Hinge assembly and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a hinge assembly and an electronic device, and relates to the technical field of hinges. The hinge assembly is applied to an electronic device, a first device main body and a second device main body of the electronic device are rotationally connected through the hinge assembly, the hinge assembly comprises a limiting swing arm, a base, a synchronous shaft, a door plate and a synchronous swing arm, the synchronous shaft is arranged on the base, the limiting swing arm and the synchronous swing arm are both rotationally sleeved on the synchronous shaft, and the two are arranged at intervals, the limiting swing arm is in sliding fit with the door plate, the number of the door plate is at least two, and the door plate comprises a first door plate and a second door plate, the first door plate is used for connecting the first device main body, and the second door plate is used for connecting the second device main body; in the case that the electronic device is in a folded state, the limiting swing arm is in limiting fit with the door plate, so as to prevent the first door plate and the second door plate from approaching each other; and in the case that the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the limiting swing arm is in limiting fit with the door plate, so as to enable the first door plate and the second door plate to be located in the same plane.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to a hinge assembly and an electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the development of communication technology and the improvement of user demand, electronic devices have become important tools in people's daily life and work, and foldable electronic devices are favored due to their small space occupation and convenient carrying. A foldable electronic device usually includes a display screen, a device main body and a hinge assembly. The device main body is used to support the display screen, and the device main body can be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state through the hinge assembly.

[0003] In actual application, when the foldable electronic device is in the folded state and falls, the synchronous swing arms of the hinge assembly will be dislocated from the device main body under the action of inertia, so that the display screen is pressed and damaged, thereby greatly shortening the service life of the display screen; and when the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, due to the poor structural stability of the device main body, some structures (such as door plates) may arch, thereby causing poor flatness of the display surface of the display screen. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a hinge assembly and an electronic device, which can solve the problems of short service life of the display screen and poor flatness of the display surface of the current electronic device.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application is implemented as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a hinge assembly applied to an electronic device, a first device main body and a second device main body of the electronic device being rotationally connected through the hinge assembly, characterized in that the hinge assembly comprises a limiting swing arm, a base, a synchronous shaft, door plates and a synchronous swing arm, the synchronous shaft being arranged on the base, the limiting swing arm and the synchronous swing arm being rotationally sleeved on the synchronous shaft and being spaced apart from each other, the limiting swing arm and the synchronous swing arm being slidingly matched with the door plates along the width direction of the door plates, the number of the door plates being at least two, including a first door plate and a second door plate, the first door plate being used to connect the first device main body, the second door plate being used to connect the second device main body,

[0007] In the case that the electronic device is in the folded state, the limiting swing arm and the door plates are limitingly matched in the thickness direction of the door plates to prevent the first door plate and the second door plate from approaching each other; in the case that the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the limiting swing arm and the door plates are limitingly matched in the thickness direction of the door plates to make the first door plate and the second door plate be located in the same plane.

[0008] Secondly, this application provides an electronic device, including a first device body, a second device body, a display screen and the aforementioned hinge assembly, wherein a first end of the display screen is connected to the first device body, a second end of the display screen is connected to the second device body, and the first device body is rotatably connected to the second device body through the hinge assembly;

[0009] During the relative rotation of the first device body and the second device body, the electronic device switches between an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0010] In this embodiment, the hinge assembly includes a limiting arm, a base, a synchronous shaft, a door panel, and a synchronous arm. The synchronous shaft is disposed on the base. Both the limiting arm and the synchronous arm are rotatably sleeved on the synchronous shaft and are arranged at intervals. The limiting arm and the door panel slide in cooperation along the width direction of the door panel. There are at least two door panels, including a first door panel and a second door panel. The first door panel is used to connect to the first device body, and the second door panel is used to connect to the second device body. When the electronic device is in a folded state, the limiting arm and the slide groove are limited in cooperation along the thickness direction of the door panel to prevent the first door panel and the second door panel from getting close to each other. When the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the limiting arm and the slide groove are limited in cooperation along the thickness direction of the door panel to make the first door panel and the second door panel lie in the same plane.

[0011] Compared to existing technologies, this solution adds a limiting arm. When the electronic device is folded and falls, if the door panel tends to tilt, the limiting arm engages with the door panel along its thickness to prevent tilting. This prevents the first and second door panels from getting close to each other, thus avoiding crushing the display screen and protecting it, which helps extend the screen's lifespan. When the electronic device is unfolded and the door panel tends to arch, the limiting arm engages with the door panel along its thickness to prevent arching, ensuring that the first and second door panels are on the same plane. Consequently, the first and second ends of the electronic device's display screen are also on the same plane, improving the flatness of the display surface. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a portion of the main structure of the device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0013] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the structure shown;

[0014] Figures 3-4 These are schematic diagrams of the hinge assembly disclosed in the embodiments of this application from different perspectives.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the electronic device disclosed in this application in a folded state;

[0016] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the structure of the electronic device disclosed in this application in a folded state;

[0017] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of the structure shown;

[0018] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the structure of the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application in its unfolded state;

[0019] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of the structure shown;

[0020] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the structure of the electronic device disclosed in this application in a folded state;

[0021] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the door panel structure disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first arm body disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second arm disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 14 This is a top view of the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application in its unfolded state;

[0025] Figure 15 This is a side view of the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application in its unfolded state.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 100 - First equipment body;

[0028] 200 - Second equipment body;

[0029] 300-Display screen;

[0030] 400-Hinge assembly, 410-Limiting swing arm, 411-First arm body, 411a-First connecting part, 411a1-First limiting surface, 411a2-First annular part, 411a3-First arc-shaped part, 411a4-Third limiting surface, 411b-Third connecting part, 411c-Connecting plate, 411c1-First plate segment, 411c2-Second plate segment, 411d-Annular connecting part, 412-Second arm body, 412a-Second connecting part, 412a1-Second limiting surface, 412a2-Second annular part, 412a3-Second arc-shaped part, 412a4-Fourth limiting surface, 412b-Guide plate, 413-Connecting shaft, 420-Base 430-Synchronous shaft, 440-Door panel, 441-First slide groove, 442-Avoidance opening, 443-Plate body, 444-First protrusion, 444a-First part, 444b-Second part, 445-Second protrusion, 446-First arc-shaped guide rail, 447-Second positioning surface, 448-Door panel drive slide groove, 450-Synchronous swing arm, 451-First positioning surface, 460-Virtual swing arm, 470-Virtual swing arm bracket, 480-Middle frame fixing bracket, 481-Second arc-shaped guide rail, 482-Second slide groove, 491-Gear shaft, 492-Gear, 493-Cam, 494-Snap ring, 495-Fixing bracket, 496-Spring. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0033] The hinge assembly and electronic device provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0034] like Figures 1-13As shown in the embodiment of this application, a hinge assembly is disclosed for use in an electronic device. The first device body 100 and the second device body 200 of the electronic device are rotatably connected by the hinge assembly. The first end of the display screen 300 of the electronic device is connected to the first device body 100, and the second end of the display screen 300 is connected to the second device body 200. During the relative rotation of the first device body 100 and the second device body 200, the two drive the display screen 300 to unfold or fold, thereby switching the electronic device between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0035] The hinge assembly includes a limiting swing arm 410, a base 420, a synchronous shaft 430, a door panel 440, and a synchronous swing arm 450. The synchronous shaft 430 is disposed on the base 420. Both the limiting swing arm 410 and the synchronous swing arm 450 are rotatably sleeved on the synchronous shaft 430 and are arranged at intervals. The limiting swing arm 410 and the door panel 440 are slidably engaged along the width direction of the door panel 440. Optionally, the hinge assembly also includes a middle frame fixing bracket 480, and the synchronous swing arm 450 is slidably engaged with the middle frame fixing bracket 480. The door panel 440 is provided with a first arc-shaped guide rail 446. The mid-frame fixing bracket 480 is provided with a second arc-shaped guide rail 481. The door panel 440 and the mid-frame fixing bracket 480 are slidably engaged through the first arc-shaped guide rail 446 and the second arc-shaped guide rail 481. Further, the synchronous swing arm 450 is provided with a boss, the boss having a first positioning surface 451, and the door panel 440 having a second positioning surface 447. When the electronic device is in a folded state, the second positioning surface 447 and the first positioning surface 451 are positioned to reduce the inertial displacement of the door panel 440, thereby reducing the impact of the door panel 440 on the display screen 300. Optionally, the mid-frame fixing bracket 480 is provided with a second sliding groove 482, and the synchronous swing arm 450 is slidably engaged with the mid-frame fixing bracket 480 through the second sliding groove 482, so that the synchronous swing arm 450 slides in a preset direction.

[0036] The number of door panels 440 is at least two, including a first door panel and a second door panel. The first door panel is used to connect to the first equipment body 100, and the second door panel is used to connect to the second equipment body 200.

[0037] It should be noted that the width direction of the aforementioned door panel 440 specifically refers to the direction in which the first end of the display screen 300 extends to the second end when the electronic device is in the unfolded state.

[0038] When the electronic device is in a folded state, the limiting arm 410 and the door panel 440 are engaged at the upper limit in the thickness direction of the door panel 440 to prevent the first door panel and the second door panel from getting close to each other; when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the limiting arm 410 and the door panel 440 are engaged at the upper limit in the thickness direction of the door panel 440 to make the first door panel 440 and the second door panel 440 lie in the same plane.

[0039] In this embodiment, compared to the prior art, this solution adds a limiting arm 410. When the electronic device is in a folded state and falls, if the door panel 440 shows a tendency to tilt, the limiting arm 410 and the door panel 440 engage in a limiting engagement in the thickness direction of the door panel 440 to prevent the door panel 440 from tilting, thereby preventing the first door panel and the second door panel from getting close to each other, thus avoiding squeezing the display screen 300 and protecting the display screen 300. This helps to extend the service life of the display screen 300. When the electronic device is in an unfolded state and the door panel 440 (first door panel and / or second door panel) shows a tendency to arch, the limiting arm 410 and the door panel 440 engage in a limiting engagement in the thickness direction of the door panel 440 to prevent the door panel 440 from arching, so that the first door panel and the second door panel are located in the same plane. Correspondingly, the first end and the second end of the display screen 300 of the electronic device are located in the same plane, thereby improving the flatness of the display surface of the display screen 300.

[0040] It should be noted that the first door panel and the second door panel being in the same plane specifically means that the supporting surfaces of the first door panel and the second door panel facing the display screen 300 are in the same plane. During the switching process between the folded state and the unfolded state of the electronic device, the limiting arm 410 does not impose too much constraint on the movement. The door panel 440 rotates according to the movement trajectory of the synchronous arm 450 and the virtual arm 460, but the door panel 440 will drive the limiting arm 410 to rotate to a certain angle. Optionally, the rotation angle of the limiting arm 410 can be between 60 and 80 degrees. Of course, it can also be adjusted according to actual needs. This application embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0041] In one optional embodiment, the door panel 440 is provided with a first groove 441 extending along its width direction. Optionally, the opening of the first groove 441 may be formed on the side of the door panel 440. The limiting swing arm 410 includes a first arm body 411, a second arm body 412, and a connecting shaft 413. The first end of the first arm body 411 is rotatably sleeved on the synchronous shaft 430. The second end of the first arm body 411 is provided with a first connecting portion 411a. The first end of the second arm body 412 is provided with a second connecting portion 412a. At least a portion of the second arm body 412 is slidably engaged with the first sliding groove 441. One end of the connecting shaft 413 passes through the first connecting portion 411a and the second connecting portion 412a in sequence, so that the first arm body 411 and the second arm body 412 are rotatably connected. The first connecting portion 411a is provided with a first limiting surface 411a1, and the second connecting portion 412a is provided with a second limiting surface 412a1. When the electronic device is in a folded state, the first limiting surface 411a1 and the second limiting surface 412a1 are circumferentially limited and engaged along the connecting shaft 413.

[0042] When the electronic device is in a folded state, the second arm 412 and the door panel 440 are engaged in a limiting fit along the thickness direction of the door panel 440 to restrict the rotation of the door panel 440. Furthermore, when the second arm 412 tends to rotate relative to the first arm 411, the first limiting surface 411a1 of the first arm 411 and the second limiting surface 412a1 of the second arm 412 are engaged in a limiting fit along the circumferential direction of the connecting shaft 413, thereby preventing the second arm 412 from rotating relative to the first arm 411. This ensures the limiting stability of the limiting arm 410, making the second arm 412 and the door panel 440 more stably engaged in a limiting fit along the thickness direction of the door panel 440, thus further improving the stability of the first and second door panels. Of course, the first limiting surface 411a1 and the second limiting surface 412a1 can also be omitted, and the first arm 411 and the second arm 412 can be limited by friction.

[0043] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, when the second arm 412 and the door panel 440 are engaged in a limiting fit in the thickness direction of the door panel 440, the second arm 412 is specifically engaged in a limiting fit with the side wall of the display screen 300 of the electronic device away from the first slide groove 441, so as to restrict the rotation of the door panel 440 and prevent the door panel 440 from approaching the display screen 300 and squeezing the display screen 300.

[0044] Optionally, both the opposing end faces of the first connecting portion 411a and the second connecting portion 412a may be provided with cam surfaces. The cam surface of the first connecting portion 411a is provided with a first limiting surface 411a1, and the cam surface of the second connecting portion 412a is provided with a second limiting surface 412a1, for limiting engagement. Alternatively, in other optional embodiments, the first connecting portion 411a includes a first annular portion 411a2 and a first arcuate portion 411a3 arranged and connected along the axial direction of the connecting shaft 413. The first arcuate portion 411a3 is provided with the aforementioned first limiting surface 411a1. The second connecting portion 412a includes a second annular portion 411a2 arranged and connected along the axial direction of the connecting shaft 413. The first arc-shaped part 411a3 and the second arc-shaped part 412a2 are provided with the second limiting surface 412a1 mentioned above. The second arc-shaped part 412a3 and the first arc-shaped part 411a3 are arranged circumferentially along the connecting shaft 413, and the sum of the arc length of the second arc-shaped part 412a3 and the arc length of the first arc-shaped part 411a3 is less than 2π. The second arc-shaped part 412a3 and the first arc-shaped part 411a3 are both located between the second annular part 412a2 and the first annular part 411a2. One end of the connecting shaft 413 passes through the first annular part 411a2 and the second annular part 412a2 in sequence, so that the first arm body 411 and the second arm body 412 are rotatably connected.

[0045] In the above scheme, the second arc-shaped portion 412a3 of the second connecting portion 412a and the first arc-shaped portion 411a3 of the first connecting portion 411a are arranged circumferentially along the connecting shaft 413, and the sum of the arc length of the second arc-shaped portion 412a3 and the arc length of the first arc-shaped portion 411a3 is less than 2π. At this time, there is a certain gap between the second arc-shaped portion 412a3 and the first arc-shaped portion 411a3 in the circumferential direction of the connecting shaft 413, thereby providing a certain movement space for the second arc-shaped portion 412a3 and the first arc-shaped portion 411a3. Furthermore, the first arc-shaped portion 411a3 is provided with a first limiting surface 411a1, and the second arc-shaped portion 412a3 is provided with a second limiting surface 412a1. When the first limiting surface 411a1 and the second limiting surface 412a1 are in limiting engagement, the contact area between the two is large, and its limiting stability is good. This is beneficial to further improve the relative stability between the first arm body 411 and the second arm body 412.

[0046] In another alternative embodiment, the door panel 440 is provided with a first groove 441 extending along its width direction. Optionally, the opening of the first groove 441 may be formed on the side of the door panel 440. The limiting swing arm 410 includes a first arm body 411, a second arm body 412, and a connecting shaft 413. The first end of the first arm body 411 is rotatably sleeved on the synchronous shaft 430. The second end of the first arm body 411 is provided with a first connecting part 411a. The first end of the second arm body 412 is provided with a second connecting part 412a. At least a portion of the second arm body 412 is slidably engaged with the first sliding groove 441. One end of the connecting shaft 413 passes through the first connecting part 411a and the second connecting part 412a in sequence, so that the first arm body 411 and the second arm body 412 are rotatably connected. The first connecting part 411a is provided with a third limiting surface 411a4, and the second connecting part 412a is provided with a fourth limiting surface 412a4. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the third limiting surface 411a4 and the fourth limiting surface 412a4 are in a limiting engagement in the circumferential direction of the connecting shaft 413.

[0047] When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the second arm 412 and the door panel 440 are engaged in a limiting fit along the thickness direction of the door panel 440 to prevent the door panel 440 from arching. Furthermore, when the second arm 412 tends to rotate relative to the first arm 411, the third limiting surface 411a4 of the first arm 411 and the fourth limiting surface 412a4 of the second arm 412 are engaged in a limiting fit along the circumferential direction of the connecting shaft 413, thereby preventing the second arm 412 from rotating relative to the first arm 411. This ensures the limiting stability of the limiting arm 410, making the second arm 412 and the door panel 440 more stably engaged in a limiting fit along the thickness direction of the door panel 440, thus further improving the stability of the first and second door panels. Of course, the aforementioned third limiting surface 411a4 and fourth limiting surface 412a4 can also be omitted, and the first arm 411 and the second arm 412 can be limited by friction.

[0048] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, when the second arm 412 and the door panel 440 are engaged in a limiting fit in the thickness direction of the door panel 440, the second arm 412 is specifically engaged in a limiting fit with the side wall of the display screen 300 of the electronic device away from the first slide groove 441, so as to restrict the rotation of the door panel 440 and prevent the door panel 440 from approaching the display screen 300 and squeezing the display screen 300.

[0049] Optionally, in an embodiment where the first connecting portion 411a includes a first annular portion 411a2 and a first arcuate portion 411a3 arranged and connected along the axial direction of the connecting shaft 413, and the second connecting portion 412a includes a second annular portion 412a2 and a second arcuate portion 412a3 arranged and connected along the axial direction of the connecting shaft 413, the first arcuate portion 411a3 is further provided with the aforementioned third limiting surface 411a4, the third limiting surface 411a4 and the first limiting surface 411a1 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the connecting shaft 413, and the second arcuate portion 412a3 is further provided with the aforementioned fourth limiting surface 412a4, the fourth limiting surface 412a4 and the second limiting surface 412a1 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the connecting shaft 413. When the electronic device is in a folded state, the first limiting surface 411a1 of the first arm 411 and the second limiting surface 412a1 of the second arm 412 are circumferentially limited and engaged along the connecting shaft 413. When the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the third limiting surface 411a4 of the first arm 411 and the fourth limiting surface 412a4 of the second arm 412 are circumferentially limited and engaged along the connecting shaft 413. In this design, both the first connecting part 411a and the second connecting part 412a have a dual function. Not only can they more reliably prevent relative rotation between the second arm 412 and the first arm 411 when the electronic device is in a folded state, thereby improving the stability of the first and second door panels, but they can also more reliably prevent relative rotation between the second arm 412 and the first arm 411 when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, thereby improving the stability of the first and second door panels.

[0050] In a further optional embodiment, the first arm 411 includes a third connecting part 411b, a connecting plate 411c, and a first connecting part 411a connected in sequence. The third connecting part 411b is rotatably sleeved on the synchronous shaft 430. Optionally, the plane where the third limiting surface 411a4 is located can form an acute angle with the side of the connecting plate 411c that is away from the display screen 300 of the electronic device. In this case, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the included angle between the first arm 411 and the second arm 412 is also an acute angle. Alternatively, the third limiting surface 411a4 is flush with the side of the connecting plate 411c that is away from the display screen 300 of the electronic device. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the included angle between the first arm 411 and the second arm 412 is 180°. In this scheme, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, since the third limiting surface 411a4 is flush with the side of the connecting plate 411c that is away from the display screen 300 of the electronic device, the angle between the first arm 411 and the second arm 412 is 180°. The contact area between the first arm 411 and the second arm 412 and the door panel 440 is relatively large, so that the limiting arm 410 provides good support for the door panel 440, which is beneficial to improving the stability of the door panel 440. Furthermore, when the third limiting surface 411a4 is flush with the side of the connecting plate 411c that is away from the display screen 300 of the electronic device, it is convenient to process and manufacture the first arm 411.

[0051] In an optional embodiment, the connecting plate 411c includes a first plate segment 411c1 and a second plate segment 411c2 connected together. The thicknesses of the first plate segment 411c1 and the second plate segment 411c2 can be equal, or the thickness of the first plate segment 411c1 can be less than the thickness of the second plate segment 411c2. A first connecting part 411a is connected to the first plate segment 411c1, and a third connecting part 411b is connected to the second plate segment 411c2. The first plate segment 411c1 can slide in conjunction with the first sliding groove 441. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first plate segment 411c1 is located within the first sliding groove 441. This design sets the thickness of the first plate segment 411c1 to be relatively small, which can reduce its space occupation in the thickness direction of the door panel 440; while the thickness of the second plate segment 411c2 is set to be relatively large, which can ensure the structural strength of the connection between the connecting plate 411c and the third connecting part 411b, and avoid breakage during the rotation of the first arm 411 around the synchronous shaft 430.

[0052] Optionally, in any of the above embodiments, the second end of the first arm body 411 is further provided with an annular connecting portion 411d. The annular connecting portion 411d and the first connecting portion 411a are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the connecting shaft 413. One end of the connecting shaft 413 passes through the first connecting portion 411a, the second connecting portion 412a and the annular connecting portion 411d in sequence, so that the first arm body 411 and the second arm body 412 are rotatably connected. By providing the annular connecting portion 411d, the contact area between the first arm 411 and the connecting shaft 413 can be increased, thereby improving the connection stability of the first arm 411. Furthermore, the second connecting portion 412a, located between the annular connecting portion 411d and the annular connecting portion 411d of the first connecting portion 411a, allows the forces acting on the first arm 411 and the second arm 412 to be distributed more evenly in the width direction of the limiting swing arm 410, preventing either the first arm 411 or the second arm 412 from tilting in the width direction of the limiting swing arm 410. This helps improve the stability of the limiting swing arm 410. Of course, the annular connecting portion 411d can be omitted.

[0053] In another optional embodiment, when the electronic device is in a folded state, the length of the portion of the second arm 412 located within the first slide groove 441 in its sliding direction is 2-5 mm. That is, the second arm 412 and the door panel 440 have a certain amount of overlap when the electronic device is in a folded state, to ensure the stability of the limiting fit between the two. Of course, if the above-mentioned overlap (i.e., the length of the portion of the second arm 412 located within the first slide groove 441 in its sliding direction) is too large, the length of the first slide groove 441 needs to be set to be longer in order to accommodate the limiting arm 410 when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, which will result in a larger width of the door panel 440; if the above-mentioned overlap is too small, it will affect the limiting stability between the limiting arm 410 and the door panel 440 when the electronic device is in a folded state.

[0054] Optionally, in any of the above embodiments, the door panel 440 is further provided with an avoidance opening 442, which is connected to the first slide groove 441. The avoidance opening 442 extends to the side of the door panel 440 away from the display screen 300 of the electronic device. The width of the avoidance opening 442 is smaller than the width of the first slide groove 441. The second arm 412 includes a connected guide plate 412b and the aforementioned second connecting portion 412a. In the direction perpendicular to the guide plate 412b, the thickness of the guide plate 412b is smaller than the thickness of the second connecting portion 412a. In the axial direction of the connecting shaft 413, the length of the guide plate 412b is greater than the length of the second connecting portion 412a. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, a portion of the second connecting portion 412a is located within the avoidance opening 442. During the sliding engagement of the limiting swing arm 410 and the first slide groove 441, a portion of the second connecting part 412a of the second arm body 412 is located within the clearance opening 442. This allows the size of the second connecting part 412a to be set larger, thus facilitating the setting of the second limiting surface 412a1 or the fourth limiting surface 412a4 and the connecting hole for the second connecting part 412a to mate with the connecting shaft 413. At the same time, since one end of the connecting shaft 413 passes through the first connecting part 411a and the second connecting part 412a in sequence, so that the first arm body 411 and the second arm body 412 are rotatably connected, during the sliding engagement of the limiting swing arm 410 and the first slide groove 441, a portion of the first connecting part 411a of the first arm body 411 is also located within the clearance opening 442. This also allows the size of the first connecting part 411a to be set larger, thus facilitating the setting of the first limiting surface 411a1 or the third limiting surface 411a4 and the connecting hole for the first connecting part 411a to mate with the connecting shaft 413. Of course, the aforementioned clearance opening 442 may not be provided, in which case the cross-sectional shape of the first groove 441 can be annular.

[0055] In a further optional embodiment, the door panel 440 includes a panel body 443, and both the first sliding groove 441 and the clearance opening 442 can be formed on the panel body 443; or, the door panel 440 further includes a first protrusion 444 and a second protrusion 445, both of which are disposed on the side of the panel body 443 facing away from the display screen 300 of the electronic device, and the first protrusion 444 and the second protrusion 445 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the hinge assembly 400, and both the first protrusion 444 and the second protrusion 445 include connected first... The hinge assembly 400 comprises a first part 444a and a second part 444b. The first part 444a is bent relative to the second part 444b. The first part 444a is connected to the main body 443, and the second part 444b is opposite to the main body 443. In the length direction of the hinge assembly 400, the first part 444a of the first protrusion 444 and the first part 444a of the second protrusion 445 are opposite to each other to form a first groove 441. The second part 444b of the first protrusion 444 and the second part 444b of the second protrusion 445 are opposite to each other to form a clearance opening 442. This solution, by providing the first protrusion 444 and the second protrusion 445 on the main body 443 to form the first groove 441 and the clearance opening 442, allows for a smaller thickness of the main body 443, thereby reducing the weight of the hinge assembly and meeting the requirement for thinner and lighter electronic devices.

[0056] Optionally, the hinge assembly also includes a virtual swing arm 460 and a virtual swing arm bracket 470. A limiting swing arm 410 is disposed between the synchronous swing arm 450 and the virtual swing arm 460. One end of the virtual swing arm 460 engages with a bearing of the base 420, and the other end of the virtual swing arm 460 is slidably engaged with a middle frame fixing bracket 480. The virtual swing arm bracket 470 is disposed above the virtual swing arm 460 and is connected to the base 420 by screws. The first end of the synchronous swing arm 450 is sleeved on the synchronous shaft 430, and the other end is slidably connected to the middle frame fixing bracket 480. The middle frame fixing bracket 480 can slide on the slide rail of the synchronous swing arm 450. The angle of the middle frame fixing bracket 480 is determined by the synchronous swing arm 450. The position of the middle frame fixed bracket 480 on the slide rail of the synchronous swing arm 450 is controlled by the virtual swing arm 460. One end of the door panel 440 is engaged with the bearing of the middle frame fixed bracket 480 (i.e., the first arc-shaped guide rail 446 and the second arc-shaped guide rail 481 are in sliding engagement) to realize the angle change of the door panel 440. The other end of the door panel 440 is rotatably connected to the virtual swing arm 460 through the door panel drive slide groove 448 via the connecting rod shaft. When the middle frame fixed bracket 480 drives the door panel 440 to slide on the virtual swing arm 460, the positional relationship between the door panel 440, the connecting rod shaft, and the virtual swing arm 460 drives the door panel 440 to form the required angle in the folded state.

[0057] The hinge assembly 400 also includes a gear shaft 491, a gear 492, a cam 493, a snap ring 494, a fixed bracket 495, and a spring 496. The gear shaft 491 is disposed on the base 420 and is arranged side by side with the synchronous shaft 430. The gear 492 is sleeved on the gear shaft 491. The cam 493 and the snap ring 494 are slidably sleeved on the synchronous shaft 430. The synchronous swing arm 450 cooperates with the cam 493 and is limited by the snap ring 494. The fixed bracket 495 is disposed at the end of the base 420. The ends of the gear shaft 491 and the synchronous shaft 430 are both connected to the fixed bracket 495. A spring 496 is sleeved on both the gear shaft 491 and the synchronous shaft 430. One end of the spring 496 abuts against the fixed bracket 495 and the spring 496 is used to provide damping force.

[0058] like Figures 14-15 As shown, based on the hinge assembly disclosed in the embodiments of this application, this application also discloses an electronic device, which includes a first device body 100, a second device body 200, a display screen 300, and the hinge assembly 400 described in any of the above embodiments. The first end of the display screen 300 is connected to the first device body 100, and the second end of the display screen 300 is connected to the second device body 200. The first device body 100 is rotatably connected to the second device body 200 through the hinge assembly 400. During the relative rotation of the first device body 100 and the second device body 200, the electronic device switches between an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0059] The electronic devices disclosed in this application can be smartphones, tablets, e-book readers, wearable devices (such as smartwatches), video game consoles, and other electronic devices. This application does not impose specific limitations on the types of electronic devices.

[0060] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly applied to an electronic device, wherein a first device body and a second device body of the electronic device are rotatably connected via the hinge assembly, characterized in that, The hinge assembly includes a limiting swing arm, a base, a synchronous shaft, a door panel, and a synchronous swing arm. The synchronous shaft is disposed on the base. Both the limiting swing arm and the synchronous swing arm are rotatably sleeved on the synchronous shaft and are arranged at intervals. The door panel has a first sliding groove extending along its width direction. The limiting swing arm slides into the first sliding groove along the width direction of the door panel. There are at least two door panels, including a first door panel and a second door panel. The first door panel is used to connect to the first device body, and the second door panel is used to connect to the second device body. When the electronic device is in a folded state, the limiting arm engages with the door panel at the upper limit of the door panel's thickness direction to prevent the first door panel and the second door panel from getting close to each other; when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the limiting arm engages with the door panel at the upper limit of the door panel's thickness direction to ensure that the first door panel and the second door panel are located in the same plane.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting swing arm includes a first arm body, a second arm body, and a connecting shaft. A first end of the first arm body is rotatably sleeved on the synchronous shaft. A first connecting portion is provided at the second end of the first arm body, and a second connecting portion is provided at the first end of the second arm body. At least a portion of the second arm body slides in conjunction with the first sliding groove. One end of the connecting shaft passes sequentially through the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion to rotatably connect the first arm body and the second arm body. The first connecting portion has a first limiting surface, and the second connecting portion has a second limiting surface. When the electronic device is in the folded state, the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface are circumferentially limitingly engaged along the connecting axis.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first connecting portion includes a first annular portion and a first arcuate portion arranged and connected along the axial direction of the connecting shaft. The first arcuate portion is provided with the first limiting surface. The second connecting portion includes a second annular portion and a second arcuate portion arranged and connected along the axial direction of the connecting shaft. The second arcuate portion is provided with the second limiting surface. The second arcuate portion and the first arcuate portion are arranged circumferentially along the connecting shaft, and the sum of the arcuateness of the second arcuate portion and the arcuateness of the first arcuate portion is less than 2π. The second arcuate portion and the first arcuate portion are both located between the second annular portion and the first annular portion. One end of the connecting shaft passes through the first annular portion and the second annular portion in sequence, so that the first arm body and the second arm body are rotatably connected.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting swing arm includes a first arm body, a second arm body, and a connecting shaft. A first end of the first arm body is rotatably sleeved on the synchronous shaft. A first connecting portion is provided at the second end of the first arm body, and a second connecting portion is provided at the first end of the second arm body. At least a portion of the second arm body slides in conjunction with the first sliding groove. One end of the connecting shaft passes sequentially through the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion to rotatably connect the first arm body and the second arm body. The first connecting portion has a third limiting surface, and the second connecting portion has a fourth limiting surface. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the third limiting surface and the fourth limiting surface engage in a limiting fit in the circumferential direction of the connecting shaft.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first arm includes a third connecting part, a connecting plate, and the first connecting part connected in sequence. The third connecting part is rotatably sleeved on the synchronous shaft. The third limiting surface is flush with the side of the connecting plate that faces away from the display screen of the electronic device. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the angle between the first arm and the second arm is 180°.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting plate includes a first plate segment and a second plate segment connected together. The thickness of the first plate segment is less than the thickness of the second plate segment. The first connecting part is connected to the first plate segment, and the third connecting part is connected to the second plate segment. The first plate segment can slide in conjunction with the first sliding groove. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first plate segment is located within the first slide groove.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that, The second end of the first arm body is also provided with an annular connecting part. The annular connecting part and the first connecting part are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the connecting shaft. One end of the connecting shaft passes through the first connecting part, the second connecting part and the annular connecting part in sequence, so that the first arm body and the second arm body are rotatably connected.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the electronic device is in the folded state, the length of the portion of the second arm located within the first groove in its sliding direction is 2-5 mm.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that, The door panel is also provided with a clearance opening, which communicates with the first slide rail. The clearance opening extends to the side of the door panel opposite to the display screen of the electronic device, and the width of the clearance opening is smaller than the width of the first slide rail. The second arm includes a connected guide plate and a second connecting portion. In a direction perpendicular to the guide plate, the thickness of the guide plate is less than the thickness of the second connecting portion. In the axial direction of the connecting shaft, the length of the guide plate is greater than the length of the second connecting portion. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, a portion of the second connecting part is located within the clearance opening.

10. The hinge assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The door panel includes a panel body, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. Both the first and second protrusions are located on the side of the panel body facing away from the display screen, and are spaced apart along the length of the hinge assembly. Both the first protrusion and the second protrusion include a connected first part and a second part. The first part is bent relative to the second part. The first part is connected to the plate body, and the second part is opposite to the plate body. In the length direction of the hinge assembly, the first part of the first protrusion is opposite to the first part of the second protrusion to form the first groove, and the second part of the first protrusion is opposite to the second part of the second protrusion to form the clearance opening.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes a first device body, a second device body, a display screen, and a hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a first end of the display screen is connected to the first device body, a second end of the display screen is connected to the second device body, and the first device body is rotatably connected to the second device body through the hinge assembly; During the relative rotation of the first device body and the second device body, the electronic device switches between an unfolded state and a folded state.

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