Hinge device, folding device and foldable electronic device

Abstract

This application provides a hinge device, a folding device, and a foldable electronic device. The hinge device includes a base, a first pivot assembly, and a second pivot assembly. The compensation mechanism of each pivot assembly includes a first link, a second link, and a third link. The concentric portions of each link are rotatably connected to each other. The concentric portions of each link rotate relative to the base around a third axis. The rotating portion of the second link rotates relative to the base around the first axis under the drive of the main swing arm, and drives the concentric portions of each link to rotate relative to the base around the third axis. The movable plate and the third link rotate relative to each other around a fourth axis. When the main swing arm rotates relative to the base, the movable plate slides relative to the main swing arm to generate displacement in a direction closer to or farther from the base. The hinge device provided in this application embodiment can adjust the length of the folding device in a foldable electronic device, preventing the display screen from being squeezed or stretched during folding and unfolding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic devices, and in particular to a hinge device, a folding device, and a foldable electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of flexible displays, foldability has become an important direction in the development of electronic devices. Foldable electronic devices consist of two parts that can rotate relative to each other, connected by a hinge mechanism to achieve folding and unfolding to meet different usage scenarios. The foldable electronic device as a whole consists of a folding mechanism (also called a housing assembly, with the hinge mechanism located within the folding mechanism) and a display screen, which is placed on one side of the folding mechanism. When the foldable electronic device is folded and unfolded, the display screen folds and unfolds along with the folding mechanism. However, because the folding mechanism and the display screen are stacked and both have a certain thickness, there is a path difference between the display screen and the folding mechanism during folding and unfolding.

[0003] Foldable electronic devices are categorized into inward-folding and outward-folding types. Inward-folding devices, where the folding mechanism surrounds the display screen in the folded state, and outward-folding devices, where the display screen surrounds the folding mechanism in the folded state, are examples of foldable electronic devices. Taking an inward-folding device as an example, when the display screen and folding mechanism are not fixed, and the device is in its unfolded state, the display screen and folding mechanism are aligned and of equal length. If the device is then switched to its folded state, the display screen and folding mechanism become misaligned, with both ends protruding from the mechanism. To ensure that both ends of the display screen and folding mechanism are aligned in the folded state, the outer folding mechanism must be longer than the inner display screen. This means that the length of the folding mechanism needs to be adjusted during the unfolding and folding of the foldable electronic device to accommodate different display screen shapes. In actual products, the ends of the display screen are often fixed to the folding mechanism. If the length of the folding mechanism cannot be adjusted during unfolding and folding, the display screen may be compressed or stretched, potentially damaging it.

[0004] Existing foldable electronic devices cannot adjust the length of the folding mechanism. For example, one existing technology includes a hinge cover and a first and second rotating arm rotatably connected to both sides of the hinge cover. The first rotating arm is fixed to a first housing, and the second rotating arm is fixed to a second housing. The first and second rotating arms rotate relative to each other via a pair of meshing gears, thereby causing the first and second housings to rotate relative to each other. The two ends of the display screen are fixed to the first and second housings respectively, thus unfolding and folding together with the first and second housings. This structure cannot adjust the length of the folding mechanism. Because the display screen is fixed to the first and second housings respectively, the display screen is subject to compression and is at risk of damage when the foldable electronic device is folded.

[0005] It is evident that existing foldable electronic devices cannot adjust the length of the folding mechanism, causing the display screen to be squeezed or stretched during folding and unfolding, thus posing a risk of damage. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The hinge device, folding device, and foldable electronic device provided in this application embodiment solve the problem that in the prior art, the length of the folding device cannot be adjusted in the foldable electronic device, which causes the display screen to be squeezed or stretched during the folding and unfolding process, and faces the risk of damage.

[0007] This application provides a hinge device for a foldable electronic device, including a base, a first pivot assembly and a second pivot assembly. The first pivot assembly and the second pivot assembly are respectively disposed on both sides of the base in a first direction and are rotatably connected to the base. Each pivot assembly in the first pivot assembly and the second pivot assembly includes a main swing arm, a movable plate and a compensation mechanism.

[0008] A main shaft is mounted on the base, and a main swing arm is rotatably connected to the base via the main shaft, allowing the main swing arm to rotate relative to the base around a first axis. The first axis extends along a second direction, which is the extension direction of the main shaft and is perpendicular to the first direction. A movable plate is rotatably connected to the base via the main swing arm, with the rotation axis being the first axis, and the movable plate is slidably connected to the main swing arm.

[0009] The compensation mechanism includes a first link, a second link, and a third link. Each link in the first link, the second link, and the third link includes a concentric part and a rotating part that are spaced apart. The concentric parts of each link are rotatably connected to each other, and the axis of rotation between any two links is the second axis.

[0010] The first link is rotatably connected to the base via its rotating part, so that the concentric parts of each link rotate relative to the base about a third axis. The second link is rotatably connected to the base via its rotating part, and the rotating part of the second link is mounted on the main shaft or main swing arm, so that it rotates relative to the base about a first axis under the drive of the main swing arm, and drives the concentric parts of each link to rotate relative to the base about a third axis. The third link is rotatably connected to the movable plate via its rotating part, and the axis of rotation between the movable plate and the third link is a fourth axis. The second, third, and fourth axes all extend along a second direction.

[0011] When the main swing arm rotates relative to the base, the movable plate slides relative to the main swing arm under the action of the main swing arm and the compensation mechanism, thereby displacing itself towards or away from the base. The movable plate of the first rotating shaft assembly is fixedly connected to the first housing of the foldable electronic device, and the movable plate of the second rotating shaft assembly is fixedly connected to the second housing of the foldable electronic device.

[0012] The hinge device provided in this application embodiment is used to realize the unfolding and folding of a foldable electronic device. The first housing of the foldable electronic device is mounted on the movable plate of the first pivot assembly, and the second housing is mounted on the movable plate of the second pivot assembly. During the folding process of the foldable electronic device, the main swing arms of the first pivot assembly and the second pivot assembly rotate relative to the base, so that the main swing arms of each pivot assembly rotate relative to each other, thereby driving the movable plates of each pivot assembly to rotate relative to each other, so that the first housing and the second housing of the foldable electronic device rotate relative to each other.

[0013] The movable plate is slidably connected to the main swing arm, and each rotating shaft assembly is equipped with a compensation mechanism. The compensation mechanism includes a first link, a second link, and a third link, with their concentric parts connected concentrically, and the second axis is a concentric axis. When the foldable electronic device is folded and unfolded, the rotation of the first link relative to the base and the eccentric movement of the rotating part of the second link jointly control the movement trajectory of the second axis, causing the second axis to rotate relative to the base and drive the movement of the rotating part of the third link, thereby causing the movable plate to slide relative to the main swing arm. Driven by the main swing arm and the compensation mechanism, the movable plate slides relative to the main swing arm, displacing itself towards or away from the base, thus changing the distance between the movable plate and the base.

[0014] Furthermore, the first and second housings of the foldable electronic device also shift towards or away from the base under the influence of the movable plates. The overall length of the folding device, comprised of the first and second housings and the hinge mechanism, is adjusted to accommodate different display screen shapes. In inward-folding electronic devices, when the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, the movable plates of each hinge assembly are closer to the base, resulting in a shorter overall length of the folding device. When the foldable electronic device is in the folded state, the movable plates of each hinge assembly are farther from the base, resulting in a longer overall length of the folding device. This allows it to adapt to the length of the display screen and prevents the screen from being stretched or compressed.

[0015] As can be seen, the hinge device provided in this application can adjust the length of the folding device in foldable electronic devices, so as to prevent the display screen from being squeezed or stretched during folding and unfolding, and prevent damage to the display screen.

[0016] Furthermore, the three links in the compensation mechanism rotate together around the second axis, sharing a concentric axis, resulting in structural stability, minimal assembly errors, and high precision in the movement trajectory of each link. Moreover, the overall structure of the compensation mechanism is compact, occupying little space, and can be positioned below the display screen (i.e., within the installation space between the display screen and the base, without needing to place the compensation mechanism on either side of the base along its length to avoid obstructing the display screen). This facilitates the narrow bezel design of foldable electronic devices, maximizing the display screen's size.

[0017] In some embodiments, each rotating shaft assembly further includes an eccentric shaft. The rotating part of the second connecting rod is mounted on the main shaft and rotatably connected to the main shaft via the eccentric shaft. The eccentric shaft passes through the main shaft, and the rotating part of the second connecting rod is configured as a sleeve structure and sleeved on the outer circumference of the eccentric shaft. When the rotating part of the second connecting rod rotates relative to the base around the first axis under the drive of the main swing arm, the second connecting rod rotates relative to the main shaft around the fifth axis. The fifth axis is the axis of the eccentric shaft and is parallel to the first axis.

[0018] With the above scheme, the second link is connected to the main shaft through a solid shaft. The connection between the eccentric shaft and the main shaft has high strength and stability, and the rotation trajectory of the second link has high accuracy.

[0019] In some embodiments, a shaft hole is provided on the spindle, and the shaft hole and the axis of the spindle are spaced apart radially in the spindle. The eccentric shaft passes through the shaft hole. The shaft hole is provided on the outer wall surface of the spindle, and a notch is formed on the outer wall surface of the spindle. Along the radial direction of the spindle, a portion of the structure of the eccentric shaft is embedded in the spindle. The notch on the outer wall surface of the spindle facilitates the installation of the eccentric shaft on the spindle.

[0020] In some embodiments, in each pivot assembly, the third axis is located in a first direction on the side of the first axis closer to another pivot assembly.

[0021] Using the above scheme, the third axis of the first and second rotating shaft assemblies can overlap and be shared, saving space.

[0022] In some embodiments, in each shaft assembly, the concentric portion of the first link includes a first connecting portion, the concentric portion of the second link includes two second connecting portions spaced apart in a second direction, and the concentric portion of the third link includes two third connecting portions spaced apart in a second direction.

[0023] Along the second direction, the two third connecting parts of the third link are disposed between the two second connecting parts of the second link, and the first connecting part of the first link is disposed between the two third connecting parts of the third link.

[0024] The compensation mechanism also includes a concentric shaft. Each of the first connecting part, the two second connecting parts, and the two third connecting parts is configured as a sleeve structure, and each connecting part is centered in the second direction. The concentric shaft passes through each connecting part, so that any two connecting rods can rotate relative to each other around the second axis.

[0025] Using the above scheme, the connecting rods are connected by concentric shafts, resulting in a stable structure with small assembly errors and high accuracy of the connecting rod's motion trajectory.

[0026] In some embodiments, the rotating portion of the first link is connected to the first connecting portion via a first connecting plate, the rotating portion of the second link is connected to the two second connecting portions via a second connecting plate, and the rotating portion of the third link is connected to the two third connecting portions via a third connecting plate. The first connecting plate, the second connecting plate, and the third connecting plate are all configured as plate-shaped structures.

[0027] Using the above solution, the plate-like structure is relatively stable, not easily deformed, and highly reliable. Furthermore, the connecting rods of the plate-like structure can be processed into bent shapes according to the shape and position of various components in the actual product, allowing them to avoid other structural parts, such as the appearance parts on the base, reducing openings on the appearance parts and giving the product a complete appearance.

[0028] In some embodiments, the rotating portion, the first connecting portion, and the first connecting plate of the first link are configured as an integral structure. The rotating portion, the two second connecting portions, and the second connecting plate of the second link are configured as an integral structure; the rotating portion, the two third connecting portions, and the third connecting plate of the third link are configured as an integral structure.

[0029] Each connecting rod is a one-piece molded structure, which is more robust and simplifies the production and installation process.

[0030] In some embodiments, the main swing arm includes a main body and two connecting arms connected to the main body. The two connecting arms are fixedly connected to a main shaft. The main shaft rotates relative to the base around a first axis under the drive of the main swing arm, so that the main swing arm rotates relative to the base around the first axis. The movable plate includes a main body and a rotating connector connected to the main body. The rotating connector is rotatably connected to the rotating part of the third link, so that the third link is rotatably connected to the movable plate.

[0031] The main body of the main swing arm and the main body of the movable plate are stacked and slidably connected by at least one sliding structure; each sliding structure includes a slide rail and a slider that are slidably connected to each other, one of the slide rail and the slider is disposed on the main body of the movable plate and the other is disposed on the main body of the main swing arm.

[0032] Using the above scheme, the main swing arm and the movable plate are connected by a sliding structure to achieve relative sliding between them.

[0033] In some embodiments, the main shaft includes a first shaft and a second shaft spaced apart in a second direction. Each of the two connecting arms of the main swing arm is configured as a sleeve structure. One connecting arm is sleeved and fixed to the first shaft, and the other is sleeved and fixed to the second shaft. When each rotating shaft assembly rotates relative to the base, the first shaft and the second shaft of the main shaft rotate synchronously.

[0034] The main swing arm has a first hollow section on its main body. The first hollow section is located between the two connecting arms in the second direction and is connected to the space between the two connecting arms. The two connecting arms and the main body surround each other to form an accommodating space, and the entire compensation mechanism is located within the accommodating space.

[0035] The above-mentioned solution, which splits the main shaft into two parts and sets the first hollow part on the main swing arm, is to avoid the structure of the compensation mechanism. The compensation mechanism is housed in the cavity between the main shaft and the main swing arm, making the overall structure of the hinge device more compact and saving space.

[0036] In some possible embodiments, the rotating connector of the movable plate includes two rotating arms spaced apart along a second direction, and the rotating part of the third link is disposed between the two rotating arms.

[0037] The rotating part of the third link and the two connecting arms of the movable plate are both set as sleeve structures and are centered along the second direction. The compensation mechanism also includes a rotating connecting shaft, which passes through the rotating part of the third link and the two connecting arms of the movable plate, so that the third link is rotatably connected to the movable plate.

[0038] In some embodiments, the main body of the main swing arm and the main body of the movable plate are slidably connected by two sliding structures. The main body of the movable plate is provided with a first protrusion, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion arranged sequentially at intervals along a second direction, each of the first, second, and third protrusions protruding from the main body towards the side closest to the main swing arm. The main body of the main swing arm is entirely located between the first and third protrusions in the second direction, and the main body is provided with a groove corresponding to the second protrusion, the second protrusion being embedded in the groove and sliding within the groove.

[0039] Along the second direction, a slide rail is formed between the first and second protrusions, and another slide rail is formed between the second and third protrusions. The portions of the main swing arm's body located on both sides of the groove each form a slider, with each slider corresponding to a slide rail. Designing the main body itself as a slider simplifies the structure and provides a large sliding connection area between the main swing arm and the movable plate.

[0040] In some embodiments, each pivot assembly further includes a support plate for supporting the display screen of the foldable electronic device and is stacked on the side of the movable plate opposite to the main swing arm.

[0041] The support plate is slidably connected to the movable plate and the main swing arm respectively. When the main swing arm rotates relative to the base around the first axis, the support plate slides relative to the main swing arm under the drive of the movable plate, and slides relative to the movable plate along an arc trajectory. The support plate rotates relative to the movable plate around the sixth axis, and the sixth axis extends along the second direction.

[0042] Using the above solution, during the rotation of the main swing arm, the support plate not only slides relative to the main swing arm along with the movable plate, but also rotates relative to the movable plate, so that the support plate and the movable plate present different angles to support the display screen in different states.

[0043] In some embodiments, the support plate includes a plate body, a first boss, and two second bosses located on both sides of the first boss in a second direction. Each of the first boss and the two second bosses is connected to the plate body and protrudes from the plate body toward the side closer to the main swing arm.

[0044] The main swing arm includes a connecting platform protruding from the main body towards the side near the support plate. A second hollow portion is provided on the main body of the movable plate. The connecting platform of the main swing arm and the first protrusion of the support plate are both accommodated in the second hollow portion of the movable plate and are slidably connected to each other, allowing the support plate and the movable plate to slide together. The movable plate is stacked between the main swing arm and the support plate. To avoid obstructing the connection between the main swing arm and the support plate, corresponding positions on the movable plate are hollowed out.

[0045] The movable plate is positioned between the two second protrusions of the support plate in the second direction. Arc-shaped slide rails are provided at both ends of the movable plate. Each of the two second protrusions is set in an arc-shaped structure and slides in the corresponding arc-shaped slide rail. The support plate slides relative to the movable plate along the arc-shaped trajectory.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first boss of the support plate is provided with an arc-shaped hole, the arc-shaped hole penetrates the first boss along the second direction and extends along an arc in a plane perpendicular to the second direction, and the connecting platform of the main swing arm includes two connecting brackets spaced apart in the second direction, and the first boss is located between the two connecting brackets.

[0047] The connecting platform of the main swing arm also includes a slide rod. The two ends of the slide rod are installed on two connecting brackets, and the slide rod passes through the arc-shaped hole of the first boss. The slide rod slides in the arc-shaped hole, so that the support plate slides relative to the main swing arm along the arc-shaped trajectory.

[0048] In some embodiments, the hinge device further includes a fixed bracket disposed on the base, wherein the rotating part of the first link in each pivot assembly is rotatably connected to the fixed bracket, such that the first link of each pivot assembly is rotatably connected to the base, and the third axis of each pivot assembly coincides.

[0049] With the above scheme, the first pivot assembly and the second pivot assembly share a third axis. This design is more compact and reduces the space occupied by the hinge device in the first direction.

[0050] In some embodiments, the fixed bracket includes a first bracket and a second bracket spaced apart in a second direction, the rotating part of the first connecting rod in each rotating shaft assembly is disposed between the first bracket and the second bracket, and the rotating part of the first connecting rod in the first rotating shaft assembly is rotatably connected to the first bracket, and the rotating part of the second connecting rod in the second rotating shaft assembly is rotatably connected to the second bracket.

[0051] The hinge device also includes a fixed shaft. The first bracket, the second bracket, and the rotating part of the first connecting rod in each rotating shaft assembly are all configured as sleeve structures and are centered in the second direction. The fixed shaft passes through the first bracket, the rotating part of the first connecting rod in the first rotating shaft assembly, the rotating part of the first connecting rod in the second rotating shaft assembly, and the second bracket in sequence, so that the first connecting rod of each rotating shaft assembly is rotatably connected to the base.

[0052] In some embodiments, the base includes a base plate, a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed opposite to each other in a first direction, and a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall disposed opposite to each other in a second direction. The base plate, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall surround to form a receiving groove. The main shaft of each rotating shaft assembly is disposed in the receiving groove, and a portion of the compensation mechanism is located in the receiving groove.

[0053] The base also includes a cover plate, which is disposed opposite to the base plate in a third direction and is used to support the display screen of the foldable electronic device; wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction.

[0054] The cover plate is used to support the foldable part of the display screen. When the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, the support plates of each hinge assembly and the cover plate of the base are connected to form a flat plate structure, which together support the various parts of the display screen.

[0055] In some embodiments, the hinge device further includes a first damping structure and a second damping structure, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the base in a first direction.

[0056] Each damping structure in the first and second damping structures includes a damping shaft and a damping swing arm. The damping shaft is rotatably connected to the base, and the damping swing arm is fixed to the damping shaft so as to rotatably connect the damping swing arm to the base through the damping shaft. The damping swing arm of the first damping structure is fixedly connected to the main swing arm of the first rotating shaft assembly so as to rotate relative to the base around the first axis of the first rotating shaft assembly under the drive of the main swing arm. The damping swing arm of the second damping structure is fixedly connected to the main swing arm of the second rotating shaft assembly so as to rotate relative to the base around the first axis of the second rotating shaft assembly under the drive of the main swing arm.

[0057] Each damping structure further includes at least one damping module. Each damping module includes an elastic element, a first gear, and a bushing respectively passing through the damping shaft. The bushing is disposed between the elastic element and the first gear in the second direction. The bushing is sleeved outside the damping shaft. The first gear is disposed on the damping shaft and fixed relative to the damping shaft so that it can rotate relative to the base and relative to the bushing under the drive of the damping shaft.

[0058] The first gear includes a first end face facing the bushing, and the bushing includes a second end face facing the first gear. The elastic element applies an elastic force to the bushing and the first gear through its own deformation, and the first end face and the second end face press against each other.

[0059] Using the above scheme, the damping structure can generate damping force, allowing the foldable electronic device to hover at a specific angle during the opening or folding process.

[0060] In some embodiments, each damping structure includes two damping modules, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the damping swing arm in a second direction, and the elastic element of each damping module is disposed on the side of the bushing away from the damping swing arm. In each damping module, the end of the elastic element away from the damping swing arm is fixed relative to the base, and the other end is used to press against the bushing and the first gear.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first gears of the first damping structure and the second damping structure are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence in the second direction. A synchronization mechanism is provided between each pair of corresponding first gears. The synchronization mechanism includes a second gear and a third gear that mesh with each other. The second gear meshes with one of the first gears, and the third gear meshes with the other first gear. When the damping swing arm of any damping structure rotates under the drive of the corresponding rotating shaft assembly, the damping swing arm of the other damping structure is driven to rotate through the synchronization mechanism. The first rotating shaft assembly and the second rotating shaft assembly rotate synchronously.

[0062] With the above solution, when the user rotates one side of the foldable electronic device, the other side rotates synchronously under the action of the synchronizing mechanism, making it more convenient to use and improving the customer experience.

[0063] This application embodiment also provides a folding device, including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge device provided in any of the above embodiments. The first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on both sides of the hinge device in a first direction. The movable plate of the first rotating shaft assembly is fixedly connected to the first housing, and the movable plate of the second rotating shaft assembly is fixedly connected to the second housing. When the first housing and the second housing rotate relative to each other, they are displaced in the direction closer to or farther from the base.

[0064] The folding device provided in this application embodiment can adjust the length during the opening and folding of the foldable electronic device to adapt to different shapes of the display screen and prevent the display screen from being stretched or squeezed.

[0065] This application also provides a foldable electronic device, including a display screen and a folding device provided in any of the above embodiments, wherein the display screen is disposed on the folding device; wherein, when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the folding device surrounds the outside of the display screen.

[0066] The foldable electronic device provided in this application embodiment can adjust the length of the folding device during the opening and folding process to adapt to different shapes of the display screen and prevent the display screen from being stretched or squeezed. Attached Figure Description

[0067] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in its unfolded state.

[0068] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in its folded state.

[0069] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable electronic device in the unfolded state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 3bThis is a schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device in the folded state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 3c This is an exploded structural diagram of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figures 4-5 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge device according to an embodiment of this application, wherein, Figure 4 Corresponding to the unfolded state of foldable electronic devices, Figure 5 Corresponding to the folded state of foldable electronic devices;

[0073] Figure 6a This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the hinge device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 6b This is a top view of the hinge device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 6c for Figure 6b A magnified view of part G in the middle;

[0076] Figure 7a This is a schematic diagram of the hinge device without the support plate in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 7b for Figure 7a A magnified view of part H in the middle;

[0078] Figure 7c for Figure 7b A schematic diagram of the structure after removing the cover plate;

[0079] Figure 7d for Figure 7c A magnified view of part C in the middle;

[0080] Figure 8a This is an exploded view of the hinge device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 8b for Figure 8a A magnified view of part E in the middle;

[0082] Figures 9a-9b for Figure 7d A cross-sectional view along the AA direction, wherein, Figure 9a Corresponding to the folded state of foldable electronic devices, Figure 9b The unfolded state corresponding to foldable electronic devices;

[0083] Figures 10a-10b This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the folding device according to an embodiment of this application, wherein, Figure 10a Corresponding to the folded state of foldable electronic devices, Figure 10bCorresponding to the unfolded state of foldable electronic devices, and Figures 10a-10b The cross-sectional position and Figures 9a-9b Consistent;

[0084] Figures 11a-11b for Figure 7d A sectional view along the BB direction, wherein, Figure 11a Corresponding to the folded state of foldable electronic devices, Figure 11b The unfolded state corresponding to foldable electronic devices;

[0085] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the compensation mechanism in the hinge device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 13 This is an exploded structural diagram of the compensation mechanism in the hinge device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the main swing arm in the hinge device of this application embodiment;

[0088] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the movable plate and the third link in the hinge device of this application embodiment;

[0089] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the main swing arm and the movable plate in the hinge device of this application embodiment;

[0090] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the main swing arm and the movable plate with connecting rod in the hinge device of this application embodiment;

[0091] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the main swing arm, movable plate and support plate in the hinge device of the embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 19 This is an exploded structural diagram of the main swing arm, movable plate, and support plate in the hinge device of the embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the support plate and the movable plate in the hinge device of this application embodiment;

[0094] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the support plate and the main swing arm in the hinge device of this application embodiment;

[0095] Figure 22 for Figure 7c A magnified view of part D in the middle;

[0096] Figure 23 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the damping structure in the hinge device of this application embodiment;

[0097] Figure 24 This is an exploded structural diagram of the damping structure in the hinge device of this application embodiment.

[0098] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0099] One option:

[0100] 100' Foldable electronic devices;

[0101] 1' Folding device; 11' First housing; 12' Second housing; 13' Hinge device;

[0102] 2', Display screen; 21', Foldable section.

[0103] This application:

[0104] 100. Hinge mechanism;

[0105] 1. Base; 10. Receiving groove; 11. First side wall; 12. Second side wall;

[0106] 13. Third side wall; 14. Fourth side wall; 15. Base plate; 16. Cover plate;

[0107] 21. First rotating shaft assembly; 22. Second rotating shaft assembly;

[0108] 23. Spindle; 230. Shaft hole; 231. First shaft body; 232. Second shaft body;

[0109] 24. Eccentric shaft; 25. Concentric shaft; 26. Rotary connecting shaft;

[0110] 27. Fixed bracket; 271. First bracket; 272. Second bracket;

[0111] 281. First fixing seat; 282. Second fixing seat;

[0112] 3. Compensation agencies;

[0113] 31. First connecting rod; 311. Concentric part; 3111. First connecting part; 312. Rotating part; 313. First connecting plate;

[0114] 32. Second connecting rod; 321. Concentric part; 3211. Second connecting part; 322. Rotating part; 323. Second connecting plate;

[0115] 33. Third link; 331. Concentric part; 3311. Third connecting part; 332. Rotating part; 333. Third connecting plate;

[0116] 4. Main swing arm; 41. Main body; 411. First hollowed-out part; 412. Groove; 42. Connecting arm; 43. Slider;

[0117] 44. Connecting platform; 441. Connecting bracket; 442. Slide rod;

[0118] 5. Movable plate; 51. Main body; 511. First protrusion; 512. Second protrusion; 513. Third protrusion; 514. Second hollow part;

[0119] 52. Rotating connector; 521. Rotating arm; 53. Slide rail; 54. Arc-shaped slide rail;

[0120] 6. Support plate; 61. Plate body; 62. First boss; 620. Arc-shaped hole; 63. Second boss;

[0121] 71. First damping structure; 72. Second damping structure;

[0122] 73. Damping shaft; 74. Damping swing arm; 741. Fixed plate; 742. Rotating arm;

[0123] 75. Damping module; 751. Elastic element; 752. First gear; 7521. First end face;

[0124] 753, bushing; 7531, second end face;

[0125] 76. Synchronization mechanism; 761. Second gear; 762. Third gear;

[0126] 200. Folding device;

[0127] 81. First shell; 82. Second shell;

[0128] 300. Foldable electronic devices;

[0129] 9. Display screen; 91. First part; 92. Second part; 93. Foldable part;

[0130] Q1, First axis; Q2, Second axis; Q3, Third axis;

[0131] Q4, the fourth axis; Q5, the fifth axis; Q6, the sixth axis;

[0132] X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0133] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. Although the description of this application will be presented in conjunction with some embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this application are limited to this embodiment. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the application in conjunction with embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of this application. To provide a thorough understanding of this application, many specific details will be included in the following description. This application may also be implemented without using these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion or obscuring the focus of this application, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0134] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0135] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," "top," and "bottom," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0136] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0137] In the description of this application, it should be understood that "electrical connection" can be understood as physical contact and electrical conduction between components; it can also be understood as the form in which different components in a circuit structure are connected through physical lines that can transmit electrical signals, such as copper foil or wires on a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0138] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the mutual perpendicularity in this application is not absolute perpendicularity. Approximate perpendicularity due to processing and assembly errors (e.g., the included angle between two structural features is 89.9°) is also within the scope of mutual perpendicularity in this application. Similarly, the mutual parallelism in this application is not absolute parallelism. Approximate parallelism due to processing and assembly errors (e.g., the included angle between two structural features is 0.1°) is also within the scope of mutual parallelism in this application. The axial symmetry in this application is not absolute axial symmetry. Approximate axial symmetry due to processing and assembly errors (e.g., a partial structure offset by a certain distance or angle relative to the axis of symmetry) is also within the scope of axial symmetry in this application. The central symmetry in this application is not absolute central symmetry. Approximate central symmetry due to processing and assembly errors (e.g., a partial structure offset by a certain distance or angle relative to the axis of symmetry) is also within the scope of central symmetry in this application. This application does not impose specific limitations in these respects.

[0139] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0140] With the development of flexible displays, foldability has become an important direction in the development of electronic devices. Foldable electronic devices consist of two relatively rotatable parts connected by a hinge mechanism, enabling folding and unfolding to meet different usage scenarios. The foldable electronic device as a whole consists of a folding mechanism (also called a housing assembly, with the hinge mechanism located within the folding mechanism) and a display screen, which is placed on one side of the folding mechanism. When the foldable electronic device is folded and unfolded, the display screen folds and unfolds along with the folding mechanism. However, because the folding mechanism and the display screen are stacked and both have a certain thickness, there is a path difference between the display screen and the folding mechanism during folding and unfolding. The length of the folding mechanism needs to be adjusted during the unfolding and folding of the foldable electronic device to accommodate different display screen shapes. In actual products, the two ends of the display screen are often fixed to the folding mechanism. If the length of the folding mechanism cannot be adjusted during folding and unfolding, the display screen may be squeezed or stretched, potentially damaging it.

[0141] To more clearly illustrate the path difference between the display screen and the folding device during unfolding and folding, the following analysis is based on the structure of an inward-folding electronic device.

[0142] Please see Figures 1-2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in its unfolded state. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in its folded state.

[0143] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the foldable electronic device 100' includes a folding device 1' and a display screen 2' mounted on the folding device 1'. The folding device 1' includes a first housing 11', a second housing 12', and a hinge device 13'. Assuming that the display screen 2' is not fixed to the folding device 1', when the foldable electronic device 100' is in the unfolded state, the lengths of the display screen 2' and the folding device 1' are the same. At this time, rotating the first housing 11' and the second housing 12' switches the foldable electronic device 100' to the folded state. The foldable part 21' of the display screen 2', that is, the part of the display screen 2' that overlaps with the hinge device 13', is folded in a curved shape (common curved shapes include arc shape, teardrop shape, etc., and the figure shows an arc shape as an example).

[0144] With the overall length of the folding device 1' remaining constant, the folding device 1' is bent at a right angle. The foldable portion 21' of the display screen 2' cannot conform to the bent shape of the folding device 1'. Therefore, the foldable electronic device 100' will exhibit the following characteristics after folding: Figure 2 As shown, the display screen 2' is misaligned with the folding device 1', with both ends protruding from the folding device 1', indicating a difference in their folding paths. In actual scenarios, the two ends of the display screen 2' are respectively fixed to the first housing 11' and the second housing 12'. In this case, when folding and unfolding, the display screen 2' needs to adapt its shape to the different forms of the folding device 1', resulting in the display screen 2' being compressed or stretched. For example, assuming that the length of the display screen 2' is exactly matched with the folding device 1' in the unfolded state, then the display screen 2' will be compressed in the folded state. In other words, assuming that the length of the display screen 2' is exactly matched with the folding device 1' in the folded state, then the display screen 2' will be stretched in the unfolded state. Either situation will damage the display screen 2'.

[0145] It is evident that existing foldable electronic devices cannot adjust the length of the folding mechanism, causing the display screen to be squeezed or stretched during folding and unfolding, thus posing a risk of damage.

[0146] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a hinge device. By incorporating a compensation mechanism within the hinge device, the length of the folding device is adjusted during the unfolding and folding of the foldable electronic device, preventing the display screen from being stretched or compressed. Furthermore, the compensation mechanism exhibits structural stability, minimal assembly error, and high motion trajectory accuracy. The overall structure of the compensation mechanism is also compact, occupying little space, which is beneficial for the narrow bezel design of the foldable electronic device, maximizing the display screen's size.

[0147] This application also provides a foldable electronic device, which can be, but is not limited to, foldable electronic products such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and wearable devices. The embodiments of this application do not impose special limitations on the specific form of the aforementioned foldable electronic device; for ease of explanation, a mobile phone will be used as an example below.

[0148] Please see Figures 3a to 3c , Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable electronic device in the unfolded state according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device in the folded state according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3c This is an exploded structural diagram of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0149] like Figures 3a to 3c As shown, the foldable electronic device 300 includes a display screen 9 and a folding device 200, with the display screen 9 disposed on one side of the folding device 200. The display screen 9 is used for image display and human-computer interaction, and may be, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen, etc., and this application does not impose any limitations thereon. The display screen 9 is connected to one side surface of the folding device 200. The side surface of the display screen 9 facing away from the folding device 200 is its display surface, which is used to display information and provide an interactive interface for the user.

[0150] The folding device 200, also known as a housing assembly, is used to support and accommodate the display screen 9 and other electronic components. The folding device 200 includes a first housing 81, a second housing 82, and a hinge device 100. The first housing 81 and the second housing 82 are respectively disposed on both sides of the hinge device 100 in a first direction X. The first direction X can be the base 1 of the hinge device 100 (see...). Figure 4(Furthermore, the description of base 1 will be detailed below.) The width direction is also the length direction of the foldable electronic device 300 in its unfolded state. The first housing 81 and the second housing 82 are used to mount the display screen 9 and various electronic components, while the hinge device 100 is used to rotatably connect the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 to realize the folding and unfolding of the foldable electronic device 300. In one embodiment, both the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 have a receiving space inside to accommodate some electronic components. Among them, electronic components include, but are not limited to, circuit boards, batteries, camera modules, microphones, speakers, etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0151] The foldable electronic device 300 has a folded state and an unfolded state, for example, such as Figure 3a As shown, when the foldable electronic device 300 is in the unfolded state, its opening angle is 180°, that is, the angle between the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 is 180°. Those skilled in the art will understand that the opening angle of the foldable electronic device 300 can also be 90°, 120°, 210°, etc., and this application does not limit this. Furthermore, the angles illustrated in this application are allowed to have slight deviations. For example, when the foldable electronic device 300 is in the unfolded state, its opening angle can be 180°, or approximately 180°, such as 170°, 175°, 185°, or 190°, etc. Other angles can be understood similarly in the following text. When the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 rotate relative to each other to overlap, the foldable electronic device 300 is in the... Figure 3b In the closed state shown, the angle between the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 can be approximated as 0°. In one embodiment, the foldable electronic device 300 is an inward-folding electronic device, and when the foldable electronic device 300 is in the folded state, the folding device 200 surrounds the outside of the display screen 9.

[0152] It should be noted that the specific structure of the display screen 9 is not limited. In one embodiment, the display screen 9 includes a first part 91, a second part 92, and a foldable part 93. The first part 91 is fixedly connected to the first housing 81, the second part 92 is fixedly connected to the second housing 82, and the foldable part 93 is located between the first part 91 and the second part 92, and is stacked with the hinge device 100. During use, the first part 91 and the second part 92 always remain in a flat state, while the foldable part 93 can be bent to change the angle between the first part 91 and the second part 92, so that the display screen 9 can be folded or unfolded with the movement of the folding device 200. For example, the foldable part 93 can be made of a flexible material so that the foldable part 93 can be bent.

[0153] It should be noted that when the foldable electronic device 300 is in a folded state, the bending shape of the foldable portion 93 of the display screen 9 is not limited. For example... Figure 3b As shown, in one embodiment, the foldable portion 93 of the display screen 9 is bent in a teardrop shape, thereby giving the foldable portion 93 of the display screen 9 a large bending radius. This makes the display screen 9 less prone to "stress relaxation" under prolonged bending, reducing the risk of creases appearing when the display screen 9 is unfolded. In other alternative embodiments, the foldable portion 93 of the display screen 9 may also be bent in an arc shape or other shapes, which will not be listed in this application.

[0154] In one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device 300 is in a folded state, the hinge device 100 moves away from the display screen 9 and forms a receiving space, so that the foldable part 93 of the flexible display screen 9 can be stored in the receiving space formed by the hinge device 100. The hinge device 100 also plays a role in limiting and protecting the foldable part 93 of the flexible display screen 9, so as to prevent the foldable part 93 of the display screen 9 from being excessively deformed when subjected to external impact, thereby causing obvious creases or direct damage.

[0155] Furthermore, in the folding device 200, when the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 rotate relative to each other, they are displaced in the direction closer to or further away from the hinge device 100, so as to adjust the overall length of the folding device 200 to adapt to different shapes of the display screen 9 and prevent the display screen 9 from being squeezed or stretched during unfolding and folding. The structure and working principle of the hinge device 100 are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to more clearly illustrate the adjusting effect of the hinge device 100 on the length of the folding device 200.

[0156] Please see Figures 4-5 , Figures 4-5 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge device according to an embodiment of this application, wherein, Figure 4 Corresponding to the unfolded state of foldable electronic devices, Figure 5 This corresponds to the folded state of foldable electronic devices.

[0157] like Figures 4-5 As shown, the hinge device 100 includes a base 1, a first pivot assembly 21, and a second pivot assembly 22. The first pivot assembly 21 and the second pivot assembly 22 are respectively disposed on both sides of the base 1 in a first direction X and are rotatably connected to the base 1. Each pivot assembly rotates relative to the base 1, causing the first pivot assembly 21 and the second pivot assembly 22 to rotate relative to each other.

[0158] Furthermore, each of the first rotating shaft assembly 21 and the second rotating shaft assembly 22 includes a main swing arm 4, a movable plate 5, and a compensation mechanism 3. The movable plate 5 is slidably connected to the main swing arm 4, and the movable plate 5 is rotatably connected to the base 1 through the main swing arm 4, with the rotation axis being the first axis Q1.

[0159] The method of rotatably connecting the main swing arm 4 to the base 1 is not limited. In one embodiment, each base 1 is provided with a main shaft 23, and the main swing arm 4 is rotatably connected to the base 1 through the main shaft 23, so that the main swing arm 4 rotates relative to the base 1 around the first axis Q1. The first axis Q1 is along the second direction Y (…). Figure 4 and Figure 5 The main shaft 23 extends in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface, and the second direction Y is the extension direction of the main shaft 23, perpendicular to the first direction X. The second direction Y can be understood as the length direction of the base 1, or the width direction of the foldable electronic device 300 in the unfolded state. In one embodiment, the main swing arm 4 is fixedly connected to the main shaft 23, and the main shaft 23 rotates relative to the base 1 around the first axis Q1, so that the main swing arm 4 rotates relative to the base 1 around the first axis Q1. In other alternative embodiments, the main shaft 23 may be fixed relative to the base 1, and the main swing arm 4 may rotate relative to the main shaft 23 around the first axis Q1. This application does not limit this. When the main shaft 23 is fixed relative to the base 1, the main shaft 23 and the base 1 may be a separate structure or an integrated structure. This application does not limit this.

[0160] like Figures 4-5 As shown, the compensation mechanism 3 includes a first link 31, a second link 32, and a third link 33. Each link 31, 32, and 33 includes a concentric part and a rotating part spaced apart. The concentric parts of each link are rotatably connected to each other, allowing any two links to rotate relative to each other around a second axis Q2. Alternatively, it can be understood that the links are concentrically connected, and the second axis Q2 is the concentric axis.

[0161] The first link 31 is rotatably connected to the base 1 via its rotating part 312, so that the concentric parts of each link rotate relative to the base 1 about the third axis Q3. The second link 32 is rotatably connected to the base 1 via its rotating part 322, and the rotating part 322 is mounted on the main shaft 23 or the main swing arm 4, so that it rotates relative to the base 1 about the first axis Q1 under the drive of the main swing arm 4, and drives the concentric parts of each link to rotate relative to the base 1 about the third axis Q3. The third link 33 is rotatably connected to the movable plate 5 via its rotating part 332, so that the movable plate 5 and the third link 33 rotate relative to each other about the fourth axis Q4. The second axis Q2, the third axis Q3, and the fourth axis Q4 all extend along the second direction Y.

[0162] This can be understood as follows: the rotating part 322 of the second link 32 rotates eccentrically around the first axis Q1, causing the concentric part 321 of the second link 32 to rotate around the third axis Q3, thereby controlling the displacement of the concentric axis (the second axis Q2), and finally transmitting the motion to the rotating part 332 of the third link 33 through the third link 33. The rotating part 322 of the second link 32 can be mounted on either the main shaft 23 or the main swing arm 4; this application does not impose any limitation on this. In one embodiment, the rotating part 322 of the second link 32 is mounted on the main shaft 23.

[0163] When the main swing arm 4 rotates relative to the base 1, the movable plate 5 slides relative to the main swing arm 4 under the drive of the main swing arm 4 and the compensation mechanism 3, so as to generate displacement in the direction of approaching or moving away from the base 1. The movable plate 5 of the first rotating shaft assembly 21 is fixedly connected to the first housing 81 of the foldable electronic device 300, and the movable plate 5 of the second rotating shaft assembly 22 is fixedly connected to the second housing 82 of the foldable electronic device 300.

[0164] The hinge device 100 provided in this application embodiment is used to realize the unfolding and folding of the foldable electronic device 300. The first housing 81 of the foldable electronic device 300 is mounted on the movable plate 5 of the first pivot assembly 21, and the second housing 82 is mounted on the movable plate 5 of the second pivot assembly 22. During the folding process of the foldable electronic device 300, the main swing arms 4 of the first pivot assembly 21 and the second pivot assembly 22 rotate relative to the base 1, so that the main swing arms 4 of each pivot assembly rotate relative to each other, thereby driving the movable plates 5 of each pivot assembly to rotate relative to each other, so that the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 of the foldable electronic device 300 rotate relative to each other.

[0165] The movable plate 5 is slidably connected to the main swing arm 4, and a compensation mechanism 3 is provided in each rotating shaft assembly. The compensation mechanism 3 includes a first connecting rod 31, a second connecting rod 32, and a third connecting rod 33. The concentric parts of the three connecting rods are concentrically connected, and the second axis Q2 is a concentric axis. When the foldable electronic device 300 is folded and unfolded, the rotation of the first connecting rod 31 relative to the base 1 and the eccentric movement of the rotating part 322 of the second connecting rod 32 jointly control the movement trajectory of the second axis Q2, so that the second axis Q2 rotates relative to the base 1 and drives the movement of the rotating part 332 of the third connecting rod 33, thereby causing the movable plate 5 to slide relative to the main swing arm 4. Under the action of the main swing arm 4 and the compensation mechanism 3, the movable plate 5 slides relative to the main swing arm 4, displacing itself in the direction closer to or farther from the base 1, thereby changing the distance between the movable plate 5 and the base 1.

[0166] Furthermore, the first housing 81 and the second housing 82 of the foldable electronic device 300 also shift towards or away from the base 1 under the influence of the movable plates 5. The overall length of the folding device 200, which is composed of the first housing 81, the second housing 82, and the hinge device 100, is also adjusted to adapt to different shapes of the display screen 9. For example, in an inward-folding electronic device, when the foldable electronic device 300 is in the unfolded state, the movable plates 5 of each hinge assembly are closer to the base 1, and the overall length of the folding device 200 is shorter. When the foldable electronic device 300 is in the folded state, the movable plates 5 of each hinge assembly are farther from the base 1, and the overall length of the folding device 200 is longer, thus adapting to the length of the display screen 9 and preventing the display screen 9 from being stretched or squeezed.

[0167] The following systematically explains the motion relationships of the components in the hinge assembly 100 in the specific scenario of a user using the foldable electronic device 300: When the foldable electronic device 300 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the user moves the first housing 81 or the second housing 82 of the foldable electronic device 300 (or both housings can be moved simultaneously). The moved housing transmits the force applied by the user to the movable plate 5 in the pivot assembly, and then transmits the force to the main swing arm 4 through the movable plate 5. The main swing arm 4 rotates relative to the base 1 around the first axis Q1 via the main shaft 23. Then, the housing, the movable plate 5, the main swing arm 4, and the part of the display screen 9 corresponding to the housing rotate synchronously relative to the base 1. At the same time, the main swing arm 4 drives the rotating part 322 of the second connecting rod 32 to rotate relative to the base 1 around the first axis Q1, and the first connecting rod 31 rotates relative to the base 1 around the third axis Q3 under the drive of the second connecting rod 32. Under the combined action of the first link 31 and the second link 32, the concentric portions of each link rotate relative to the base 1 around the third axis Q3 (i.e., the second axis Q2 rotates around the third axis Q3). Further, the concentric portion 311 of the third link 33 also rotates relative to the base 1 around the third axis Q3, transmitting the motion to the rotating portion 332 of the third link 33. As the rotating portion 332 of the third link 33 moves away from the base 1, the movable plate 5 slides relative to the main swing arm 4 under the combined action of the housing and the third link 33, displacing itself away from the base 1. Simultaneously, the movable plate 5 and the third link 33 rotate relative to each other around the fourth axis Q4. When the foldable electronic device 300 switches from a folded state to an unfolded state, the movement paths of each component are opposite to the aforementioned paths.

[0168] As can be seen, the hinge device 100 provided in this application can adjust the length of the folding device 200 in the foldable electronic device 300, so as to prevent the display screen 9 from being squeezed or stretched during the folding and unfolding process, and prevent the display screen 9 from being damaged.

[0169] Furthermore, the three links in the compensation mechanism 3 rotate together around the second axis Q2, that is, they share a concentric axis, resulting in a stable structure with small assembly errors and high precision in the motion trajectory of each link. Moreover, the overall structure of the compensation mechanism 3 is relatively compact, occupying little space, and can be placed below the display screen 9 (i.e., within the installation space between the display screen 9 and the base 1), without needing to place the compensation mechanism 3 on both sides of the base 1 along its length direction (i.e., the second direction Y) to avoid obstructing the display screen 9. This is beneficial for the narrow bezel design of foldable electronic devices, maximizing the display screen size.

[0170] It should be noted that, Figures 4-5 This is merely a schematic diagram of the hinge device 100 and does not represent the actual structure of the hinge device 100. This application does not limit the specific structure of each component in the hinge device 100. The following examples, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrate possible structures of the hinge device 100.

[0171] Please refer to Figure 6- Figure 13 , Figure 6a This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the hinge device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6b This is a top view of the hinge device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6c for Figure 6b A magnified view of part G in the middle; Figure 7a This is a schematic diagram of the hinge device without the support plate in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7b for Figure 7a A magnified view of part H in the middle; Figure 7c for Figure 7b A schematic diagram of the structure after removing the cover plate; Figure 7d for Figure 7c A magnified view of part C in the middle; Figure 8a This is an exploded view of the hinge device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 8b for Figure 8a A magnified view of part E in the middle; Figures 9a-9b for Figure 7d A cross-sectional view along the AA direction, wherein, Figure 9a Corresponding to the folded state of foldable electronic devices, Figure 9b The unfolded state corresponding to foldable electronic devices; Figures 10a-10b This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the folding device according to an embodiment of this application, wherein, Figure 10a Corresponding to the folded state of foldable electronic devices, Figure 10b Corresponding to the unfolded state of foldable electronic devices, and Figures 10a-10b The cross-sectional position and Figures 9a-9b Consistent; Figures 11a-11b for Figure 7d A sectional view along the BB direction, wherein, Figure 11a Corresponding to the folded state of foldable electronic devices, Figure 11bThe unfolded state corresponding to foldable electronic devices; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the compensation mechanism in the hinge device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 13 This is an exploded structural diagram of the compensation mechanism in the hinge device according to an embodiment of this application. Additionally, Figures 9a-9b , Figures 11a-11b A support plate 6 was also added, and the function of the support plate 6 will be explained later.

[0172] Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of the first rotating shaft assembly 21 and the second rotating shaft assembly 22 is not limited; both can be one, two, three, or more, and the number of the first rotating shaft assembly 21 and the second rotating shaft assembly 22 can be equal or unequal. For example... Figures 6a-7a As shown, in one embodiment, the hinge device 100 includes three first pivot assemblies 21 and three second pivot assemblies 22 spaced apart in the second direction Y, with each of the three first pivot assemblies 21 and the three second pivot assemblies 22 corresponding to one another. Providing multiple pivot assemblies allows the foldable electronic device 300 to experience more even force during unfolding and folding, ensuring a consistent rotational feel throughout.

[0173] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the specific structure of the base 1 is not limited. For example... Figures 6a-11b As shown, in one embodiment, the base 1 includes a base plate 15, a first sidewall 11 and a second sidewall 12 disposed opposite each other in a first direction X, and a third sidewall 13 and a fourth sidewall 14 disposed opposite each other in a second direction Y. The base plate 15, the first sidewall 11, the second sidewall 12, the third sidewall 13, and the fourth sidewall 14 surround to form a receiving groove 10. The main shaft 23 of each rotating shaft assembly is disposed in the receiving groove 10, and a portion of the compensation mechanism 3 is located within the receiving groove 10. Alternatively, it can be understood that the base 1 is configured as a groove-shaped structure, the main shaft 23 is accommodated in the base 1, a portion of the compensation mechanism 3 is located in the base 1, and a portion extends out of the base 1 to connect with components such as the main swing arm 4 and the movable plate 5.

[0174] Those skilled in the art will understand that the positional relationship between the first axis Q1 and the third axis Q3 in the compensation mechanism 3 of each rotating shaft assembly is not limited. In one embodiment, the third axis Q3 is located on the side of the first axis Q1 closer to another rotating shaft assembly in the first direction X. Alternatively, it can be understood that the third axis Q3 of each rotating shaft assembly is located between the main shafts 23 of the two rotating shaft assemblies in the first direction X. With this structure, the third axis Q3 of the first rotating shaft assembly 21 and the second rotating shaft assembly 22 can overlap and be shared, saving space.

[0175] like Figures 8b-11bAs shown, in one embodiment, the hinge device 100 further includes a fixed bracket 27, which is disposed on the base 1. The rotating portion 312 of the first connecting rod 31 in each pivot assembly is rotatably connected to the fixed bracket 27, such that the first connecting rod 31 of each pivot assembly is rotatably connected to the base 1, and the third axis Q3 of each pivot assembly coincides. Alternatively, it can be understood that the first pivot assembly 21 and the second pivot assembly 22 share a third axis Q3. This design is more compact, reducing the space occupied by the hinge device 100 in the first direction X. It should be noted that the fixed bracket 27 can be a component fixed to the base 1 (i.e., the fixed bracket 27 and the base 1 are separate structures), or it can be an integral structure with the base 1; this application does not limit this.

[0176] It should be noted that the specific structure of the fixed bracket 27 and the specific connection method between each first link 31 and the fixed bracket 27 are not limited. In one embodiment, the fixed bracket 27 includes a first bracket 271 and a second bracket 272 spaced apart in the second direction Y. The rotating part 312 of the first link 31 in each rotating shaft assembly is disposed between the first bracket 271 and the second bracket 272. Furthermore, the rotating part 312 of the first link 31 in the first rotating shaft assembly 21 is rotatably connected to the first bracket 271, and the rotating part 322 of the second link 32 in the second rotating shaft assembly 22 is rotatably connected to the second bracket 272. The hinge device 100 also includes a fixed shaft (not shown in the figure). The first bracket 271, the second bracket 272, and the rotating part 312 of the first connecting rod 31 in each rotating shaft assembly are all configured as sleeve structures and are centrally arranged in the second direction Y. The fixed shaft passes through the first bracket 271, the rotating part 312 of the first connecting rod 31 in the first rotating shaft assembly 21, the rotating part 312 of the first connecting rod 31 in the second rotating shaft assembly 22, and the second bracket 272 in sequence, so that the first connecting rod 31 of each rotating shaft assembly is rotatably connected to the base 1. In other alternative embodiments, only one bracket may be provided in the fixed bracket 27, and the first connecting rods 31 of each rotating shaft assembly may all be connected to the same bracket. This application does not limit this.

[0177] Those skilled in the art will understand that the structure of each link in the compensation mechanism 3 is not limited, and the connection method between each link and other components is not limited.

[0178] like Figures 9a-11bAs shown, in one embodiment, the rotating part 322 of the second connecting rod 32 is mounted on the eccentric shaft 24 and then on the main shaft 23 via the eccentric shaft 24. When the main swing arm 4 rotates, it drives the main shaft 23 and the eccentric shaft 24 on the main shaft 23 to rotate, thereby driving the rotating part 322 of the second connecting rod 32 to rotate. Alternatively, it can be understood that during the rotation of the main swing arm 4 relative to the base 1, the main swing arm 4 and the main shaft 23 are relatively fixed, and the main shaft 23 rotates relative to the base 1 around the first axis Q1, thereby driving the eccentric shaft 24 to rotate around the first axis Q1. Since the rotating part 322 of the second connecting rod 32 is mounted on the eccentric shaft 24, the rotating part 322 of the second connecting rod 32 also rotates around the first axis Q1 under the drive of the eccentric shaft 24.

[0179] In one embodiment, the eccentric shaft 24 of each rotating shaft assembly passes through the main shaft 23. The rotating part 322 of the second connecting rod 32 is configured as a sleeve structure and sleeved on the outer periphery of the eccentric shaft 24. When the rotating part 322 of the second connecting rod 32 rotates relative to the base 1 around the first axis Q1 under the drive of the main swing arm 4, the second connecting rod 32 rotates relative to the main shaft 23 around the fifth axis Q5. The fifth axis Q5 is the axis of the eccentric shaft 24 and is parallel to the first axis Q1. With this structure, the connection strength between the eccentric shaft 24 and the main shaft 23 is high, the stability is strong, and the motion trajectory accuracy of the rotating part 322 of the second connecting rod 32 is high.

[0180] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the specific connection method between the eccentric shaft 24 and the main shaft 23 is not limited. For example... Figure 8b As shown, in one embodiment, a shaft hole 230 is provided on the main shaft 23, and the shaft hole 230 and the axis of the main shaft 23 are spaced apart radially from each other in the main shaft 23. The eccentric shaft 24 passes through the shaft hole 230. In this embodiment, the eccentric shaft 24 may be entirely located within the main shaft 23 in the radial direction, or only a portion of its structure may be located within the main shaft 23; this application does not impose any limitations on this. In one embodiment, the shaft hole 230 is provided on the outer wall surface of the main shaft 23, and a notch is formed on the outer wall surface of the main shaft 23. A portion of the structure of the eccentric shaft 24 is embedded within the main shaft 23 radially. The notch on the outer wall surface of the main shaft 23 facilitates the installation of the eccentric shaft 24 onto the main shaft 23.

[0181] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the structure of the concentric portions of each link is not limited. For example... Figures 12-13 As shown, and in combination Figures 6a-11bIn one embodiment, the concentric portion 311 of the first link 31 includes a first connecting portion 3111, the concentric portion 321 of the second link 32 includes two second connecting portions 3211 spaced apart in the second direction Y, and the concentric portion 331 of the third link 33 includes two third connecting portions 3311 spaced apart in the second direction Y. Along the second direction Y, the two third connecting portions 3311 of the third link 33 are disposed between the two second connecting portions 3211 of the second link 32, and the first connecting portion 3111 of the first link 31 is disposed between the two third connecting portions 3311 of the third link 33. Alternatively, it can be understood that the concentric portions of each link are nested in the second direction Y, resulting in a compact structure.

[0182] It should be noted that the method of mutual rotational connection of the concentric parts of each link is not limited. In one embodiment, the compensation mechanism 3 further includes a concentric shaft 25. Each of the first connecting part 3111, the two second connecting parts 3211, and the two third connecting parts 3311 is configured as a sleeve structure, and each connecting part is concentrically arranged in the second direction Y. The concentric shaft 25 passes through each connecting part, so that any two links can rotate relative to each other about the second axis Q2. The number of concentric shafts 25 is not limited and can be one or two. For example, only one concentric shaft 25 can be provided, which passes through all the connecting parts of each link. Alternatively, two concentric shafts 25 can be provided in the second direction Y. One concentric shaft 25 rotatably connects the first connecting part 3111, one of the second connecting parts 3211, and one of the third connecting parts 3311, and the other concentric shaft 25 rotatably connects the first connecting part 3111, the other second connecting part 3211, and the other third connecting part 3311. The connecting rods are connected by a concentric shaft 25, resulting in a stable structure and minimal assembly error. In other alternative embodiments, the concentric shaft 25 may not be provided; for example, the connecting parts of the connecting rods may be hinged to each other to achieve a rotational connection.

[0183] like Figures 12-13 As shown, in one embodiment, the rotating part 312 of the first connecting rod 31 is connected to the first connecting part 3111 via a first connecting plate 313; the rotating part 322 of the second connecting rod 32 is connected to the two second connecting parts 3211 via a second connecting plate 323; and the rotating part 332 of the third connecting rod 33 is connected to the two third connecting parts 3311 via a third connecting plate 333. The first connecting plate 313, the second connecting plate 323, and the third connecting plate 333 are all configured as plate structures. Plate structures are relatively stable, not easily deformed, and have high reliability. Furthermore, the plate-structured connecting rods can be processed into bent shapes according to the shape and position of various components in the actual product, avoiding other structural components, such as the appearance parts on the base 1. Figures 9a-9bThe cover plate 16) is used to avoid openings in the exterior parts, thus giving the product a complete appearance. In other alternative embodiments, the rotating parts and connecting parts of each link can also be connected by rod-shaped structures, plate-shaped structures, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0184] It should be noted that the rotating parts, connecting parts, and connecting plates of each connecting rod can be integrally formed or have separate structures. In one embodiment, the rotating part, the first connecting part 3111, and the first connecting plate 313 of the first connecting rod 31 are configured as an integral structure. The rotating part, the two second connecting parts 3211, and the second connecting plate 323 of the second connecting rod 32 are configured as an integral structure. The rotating part, the two third connecting parts 3311, and the third connecting plate 333 of the third connecting rod 33 are configured as an integral structure. Since each connecting rod is integrally formed, it is more robust and simplifies the production and installation process.

[0185] Please see Figures 14-17 , Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the main swing arm in the hinge device of this application embodiment; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the movable plate and the third link in the hinge device of this application embodiment; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the main swing arm and the movable plate in the hinge device of this application embodiment; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the main swing arm and the movable plate with connecting rod in the hinge device of this application embodiment.

[0186] Those skilled in the art will understand that the specific structure of the main swing arm 4 and the movable plate 5 is not limited. For example... Figures 14-17 As shown, in one embodiment, the main swing arm 4 includes a main body 41 and two connecting arms 42 connected to the main body 41. The two connecting arms 42 are fixedly connected to the main shaft 23. The main shaft 23 rotates relative to the base 1 around the first axis Q1 under the drive of the main swing arm 4, so that the main swing arm 4 rotates relative to the base 1 around the first axis Q1.

[0187] The specific structure of the main shaft 23 and the connection method between the connecting arm 42 and the main shaft 23 are not limited. In one embodiment, the main shaft 23 includes a first shaft 231 and a second shaft 232 spaced apart in the second direction Y. Each of the two connecting arms 42 of the main swing arm 4 is configured as a sleeve structure. One connecting arm 42 is sleeved and fixed to the first shaft 231, and the other is sleeved and fixed to the second shaft 232, so that the first shaft 231 and the second shaft 232 of the main shaft 23 rotate synchronously under the drive of the main swing arm 4. The main body 41 of the main swing arm 4 is provided with a first hollow part 411. The first hollow part 411 is located between the two connecting arms 42 in the second direction Y and communicates with the space between the two connecting arms 42, so that the two connecting arms 42 and the main body 41 surround to form an accommodating space, and the compensation mechanism 3 is located entirely within the accommodating space. This can be understood as follows: the main shaft 23 is split into two parts, and a first hollow part 411 is set on the main swing arm 4 to avoid the structure of the compensation mechanism 3. The compensation mechanism 3 is accommodated in the cavity between the main shaft 23 and the main swing arm 4, making the overall structure of the hinge device 100 more compact and saving space.

[0188] In one embodiment, the movable plate 5 includes a body portion 51, and the main body portion 41 of the main swing arm 4 is stacked on top of the body portion 51 of the movable plate 5 and slidably connected by a sliding structure. The number of sliding structures is not limited and can be one, two, three, etc. Each sliding structure includes a slide rail 53 and a slider 43 that are slidably connected to each other. One of the slide rail 53 and the slider 43 is disposed on the body portion 51 of the movable plate 5, and the other is disposed on the main body portion 41 of the main swing arm 4. This application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0189] In one embodiment, the main body 51 of the movable plate 5 is provided with a first protrusion 511, a second protrusion 512, and a third protrusion 513 arranged sequentially at intervals along the second direction Y. Each of the first protrusion 511, the second protrusion 512, and the third protrusion 513 protrudes from the main body 51 towards the side closest to the main swing arm 4. The main body 41 of the main swing arm 4 is entirely located between the first protrusion 511 and the third protrusion 513 in the second direction Y. Furthermore, the main body 41 is provided with a groove 412 corresponding to the second protrusion 512, and the second protrusion 512 is embedded in the groove 412 and slides within the groove 412. Along the second direction Y, a slide rail 53 is formed between the first protrusion 511 and the second protrusion 512, and a slide rail 53 is formed between the second protrusion 512 and the third protrusion 513. The portions of the main body 41 of the main swing arm 4 located on both sides of the groove 412 respectively constitute a slider 43, and each slider 43 corresponds one-to-one with each slide rail 53. This can be understood as follows: the main body 41 of the main swing arm 4 and the main body 51 of the movable plate 5 are slidably connected through two sliding structures. The main body 41 of the main swing arm 4 is divided into two parts by a groove 412, each part forming a slider 43. Each slider 43 slides between two protrusions on the movable plate 5. Designing the main body 41 itself as a slider 43 results in a simple structure and a large sliding connection area between the main swing arm 4 and the movable plate 5.

[0190] like Figure 15 As shown, in one embodiment, the movable plate 5 further includes a rotating connector 52 connected to the main body 51. The rotating connector 52 is rotatably connected to the rotating part 332 of the third connecting rod 33, so that the third connecting rod 33 is rotatably connected to the movable plate 5. The rotating connector 52 and the main body 51 of the movable plate 5 can be a separate structure or an integral structure; this application does not limit this. The specific structure of the rotating connector 52 is not limited. In one embodiment, the rotating connector 52 of the movable plate 5 includes two rotating arms 521 spaced apart along the second direction Y, and the rotating part 332 of the third connecting rod 33 is disposed between the two rotating arms 521. The rotating part 332 of the third connecting rod 33 and the two connecting arms 42 of the movable plate 5 are both sleeve structures and are centered along the second direction Y. The compensation mechanism 3 further includes a rotating connecting shaft 26, which passes through the rotating part 332 of the third connecting rod 33 and the two connecting arms 42 of the movable plate 5, so that the third connecting rod 33 is rotatably connected to the movable plate 5. In other alternative embodiments, the rotating connecting shaft 26 may not be provided. For example, the rotating part of the third link 33 may be hinged to the two connecting arms 42 of the movable plate 5 to realize relative rotation between the two. This application does not limit this.

[0191] Please see Figures 18-21 , Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the main swing arm, movable plate and support plate in the hinge device of the embodiment of this application; Figure 19This is an exploded structural diagram of the main swing arm, movable plate, and support plate in the hinge device of the embodiment of this application; Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the support plate and the movable plate in the hinge device of this application embodiment; Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the support plate and the main swing arm in the hinge device of this application embodiment.

[0192] like Figures 18-21 As shown, in one embodiment, each pivot assembly further includes a support plate 6. The support plate 6 supports the display screen 9 of the foldable electronic device 300 and is stacked on the side of the movable plate 5 opposite to the main swing arm 4. The support plate 6 is slidably connected to both the movable plate 5 and the main swing arm 4. When the main swing arm 4 rotates relative to the base 1 around the first axis Q1, the support plate 6 slides relative to the main swing arm 4 under the influence of the movable plate 5, and slides relative to the movable plate 5 along an arcuate trajectory, causing the support plate 6 to rotate relative to the movable plate 5 around the sixth axis Q6, which extends along the second direction Y. Alternatively, it can be understood that during the rotation of the main swing arm 4, in addition to sliding relative to the main swing arm 4 along with the movable plate 5, the support plate 6 also rotates relative to the movable plate 5, so that the support plate 6 and the movable plate 5 present different angles to support the display screen 9 in different states.

[0193] For example, such as Figure 9b , Figure 10b , Figure 11b As shown, when the foldable electronic device 300 is in the unfolded state, the support plates 6 of each hinge assembly open relative to the movable plate 5 and fit against the display screen 9 in the flattened state. Figure 9a , Figure 10a , Figure 11a As shown, when the foldable electronic device 300 is in the folded state, the support plate 6 of each pivot assembly rotates to fit against the movable plate 5, avoiding the foldable part 93 of the display screen 9, and guiding the foldable part 93 to bend in a teardrop shape.

[0194] like Figures 6a to 6b As shown, in one embodiment, to simplify the manufacturing process, the support plates 6 of the three first pivot assemblies 21 and the three second pivot assemblies 22 in the hinge device 100 are configured as an integral structure. In other alternative embodiments, the support plates 6 of each first pivot assembly 21 and each second pivot assembly 22 can also be configured separately, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0195] like Figures 6a to 7b , Figures 9a to 11bAs shown, in one embodiment, the base 1 further includes a cover plate 16, which is disposed opposite to the base plate 15 in the third direction Z and is used to support the display screen 9 of the foldable electronic device 300. The cover plate 16 is used to support the foldable portion 93 of the display screen 9. For example, when the foldable electronic device 300 is in the unfolded state, the support plates 6 of each pivot assembly and the cover plate 16 of the base 1 can be connected to form a flat plate structure, jointly supporting the various parts of the display screen 9. The third direction Z is perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. It should be noted that the third direction Z can be understood as the thickness direction of the base 1, or as the thickness direction of the foldable electronic device 300 in the unfolded state.

[0196] Those skilled in the art will understand that the specific structure of the support plate 6 is not limited. For example... Figures 18-21 As shown, in one embodiment, the support plate 6 includes a plate body 61, a first protrusion 62, and two second protrusions 63 located on both sides of the first protrusion 62 in the second direction Y. Each of the first protrusion 62 and the two second protrusions 63 is connected to the plate body 61 and protrudes from the plate body 61 towards the side closer to the main swing arm 4. The movable plate 5 is located entirely between the two second protrusions 63 of the support plate 6 in the second direction Y. Arc-shaped slide rails 54 are provided at both ends of the movable plate 5. Each of the two second protrusions 63 is configured as an arc-shaped structure and slides within the corresponding arc-shaped slide rail 54, so that the support plate 6 slides relative to the movable plate 5 along an arc-shaped trajectory.

[0197] In one embodiment, the main swing arm 4 includes a connecting platform 44 protruding from the main body 41 towards the side near the support plate 6. The main body 51 of the movable plate 5 has a second hollow portion 514. The connecting platform 44 of the main swing arm 4 and the first protrusion 62 of the support plate 6 are both accommodated in the second hollow portion 514 of the movable plate 5 and are slidably connected to each other, thus allowing the support plate 6 and the movable plate 5 to be slidably connected. Alternatively, it can be understood that the movable plate 5 is stacked between the main swing arm 4 and the support plate 6. To avoid the connecting piece between the main swing arm 4 and the support plate 6, the corresponding position on the movable plate 5 is hollowed out for clearance.

[0198] The specific structures of the first boss 62 and the connecting platform 44 are not limited. In one embodiment, the first boss 62 of the support plate 6 is provided with an arc-shaped hole 620, which penetrates the first boss 62 along the second direction Y and extends along an arc in a plane perpendicular to the second direction Y. The connecting platform 44 of the main swing arm 4 includes two connecting brackets 441 spaced apart along the second direction Y, with the first boss 62 located between the two connecting brackets 441. The connecting platform 44 of the main swing arm 4 also includes a slide rod 442, with both ends of the slide rod 442 mounted on the two connecting brackets 441. The slide rod 442 passes through the arc-shaped hole 620 of the first boss 62, and slides within the arc-shaped hole 620, allowing the support plate 6 to slide relative to the main swing arm 4 along an arc-shaped trajectory. In other alternative embodiments, the support plate 6 and the main swing arm 4 can also be slidably connected by structures such as sliders and grooves, which is not limited in this application.

[0199] Please see Figures 22-24 , Figure 22 for Figure 7c A magnified view of part D in the middle; Figure 23 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the damping structure in the hinge device of this application embodiment; Figure 24 This is an exploded structural diagram of the damping structure in the hinge device of this application embodiment.

[0200] like Figures 22-24 As shown, in one embodiment, the hinge device 100 further includes a damping structure that can generate a damping force, allowing the foldable electronic device 300 to hover at a specific angle during opening or folding.

[0201] Specifically, the damping structure includes a first damping structure 71 and a second damping structure 72, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the base 1 in the first direction X. The specific number of the first damping structure 71 and the second damping structure 72 is not limited; there can be one, two, or more of each. The number of the first damping structure 71 and the second damping structure 72 can be the same or different, and this application does not impose any restrictions in this regard.

[0202] Each damping structure includes a damping shaft 73 and a damping swing arm 74. The damping shaft 73 is rotatably connected to the base 1, and the damping swing arm 74 is fixed to the damping shaft 73, so that the damping swing arm 74 is rotatably connected to the base 1 through the damping shaft 73. The damping swing arm 74 of the first damping structure 71 is fixedly connected to the main swing arm 4 of the first rotating shaft assembly 21, so that it rotates relative to the base 1 around the first axis Q1 of the first rotating shaft assembly 21 under the drive of the main swing arm 4. The damping swing arm 74 of the second damping structure 72 is fixedly connected to the main swing arm 4 of the second rotating shaft assembly 22, so that it rotates relative to the base 1 around the first axis Q1 of the second rotating shaft assembly 22 under the drive of the main swing arm 4. When the user rotates any part of the foldable electronic device 300, the main swing arm 4 rotates, driving the corresponding damping swing arm 74 to rotate, and the damping force is transmitted to the user through the damping swing arm 74. The specific structure of the damping swing arm 74 is not limited. In one embodiment, the damping swing arm 74 includes a fixed plate 741 and two rotating arms 742 connected to the fixed plate 741. The fixed plate 741 is fixedly connected to the corresponding main swing arm 4. The two rotating arms 742 are spaced apart in the second direction Y and are both sleeved on the damping shaft 73.

[0203] Furthermore, each damping structure also includes a damping module 75. The damping module 75 is the core component that generates the damping force, and its specific number is not limited. Each damping structure may contain one or more damping modules 75. In one embodiment, each damping structure includes two damping modules 75, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the damping swing arm 74 in the second direction Y.

[0204] It should be noted that the specific structure of the damping module 75 is not limited. In one embodiment, each damping module 75 includes an elastic element 751, a first gear 752, and a bushing 753 respectively passing through the damping shaft 73. The bushing 753 is disposed between the elastic element 751 and the first gear 752 in the second direction Y, and is sleeved on the outside of the damping shaft 73. The first gear 752 is disposed on the damping shaft 73 and fixed relative to the damping shaft 73, so that it can rotate relative to the base 1 and relative to the bushing 753 under the drive of the damping shaft 73. The first gear 752 includes a first end face 7521 facing the bushing 753, and the bushing 753 includes a second end face 7531 facing the first gear 752. The elastic element 751 applies an elastic force to the bushing 753 and the first gear 752 through its own deformation, so that the first end face 7521 and the second end face 7531 are pressed against each other. This can be understood as follows: the bushing 753 and the first gear 752 engage through their end faces. During the folding and unfolding of the foldable electronic device 300, their end faces rotate relative to each other and are pressed against each other by the compressive force of the elastic element 751, generating friction. This friction is the damping force. The first end face 7521 and the second end face 7531 can be provided with some uneven structures so that the friction between them changes with the opening or folding angle of the foldable electronic device 300. This application does not limit this. The elastic element 751 can be a spring, etc., and this application does not limit this as well.

[0205] Those skilled in the art will understand that friction is generated only when the bushing 753 and the first gear 752 in the damping module 75 rotate relative to each other. Therefore, the first gear 752 rotates relative to the damping shaft 73 and, driven by the damping swing arm 74, rotates with the damping shaft 73. Meanwhile, the bushing 753 rotates relative to the damping shaft 73, thus allowing it to rotate relative to the first gear 752. In one embodiment, the bushings 753 in the first damping structure 71 and the second damping structure 72 are correspondingly arranged in the first direction X, and the two corresponding bushings 753 are configured as a single unit, allowing each bushing 753 to rotate relative to its respective damping shaft 73. In other alternative embodiments, the first gear 752 may rotate relative to the damping shaft 73, while the bushing 753 is fixed relative to the damping shaft 73, allowing the first gear 752 to rotate relative to the bushing 753. This application does not limit this to any particular embodiment.

[0206] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elastic element 751 is for providing compressive force to the first gear 752 and the bushing 753, and its specific location is not limited, as long as it allows the first gear 752 and the bushing 753 to compress each other. In one embodiment, the elastic element 751 of each damping module 75 is located on the side of the bushing 753 away from the damping swing arm 74. In each damping module 75, one end of the elastic element 751 away from the damping swing arm 74 is fixed relative to the base 1, and the other end is used to compress the bushing 753 and the first gear 752.

[0207] In other alternative embodiments, the damping module 75 may also employ other structures. For example, the damping module 75 may include a concave cam assembly in which the concave wheel and cam rotate relative to each other, and the concave wheel and cam generate a damping force through relative friction caused by the elastic element 751 pressing the concave cam assembly.

[0208] like Figures 22-24 As shown, in one embodiment, the first gears 752 of the first damping structure 71 and the second damping structure 72 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence in the second direction Y. A synchronization mechanism 76 is provided between each pair of corresponding first gears 752. The synchronization mechanism 76 includes a meshing second gear 761 and a third gear 762. The second gear 761 meshes with one of the first gears 752, and the third gear 762 meshes with the other first gear 752. When the damping arm 74 of any damping structure rotates under the drive of the corresponding rotating shaft assembly, the synchronization mechanism 76 drives the damping arm 74 of the other damping structure to rotate, so that the first rotating shaft assembly 21 and the second rotating shaft assembly 22 rotate synchronously. With this structure, when the user rotates one side of the foldable electronic device 300, the other side also rotates synchronously under the action of the synchronization mechanism 76, making it more convenient to use and improving the user experience. In other alternative embodiments, the synchronization mechanism 76 can also be set in other forms, and this application does not limit it.

[0209] like Figure 8a , Figure 8b and Figure 22 As shown, in one embodiment, the hinge device 100 further includes a first fixed seat 281 and a second fixed seat 282, both of which are disposed on the base 1 and fixed relative to the base 1. The number of first fixed seats 281 and second fixed seats 282 is not limited. In one embodiment, a first fixed seat 281 is disposed between an adjacent set of pivot assemblies (including a first pivot assembly 21 and a second pivot assembly 22 correspondingly disposed in the first direction X) and a set of damping structures (including a first damping structure 71 and a second damping structure 72 correspondingly disposed in the first direction X). A second fixed seat 282 is disposed between the two rotating arms 742 of each damping arm 74 in each damping structure. The first fixed seat 281 and the second fixed seat 282 support adjacent components in the hinge device 100, improving the overall structural strength of the hinge device 100. The first fixed seat 281 and the second fixed seat 282 can be integrally formed with the base 1 or can be a separate structure from the base 1; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0210] In one embodiment, the first mounting base 281 can be used to mount and support the main shaft 23 of each rotating shaft assembly and the damping shaft 73 of each damping structure, for example... Figure 8b In each rotating shaft assembly, the second shaft body 232 of the main shaft 23 is mounted on and rotatably connected to the first fixed base 281. The damping shaft 73 of each damping mechanism is also mounted on and rotatably connected to the first fixed base 281. Furthermore, the fixed end of the elastic element 751 in each damping structure (i.e., the end away from the damping swing arm 74 in the second direction Y) abuts against the first fixed base 281. In one embodiment, the second fixed base 282 is used to mount the damping shaft 73 (e.g., ...). Figure 24 Each damping shaft 74 is mounted on the second fixed seat 282 and rotatably connected to the second fixed seat 282. On the other hand, the second fixed seat 282 is disposed between the two rotating arms 742 of each damping swing arm 74 to strengthen the strength of the damping swing arm 74 and reduce the risk of breakage of the rotating arms 742 of the damping swing arm 74.

[0211] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A hinge device comprising a base, a first rotating shaft assembly and a second rotating shaft assembly, the first rotating shaft assembly and the second rotating shaft assembly are respectively arranged on two sides of the base in a first direction and are rotationally connected with the base, characterized in that, Each of the first and second rotating shaft assemblies comprises: a main swing arm, a main shaft is arranged on the base, the main swing arm is rotationally connected with the base through the main shaft, so that the main swing arm rotates relative to the base around a first axis; wherein the first axis extends along a second direction, the second direction is the extension direction of the main shaft, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; a movable plate, the movable plate is rotationally connected with the base through the main swing arm, the rotation axis is the first axis, and the movable plate is slidingly connected with the main swing arm; a compensation mechanism, the compensation mechanism comprises first, second and third connecting rods, each of the first, second and third connecting rods comprises a concentric part and a rotating part arranged at intervals, the concentric parts of each connecting rod are rotationally connected with each other, and the rotation axis between any two connecting rods is a second axis; the first connecting rod is rotationally connected with the base through the rotating part of the first connecting rod, so that the concentric parts of each connecting rod rotate relative to the base around a third axis; the second connecting rod is rotationally connected with the base through the rotating part of the second connecting rod, and the rotating part of the second connecting rod is installed on the main shaft or the main swing arm, so as to rotate relative to the base around the first axis under the driving of the main swing arm, and drive the concentric parts of each connecting rod to rotate relative to the base around the third axis; the third connecting rod is rotationally connected with the movable plate through the rotating part of the third connecting rod, and the rotation axis between the movable plate and the third connecting rod is a fourth axis; wherein the second, third and fourth axes all extend along the second direction; when the main swing arm rotates relative to the base, the movable plate slides relative to the main swing arm under the driving of the main swing arm and the compensation mechanism, so as to produce displacement in the direction close to or away from the base.

2. The hinge device of claim 1, wherein each of the rotating shaft assemblies further comprises an eccentric shaft, the rotating part of the second connecting rod is installed on the main shaft through the eccentric shaft and is rotationally connected with the main shaft; the eccentric shaft is arranged in the main shaft, the rotating part of the second connecting rod is arranged in a sleeve structure and is sleeved on the outer periphery of the eccentric shaft, when the rotating part of the second connecting rod rotates relative to the base around the first axis under the driving of the main swing arm, the second connecting rod rotates relative to the main shaft around a fifth axis, the fifth axis is the axis of the eccentric shaft, and is parallel to the first axis.

3. The hinge device of claim 2, wherein a shaft hole is arranged on the main shaft, the shaft hole and the axis of the main shaft are arranged at intervals in the radial direction of the main shaft, and the eccentric shaft is arranged in the shaft hole; the shaft hole is arranged on the outer wall surface of the main shaft and forms a notch on the outer wall surface of the main shaft, and part of the structure of the eccentric shaft is embedded in the main shaft along the radial direction of the main shaft.

4. The hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein In each of the rotating shaft assemblies, the third axis is located on the side of the first axis close to the other rotating shaft assembly in the first direction.

5. The hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The concentric part of the first connecting rod comprises a first connecting part, the concentric part of the second connecting rod comprises two second connecting parts arranged in the second direction, and the concentric part of the third connecting rod comprises two third connecting parts arranged in the second direction; In the second direction, the two third connecting parts of the third connecting rod are arranged between the two second connecting parts of the second connecting rod, and the first connecting part of the first connecting rod is arranged between the two third connecting parts of the third connecting rod; The compensation mechanism further comprises a concentric shaft, each of the first connecting part, the two second connecting parts and the two third connecting parts is arranged in a sleeve structure, and each of the connecting parts is arranged in a concentric manner in the second direction, and the concentric shaft is arranged in each of the connecting parts, so that any two connecting rods are relatively rotated around the second axis.

6. The hinge device of claim 5, wherein The rotating part of the first connecting rod is connected to the first connecting part through a first connecting plate, the rotating part of the second connecting rod is connected to the two second connecting parts through a second connecting plate, and the rotating part of the third connecting rod is connected to the two third connecting parts through a third connecting plate; The first connecting plate, the second connecting plate and the third connecting plate are arranged in a plate structure.

7. The hinge device of claim 6, wherein The rotating part of the first connecting rod, the first connecting part and the first connecting plate are arranged in an integrated structure; the rotating part of the second connecting rod, the two second connecting parts and the second connecting plate are arranged in an integrated structure; and the rotating part of the third connecting rod, the two third connecting parts and the third connecting plate are arranged in an integrated structure.

8. The hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The main swing arm comprises a main body part and two connecting arms connected to the main body part, the two connecting arms are fixedly connected to the main shaft, and the main shaft is rotated around the first axis relative to the base under the driving of the main swing arm, so that the main swing arm is rotated around the first axis relative to the base; The movable plate comprises a body part and a rotating connecting piece connected to the body part, the rotating connecting piece is rotatably connected to the rotating part of the third connecting rod, so that the third connecting rod is rotatably connected to the movable plate; The main body part of the main swing arm and the body part of the movable plate are arranged in a laminated manner and are connected through at least one sliding structure, each of the at least one sliding structure comprises a sliding rail and a sliding block which are slidably connected to each other, one of the sliding rail and the sliding block is arranged on the body part of the movable plate, and the other is arranged on the main body part of the main swing arm.

9. The hinge device of claim 8, wherein, The main shaft comprises a first shaft body and a second shaft body arranged in the second direction, each of the two connecting arms of the main swing arm is arranged in a sleeve structure, one of the two connecting arms is sleeved and fixed to the first shaft body, and the other is sleeved and fixed to the second shaft body, when each of the rotating shaft assemblies is rotated relative to the base, the first shaft body and the second shaft body of the main shaft are synchronously rotated. The main body of the main swing arm is provided with a first hollow part, which is located between the two connecting arms in the second direction and communicates with the space between the two connecting arms and the main body, and the two connecting arms and the main body form an accommodation space therearound, and the compensation mechanism is located in the accommodation space.

10. A hinge device as claimed in claim 8 or 9, characterised in that, The rotating connector of the movable plate includes two rotating arms spaced apart in the second direction, and the rotating part of the third connecting rod is arranged between the two rotating arms. The rotating part of the third connecting rod and the two connecting arms of the movable plate are both arranged in a sleeve structure and are arranged concentrically in the second direction, and the compensation mechanism further includes a rotating connecting shaft, which is arranged through the rotating part of the third connecting rod and the two connecting arms of the movable plate, so that the third connecting rod and the movable plate are rotatably connected.

11. The hinge device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein The main body of the main swing arm and the body part of the movable plate are connected by two sliding structures. The body part of the movable plate is provided with a first protrusion, a second protrusion and a third protrusion spaced apart in the second direction, and each protrusion of the first protrusion, the second protrusion and the third protrusion protrudes from the body part towards the side close to the main swing arm. The main body of the main swing arm is located between the first protrusion and the third protrusion in the second direction, and the main body is provided with a groove corresponding to the second protrusion, and the second protrusion is embedded in the groove and slides in the groove. In the second direction, the first protrusion and the second protrusion form a sliding rail, the second protrusion and the third protrusion form a sliding rail, and the portions of the main body of the main swing arm located on both sides of the groove form a sliding block respectively, and each sliding block corresponds to a sliding rail.

12. A hinge device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, characterised in that, Each rotating shaft assembly further includes a support plate for supporting a display screen of a foldable electronic device, and the support plate is arranged on the side of the movable plate away from the main swing arm in a stacked manner. The support plate is connected with the movable plate and the main swing arm in a sliding manner, and when the main swing arm rotates relative to the base around the first axis, the support plate slides relative to the main swing arm under the drive of the movable plate, slides relative to the movable plate along an arc-shaped track, and rotates relative to the movable plate around a sixth axis extending in the second direction.

13. The hinge device of claim 12, wherein, The support plate includes a plate body, a first boss, and two second bosses located on both sides of the first boss in the second direction, and each boss of the first boss and the two second bosses is connected to the plate body and protrudes from the plate body towards the side close to the main swing arm. The main swing arm includes a connecting table protruding from the main body towards the side close to the support plate, the body part of the movable plate is provided with a second hollow part, and the connecting table of the main swing arm and the first boss of the support plate are accommodated in the second hollow part of the movable plate and are connected with each other in a sliding manner, so that the support plate and the movable plate are connected in a sliding manner. The movable plate is located between the two second bosses of the support plate in the second direction, two ends of the movable plate are provided with arc-shaped sliding rails, each of the two second bosses is provided in an arc-shaped structure and slides in the corresponding arc-shaped sliding rail, and the support plate slides along an arc-shaped track relative to the movable plate.

14. The hinge device of claim 13, wherein, The first boss of the support plate is provided with an arc-shaped hole penetrating through the first boss along the second direction and extending along an arc in a plane perpendicular to the second direction, and the connecting table of the main swing arm includes two connecting supports spaced apart in the second direction, and the first boss is located between the two connecting supports. The connecting table of the main swing arm further includes a sliding rod, two ends of the sliding rod are mounted to the two connecting supports, and the sliding rod penetrates through the arc-shaped hole of the first boss and slides in the arc-shaped hole, so that the support plate slides along an arc-shaped track relative to the main swing arm.

15. The hinge device of any one of claims 1-14, wherein, The hinge device further includes a fixed support provided on the base, and the rotating part of the first connecting rod in each of the shaft assemblies is rotationally connected to the fixed support, so that the first connecting rod of each of the shaft assemblies is rotationally connected to the base, and the third axes of the shaft assemblies coincide.

16. The hinge device of claim 15, wherein The fixed support includes a first support and a second support spaced apart in the second direction, the rotating part of the first connecting rod in each of the shaft assemblies is arranged between the first support and the second support, the rotating part of the first connecting rod in the first shaft assembly is rotationally connected to the first support, and the rotating part of the second connecting rod in the second shaft assembly is rotationally connected to the second support. The hinge device further includes a fixed shaft, the first support, the second support, and the rotating part of the first connecting rod in each of the shaft assemblies are arranged in a sleeve structure and are arranged concentrically in the second direction, and the fixed shaft penetrates through the first support, the rotating part of the first connecting rod in the first shaft assembly, the rotating part of the first connecting rod in the second shaft assembly, and the second support in sequence, so that the first connecting rod of each of the shaft assemblies is rotationally connected to the base.

17. The hinge device of any one of claims 1-16, wherein, The base includes a bottom plate, a first side wall and a second side wall arranged opposite in a first direction, and a third side wall and a fourth side wall arranged opposite in the second direction, the bottom plate, the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, and the fourth side wall surround to form a containing groove, the main shaft of each of the shaft assemblies is arranged in the containing groove, and a part of the compensation mechanism is located in the containing groove. The base further includes a cover plate arranged opposite to the bottom plate in a third direction and used for supporting a display screen of a foldable electronic device; wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction.

18. The hinge device of claim 17, wherein, The hinge device further includes a first damping structure and a second damping structure, and the first damping structure and the second damping structure are arranged on two sides of the base in the first direction, respectively. Each of the first damping structure and the second damping structure comprises a damping shaft and a damping swing arm, the damping shaft is rotationally connected to the base, the damping swing arm is fixed to the damping shaft to rotationally connect the damping swing arm to the base through the damping shaft, the damping swing arm of the first damping structure is fixedly connected to the main swing arm of the first rotating shaft assembly to rotate around the first axis of the first rotating shaft assembly relative to the base under the drive of the main swing arm; the damping swing arm of the second damping structure is fixedly connected to the main swing arm of the second rotating shaft assembly to rotate around the first axis of the second rotating shaft assembly relative to the base under the drive of the main swing arm. Each of the damping structures further comprises at least one damping module, each of the at least one damping module comprises an elastic element, a first gear and a shaft sleeve, the elastic element is respectively arranged through the damping shaft, the shaft sleeve is arranged between the elastic element and the first gear in the second direction, the shaft sleeve is sleeved on the damping shaft, and the first gear is arranged on the damping shaft and fixed relative to the damping shaft to rotate relative to the base and the shaft sleeve under the drive of the damping shaft. The first gear comprises a first end face facing the shaft sleeve, the shaft sleeve comprises a second end face facing the first gear, the elastic element applies elastic force to the shaft sleeve and the first gear through its own deformation, and the first end face and the second end face are pressed against each other.

19. The hinge device of claim 18, wherein, Each of the damping structures comprises two damping modules, the two damping modules are respectively arranged on two sides of the damping swing arm in the second direction, and the elastic element of each of the damping modules is arranged on a side of the shaft sleeve away from the damping swing arm. In each of the damping modules, one end of the elastic element away from the damping swing arm is fixed relative to the base, and the other end is used for pressing the shaft sleeve and the first gear.

20. A hinge device as claimed in claim 18 or 19, characterised in that, Each of the first gears of the first damping structure and the second damping structure is arranged in one-to-one correspondence in the second direction, a synchronization mechanism is arranged between each pair of corresponding first gears, the synchronization mechanism comprises second gears and third gears which are meshed with each other, the second gears are meshed with one of the first gears, the third gears are meshed with the other first gears, when the damping swing arm of any one of the damping structures is rotated under the drive of the corresponding rotating shaft assembly, the damping swing arm of the other damping structure is driven to rotate through the synchronization mechanism, and the first rotating shaft assembly and the second rotating shaft assembly rotate synchronously.

21. A folding device, characterized by The hinge device comprises a first shell, a second shell and the hinge device according to any one of claims 1-20, the first shell and the second shell are respectively arranged on two sides of the hinge device in the first direction, the movable plate of the first rotating shaft assembly is fixedly connected to the first shell, the movable plate of the second rotating shaft assembly is fixedly connected to the second shell, and the first shell and the second shell are displaced towards or away from the base when they are relatively rotated.

22. A foldable electronic device comprising a display screen, characterized in that, The folding device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the display screen is laid on the folding device; and wherein the folding device is wrapped outside the display screen when the foldable electronic device is in the folded state.

Images