A hinge structure and foldable electronic device thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of foldable electronic devices, and in particular to a hinge structure and a foldable electronic device thereof, wherein the hinge structure includes a body, a supporting member and a synchronization component; the synchronization component includes an arc-shaped rotating plate and a synchronization transmission member; the left rotating plate and the right rotating plate are relatively fixedly connected to the left supporting member and the right supporting member respectively; a spiral transmission pair is provided between the rotating plate and the synchronization transmission member to realize the conversion and transmission between the swinging motion of the supporting member and the rotating plate and the linear motion of the synchronization transmission member. The present invention realizes the synchronous rotation of the arc-shaped rotating plates on both sides by coupling the spiral groove and the convex structure between the arc-shaped rotating plate and the synchronization transmission member, thereby ensuring the stability and consistency of the foldable electronic device during the folding and unfolding process and improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of foldable electronic equipment, and in particular to a hinge structure and a foldable electronic equipment thereof. Background Art

[0002] Foldable electronic devices, such as foldable screen mobile phones and tablet computers, use hinge structures to fold and unfold the screen. The hinge structure not only needs to support the weight of the screen, but also needs to maintain the flatness and stability of the screen during the folding and unfolding process. At the same time, due to the high frequency of use of foldable electronic devices, the durability of the hinge structure has also become an important consideration. However, the hinge structure of the prior art is too complicated, and requires high production precision during the production process. The installation process is difficult, and it is easy to cause local or individual parts to age due to wear and natural erosion during use, thereby affecting the use of the entire hinge structure. In addition, there are too many components in the prior art, which makes the hinge bulky, affecting the use of electronic devices. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a hinge structure and a foldable electronic device thereof to solve at least one technical problem existing in the prior art.

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a hinge structure, including a body, a supporting member and a synchronization component; The supporting member is rotatably arranged on the main body; The supporting member comprises a left supporting member and a right supporting member which are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides; The synchronous assembly includes an arc-shaped rotating plate and a synchronous transmission member; The synchronous transmission member is arranged on the body so as to be reciprocatingly movable only along the swing center line (i.e., the virtual rotation axis center line) of the supporting member; The rotating plate comprises a left rotating plate and a right rotating plate respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the synchronous transmission member; the left rotating plate and the right rotating plate are respectively fixedly connected to the left supporting member and the right supporting member; A spiral transmission pair is provided between the rotating plate and the synchronous transmission member, for realizing the conversion and transmission between the swinging motion of the supporting member and the rotating plate and the linear motion of the synchronous transmission member; The left spiral transmission pair between the left rotating plate and the synchronous transmission member has a spiral direction opposite to the right spiral transmission pair between the right rotating plate and the synchronous transmission member, and is used to realize synchronous swinging of the left support member and the right support member toward each other or in the opposite direction (such as realizing synchronous swinging of the left support member and the right support member counterclockwise and clockwise respectively, and synchronous swinging during the opening and closing process).

[0005] Furthermore, the spiral transmission pair includes a spiral groove arranged on the rotating plate or the synchronous transmission member, and a slider structure (i.e., a raised limiting and transmission structure) arranged on the synchronous transmission member or the rotating plate. The slider structure can be relatively slidably inserted in the spiral groove to realize transmission between the rotating plate and the synchronous transmission member.

[0006] When the arc-shaped rotating plate on one side rotates, the spiral transmission pair on this side forces the synchronous transmission member to move in the axial direction of the virtual rotating axis of the arc-shaped rotating plate, and then the spiral transmission pair on the other side makes the arc-shaped rotating plate on the other side rotate synchronously in the same direction or opposite directions, thereby realizing synchronous rotation of the arc-shaped rotating plates on both sides; that is, the left rotating plate and the right rotating plate on both sides realize synchronous reverse or opposite swinging through the middle synchronous transmission member, thereby realizing synchronous opening and closing actions.

[0007] Furthermore, the left helical transmission pair and the right helical transmission pair are arranged symmetrically.

[0008] Optionally, the left helical transmission pair and the right helical transmission pair may also be arranged asymmetrically. The synchronization component may include one or more pairs of the left helical transmission pair and the right helical transmission pair.

[0009] Furthermore, the same synchronization component includes a plurality of left-hand helical transmission pairs and / or right-hand helical transmission pairs; in the direction of the swing centerline, the left-hand helical transmission pairs and the right-hand helical transmission pairs are arranged alternately.

[0010] Further, the synchronous transmission member includes a main body; The main body includes a trunk in the middle and arm spans on both sides; The screw transmission pair is arranged between the arm span portion and the rotating plate.

[0011] Furthermore, the synchronous transmission member includes a long tail portion, which is rod-shaped as a whole and relatively fixedly arranged at the tail portion (or one end) of the trunk portion; the trunk portion and the long tail portion are arranged along the direction of the swing center line as a whole; A temporary locking structure is provided between the long tail and the main body, and is used to temporarily limit the left support member and the right support member as well as the left rotating plate and the right rotating plate to one or several set opening and closing angles.

[0012] Furthermore, the temporary locking structure includes: a limiting protrusion arranged on the long tail portion or the main body, and a locking groove engaged with the limiting protrusion is arranged on the main body or the long tail portion.

[0013] Preferably, the limiting protrusion is made of elastic material, and when the left rotating plate and the right rotating plate swing relative to each other, the long tail is forced to move along the swing center line direction by the spiral transmission pair, and the limiting protrusion is squeezed into or out of the slot by forcing the elastic material to deform; when the limiting protrusion is squeezed into the slot, the left rotating plate and the right rotating plate are temporarily limited to the set opening and closing angles.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a locking plate and an execution spring; The positioning plate can be slidably arranged on the body; The positioning plate is provided with the limiting protrusion or the positioning groove; The actuator spring is arranged between the locking plate and the body, tending to force the locking plate to rest against the long tail portion, thereby maintaining the locking state of the limiting protrusion and the locking slot (that is, the limiting protrusion is locked in the locking slot, so that the hinge structure is temporarily maintained at a set opening and closing angle).

[0015] Preferably, the temporary locking structure is arranged bilaterally symmetrically.

[0016] Preferably, the limiting protrusions or the clamping grooves are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the long tail; The two groups of the positioning plates and the execution springs are respectively arranged symmetrically on both sides of the long tail; the two positioning plates on the left and right sides tend to move toward the middle under the action of the execution springs, thereby clamping the long tail and maintaining the positioning state of the limiting protrusion and the slot.

[0017] Optionally, the temporary locking structure can also be set on one side, that is, the limiting protrusion or the locking groove is only provided on the left or right side of the long tail portion, and only one set of the locking plate and the execution spring is arranged on the left or right side of the long tail portion; the locking plate tends to move toward the middle under the action of the execution spring, clamping the long tail portion between the locking plate and the main body.

[0018] The right side surface or the left side surface of the long tail portion and the working surface on the main body that abuts against it are vertical planes arranged along the swing center line.

[0019] Furthermore, smooth transition structures such as chamfers, rounded surfaces or arc-shaped slopes are provided at both ends of the limiting protrusion and the clamping slot in the direction of the swing center line, so as to guide the limiting protrusion to be clamped into the clamping slot.

[0020] Due to the smooth transition structure, the limiting protrusion and the card slot are in the shape of a step terrace as a whole. When the electronic device is unfolded to the vicinity of the commonly set opening and closing angles such as 120 degrees, 180 degrees or 360 degrees, the transition structure can guide the limiting protrusion to snap into the card slot under the action of the spring actuator spring or the elasticity of the limiting protrusion itself, so that the hinge structure continues to slowly swing to the set opening and closing angles such as 120 degrees, 180 degrees or 360 degrees. After the elastic force of the spring actuator spring or the material is overcome by external force, the temporary locking state of the locking structure can be released, allowing the electronic device to continue to open and close.

[0021] Furthermore, a reset spring is also included. The reset spring is arranged between the synchronous transmission member and the body, and tends to force the synchronous transmission member to move and reset along the direction of the swing center line.

[0022] The setting of the return spring can tend to force the slider structure in the spiral transmission pair to abut against the fixed side of the spiral groove, thereby reducing or eliminating the positioning error caused by the gap between the slider structure and the spiral groove.

[0023] Furthermore, in the direction of the swing centerline, the length of the slot is greater than the width of the limiting protrusion, a movable margin is provided in the slot, and the limiting protrusion can move along the slot within the range of the movable margin.

[0024] Preferably, the size of the movable margin corresponds to an opening and closing angle of the left rotating plate and the right rotating plate of 1-10°.

[0025] The movable margin is combined with the setting of the reset spring. When the user folds the electronic device, the electronic device can be folded into a larger opening and closing angle range. The hinge structure can automatically restore the opening and closing angle to a nearby set opening and closing angle through the reset spring. For example, when the opening and closing angle is between 0-10°, the hinge structure can automatically reset to the set 0°, which greatly improves the user experience.

[0026] Furthermore, it also includes a limiting structure arranged on the main body for limiting the synchronous transmission member to be able to reciprocate only along the swing center line (ie, the virtual rotation axis center line) of the supporting member.

[0027] Furthermore, the limiting structure includes a limiting groove or a limiting track arranged on the main body or the synchronous transmission member along the swing center line, and a limiting block arranged on the synchronous transmission member or the main body and slidingly engaged with the limiting groove, or a slot slidingly engaged with the limiting track.

[0028] The body described in the present application can be a single component or an assembly, providing an installation basis for the installation or mutual connection of components such as a supporting member and a synchronization assembly.

[0029] Preferably, the limiting structure can also be a receiving groove on the body or a plurality of parts constituting the body, the receiving groove is a long groove arranged along the swing center line, and the synchronous transmission member can be slidably arranged on the body along the receiving groove. Optionally, the receiving groove is provided with an inlet and outlet at one end in the direction of the swing center line, and one end of the synchronous transmission member is inserted into the receiving groove through the inlet and outlet.

[0030] Furthermore, the main body includes an upper base and a lower base, and in the thickness direction, the lower base, the rotating plate, the main body of the synchronous transmission member and the upper base are arranged in sequence.

[0031] Preferably, the body is further provided with a back cover, and in the thickness direction, the lower base, the rotating plate, the main body, the upper base and the back cover are arranged in sequence.

[0032] Furthermore, a semi-axle rod portion is provided on the lower base, and an arc working surface is provided on one side of the rotating plate of the semi-axle rod portion, and the arc working surface is adapted to the inner arc surface of the rotating plate and is used for limiting the position of the rotating plate when rotating.

[0033] Furthermore, on a cross section perpendicular to the semi-axle rod portion, the arc angle of the arc working surface is π / 4 to π. More preferably, the arc angle of the arc working surface is π / 3 to 2π / 3.

[0034] As a result, the cross section of the half-shaft rod is a small semicircle, and the structure is lighter and thinner.

[0035] Furthermore, the semi-axle rods on the lower base are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides, that is, the left semi-axle rod and the right semi-axle rod are respectively adapted to the left rotating plate and the right rotating plate.

[0036] Furthermore, a lower arc surface is provided at the bottom of the arm span portion of the main body; the lower arc surface is adapted to the outer arc surface of the rotating plate, and the lower arc surface and the arc working surface of the semi-axis rod portion enclose an arc-shaped limiting cavity for limiting the rotating plate when rotating.

[0037] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the main body is an inverted herringbone shape as a whole, and a long strip-shaped lower protrusion is provided at the bottom of the trunk portion, and the long strip-shaped lower protrusion is inserted between the left rotating plate and the right rotating plate; the two outer arc surfaces of the left rotating plate and the right rotating plate thereby enclose a limiting guide groove arranged along the shown swing center line; the lower arc surfaces on the left and right sides of the long strip-shaped lower protrusion cooperate with the two outer arc surfaces to limit the synchronous transmission member to only move back and forth along the swing center line.

[0038] Preferably, a guide bar is provided on the back of the trunk along the direction of the swing center line, and a limiting groove matched with the guide bar is provided on the upper base for limiting the synchronous transmission member to reciprocate only along the swing center line.

[0039] Preferably, the cross section of the guide strip is rectangular or dovetail-shaped.

[0040] Furthermore, the upper base includes a left rod and a right rod that are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides, and the left rod and the right rod are respectively provided with assembly grooves for accommodating the two arm spans of the synchronous transmission member.

[0041] More preferably, the bottom surface of the assembly groove abuts against the back surface of the arm span portion to play a limiting role.

[0042] Preferably, the lengths of the lower base, the left rod and the right rod are the same as the lengths of the entire hinge structure.

[0043] Furthermore, the left rod and the right rod are arranged at intervals on the left and right, and the limiting groove is formed in the middle.

[0044] More preferably, the left rod and the right rod are made of round rods or square rods.

[0045] Furthermore, the long tail portion is arranged in the middle interval between the left rod and the right rod; the left rod and the right rod are provided with grooves for accommodating the positioning plate, and the grooves are provided with plug-in holes for inserting the actuator spring.

[0046] Preferably, guide posts are provided on both sides of the positioning plate, and guide holes for guiding and cooperating with the guide posts are provided in the grooves of the left rod and the right rod.

[0047] Optionally, the slider structure in the spiral transmission pair abuts against the bottom surface of the spiral groove, thereby also abutting against the rotating plate from above in the thickness direction, cooperating with the arc working surface on the semi-axle rod portion of the lower base below, clamping the rotating plate in the middle, thereby playing a role in limiting the rotation of the rotating plate.

[0048] Preferably, one or several groups of synchronization components are included in the direction of the swing centerline.

[0049] The second aspect of the present application discloses a foldable electronic device with the above-mentioned hinge structure.

[0050] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) The spiral groove and the convex structure coupling connection between the arc-shaped rotating plate and the synchronous transmission member realize the synchronous rotation of the arc-shaped rotating plates on both sides, ensuring the stability and consistency of the foldable electronic device during the folding and unfolding process, thereby improving the user experience.

[0051] (2) The provision of the retaining plate and the long tail (i.e., an elastic forced retaining component and a telescopic rod structure) enables the hinge structure to be temporarily limited at a specific angle, thereby increasing the flexibility and stability of the hinge assembly.

[0052] (3) The present application integrates the main body and the long tail of the synchronous transmission member into one, and combines the structures corresponding to the two functions of synchronous rotation and temporary limit into one. Compared with the two mechanisms working separately in the traditional hinge, the structure is simplified and the limited space at the hinge is saved. At the same time, due to the simplicity of the components, it is less likely to be damaged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the specific implementation methods or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementation methods of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0054] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a hinge structure; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the hinge structure; Figure 3 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the main body and synchronization components; Figure 4 An exploded view of a synchronization component in an embodiment; Figure 5 is a three-dimensional diagram of a rotating plate in an embodiment; Figure 6 is a three-dimensional diagram of a synchronous transmission member in the embodiment from a first viewing angle; Figure 7 is a stereoscopic diagram of a synchronous transmission member in the embodiment from a second viewing angle; Figure 8 It is a front view of the synchronization component; Fig. 9 Partial views of the main body and synchronization components; Fig.10 for Fig. 9 Middle AA section view; Fig.11 for Fig.10 Schematic diagram of the structure when the cross section of the middle guide bar is dovetail-shaped; Fig.12 It is a decomposition diagram of the main body; Fig.13 for Fig.12 A partial enlarged view of point D in the middle; Fig.14 for Fig.12 A partial enlarged view of point C in the middle; Fig.15 for Fig.12 A partial enlarged view of point E in the middle.

[0055] Reference numerals: 10-main body; 11-upper base; 11a-left rod; 11b-right rod; 11c-assembly groove; 11d-plug-in hole; 11e-guide hole; 12-pressing plate; 15-lower base; 15a-semi-axle rod; 19-rear cover; 20-supporting member; 21-left support member; 22-right support member; 30-synchronizing assembly; 31-synchronizing transmission member; 31a-main body; 31b-long tail; 31c-limiting protrusion; 32-slider structure; 33-trunk; 33a-guide strip; 34-arm span; 35-rotating plate; 35a-left rotating plate; 35b-right rotating plate; 36-connecting wing plate; 37-helical groove; 40-positioning plate; 41-slot; 42-guide column; 45-actuating spring; 46-reset spring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The technical solution of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0057] In the description of the present invention, 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 invention 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 invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0058] The present invention is further explained below in conjunction with specific implementation modes.

[0059] like Figure 1-3 As shown, a hinge structure provided in this embodiment includes a main body 10, a supporting member 20 and a synchronization assembly 30; the supporting member 20 is rotatably arranged on the main body 10; the supporting member 20 includes a left supporting member 21 and a right supporting member 22 which are symmetrically arranged on the left and right.

[0060] like Figure 4-8As shown, the synchronization assembly 30 includes an arc-shaped rotating plate 35 and a synchronization transmission member 31; the synchronization transmission member 31 is arranged on the main body 10 so as to be reciprocatingly movable only along the swing center line (ie, the virtual rotation axis) of the supporting member 20.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the rotating plate 35 includes a left rotating plate 35a and a right rotating plate 35b which are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the synchronous transmission member 31; the left rotating plate 35a and the right rotating plate 35b are respectively fixedly connected to the left support member 21 and the right support member 22; specifically, in this embodiment, the left rotating plate 35a and the right rotating plate 35b are respectively connected to the left support member 21 and the right support member 22 through an integrally made connecting wing plate 36; specifically, the connection can be made by plug-in, or by screw holes, etc.

[0062] A spiral transmission pair is arranged between the rotating plate 35 and the synchronous transmission member 31, which is used to realize the conversion and transmission between the swinging motion of the supporting member 20 and the rotating plate 35 and the linear motion of the synchronous transmission member 31; the left spiral transmission pair between the left rotating plate 35a and the synchronous transmission member 31 and the right spiral transmission pair between the right rotating plate 35b and the synchronous transmission member 31 have opposite spiral directions, which are used to realize the synchronous swinging of the left support member 21 and the right support member 22 towards each other or in the opposite direction (that is, to realize the synchronous swinging of the left support member 21 and the right support member 22 counterclockwise and clockwise respectively, that is, the synchronous swinging during the opening and closing process).

[0063] In this embodiment, the supporting member 20 is a support plate structure for installing and supporting other electronic components and a flexible screen.

[0064] The helical transmission pair in the present application is a transmission structure that is spirally wound along an arc surface. In this embodiment, the helical transmission pair includes a helical groove 37 provided on the rotating plate 35 or the synchronous transmission member 31, and a slider structure 32 (that is, the slider structure 32 is a protruding position-limiting and transmission structure that is spirally wound along a circumferential surface) provided on the synchronous transmission member 31 or the rotating plate 35. The slider structure 32 can be relatively slidably inserted in the helical groove 37 to realize the transmission between the rotating plate 35 and the synchronous transmission member 31.

[0065] When the arc-shaped rotating plate 35 on one side rotates, the spiral transmission pair on that side forces the synchronous transmission member 31 to move in the axial direction of the virtual rotating axis of the arc-shaped rotating plate 35, and then the spiral transmission pair on the other side makes the arc-shaped rotating plate 35 on the other side rotate synchronously in the same direction or opposite directions, thereby realizing the synchronous rotation of the arc-shaped rotating plates 35 on both sides; that is, the left rotating plate 35a and the right rotating plate 35b on both sides realize synchronous reverse or opposite swinging through the middle synchronous transmission member 31, thereby realizing synchronous opening and closing actions.

[0066] In this embodiment, the same synchronization assembly 30 includes a plurality of left-hand helical transmission pairs and / or right-hand helical transmission pairs; Figure 5 As shown in , two pairs of spiral transmission pairs are arranged between each pair of rotating plates 35 and the synchronous transmission member 31. Preferably, the left spiral transmission pair and the right spiral transmission pair are arranged symmetrically. Alternatively, the left spiral transmission pair and the right spiral transmission pair can also be arranged asymmetrically. In addition, when the same synchronous assembly 30 includes a plurality of left spiral transmission pairs and / or right spiral transmission pairs, the left spiral transmission pairs and the right spiral transmission pairs can also be arranged alternately in the direction of the swing center line. For example, a left spiral transmission pair is arranged between two right spiral transmission pairs.

[0067] See also Figure 6 As shown, the synchronous transmission member 31 includes a main body 31a and a long tail 31b; the overall shape is similar to a shovel; the main body 31a includes a trunk 33 in the middle and arm spans 34 on both sides; in some embodiments, the structure of the trunk 33 is not obvious, and the connecting part between the arm spans 34 on both sides can be defined as the trunk 33; A spiral transmission pair is provided between the arm extension portion 34 and the rotating plate 35. The long tail portion 31b is rod-shaped as a whole and relatively fixedly arranged at the tail (or one end) of the trunk portion 33; the trunk portion 33 and the long tail portion 31b are arranged along the swing centerline direction as a whole.

[0068] A temporary locking structure is provided between the long tail portion 31b and the main body 10, for temporarily limiting the left support member 21 and the right support member 22 as well as the left rotating plate 35a and the right rotating plate 35b to one or several set opening and closing angles.

[0069] Specifically, see Figure 8 As shown, the temporary locking structure includes: a limiting protrusion 31c provided on the long tail portion 31b or the main body 10, and a locking groove 41 that is engaged with the limiting protrusion 31c is provided on the main body 10 or the long tail portion 31b.

[0070] An optional implementation method is that the limiting protrusion 31c is made of an elastic material, and when the left rotating plate 35a and the right rotating plate 35b swing relative to each other, the long tail portion 31b is forced to move along the swing center line direction through the spiral transmission pair, and the limiting protrusion 31c is squeezed into or squeezed out of the slot 41 by forcing the elastic material to deform; when the limiting protrusion 31c is squeezed into the slot 41, the left rotating plate 35a and the right rotating plate 35b are temporarily limited to the set opening and closing angles.

[0071] More preferably, see Figure 4 and Figure 8As shown, the present embodiment further includes a locking plate 40 and an execution spring 45; the locking plate 40 can be slidably arranged on the main body 10 to the left and right; a limiting protrusion 31c or a slot 41 is arranged on the locking plate 40; the execution spring 45 is arranged between the locking plate 40 and the main body 10, tending to force the locking plate 40 to rest against the long tail 31b, thereby maintaining the locking state of the limiting protrusion 31c and the slot 41 (that is, the limiting protrusion 31c is clamped in the slot 41, so that the hinge structure is temporarily maintained at a set opening and closing angle).

[0072] Preferably, the temporary positioning structure is bilaterally symmetrical. That is, the limiting protrusion 31c and the locking slot 41 are both bilaterally symmetrical. Specifically, the limiting protrusion 31c or the locking slot 41 is symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the long tail 31b. For example, see Figure 6-8 As shown, the limiting protrusion 31c is symmetrical in shape, and two clamping grooves 41 are symmetrically arranged on both sides thereof.

[0073] The two groups of locking plates 40 and the execution springs 45 are respectively arranged symmetrically on both sides of the long tail portion 31b; the two locking plates 40 on the left and right sides tend to move toward the middle under the action of the execution springs 45, thereby clamping the long tail portion 31b, thereby maintaining the locking state of the limiting protrusion 31c and the slot 41.

[0074] Alternatively, the temporary locking structure can also be set on one side, that is, only the limiting protrusion 31c or the locking groove 41 is set on the left or right side of the long tail 31b, and only one set of locking plates 40 and execution springs 45 are arranged on the left or right side of the long tail 31b; the locking plates 40 tend to move toward the middle under the action of the execution springs 45, clamping the long tail 31b between the locking plates 40 and the body 10. The right side or left side of the long tail 31b and the working surface on the body 10 that abuts against it are vertical planes set along the swing center line, so as to ensure that the two can slide smoothly.

[0075] Further preferably, both ends of the limiting protrusion 31 c and the locking groove 41 in the direction of the swing center line are provided with smooth transition structures such as chamfers, rounded surfaces or arc-shaped slopes for guiding the limiting protrusion 31 c to be locked into the locking groove 41 .

[0076] Due to the smooth transition structure, the limiting protrusion 31c and the card slot 41 are in a stepped shape as a whole. When the electronic device is unfolded to the vicinity of the commonly set opening and closing angles such as 120 degrees, 180 degrees or 360 degrees, the transition structure can guide the limiting protrusion 31c to be clamped into the card slot 41 under the action of the execution spring 45 or the elasticity of the limiting protrusion 31c itself, so that the hinge structure continues to slowly swing to the set opening and closing angles such as 120 degrees, 180 degrees or 360 degrees. After the elastic force of the execution spring 45 or the material is overcome by external force, the temporary clamping state of the clamping structure can be released, so that the electronic device continues to open and close.

[0077] See also Figure 8 As shown, this embodiment further includes a reset spring 46, which is disposed between the synchronous transmission member 31 and the body 10, tending to force the synchronous transmission member 31 to move and reset along the direction of the swing center line.

[0078] The setting of the return spring 46 can tend to force the slider structure 32 in the spiral transmission pair to abut against the fixed side of the spiral groove 37, thereby reducing or eliminating the positioning error caused by the gap between the slider structure 32 and the spiral groove 37.

[0079] Further, see Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, in the direction of the swing centerline, the length of the slot 41 is greater than the width of the limiting protrusion 31c, and a movable margin is provided in the slot 41, and the limiting protrusion 31c can move along the slot 41 within the range of the movable margin. Preferably, the size of the movable margin corresponds to an opening and closing angle of the left rotating plate 35a and the right rotating plate 35b of 1-10°.

[0080] By combining the movable margin with the setting of the reset spring 46, when the user folds the electronic device, the electronic device can be folded into a larger opening and closing angle range. The hinge structure can automatically restore the opening and closing angle to a nearby set opening and closing angle, such as 0°, 90° or 180°, through the reset spring 46, thereby greatly improving the user experience.

[0081] In the present application, the body 10 can be a single component or an assembly, providing an installation basis for the installation or mutual connection of components such as the supporting member 20 and the synchronization assembly 30.

[0082] This embodiment further includes a limiting structure disposed on the main body 10 for limiting the synchronous transmission member 31 to be able to reciprocate only along the swing center line (ie, the virtual rotation axis) of the supporting member 20 .

[0083] There are many forms of limiting structures. For example, the limiting structure includes a limiting groove or a limiting track provided on the body 10 or the synchronous transmission member 31 along the swing center line, and a limiting block provided on the synchronous transmission member 31 or the body 10 and slidably plugged with the limiting groove, or a slot slidably engaged with the limiting track. Alternatively, the limiting structure can also be a receiving groove on the body 10 or enclosed by multiple parts constituting the body 10, the receiving groove is a long groove provided along the swing center line, and the synchronous transmission member 31 can be slidably provided on the body 10 along the receiving groove.

[0084] See also Fig.10 and 12As shown, the body 10 includes an upper base 11 and a lower base 15. In the thickness direction, the lower base 15, the rotating plate 35, the main body 31a of the synchronous transmission member 31 and the upper base 11 are arranged in sequence. After the upper base 11 and the lower base 15 are fixedly connected by fasteners, the intermediate rotating plate 35, the synchronous transmission member 31 and other components are defined.

[0085] Preferably, the body 10 is further provided with a rear cover 19 , and in the thickness direction, the lower base 15 , the rotating plate 35 , the main body 31 a , the upper base 11 and the rear cover 19 are arranged in sequence.

[0086] Further, see Fig.10 , Figure 12-13 As shown, a semi-axle rod portion 15a is provided on the lower base 15, and a circular arc working surface is provided on one side of the rotating plate 35 of the semi-axle rod portion 15a, and the circular arc working surface is adapted to the circular arc surface inside the rotating plate 35, and is used to limit the rotation of the rotating plate 35. Preferably, on the cross section perpendicular to the semi-axle rod portion 15a, the arc of the circular arc working surface is π / 4~π. More preferably, the arc of the circular arc working surface is π / 3~2π / 3. As a result, the cross section of the semi-axle rod portion 15a is a small semicircle, and the structure is lighter and thinner.

[0087] The semi-axle rod portions 15a on the lower base 15 are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides, that is, the left semi-axle rod portion 15a and the right semi-axle rod portion 15a are respectively adapted to the left rotating plate 35a and the right rotating plate 35b.

[0088] See also Fig.10 As shown, the bottom of the arm extension portion 34 of the main body 31a is preferably provided with a lower arc surface; the lower arc surface is adapted to the outer arc surface of the rotating plate 35, and the lower arc surface and the arc working surface of the half-shaft rod portion 15a enclose an arc-shaped limiting cavity for limiting the rotating plate 35 when rotating.

[0089] The bottom surface of the main body 31a is in an inverted herringbone shape as a whole, and a long strip-shaped lower protrusion is provided at the bottom of the trunk 33, and the long strip-shaped lower protrusion is inserted between the left rotating plate 35a and the right rotating plate 35b; the two outer arc surfaces of the left rotating plate 35a and the right rotating plate 35b enclose a limiting guide groove arranged along the shown swing center line; the lower arc surfaces on the left and right sides of the long strip-shaped lower protrusion cooperate with the two outer arc surfaces, which can be used as a limiting structure, used to limit the synchronous transmission member 31 to only move back and forth along the swing center line.

[0090] See also Fig.10 As shown, preferably, a guide bar 33a may be provided on the back of the trunk 33 along the swing center line direction, and the cross section of the guide bar 33a is rectangular; a limiting groove adapted to the guide bar 33a is provided on the upper base 11 to limit the synchronous transmission member 31 to reciprocate only along the swing center line. Fig.11As shown, the cross section of the guide strip 33a may also be dovetail shaped.

[0091] In this embodiment, see Figure 10-12 As shown, the upper base 11 is a component, which includes a left rod 11a and a right rod 11b that are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides. The left rod 11a and the right rod 11b are fixedly connected to the lower base 15 through a pressing plate 12 and screws.

[0092] See also Fig.15 As shown, the left rod 11a and the right rod 11b are respectively provided with assembly grooves 11c for accommodating the arm extensions 34 of the two synchronous transmission members 31. More preferably, the bottom surface of the assembly groove 11c abuts against the back surface of the arm extension 34 to play a limiting role.

[0093] Preferably, the lengths of the lower base 15, the left rod 11a and the right rod 11b are the same as the lengths of the entire hinge structure.

[0094] See also Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the left rod 11a and the right rod 11b are arranged at intervals on the left and right, and a limiting groove adapted to the back guide strip 33a of the trunk 33 is formed in the middle. The structure is simple and the processing cost is reduced accordingly.

[0095] More preferably, the left rod 11a and the right rod 11b are made of round rods or square rods.

[0096] See also Fig. 9 As shown, the long tail portion 31b is also disposed in the middle interval between the left rod 11a and the right rod 11b; see Fig.14 As shown, the left rod 11a and the right rod 11b are provided with grooves for accommodating the positioning plate 40, and the grooves are provided with insertion holes 11d for inserting the spring. Preferably, guide posts 42 are provided on both sides of the positioning plate 40, and guide holes 11e for guiding and cooperating with the guide posts 42 are provided in the grooves of the left rod 11a and the right rod 11b.

[0097] Optionally, the slider structure 32 in the spiral transmission pair abuts against the bottom surface of the spiral groove 37, thereby also abutting against the rotating plate 35 from above in the thickness direction, cooperating with the arc working surface on the semi-axis rod portion 15a of the lower base 15 below, clamping the rotating plate 35 in the middle, thereby playing a role in limiting the rotation of the rotating plate 35.

[0098] In addition, preferably, one or several groups of synchronization components 30 are included in the direction of the swing centerline.

[0099] The second aspect of the present application discloses a foldable electronic device with the above-mentioned hinge structure.

[0100] The present application achieves synchronous rotation of the arc-shaped rotating plates 35 on both sides through the coupling connection of the spiral groove 37 and the convex structure between the arc-shaped rotating plate 35 and the synchronous transmission member 31, ensuring the stability and consistency of the foldable electronic device during the folding and unfolding process, and improving the user experience.

[0101] The arrangement of the locking plate 40 and the long tail portion 31 b (ie, an elastic forced locking component and a telescopic rod structure) enables the hinge structure to be temporarily limited at a specific angle, thereby increasing the flexibility and stability of the hinge assembly.

[0102] In addition, the present application integrates the main body 31a and the long tail 31b in the synchronous transmission part 31, and combines the structures corresponding to the two functions of synchronous rotation and temporary limiting into one. Compared with the two mechanisms working separately in the traditional hinge, the structure is simplified and the limited space at the hinge is saved. At the same time, due to the simplicity of the components, it is less likely to be damaged.

[0103] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hinge structure, characterized in that: It includes a main body, a supporting member and a synchronization component; The supporting member is rotatably arranged on the main body; The supporting member comprises a left supporting member and a right supporting member which are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides; The synchronous assembly includes an arc-shaped rotating plate and a synchronous transmission member; The synchronous transmission member is arranged on the body so as to be reciprocatingly movable only along the swing center line direction of the supporting member; The rotating plate comprises a left rotating plate and a right rotating plate respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the synchronous transmission member; the left rotating plate and the right rotating plate are respectively fixedly connected to the left supporting member and the right supporting member; A spiral transmission pair is provided between the rotating plate and the synchronous transmission member, for realizing the conversion and transmission between the swinging motion of the supporting member and the rotating plate and the linear motion of the synchronous transmission member; The left helical transmission pair between the left rotating plate and the synchronous transmission member and the right helical transmission pair between the right rotating plate and the synchronous transmission member have opposite spiral directions, so as to realize synchronous swinging of the left support member and the right support member towards each other or in opposite directions.

2. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spiral transmission pair includes a spiral groove arranged on the rotating plate or the synchronous transmission member, and a slider structure arranged on the synchronous transmission member or the rotating plate. The slider structure can be relatively slidably inserted in the spiral groove to realize transmission between the rotating plate and the synchronous transmission member.

3. The hinge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The left helical transmission pair and the right helical transmission pair are arranged symmetrically.

4. The hinge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The left helical transmission pair and the right helical transmission pair are arranged asymmetrically.

5. The hinge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The same synchronization component includes a plurality of left-hand helical transmission pairs and / or right-hand helical transmission pairs; In the direction of the swing center line, the left helical transmission pair and the right helical transmission pair are arranged alternately.

6. The hinge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The synchronous transmission member comprises a main body; The main body includes a trunk in the middle and arm spans on both sides; The screw transmission pair is arranged between the arm span portion and the rotating plate.

7. The hinge structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The synchronous transmission member includes a long tail portion, which is rod-shaped as a whole and relatively fixedly arranged at the tail of the trunk portion; the trunk portion and the long tail portion are arranged along the direction of the swing center line as a whole; A temporary locking structure is provided between the long tail and the main body, and is used to temporarily limit the left support member and the right support member as well as the left rotating plate and the right rotating plate to one or several set opening and closing angles.

8. The hinge structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The temporary locking structure comprises: a limiting protrusion arranged on the long tail portion or the main body, and a locking groove which is engaged with the limiting protrusion is arranged on the main body or the long tail portion.

9. The hinge structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The limiting protrusion is made of elastic material. When the left rotating plate and the right rotating plate swing relative to each other, the long tail is forced to move along the swing center line direction by the spiral transmission pair, and the limiting protrusion is squeezed into or squeezed out of the slot by forcing the elastic material to deform; when the limiting protrusion is squeezed into the slot, the left rotating plate and the right rotating plate are temporarily limited to the set opening and closing angles.

10. The hinge structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a locking plate and an actuating spring; The positioning plate can be slidably arranged on the body; The positioning plate is provided with the limiting protrusion or the positioning groove; The execution spring is arranged between the locking plate and the body, tending to force the locking plate to abut against the long tail portion, thereby maintaining the locking state of the limiting protrusion and the locking groove.

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