood that when the hinge mechanism 4 is in the unfolded state, the first limiting column abuts against the end of the bar hole 813A of the first body bracket 81A away from the middle beam 6, and the second limiting column abuts against the end of the bar hole of the second body bracket 81B away from the middle beam 6. When the hinge mechanism 4 is in the folded state, the first limiting column (not shown in the figure) does not abut against the end of the bar hole 813A of the first body bracket 81A close to the middle beam 6, and the second limiting column (not shown in the figure) does not abut against the end of the bar hole 813B of the second body bracket 81B close to the middle beam 6. When the hinge mechanism 4 is in the unfolded state, each limiting column abuts against the end of the bar hole of the corresponding body bracket away from the middle beam 6, so as to prevent each shell and the corresponding compensation bracket from excessively sliding relative to the corresponding body bracket in the unfolded state.

[0275] The above examples illustrate the connection method between the compensation component and the corresponding housing. The following describes the sliding connection method of the compensation component in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0276] See also Figures 16a to 16e , Fig.16a for Figure 5f A partial enlarged view of the compensation bracket and the main bracket from another perspective in the middle folded state; Fig.16b for Figure 5f A partial enlarged view of the compensation bracket and the main bracket from another perspective in the middle unfolded state; Fig.16c This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the hinge mechanism motion module of the embodiment of the present application; Fig.16d for Figure 5h A cross-sectional view from another perspective in the AA direction; Fig.16e for Figure 5h Cross-sectional view along the BB direction.

[0277] In one embodiment, if Fig.16a and Fig.16b As shown, combined with Figure 5f It is understood that a groove 814A recessed toward one side of the first main body bracket 81A is provided on the other side of the first main body bracket 81A, and one side in the width direction of the first compensation bracket 82A is arranged opposite to the bottom surface of the groove 814A of the first main body bracket 81A, and the two ends in the length direction of the first compensation bracket 82A are slidably connected to the two side surfaces of the groove 814A, so that the first compensation bracket 82A can slide along its width direction relative to the first main body bracket 81A.

[0278] A groove 814B recessed toward one side of the second main body bracket 81B is provided on the other side of the second main body bracket 81B, and one side of the second compensation bracket 82B in the width direction is arranged opposite to the bottom surface of the groove 814B of the second main body bracket 81B, and the two ends of the second compensation bracket 82B in the length direction are slidably connected to the two side surfaces of the groove 814B, so that the second compensation bracket 82B can slide along its width direction relative to the second main body bracket 81B.

[0279] When the hinge mechanism transforms its shape, the two ends of each compensation bracket are slidably connected to the two side surfaces of the corresponding main body bracket groove, so that the relative sliding between each compensation bracket and the corresponding main body bracket is more stable.

[0280] Among them, one side of the first body bracket can be understood as the side of the first body bracket facing the first support plate in the width direction; the other side of the first body bracket can be understood as the side of the first body bracket facing away from the first support plate in the width direction. One side of the second body bracket can be understood as the side of the second body bracket facing the second support plate in the width direction; the other side of the second body bracket can be understood as the side of the second body bracket facing away from the second support plate in the width direction.

[0281] It should be noted that the depth of the grooves provided on each main body bracket in the thickness direction is not limited, and can be through-type or non-through-type.

[0282] Specifically, the groove of each of the first body bracket 81A and the second body bracket 81B runs through the thickness of the corresponding body bracket, or it can be understood that the groove extends from the front side to the back side of the body bracket along the thickness direction of the body bracket.

[0283] Among them, the distance between one side of the first compensation bracket 82A and the bottom surface of the groove 814A of the first main body bracket 81A when the hinge mechanism 4 is in a folded state is smaller than the distance when the hinge mechanism 4 is in an unfolded state; the distance between one side of the second compensation bracket 82B and the bottom surface of the groove 814B of the second main body bracket 81B when the hinge mechanism 4 is in a folded state is smaller than the distance when the hinge mechanism 4 is in an unfolded state.

[0284] It should be noted that when the hinge mechanism 4 is in the folded state, one side of each compensation bracket can contact the bottom surface of the groove of the corresponding main body bracket, such as Fig.16a At the position indicated by the dotted line D2, there may be no contact, and the other side of each compensation bracket may be aligned with the other side of the corresponding main bracket, such as Fig.16a The position indicated by the dotted line D1 may not be aligned.

[0285] Among them, Fig.16c As shown, when the hinge mechanism 4 transforms its form, the sliding distance x1 of the first compensation bracket 82A and the sliding distance x2 of the second compensation bracket 82B are equal, and the sum of the sliding distances of the first compensation bracket 82A and the second compensation bracket 82B (i.e., the sum of x1 and x2) should be equal to the length difference that needs to be compensated when the electronic device rotates.

[0286] In one embodiment, if Figure 5f , Fig.16a and Fig.16b As shown, when the hinge mechanism 4 is in the folded state, one side of the first compensation bracket 82A contacts the bottom surface of the groove 814A of the first body bracket 81A D2, and the other side of the first compensation bracket 82A is aligned with the other side of the first body bracket 81A D1. One side of the second compensation bracket 82B contacts the bottom surface of the groove 814B of the second body bracket 81B D2, and the other side of the second compensation bracket 82B is aligned with the other side of the second body bracket 81B D1. When the hinge mechanism 4 is in the folded state, one side of each compensation bracket contacts the bottom surface of the groove of the corresponding body bracket D2, so that there is no gap between them; the other side of each compensation bracket is aligned with the other side of the corresponding body bracket D1, so that there is no gap between each body bracket and the corresponding shell. While making the hinge mechanism 4 more compact in structure, the front 21 of the folding device 2 provides more effective support for the display screen 3, avoiding the display screen 3 from being dented and damaged due to lack of support at the gap when subjected to external force.

[0287] It should be noted that there is no limitation on the manner of achieving sliding between each main body bracket and the corresponding compensation bracket, such as sliding by fitting two planes together, or sliding by using a slide rail structure.

[0288] In one embodiment, if Fig.16d As shown, combined with Figure 5h It is understood that the two ends of the first compensation bracket 82A are respectively slidably connected to the corresponding side of the groove 814A of the first body bracket 81A through the first slide rail structure. The first slide rail structure includes a first slide rail 815A and a first slide groove 825A that cooperate with each other. The first slide groove 825A is set on the first compensation bracket 82A, and the first slide rail 815A is set in the groove 814A of the first body bracket 81A. The two ends of the second compensation bracket 82B are respectively slidably connected to the corresponding side of the groove 814B of the second body bracket 81B through the second slide rail structure. The second slide rail structure includes a second slide rail 815B and a second slide groove 825B that cooperate with each other. The second slide groove 825B is set on the second compensation bracket 82B, and the second slide rail 815B is set in the groove 814B of the second body bracket 81B. When the hinge mechanism 4 performs a form transformation, the two ends of each compensation bracket are slidably connected to the corresponding body bracket through the slide rail structure, and the stability of relative sliding between each compensation bracket and the corresponding body bracket is further enhanced.

[0289] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in other alternative embodiments, the first slide groove 825A may be arranged on the side wall surface of the groove 814A of the first main body bracket 81A, and the first slide rail 815A may be arranged at both ends of the first compensation bracket 82A along its length direction; the second slide groove 825B may be arranged on the side wall surface of the groove 814B of the second main body bracket 81B, and the second slide rail 815B may be arranged at both ends of the second compensation bracket 82B along its length direction.

[0290] Furthermore, if Fig.16e As shown, combined with Figure 5h It is understood that the first body bracket 81A has an extension platform 816A extending from the bottom surface of the groove 814A of the first body bracket 81A along the width direction of the first body bracket 81A toward the inside of the groove 814A, and a receiving groove 826A recessed toward the other side of the first compensation bracket 82A is opened at a position corresponding to the extension platform 816A on one side of the first compensation bracket 82A, and the side of the extension platform 816A facing away from the bottom surface of the groove 814A of the first body bracket 81A is arranged opposite to the bottom surface of the receiving groove 826A, and the two ends of the extension platform 816A in the length direction are slidably connected to the two sides of the receiving groove 826A of the first compensation bracket 82A. The length direction of the extension platform 816A of the first body bracket 81A is parallel to the length direction of the middle beam 6.

[0291] The second body bracket 81B has an extension platform 816B extending from the bottom surface of the groove 814B of the second body bracket 81B along the width direction of the second body bracket 81B toward the inside of the groove 814B, and a receiving groove 826B recessed toward the other side of the second compensation bracket 82B is opened at a position corresponding to the extension platform 816B on one side of the second compensation bracket 82B, and the side of the extension platform 816B of the second body bracket 81B away from the bottom surface of the groove 814B is arranged opposite to the bottom surface of the receiving groove 826B of the second compensation bracket 82B, and the two ends of the extension platform 816B of the second body bracket 81B in the length direction are slidably connected to the two sides of the receiving groove 826B of the second compensation bracket 82B. The length direction of the extension platform 816B of the second body bracket 81B is parallel to the length direction of the middle beam 6.

[0292] The two sides of each compensation bracket accommodating groove are slidably connected to the two sides of the corresponding main body bracket extension platform, which enhances the stability of each compensation bracket when sliding relative to the corresponding main body bracket, and makes the structure of the hinge mechanism 4 more compact.

[0293] It should be noted that there is no limitation on the manner of achieving sliding between each main body bracket extension platform and the corresponding compensation bracket accommodating groove, such as sliding by fitting two planes together, or sliding by using a slide rail structure.

[0294] For example, Fig.16e As shown, the two ends of the extension platform 816A of the first compensation bracket 82A are respectively slidably connected to the two sides of the receiving groove 826A of the first compensation bracket 82A through the third slide rail structure, the third slide rail structure includes a third slide rail 817A and a third slide groove 827A that cooperate with each other, the third slide groove 827A is set in the receiving groove 826A of the first compensation bracket 82A, and the third slide rail 817A is set on the extension platform 816A of the first body bracket 81A. The two ends of the extension platform 816B of the second compensation bracket 82B are respectively slidably connected to the two sides of the receiving groove 826B of the second compensation bracket 82B through the fourth slide rail structure, the fourth slide rail structure includes a fourth slide rail 817B and a fourth slide groove 827B that cooperate with each other, the fourth slide groove 827B is set in the receiving groove 826B of the second compensation bracket 82B, and the fourth slide rail 817B is set on the extension platform 816B of the second body bracket 81B. When the hinge mechanism 4 undergoes a shape transformation, the two ends of the extension platform of each main body bracket are slidably connected to the two sides of the accommodating groove of the corresponding compensation bracket through the slide rail structure, and the relative sliding stability between each compensation bracket and the corresponding main body bracket is further enhanced.

[0295] Among them, Figures 16a to 16c As shown, when the hinge mechanism 4 is in the unfolded state, a first gap L1 is defined between the side of the extension platform 816A of the first main body bracket 81A that is away from the bottom surface of the corresponding groove 814A and the bottom surface of the accommodating groove 826A of the first compensation bracket 82A, and a second gap L2 is defined between the side of the extension platform of the second main body bracket 81B that is away from the bottom surface of the corresponding groove 814B and the bottom surface of the accommodating groove 826B of the second compensation bracket 82B.

[0296] It should be noted that the width of the first gap L1 is greater than or equal to the sliding distance x1 of the first compensation bracket 82A when the hinge mechanism 4 transforms its form, and the width of the second gap L2 is greater than or equal to the sliding distance x2 of the second compensation bracket 82B when the hinge mechanism 4 transforms its form.

[0297] In one embodiment, the width of the first gap L1 is equal to the sliding distance x1 of the first compensation bracket 82A when the hinge mechanism 4 transforms its form, and the width of the second gap L2 is equal to the sliding distance x2 of the second compensation bracket 82B when the hinge mechanism 4 transforms its form.

[0298] When the hinge mechanism 4 is in the folded state, the side of the extension platform 816A of the first body bracket 81A away from the bottom surface of the corresponding groove 814A contacts D2 with the bottom surface of the receiving groove 826A of the first compensation bracket 82A, and the side of the extension platform 816B of the second body bracket 81B away from the bottom surface of the corresponding groove 814B contacts D2 with the bottom surface of the receiving groove 826B of the second compensation bracket 82B. This makes the structure of the hinge mechanism 4 more compact.

[0299] The above examples illustrate the sliding connection method of the compensation component. The following, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes in detail how the hinge mechanism can rotate to synchronously compensate for the length difference and the specific method by which the compensation component achieves compensation.

[0300] See also Figures 17 to 22 , Fig.17 This is a schematic diagram of the back three-dimensional structure of the hinge mechanism motion module according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig.18 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the connection between the slider and the center beam in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application; Fig.19 for Figure 5h Cross-sectional view in CC direction; Fig. 20 for Fig.16c A partial enlarged view of part I; Fig.21 for Fig.17 Schematic diagram of the decomposition structure; Fig. 22 This is a schematic diagram of a method for determining the axial center position of a connecting rod in a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0301] It should be noted that when the hinge mechanism 4 rotates, the compensation for the length difference may be synchronous or asynchronous. Figure 5f , Figure 6a , Fig.16c and Fig.17 As shown, when the hinge mechanism 4 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first compensation bracket 82A slides from the first position O1 along the width direction of the first body bracket 81A toward the direction close to the first support plate 7A to the second position O2 relative to the first body bracket 81A, and the second compensation bracket 82B slides from the third position O3 along the width direction of the second body bracket 81B toward the direction close to the second support plate 7B to the fourth position O4 relative to the second body bracket 81B (see Figure 6a ).

[0302] When the hinge mechanism 4 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first compensation bracket 82A slides from the second position O2 along the width direction of the first body bracket 81A to the first position O1 relative to the first body bracket 81A, and the second compensation bracket 82B slides from the fourth position O4 along the width direction of the second body bracket 81B to the third position O3 relative to the second body bracket 81B. It can be achieved that when the hinge mechanism 4 undergoes a morphological transformation (i.e., during the switching process between the unfolded state and the folded state), the rotation of the hinge mechanism 4 and the compensation for the length difference (i.e., the difference between the effective support length of the folding device 2 and the length of the display screen 3) occur simultaneously, so as to avoid the length difference existing during the rotation process from squeezing or stretching the display screen 3 and causing permanent damage to the surface of the display screen 3.

[0303] In other alternative embodiments, the operations may be asynchronous. For example, the hinge mechanism 4 rotates first, and then the length difference is compensated; or the length difference is compensated first, and then the hinge mechanism 4 rotates. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0304] The specific structural form for achieving synchronization is not limited. For example, the rotation of the hinge mechanism and the compensation of the length difference can be achieved synchronously through a slider or other driving components.

[0305] Furthermore, the specific types of the first driving component 83A and the second driving component 83B are not limited, for example, motor drive, cylinder drive and slider drive, etc., as long as they can drive each compensation bracket to slide relative to the corresponding main body bracket, thereby adjusting the effective supporting length of the hinge mechanism 4 for the display screen 3.

[0306] In one embodiment, if Figure 5f to Figure 5h , Fig.16c , Figures 17 to 19 As shown, the first driving component 83A can be set as a first slider 84A, one end of the first slider 84A is rotatably connected to the middle beam 6, and the other end of the first slider 84A is slidably connected to the first main body bracket 81A, so that the first slider 84A can slide along the width direction of the first main body bracket 81A relative to the first main body bracket 81A, and the sliding of the first slider 84A relative to the first main body bracket 81A can link the first compensation bracket 82A to slide relative to the first main body bracket 81A.

[0307] The second driving component 83B can be set as a second slider 84B, one end of the second slider 84B is rotatably connected to the middle beam 6, and the other end of the second slider 84B is slidably connected to the second main body bracket 81B, so that the second slider 84B can slide along the width direction of the second main body bracket 81B relative to the second main body bracket 81B, and the sliding of the second slider 84B relative to the second main body bracket 81B can link the second compensation bracket 82B to slide relative to the second main body bracket 81B.

[0308] Each compensation bracket is driven by a corresponding slider, and one end of each slider is rotatably connected to the middle beam, and the other end is slidably connected to the corresponding main body bracket, so that when the hinge mechanism switches its form, each slider slides synchronously relative to the corresponding main body bracket, and links the corresponding compensation bracket to slide relative to the main body bracket, thereby compensating for the length difference (i.e., the difference between the effective support length of the folding device and the length of the display screen).

[0309] In the present application, the slider structure allows the hinge mechanism to rotate and compensate for the length difference simultaneously, thereby preventing the length difference in the rotation process from squeezing or stretching the display screen and causing permanent damage to the display screen surface. In addition, the slider structure is simple and compact, with low manufacturing cost and low assembly difficulty.

[0310] It should be noted that each slider can be slidably connected to the extension platform of the corresponding main body bracket, and can also be slidably connected to other parts of the corresponding main body bracket, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0311] In one embodiment, the first slider 84A is slidably connected to the extension platform 816A of the first body bracket 81A along the width direction of the first body bracket 81A, and the second slider 84B is slidably connected to the extension platform 816B of the second body bracket 81B along the width direction of the second body bracket 81B. Each slider is slidably connected to the corresponding body bracket extension platform, which enhances the stability of each slider and the corresponding body bracket when sliding relative to each other.

[0312] The first slider 84A and the second slider 84B cooperate with the middle beam 6 in any manner, as long as the first slider 84A and the second slider 84B can rotate relative to the middle beam 6. Fig.18 and Fig.19 As shown, the middle beam 6 may have a first arc groove 65 and a second arc groove 66; one end of the first slider 84A has a first arc rotating portion 841A, which is mounted on the first arc groove 65 (in one example, the first arc rotating portion 841A is slidably connected to the first arc groove 65), so that one end of the first slider 84A is rotatably connected to the middle beam 6 around a first virtual axis (not shown in the figure). One end of the second slider 84B has a second arc rotating portion 841B, which is mounted on the second arc groove 66 (in one example, the second arc rotating portion 841B is slidably connected to the second arc groove 66), so that one end of the second slider 84B is rotatably connected to the middle beam 6 around a second virtual axis (not shown in the figure). Or it can be understood that the rotation connection is achieved by using a virtual axis structure, which is convenient for assembly.

[0313] It should be noted that the first virtual axis and the second virtual axis are parallel to each other.

[0314] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in other alternative embodiments, other structures may be used to achieve rotational connection. For example, rotational connection may be achieved through a shaft-hole matching structure (or a structure that may be understood as a real shaft 41).

[0315] The number of the first arc-shaped rotating parts 841A of the first sliding block 84A is not limited, and the number of the second arc-shaped rotating parts 841B of the second sliding block 84B is not limited.

[0316] In one embodiment, if Figures 18 to 20As shown, one end of the first slider 84A has two first arc-shaped rotating parts 841A, and one end of the second slider 84B has two second arc-shaped rotating parts 841B. The center beam 6 is provided with two first arc-shaped grooves 65 corresponding to the two first arc-shaped rotating parts 841A, and two second arc-shaped grooves 66 corresponding to the two second arc-shaped rotating parts 841B. The two first arc-shaped grooves 65 and the two second arc-shaped grooves 66 are arranged in a staggered manner along the length direction of the center beam 6, or it can be understood that there is a second arc-shaped groove 66 between the two first arc-shaped grooves 65, and there is a first arc-shaped groove 65 between the two second arc-shaped grooves 66. Each first arc-shaped groove 65 and a second arc-shaped groove 66 are arranged in a staggered manner along the width direction of the center beam 6, or it can be understood that the center lines of the two first arc-shaped grooves 65 (coinciding with the first virtual axis) and the center lines of the two second arc-shaped grooves 66 (coinciding with the second virtual axis) are parallel but not coincident along the length direction. With such a design, the multiple arc grooves opened on the center beam 6 are staggered and arranged in a staggered manner, which is conducive to reducing the size of the center beam 6 in the width direction and making the structure of the hinge mechanism 4 more compact.

[0317] It should be noted that there is no limitation on the manner in which the first slider 84A slides relative to the first main body bracket 81A and then links the first compensation bracket 82A to slide relative to the first main body bracket 81A.

[0318] like Fig.16c and Fig.17 As shown, in one embodiment, the first slider 84A is transmission-connected to the first compensation bracket 82A through the first link mechanism 85A, so that the sliding of the first slider 84A relative to the first body bracket 81A can be linked to the sliding of the first compensation bracket 82A relative to the first body bracket 81A through the first link mechanism 85A. The sliding direction of the first slider 84A is opposite to the sliding direction of the first compensation bracket 82A;

[0319] The second slider 84B is connected to the second compensation bracket 82B through the second link mechanism 85B, so that the sliding of the second slider 84B relative to the second body bracket 81B can be linked to the sliding of the second compensation bracket 82B relative to the second body bracket 81B through the second link mechanism 85B. The sliding direction of the second slider 84B is opposite to the sliding direction of the second compensation bracket 82B.

[0320] Each slider transmits power to each corresponding compensation bracket through each corresponding connecting rod mechanism. Using each connecting rod mechanism to transmit power has the advantages of simple and compact transmission component structure, high transmission efficiency and convenient assembly.

[0321] It should be noted that each connecting rod mechanism can be rotatably connected to the extension platform of the corresponding main body bracket, and can also be rotatably connected to other parts of the corresponding main body bracket, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0322] In one embodiment, if Fig.17 As shown, each first link mechanism 85A is rotatably connected to the extension platform 816A of the first body bracket 81A, and each second link mechanism 85B is rotatably connected to the extension platform 816B of the second body bracket 81B.

[0323] like Figure 5f and Fig.17 As shown, in one embodiment, the first link mechanism 85A includes one or more first links 851A, each of which is rotatably connected to the first main body bracket 81A, and one end of each first link 851A is rotatably and slidably connected to the first slider 84A, and the other end is rotatably and slidably connected to the first compensation bracket 82A.

[0324] The second link mechanism 85B includes one or more second links 851B, each of which is rotatably connected to the second body bracket 81B, and one end of each second link 851B is rotatably and slidably connected to the second slider 84B, and the other end is rotatably and slidably connected to the second compensation bracket 82B.

[0325] It should be noted that the number of the first connecting rods 851A and the second connecting rods 851B in each connecting rod mechanism is not limited. For example, the number of connecting rods in each connecting rod mechanism can be one or more.

[0326] like Fig.17 As shown, in one embodiment, the first link mechanism 85A may include two first links 851A, and the two first links 851A are spaced apart in the length direction of the middle beam 6. The second link mechanism 85B may include two second links 851B, and the two second links 851B are spaced apart in the length direction of the middle beam 6. The two first links 851A are spaced apart, and the two second links 851B are also spaced apart, which can effectively enhance the motion stability between the corresponding main support and the compensation support when the hinge mechanism 4 performs a shape transformation.

[0327] Furthermore, if Fig.17 As shown, the two first connecting rods 851A are respectively rotatably connected to the two ends of the extension platform 816A of the first main body bracket 81A along its length direction, one end of the two first connecting rods 851A are respectively connected to the other end of the first slider 84A at different positions in the length direction of the middle beam 6, and the other ends of the two first connecting rods 851A are respectively connected to the positions outside the two sides of the accommodating groove 826A in the first compensation bracket 82A.

[0328] The two second connecting rods 851B are respectively rotatably connected to the two ends of the extension platform 816B of the second main body bracket 81B along its length direction, one end of the two second connecting rods 851B is respectively connected to the other end of the second slider 84B at different positions in the length direction of the middle beam 6, and the other ends of the two second connecting rods 851B are respectively connected to the positions outside the two sides of the accommodating groove 826B in the second compensation bracket 82B.

[0329] Among them, all the first connecting rods 851A are located on the back side 831A of the first compensation bracket 82A and the first body bracket 81A. All the second connecting rods 851B are located on the back side 831B of the second compensation bracket 82B and the second body bracket 81B. In this way, the effective support surface of the folding device 2 can be greatly increased.

[0330] It should be noted that the two first connecting rods 851A may be distributed in an axisymmetric manner or in a non-axisymmetric manner.

[0331] like Fig.16c and Fig. 20 As shown, in one embodiment, the two first connecting rods 851A are axially symmetrically distributed with respect to the first axis Q1, and the first axis Q1 is parallel to the width direction of the first body bracket 81A. The two second connecting rods 851B are axially symmetrically distributed with respect to the second axis Q2, and the second axis Q2 is parallel to the width direction of the second body bracket 81B. The two first connecting rods 851A and the two second connecting rods 851B are both axially symmetrically arranged, further enhancing the operational stability of each compensation component when the hinge mechanism 4 undergoes a form transformation.

[0332] It should be noted that the specific connection method between each connecting rod and the corresponding main body bracket, and each sliding block and the corresponding compensation bracket is not limited.

[0333] In one embodiment, if Fig.17 and Fig.21As shown, each first connecting rod 851A is provided with a first pin hole 852A, and a first pivot shaft hole 818A is provided at a position corresponding to each first pin hole 852A on the first main body bracket 81A, and a first pin shaft (not shown in the figure) is inserted into each first pin hole 852A and the corresponding first pivot shaft hole 818A, so that each first connecting rod 851A can be rotatably connected to the first main body bracket 81A. A strip hole 853A is respectively provided at both ends of each first connecting rod 851A, and the first pin hole 852A is located between the strip holes 853A at both ends. A first connecting column 842A is provided at the position of the strip hole 853A opened at one end of each first connecting rod 851A on the first slider 84A, and the first connecting column 842A is rotatably and slidably connected in the corresponding strip hole 853A, so that one end of each first connecting rod 851A is rotatably and slidably connected to the first slider 84A; a second connecting column 828A is provided at the position of the strip hole 853A opened at the other end of each first connecting rod 851A on the first compensation bracket 82A, and the second connecting column 828A is rotatably and slidably connected in the corresponding strip hole 853A, so that the other end of each first connecting rod 851A is rotatably and slidably connected to the first compensation bracket 82A.

[0334] Each second connecting rod 851B is provided with a second pin hole 852B, and a second pivot shaft hole 818B is provided at a position corresponding to each second pin hole 852B on the second body bracket 81B, and a second pin shaft (not shown in the figure) is inserted into each second pin hole 852B and the corresponding second pivot shaft hole 818B, so that each second connecting rod 851B is rotatably connected to the second body bracket 81B. Each second connecting rod 851B is provided with a strip hole 853B at both ends, and the second pin hole 852B is located between the strip holes 853B at both ends. A third connecting column 842B is provided at a position corresponding to the strip hole 853B opened at one end of each second connecting rod 851B on the second slider 84B, and the third connecting column 842B is rotatably and slidably connected in the corresponding strip hole 853B, so that one end of each second connecting rod 851B is rotatably and slidably connected to the second slider 84B. A fourth connecting column 828B is provided at the position of the bar hole 853B opened on the second compensation bracket 82B corresponding to the other end of each second connecting rod 851B. The fourth connecting column 828B is rotatably and slidably connected in the corresponding bar hole 853B, so that the other end of each second connecting rod 851B is rotatably and slidably connected to the second compensation bracket 82B.

[0335] In the present application, the connection method between each connecting rod and the corresponding main body bracket, and between each sliding block and the corresponding compensation bracket is simple and easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0336] Among them, the principle diagram of the method for determining the position of the pin hole on the connecting rod is as follows Fig. 22As shown, when the hinge mechanism switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the sliding distance of the first compensation bracket 82A relative to the first body bracket 81A in the width direction is x1. Since the position of the second connecting column 828A relative to the first compensation bracket 82A remains unchanged, the sliding distance of the second connecting column 828A relative to the first body bracket 81A in the width direction is also x1; the sliding distance of the first slider 84A relative to the first body bracket 81A in the width direction is x2. Since the position of the first connecting column 842A relative to the first slider 84A remains unchanged, the sliding distance of the first connecting column 842A relative to the first body bracket 81A in the width direction is also x2. According to the characteristics of similar triangles, it is concluded that the distance between the second connecting column 828A and the first pin hole 852A of the first connecting rod 851A is y1, and the distance between the first connecting column 842A and the first pin hole 852A of the first connecting rod 851A is y2, thereby determining the position of the first pin hole 852A on the first connecting rod 851A. The position of the second pin hole 852B on the second connecting rod 851B may also be determined by referring to the same method.

[0337] It should be noted that when the hinge mechanism 4 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the sum of the sliding distance of the first compensation bracket 82A relative to the first body bracket 81A in the width direction and the sliding distance of the second compensation bracket 82B relative to the second body bracket 81B in the width direction is equal to the length difference to be compensated. The sliding distance of the first slider 84A relative to the first body bracket 81A in the width direction is jointly determined by the rotation trajectory of the first slider 84A relative to the middle beam 6 and the rotation trajectory of the first body bracket 81A relative to the middle beam 6, and the sliding distance of the second slider 84B relative to the second body bracket 81B in the width direction is jointly determined by the rotation trajectory of the second slider 84B relative to the middle beam 6 and the rotation trajectory of the second body bracket 81B relative to the middle beam 6.

[0338] Furthermore, if Figure 5f and Fig.16c As shown, when the hinge mechanism 4 is in the unfolded state, the first connecting column 842A and the second connecting column 828A respectively abut against the outer ends of the corresponding strip hole 853A on the first connecting rod 851A, and the third connecting column 842B and the fourth connecting column 828B respectively abut against the outer ends of the corresponding strip hole 853B on the second connecting rod 851B.

[0339] When the hinge mechanism 4 is in a folded state, the first connecting column 842A and the second connecting column 828A respectively abut against the inner ends of the corresponding strip holes 853A on the first connecting rod 851A, and the third connecting column 842B and the fourth connecting column 828B respectively abut against the inner ends of the corresponding strip holes 853B on the second connecting rod 851B.

[0340] Among them, in each first connecting rod 851A, the outer end of each strip hole 853A is an end of the strip hole 853A away from the first pin hole 852A, and the inner end of each strip hole 853A is an end of the strip hole 853A close to the first pin hole 852A.

[0341] In each second connecting rod 851B, the outer end of each strip hole 853B is an end of the strip hole 853B away from the second pin hole 852B, and the inner end of each strip hole 853B is an end of the strip hole 853B close to the second pin hole 852B.

[0342] In the present application, the above-mentioned structural form can be adopted to realize that when the hinge mechanism undergoes a morphological transformation (i.e., the process of the hinge mechanism transforming from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state), the position of each connecting column in the corresponding connecting rod bar hole changes. The displacement difference of each connecting rod in the length direction of the center beam is compensated by the position change of the corresponding connecting column in the bar hole, making the structure of the hinge mechanism more compact.

[0343] The above mainly introduces in detail how the hinge mechanism can rotate to compensate for the length difference synchronously and the specific way in which the compensation component realizes compensation. The following describes the specific structure and installation method of the damping structure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0344] See also Figure 23 to Figure 27 , Fig.23 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the damping structure in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application; Fig.24 for Fig.23 Schematic diagram of the decomposition structure; Fig.25 This is a schematic diagram of the decomposition and installation of the damping structure in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application; Fig.26 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of a slider in the hinge mechanism of an embodiment of the present application; Fig. 27 It is a schematic diagram of the decomposed structure of the damping structure in the hinge mechanism of the embodiment of the present application.

[0345] like Fig.17 , Fig.21 and Fig.23 As shown, in one embodiment, a first damping structure 9A is provided on the first body bracket 81A, and the first damping structure 9A is configured to apply an extrusion force to the first slider 84A along the length direction of the first body bracket 81A. A second damping structure 9B is provided on the second body bracket 81B, and the second damping structure 9B is configured to apply an extrusion force to the second slider 84B along the length direction of the second body bracket 81B.

[0346] When the user operates the electronic device to rotate the hinge mechanism, the user will get a force feedback, which enhances the user's experience. In addition, in the hinge mechanism, each damping structure applies a squeezing force to the corresponding slider, thereby providing damping to the slider, or it can be understood that each slider is a damping slider, that is, each damping slider is reused as a driving component in the corresponding compensation component, and no additional driving component is required, and the structure is simple and compact.

[0347] It should be noted that the damping slider can be reused as a driving component in the corresponding compensation component, or can be set as a different component from the driving component in the corresponding compensation component.

[0348] It should be noted that the matching structure between the first body bracket 81A, the first slider 84A and the first damping structure 9A is not specifically limited, and the matching structure between the second body bracket 81B, the second slider 84B and the second damping structure 9B is not specifically limited.

[0349] In one embodiment, if Fig.23 and Fig.24 As shown, combined with Figure 5h It is understood that a receiving groove 822A is provided on the back of the first body bracket 81A, and one end of the first slider 84A is slidably connected to both sides of the receiving groove 822A along the length direction of the middle beam 6. An installation bin 819A is provided on the bottom surface of the receiving groove 822A of the first body bracket 81A, and the first damping structure 9A is installed in the installation bin 819A.

[0350] The back of the second body bracket 81B is provided with a receiving groove 822B, and one end of the second slider 84B is slidably connected to the two sides of the receiving groove 822B of the second body bracket 81B along the length direction of the middle beam 6. An installation bin 819B is provided on the bottom surface of the receiving groove 822B of the second body bracket 81B, and the second damping structure 9B is installed in the installation bin 819B of the second body bracket 81B.

[0351] In the specific implementation, the structure and formation of the installation chamber are not limited. In one example, the first body bracket 81A constitutes the bottom of the installation chamber 819A, and the surrounding wall structure protruding from the surface of the first body bracket 81A constitutes the surrounding wall of the installation chamber 819A.

[0352] It should be noted that there is no limitation on the way of sliding between each slider and the corresponding receiving groove of the main body bracket, such as sliding by fitting two planes together, or sliding by using a slide rail structure.

[0353] In one embodiment, if Fig.21 , Fig.23 and Fig.24As shown, the two ends of the first slider 84A are respectively slidably connected to the two sides of the receiving groove 822A of the first body bracket 81A through the fifth slide rail structure, the fifth slide rail structure includes a fifth slide rail 843A and a fifth slide groove 820A that cooperate with each other, the fifth slide groove 820A is arranged on both sides of the receiving groove 822A of the first body bracket 81A, and the fifth slide rail 843A is arranged at both ends of the first slider 84A. The two ends of the second slider 84B are respectively slidably connected to the two sides of the receiving groove 822B of the second body bracket 81B through the sixth slide rail structure, the sixth slide rail structure includes a sixth slide rail 843B and a sixth slide groove 820B that cooperate with each other, the sixth slide groove 820B is arranged on both sides of the receiving groove 822B of the second body bracket 81B, and the sixth slide rail 843B is arranged at both ends of the second slider 84B. When the hinge mechanism 4 performs a form transformation, the two ends of each slider are slidably connected to the two sides of the corresponding body bracket receiving groove through the slide rail structure, and the relative sliding stability between each slider and the corresponding body bracket is enhanced.

[0354] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in other alternative embodiments, the fifth slide groove 820A may be disposed at both ends of the first slider 84A, and the fifth slide rail may be disposed on both sides of the receiving groove 822A of the first main body bracket 81A; the sixth slide groove 820B may be disposed at both ends of the second slider 84B, and the sixth slide rail 843B may be disposed on both sides of the receiving groove 822B of the second main body bracket 81B, and the present application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0355] The mounting chamber 819A of the first body bracket 81A is disposed on the extension platform 816A of the first body bracket 81A, and the mounting chamber 819B of the second body bracket 81B is disposed on the extension platform 816B of the second body bracket 81B. This makes the structure of each compensation component more compact.

[0356] It should be noted that the installation bin of each main body bracket can be arranged on the extension platform of each main body bracket, and can also be arranged on other parts of each main body bracket, and the structure and formation method of the installation bin are not limited.

[0357] For example, Fig.25 As shown, the bottom surface of the extended platform of each main body bracket constitutes the bottom of the installation bin, and a rectangular surrounding wall structure with slots arranged in the length direction protrudes from the bottom surface to form the surrounding wall of the installation bin.

[0358] It should be further explained that the specific structure of the damping structure is not limited, as long as it can provide squeezing force to each slider so that the user can get a force feedback when using it.

[0359] like Figure 23 to Figure 27As shown, in one embodiment, the first damping structure 9A may include a first elastic member 92A and two first rolling assemblies 91A disposed at both ends of the first elastic member 92A. A avoidance groove 844A is provided on the surface of one end of the first sliding block 84A facing the first damping structure 9A. Both sides of the avoidance groove 844A disposed opposite to each other along the length direction of the middle beam 6 have sliding surfaces 845A for the corresponding first rolling assembly 91A to roll. The sliding surface 845A is configured as a concave-convex surface, and the concave-convex surface includes a first concave surface 846A, a convex surface 847A, and a second concave surface 848A connected in sequence.

[0360] The second damping structure 9B may include a second elastic member (not shown in the figure) and two second rolling assemblies (not shown in the figure) disposed at both ends of the second elastic member. Fig.21 ) is provided with an avoidance groove on the surface facing the second damping structure at one end thereof, and both sides of the avoidance groove which are arranged opposite to each other along the length direction x of the middle beam have sliding surfaces for the corresponding second rolling assembly to roll, and the sliding surfaces are configured as concave-convex surfaces, and the concave-convex surfaces include a first concave surface, a convex surface and a second concave surface which are connected in sequence. It should be noted that the second damping structure can be adopted as follows Figure 23 to Figure 25 ,as well as Fig. 27 The structure shown in FIG. 8 shows a second slider 84B (see FIG. Fig.21 ) can be structured as follows Fig.26 The structure shown.

[0361] When the hinge mechanism 4 is in the unfolded state, each first rolling assembly 91A abuts against the first concave surface 846A of the sliding surface 845A corresponding to the first slider 84A, and each second rolling assembly abuts against the first concave surface of the sliding surface corresponding to the second slider, which is consistent with the first damping structure. When the hinge mechanism 4 is in the folded state, each first rolling assembly 91A abuts against the second concave surface 848A of the sliding surface 845A corresponding to the first slider 84A, and each second rolling assembly abuts against the second concave surface of the sliding surface corresponding to the second slider.

[0362] In this way, each slider of the hinge mechanism 4 is located in a concave surface of the corresponding sliding surface when the hinge mechanism 4 is in the unfolded state and the folded state, ensuring that the hinge mechanism 4 is not prone to relative rotation when in these two states, thereby enhancing the stability and reliability of the electronic device when in use. At the same time, the two ends of each slider are slidably connected to the two sides of the corresponding body bracket receiving groove, which can further enhance the relative sliding stability between each slider and the corresponding body bracket, and make the structure of each compensation component more compact.

[0363] The form of the sliding surface of the slider is not limited, as long as the corresponding rolling assembly can slide smoothly when the hinge mechanism rotates and has a certain restraining effect on the folding device when it rotates to a stable state. In addition, the sliding surface can be set in the avoidance groove at the bottom of the slider, or in other parts of the slider, for example, the sliding surface is set on the bosses protruding at both ends of the bottom of the slider along the length direction.

[0364] It should be noted that the specific structure and number of the elastic member are not limited, as long as the damping effect can be achieved. The structure and number of the rolling assembly are also shown, as long as it can roll along the sliding surface of the slider.

[0365] like Fig.24 , Fig.25 and Fig. 27 As shown, in one example, the first elastic member 92A in the first damping structure 9A and the second damping structure 9B (see Fig.21 ) are all corrugated elastic members, and are arranged in the corresponding body bracket mounting compartment. Each of the first rolling assembly 91A and the second rolling assembly includes a rolling body and a rolling seat for mounting the rolling body.

[0366] The rolling seats 911A of the two first rolling assemblies 91A are installed at both ends of the first elastic member 92A, and are installed in the slots 823A opened at both ends of the length direction of the installation bin 819A of the first main body bracket 81A, and can slide along the length direction of the installation bin 819A. The rolling bodies 912A of the two first rolling assemblies 91A are respectively rolling connected to the sliding surfaces 845A on both sides of the avoidance groove 844A. The rolling seats (not shown in the figure) of the two second rolling assemblies are installed at both ends of the second elastic member, and are installed in the slots opened at both ends of the length direction of the installation bin of the second main body bracket, and can slide along the length direction of the installation bin. The rolling bodies of the two second rolling assemblies are respectively rolling connected to the sliding surfaces on both sides of the avoidance groove. The structure of each second rolling assembly can be as follows: Fig.24 , Fig.25 and Fig. 27 The structure shown.

[0367] When the hinge mechanism 4 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the rolling body 912A of each first rolling component 91A rolls from the position where it abuts against the first concave surface 846A of the sliding surface 845A, through the convex surface 847A, to the position where it abuts against the second concave surface 848A, and the rolling body of each second rolling component rolls from the position where it abuts against the first concave surface of the sliding surface, through the convex surface, to the position where it abuts against the second concave surface.

[0368] When the hinge mechanism 4 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the rolling body 912A of each first rolling component 91A rolls from the position where it abuts against the second concave surface 848A of the sliding surface 845A, through the convex surface 847A, to the position where it abuts against the first concave surface 846A, and the rolling body of each second rolling component rolls from the position where it abuts against the second concave surface of the sliding surface, through the convex surface, to the position where it abuts against the first concave surface.

[0369] To summarize, the hinge mechanism, folding device and foldable electronic device provided by the present application solve the problem that in the existing outward-folding hinge mechanism, virtual position will be generated by compensating the length difference through the sliding tongue structure, resulting in relative shaking between the support plate and the middle beam, and between the support plate and the corresponding fixed bracket, resulting in poor structural stability and poor impact resistance.

[0370] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism for a foldable electronic device, characterized in that: include: Middle beam; A first support plate and a second support plate, wherein the first support plate and the second support plate are respectively arranged on both sides of the center beam in the width direction, one side of the first support plate is rotatably connected to one side of the center beam through a first connecting shaft, and one side of the second support plate is rotatably connected to the other side of the center beam through a second connecting shaft.

2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hinge mechanism further includes a first compensation component and a second compensation component, wherein the first compensation component and the second compensation component are respectively arranged on both sides of the middle beam in the width direction; The first compensation component is used to connect the first support plate to the first housing of the foldable electronic device, and the first compensation component is rotatably connected to the other side of the first support plate through a third connecting shaft; The second compensation component is used to connect the second support plate to the second shell of the foldable electronic device, and the second compensation component is rotatably connected to the other side of the second support plate through a fourth connecting shaft.

3. The hinge mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first compensation component and the second compensation component are both configured as retractable structures.

4. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first compensation assembly includes a first body bracket and a first compensation bracket, one side of the first body bracket is rotatably connected to the other side of the first support plate through the third connecting shaft, and the first compensation bracket is slidably connected to the first body bracket, so that the first compensation bracket and the first body bracket can be rotated relative to the middle beam through the first support plate, and the first compensation bracket can slide in a direction close to or away from the first support plate; wherein the first compensation bracket is used to be fixedly connected to the first shell; The second compensation component includes a second body bracket and a second compensation bracket, one side of the second body bracket is rotatably connected to the other side of the second support plate through the fourth connecting shaft, and the second compensation bracket is slidably connected to the second body bracket, so that the second compensation bracket and the second body bracket can be rotated relative to the middle beam through the second support plate, and the second compensation bracket can slide in a direction close to or away from the second support plate; wherein, the second compensation bracket is used to be fixedly connected to the second shell.

5. The hinge mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first compensation assembly further includes a first driving component, and the first driving component is configured to: drive the first compensation bracket to slide; The second compensation component also includes a second driving component, and the second driving component is configured to drive the second compensation bracket to slide.

6. The hinge mechanism according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the first body bracket and the second body bracket are stacked and arranged opposite to each other, and the front side of the first body bracket and the front side of the second body bracket are arranged opposite to each other and are both used to be arranged toward the display screen of the foldable electronic device.

7. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: When the hinge mechanism switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first compensation bracket slides from a first position along the width direction of the first body bracket toward the direction close to the first support plate to a second position relative to the first body bracket, and the second compensation bracket slides from a third position along the width direction of the second body bracket toward the direction close to the second support plate to a fourth position relative to the second body bracket; When the hinge mechanism switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first compensation bracket slides from the second position along the width direction of the first body bracket toward the direction away from the first support plate to the first position relative to the first body bracket, and the second compensation bracket slides from the fourth position along the width direction of the second body bracket toward the direction away from the second support plate to the third position relative to the second body bracket.

8. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: A groove is formed on the other side of the first body bracket and is recessed toward one side of the first body bracket. One side of the first compensation bracket is arranged opposite to the bottom surface of the groove of the first body bracket. Both ends of the first compensation bracket in the length direction are slidably connected to the two side surfaces of the groove, so that the first compensation bracket can slide relative to the first body bracket along the width direction thereof. The length direction of the first compensation bracket is parallel to the length direction of the middle beam. The other side of the second body bracket is provided with a groove which is recessed toward one side of the second body bracket, one side of the second compensation bracket is arranged opposite to the bottom surface of the groove of the second body bracket, and both ends of the second compensation bracket in the length direction are slidably connected to the two side surfaces of the groove, so that the second compensation bracket can slide relative to the second body bracket along the width direction thereof, and the length direction of the second compensation bracket is parallel to the length direction of the middle beam; Wherein, the distance between one side of the first compensation bracket and the bottom surface of the groove of the first main body bracket when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state is smaller than the distance when the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state; A distance between one side of the second compensation bracket and the bottom surface of the groove of the second main body bracket when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state is smaller than a distance when the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state.

9. The hinge mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, One side of the first compensation bracket contacts the bottom surface of the groove of the first body bracket, and the other side of the first compensation bracket is aligned with the other side of the first body bracket; One side of the second compensation bracket contacts the bottom surface of the groove of the second body bracket, and the other side of the second compensation bracket is aligned with the other side of the second body bracket.

10. The hinge mechanism according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The two ends of the first compensation bracket are respectively slidably connected to the corresponding side surfaces of the groove of the first main body bracket through a first slide rail structure, the first slide rail structure includes a first slide rail and a first slide groove that cooperate with each other, one of the first slide rail and the first slide groove is arranged on the first compensation bracket, and the other is arranged on the groove of the first main body bracket; The two ends of the second compensation bracket are respectively slidably connected to the corresponding sides of the groove of the second main body bracket through a second slide rail structure, and the second slide rail structure includes a second slide rail and a second slide groove that cooperate with each other. One of the second slide rail and the second slide groove is arranged on the second compensation bracket, and the other is arranged on the groove of the second main body bracket.

11. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that: The groove of each of the first body bracket and the second body bracket also penetrates the thickness of the corresponding body bracket.

12. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that: The front face of the first main body bracket, the front face of the first compensation bracket, the front face of the second main body bracket and the front face of the second compensation bracket are all used to support the display screen; wherein, when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the front face of the first compensation bracket is arranged opposite to the front face of the second compensation bracket.

13. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that: The first driving component of the first compensation assembly is configured as a first slider, one end of the first slider is rotatably connected to the middle beam, and the other end of the first slider is slidably connected to the first body bracket, so that the first slider can slide relative to the first body bracket along the width direction of the first body bracket, and the first compensation bracket can be linked to slide relative to the first body bracket by sliding the first slider relative to the first body bracket; The second driving component of the second compensation component is configured as a second slider, one end of the second slider is rotatably connected to the middle beam, and the other end of the second slider is slidably connected to the second body bracket, so that the second slider can slide along the width direction of the second body bracket relative to the second body bracket, and the sliding of the second slider relative to the second body bracket can link the second compensation bracket to slide relative to the second body bracket.

14. The hinge mechanism according to claim 13, characterized in that: The center beam has a first arc-shaped groove and a second arc-shaped groove; One end of the first sliding block has a first arc-shaped rotating portion, and the first arc-shaped rotating portion is installed in the first arc-shaped groove, so that one end of the first sliding block is rotatably connected to the middle beam; One end of the second sliding block has a second arc-shaped rotating portion, and the second arc-shaped rotating portion is installed in the second arc-shaped groove, so that one end of the second sliding block is rotatably connected to the middle beam.

15. The hinge mechanism according to claim 14, characterized in that: One end of the first sliding block has two first arc-shaped rotating parts, and one end of the second sliding block has two second arc-shaped rotating parts; the middle beam is provided with two first arc-shaped grooves corresponding to the two first arc-shaped rotating parts, and two second arc-shaped grooves corresponding to the two second arc-shaped rotating parts; the two first arc-shaped grooves and the two second arc-shaped grooves are staggered along the length direction of the middle beam, and each first arc-shaped groove and one second arc-shaped groove are staggered and correspondingly arranged along the width direction of the middle beam.

16. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that: The first slider is transmission-connected to the first compensation bracket via a first link mechanism, so that the sliding of the first slider relative to the first body bracket can link the first compensation bracket to slide relative to the first body bracket via the first link mechanism; wherein the sliding direction of the first slider is opposite to the sliding direction of the first compensation bracket; The second slider is transmission-connected to the second compensation bracket via a second connecting rod mechanism, so that the sliding of the second slider relative to the second main body bracket can be linked to the sliding of the second compensation bracket relative to the second main body bracket via the second connecting rod mechanism; wherein the sliding direction of the second slider is opposite to the sliding direction of the second compensation bracket.

17. The hinge mechanism according to claim 16, characterized in that: The first link mechanism comprises at least one first link, each of the at least one first link is rotatably connected to the first body bracket, and one end of each first link is rotatably and slidably connected to the first slider, and the other end is rotatably and slidably connected to the first compensation bracket; The second link mechanism includes at least one second link, each of which is rotatably connected to the second body bracket, and one end of each second link is rotatably and slidably connected to the second slider, and the other end is rotatably and slidably connected to the second compensation bracket.

18. The hinge mechanism according to claim 17, wherein: Each of the first connecting rods is provided with a first pin hole, and a first pivot shaft hole is provided at a position corresponding to each of the first pin holes on the first main body bracket, and a first pin shaft is inserted in each of the first pin hole and the corresponding first pivot shaft hole, so that each of the first connecting rods is rotatably connected to the first main body bracket; each of the first connecting rods is respectively provided with a strip hole at both ends, and the first pin hole is located between the strip holes at both ends, and a first connecting column is provided at a position corresponding to the strip hole opened at one end of each of the first connecting rods on the first sliding block, and the first connecting column is rotatably and slidably connected to the corresponding strip hole, so that one end of each of the first connecting rods is rotatably and slidably connected to the first sliding block; a second connecting column is provided at a position corresponding to the strip hole opened at the other end of each of the first connecting rods on the first compensation bracket, and the second connecting column is rotatably and slidably connected to the corresponding strip hole, so that the other end of each of the first connecting rods is rotatably and slidably connected to the first compensation bracket; Each second connecting rod is provided with a second pin hole, and a second pivot shaft hole is provided at a position corresponding to each second pin hole on the second main body bracket, and a second pin shaft is inserted in each second pin hole and the corresponding second pivot shaft hole, so that each second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second main body bracket; each second connecting rod is respectively provided with a strip hole at both ends, and the second pin hole is located between the strip holes at both ends, and a third connecting column is provided at a position corresponding to the strip hole opened at one end of each second connecting rod on the second sliding block, and the third connecting column is rotatably and slidably connected in the corresponding strip hole, so that one end of each second connecting rod is rotatably and slidably connected to the second sliding block; a fourth connecting column is provided at a position corresponding to the strip hole opened at the other end of each second connecting rod on the second compensation bracket, and the fourth connecting column is rotatably and slidably connected in the corresponding strip hole, so that the other end of each second connecting rod is rotatably and slidably connected to the second compensation bracket.

19. The hinge mechanism according to claim 18, wherein: When the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state, the first connecting column and the second connecting column are respectively in contact with the outer ends of the corresponding strip-shaped holes on the first connecting rod, and the third connecting column and the fourth connecting column are respectively in contact with the outer ends of the corresponding strip-shaped holes on the second connecting rod; When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the first connecting column and the second connecting column are respectively abutted against the inner ends of the corresponding strip holes on the first connecting rod, and the third connecting column and the fourth connecting column are respectively abutted against the inner ends of the corresponding strip holes on the second connecting rod; Wherein, in each of the first connecting rods, the outer end of each of the strip-shaped holes is an end of the strip-shaped hole away from the first pin hole, and the inner end of each of the strip-shaped holes is an end of the strip-shaped hole close to the first pin hole; In each of the second connecting rods, the outer end of each of the strip-shaped holes is an end of the strip-shaped hole away from the second pin hole, and the inner end of each of the strip-shaped holes is an end of the strip-shaped hole close to the second pin hole.

20. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that: The at least one first connecting rod is located on the back side of the first compensation bracket and the first body bracket; the at least one second connecting rod is located on the back side of the second compensation bracket and the second body bracket.

21. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that: The at least one first connecting rod is two first connecting rods, and the two first connecting rods are arranged at intervals in the length direction of the center beam; the at least one second connecting rod is two second connecting rods, and the two second connecting rods are arranged at intervals in the length direction of the center beam.

22. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that: When a groove recessed toward one side of the first body bracket is provided on the other side of the first body bracket, the first body bracket has an extension platform extending from the bottom surface of the groove of the first body bracket toward the inside of the groove along the width direction of the first body bracket, and a receiving groove recessed toward the other side of the first compensation bracket is provided at a position corresponding to the extension platform on one side of the first compensation bracket, and a side of the extension platform facing away from the bottom surface of the groove of the first body bracket is arranged opposite to the bottom surface of the receiving groove, and two ends of the extension platform in the length direction are slidably connected to the two sides of the receiving groove of the first compensation bracket; the first sliding block is slidably connected to the extension platform of the first body bracket along the width direction of the first body bracket, and the at least one first connecting rod is rotatably connected to the extension platform of the first body bracket, and the length direction of the extension platform of the first body bracket is parallel to the length direction of the middle beam; When a groove recessed toward one side of the second body bracket is provided on the other side of the second body bracket, the second body bracket has an extension platform extending from the bottom surface of the groove of the second body bracket toward the inside of the groove along the width direction of the second body bracket, and a receiving groove recessed toward the other side of the second compensation bracket is provided on one side of the second compensation bracket at a position corresponding to the extension platform, and the side of the extension platform of the second body bracket facing away from the bottom surface of the groove is arranged opposite to the bottom surface of the receiving groove of the second compensation bracket, and the two ends of the extension platform of the second body bracket in the length direction are slidably connected to the two sides of the receiving groove of the second compensation bracket; the second slider is slidably connected to the extension platform of the second body bracket along the width direction of the second body bracket, and the at least one second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the extension platform of the second body bracket, and the length direction of the extension platform of the second body bracket is parallel to the length direction of the middle beam.

23. The hinge mechanism according to claim 22, characterized in that: When the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state, a first gap is formed between the side of the extension platform of the first body bracket away from the bottom surface of the corresponding groove and the bottom surface of the receiving groove of the first compensation bracket, and a second gap is formed between the side of the extension platform of the second body bracket away from the bottom surface of the corresponding groove and the bottom surface of the receiving groove of the second compensation bracket; When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the side of the extension platform of the first main body bracket away from the bottom surface of the corresponding groove contacts the bottom surface of the accommodating groove of the first compensation bracket, and the side of the extension platform of the second main body bracket away from the bottom surface of the corresponding groove contacts the bottom surface of the accommodating groove of the second compensation bracket.

24. The hinge mechanism according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that: When the at least one first connecting rod is two first connecting rods, the two first connecting rods are respectively rotatably connected to the two ends of the extension platform of the first main body bracket along the length direction thereof, one end of the two first connecting rods is respectively connected to the other end of the first slider at different positions in the length direction of the middle beam, and the other ends of the two first connecting rods are respectively connected to the positions of the first compensation bracket outside the two sides of the accommodating groove; When the at least one second connecting rod is two second connecting rods, the two second connecting rods are respectively rotatably connected to the two ends of the extension platform of the second main body bracket along its length direction, one end of the two second connecting rods is respectively connected to the other end of the second slider at different positions in the length direction of the middle beam, and the other ends of the two second connecting rods are respectively connected to the positions outside the two sides of the accommodating groove in the second compensation bracket.

25. The hinge mechanism according to claim 24, characterized in that: The two first connecting rods are axially symmetrically distributed relative to a first axis, and the first axis is parallel to a width direction of the first body bracket; The two second connecting rods are axially symmetrically distributed relative to a second axis, and the second axis is parallel to a width direction of the second body bracket.

26. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 13 to 25, characterized in that: A first damping structure is provided on the first body bracket, and the first damping structure is configured to: apply a squeezing force to the first sliding block along the length direction of the first body bracket; A second damping structure is provided on the second body bracket, and the second damping structure is configured to: apply a squeezing force to the second slider along the length direction of the second body bracket; Wherein, the length direction of the first body support, the length direction of the second body support and the length direction of the middle beam are parallel to each other.

27. The hinge mechanism according to claim 26, characterized in that: A receiving groove is provided on the back of the first body bracket, and two sides of one end of the first sliding block are slidably connected to the two sides of the receiving groove along the length direction of the middle beam; an installation bin is provided on the bottom surface of the receiving groove of the first body bracket, and the first damping structure is installed in the installation bin and includes a first elastic member and two first rolling assemblies arranged at both ends of the first elastic member; a first avoidance groove is provided on the surface of one end of the first sliding block facing the first damping structure, and two side surfaces of the first avoidance groove that are arranged oppositely along the length direction of the middle beam both have first sliding surfaces for the corresponding first rolling assemblies to roll, and the first sliding surface is configured as a concave-convex surface, and the concave-convex surface includes a first concave surface, a convex surface, and a second concave surface that are connected in sequence; A receiving groove is provided on the back of the second body bracket, and two sides of one end of the second sliding block along the length direction of the middle beam are slidably connected to the two sides of the receiving groove of the second body bracket; an installation bin is provided on the bottom surface of the receiving groove of the second body bracket, and the second damping structure is installed in the installation bin of the second body bracket, and includes a second elastic member, and two second rolling assemblies arranged at both ends of the second elastic member; a second avoidance groove is provided on the surface of one end of the second sliding block facing the second damping structure, and both side surfaces of the second avoidance groove that are arranged oppositely along the length direction of the middle beam have second sliding surfaces for the corresponding second rolling assemblies to roll, and the second sliding surface is configured as a concave-convex surface, and the concave-convex surface includes a first concave surface, a convex surface, and a second concave surface that are connected in sequence; Wherein, when the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state, each of the first rolling components abuts against a first concave surface of the first sliding surface corresponding to the first sliding surface of the first sliding block, and each of the second rolling components abuts against a first concave surface of the second sliding surface corresponding to the second sliding block; When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, each of the first rolling components abuts against the second concave surface of the first sliding surface corresponding to the first sliding surface of the first sliding block, and each of the second rolling components abuts against the second concave surface of the second sliding surface corresponding to the second sliding block.

28. The hinge mechanism according to claim 27, characterized in that: The installation compartment of the first body bracket is arranged on the extension platform of the first body bracket; the installation compartment of the second body bracket is arranged on the extension platform of the second body bracket.

29. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 28, characterized in that: The axes of the first connecting axis, the second connecting axis, the third connecting axis and the fourth connecting axis are parallel to each other; and the axes of the connecting axis are parallel to the length direction of the center beam.

30. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 29, characterized in that: The first connecting shaft is arranged on one side of the first supporting plate, and a first connecting hole is arranged on one side of the middle beam. The first connecting shaft is rotatably connected in the first connecting hole, so that one side of the first supporting plate can rotate relative to the middle beam around the axis of the first connecting shaft; The second connecting shaft is arranged on one side of the second supporting plate, and a second connecting hole is arranged on the other side of the middle beam, and the second connecting shaft is rotatably connected in the second connecting hole, so that one side of the second supporting plate can rotate relative to the middle beam around the axis of the second connecting shaft; The third connecting shaft is arranged on the other side of the first supporting plate, and a third connecting hole is arranged on one side of the first main body bracket, and the third connecting shaft is rotatably connected in the third connecting hole, so that one side of the first main body bracket can rotate relative to the first supporting plate around the axis of the third connecting shaft; The fourth connecting shaft is arranged on the other side of the second support plate, and a fourth connecting hole is provided on the side of the second body bracket close to the middle beam. The fourth connecting shaft is rotatably connected in the fourth connecting hole so that one side of the second body bracket can rotate around the axis of the fourth connecting shaft relative to the second support plate.

31. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 30, characterized in that: The first compensation component and the second compensation component are arranged axially symmetrically with respect to the center beam.

32. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 31, characterized in that: The hinge mechanism further includes a synchronization component for driving the first compensation component and the second compensation component to rotate synchronously relative to the middle beam, the synchronization component includes a first synchronization swing arm and a second synchronization swing arm, one end of the first synchronization swing arm is rotatably connected to one side of the middle beam, and the other end is slidably connected to the first body bracket, and one end of the second synchronization swing arm is rotatably connected to the other side of the middle beam, and the other end is slidably connected to the second body bracket; Wherein, one end of the first synchronous swing arm rotates synchronously and in opposite directions with one end of the second synchronous swing arm.

33. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 32, characterized in that: There are a plurality of the first compensation components and a plurality of the second compensation components, wherein the plurality of the first compensation components are arranged at intervals in the length direction of the middle beam, and the plurality of the second compensation components are arranged at intervals in the length direction of the middle beam, and the plurality of the first compensation components and the plurality of the second compensation components are arranged in one-to-one correspondence; The first support plate includes a plurality of first support segments connected in sequence, the plurality of first support segments are arranged correspondingly to the plurality of first compensation components, and one side of the first body bracket of each first compensation component is rotatably connected to the other side of the corresponding first support segment; The second support plate includes a plurality of second support segments connected in sequence, the plurality of second support segments are arranged correspondingly to the plurality of second compensation components, and one side of the second body bracket of each second compensation component is rotatably connected to the other side of the corresponding second support segment; The center beam comprises a plurality of center beam sections connected in sequence, the plurality of center beam sections are respectively arranged corresponding to the plurality of first support sections and the plurality of second support sections, and one side of each of the first support sections is rotatably connected to one side of the corresponding center beam section, and one side of each of the second support sections is rotatably connected to the other side of the corresponding center beam section; Each of the first compensation components and the corresponding first support section, the center beam section, the second support section, and each of the second compensation components are integrated into a motion module.

34. The hinge mechanism according to claim 33, wherein: Adjacent center beam sections among the multiple center beam sections are fixedly and detachably connected via center beam connecting sections, adjacent first support sections among the multiple first support sections are fixedly and detachably connected via first support connecting sections, and adjacent second support sections among the multiple second support sections are fixedly and detachably connected via second support connecting sections.

35. The hinge mechanism according to claim 34, characterized in that: Insertion parts are arranged at both ends of the first supporting connection section, and an insertion groove for inserting with the insertion part is arranged at one end of each of the adjacent first supporting sections fixed by the first supporting connection section; Insertion parts are arranged at both ends of the second supporting connection section, and one end of each of the adjacent second supporting sections fixed by the second supporting connection section is provided with an insertion groove inserted into the insertion part.

36. A folding device, characterized in that: It comprises a first shell, a second shell and a hinge mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the first shell and the second shell are rotatably connected via the hinge mechanism so that the first shell and the second shell are relatively folded or relatively unfolded.

37. The folding device according to claim 36, characterized in that: When the hinge mechanism includes a first compensation component and a second compensation component, the first compensation component includes a first body bracket and a first compensation bracket, and the second compensation component includes a second body bracket and a second compensation bracket: A mounting groove is provided on the front side of the first compensation bracket, a connecting groove is provided on the side of the first shell facing the middle beam, a mounting plate is provided in the connecting groove of the first shell and extends from the bottom surface of the connecting groove toward the middle beam, the mounting plate of the first shell is accommodated in and fixedly connected to the mounting groove of the first compensation bracket, and the front side of the mounting plate of the first shell is used to support the display screen; the two ends of the first body bracket in the length direction are slidably connected to the two sides of the connecting groove of the first shell, so that the first shell can slide relative to the first body bracket along the width direction of the first body bracket; A mounting groove is provided on the front side of the second compensation bracket, and a connecting groove is provided on the side of the second shell facing the middle beam. A mounting plate is provided in the connecting groove of the second shell and extends from the bottom surface of the connecting groove toward the middle beam. The mounting plate of the second shell is accommodated in and fixedly connected to the mounting groove of the second compensation bracket, and the front side of the mounting plate of the second shell is used to support the display screen; the two ends of the second body bracket in the length direction are slidably connected to the two sides of the connecting groove of the second shell, so that the second shell can slide relative to the second body bracket along the width direction of the second body bracket.

38. The folding device according to claim 37, characterized in that: The two ends of the first body bracket in the length direction are provided with stepped platforms, the parts on both sides of the connection groove of the first shell are provided with stepped structures, and the stepped structure of the first shell is slidably connected with the stepped platform of the first body bracket; The two ends of the second body bracket in the length direction are provided with stepped platforms, the parts on both sides of the connecting groove of the second shell are provided with stepped structures, and the stepped structure of the second shell is slidably connected with the stepped platform of the second body bracket.

39. The folding device according to claim 38, characterized in that: A strip hole is provided on at least one stepped platform of the first body bracket, a mounting hole corresponding to the strip hole is provided on the stepped structure of the first shell, a first limiting column is passed through the mounting hole of the first shell and the strip hole corresponding to the first body bracket, and the first limiting column can slide in the strip hole along its length direction; A strip hole is provided on at least one stepped platform of the second body bracket, a mounting hole is provided on the stepped structure of the second shell, and a second limiting column is inserted into the mounting hole of the second shell and the corresponding strip hole of the second body bracket, and the second limiting column can slide in the strip hole of the second body bracket along its length direction; When the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state, the first limiting column abuts against one end of the strip hole of the first body bracket away from the middle beam, and the second limiting column abuts against one end of the strip hole of the second body bracket away from the middle beam.

40. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that: It comprises a display screen and a folding device as described in any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the display screen is laid on the front side of the folding device.

Images