Hinge mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a hinge mechanism and electronic equipment. The hinge mechanism provided by the embodiment of the invention comprises a base frame assembly; the first rotating part is rotatably arranged on the base frame assembly in the first direction; and the limiting assembly is connected with the first rotating part in an abutting mode and exerts damping on the first rotating part in the second direction, and the first direction is different from the second direction. According to the hinge structure, the first rotating part can rotate in the first direction, the first rotating part abuts against the limiting assembly, the limiting assembly applies damping to the first rotating part in the second direction, and damping of the hinge structure can be provided in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of hinge manufacturing, and particularly to a hinge mechanism and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of communication technologies, the usage scenarios of electronic devices are increasing, and portable electronic devices, such as foldable electronic devices, have received attention. Generally, a hinge mechanism is used to achieve the folding and opening of an electronic device. To provide a better user experience, the hinge mechanism also needs to be able to be positioned at a certain angle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the problems existing in the related art, the present disclosure provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device.

[0004] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a hinge mechanism, including a base frame assembly; a first rotating member rotatably provided on the base frame assembly about a first direction; and a limiting assembly, the limiting assembly being in contact with the first rotating member, and the limiting assembly applying damping to the first rotating member in a second direction, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first rotating member is provided with a first limiting portion, the limiting assembly is provided with a second limiting portion, the first limiting portion is in contact with the second limiting portion, and the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion slide relative to each other as the first rotating member rotates.

[0006] In some embodiments, the hinge mechanism includes an elastic member, and the elastic member provides an elastic force that causes the first rotating member to be in contact with the limiting assembly.

[0007] In some embodiments, the elastic member is provided on the first rotating member, and / or the elastic member is provided on the limiting assembly.

[0008] In some embodiments, the limiting assembly includes a limiting member and the elastic member, and at least one end of the elastic member has elasticity to apply an elastic force to the limiting member so that the limiting member is in contact with the first rotating member.

[0009] In some embodiments, the limiting assembly includes a first limiting member and a second limiting member; opposite ends of the elastic member have elasticity, and the first limiting member and the second limiting member are respectively in contact with the two ends of the elastic member.

[0010] In some embodiments, the elastic member expands and contracts along the second direction to apply an elastic force in the second direction to the limiting member.

[0011] In some embodiments, the main body of the base frame assembly extends along the first direction. The first end of the first rotating member is rotatably disposed on the side surface of the base frame assembly. The second end of the first rotating member rotates around the base frame assembly. The limiting assembly is disposed on the base frame assembly and abuts against the first end of the first rotating member. The main body of the base frame assembly includes a receiving space extending along the second direction. The elastic member is disposed in the receiving space. A part of the limiting assembly is disposed in the receiving space. One end of the limiting assembly abuts against the elastic member, and the other end of the limiting assembly abuts against the first rotating member.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first rotating member includes one or more groups of first rotating members. The opposite two end portions of a group of first rotating members are respectively rotatably disposed on the base frame assembly. A group of first rotating members move away from each other to expand the hinge mechanism, and a group of first rotating members move closer to each other to fold the hinge mechanism.

[0013] In some embodiments, the receiving space is a through hole or a groove formed on the main body of the base frame assembly along the first direction. The elastic end of the elastic member is telescopic in the receiving space, and the limiting assembly is movable in the receiving space.

[0014] In some embodiments, the included angle between the first direction and the second direction is 30°, 45°, 60° or 90°.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first limiting portion includes a positioning portion and a damping portion. At each rotation angle of the first rotating member, the positioning portion or the damping portion abuts against the limiting member in alignment respectively. The abutment of the damping portion and the second limiting portion forms the rotation damping of the first rotating member. The abutment of the positioning portion and the second limiting portion positions the first rotating member at a preset angle.

[0016] In some embodiments, the positioning portion protrudes from the damping portion; and / or the positioning portion is recessed from the damping portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the positioning portion at least includes a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion. The first positioning portion abuts against the second limiting portion in alignment, and the first rotating member has a first rotation angle, and the hinge mechanism is in a folded state. The second positioning portion abuts against the second limiting portion in alignment, and the first rotating member has a second rotation angle, and the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state.

[0018] In some embodiments, in the second direction, the cross section of the damping portion is one or several of an arc shape, a wavy shape, and a serrated shape.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first rotating member includes a first end and a second end that are oppositely arranged. The first end is coaxially arranged with the rotating shaft, the second end is away from the rotating shaft, and the first limiting portion is arranged at the first end.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second limiting portion includes a limiting protrusion, and the limiting protrusion abuts against the first limiting portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the elastic member is fixedly connected to the limiting member; or the elastic member abuts against the limiting member.

[0022] In some embodiments, the base frame assembly includes a bracket provided on the main body of the base frame assembly and a fixing rod provided on the bracket. The first rotating member is arranged on the fixing rod and rotates around the fixing rod.

[0023] In some embodiments, the bracket includes a first bracket and a second bracket arranged along the extending direction of the main body of the base frame assembly. The first bracket and the second bracket are opposite to each other. Two ends of the fixing rod are respectively arranged on the first bracket and the second bracket, and the limiting assembly is arranged between the first bracket and the second bracket.

[0024] In some embodiments, the bracket includes a third bracket. The third bracket is arranged on one side of the second bracket, and the first bracket is located on the other side of the second bracket; a groove is provided at one end of the fixing rod, and at least a part of the third bracket is arranged in the groove to prevent the fixing rod from moving in the first direction.

[0025] In some embodiments, the hinge mechanism includes a second rotating member, and the second rotating member is slidably connected to the second end of the first rotating member.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first rotating member is provided with a first sliding portion; the second rotating member is provided with a second sliding portion adapted to the first sliding portion.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, including: a display screen including a display surface and a back surface arranged opposite to each other; the hinge mechanism as described in any one of the foregoing embodiments, and the hinge mechanism is arranged opposite to the back surface of the display screen.

[0028] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following beneficial effects: In the present disclosure, the first rotating member can rotate around the first direction, and the first rotating member abuts against the limiting assembly. The limiting assembly applies damping to the first rotating member in the second direction, and damping of the hinge structure can be provided in the second direction.

[0029] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory, and do not limit the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and constitute a part of this specification, showing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, and are used together with the specification to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a hinge mechanism shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic structural view of a first rotating member shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic structural view of a limiting component shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic structural view of a hinge mechanism in an unfolded state shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 5 is a schematic structural view of a hinge mechanism in a folded state shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic structural view of a hinge mechanism in a folding process or an unfolding process shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic structural view of a base frame assembly shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a device shown according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, and examples thereof are shown in the drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. On the contrary, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0040] With the development of communication technology, the usage scenarios of electronic devices are increasing, and portable electronic devices, such as foldable electronic devices, have received attention. A hinge mechanism is usually used to achieve the folding and opening of an electronic device. In order to provide a better user experience, the hinge mechanism also needs to be able to be positioned at a certain angle.

[0041] To overcome the problems existing in the related art, the present disclosure provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device.

[0042] The hinge mechanism provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure includes: a base frame assembly; a first rotating member rotatably disposed on the base frame assembly about a first direction; and a limiting assembly, the limiting assembly abuts against the first rotating member, and the limiting assembly applies damping to the first rotating member in a second direction, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction.

[0043] In the present disclosure, the first rotating member can rotate about the first direction, and the first rotating member abuts against the limiting assembly, and the limiting assembly applies damping to the first rotating member in the second direction, which can provide damping for the hinge structure in the second direction.

[0044] It should be noted that the first rotating member is rotatably disposed on the base frame assembly about the first direction. It can be understood that the rotation axes of the first rotating member and the base frame assembly are arranged along the first direction, and the first rotating member can be rotatably connected to the base frame assembly in a real-axis or virtual-axis manner. When the first rotating member is rotatably connected to the base frame assembly through a real axis, the first rotating member is rotatably connected to the base frame assembly through a rotating shaft. When the first rotating member is rotatably connected to the base frame assembly in a virtual-axis manner, the first rotating member is rotatably connected to the base frame assembly through an arc structure.

[0045] The electronic device involved in the present disclosure can also be referred to as an electronic device, a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile terminal (MT), etc. It is a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users. For example, the electronic device can be a handheld device with a wireless connection function, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. Currently, some examples of electronic devices are: a smart phone, a pocket personal computer (PPC), a palm computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a wearable device, or a vehicle-mounted device, etc. In addition, when it is a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication system, the electronic device can also be a vehicle-mounted device. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the electronic device.

[0046] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a hinge mechanism shown according to an exemplary embodiment. If there is Figure 1As shown, in the present disclosure, the hinge mechanism 10 may include a first rotating member 200 and a limiting assembly 30. The first rotating member 200 may rotate about a first direction. As Figure 1 shown, the first direction may be a virtual axis parallel to the Y direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the hinge mechanism 10 may also include a physical rotating shaft, as long as the rotating shaft is parallel to the Y direction.

[0047] For example, the rotating shaft 20 may be a virtual axial direction parallel to the first direction, and the first rotating member 200 may rotate about the rotating shaft 20. The rotating shaft 20 may also be a physical rotating shaft, such as a fixed rod 700, and the first rotating member 200 may rotate about the fixed rod 700.

[0048] The hinge mechanism 10 may further include a base frame assembly 400. The main body of the base frame assembly 400 may extend along the first direction. The limiting assembly 30 is disposed on the base frame assembly 400, and the first end 201 of the first rotating member 200 may be disposed on the side surface of the base frame assembly 400. The limiting assembly 30 may abut against the first end 201 of the first rotating member 200.

[0049] In the present disclosure, the limiting assembly 30 may abut against the first rotating member 200, and by abutting, damping may be provided when the first rotating member 200 rotates about the rotating shaft 20. For example, the limiting assembly 30 may provide damping to the first rotating member 200 in a second direction. The second direction may be a direction different from the first direction, that is, the second direction is a direction different from the Y direction.

[0050] For example, the angle between the first direction and the second direction may be 30°, 45°, 60°, or 90°. For example, when the angle between the second direction and the axial direction of the first direction is 90°, the second direction may be parallel to the radial direction of the rotating shaft 20. In the present disclosure, the first rotating member 200 may be provided with a first limiting portion, and the limiting assembly 30 may be provided with a second limiting portion. The first limiting portion may abut against the second limiting portion. When the first rotating member 200 rotates about the rotating shaft, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion may slide relative to each other, thereby generating frictional force to provide damping force.

[0051] In the present disclosure, the second limiting portion may be disposed at the end of the limiting assembly 30. For example, the second limiting portion may be disposed at the end of the limiting assembly 30 opposite to the first rotating member 200. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the second limiting portion may be at any part of the limiting assembly 30, as long as it can provide damping in the first direction.

[0052] The second limiting portion may be provided with a limiting member 300, and the limiting member 300 abuts against the first limiting portion.

[0053] In the present disclosure, the first rotating member 200 may include a first end 201 and a second end 202, and the first end 201 may be coaxially arranged with the rotating shaft 20. For example, during the rotation of the first rotating member 200, the first end 201 may not move in space (i.e., the first end 201 does not move in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction), and the first end 201 may rotate along the rotation direction of the rotating shaft. During the rotation of the first rotating member 200, as the first end 201 rotates, the second end 202 may move in space during the rotation of the first rotating member 200.

[0054] In the present disclosure, the first rotating member 200 may be provided with a first limiting portion. For example, the first limiting portion may be provided at the end of the first rotating member 200.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first limiting portion may be provided at the end of the first rotating member 200 opposite to the rotating shaft 20. As Figure 1 shown, the first limiting portion may be provided at the first end 201 of the first rotating member 200. In this way, when the first rotating member 200 rotates, the limiting member 300 may abut against the first limiting portion. Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a first rotating member 200 shown according to an exemplary embodiment. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the first limiting portion may be located at a circumferential position around the rotating shaft. With such a setting, the limiting member 300 and the first limiting portion abut against each other in the radial direction of the rotating shaft. Compared with the setting where the limiting member 300 and the first limiting portion abut against each other in the axial direction (Y direction) of the rotating shaft, the space in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism can be saved.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first limiting portion may include a plurality of positioning portions. The plurality of positioning portions may be arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction, or may be arranged continuously or adjacently along the circumferential direction. The present disclosure does not make specific limitations. The setting positions and setting intervals of the plurality of positioning portions 206 can be specifically set according to a preset angle.

[0057] As Figure 2 shown, the positioning portion 206 may include two positioning portions, namely a first positioning portion 2061 and a second positioning portion 2062. The first positioning portion 2061 and the second positioning portion 2062 may be arranged at intervals, and the damping portion 205 (first damping portion) may be located between the first positioning portion 2061 and the second positioning portion 2062.

[0058] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a hinge mechanism in an unfolded state shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5It is a schematic structural view of a hinge mechanism in a folded state shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 It is a schematic structural view of a hinge mechanism in a folding process or an unfolding process shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0059] As Figures 4 to 6 shown, the hinge mechanism 10 can be folded and can be unfolded. For example, the first rotating member 200 may include one set or multiple sets of first rotating members 200. The opposite ends of two first rotating members 200 in one set of first rotating members 200 can be rotatable coaxially with the rotating shaft 20. The opposite ends of two first rotating members 200 in one set of first rotating members 200 can be respectively arranged on the base frame assembly 400.

[0060] In the present disclosure, one set of first rotating members 200 move away from each other to unfold the hinge mechanism, and one set of first rotating members 200 move closer to each other to fold the hinge mechanism. For example, when one set of first rotating members 200 are closest to each other, it can be considered that the hinge mechanism 10 is in a folded state. In this case, the first rotating member 200 has a first rotation angle. Based on the plane formed by the X direction and the Y direction, the included angle between the plane where the first rotating member 200 is located and this plane at this time is the first rotation angle, that is, the first rotation angle can be about 90°.

[0061] When a pair of first rotating members 200 move away from each other to the farthest distance, it can be considered that the hinge mechanism 10 is in an unfolded state. In this case, the first rotating member 200 has a second rotation angle. Based on the plane formed by the X direction and the Y direction, the included angle between the plane where the first rotating member 200 is located and this plane at this time is the second rotation angle, that is, the second rotation angle can be about 0°.

[0062] It should be noted that in the present disclosure, it is not limited to the above embodiments. In some embodiments, there may also be provided one first rotating member. Through the rotation of the first rotating member, the hinge mechanism can also switch between the unfolded state and the folded state. Or, in some embodiments, the folded state may be in the form of winding or the like, and is not limited to folding in half.

[0063] In some embodiments, there may also be more first rotating members, such as three, four or more. Taking three first rotating members as an example, the three first rotating members may be arranged in sequence and can rotate around two rotating shafts respectively.

[0064] As Figure 4 shown, when the hinge mechanism 10 is in an unfolded state, the limiting member 300 can be in butt joint with the second positioning portion 2062, and because the limiting member 300 is in butt joint with the second positioning portion 2062, the hinge mechanism 10 is maintained in the unfolded state.

[0065] As shown Figure 5 When the hinge mechanism 10 is in the folded state, the limiting member 300 can be in butt-joint with the first positioning portion 2061. And because the limiting member 300 is in butt-joint with the first positioning portion 2061, the hinge mechanism 10 is maintained in the folded state. In the present disclosure, the positioning portion 206 can protrude from the damping portion 205. For example, in the present disclosure, the positioning portion 206 can include a positioning protrusion, that is, a positioning protrusion is provided at the position where the positioning portion is in butt-joint with the limiting member 300. In the present disclosure, the positioning portion 206 can be recessed from the damping portion 205. For example, the positioning portion 206 can include a positioning recess, a groove, or a notch, that is, a positioning recess, a groove, or a notch is provided at the position where the positioning portion is in butt-joint with the limiting member 300. The present disclosure does not limit the specific form of the positioning portion 206, as long as it can function to limit the movement of the limiting member 300.

[0066] As shown Figure 2 The positioning portion can include a positioning recess. The first positioning portion 2061 can be set as a recess, and the second positioning portion 2062 can be set as a recess. Such a setting can make it so that when the limiting member 300 is in butt-joint with the first limiting portion, when the limiting member 300 is in butt-joint with the damping portion 205 and is about to be in butt-joint with the positioning portion, because the positioning portion is recessed, compared with the damping portion 205, the limiting member 300 is more inclined to slide into the recess as soon as possible. Therefore, a force that promotes the limiting member 300 to slide towards the positioning portion is generated, making the hinge mechanism 10 reach the unfolded state or the folded state as soon as possible. Based on this, when the hinge mechanism 10 configured in this way is used in an electronic device, the user can also obtain a better feel when unfolding or folding.

[0067] In the present disclosure, the connection between the positioning recess of the positioning portion and the damping portion 205 can be smooth. In this way, the hinge mechanism 10 can stably reach the unfolded state or the folded state as soon as possible.

[0068] In the present disclosure, the setting manner of the positioning portion is not limited to the above description. For example, it can also be a combination of a positioning recess and a positioning protrusion. Specifically, if the positioning portion includes a positioning protrusion, a positioning recess can also be provided in the rotational direction. In this case, the positioning protrusion can play a positioning role to fix the first rotating member 200 at a preset angle. At the same time, due to the existence of the positioning recess, a force that promotes the limiting member 300 to slide towards the positioning protrusion can also be generated, making the hinge mechanism 10 reach the unfolded state or the folded state as soon as possible. Based on this, when the hinge mechanism 10 configured in this way is used in an electronic device, the user can also obtain a better feel when unfolding or folding.

[0069] As shown Figure 6As shown, the hinge mechanism 10 is in the folding or unfolding process. In this case, the limiting member 300 can be in abutting contact with the damping portion 205 in alignment, and a frictional force can be generated between the limiting member 300 and the damping portion 205, thereby forming the rotational damping of the first rotating member 200.

[0070] In the present disclosure, a plurality of first rotating members 200 and a plurality of limiting members 300 can be provided. In this case, if the rotational damping generated between the limiting member 300 and the damping portion 205 is sufficient, the components originally used to provide rotational damping in the hinge mechanism 10 can be omitted. Thus, the production cost of the hinge mechanism 10 can be reduced, or the area of the hinge mechanism 10 can also be reduced simultaneously, which is beneficial to the realization of the thinness and lightness of the electronic device.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the damping portion 205 can be a curved surface. Specifically, in the second direction, the cross-section of the damping portion 205 can be one or several of an arc shape, a wavy shape, and a serrated shape. The present disclosure does not make specific limitations. The damping portion 205 can be of any shape as long as it can achieve abutting contact with the limiting member 300 in alignment and relative sliding.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 1 shown, the limiting member 300 can include a pair of limiting members 300, and the pair of limiting members 300 can be arranged back-to-back along the rotation axis 20. The pair of limiting members 300 can be respectively in abutting contact with the first limiting portions of a pair of first rotating members 200.

[0073] In the present disclosure, the hinge mechanism can further include an elastic member 600. The elastic member 600 can stretch and contract as the first rotating member 200 rotates around the rotation axis 20 to provide a restoring force, so that the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are in abutting contact. In the present disclosure, the elastic member 600 can be arranged on the first rotating member 200, and due to the stretching and contraction of the elastic member 600, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion can be in abutting contact to maintain a certain damping. In the present disclosure, the elastic member 600 can provide an elastic force that causes the first rotating member 200 to abut against the limiting component 30.

[0074] In some embodiments, the elastic member 600 can be arranged on the limiting component 30, and due to the stretching and contraction of the elastic member 600, the second limiting portion and the first limiting portion can be in abutting contact to maintain a certain damping.

[0075] In some embodiments, elastic members 600 can be arranged on both the limiting component 30 and the first rotating member 200, and the present disclosure does not make specific limitations.

[0076] For example, as Figure 1As shown, the elastic member 600 is disposed in the limiting assembly 30 and can be connected to the limiting member 300. In some embodiments, both ends of the elastic member 600 can be respectively connected to a pair of limiting members 300. In some embodiments, a plurality of elastic members 600 can be provided and respectively connected to a plurality of limiting members 300.

[0077] In the present disclosure, the limiting assembly 30 can include a first limiting member and a second limiting member. For example, in Figure 1 the two limiting members 300 located at both ends of the elastic member 600 can be the first limiting member and the second limiting member respectively. The two opposite end portions of the elastic member 600 have elasticity, and the first limiting member and the second limiting member can respectively abut against the two end portions of the elastic member 600. As Figure 1 shown, the elastic member 600 can abut against the abutting surface 303 of the limiting member 300.

[0078] In the present disclosure, the limiting assembly 30 can include the elastic member 600 and the limiting member 300. At least one end portion of the elastic member 600 has elasticity to apply an elastic force to the limiting member 300 such that the limiting member 300 abuts against the first rotating member 200.

[0079] In the present disclosure, the elastic member 600 can expand and contract along the second direction to apply an elastic force in the second direction to the limiting member 300.

[0080] In the present disclosure, the elastic member 600 can be an elastic member, such as a spring, silica gel, rubber, latex, sponge, etc.

[0081] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a limiting assembly shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 3 shown, the limiting assembly 30 can include a limiting member 300 and an elastic member 600. The elastic member 600 can apply a restoring force to the limiting member 300 such that the limiting member 300 abuts against the first limiting portion.

[0082] As Figure 3 shown, the limiting member 300 can include a limiting protrusion 302, and the limiting protrusion 302 can abut against the first limiting portion. As Figure 3 shown, the limiting protrusion 302 can be formed by at least one (e.g., two) inclined surfaces 301 extending from the bottom surface of the limiting member 300. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the limiting protrusion 302 can also be formed by one inclined surface 301 extending from the bottom surface of the limiting member 300.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic member 600 may be fixedly connected to the limiting member 300. With such a setting, the connection between the two is more firm. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the elastic member 600 and the limiting member 300 may also be arranged to be in abutment, and such a setting can facilitate assembly more.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown, the hinge mechanism 10 may further include a base frame assembly 400. The base frame assembly 400 may extend along the axial direction of the rotation axis 20. The limiting assembly 30 is arranged on the base frame assembly 400, and the first rotating member 200 may be arranged on the side surface of the base frame assembly 400.

[0085] As Figure 1 shown, the base frame assembly 400 may be provided with a receiving space 401. The limiting assembly 30 is arranged in the receiving space 401. The limiting member 300 is movable in the receiving space 401, and the elastic member 600 is movable in the receiving space 401. As Figure 1 shown, one end of the limiting member 300 may be in abutment with the first limiting portion, and the other end of the limiting member 300 may be in abutment with the elastic member. The limiting member 300 may move in the receiving space 401 as the first rotating member 200 rotates around the rotation axis 20.

[0086] In the present disclosure, the main body of the base frame assembly 400 may include a receiving space 401 extending along the second direction. The elastic member 600 may be arranged in the receiving space 401. A part of the limiting assembly 30 may be arranged in the receiving space 401. One end of the limiting assembly 30 is in abutment with the elastic member 600, and the other end of the limiting assembly 30 is in abutment with the first rotating member 200.

[0087] In the present disclosure, the receiving space 401 may be a through hole or a groove formed on the main body of the base frame assembly 400 along the first direction. The elastic end of the elastic member 600 is telescopable in the receiving space 401, and the limiting assembly 30 is movable in the receiving space 401.

[0088] As Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown, the receiving space 401 may penetrate the base frame assembly 400 in the transverse direction of the rotation axis 20. The so-called transverse direction of the rotation axis 20 may be a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the rotation axis 20. With such a setting, while realizing the function of the torque of the first rotating member 200, the longitudinal space of the base frame assembly 400 can be saved, that is, the longitudinal space of the base frame assembly is saved. And, with such a setting, it is not necessary to provide a torque assembly on both sides of the base frame assembly 400 or on the rotation axis 20, so the effect of cost saving can also be achieved.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of accommodating spaces 401 may be provided, and a plurality of limiting components 30 may be correspondingly provided.

[0090] In the present disclosure, the base frame assembly 400 may include a bracket provided on the main body of the base frame assembly 400 and a fixing rod 700 provided on the bracket. The first rotating member 200 may be provided on the fixing rod 700 and rotate around the fixing rod 700.

[0091] In the present disclosure, the bracket may include a first bracket 402 and a second bracket 404 provided along the extending direction of the main body of the base frame assembly 400. The first bracket 402 and the second bracket 404 are opposite to each other. Two ends of the fixing rod 700 are respectively provided on the first bracket 402 and the second bracket 404, and the limiting component 30 may be provided between the first bracket 402 and the second bracket 404.

[0092] In the present disclosure, the bracket may include a third bracket 500. The third bracket 500 may be provided on one side of the second bracket 404, and the first bracket 402 is located on the other side of the second bracket 404;

[0093] In the present disclosure, a groove is provided at one end of the fixing rod 700, and at least a part of the third bracket 500 is provided in the groove to prevent the fixing rod 700 from moving in the first direction.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 1 shown, the base frame assembly 400 may include a first bracket 402. In the axial direction of the rotating shaft 20, the first bracket 402 may be provided on one side of the accommodating space 401, and the first bracket 402 may be provided with a first mounting hole 403.

[0095] As Figure 1 shown, in the axial direction, the first rotating member 200 may be provided with a second mounting hole 204. The hinge mechanism 10 may include a fixing rod 700. The fixing rod 700 may be parallel to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 20, and the fixing rod 700 may pass through the first mounting hole 403 and the second mounting hole 204. The first rotating member 200 may be movably connected to the base frame assembly 400 through the fixing rod 700, and the first rotating member 200 may rotate around the fixing rod 700. In this case, the fixing rod 700 may be regarded as a part of the rotating shaft 20.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 1As shown, the base frame assembly 400 may include a second bracket 404. In the axial direction, the second bracket 404 may be disposed on the other side of the accommodation space 401. The second bracket 404 may be provided with a third mounting hole 405, and the fixing rod 700 may pass through the third mounting hole 405. Such an arrangement can further utilize the fixing rod 700 to movably connect the first rotating member 200 and the base frame assembly 400.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 1 shown, the hinge mechanism 10 may include a third bracket 500. The third bracket 500 may be disposed on one side of the second bracket 404. One end of the fixing rod 700 may be provided with a groove, and at least a part of the third bracket 500 may be disposed in the groove to prevent the fixing rod 700 from moving in the axial direction.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 1 shown, the first rotating member 200 may include a first end 201 and a second end 202 that are oppositely disposed. The first end 201 may be coaxially configured with the rotating shaft 20, and the second end 202 may be away from the rotating shaft.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 1 shown, the hinge mechanism 10 may include a second rotating member 100. The second rotating member 100 may be slidably connected to the second end 202 of the first rotating member 200.

[0100] As Figure 1 shown, a side surface of the first rotating member 200 in the radial direction parallel to the rotating shaft may be provided with a first sliding portion 203. The second rotating member 100 may be provided with a second sliding portion 101 adapted to the first sliding portion 203. Through the mutual cooperation of the first sliding portion 203 and the second sliding portion 101, the first rotating member 200 and the second rotating member 100 may slide relative to each other.

[0101] In some embodiments, for example, in an electronic device, when the electronic device is unfolded or folded, the display screen will also be unfolded or folded accordingly. In the unfolded state and the folded state, the displayable area of the display surface of the display screen is different, resulting in the possibility that the display screen may need to contract in the two states. In this case, the first rotating member 200 and the second rotating member 100 may slide relative to each other to provide sufficient support for the display screen in different situations, and when the display area of the display screen changes, the support size of the hinge mechanism 10 may also change accordingly.

[0102] Based on the same concept, the present disclosure may further provide an electronic device, including: a display screen including a display surface and a back surface disposed opposite to each other. The electronic device may further include a hinge mechanism as described in any of the previous embodiments, and the hinge mechanism is disposed opposite to the back surface of the display screen.

[0103] In the present disclosure, the electronic device may be a foldable or rollable electronic device, and the display screen may be a flexible display panel. The display screen can be folded and unfolded by the folding and unfolding of the hinge mechanism.

[0104] In the present disclosure, the first rotating member can rotate around the rotation axis, and the limiting surface of the first rotating member is located at the axial position of the rotation axis. The elastic member of the limiting assembly can abut against the limiting surface. When the limiting member abuts against the positioning portion, the hinge mechanism can be positioned at a preset angle. When the limiting member abuts against the damping portion, a rotational damping of the first rotating member is formed.

[0105] In the present disclosure, the first rotating member 200 can perform fixed-axis rotation around the base frame assembly 400 (middle bracket) with the pin shaft 700 as the rotation axis. The elastic member 600 (spring) can be installed in the accommodation space 401 on the base frame assembly 400, and then the limiting member 300 (cam) can slide in the accommodation space 401. There is a first limiting portion (synchronizing rod cam) on the first rotating member 200, and a limiting protrusion 302 (cam feature) on the limiting member 300. The elastic member 600 in the accommodation space 401 always abuts against the limiting member 300, so that the limiting protrusion 302 on the limiting member 300 always cooperates with the first limiting portion on the first rotating member 200. Due to the different cam mating surfaces during the rotation process, the first rotating member 200 generates the required torsion force. Since the first rotating member 200 is slidably connected to the second rotating member 100, the torsion force is transmitted to the whole machine.

[0106] In the present disclosure, the elastic member (spring) can be horizontally arranged and directly installed inside the base frame assembly. A limiting surface (cam contour) is made at the first end (rotation axis) of the first rotating member. The horizontally arranged spring directly presses against the limiting member (cylindrical cam), so that the cylindrical cam acts on the first rotating member to realize the torsion force. This mechanism utilizes the space of the base frame assembly and does not occupy the longitudinal dimension, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the rotating shaft (hinge mechanism).

[0107] It can be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, the electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure includes the corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Combining the units and algorithm steps of the examples disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed in the way of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0108] Figure 8FIG. 0 is a block diagram of an apparatus 800 shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. For example, apparatus 800 may be a mobile phone, a computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a messaging device, a game console, a tablet device, a medical device, a fitness device, a personal digital assistant, etc. Apparatus 800 may be the electronic device as described above.

[0109] Referring Figure 8 , apparatus 800 may include one or more of the following components: a processing component 802, a memory 804, a power component 806, a multimedia component 808, an audio component 810, an input / output (I / O) interface 812, a sensor component 814, and a communication component 816.

[0110] The processing component 802 generally controls the overall operation of apparatus 800, such as operations associated with display, telephone calls, data communications, camera operations, and recording operations. The processing component 802 may include one or more processors 820 to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the above-described method. In addition, the processing component 802 may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between the processing component 802 and other components. For example, the processing component 802 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between the multimedia component 808 and the processing component 802.

[0111] The memory 804 is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of apparatus 800. Examples of such data include instructions for any application or method operating on apparatus 800, contact data, phone book data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. The memory 804 may be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

[0112] The power component 806 provides power to the various components of apparatus 800. The power component 806 may include a power management system, one or more power sources, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power for apparatus 800.

[0113] The multimedia component 808 includes a screen that provides an output interface between the device 800 and the user. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen can be implemented as a touch screen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touches, swipes, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensors can sense not only the boundaries of touch or swipe actions but also detect the duration and pressure associated with the touch or swipe operation. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the multimedia component 808 includes a front camera and / or a rear camera. When the device 800 is in an operation mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front camera and / or the rear camera can receive external multimedia data. Each of the front camera and the rear camera can be a fixed optical lens system or have a focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0114] The audio component 810 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component 810 includes a microphone (MIC) that is configured to receive external audio signals when the device 800 is in an operation mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signals can be further stored in the memory 804 or transmitted via the communication component 816. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the audio component 810 further includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0115] The I / O interface 812 provides an interface between the processing component 802 and a peripheral interface module, which can be a keyboard, a click wheel, buttons, etc. These buttons can include, but are not limited to: a home button, a volume button, a power button, and a lock button.

[0116] The sensor component 814 includes one or more sensors for providing a status assessment of various aspects of the device 800. For example, the sensor component 814 can detect the on / off state of the device 800, the relative positioning of components, such as the display and keypad of the device 800. The sensor component 814 can also detect a change in the position of the device 800 or a component of the device 800, the presence or absence of user contact with the device 800, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of the device 800, and the temperature change of the device 800. The sensor component 814 can include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. The sensor component 814 can also include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor component 814 can further include an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0117] The communication component 816 is configured to facilitate communication, either wired or wirelessly, between the device 800 and other devices. The device 800 may access a wireless network based on communication standards, such as WiFi, 2G, or 3G, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 816 receives a broadcast signal or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 816 further includes a Near Field Communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0118] In an exemplary embodiment, the device 800 may be implemented by one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components for performing the above-described method.

[0119] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions, such as the memory 804 including instructions, is also provided. The above instructions may be executed by the processor 820 of the device 800 to complete the above-described method. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, Random Access Memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, among others.

[0120] It can be understood that "a plurality of" in the present disclosure means two or more, and other quantifiers are similar thereto. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after. The singular forms of "a", "the", and "said" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0121] It can be further understood that the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various information, but this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the same type of information from each other and do not represent a specific order or degree of importance. In fact, the expressions "first", "second", etc. can be used interchangeably. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information.

[0122] It can be further understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing this embodiment and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0123] It can be further understood that unless otherwise specified, "connection" includes direct connection between two elements without other components therebetween, and also includes indirect connection between two elements with other elements therebetween.

[0124] It can be further understood that although the operations are described in a specific order in the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure, it should not be understood as requiring to perform these operations in the specific order or serial order shown, or requiring to perform all the operations shown to obtain the desired result. In a specific environment, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0125] Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of other embodiments of the present disclosure after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include known common knowledge or conventional technical means in the technical field not disclosed in the present disclosure. The specification and embodiments are only regarded as exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are pointed out by the following claims.

[0126] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures already described and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present disclosure is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism, characterized in that, comprising: a base frame assembly; a first rotating member rotatably provided on the base frame assembly about a first direction; and a limiting assembly, the limiting assembly abuts against the first rotating member, and the limiting assembly applies damping to the first rotating member in a second direction, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction.

2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first rotating member is provided with a first limiting portion, the limiting assembly is provided with a second limiting portion, the first limiting portion abuts against the second limiting portion, and the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion slide relative to each other as the first rotating member rotates.

3. The hinge mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, the hinge mechanism includes an elastic member, and the elastic member provides an elastic force that causes the first rotating member to abut against the limiting assembly.

4. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, the elastic member is provided on the first rotating member, and / or the elastic member is provided on the limiting assembly.

5. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, the limiting assembly includes a limiting member and the elastic member, and at least one end of the elastic member has elasticity to apply an elastic force to the limiting member so that the limiting member abuts against the first rotating member.

6. The hinge mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, the limiting assembly includes a first limiting member and a second limiting member; the two opposite ends of the elastic member have elasticity, and the first limiting member and the second limiting member respectively abut against the two ends of the elastic member.

7. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, the elastic member expands and contracts along the second direction to apply an elastic force in the second direction to the limiting member.

8. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, the main body of the base frame assembly extends along the first direction, the first end of the first rotating member is rotatably provided on the side surface of the base frame assembly, the second end of the first rotating member rotates around the base frame assembly, the limiting assembly is provided on the base frame assembly, and the limiting assembly abuts against the first end of the first rotating member, the main body of the base frame assembly includes a receiving space extending along the second direction, the elastic member is provided in the receiving space, a part of the limiting assembly is provided in the receiving space, one end of the limiting assembly abuts against the elastic member, and the other end of the limiting assembly abuts against the first rotating member.

9. The hinge mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, the first rotating member includes one group or multiple groups of first rotating members, the opposite two ends of one group of first rotating members are respectively rotatably provided on the base frame assembly, one group of first rotating members move away from each other to expand the hinge mechanism, and one group of first rotating members move closer to each other to fold the hinge mechanism.

10. The hinge mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The accommodating space is a through hole or a groove formed on the main body of the base frame assembly along the first direction. The elastic end of the elastic member is telescopable within the accommodating space, and the limiting assembly is movable within the accommodating space.

11. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, the included angle between the first direction and the second direction is 30°, 45°, 60° or 90°.

12. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, wherein, the first limiting portion includes a positioning portion and a damping portion. At each rotation angle of the first rotating member, the positioning portion or the damping portion is respectively in butt joint with the limiting member; the butt joint between the damping portion and the second limiting portion forms the rotation damping of the first rotating member; the butt joint between the positioning portion and the second limiting portion is used to position the first rotating member at a preset angle.

13. The hinge mechanism according to claim 12, wherein, the positioning portion protrudes from the damping portion; and / or the positioning portion is recessed in the damping portion.

14. The hinge mechanism according to claim 13, wherein, the positioning portion at least includes a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion; the first positioning portion is in butt joint with the second limiting portion, the first rotating member has a first rotation angle, and the hinge mechanism is in a folded state; the second positioning portion is in butt joint with the second limiting portion, the first rotating member has a second rotation angle, and the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state.

15. The hinge mechanism according to claim 14, wherein, in the second direction, the cross section of the damping portion is one or several of an arc shape, a wave shape, and a sawtooth shape.

16. The hinge mechanism according to claim 2, wherein, the first rotating member includes a first end and a second end arranged oppositely. The first end is coaxially arranged with the rotating shaft, the second end is far away from the rotating shaft, and the first limiting portion is arranged at the first end.

17. The hinge mechanism according to claim 14, wherein, the second limiting portion includes a limiting protrusion, and the limiting protrusion is in butt joint with the first limiting portion.

18. The hinge mechanism according to claim 17, wherein, the elastic member is fixedly connected with the limiting member; or the elastic member is in butt joint with the limiting member.

19. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, the base frame assembly includes a bracket arranged on the main body of the base frame assembly and a fixing rod arranged on the bracket. The first rotating member is arranged on the fixing rod and rotates around the fixing rod.

20. The hinge mechanism according to claim 19, wherein, the bracket includes a first bracket and a second bracket arranged along the extending direction of the main body of the base frame assembly. The first bracket and the second bracket are opposite to each other. Two ends of the fixing rod are respectively arranged on the first bracket and the second bracket, and the limiting assembly is arranged between the first bracket and the second bracket.

21. The hinge mechanism according to claim 20, wherein, The bracket includes a third bracket, the third bracket is disposed on one side of the second bracket, and the first bracket is located on the other side of the second bracket; One end of the fixing rod is provided with a groove, and at least a part of the third bracket is disposed in the groove to prevent the fixing rod from moving in the first direction.

22. The hinge mechanism according to claim 16, wherein, the hinge mechanism includes a second rotating member, and the second rotating member is slidably connected to the second end of the first rotating member.

23. The hinge mechanism according to claim 22, wherein, the first rotating member is provided with a first sliding portion; the second rotating member is provided with a second sliding portion adapted to the first sliding portion.

24. An electronic device, wherein, comprising: a display screen including a display surface and a back surface disposed opposite to each other; the hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 23, the hinge mechanism being disposed opposite to the back surface of the display screen.

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