Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment. The rotating shaft mechanism (1) comprises a base (104), a first rotating assembly (101), a second rotating assembly (102) and a damping module (103), the damping module (103) comprises an elastic module (1033) and an even number of friction assemblies (1031), each friction assembly (1031) comprises an intermediate shaft (10311) and a gear piece (10312), the intermediate shaft (10311) comprises a shaft body (103111) and a mounting part (103112), the shaft body (103111) is connected with the base (104), the mounting part (103112) is arranged on the shaft body (103111), the mounting part (103112) is provided with a conical groove (1031121), and the gear piece (10312) is arranged in the conical groove (1031121). The gear part (10312) comprises an inserting part (103121), the inserting part (103121) is provided with a conical surface (1031211), the inserting part (103121) is inserted into the conical groove (1031121), under the elastic force effect of the elastic module (1033), the conical surface (1031211) abuts against the groove surface of the conical groove (1031121), the even number of friction assemblies (1031) are located between the first rotating assembly (101) and the second rotating assembly (102), and the friction assemblies (1031) are arranged in the groove surface of the conical groove (1031121). The first swing arm (1011) of the first rotating assembly (101) and the second swing arm (1021) of the second rotating assembly (102) rotate around the base (104) to drive the gear piece (10312) to rotate around the intermediate shaft (10311), so that the groove surface of the conical surface (1031211) and the groove surface of the conical groove (1031121) move relatively to generate friction force, and the hovering function of the electronic device in any state can be achieved.

Description

Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on March 22, 2023, with application number 202310318227.X and application name “A Rotating Shaft Mechanism and Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of foldable electronic devices, and in particular to a hinge mechanism and electronic device. Background Art

[0004] As flexible display technology matures, the display mode of electronic devices has undergone tremendous changes. Foldable flexible screen mobile phones, foldable flexible screen tablets, and wearable electronic devices with foldable flexible screens are an important evolutionary direction of future smart electronic devices.

[0005] The hinge mechanism is a key component in the folding mode switching process of foldable electronic devices. The folding reliability and operating experience of foldable electronic devices largely depend on the performance of the hinge mechanism. For example, the maintenance of the folded state, unfolded state, and intermediate state of the foldable electronic device all depends on the damping force provided by the damping module in the hinge mechanism. However, the damping force provided by some current damping modules is relatively small. Although they can provide effective damping force for maintaining the folded state and unfolded state of the foldable electronic device, it is difficult to achieve hovering in the intermediate state, which greatly affects the user experience.

[0006] Based on this, how to achieve the hovering of the intermediate state of the foldable electronic device has become a major problem that needs to be solved urgently by those skilled in the art.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device, which can realize a hovering function of the electronic device in any rotation state, thereby improving the user experience.

[0009] In a first aspect, the present application provides a rotating shaft mechanism, which may include a base, a first rotating assembly, a second rotating assembly, and a damping module. The first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly are located on opposite sides of the base. The damping module includes an elastic module and an even number of friction assemblies. Each friction assembly includes an intermediate shaft and a gear member. The intermediate shaft includes a shaft body and a mounting portion. The shaft body is connected to the base. The mounting portion is disposed on the shaft body and has a tapered groove with an opening facing the gear member. The gear member is rotationally connected to the intermediate shaft. The gear member includes a plug-in portion having a tapered surface that is inserted into the tapered groove. Along the axis of the intermediate shaft, the elastic force of the elastic module causes the tapered surface to abut against the groove surface of the tapered groove. Furthermore, the gear members of the even number of friction assemblies may be located between the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly, with the gear surfaces of adjacent gear members meshing with each other. The first and second rotating assemblies can serve as driving components for rotating the gear members about the intermediate shaft. Specifically, the first rotating assembly includes a first swing arm rotatably connected to the base, and the second rotating assembly includes a second swing arm rotatably connected to the base. Furthermore, the end of the first swing arm facing the even-numbered gear members is provided with a first gear surface, and the end of the second swing arm facing the even-numbered gear members is provided with a second gear surface. The first gear surface meshes with the gear surface of an adjacent gear member, and the second gear surface meshes with the gear surface of an adjacent gear member. Therefore, rotation of the first and second swing arms about the base can drive the gear members to rotate about the intermediate shaft. Furthermore, because the elastic force of the elastic module causes the conical surface of the gear member to abut against the groove surface of the mounting slot, the relative motion between the conical surface and the groove surface of the mounting slot can generate friction during rotation of the gear member about the intermediate shaft. This friction force can act on a foldable electronic device that uses the hinge mechanism. Since the above friction force exists when the electronic device is in any rotation state, the friction force can be used as a state-maintaining force for the electronic device, which can realize the hovering function of the electronic device in any rotation state, thereby improving the user experience.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the present application, the conical groove wall may be provided with at least two first notches. This allows the conical groove to deform under the extrusion of the plug-in portion during insertion of the gear component into the conical groove, effectively increasing the contact force between the conical surface and the groove surface of the conical groove. This increases the friction generated between the conical surface and the groove surface of the conical groove during rotation of the gear component relative to the intermediate shaft. Furthermore, the at least two first notches are arranged symmetrically around the circumference of the conical groove, so that the at least two first notches are evenly distributed along the circumference of the conical groove. This facilitates improving the uniformity of force transmission by the friction assembly, thereby enhancing the stability of the electronic device incorporating the hinge mechanism.

[0011] Furthermore, the plug-in portion of the gear member may be provided with at least two second notches. This allows the plug-in portion to deform under the extrusion of the tapered groove surface during insertion into the tapered groove, thereby increasing the contact force between the tapered surface and the tapered groove surface, thereby increasing the friction generated between the tapered surface and the tapered groove surface during rotation of the gear member relative to the central axis. Furthermore, the at least two second notches are arranged symmetrically along the circumference of the plug-in portion, so that the at least two second notches are evenly distributed along the circumference of the plug-in portion, thereby facilitating improved uniformity in force transmission by the friction assembly and thereby enhancing the stability of the electronic device incorporating the hinge mechanism.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the present application, the base may have a receiving cavity. Furthermore, the damping module may include a damping bracket, which may be received in the receiving cavity and fixedly connected to the base. The damping bracket may serve as a positioning component for the damping module within the rotating shaft mechanism. The intermediate shaft may be inserted into the damping bracket, which may improve the positioning accuracy of the damping module within the rotating shaft mechanism and effectively prevent deflection of the damping module relative to the base, thereby enhancing the structural reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0013] In the present application, the first rotating assembly further includes a first rotating shaft, which can be inserted through the damping bracket, and the first swing arm can be rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft, so that the first swing arm can be rotatably connected to the base by rotating the first swing arm about the first rotating shaft. In addition, the second rotating assembly further includes a second rotating shaft, which can be inserted through the damping bracket, and the second swing arm can be rotatably connected to the second rotating shaft, so that the second swing arm can be rotatably connected to the base by rotating the second swing arm about the second rotating shaft.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the present application, the first swing arm includes a first rotating portion, and the first rotating portion is provided with a first avoidance opening. The second swing arm includes a second rotating portion, and the second rotating portion is provided with a second avoidance opening. In addition, the damping bracket includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion is inserted into the first avoidance opening, and the first rotating shaft is simultaneously provided through the first rotating portion and the first connecting portion. The second connecting portion is inserted into the second avoidance opening, and the second rotating shaft is simultaneously provided through the second rotating portion and the second connecting portion. In this way, while realizing the rotational connection between the first swing arm and the second swing arm and the damping bracket, the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism can also be made more compact, which is conducive to realizing the miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0015] It is worth mentioning that when the damping module is not equipped with a damping bracket, the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft can be installed on the base. For example, mounting holes can be respectively provided on the base corresponding to the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, so that the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are respectively passed through the corresponding mounting holes, so as to support and limit the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft through the base.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the present application, the first swing arm further includes a first drive portion, which is detachably connected to the first rotating portion and relatively fixed to the first rotating portion along the rotational direction of the first swing arm. In this case, the first gear surface is provided on the first rotating portion, or the first gear surface is provided on the first drive portion. Because the first gear surface can mesh with the gear surface of an adjacent gear component, the first swing arm can be rotated to drive the gear component to rotate about the intermediate shaft.

[0017] Similarly, the second swing arm includes a second driving portion, which is detachably connected to the second rotating portion and fixed relative to the second rotating portion along the rotational direction of the second swing arm. A second gear surface is provided on the second rotating portion, or the second gear surface is provided on the second driving portion. Because the second gear surface can mesh with the gear surface of an adjacent gear member, the second swing arm can be rotated to drive the gear member to rotate about the intermediate shaft.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the present application, the damping module may further include a first conjoined cam, which may be sleeved around the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. The first conjoined cam is positioned between the elastic module and the first swing arm, and the first conjoined cam is positioned between the elastic module and the second swing arm. Furthermore, the end of the first swing arm facing the first conjoined cam has a first cam surface, and the end of the second swing arm facing the first conjoined cam has a second cam surface. The end of the first conjoined cam facing the first swing arm has a third cam surface, and the end of the first conjoined cam facing the second swing arm has a fourth cam surface.

[0019] Along the extension direction of the axis of the first rotating shaft, under the elastic force of the elastic module, the first cam surface abuts the third cam surface; along the extension direction of the axis of the second rotating shaft, under the elastic force of the elastic module, the second cam surface abuts the fourth cam surface. Thus, during the rotation of the first swing arm about the first rotating shaft and the rotation of the second swing arm about the second rotating shaft, a damping force is generated by the abutting cam surfaces. The presence of this damping force enables the electronic device to self-expand at the end of its expanded state and self-close at the end of its closed state. Furthermore, this damping force provides a user with a noticeable jerk when opening and closing the electronic device, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0020] In addition, the simultaneous presence of friction generated by the relative rotation of the conical surface and the groove surface of the conical groove in the hinge mechanism, as well as the damping force generated by the abutting cam surfaces, can help improve the damping force provided by the entire hinge mechanism, thereby allowing the electronic device incorporating the hinge mechanism to stably hover in any rotational state. Furthermore, because the two forces are decoupled from each other, they can exist independently. Thus, when one force fails, the other can achieve its effect. For example, if the friction assembly wears, the damping force generated by the abutting cam surfaces can also provide a certain state-maintaining force for the electronic device, thereby achieving a hovering function in the electronic device's rotational state. Furthermore, if the abutting cam surfaces wear, the presence of friction can also provide the user with a more noticeable damping feel when opening and closing the electronic device.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the present application, the damping module further includes a first stopper, an elastic module positioned between the first integrated cam and the first stopper, one end of the first stopper engaging with the first rotating shaft, and the other end engaging with the second rotating shaft. The elastic module abuts the first stopper along the axis of the first rotating shaft. This effectively prevents components disposed on the first and second rotating shafts from falling off the corresponding rotating shafts, thereby improving the structural reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0022] When the first limiting member is specifically connected with the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, the first rotating shaft can be provided with a first contraction portion, and the second rotating shaft can be provided with a second contraction portion, and the first limiting member can be provided with a first bayonet and a second bayonet, so that the first bayonet can be clamped in the first contraction portion, and the second bayonet can be clamped in the second contraction portion, so that the first limiting member can be reliably connected with the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft.

[0023] To further enhance the damping force generated by the rotating shaft mechanism, a fifth cam surface can be provided on the end of the gear member facing the first integrated cam, and a sixth cam surface can be provided on the end of the first integrated cam facing each gear member. Along the axis of the intermediate shaft, the elastic force of the elastic module causes the fifth and sixth cams to abut against each other. This increases the number of abutting cam surfaces, thereby enhancing the damping force provided by the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0024] The damping module can also include a second stopper located between the first conjoined cam and the elastic module. The second stopper can engage with each intermediate shaft, causing the first conjoined cam to abut against the second stopper. Along the axis of each intermediate shaft, the abutment force between the first conjoined cam and the second stopper causes the fifth cam surface to abut against the sixth cam surface. The second stopper limits the movement of the first conjoined cam along the intermediate shaft, ensuring reliable abutment between the fifth and sixth cam surfaces, thereby enhancing the stability of the damping force generated by the fifth and sixth cam surfaces during relative motion.

[0025] When the second stopper is engaged with each intermediate shaft, a third constricted portion can be provided on the shaft body of each intermediate shaft. This third constricted portion includes a shoulder. Along the axis of each intermediate shaft, the second stopper can be positioned between the first integrated cam and the shoulder. Furthermore, when the top of the raised portion on the fifth cam surface is flush with the top of the raised portion on the sixth cam surface, the second stopper abuts the shoulder. The shoulder of the third constricted portion limits the maximum distance the first stopper can move along the intermediate shaft away from the gear component. This also limits the maximum distance the first integrated cam can move away from the gear component, ensuring reliable abutment between the fifth and sixth cam surfaces.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the present application, the damping module may further include a second conjoined cam, which is sleeved between the first and second rotating shafts. The first swing arm is positioned between the first and second conjoined cams, and the second swing arm is positioned between the first and second conjoined cams. Furthermore, the end of the first swing arm facing the second conjoined cam is provided with a seventh cam surface, the end of the second swing arm facing the second conjoined cam is provided with an eighth cam surface, the end of the second conjoined cam facing the first swing arm is provided with a ninth cam surface, and the end of the second conjoined cam facing the second swing arm is provided with a tenth cam surface. Along the axis of the first rotating shaft, under the elastic force of the elastic module, the seventh cam surface abuts the ninth cam surface. Along the axis of the second rotating shaft, under the elastic force of the elastic module, the eighth cam surface abuts the tenth cam surface. By increasing the number of abutting cam surfaces, the damping force provided by the damping module is increased, providing a more noticeable damping feel when the user opens and closes the electronic device.

[0027] In one possible implementation of the present application, the damping module further includes a connector that is sleeved between the first and second rotating shafts; the first swing arm is positioned between the connector and the first integrated cam, and the second swing arm is positioned between the connector and the first integrated cam. The end of the first swing arm facing the second connector is provided with a first flat surface, the end of the second swing arm facing the second connector is provided with a second flat surface, the end of the second connector facing the first swing arm is provided with a third flat surface, and the end of the second integrated cam facing the second swing arm is provided with a fourth flat surface. Along the axis of the first rotating shaft, under the elastic force of the elastic module, the first flat surface abuts the third flat surface. Along the axis of the second rotating shaft, under the elastic force of the elastic module, the second flat surface abuts the fourth flat surface. During the rotation of the first and second swing arms relative to the base, the relative motion of the abutting flat surfaces generates friction, which can also serve as a force to maintain the electronic device's state, thereby improving the stability of the electronic device's hovering in any rotational state.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present application further provides an electronic device comprising a first housing, a second housing, and the hinge mechanism of the first aspect, wherein the first housing and the second housing are disposed on opposite sides of the hinge mechanism, and the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first housing, and the second swing arm is slidably connected to the second housing.

[0029] In the electronic device provided herein, the friction force provided by the hinge mechanism can be transmitted to the first housing via the first swing arm and to the second housing via the second swing arm. Because the hinge mechanism provides significant friction in any rotational state, the electronic device can achieve a hovering function in any rotational state, thereby enhancing the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device in a closed state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG2a is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device in an unfolded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG2 b is an exploded view of the electronic device shown in FIG2 a ;

[0033] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of an end face cam of a damping module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which two end face cams of a damping module provided by an embodiment of the present application are in contact;

[0035] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a damping module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG6 a is a schematic structural diagram of an assembly of a damping module and a base according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG6 b is an exploded view of the damping module shown in FIG5 ;

[0038] FIG7 a is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of an intermediate shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG7b is a front view of the intermediate shaft shown in FIG7a;

[0040] FIG7c is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of the intermediate shaft shown in FIG7b;

[0041] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a gear member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG9 a is a structural schematic diagram of an assembled state of a gear member and an intermediate shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG9b is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG9a;

[0044] FIG10 is another structural schematic diagram of a damping module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the damping module shown in FIG. 10 .

[0046] Reference Signs: 1-rotating shaft mechanism; 11-first end face cam; 1101-first inclined surface; 1102-first plane; 12-second end face cam; 1201-second inclined surface; 1202-second plane; 101-first rotating assembly; 1011-first swing arm; 10111-first rotating portion; 101111-first avoidance; 101112-first gear surface; 101113-first cam surface; 101114-seventh cam surface; 101115-first plane; 1012-first rotating shaft; 10121-first stopping portion; 10122-first contracting portion; 102-second rotating assembly; 1021-second swing arm; 10211-second rotating portion; 102111-second avoidance; 102112 - Second gear surface; 102113 - Second cam surface; 102114 - Eighth cam surface; 102115 - Second plane; 1022 - Second rotating shaft; 10221 - Second stop portion; 10222 - Second contraction portion; 103 - Damping module; 1031 - Friction assembly; 10311 - Intermediate shaft; 103111 - Shaft body; 103112 - Mounting portion; 1031121 - Tapered groove; 10311211 - Groove surface; 10311212 - First notch; 103113 - Third contraction portion; 1031131 - Shoulder; 10312 - Gear member; 103121 - Connecting portion; 1031211 - Tapered surface; 1031212 - Second notch; 103122 - Fifth cam surface; 1032-damping bracket; 10321-first connecting part; 10322-second connecting part; 1033-elastic module; 1034-first conjoined cam; 10341-third cam surface; 10342-fourth cam surface; 10343-sixth cam surface; 10344-accommodation groove; 1035-second conjoined cam; 10351-ninth cam surface; 10352-tenth cam surface; 1036-first limiting member; 10361-first bayonet; 10362-second bayonet; 1037-second limiting member; 10371-third bayonet; 1038-fixing frame; 1039-connecting member; 10391-third plane; 10392-fourth plane; 104-base; 1041-accommodation cavity; 2-first shell; 3-second shell; 4-flexible display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms used in the following embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting of the present application. As used in the specification and appended claims of the present application, the singular expressions "a", "a", "said", "above", "the" and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more", unless there is a clear indication to the contrary in the context.

[0048] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," and "in yet other embodiments" appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more but not all embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0049] In order to facilitate understanding of the hinge mechanism and electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application, its application scenario is first described below. Among them, the hinge mechanism can be applied to, but is not limited to, foldable electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers or tablet computers. When the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to electronic devices, reference can be made to Figure 1, which is a structural schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the electronic device is in a closed state. In addition to the hinge mechanism 1, the electronic device may also include two shells and a flexible display screen (not shown in Figure 1). For ease of explanation, in this application, the two shells of the electronic device may be named as the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 respectively. Among them, the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are located on both sides of the hinge mechanism 1 and can rotate around the hinge mechanism 1. The electronic device provided in the present application may be an inward-folding electronic device, which can be closed and unfolded according to different usage scenarios when in use.

[0050] Referring to Figure 2a, Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device in its unfolded state. Furthermore, referring to Figure 2b, Figure 2b is an exploded view of the electronic device in Figure 2a, omitting the flexible display screen 4. As can be seen from Figures 2a and 2b, in this unfolded state, the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 remain located on either side of the hinge mechanism 1, and the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 support the flexible display screen 4, keeping it flat.

[0051] It can be understood that the process of the electronic device changing from the expanded state shown in FIG2a to the closed state shown in FIG1 , or from the closed state shown in FIG1 to the expanded state shown in FIG2a , is the process of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 rotating about the hinge mechanism 1. The hinge mechanism 1, as a key functional component in a foldable electronic device, can be arranged corresponding to the foldable portion of the flexible display 4. Therefore, it plays an important role in supporting the foldable portion of the flexible display 4 in the expanded state shown in FIG2a , and in accommodating the foldable portion of the flexible display 4 in the closed state shown in FIG1 .

[0052] In addition, the reliable structure of the hinge mechanism 1 plays an important role in achieving reliable movement of the electronic device and maintaining its state during movement. For example, the electronic device can be maintained in the closed state shown in Figure 1 and the expanded state shown in Figure 2a, which largely depends on the damping force provided by the hinge mechanism 1. At present, the hinge mechanism 1 of some foldable electronic devices mostly adopts the end face cam structure shown in Figure 3 to achieve the provision of damping force. Figure 3 shows a structural schematic diagram of the first end face cam 11 and / or the second end face cam 12 provided by a possible embodiment. When the electronic device is in the closed state and the expanded state, reference can be made to Figure 4, which is a structural schematic diagram of two end face cams in contact provided by an embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, an effective state-retaining force can be provided by the contact between the first inclined surface 1101 of the first end face cam 11 and the second inclined surface 1201 of the second end face cam 12. However, when the electronic device moves to an intermediate state between the closed state and the unfolded state, the first plane 1102 of the first end face cam 11 and the second plane 1202 of the second end face cam 12 are in contact. At this time, the damping force they provide is relatively small. Moreover, the rebound force generated by the flexible display screen in the bent state at this time will be applied to the two shells, which makes it difficult for the electronic device to hover in the intermediate state, which greatly reduces the user experience.

[0053] The hinge mechanism provided in this application is intended to address the aforementioned issues, providing a sufficiently large hovering force to the electronic device when it is in a closed state, an unfolded state, or an intermediate state, thereby enabling the electronic device to remain stably in the corresponding state and improving the user experience. To facilitate understanding of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application, its specific structure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] First, referring to Figure 2b, in the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may include a base 104. In addition, referring to Figure 5, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application. The hinge mechanism 1 may also include a first rotating component 101, a second rotating component 102, and a damping module 103. The first rotating component 101 and the second rotating component 102 are located on opposite sides of the base 104, and the first rotating component 101 and the second rotating component 102 are rotatably connected to the base 104. In the present application, the process of an electronic device incorporating the hinge mechanism 1 from an unfolded state to a closed state is the process of the first rotating component 101 and the second rotating component 102 rotating around the base 104 in opposite directions; and the process of the electronic device from a closed state to an unfolded state is the process of the first rotating component 101 and the second rotating component 102 rotating around the base 104 in opposite directions.

[0055] Referring to Figures 6a and 6b , Figure 6a is a schematic structural diagram of the assembly of the damping module 103 and the base 104 in the rotating shaft mechanism 1 shown in Figure 5 , and Figure 6b is an exploded view of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 shown in Figure 5 . The first rotating assembly 101 may include a first swing arm 1011, which is rotatably connected to the base 104 shown in Figure 6a . In a specific implementation, the first rotating assembly 101 may further include a first rotating shaft 1012, which may be mounted on the base 104 and rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft 1012. Rotation of the first swing arm 1011 about the first rotating shaft 1012 enables rotation of the first swing arm 1011 relative to the base 104.

[0056] In the present application, the second rotating assembly 102 can be arranged symmetrically with the first rotating assembly 101 relative to the base 104. As shown in Figures 6a and 6b, the second rotating assembly 102 can include a second swing arm 1021, which is rotatably connected to the base 104. In addition, the second rotating assembly 102 can also include a second rotating shaft 1022, which can be mounted on the base 104, and the second swing arm 1021 can rotate about the second rotating shaft 1022, thereby achieving rotation of the second swing arm 1021 relative to the base 104.

[0057] It is worth mentioning that in the present application, the axis of the first rotating shaft 1012 and the axis of the second rotating shaft 1022 can be arranged in parallel. In this way, the extending direction of the axis of the first rotating shaft 1012 is the same as the extending direction of the axis of the second rotating shaft 1022.

[0058] 5 and 6 b , in the present application, the damping module 103 may include a friction assembly 1031, which may be located between the first rotating assembly 101 and the second rotating assembly 102. The friction assembly 1031 may include an intermediate shaft 10311 and a gear 10312, which may be sleeved on the intermediate shaft 10311 and rotatably connected to the intermediate shaft 10311.

[0059] When specifically configuring the intermediate shaft 10311, reference may be made to FIG7a, which is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of the intermediate shaft 10311 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The intermediate shaft 10311 may include a shaft body 103111 and a mounting portion 103112. The shaft body 103111 is connected to the base 104 shown in FIG2b, and the axis of the shaft body 103111 may extend in the same direction as the axis of the first rotating shaft 1012 and the second rotating shaft 1022.

[0060] The mounting portion 103112 is disposed on the shaft 103111 and can be arranged around the circumference of the shaft 103111. Referring to Figure 7b, Figure 7b is a front view of the intermediate shaft 10311 shown in Figure 7a. Furthermore, referring to Figure 7c, Figure 7c is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the intermediate shaft 10311 shown in Figure 7b, which can be used to illustrate the cross-sectional structure at point A in Figure 7b. As shown in Figure 7c, the mounting portion 103112 has a tapered groove 1031121, the opening of which faces the gear member 10312. Referring to Figures 5 and 7c together, the circumferential radius of the tapered groove 1031121 gradually increases toward the gear member 10312. Furthermore, the centerline of the tapered groove 1031121 coincides with the axis of the shaft 103111. This application does not specifically limit the shape of the mounting portion 103112. It can be, for example, cylindrical as shown in Figures 7a to 7c, or it can have other possible shapes. This application does not specifically limit the angle between the groove surface 10311211 of the tapered groove 1031121 and the centerline of the tapered groove 1031121. Those skilled in the art can adjust it based on the specific design requirements of the entire device through simulation, experimentation, etc. In some possible embodiments, the angle between the groove surface 10311211 of the tapered groove 1031121 and the centerline of the tapered groove 1031121 can be 45° or 60°.

[0061] In the present application, when specifically configuring the gear member 10312, reference may be made to FIG8 , which is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the gear member 10312 according to an embodiment of the present application. The gear member 10312 may include a plug-in portion 103121 having a tapered surface 1031211. Referring to FIG5 and FIG8 , the circumferential radius of the tapered surface 1031211 gradually increases as it moves away from the mounting portion 103112.

[0062] Referring to Figure 9a , Figure 9a is a schematic diagram illustrating the assembly of a gear member 10312 and an intermediate shaft 10311 according to an embodiment of the present application. The plug-in portion 103121 can be inserted into the tapered groove 1031121 of the mounting portion 103112 of the intermediate shaft 10311. Furthermore, referring to Figure 9b , Figure 9b is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 9a . As can be seen from Figure 9b , the tapered surface 1031211 of the plug-in portion 103121 abuts against the groove surface 10311211 of the tapered groove 1031121 of the mounting portion 103112. In this embodiment, the tapered surface 1031211 can be in frictional contact with the groove surface 10311211 of the tapered groove 1031121.

[0063] In this application, frictional contact between two components refers to the generation of friction between their contact surfaces during relative rotation, which can hinder the continued relative motion of the two components. Therefore, as gear member 10312 rotates about intermediate shaft 10311, the conical surface 1031211 of gear member 10312 can rotate relative to the groove surface 10311211 of conical groove 1031121, thereby generating friction between gear member 10312 and intermediate shaft 10311. Because this friction exists throughout the entire rotation of gear member 10312 about intermediate shaft 10311, when the damping module 103 is applied to the hinge mechanism 1 of an electronic device, it can provide a reliable state-maintaining force for the electronic device to hover in the corresponding state, whether in the closed state, the extended state, or the intermediate state. This can meet the user's requirements for the electronic device in different rotational states and enhance the user experience.

[0064] It is understood that the greater the contact force between the conical surface 1031211 of the gear member 10312 and the groove surface 10311211 of the conical groove 1031121 of the mounting portion 103112, the greater the friction generated during relative rotation. Based on this, the contact force between the conical surface 1031211 of the gear member 10312 and the groove surface 10311211 of the conical groove 1031121 of the mounting portion 103112 can be adjusted based on the required friction in different application scenarios. For example, when the flexible display screen of an electronic device has a large rebound force when bent, a large friction force is required to enable the flexible display screen to hover in different folded states. In this case, the contact force between the conical surface 1031211 of the gear member 10312 and the groove surface 10311211 of the conical groove 1031121 of the mounting portion 103112 can be increased.

[0065] In the present application, there are many ways to increase the abutment force between the conical surface 1031211 of the gear part 10312 and the groove surface 10311211 of the conical groove 1031121 of the mounting portion 103112. For example, in the intermediate shaft 10311 shown in FIG. 7 a , the groove wall of the conical groove 1031121 may be provided with a first notch 10311212.

[0066] The present application does not limit the number of first notches 10311212 in the tapered groove 1031121. Exemplarily, the number may be at least two, for example, 2 to 4. In the intermediate shaft 10311 shown in FIG7 a , the tapered groove 1031121 is provided with four first notches 10311212. In the present application, by setting the number of first notches 10311212 in the tapered groove 1031121 to 2 to 4, the tapered groove 1031121 can be allowed to undergo greater deformation while also improving the structural reliability of the mounting portion 103112. Furthermore, to enhance the uniformity of force transmission by the intermediate shaft 103111, at least two first notches 10311212 can be arranged in a centrosymmetrical manner along the circumference of the tapered groove 1031121. In other words, the at least two first notches 10311212 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the tapered groove 1031121. For example, when the tapered groove 1031121 is provided with four first notches 10311212, the central angles between any two first notches 10311212 are equal along the circumference of the tapered groove 1031121. Based on this, the size of the plug-in portion 103121 of the gear member 10312 can be increased so that, during the insertion of the plug-in portion 103121 into the tapered groove 1031121, the opening of the tapered groove 1031121 undergoes adaptive deformation under the extrusion force of the gear member 10312. This helps to increase the contact force between the groove surface 10311211 of the tapered groove 1031121 and the tapered surface 1031211 of the plug-in portion 103121, thereby increasing the frictional force during the relative rotation between the two.

[0067] In addition, in the present application, the plug-in portion 103121 of the gear part 10312 may also be provided with a notch. In specific implementation, reference may be made to FIG8 . For ease of distinction, the notch in the plug-in portion 103121 may be defined as a second notch 1031212 . The present application does not limit the number of second notches 1031212 in the plug-in portion 103121. Exemplarily, the number may be at least two, for example, 2 to 4. In the gear part 10312 shown in FIG8 , the plug-in portion 103121 is provided with three second notches 1031212 . In the present application, by setting the number of second notches 1031212 in the plug-in portion 103121 to 2 to 4, the plug-in portion 103121 can be allowed to undergo greater deformation while also improving the structural reliability of the plug-in portion 103121. Furthermore, to improve the uniformity of force transmission by the plug-in portion 103121, the second notches 1031212 can be arranged in a centrally symmetrical manner along the circumference of the plug-in portion 103121. In other words, the at least two second notches 1031212 can be evenly distributed along the circumference of the plug-in portion 103121. For example, when the plug-in portion 103121 is provided with three second notches 1031212, the central angles between any two second notches 1031212 along the circumference of the plug-in portion 103121 are equal.

[0068] It is worth mentioning that in the present application, only the conical groove 1031121 can be provided with the first notch 10311212, while the plug-in portion 1031212 is not provided with the second notch 1031212; or only the plug-in portion 103121 is provided with the second notch 1031212, while the conical groove 1031121 is not provided with the first notch 10311212; or while the conical groove 1031121 is provided with the first notch 10311212, the plug-in portion 103121 is provided with the second notch 1031212. Thus, the abutment force between the conical surface 1031211 of the plug-in part 103121 and the groove surface 10311211 of the conical groove 1031121 can be increased by deforming at least one of the plug-in part 103121 and the conical groove 1031121, so as to achieve the purpose of increasing the friction force generated during the relative rotation between the gear part 10312 and the intermediate shaft 10311.

[0069] Continuing with reference to Figures 5 and 6b, in the present application, the damping module 103 may further include a damping bracket 1032, which may serve as a positioning component for the damping module 103 within the entire shaft of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. Specifically, referring to Figure 2b, the base 104 may include a receiving cavity 1041, and the damping bracket 1032 may be received within the receiving cavity 1041, and the damping bracket 1032 is fixedly connected to the base 104. In addition, referring to Figures 5 and 7a, the end of the intermediate shaft 10311 may be inserted into the damping bracket 1032, and as shown in Figure 7a, the cross-section of the end of the intermediate shaft 10311 for inserting into the damping bracket 1032 may be a non-circular surface, for example, a square surface. Thus, when the intermediate shaft 10311 is inserted into the damping bracket 1032, the intermediate shaft 10311 is prevented from rotating relative to the damping bracket 1032, thereby improving the reliability of the rotation of the gear member 10312 relative to the intermediate shaft 10311. In addition, by inserting the intermediate shaft 10311 into the damping bracket 1032, the damping module 103 is effectively prevented from deflecting relative to the base 104, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the damping module 103 in the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0070] Since the damping bracket 1032 is fixedly connected to the base 104, it can be understood that the rotational connection between the first swing arm 1011 and the base 104 can also be achieved through the rotational connection between the first swing arm 1011 and the damping bracket 1032. Specifically, the first rotating shaft 1012 can be provided through the damping bracket 1032. In addition, as shown in Figure 6b, the first swing arm 1011 can include a first rotating portion 10111, and the first rotating portion 10111 of the first swing arm 1011 can be provided with a first avoidance opening 101111. The first avoidance opening 101111 can be, but is not limited to, located in the middle of the first rotating portion 10111 along the extension direction of the axis of the first rotating shaft 1012. The damping bracket 1032 may include a first connecting portion 10321, which may be inserted into the first avoidance opening 101111. The first rotating shaft 1012 may be simultaneously passed through the first rotating portion 10111 and the first connecting portion 10321, so that the first rotating portion 10111 is rotatably connected to the first connecting portion 10321. While realizing the rotational connection between the first swing arm 1011 and the damping bracket 1032, the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 can also be made more compact, which is conducive to realizing the miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0071] In the present application, the second swing arm 1021 may also be rotatably connected to the damping bracket 1032. The second rotating shaft 1022 may be disposed through the damping bracket 1032. Furthermore, the second swing arm 1021 includes a second rotating portion 10211. The second rotating portion 10211 of the second swing arm 1021 may be provided with a second escape 102111. The second escape 102111 may be, but is not limited to, located in the middle of the second rotating portion 10211 along the axis of the second rotating shaft 1022. The damping bracket 1032 may include a second connecting portion 10322, which may be inserted into the second avoidance opening 102111. The second rotating shaft 1022 may be simultaneously passed through the second rotating portion 10211 and the second connecting portion 10322, so that the second rotating portion 10211 is rotatably connected to the second connecting portion 10322, so as to realize the rotational connection between the second swing arm 1021 and the damping bracket 1032 while also making the rotating shaft mechanism 1 have a more compact structure.

[0072] As can be seen from the above description of the structure of the friction assembly 1031, the friction force of the friction assembly 1031 is provided by the rotation of the gear member 10312 relative to the intermediate shaft 10311. Since the first rotating assembly 101 and the second rotating assembly 102 can rotate about the base 104, in this application, the rotation of the first rotating assembly 101 and the second rotating assembly 102 can drive the gear member 10312 to rotate about the intermediate shaft 10311.

[0073] During the specific implementation, reference may be made to Figures 5 and 6b. It is understood that, in the present application, in order to achieve the rotation of the first rotating component 101 and the second rotating component 102 toward or away from each other, the damping module 103 may include an even number of friction components 1031, which may be two as shown in Figure 5, or four, six, or eight, etc., and the specific number may be selected based on the size of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. In addition, since generally, the more friction components 1031 there are, the greater the friction force that the damping module 103 can provide, the number of friction components 1031 in the damping module 103 may also be selected based on the friction force required for the electronic device to which the damping module 103 is applied to hover at any rotation angle.

[0074] Continuing with FIG5 , the gear surfaces of two adjacent gear elements 10312 in the even-numbered friction assembly 1031 are meshed with each other. Furthermore, the gear elements 10312 of the even-numbered friction assembly 1031 may be located between the first rotating assembly 101 and the second rotating assembly 102. Specifically, as shown in FIG6 b , the even-numbered gear elements 10312 may be located between the first swing arm 1011 and the second swing arm 1021. The end of the first swing arm 1011 facing the even-numbered gear elements 10312 may be provided with a first gear surface 101112. Exemplarily, the first gear surface 101112 may be provided on the first rotating portion 10111 of the first swing arm 1011. The rotational axes of the first gear surface 101112 and the first rotating portion 10111 coincide with each other, and both the first gear surface 101112 and the first rotating portion 10111 rotate about the first rotation axis 1012.

[0075] In other possible embodiments of the present application, the first swing arm 1011 may further include a first driving portion (not shown in FIG. 5 ), which may be detachably connected to the first rotating portion 10111. In addition, along the rotation direction of the first swing arm 1011, the first driving portion and the first rotating portion 10111 are relatively fixed, so that the first driving portion can rotate synchronously with the first rotating portion 10111 around the base 104. The present application does not limit the connection method between the first driving portion and the first rotating portion 10111. For example, the two can be connected by a locating pin. Based on this, the first gear surface 101112 can also be provided on the first driving portion.

[0076] In addition, a second gear surface 102112 may be provided at the end of the second swing arm 1021 facing the even-numbered gear member 10312. The second gear surface 102112 may be exemplarily provided on the second rotating portion 10211 of the second swing arm 1021. The second gear surface 102112 and the second rotating portion 10211 coincide with each other in their rotational axis, and the second gear surface 102112 and the second rotating portion 10211 both rotate around the second rotating axis 1022.

[0077] In other possible embodiments of the present application, the second swing arm 1021 may further include a second drive portion (not shown in FIG. 5 ), which may be detachably connected to the second rotating portion 10211. In addition, along the rotation direction of the second swing arm 1021, the second drive portion and the second rotating portion 10211 are relatively fixed, so that the second drive portion can rotate synchronously with the second rotating portion 10211 around the base 104. The present application does not limit the connection method between the second drive portion and the second rotating portion 10211. For example, the two can be connected by a positioning pin. Based on this, the second gear surface 102112 can also be provided on the second drive portion.

[0078] 5 , when the gear surfaces of two adjacent gear members 10312 are meshed, the first gear surface 101112 and the second gear surface 102112 can be transmission-connected via the gear members 10312 of an even number of friction assemblies 1031. In this case, the first gear surface 101112 can mesh with the gear surface of an adjacent gear member 10312, and the second gear surface 102112 can mesh with the gear surface of an adjacent gear member 10312. In this way, as the first swing arm 1011 and the second swing arm 1021 rotate around the damping bracket 1032, each gear member 10312 can be driven to rotate around its corresponding intermediate shaft 10311.

[0079] It's worth noting that, in this application, the first and second swing arms 1011, 1021 can serve as driving components for the gear member 10312 to rotate about the intermediate shaft 10311. Furthermore, the first and second swing arms 1011, 1021 are connected by a transmission mechanism via the gear members 10312 of the even-numbered friction assemblies 1031. Thus, while the first and second swing arms 1011, 1021 drive the respective gear members 10312 to rotate, they can also achieve synchronous rotation of the first and second swing arms 1011, 1021 in opposite or opposite directions, thereby achieving synchronous rotation of the first and second rotating assemblies 101, 102 in opposite or opposite directions. When this hinge mechanism 1 is applied to an electronic device, it not only enables the electronic device to hover in any rotational state but also effectively improves the stability of the electronic device's movement, thereby enhancing the structural reliability of the electronic device's flexible display and extending the service life of the flexible display.

[0080] In the present application, in order to enable the plug-in portion 103121 of the gear part 10312 to always be plugged into the conical groove 1031121 of the mounting portion 103112, so that the conical surface 1031211 and the groove surface 10311211 of the conical groove 1031121 are always in abutment, the damping module 103 may further include an elastic module 1033, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic module 1033, the gear part 10312 can be pressed toward the mounting portion 103112. During the specific implementation, referring to Figures 5 and 6b, the gear part 10312 is located between the mounting portion 103112 and the elastic module 1033, and in the extension direction along the axis of the intermediate shaft 10311, the elastic module 1033 presses the gear part 10312 toward the mounting portion 103112, so that the conical surface 1031211 can abut against the groove surface 10311211 of the conical groove 1031121.

[0081] In the present application, the specific type of the elastic module 1033 is not limited. It can be exemplarily a spring, and the elastic module 1033 can include multiple springs, so that each intermediate shaft 10311 is provided with at least one spring.

[0082] In addition, referring to Figures 5 and 6b, the damping module 103 provided in the embodiment of the present application may also include a first connected cam 1034. The first connected cam 1034 may be located between the elastic module 1033 and the first swing arm 1011. At the same time, the first connected cam 1034 is also located between the elastic module 1033 and the second swing arm 1021. Moreover, the first connected cam 1034 may be sleeved on the first rotating shaft 1012 and the second rotating shaft 1022.

[0083] As shown in Figure 6b, the end of the first swing arm 1011 facing the first integrated cam 1034 has a first cam surface 101113. This first cam surface 101113 can be, for example, disposed at the end of the first connecting portion 10321. The end of the second swing arm 1021 facing the first integrated cam 1034 has a second cam surface 102113. This second cam surface 102113 can be, for example, disposed at the end of the second connecting portion 10322. Furthermore, the end of the first integrated cam 1034 facing the first swing arm 1011 can have a third cam surface 10341, and the end of the first integrated cam 1034 facing the second swing arm 1021 can have a fourth cam surface 10342. Along the axis of the first rotating shaft 1012, under the elastic force of the elastic module 1033, the first cam surface 101113 can abut against the third cam surface 10341. Along the extending direction of the axis of the second rotating shaft 1022 , under the elastic force of the elastic module 1033 , the second cam surface 102113 can abut against the fourth cam surface 10342 .

[0084] In the present application, along the extension direction of the axis of each corresponding shaft, the cam surface may include a raised portion and a recessed portion, and an inclined surface may exist in the process of transitioning from the raised portion to the recessed portion, or vice versa. From the above description of the two end face cams in the embodiment shown in FIG4 that can provide a damping force when the inclined surfaces contact each other, it can be understood that during the rotation of the first swing arm 1011 and the second swing arm 1021 around the corresponding rotating shaft, the inclined surfaces of the two abutting cam surfaces can generate a corresponding damping force when they contact each other. The existence of this damping force can realize the self-expansion function of the electronic device at the end stage of the expanded state, and the self-closing function at the end stage of the closed state. Under the action of this damping force, the user can have a more obvious sense of frustration when opening and closing the electronic device, thereby improving the user experience.

[0085] It can be understood that in the present application, the elastic module 1033 can also be mounted on the first rotating shaft 1012 and the second rotating shaft 1022, so as to enhance the elastic force applied by the elastic module 1033 to the first connected cam 1034, so that the first cam surface 101113 and the third cam surface 10341 and the second cam surface 102113 and the fourth cam surface 10342 can be reliably abutted.

[0086] Continuing with Figure 6b , each gear member 10312 may be provided with a fifth cam surface 103122 on the end facing the first integrated cam 1034, while the first integrated cam 1034 may be provided with a sixth cam surface 10343 on the end facing each gear member 10312. Along the axis of the intermediate shaft 10311, under the elastic force of the elastic module 1033, the fifth cam surface 103122 may abut against the sixth cam surface 10343. This generates a damping force between the gear member 10312 and the first integrated cam 1034 as the first and second swing arms 1011 and 1021 drive the gear member 10312 to rotate about the intermediate shaft 10311. This allows the hinge mechanism 1 to provide greater damping force, thereby improving the stability of the electronic device incorporating the hinge mechanism 1 in its extended, closed, or intermediate positions. Furthermore, this effectively enhances the user's feel when opening and closing the electronic device, enhancing the user experience.

[0087] As can be seen from the above, increasing the number of abutting cam surfaces can increase the damping force provided by the rotating shaft mechanism 1. Based on this, and with continued reference to Figures 5 and 6b, the damping module 103 can further include a second conjoined cam 1035, which is sleeved between the first rotating shaft 1012 and the second rotating shaft 1022. The first swing arm 1011 is positioned between the first conjoined cam 1034 and the second conjoined cam 1035, and the second swing arm 1021 is positioned between the first conjoined cam 1034 and the second conjoined cam 1035. Furthermore, a seventh cam surface 101114 is provided at the end of the first swing arm 1011 facing the second conjoined cam 1035. This seventh cam surface 101114 can be provided, for example, at the end of the first connecting portion 10321. The end of the second swing arm 1021 facing the second integrated cam 1035 is provided with an eighth cam surface 102114, which can be exemplarily provided at the end of the second connecting portion 10322. The end of the second integrated cam 1035 facing the first swing arm 1011 is provided with a ninth cam surface 10351, and the end of the second integrated cam 1035 facing the second swing arm 1021 is provided with a tenth cam surface 10352. Along the axis of the first rotating shaft 1012, under the elastic force of the elastic module 1033, the seventh cam surface 101114 abuts against the ninth cam surface 10351. Along the axis of the second rotating shaft 1022, under the elastic force of the elastic module 1033, the eighth cam surface 102114 abuts against the tenth cam surface 10352, thereby enabling the rotating shaft mechanism 1 to provide a greater damping force.

[0088] It can be understood that the portion of the second connected cam 1035 provided with the ninth cam surface 10351 can be sleeved on the first rotating shaft 1012. In addition, referring to Figures 5 and 6b, the first rotating shaft 1012 can also be provided with a first stop portion 10121. The portion of the second connected cam 1035 sleeved on the first rotating shaft 1012 can be located between the first stop portion 10121 and the first swing arm 1011, and along the extension direction of the axis of the first rotating shaft 1012, the second connected cam 1035 can abut against the first stop portion 10121. Similarly, the portion of the second integrated cam 1035 provided with the tenth cam surface 10352 can be sleeved on the second rotating shaft 1022. The second rotating shaft 1022 can also be provided with a second stopper 10221. The portion of the second integrated cam 1035 sleeved on the second rotating shaft 1022 can be located between the second stopper 10221 and the second swing arm 1021. Along the extension direction of the axis of the second rotating shaft 1022, the second integrated cam 1035 can abut against the second stopper 10221. The first stopper 10121 and the second stopper 10221 can limit the movement of the second integrated cam 1035 along the extension direction of the axis of the first rotating shaft 1012 and the second rotating shaft 1022, thereby preventing the second integrated cam 1035 from falling off the first rotating shaft 1012 and the second rotating shaft 1022, thereby improving the structural reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0089] In the present application, to enable the elastic module 1033 to compress the first conjoined cam 1034, the first swing arm 1011, and the second conjoined cam 1035, and to compress the first conjoined cam 1034, the second swing arm 1021, and the second conjoined cam 1035, the damping module 103 may further include a first stopper 1036. Continuing with Figures 5 and 6b, the elastic module 1033 may be positioned between the first conjoined cam 1034 and the first stopper 1036. One end of the first stopper 1036 may be engaged with the first rotating shaft 1012, and the other end of the first stopper 1036 may be engaged with the second rotating shaft 1022. In addition, along the extension direction of the axis of the first rotating shaft 1012, the elastic module 1033 and the first limiting member 1036 can abut against each other, thereby preventing the various structures set on the first rotating shaft 1012 and the second rotating shaft 1022 from falling off the corresponding rotating shaft, thereby improving the structural reliability of the damping module 103.

[0090] Continuing with FIG6b , to achieve a position-limiting engagement between the first stopper 1036 and the first rotating shaft 1012, a first contraction portion 10122 may be provided on the first rotating shaft 1012. A first latch 10361 may be provided at one end of the first stopper 1036, which is engaged with the first contraction portion 10122. Similarly, the second rotating shaft 1022 may be provided with a second contraction portion 10222, and a second latch 10362 may be provided at the other end of the first stopper 1036, which is engaged with the second contraction portion 10222. In this application, a contraction portion refers to a portion of a shaft with a reduced diameter.

[0091] Furthermore, in the damping module 103 shown in FIG5 and FIG6 b , cam surfaces are provided at both ends of the first swing arm 1011 along the extending direction of the axis of the first rotating shaft 1012, and cam surfaces are provided at both ends of the second swing arm 1021 along the extending direction of the axis of the second rotating shaft 1022, while the gear member 10312 is provided with a cam surface only at the end facing the first integrated cam 1034. Therefore, in order to improve the abutment reliability between the fifth cam surface 103122 of the gear member 10312 and the sixth cam surface 10343 of the first integrated cam 1034, the damping module 103 may further include a second stopper 1037. The second limiting member 1037 is located between the first connected cam 1034 and the elastic module 1033. The second limiting member 1037 is limitedly engaged with each intermediate shaft 10311, and the first connected cam 1034 is in abutment with the second limiting member 1037, thereby limiting the axial movement of the first connected cam 1034 along the intermediate shaft 10311, so that the fifth cam surface 103122 is in abutment with the sixth cam surface 10343 in the extension direction of the axis of each intermediate shaft 10311 under the action of the abutment force between the first connected cam 1034 and the second limiting member 1037.

[0092] Continuing with Figure 6b , to achieve a position-limiting engagement between the second stopper 1037 and each intermediate shaft 10311, the second stopper 1037 may be provided with a third retaining hole 10371, and the shaft body 103111 of each intermediate shaft 10311 may be provided with a third contracting portion 103113, as shown in Figure 7a . The third retaining hole 10371 may be retained within the third contracting portion 103113. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the second stopper 1037 may move within the third contracting portion 103113 along the axis of the intermediate shaft 10311, thereby enabling the first integrated cam 1034 to move along the axis of the intermediate shaft 10311 as the gear member 10312 rotates about the intermediate shaft 10311.

[0093] Continuing with FIG. 7 a , when the third contraction portion 103113 is specifically provided, the third contraction portion 103113 includes a stop shoulder 1031131. Referring also to FIG. 6 b and FIG. 7 a , along the extending direction of the axis of each intermediate shaft 10311, the second stopper 1037 is located between the first integrated cam 1034 and the stop shoulder 1031131. When the top of the raised portion of the fifth cam surface 103122 of the gear member 10312 is flush with the top of the raised portion of the sixth cam surface 10343 of the first integrated cam 1034, the second stopper 1037 abuts against the stop shoulder 1031131. Based on this, the maximum distance that the second limiting member 1037 can move relative to the gear member 10312 in the third contraction portion 103113 can be limited. Since the first connected cam 1034 is always in contact with the second limiting member 1037, the structural setting of the above-mentioned third contraction portion 103113 can also limit the relative position of the first connected cam 1034 and the gear member 10312, thereby improving the reliability of the contact between the first connected cam 1034 and the cam surface of the gear member 10312, and improving the reliability of the connection between the plug-in portion 103121 of the gear member 10312 and the tapered groove 1031121 of the mounting portion 103112.

[0094] It is worth mentioning that the abutment between the first integrated cam 1034 and the second limiting member 1037 mentioned above in this application can be achieved in the following two situations: when the second limiting member 1037 moves in the third contraction portion 103113 along the extension direction of the axis of the intermediate shaft 10311, the first integrated cam 1034 and the second limiting member 1037 can abut against each other under the elastic force of the elastic module 1033. In addition, when the second limiting member 1037 abuts against the stop shoulder 1031131, the first integrated cam 1034 and the second limiting member 1037 can abut against each other under the elastic force of the elastic module 1033 and the abutment force between the second limiting member 1037 and the stop shoulder 1031131. Regardless of the circumstances, the first connected cam 1034 and the second limiting member 1037 are always in abutment, and under the action of the abutment force between the first connected cam 1034 and the second limiting member 1037, the fifth cam surface 103122 and the sixth cam surface 10343 are always in abutment.

[0095] In addition, as shown in Figures 5 and 6b, a side of the first integrated cam 1034 facing the second stopper 1037 may be provided with a receiving groove 10344, so that at least a portion of the second stopper 1037 may be received in the receiving groove 10344. This allows the first integrated cam 1034 and the second stopper 1037 to be arranged more compactly, and effectively reduces the dimension of the first integrated cam 1034 along the axis of the intermediate shaft 10311, thereby facilitating a reduction in the volume of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 and achieving a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0096] 5 and 6 b , in the embodiment of the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may further include a fixing bracket 1038. The fixing bracket 1038 may be located between the elastic module 1033 and the first stopper 1036, and the elastic module 1033 presses the fixing bracket 1038 toward the first stopper 1036. In addition, the first rotating shaft 1012, the second rotating shaft 1022, and each intermediate shaft 10311 may all be passed through the fixing bracket 1038, so that the fixing bracket 1038 can support the first rotating shaft 1012, the second rotating shaft 1022, and each intermediate shaft 10311, thereby improving the structural stability of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0097] Referring to Figure 10 , Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Unlike the rotating shaft mechanism 1 shown in Figures 5 and 6b above, the damping module 103 in Figure 10 replaces the second conjoined cam 1035 with a connector 1039. Specifically, the first swing arm 1011 is positioned between the connector 1039 and the first conjoined cam 1034, and the second swing arm 1021 is positioned between the connector 1039 and the first conjoined cam 1034. One end of the connector 1039 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 1012, and the other end of the connector 1039 is sleeved on the second rotating shaft 1022. The connector 1039 can be used to support the first rotating shaft 1012 and the second rotating shaft 1022.

[0098] In addition, reference may be made to FIG11 , which is an exploded view of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 shown in FIG10 . A first flat surface 101115 is provided at the end of the first swing arm 1011 facing the connecting member 1039. This first flat surface 101115 can be provided, for example, at the end of the first rotating portion 10111. A second flat surface 102115 is provided at the end of the second swing arm 1021 facing the connecting member 1039. This second flat surface 102115 can be provided, for example, at the end of the second rotating portion 10211. A third flat surface 10391 is provided at the end of the connecting member 1039 facing the first swing arm 1011, and a fourth flat surface 10392 is provided at the end of the connecting member 1039 facing the second swing arm 1021. The first flat surface 101115 abuts against the third flat surface 10391, and the second flat surface 102115 abuts against the fourth flat surface 10392. In this way, during the rotation of the first swing arm 1011 and the second swing arm 1021 relative to the damping bracket 1032, the friction force generated by the relative rotation of the abutting planes between the first swing arm 1011 and the connecting member 1039, and between the second swing arm 1021 and the connecting member 1039 can also be output as a state maintaining force, which is beneficial to improving the stability of the electronic device using the hinge mechanism when hovering in any rotation state.

[0099] In this embodiment, since the first swing arm 1011, the second swing arm 1021, and the gear member 10312 are each provided with only cam surfaces that abut against the first integrated cam 1034, the first integrated cam 1034 can maintain stable contact with the first swing arm 1011, the second swing arm 1021, and the gear member 10312 under the elastic force of the elastic assembly. Therefore, the damping module 103 need not be provided with the second stopper 1037 shown in FIG. 6b, and the intermediate shaft 10311 does not have the third contraction portion 103113. Of course, to improve the reliability of the abutment between the first integrated cam 1034 and the first swing arm 1011, the second swing arm 1021, and the gear member 10312, the second stopper 1037 may also be retained. Furthermore, the other structures of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 can be configured with reference to the rotating shaft mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6b, and will not be described in detail here.

[0100] In the present application, the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism described above can be modified to obtain some other possible structures of the rotating shaft mechanism, which should all be understood to fall within the scope of protection of the present application and will not be introduced one by one here. For example, based on the rotating shaft mechanism 1 shown in Figures 5 and 6b, along the extension direction of the axis of the first rotating shaft 1012 and the axis of the second rotating shaft 1022, the friction assembly 1031, the first connected cam 1034, the elastic module 1033 and the second limit member 1037 can be symmetrically arranged. In this case, the damping bracket 1032 can be omitted. In addition, the two symmetrically arranged friction assemblies 1031 can share the intermediate shaft 10311, and each intermediate shaft 10311 can be provided with two mounting portions 103112 for mounting the gear member 10312, thereby making the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 relatively simple.

[0101] From the above description of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, it can be seen that during the rotation of the gear member 10312 around the intermediate shaft 10311, the relative motion between the conical surface 1031211 of the plug-in portion 103121 and the groove surface 10311211 of the conical groove 1031121 of the mounting portion 103112 can generate friction, which can be used as a force to maintain the electronic device in a hovering state at any rotation angle. The damping force provided by the rotating shaft mechanism 1 is generated by the abutting cam surfaces. The structures generating the friction force and the damping force are relatively independent, which can help improve the structural reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 and extend the wear life of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. Furthermore, since there is friction generated by the gear part 10312 rotating around the intermediate axis 10311 during the entire process of the first swing arm 1011 and the second swing arm 1021 rotating around the corresponding rotating shaft, it can provide the electronic device with sufficient state retention force required to enable it to stably maintain the expanded state, closed state and intermediate state, thereby realizing the hovering of the electronic device in any state, thereby improving the user experience.

[0102] Furthermore, in the damping module 103 provided herein, the simultaneous presence of friction generated by the rotation of the gear member 10312 about the intermediate shaft 10311 and damping force generated by the abutting cam surfaces can help enhance the damping force provided by the entire damping module 103, thereby enabling an electronic device incorporating the damping module 103 to stably hover in a corresponding rotational state. Furthermore, because the two forces are decoupled from each other, they can exist independently. Thus, if one force fails, the other can achieve its desired effect. For example, if the friction assembly 1031 wears, the damping force generated by the abutting cam surfaces can still provide a certain degree of state retention for the electronic device, thereby enabling the electronic device to hover in its rotational state. Furthermore, if the abutting cam surfaces wear, the presence of friction can also provide a noticeable damping sensation when the user opens and closes the electronic device.

[0103] The hinge mechanism 1 provided in the above-described embodiments of the present application can be applied to the electronic device shown in Figures 1 and 2a. Furthermore, the hinge mechanism 1 can further include a first housing mount and a second housing mount. The first housing mount and the first rotating assembly 101 are located on the same side of the base 104, and the second housing mount and the second rotating assembly 102 are located on the same side of the base 104. A first swing arm 1011 can be slidably connected to the first housing mount, and a second swing arm 1021 can be slidably connected to the second housing mount. The sliding connection between the first and second swing arms 1011, 1021 and the corresponding housing mounts can be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, sliders can be provided on the first and second swing arms 1011, 1021, while slide grooves can be provided on the corresponding housing mounts. The sliders can slide along the slide grooves to achieve a sliding connection between the corresponding swing arms and the housing mounts. To improve the reliability of the connection between the swing arms and the corresponding housing mounts, the sliders can be retained within the slide grooves to prevent them from falling out during sliding.

[0104] In addition, when the above-mentioned hinge mechanism 1 is applied to an electronic device, the first shell fixing frame can be fixedly connected to the first shell 2, and the second shell fixing frame can be fixedly connected to the second shell 3. From the above introduction to the hinge mechanism 1 provided by the present application, it can be known that the damping module 103 in the hinge mechanism 1 can provide a large friction force, which can be transmitted to the shell on the corresponding side through the first rotating component 101 and the second rotating component 102, so that the electronic device can be stably maintained in the expanded state shown in Figure 2a, or the closed state shown in Figure 1, or in an intermediate state between the expanded state and the closed state, which is conducive to improving the user's experience. In addition, the existence of the damping force generated by the abutting cam surfaces in the hinge mechanism 1 can realize the self-expansion function of the electronic device at the end stage of the expanded state, and the self-closing function at the end stage of the closed state, and under the action of the damping force, the user can have a more obvious sense of frustration when opening and closing the electronic device, thereby improving the user experience.

[0105] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A rotating shaft mechanism, characterized in that: The invention comprises a base, a first rotating assembly, a second rotating assembly and a damping module, wherein the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the base, wherein: The damping module comprises an elastic module and an even number of friction components, each of the friction components comprises an intermediate shaft and a gear component, the intermediate shaft comprises a shaft body and a mounting portion, the shaft body is connected to the base, the mounting portion is arranged on the shaft body, and the mounting portion has a tapered groove, the opening of the tapered groove is opened toward the direction of the gear component; the gear component is rotatably connected to the intermediate shaft, the gear component comprises a plug-in portion, the plug-in portion has a tapered surface, the plug-in portion is inserted into the tapered groove, and along the extension direction of the axis of the intermediate shaft, under the elastic force of the elastic module, the tapered surface abuts against the groove surface of the tapered groove; the gear components of the even number of friction components are located between the first rotating component and the second rotating component, and the gear surfaces of two adjacent gear components are meshed; The first rotating component includes a first swing arm, which is rotatably connected to the base; the second rotating component includes a second swing arm, which is rotatably connected to the base; the end of the first swing arm facing the even number of gear parts is provided with a first gear surface, and the end of the second swing arm facing the even number of gear parts is provided with a second gear surface, the first gear surface is meshed with the gear surface of the adjacent gear part, and the second gear surface is meshed with the gear surface of the adjacent gear part.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The groove wall of the tapered groove is provided with at least two first notches, and along the circumference of the tapered groove, at least two first notches are arranged in a centrally symmetrical manner.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The plug-in portion is provided with at least two second notches, and along the circumference of the plug-in portion, at least two of the second notches are arranged in a centrally symmetrical manner.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The base has a receiving cavity, the damping module further comprises a damping bracket, the damping module is received in the receiving cavity, and the damping bracket is fixedly connected to the base; the shaft body is inserted into the damping bracket.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first rotating assembly also includes a first rotating shaft, the first rotating shaft is passed through the damping bracket, and the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft; the second rotating assembly also includes a second rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft is passed through the damping bracket, and the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the second rotating shaft.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The damping module further includes a first conjoined cam, which is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, and is located between the elastic module and the first swing arm, and between the elastic module and the second swing arm; The first swing arm has a first cam surface at the end facing the first connected cam, and the second swing arm has a second cam surface at the end facing the first connected cam; the first connected cam has a third cam surface at the end facing the first swing arm, and the first connected cam has a fourth cam surface at the end facing the second swing arm; along the extension direction of the axis of the first rotating shaft, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic module, the first cam surface abuts against the third cam surface; along the extension direction of the axis of the second rotating shaft, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic module, the second cam surface abuts against the fourth cam surface.

7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The damping module also includes a first limit member, the elastic module is located between the first connected cam and the first limit member, one end of the first limit member is clamped with the first rotating shaft limit, and the other end of the first limit member is clamped with the second rotating shaft limit; and along the extension direction of the axis of the first rotating shaft, the elastic module abuts against the first limit member.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first rotating shaft is provided with a first contraction portion, and the second rotating shaft is provided with a second contraction portion; the first limiting member is provided with a first bayonet and a second bayonet, the first bayonet is clamped in the first contraction portion, and the second bayonet is clamped in the second contraction portion.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that: A fifth cam surface is provided at the end of each gear part facing the first connected cam, and a sixth cam surface is provided at the end of the first connected cam facing each gear part. Along the extension direction of the axis of the intermediate shaft, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic module, the fifth cam surface abuts against the sixth cam surface.

10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that: The damping module also includes a second limit member, which is located between the first connected cam and the elastic module, and the second limit member is limitedly engaged with each of the intermediate shafts, and the first connected cam abuts against the second limit member; along the extension direction of the axis of each intermediate shaft, under the action of the abutment force between the first connected cam and the second limit member, the fifth cam surface abuts against the sixth cam surface.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that: The shaft body of each intermediate shaft is provided with a third contraction portion, the third contraction portion includes a stop shoulder, and along the extension direction of the axis of each intermediate shaft, the second stopper is located between the first connected cam and the stop shoulder; When the top of the raised portion of the fifth cam surface is flush with the top of the raised portion of the sixth cam surface, the second limiting member abuts against the blocking shoulder.

12. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that: The damping module further includes a second conjoined cam, which is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft; the first swing arm is located between the first conjoined cam and the second conjoined cam, the second swing arm is located between the first conjoined cam and the second conjoined cam, the end of the first swing arm facing the second conjoined cam is provided with a seventh cam surface, the end of the second swing arm facing the second conjoined cam is provided with an eighth cam surface, the end of the second conjoined cam facing the first swing arm is provided with a ninth cam surface, and the end of the second conjoined cam facing the second swing arm is provided with a tenth cam surface; Along the extension direction of the axis of the first rotating shaft, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic module, the seventh cam surface abuts against the ninth cam surface; along the extension direction of the axis of the second rotating shaft, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic module, the eighth cam surface abuts against the tenth cam surface.

13. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that: The damping module further includes a connecting member, which is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft; the first swing arm is located between the connecting member and the first conjoined cam, the second swing arm is located between the connecting member and the first conjoined cam, the end of the first swing arm facing the second connecting member is provided with a first plane, the end of the second swing arm facing the second connecting member is provided with a second plane, the end of the second connecting member facing the first swing arm has a third plane, and the end of the second conjoined cam facing the second swing arm has a fourth plane; Along the extension direction of the axis of the first rotating shaft, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic module, the first plane abuts against the third plane; along the extension direction of the axis of the second rotating shaft, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic module, the second plane abuts against the fourth plane.

14. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 13, characterized in that: The first swing arm comprises a first rotating part, and the first rotating part is provided with a first avoidance opening; the second swing arm comprises a second rotating part, and the second rotating part is provided with a second avoidance opening; The damping bracket includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part is inserted in the first avoidance opening, and the first rotating shaft is simultaneously passed through the first rotating part and the first connecting part; the second connecting part is inserted in the second avoidance opening, and the second rotating shaft is simultaneously passed through the second rotating part and the second connecting part.

15. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first swing arm further includes a first driving part, the first driving part is detachably connected to the first rotating part, and along the rotation direction of the first swing arm, the first driving part and the first rotating part are relatively fixed; the first gear surface is arranged on the first rotating part, or the first gear surface is arranged on the first driving part; The second swing arm includes a second driving part, which is detachably connected to the second rotating part, and is relatively fixed to the second rotating part along the rotation direction of the second swing arm; the second gear surface is arranged on the second rotating part, or the second gear surface is arranged on the second driving part.

16. An electronic device, characterized in that: It comprises a first shell, a second shell and a rotating shaft mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: the first shell and the second shell are arranged on opposite sides of the rotating shaft mechanism, the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first shell, and the second swing arm is slidably connected to the second shell.

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