Folding equipment and hinge mechanism

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses folding equipment and a hinge mechanism. A first main swing arm and a second main swing arm of the hinge mechanism are rotationally arranged on the two sides of the axis of the main shaft assembly so as to be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state relative to the main shaft assembly. A first sliding support is arranged on the first main swing arm and can slide in the direction close to or away from the main shaft assembly relative to the first main swing arm. The first sliding support is provided with a damping module, the first main swing arm is provided with a cam part, one end of the damping module is provided with a first damping friction piece, and the first damping friction piece abuts against the cam part so as to provide damping torque when the first sliding support and the first main swing arm slide relatively. According to the arrangement, the damping module is arranged in the sliding fit relation of the main swing arm and the sliding support, based on the structural characteristic that the damping module is arranged away from the main shaft assembly, the damping module is located on the side away from the main shaft assembly, the structural space of the main shaft assembly is not occupied, and the hinge mechanism is thinned.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of terminal devices, and in particular to a folding device and a hinge mechanism. Background Art

[0002] Two main bodies of a folding device are connected by a hinge mechanism, and relative folding or relative unfolding can be realized. For example, foldable electronic devices such as flip phones, foldable tablets, and laptop computers. Among them, as an important component for realizing the folding operation, the hinge mechanism usually needs to be provided with a damping module to achieve the self-opening and hovering functions in order to ensure the user's operation experience.

[0003] However, with the miniaturization and light weight of terminal electronic products, the space for the device to accommodate the hinge mechanism is getting smaller and smaller. For the hinge mechanism in the folded state, it is necessary to effectively reduce the thickness to adapt to the limited assembly space provided by the device while having a good damping function. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a folding device and a hinge mechanism, and the thickness dimension can be effectively reduced through structural optimization.

[0005] In a first aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a hinge mechanism is provided. The hinge mechanism includes a main shaft assembly, a first main swing arm, a second main swing arm, a first sliding bracket, and a damping module; the first main swing arm and the second main swing arm are arranged on both sides of the axis of the main shaft assembly and are respectively rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly on their respective sides. The rotation center lines of the first main swing arm and the second main swing arm are parallel to the extension direction of the main shaft assembly to switch between the folded state and the unfolded state relative to the main shaft assembly; a first sliding bracket is arranged on the first main swing arm, and the first sliding bracket can slide relative to the first main swing arm in a direction approaching or departing from the main shaft assembly; a damping module is arranged on the first sliding bracket, a cam portion is arranged on the first main swing arm, and one end of the damping module is provided with a first damping friction member, and the first damping friction member abuts against the cam portion to provide a damping torque when the first sliding bracket slides relative to the first main swing arm. With such a setting, relative to the main shaft assembly, the sliding bracket and the main body of the swing arm are both arranged away from the main shaft assembly on their respective sides, and the damping module is configured in the sliding fit relationship between the first main swing arm and the first sliding bracket. Based on the structural feature that the damping module is arranged away from the main shaft assembly, when the hinge mechanism switches to the unfolded state, the damping module is located beside the main shaft assembly away from it, and when the hinge mechanism switches to the folded state, the damping module is also located beside the main shaft assembly. In this way, the damping module for providing the damping torque for the opening and closing operation does not occupy the structural space of the main shaft assembly. That is to say, the hinge size is not directly related to the assembly space required for configuring the damping module, and the thinning design of the hinge mechanism can be realized, which meets the trend design requirements of product miniaturization and light weight.

[0006] In addition, based on the structural feature that the damping module is disposed away from the spindle assembly, without changing the external dimensions of the spindle assembly and the hinge mechanism, the space beside the spindle assembly can be fully utilized to dispose the damping module, further providing an available expansion space for increasing the structural dimensions of the damping module. On this basis, a relatively large damping torque can be obtained to ensure the reliability of the self-opening / closing and hovering functions.

[0007] In practical applications, sliding brackets can be disposed on the main swing arms on both sides of the spindle assembly, that is, a second sliding bracket is also disposed on the second main swing arm, and the damping module is disposed between the sliding brackets on both sides and the damping module to obtain a good user experience.

[0008] In other practical applications, an asymmetric arrangement on both sides can also be adopted. For example, a sliding bracket and a damping module can be disposed only on one side of the main swing arm, and the width adjustment of the hinge mechanism during the unfolding process is realized based on the side where the main swing arm with the sliding bracket is located, and the self-opening / closing and hovering function effects are obtained through the damping module disposed between the main swing arm and the sliding bracket. For another example, sliding brackets are disposed on the main swing arms on both sides of the spindle assembly, and a damping module is disposed between the main swing arms on the side where one of the sliding brackets is located. The width adjustment of the hinge mechanism during the unfolding process is realized based on the bilateral sliding brackets, and the self-opening / closing and hovering function effects are obtained through the damping module disposed between the main swing arm on one side and the sliding bracket.

[0009] Exemplarily, the damping module can be embedded in the sliding bracket, which can further reasonably control the thickness dimension of the hinge mechanism. In practical applications, in the thickness direction, the damping module can be completely built into the concave accommodation cavity of the sliding bracket, or a configuration can be adopted in which a part of the damping module is built into the concave accommodation cavity of the sliding bracket.

[0010] Based on the first implementation of the first aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide a second implementation of the first aspect: the first damping friction member is a first spherical member, and the damping module further includes a slider and an elastic member. The slider is disposed between the first spherical member and the elastic member; the slider has a first inclined surface that presses against the first spherical member, and the first inclined surface is inclined from the end of the slider away from the elastic member toward the direction close to the first sliding bracket; the first sliding bracket has a second inclined surface that presses against the first spherical member, the second inclined surface is disposed opposite to the second inclined surface in the thickness direction, and the second inclined surface is inclined from the body side of the first sliding bracket toward the direction away from the first spherical member. With such a setting, based on the action of the elastic member, the first spherical member can maintain close contact with the cam portion, the first inclined surface, and the second inclined surface. In this way, the reaction force formed by the compression of the elastic member can be transmitted to the first spherical member through the first inclined surface of the slider and act on the first spherical member together with the second inclined surface on the sliding bracket. Since the contact surfaces provided on the slider side and the sliding bracket side are both inclined toward the first spherical member, a larger damping effect can be achieved through the component force amplification effect of the inclined surface with an inclination angle.

[0011] On this basis, for the same damping effect, a spring with a relatively small size can be used, or a smaller spring compression amount can be configured, thereby reducing the space occupied by the damping module and further thinning the thickness of the hinge mechanism.

[0012] Based on the second implementation of the first aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide a third implementation of the first aspect: a second damping friction member is provided at the other end of the damping module, and the second damping friction member can abut against the first main swing arm to provide a damping moment on the first main swing arm side by forming a frictional force. With such a setting, the elastic deformation energy stored by the compression deformation of the elastic member is fully utilized to simultaneously form frictional forces for providing damping moments on both ends of the damping module, obtaining a better damping effect. At the same time, it is possible to avoid the possibility of movement jamming caused by unilateral loading on the cam arm side during the movement of the first main swing arm, and the movement stability of the dynamic cooperation relationship between components can be ensured.

[0013] Based on the third implementation manner of the first aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide a fourth implementation manner of the first aspect: the second damping friction member is a second spherical member, and the damping module further includes a base disposed between the elastic member of the damping module and the second spherical member; the base has a third inclined surface that presses against the second spherical member, and the third inclined surface is inclined from the end of the base away from the elastic member toward the direction close to the first sliding bracket; the first sliding bracket has a fourth inclined surface that presses against the second spherical member, the fourth inclined surface is disposed opposite to the third inclined surface in the thickness direction, and the fourth inclined surface is inclined from the body side of the first sliding bracket toward the direction away from the second spherical member. With such a setting, based on the action of the elastic member, the second spherical member can maintain close contact with the first main swing arm, the second inclined surface, and the fourth inclined surface. In this way, the reaction force formed by the compression of the elastic member can also achieve a greater damping effect at the second end of the damping module.

[0014] Based on the fourth implementation manner of the first aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide a fifth implementation manner of the first aspect: the first main swing arm includes a cam support arm and a sliding support arm, and the cam portion is disposed on the surface of the cam support arm facing the damping module; in the extending direction of the main shaft assembly, the cam support arm and the sliding support arm are spaced apart and both extend away from the main shaft assembly; a chute and a receiving groove are formed on the first sliding bracket, the sliding support arm is inserted into the chute so that the sliding bracket can slide relative to the main swing arm toward or away from the main shaft assembly, and the width of the hinge mechanism is adjusted by the position change of the hinge connection portion, the cam support arm is inserted into the receiving groove so that when the sliding bracket slides relative to the main swing arm, a space can be provided to accommodate the cam portion; the first spherical member is disposed in the receiving groove, and a first concave inclined groove is formed on the side wall of the receiving groove close to the damping module, the first concave inclined groove is inclined from the bottom of the receiving groove toward the direction away from the inner space of the receiving groove, and the groove wall of the first concave inclined groove forms the second inclined surface; the second spherical member is disposed in the chute, and a second concave inclined groove is formed on the side wall of the chute close to the damping module, the second concave inclined groove is inclined from the bottom of the chute toward the direction away from the inner space of the chute, and the groove wall of the second concave inclined groove forms the fourth inclined surface. With such a setting, the cam portion and the damping module can be correspondingly disposed in the width direction to adapt to the sliding displacement amount of the sliding bracket and meet the functional requirements of adjusting the width of the hinge mechanism, and the overall structure is more compact.

[0015] Exemplarily, the second spherical member can be abutted against the sliding support arm of the first main swing arm.

[0016] Based on the fifth implementation manner of the first aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide a sixth implementation manner of the first aspect: the damping module further includes a friction plate disposed between the second spherical member and the sliding support arm. In this way, the friction loss between the second spherical member and the sliding support arm can be reduced, and the service life can be improved.

[0017] Exemplarily, the friction plate may be made of wear-resistant material or self-lubricating material.

[0018] Based on the fifth implementation of the first aspect, or the sixth implementation of the first aspect, the embodiment of the present application further provides a seventh implementation of the first aspect: the first sliding bracket is further provided with a concave accommodating cavity, the concave accommodating cavity is located between the accommodating groove and the slide groove, and is respectively connected with the accommodating groove and the slide groove, and at least part of the damping module is built into the concave accommodating cavity. In this way, the structural integration can be further improved and the occupation of the assembly space can be reduced.

[0019] In practical applications, the slider and the base can both be arranged in the concave accommodating cavity, and the slider can slide in the concave accommodating cavity, so the structure is more compact and reasonable.

[0020] Based on the seventh implementation of the first aspect, the embodiment of the present application also provides an eighth implementation of the first aspect: the slider has a first limiting protrusion extending laterally, and a first limiting groove is correspondingly provided on the side wall of the concave accommodating cavity. The first limiting protrusion is inserted in the first limiting groove, and a second limiting pair is formed in the thickness direction to limit the slider from escaping from the concave accommodating cavity; the base has a second limiting protrusion extending laterally, and a second limiting groove is correspondingly provided on the side wall of the concave accommodating cavity. The second limiting protrusion is inserted in the second limiting groove, and a third limiting pair is formed in the thickness direction to limit the base from escaping from the concave accommodating cavity. With such a configuration, the spring mounted on the positioning column can be maintained in a stable assembly position in the thickness direction, providing a basic guarantee for ensuring the good actuation performance of the damping module.

[0021] In other practical applications, the first limiting protrusion and the first limiting groove that form the second limiting pair can be reversely arranged between the slider and the concave accommodating cavity, that is, the first limiting protrusion is arranged on the side wall of the concave accommodating cavity, and the first limiting groove is arranged on the slider. Correspondingly, the second limiting protrusion and the second limiting groove that form the third limiting pair can also be reversely arranged between the base and the concave accommodating cavity, that is, the second limiting protrusion is arranged on the side wall of the concave accommodating cavity, and the second limiting groove is arranged on the base.

[0022] Based on the fifth implementation of the first aspect, the embodiment of the present application further provides a ninth implementation of the first aspect: a positioning groove is provided on one of the side wall of the slide groove and the sliding arm, and a positioning protrusion is provided on the other, the positioning groove extends in the same direction as the slide groove, and the positioning protrusion is built into the positioning groove. In this way, a first limiting pair is formed between the positioning protrusion and the positioning groove in the thickness direction to limit the sliding arm from escaping from the slide groove along the thickness direction.

[0023] Exemplarily, the positioning groove can be formed on the side wall of the sliding groove. Correspondingly, the positioning bump is arranged on the opposite side of the sliding support arm and the positioning groove, which has good processability.

[0024] In other examples, the positioning bump can be arranged on the side wall of the sliding groove of the sliding bracket. Correspondingly, the positioning groove is formed on the opposite side of the sliding support arm and the positioning bump, which can also prevent the sliding support arm from disengaging from the sliding groove.

[0025] Based on the fourth embodiment of the first aspect, or the fourth embodiment of the first aspect, or the fifth embodiment of the first aspect, or the sixth embodiment of the first aspect, or the seventh embodiment of the first aspect, or the eighth embodiment of the first aspect, or the ninth embodiment of the first aspect, the embodiment of the present application also provides the tenth embodiment of the first aspect: The elastic member is a spring. A first positioning post is arranged on the opposite side of the slider and the spring, and a second positioning post is arranged on the opposite side of the base and the spring. The spring coils on both ends of the spring are respectively sleeved on the first positioning post and the second positioning post. Thus, the spring can maintain a stable posture when being compressed and deformed.

[0026] Based on the first aspect, or the first embodiment of the first aspect, or the second embodiment of the first aspect, or the third embodiment of the first aspect, or the fourth embodiment of the first aspect, or the fifth embodiment of the first aspect, or the sixth embodiment of the first aspect, or the seventh embodiment of the first aspect, or the eighth embodiment of the first aspect, or the ninth embodiment of the first aspect, or the tenth embodiment of the first aspect, the embodiment of the present application also provides the eleventh embodiment of the first aspect: The cam portion includes a first part, a second part, and a third part that are sequentially connected. The second part is the high point of the cam portion; the first part is located on the side of the cam portion close to the main shaft assembly and is an inclined surface or an arc surface that gradually converges from the second part; the second part is located on the side of the cam portion away from the main shaft assembly and is an inclined surface or an arc surface that gradually converges from the second part. With such a setting, when the hinge mechanism switches between the folded state and the unfolded state, based on the relative sliding between the sliding bracket and the main swing arm, the first damping friction member will move along the surface of the cam portion on the main swing arm.

[0027] Exemplarily, the self-closing section can be an inclined surface that gradually converges from the hovering section. In the folded state, based on the damping moment formed by the acting force provided by the damping module, it shows a self-closing effect. In other examples, the self-closing section can be an arc surface that gradually converges from the hovering section.

[0028] In practical applications, when the hinge mechanism is in an intermediate state between the folded state and the unfolded state, the high point position of the cam in the hovering section further compresses the elastic member through the first damping friction member; in this state, based on the damping moment formed by the acting force provided by the damping module, the damping module shows a hovering effect.

[0029] Based on the first aspect, or the first implementation manner of the first aspect, or the second implementation manner of the first aspect, or the third implementation manner of the first aspect, or the fourth implementation manner of the first aspect, or the fifth implementation manner of the first aspect, or the sixth implementation manner of the first aspect, or the seventh implementation manner of the first aspect, or the eighth implementation manner of the first aspect, or the ninth implementation manner of the first aspect, or the tenth implementation manner of the first aspect, or the eleventh implementation manner of the first aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide a twelfth implementation manner of the first aspect: The hinge mechanism further includes a pulling component, one end of the pulling component is connected to the sliding bracket, and the other end is rotatably connected to the main shaft component; the main swing arm rotates relative to the main shaft component around the first rotation center, the pulling component rotates relative to the main shaft component around the second rotation center, and the first rotation center is closer to the center line of the main shaft component than the second rotation center. With such a setting, it can be widely applied to an inward-foldable electronic device, that is, in the folded state, its flexible screen is located inside two opposite main bodies.

[0030] Based on the first aspect, or the first implementation manner of the first aspect, or the second implementation manner of the first aspect, or the third implementation manner of the first aspect, or the fourth implementation manner of the first aspect, or the fifth implementation manner of the first aspect, or the sixth implementation manner of the first aspect, or the seventh implementation manner of the first aspect, or the eighth implementation manner of the first aspect, or the ninth implementation manner of the first aspect, or the tenth implementation manner of the first aspect, or the eleventh implementation manner of the first aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide a thirteenth implementation manner of the first aspect: The hinge mechanism further includes a pulling component, one end of the pulling component is connected to the sliding bracket, and the other end is rotatably connected to the main shaft component; the main swing arm rotates relative to the main shaft component around the first rotation center, the pulling component rotates relative to the main shaft component around the second rotation center, and the second rotation center is closer to the center line of the main shaft component than the first rotation center. With such a setting, it can be widely applied to an outward-foldable electronic device, that is, in the folded state, its flexible screen is located outside two opposite main bodies.

[0031] Based on the twelfth implementation manner of the first aspect or the thirteenth implementation manner of the first aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide a fourteenth implementation manner of the first aspect: The pulling component includes a connecting piece and an arc arm, one end of the connecting piece is connected to the arc arm, the other end of the connecting piece is connected to the sliding bracket, and the arc arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft component. Exemplarily, an arc-shaped slider is provided on the arc arm, an arc-shaped groove is opened on the main shaft component, one side notch of the arc-shaped groove is opened on the inner surface of the main shaft component, and the arc-shaped slider is placed in the arc-shaped groove and slides along the arc-shaped groove so that the arc arm rotates relative to the main shaft component. The overall structure is more compact and reasonable.

[0032] In the second aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a folding device is provided. The folding device includes two main bodies connected by a hinge mechanism, and the hinge mechanism adopts the hinge mechanism as described above.

[0033] Exemplarily, the folding device is a mobile or fixed terminal with a folding screen, such as a laptop computer, a foldable tablet computer, or a foldable mobile phone.

[0034] In practical applications, the folding device is also a mobile or fixed terminal in which a display device is provided on one main body and a keyboard is provided on the other main body.

[0035] In other practical applications, the folding device can also be a foldable non-electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the folded and unfolded states of a folding device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0037] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of a hinge mechanism provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0038] Figure 3 is Figure 2 exploded view of an assembly relationship of the hinge mechanism shown in;

[0039] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a sliding bracket provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0040] Figure 5 is Figure 4 top view of the sliding bracket shown in;

[0041] Figure 6 is Figure 2 top view of the hinge mechanism shown in;

[0042] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the damping module and the cam portion in the folded state;

[0043] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the damping module and the cam portion in the intermediate state;

[0044] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the damping module and the cam portion in the unfolded state;

[0045] Figure 10 is Figure 6 partial cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in;

[0046] Figure 11 Exploded view of the composition of a damping module provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0047] Figure 12 is Figure 5 a partial sectional view taken along line B-B in

[0048] Figure 13 a schematic diagram of the force analysis of the damping module described in the embodiments of the present application;

[0049] Figure 14 is Figure 2 another exploded schematic diagram of the assembly relationship of the hinge mechanism shown in

[0050] Figure 15 is Figure 6 a sectional view taken along line C-C in

[0051] Figure 16 is Figure 6 a sectional view taken along line D-D in

[0052] Figure 17 is Figure 6 a schematic diagram of the positional relationship of the sliding bracket and the main swing arm shown in when switched to the folded state;

[0053] Figure 18 is Figure 14 a schematic diagram of the structure of the arc arm shown in . Specific Embodiments

[0054] The embodiments of the present application provide a hinge mechanism with optimized structure to effectively reduce the thickness dimension.

[0055] For a hinge mechanism applied to a folding device, it usually needs to have a damping structure to achieve the functions of self-opening / closing and hovering. Based on the damping structure, the two main bodies of the folding device can be maintained in a stable unfolded state, folded state or unfolded state to obtain a good user experience.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 1 , which is a schematic diagram of the folded state and unfolded state of a folding device provided by the embodiments of the present application. Exemplarily, Figure 1 the folding device 100 shown in is an inward folding electronic device. In the folded state, its flexible screen is located inside the two opposite main bodies 20. At the same time, Figure 1 the unfolded states of the folding device are respectively schematically shown from the outer side view and the screen side view. Here, "inside" and "outside" refer to the two opposite sides of the main body 20 in the thickness direction: In order to clearly show the positional relationship between the hinge mechanism 10 and the two main bodies 20, the unfolded state schematic diagram formed from the screen side view does not show the flexible screen.

[0057] For the hinge mechanism 10 applied to a folding electronic device, it usually also needs to have a connection position adjustment mechanism. To Figure 1Taking the folding electronic device with a flexible screen shown in [reference] as an example, the main shaft assembly of the hinge mechanism 10 extends along the connection position of the two main bodies 20. The extension direction of the main shaft assembly can be referred to as Figure 1 the direction indicated by the arrow X in [reference]. On both sides of the axis of the main shaft assembly of the hinge mechanism 10, main swing arms can be respectively rotatably connected, and there are sliding brackets that can slide relative to the main swing arms. The sliding brackets are connected to the two main bodies 20 as hinge connection parts. During the rotation of the main swing arm relative to the main shaft assembly, the sliding bracket can be driven to rotate. At the same time, the sliding bracket can slide relative to the main swing arm in a direction close to or away from the main shaft assembly to adjust the width of the hinge mechanism 10 during the unfolding process. Among them, the width of the hinge mechanism 10 can be referred to as Figure 1 the direction indicated by the arrow Y in [reference]. In this way, during the relative folding and relative unfolding of the two main bodies 20 of the folding electronic device, the flexible screen covering the surface of the main body 20 will not be squeezed or stretched.

[0058] Most of the damping modules of traditional hinge mechanisms are arranged on the main shaft assembly or configured together with the main swing arm on the hinge exterior part (the external component exposed outside the device body), which affects the thickness dimension of the hinge. With the miniaturization and lightweight of terminal electronic products, the space for the device to accommodate the hinge mechanism is getting smaller and smaller. Limited by the damping implementation method of the traditional hinge mechanism, the thickness of the hinge mechanism cannot be further reduced, which thus limits the evolution of the folding electronic device towards miniaturization and lightweight.

[0059] Based on this, the embodiment of the present application provides a hinge mechanism, which includes a main shaft assembly, a main swing arm, a sliding bracket, and a damping module; among them, the main shaft assembly is the basic component for assembling other parts of the hinge. Main swing arms are arranged on both sides of the axis of the main shaft assembly. Each main swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly on its side, and the rotation center line is parallel to the extension direction of the main shaft assembly; the main swing arms on both sides of the main shaft assembly can rotate relative to the main shaft assembly towards each other to a folded state. In the folded state, the inner sides of the two main swing arms are arranged opposite to each other, and can rotate relative to the main shaft assembly towards each other to an unfolded state. In the unfolded state, the two main swing arms can extend along the same plane or along two different planes respectively.

[0060] Among them, a sliding bracket is arranged on at least one of the main swing arms on the side of the main shaft assembly. The sliding bracket can slide along the corresponding main swing arm to adaptively adjust the distance from the hinge connection part to the main shaft assembly during the state switching process; the damping module is arranged between at least one of the main swing arms on the side of the main shaft assembly and the sliding bracket to provide a damping torque when the sliding bracket slides relative to the corresponding main swing arm.

[0061] With such a setting, relative to the main shaft assembly, the bodies of the sliding bracket and the main swing arm are both arranged away from the main shaft assembly on their respective sides. The damping module is configured in the sliding fit relationship between the main swing arm and the sliding bracket, so that the damping module is arranged away from the main shaft assembly. When the hinge mechanism switches to the unfolded state, the damping module is located beside the main shaft assembly on the side away from it. When the hinge mechanism switches to the folded state, the damping module is also located beside the main shaft assembly. In this way, the damping module for providing the damping torque during the opening and closing operation does not occupy the structural space of the main shaft assembly. That is to say, the hinge size is not directly related to the assembly space required for configuring the damping module, and the thinning design of the hinge mechanism can be achieved, meeting the trend design requirements of product miniaturization and lightweight.

[0062] In addition, based on the structural feature that the damping module is arranged away from the main shaft assembly, without changing the outer dimensions of the main shaft assembly and the hinge mechanism, the space beside the main shaft assembly can be fully utilized to arrange the damping module, further providing an available expansion space for increasing the structural size of the damping module. Thereby, a larger damping torque can be obtained to ensure the reliability of the self-opening / closing and hovering functions.

[0063] To better understand the technical solution and technical effect of the present application, without loss of generality, the following will take a folding device with a flexible screen as the description object, and describe specific embodiments in detail in conjunction with the drawings. Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , where Figure 2 is an overall structural schematic diagram of a hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application, Figure 3 and Figure 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of an assembly relationship of the hinge mechanism shown in

[0064] As shown in Figure 2 , the hinge mechanism 10 includes a main shaft assembly 1. Main swing arms 2 are rotatably arranged on both sides of the axis of the main shaft assembly 1, and a sliding bracket 3 and a damping module 4 are respectively arranged on each main swing arm 2. In this implementation, the damping module 4 for providing the opening and closing damping torque is arranged between the main swing arm 2 and the sliding bracket 3 on the same side. Here, the structures of the main swing arms 2, sliding brackets 3, and damping modules 4 on both sides of the main shaft assembly 1 are mirror structures with respect to the center line L in the extending direction of the main shaft assembly 1; that is, the first main swing arm, the first sliding bracket, and the first damping module are located on one side of the main shaft assembly 1, and the second main swing arm, the second sliding bracket, and the second damping module are located on the other side of the main shaft assembly 1. For the sake of simplifying the drawing, Figure 3 only the constituent parts such as the main swing arm 2, sliding bracket 3, and damping module 4 on one side are shown in an exploded manner. In addition, for clearly showing the composition of the hinge mechanism and the relative positional relationship of the structures, Figure 2 and Figure 3An arrow X indicates the extending direction of the main shaft assembly, and an arrow Y indicates the width direction of the hinge mechanism 10.

[0065] As Figure 3 shown, one end side of the main swing arm 2 is rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly 1 through a pivot shaft 11. That is, the main swing arm 2 is rotatably arranged on both sides of the axis of the main shaft assembly 1. The other end side of the main swing arm 2 has a sliding support arm 21, and the sliding support arm 21 extends in a direction away from the main shaft assembly 1 for sliding adaptation with the corresponding sliding bracket 3.

[0066] In a specific implementation, when the main swing arms 2 located on both sides of the main shaft assembly 1 rotate relative to the main shaft assembly 1 towards each other to the folded state, the inner sides of the two main swing arms 2 are arranged opposite to each other; when the main swing arms 2 located on both sides of the main shaft assembly 1 rotate relative to the main shaft assembly 1 away from each other to the unfolded state, taking the extending direction of the main swing arm 2 being consistent with the extending direction of the main body of the folding device as an example, the two main swing arms 2 in the unfolded state can extend along the same plane. Of course, in other possible implementation manners, the two main swing arms 2 in the unfolded state can also extend along two different planes respectively.

[0067] Wherein, a sliding groove 31 is formed on the sliding bracket 3, and the sliding support arm 21 of the main swing arm 2 is inserted into the sliding groove 31 of the sliding bracket 3 so that the sliding bracket 3 can slide relative to the main swing arm 2 towards or away from the main shaft assembly 1, and the width of the hinge mechanism 10 is adjusted by the position change of the hinge connection part (sliding bracket 3). Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 together, wherein, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a sliding bracket provided by an embodiment of the present application, Figure 5 is Figure 4 the top view of the sliding bracket shown in

[0068] A positioning groove 32 is formed on the side wall of the sliding groove 31, and the positioning groove 32 has the same extending direction as the sliding groove 31; correspondingly, a positioning protrusion 22 is arranged on the side of the sliding support arm 21 opposite to the positioning groove 32, and the positioning protrusion 22 on the main swing arm 2 can be placed in the positioning groove 32 on the sliding bracket 3, and a first limiting pair is formed between the positioning protrusion 22 and the positioning groove 32 to limit the sliding support arm 21 from disengaging from the sliding groove 31 in the thickness direction. It should be understood that this thickness direction is perpendicular to the directions indicated by the arrow X and the arrow Y.

[0069] In a possible implementation, the positioning bumps 22 and the positioning grooves 32 can also be reversely arranged on the sliding groove 31 and the sliding support arm 21 (not shown in the figure); in other words, the positioning bumps are arranged on the side wall of the sliding groove 31 of the sliding bracket 3, and correspondingly, the positioning grooves are opened on the opposite side of the sliding support arm 21 to the positioning bumps, which can also limit the separation of the sliding support arm 21 from the sliding groove 31. The embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations in this regard.

[0070] Based on the mutually adapted positioning bumps 22 and positioning grooves 32, the sliding bracket 3 and the main swing arm 2 can rotate synchronously relative to the main shaft assembly 1. At the same time, based on the mutually adapted sliding support arm 21 and sliding groove 31, under the action of the pulling component, the relative sliding of the sliding bracket 3 and the main swing arm 2 can be realized, so that the sliding bracket 3 can approach or move away from the main shaft assembly 1. Specifically, when the main swing arms 2 located on both sides of the main shaft assembly 1 rotate towards each other to the folded state, the pulling component can push the sliding bracket 3 to slide relative to the main swing arm 2 in a direction away from the main shaft assembly 1, ensuring that the hinge mechanism 10 for state switching will not generate external force interference on the flexible screen covering the surface of the main body 20, avoiding damage to the flexible screen during the folding process, and effectively extending the service life of the flexible screen.

[0071] For another example Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the damping module 4 in this embodiment is arranged on the sliding bracket 3. Correspondingly, a cam portion 23 adapted to the damping module 4 is arranged on the main swing arm 2. Thus, a damping torque is constructed between the relatively sliding sliding bracket 3 and the main swing arm 2. Along the extension direction of the main shaft assembly, the damping module 4 includes a first end and a second end facing away from each other. The first spherical member 41 of the damping module 4 is located at the first end. Under the action of the spring 42, the first spherical member 41 is pressed against the surface of the cam portion 23 on the side of the main swing arm 2. That is to say, after the spring 42 is compressed, a reaction force is generated, and the frictional force generated by the reaction force provides the damping torque to achieve the self-opening, self-closing and hovering function effects of the hinge mechanism 10.

[0072] In other possible implementation manners, the damping module 4 for providing the opening and closing damping torque can also be arranged on the side where the main swing arm 2 is located. Correspondingly, the cam portion adapted to the damping module 4 is arranged on the side of the sliding bracket 3 (not shown in the figure), which can also provide the damping torque for the opening and closing operation and does not occupy the structural space of the main shaft assembly.

[0073] Please refer to Figure 6 , which is the top view of the hinge mechanism shown in Figure 2 . As shown in Figure 6As shown, the cam portion 23 on the main swing arm 2 includes a self-opening section 231, a hovering section 232, and a self-closing section 233 that are sequentially connected. Among them, the self-opening section 231 is the first part of the cam portion 23 and is located on the side of the cam portion 23 close to the main shaft assembly 1. The self-closing section 233 is the third part of the cam portion 23 and is located on the side of the cam portion 23 away from the main shaft assembly 1. The hovering section 232 is the second part of the cam portion 23 and is the high point of the cam portion 23. Here, the "high point" refers to a part of the cam profile on the cam portion for realizing the hovering function, that is, the part where the spring compression amount is the largest when contacting the cam portion 23. The length of this part of the cam profile can be determined according to actual dynamic matching needs. It should be understood that this "high point" is not limited to a specific point on the cam profile.

[0074] When the hinge mechanism 10 switches between the folded state and the unfolded state, based on the relative sliding between the sliding bracket 3 and the main swing arm 2, the first spherical member 41 will roll along the surface of the cam portion 23 on the main swing arm 2. The following will describe in combination with Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 respectively the cooperation principle between the damping module 4 and the cam portion 23.

[0075] Please refer to Figure 7 , which shows a schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the damping module 4 and the cam portion 23 in the folded state. As Figure 7 shown, when the hinge mechanism 10 is in the folded state, the first spherical member 41 presses against the self-closing section 233, and the self-closing section 233 is an inclined surface that gradually converges from the hovering section 232. In this state, based on the damping moment formed by the acting force provided by the damping module 4, if the hinge mechanism 10 unfolds and the sliding bracket 3 moves towards the main shaft assembly, the sliding bracket 3 needs to overcome the Figure 7 resistance in the direction indicated by the arrow in

[0076]

[0077] Figure 8 Please refer to Figure 8 , which is a schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the damping module 4 and the cam portion 23 in the intermediate state. The intermediate state refers to the state when the hinge mechanism switches between the folded state and the unfolded state. As Figure 8As shown, when the hinge mechanism 10 is in the intermediate state, the first spherical member 41 presses against the hovering section 232, and when in the high-cam position, the first spherical member 41 further compresses the spring 42. In this state, based on the damping moment formed by the acting force provided by the damping module 4, the hinge mechanism 10 can be maintained in any intermediate state. If the hinge mechanism 10 is unfolded or folded, the sliding bracket 3 needs to overcome Figure 8 the resistance in the direction indicated by the arrow in

[0078] Please refer to Figure 9 this figure, which is a schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the damping module 4 and the cam portion 23 in the unfolded state. As Figure 9 shown, when the hinge mechanism 10 is in the unfolded state, the first spherical member 41 presses against the self-opening section 231, and the self-opening section 231 is an inclined surface that gradually converges from the hovering section 232. In this state, based on the damping moment formed by the acting force provided by the damping module 4, if the hinge mechanism 10 is folded and the sliding bracket 3 moves away from the main shaft assembly, the sliding bracket 3 needs to overcome Figure 9 the resistance in the direction indicated by the arrow in

[0079] In a possible implementation, the self-opening section 231 can also be an arc surface that gradually converges from the hovering section 232 (not shown in the figure), rather than being limited to the inclined surface shown in the figure. For example, but not limited to, a convex arc surface or a concave arc surface can also cooperate with the acting force provided by the damping module 4 to obtain a reliable self-closing effect. The embodiments of the present application do not make a limitation.

[0080] In other possible implementations, the structural configuration of the cam portion 23 is not limited to the sequentially connected self-opening section 231, hovering section 232, and self-closing section 233. That is to say, one or two of the self-opening section 231, hovering section 232, and self-closing section 233 are selectively configured. For application scenarios that only need to have hovering and self-opening functions, the cam portion 23 can be selectively provided with the self-opening section 231 and the hovering section 232; for application scenarios that only need to have hovering and self-closing functions, the cam portion 23 can be selectively provided with the self-closing section 233 and the hovering section 232. In a specific implementation, the structural configuration of the cam portion 23 can be determined according to the overall design requirements of the product, and the embodiments of the present application do not make a limitation.

[0081] Again, as Figure 3 shown, a cam support arm 24 can also be provided on the other end side of the main swing arm 2. The cam support arm 24 extends in a direction away from the main shaft assembly 1 and is spaced from the sliding support arm 21 in the extending direction of the main shaft assembly 1. The cam portion 23 is provided on the surface of the cam support arm 24 facing the damping module 4. As Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, correspondingly, a receiving groove 33 is formed in the sliding bracket 3. The cam arm 24 can be inserted into the receiving groove 33 of the sliding bracket 3 so that when the sliding bracket 3 slides relative to the main swing arm 2, it moves synchronously, and the receiving groove 33 provides a space for accommodating the cam portion 23. In a specific implementation, the cam arm 24 and the receiving groove 33 can be slidably adapted, or a non-sliding adapted assembly relationship can be adopted.

[0082] Based on the setting of the cam arm 24, the cam portion 23 and the damping module 4 can be correspondingly arranged in the width direction to adapt to the sliding displacement of the sliding bracket 3 and meet the functional requirements for adjusting the width of the hinge mechanism 10.

[0083] For the damping module 4 provided on the sliding bracket 3, in order to further reasonably control the thickness dimension of the hinge mechanism 10, the damping module 4 can be embedded in the sliding bracket 3. Please refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 10 , wherein, Figure 10 is Figure 6 the partial sectional view A-A in

[0084] As Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, an inner concave receiving cavity 34 is formed in the sliding bracket 3. The opening of the inner concave receiving cavity 34 is located on the inner side surface of the sliding bracket 3 to facilitate the assembly of the damping module 4. In a specific implementation, in the thickness direction, the damping module 4 can be completely built into the inner concave receiving cavity 34, or a configuration can be adopted in which a part of the damping module 4 is built into the inner concave receiving cavity 34, which can be specifically determined according to the actual assembly space. The embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations.

[0085] Meanwhile, as Figure 6 and Figure 10 shown, the inner concave receiving cavity 34 is at least communicated with the receiving groove 33 so that the first spherical member 41 of the damping module 4 extends out of the inner concave receiving cavity 34 and presses against the cam portion 23 inserted into the receiving groove 33. Thus, when the sliding bracket 3 and the main swing arm 2 slide relative to each other and the damping module 4 moves synchronously with the sliding bracket 3 relative to the main swing arm 2, the first spherical member 41 can roll along the surface of the cam portion 23 on the side of the main swing arm 2.

[0086] In order to make full use of the elastic deformation energy stored by the compression deformation of the spring 42, optionally, the other end of the spring 42 can act on the sliding arm 21 of the main swing arm 2 through the second spherical member 43. The second spherical member 43 is located at the second end of the damping module 4 and provides a damping torque on the side of the sliding arm 21 by forming a frictional force. Again, as Figure 6 and Figure 10As shown, the concave accommodation cavity 34 also communicates with the sliding groove 31, so that the acting force of the spring 42 acts on the side of the sliding support arm 21 inserted into the sliding groove 31 through the second spherical member 43. In this way, when the sliding bracket 3 slides relative to the main swing arm 2 and the damping module 4 moves synchronously with the sliding bracket 3 relative to the main swing arm 2, based on the acting force of the second spherical member 43, a frictional force can be formed on the side of the sliding support arm 21 to provide a damping torque to achieve self-opening and hovering; at the same time, it can avoid unilateral (on the side of the cam support arm 24) loading during the movement of the main swing arm 2, effectively avoiding the possibility of movement jamming caused by eccentric loading, and ensuring the movement stability of the dynamic cooperation relationship between components.

[0087] Furthermore, in order to avoid frictional loss between the second spherical member 43 and the sliding support arm 21, optionally, a friction plate 44 can also be provided between the second spherical member 43 and the sliding support arm 21. In a specific implementation, the friction plate 44 can be made of wear-resistant material or self-lubricating material and can be implemented by existing technologies, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0088] In other possible implementation manners, for a spring that undergoes compressive deformation and stores elastic deformation energy, other structural forms of elastic members can also be used, such as but not limited to rubber elastic members, etc., which can also push the first spherical member 41 and the second spherical member 43 to press against and fit respectively. Compared with rubber elastic members, using a spring as the elastic member of the damping module 4 has a simple and reliable structure and can reasonably control the process implementation cost.

[0089] In addition, in order to keep the spring 42 in a stable compressed posture, optionally, the damping module 4 can also include a slider 45 and a base 46. Please refer to Figure 11 together. This figure is a schematic exploded view of the composition of a damping module provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0090] As shown in the figure, the slider 45 is arranged between the spring 42 and the first spherical member 41 and can slide in the concave accommodation cavity 34. When the first spherical member 41 rolls along the self-opening section 231 and the self-closing section 233 of the cam portion 23 surface, the slider 45 can move in a direction away from or close to the spring 42 under the action of the first spherical member 41. The base 46 is arranged between the spring 42 and the second spherical member 43, and the reaction force generated after the spring 42 is compressed and deformed acts on the spherical members on both sides through the slider 45 and the base 46 respectively.

[0091] A first positioning post 451 is provided on the relative side of the slider 45 and the spring 42, and a second positioning post 461 is provided on the relative side of the base 46 and the spring 42. The spring coils on both ends of the spring 42 are respectively sleeved on the first positioning post 451 and the second positioning post 461. Thus, the spring 42 can maintain a stable posture when being compressed and deformed.

[0092] Further, the slider 45 has a first limiting protrusion 452 that laterally protrudes. Correspondingly, as shown in Figure 4 , a first limiting groove 35 is provided on the side wall of the concave accommodating cavity 34. After the slider 45 is assembled in the concave accommodating cavity 34, the first limiting protrusion 452 is inserted into the first limiting groove 35, forming a second limiting pair in the thickness direction to limit the slider 45 from disengaging from the concave accommodating cavity 34. The base 46 has a second limiting protrusion 462 that laterally protrudes. Correspondingly, as shown in Figure 4 , a second limiting groove 36 is provided on the side wall of the concave accommodating cavity 34. After the base 46 is assembled in the concave accommodating cavity 34, the second limiting protrusion 462 is inserted into the second limiting groove 36, forming a third limiting pair in the thickness direction to limit the base 46 from disengaging from the concave accommodating cavity 34. In this way, the spring 42 sleeved on the positioning post can be kept in a stable assembled position in the thickness direction, providing a basic guarantee for ensuring the good actuation performance of the damping module 4.

[0093] In a specific implementation, first limiting protrusions 452 that laterally protrude can be provided on both sides of the slider 45, and correspondingly adapted first limiting grooves 35 can be provided on both side walls of the concave accommodating cavity 34; similarly, second limiting protrusions 462 that laterally protrude can be provided on both of the bases 46, and correspondingly adapted second limiting grooves 36 can be provided on both side walls of the concave accommodating cavity 34. Overall, the structural reliability can be further improved.

[0094] In a possible implementation manner, the first limiting protrusion 452 and the first limiting groove 35 that form the second limiting pair can be reversely arranged between the slider 45 and the concave accommodating cavity 34 (not shown in the figure), that is, the first limiting protrusion is arranged on the side wall of the concave accommodating cavity 34, and the first limiting groove is arranged on the slider 45. In other possible implementation manners, the second limiting protrusion 462 and the second limiting groove 36 that form the third limiting pair can also be reversely arranged between the base 46 and the concave accommodating cavity 34 (not shown in the figure), that is, the second limiting protrusion is arranged on the side wall of the concave accommodating cavity 34, and the second limiting groove is arranged on the base 46. The second limiting pair and the third limiting pair formed by the above reverse configuration can also have a reliable assembled relationship in the thickness direction. The embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations.

[0095] For the damping module 4, the force that can be provided is usually positively correlated with the structural dimensions of the elastic member. Taking the spring as an example, the force generated by the compressive deformation is directly related to parameters such as the spring wire diameter and the spring pitch ratio. Usually, a large-sized spring is used to meet the damping effect. In order to reasonably control the dimensions of the spring and related structures, the damping module 4 described in this embodiment further has an effect of increasing force.

[0096] As shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the pressing end of the slider 45 is the first inclined surface 453, which is inclined from the end of the slider 45 away from the spring 42 towards the direction close to the sliding bracket 3; at the same time, on the side wall of the receiving groove 33 on the sliding bracket 3 close to the damping module 4, there is a first concave inclined groove 37. Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 12 , where Figure 12 is Figure 5 the partial sectional view B-B in

[0097] As Figure 10 shown, the first spherical member 41 is arranged in the receiving groove 33 and is respectively in contact with the cam portion 23 on the main swing arm 2, the first inclined surface 453 of the slider 45, and the first concave inclined groove 37 on the sliding bracket 3, and remains in close contact under the action of the spring 42. In this way, the reaction force formed by the compression of the spring 42 is transmitted to the first spherical member 41 through the first inclined surface 453 of the slider 45 and acts on the first spherical member 41 together with the first concave inclined groove 37 on the sliding bracket 3. Since the contact surfaces provided on the slider 45 side and the sliding bracket 3 side are both inclined towards the first spherical member 41, through the force component amplification effect of the inclined surface with an inclination angle, a larger damping effect can be achieved.

[0098] Please refer to Figure 13 together, this figure is the schematic diagram of the force analysis of the damping module described in the embodiment of the present application.

[0099] As Figure 13 shown, the first spherical member 41 is respectively in contact with the cam portion 23, the first inclined surface 453, and the first concave inclined groove 37. For the acting force f0 input from the spring 42 side, two-stage amplification relationships are respectively formed between the first spherical member 41 and the first inclined surface 453, and between the first spherical member 41 and the groove wall (the second inclined surface) of the first concave inclined groove 37. Taking the acting force f0 input from the spring 42 side as 1.0 N, the included angle α between the first inclined surface 453 of the slider 45 and the horizontal direction (the direction of the spring force) as 50°, and the included angle β between the groove wall of the first concave inclined groove 37 and the horizontal direction as 60° as an example, the amplification principle of the spring reaction force is briefly described below.

[0100] First, at the force application point between the first spherical member 41 and the first inclined surface 453, the component force of the downward decomposition and synthesis of the force f0 acting on the first spherical member 41 is f1, and f1 = f0 * tanα = 1 * tan50° = 1.19 N; next, at the force application point between the first spherical member 41 and the groove wall of the first concave inclined groove 37, the upward force acting on the first spherical member 41 by the first concave inclined groove 37 is f2, f2 = f1 = 1.19 N, and the component force of the leftward decomposition and synthesis of the force f2 acting on the first spherical member 41 is f3, f3 = f2 * tanβ = 1.19 * tan60° = 2.06 N.

[0101] In this way, in the horizontal direction, the resultant force F output to the first spherical member 41 is F = f0 + f3 = 3.06 N. Under the above angular relationship, the output force F is 3.06 times the input force f0 on the spring side. That is to say, based on the combined action of the foregoing multiple inclined surfaces, the amplification of the spring force can be realized, and the force acting on the main swing arm 2 from the first spherical member 41 is greater than the reaction force formed by the compression of the spring 42. With such a setting, for the same damping effect, a relatively small-sized spring can be used, or a smaller spring compression amount can be configured, thereby reducing the space occupied by the damping module and further thinning the thickness of the hinge mechanism, meeting the trend design requirements of equipment miniaturization.

[0102] In a specific implementation, the groove wall of the first concave inclined groove 37 can adopt a concave arc surface to form a second inclined surface opposite to the first inclined surface 453 in the thickness direction on the sliding bracket side, and the curvature of the concave arc surface can be adapted to the size of the first spherical member 41, such as but not limited to a small clearance fit. On the one hand, during the rolling of the first spherical member 41 along the cam portion, it can be smoothly displaced adaptively within the first concave inclined groove 37, having good actuation performance; on the other hand, based on the limiting effect of the side walls on both sides of the first concave inclined groove 37, the first spherical member 41 can be prevented from moving out of the receiving groove 33 in the hinge width direction, having better reliability.

[0103] In other possible implementation manners, the groove wall of the first concave inclined groove 37 can also be a non-concave arc surface structure form, and can also provide only a second inclined surface (not shown in the figure) that presses against and adapts to the first spherical member 41 on the sliding bracket side. The embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations.

[0104] Here, the first spherical member 41 serves as the first damping friction member that presses against and adapts to the cam portion 23. By the rolling of the first spherical member 41, the friction force between the mating components can be reduced, wear can be decreased, and the service life can be improved. In other possible implementation manners, the first damping friction member can also adopt other structural forms, rather than being limited to the spherical member shown in the figure.

[0105] Similarly, on the side of the second spherical member 43 of the damping module 4, the same force-increasing structure as that on the side of the first spherical member 41 can also be adopted.

[0106] For another example Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the pressing end of the base 46 is a third inclined surface 463, and the third inclined surface 463 is inclined from the end of the base 46 away from the spring 42 towards the direction close to the sliding bracket 3; at the same time, on the side wall of the chute 31 on the sliding bracket 3 close to the damping module 4, there is a second concave inclined groove 38. Please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 12 together, and the second concave inclined groove 38 is inclined from the bottom of the chute 31 towards the direction away from the inner space of the chute 31.

[0107] The second spherical member 43 and the friction plate 44 are arranged in the chute 31, and are respectively in contact with the friction plate 44, the third inclined surface 463 of the base 46, and the second concave inclined groove 38 (fourth inclined surface) on the sliding bracket 3, and remain in close contact under the action of the spring 42. In this way, the reaction force formed by the compression of the spring 42 is transmitted to the second spherical member 43 through the third inclined surface 463 of the base 46, and acts on the second spherical member 43 together with the second concave inclined groove 38 on the sliding bracket 3. Since the contact surfaces provided on both the base 46 side and the sliding bracket 3 side are inclined towards the second spherical member 43, through the force component amplification effect of the inclined surface with an inclination angle, a larger damping effect can be achieved. The specific force-increasing amplification principle is the same as that on the side of the first spherical member 41, and will not be elaborated here.

[0108] In a specific implementation, the groove wall of the second concave inclined groove 38 can also adopt a concave arc surface to form a fourth inclined surface opposite to the third inclined surface 463 in the thickness direction on the sliding bracket side, and the curvature can be adapted to the size of the second spherical member 43. When the sliding arm 21 moves relative to the sliding bracket 3 in the chute 31, the second spherical member 43 can roll adaptively in the second concave inclined groove 38 to reduce component wear; and it can prevent the second spherical member 43 from moving out of the chute 31 in the hinge width direction, having better reliability.

[0109] In other possible implementation manners, the groove wall of the second concave inclined groove 38 can also be a non-concave arc surface structure form, and can also provide only a fourth inclined surface (not shown in the figure) on the sliding bracket side that is pressed and adapted to the second spherical member 43. The embodiments of the present application do not make limitations.

[0110] Here, the second spherical member 43 is used as the second damping friction member that is pressed and adapted to the side of the sliding arm 21. In other possible implementation manners, other structural forms can also be adopted, rather than being limited to the spherical member shown in the figure.

[0111] In addition, in this embodiment, the first inclined surface 453 of the slider 45 presses against the first spherical member 41 on the opposite side of the sliding bracket 3, and the third inclined surface 463 of the base 46 presses against the second spherical member 43 on the opposite side of the sliding bracket 3. In this way, in the thickness direction, it is also possible to simultaneously restrict the first spherical member 41 and the second spherical member 43 from moving out of the grooves where they are located. In this way, after the hinge mechanism is assembled, the damping module 4 can be reliably installed on the sliding bracket 3, which has good assembly processability and is convenient for component management.

[0112] In the foregoing embodiment, sliding brackets 3 and damping modules 4 are provided on the main swing arms 2 on both sides of the main shaft assembly 1. In other specific implementations, an asymmetric arrangement on both sides can also be adopted.

[0113] For example, in a possible implementation, the sliding bracket 3 and the damping module 4 can be provided only on one side of the main swing arm 2. In this way, the width adjustment of the hinge mechanism 10 during the unfolding process is realized based on the side where the main swing arm 2 with the sliding bracket 3 is located, and the self-opening and hovering functional effects are obtained through the damping module 4 provided between the main swing arm 2 and the sliding bracket 3.

[0114] For another example, in other possible implementation solutions, sliding brackets 3 are provided on the main swing arms 2 on both sides of the main shaft assembly 1, and a damping module 4 is provided between one of the sliding brackets 3 and the main swing arm 2 on the corresponding side. In this way, the width adjustment of the hinge mechanism 10 during the unfolding process is realized based on the bilateral sliding brackets 3, and the self-opening and hovering functional effects are obtained through the damping module 4 provided between the main swing arm 2 on one side and the sliding bracket 3.

[0115] For the pulling component that drives the sliding bracket 3 to slide relative to the main swing arm 2, different structural implementation methods can be adopted. For example, one end of the pulling component is connected to the sliding bracket 3, and the other end is rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly 1. Among them, the main swing arm 2 rotates relative to the main shaft assembly 1 around the first rotation center O1, the pulling component rotates relative to the main shaft assembly 1 around the second rotation center O2, and the first rotation center O1 is arranged closer to the center line L of the main shaft assembly 1 than the second rotation center O2. The pulling component is connected to the sliding bracket 3 and drives the sliding bracket 3 to rotate around the second rotation center O2, and the sliding bracket 3 can slide relative to the main swing arm 2. In this way, the main swing arm 2 and the sliding bracket 3 can rotate around their respective rotation centers and slide relative to each other at the same time.

[0116] Please refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 14 , where Figure 14 is Figure 2 another exploded schematic diagram of the assembly relationship of the hinge mechanism shown in

[0117] The pulling component of the hinge mechanism 10 includes a connecting member 5 and an arc arm 6. Among them, the sliding bracket 3 is connected to the arc arm 6 through the connecting member 5, and the arc arm 6 is rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly 1. Here, the connection method between the connecting member 5 and the sliding bracket 3 can be selected as needed. For example, but not limited to, the connecting member 5 can be fixedly arranged at the mounting portion 39 on the sliding bracket 3.

[0118] Among them, an arc-shaped slider 61 is provided on the arc arm 6. Correspondingly, an arc groove 12 is provided on the main shaft assembly 1. One side notch of the arc groove 12 is opened on the inner surface of the main shaft assembly 1, so that the arc-shaped slider 61 of the arc arm 6 can be placed in the arc groove 12 from the notch and can slide along the arc groove 12 to achieve the rotational connection between the arc arm 6 and the main shaft assembly 1.

[0119] In a specific implementation, in order to improve the reliability of the rotational connection between the arc arm 6 and the main shaft assembly 1, optionally, along the extension direction of the main shaft assembly 1, two connecting members 5 arranged at intervals are adopted. Arc-shaped sliders 61 are provided at both ends of the arc arm 6 and are respectively slidably adapted to the corresponding arc grooves 12 provided on the main shaft assembly 1, which can improve the stable reliability of the arc arm 6 driving the sliding bracket 3 to rotate.

[0120] Please refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 , among which, Figure 15 is Figure 6 the C-C sectional view in Figure 16 and Figure 6 is the D-D sectional view in

[0121] As Figure 15 shown, the arc-shaped slider 61 of the arc arm 6 can rotate relative to the main shaft assembly 1 around the second rotation center O2. The second rotation center O2 is also the rotation center of the sliding bracket 3 relative to the main shaft assembly 1. In the width direction of the hinge mechanism, the length of the second rotation center O2 from the center line of the main shaft assembly 1 is shown as the dimension mark L2 in the figure; as Figure 16 shown, the main swing arm 2 can rotate relative to the main shaft assembly 1 around the first rotation center O1. The first rotation center O1 is also the axis line of the pivot shaft 11. In the width direction of the hinge mechanism, the length of the first rotation center O1 from the center line of the main shaft assembly 1 is shown as the dimension mark L1 in the figure.

[0122] In comparison, the first rotation center O1 is closer to the center line L of the main shaft assembly 1 than the second rotation center O2. In this way, when the hinge mechanism 10 switches between the unfolded state and the folded state, a displacement difference will be formed between the main swing arm 2 and the sliding bracket 3. Taking the example of the hinge mechanism switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the displacement difference formed between the main swing arm 2 and the sliding bracket 3 is shown as the dimension mark P in Figure 17 the figure.

[0123] In order to further improve the operability of the hinge mechanism, the hinge mechanism 10 also needs to have a linkage function so that the two main bodies move synchronously relative to the hinge during the opening and closing process. Another example is Figure 14 and Figure 18 shown, where Figure 18 is Figure 14 a schematic structural view of the arc arm 6 shown in the figure, and this figure is a view formed from the inner side perspective of the self-service arc arm 6.

[0124] In this embodiment, a bevel gear 7 is rotatably arranged on the main shaft assembly 1. Correspondingly, bevel gear portions 62 are respectively arranged on the arc arms 6 connected to the sliding brackets 3 on both sides. The bevel gear portions 62 of the two arc arms 6 are both meshed with the bevel gear 7 rotatably arranged on the main shaft assembly 1. In this way, when a force is applied to perform a folding or unfolding operation, based on the above meshing relationship, the arc arms 6 on both sides drive the corresponding sliding brackets 3 to act synchronously.

[0125] In addition, after the arc arms 6 on both sides are assembled on the main shaft assembly 1, the limiting member 8 can be buckled on the outer side of the arc arm 6. For example, but not limited to, a threaded fastener can be used to fix the limiting member 8 on the main shaft assembly 1. The embodiments of the present application do not make a limitation.

[0126] In other possible implementation manners, the linkage function of the hinge mechanism 10 can be implemented by other structures, rather than being limited to the bevel gear meshing manner shown in the figure. The embodiments of the present application do not make a limitation.

[0127] In addition, in order to further improve the stability of the hinge mechanism, the hinge mechanism 10 can also include a secondary main arm 9. Correspondingly to the main swing arm 2, the secondary main arm 9 is rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly 1, and the rotation centers of the secondary main arm 9 and the main swing arm 2 on the same side coincide; correspondingly, a secondary chute 310 is formed in the sliding bracket 3, and the sliding arm of the secondary main arm 9 can be inserted into the secondary chute 310 of the sliding bracket 3 to adapt to the sliding of the sliding bracket 3 relative to the secondary main arm 9 in a direction approaching or departing from the main shaft assembly 1.

[0128] For the hinge mechanism 10 described in the foregoing embodiment, the first rotation center O1 of the main swing arm 2 is arranged closer to the center line of the main shaft assembly 1 than the second rotation center O2 of the pulling assembly, for folding the electronic device inward. In other specific implementations, the design concept of the foregoing solution can also be used for an outward-folding electronic device, and in the folded state, its flexible screen is located outside the two opposite main bodies.

[0129] For a hinge mechanism (not shown in the figure) used for an outward-foldable electronic device, the second rotation center of its pulling component is arranged closer to the center line of the main shaft assembly 1 than the first rotation center of the main swing arm. When the main swing arms 2 located on both sides of the main shaft assembly 1 rotate towards each other to the folded state, the pulling component can push the sliding bracket 3 to slide relative to the main swing arm 2 towards the direction close to the main shaft assembly 1, ensuring that the hinge mechanism 10 for state switching does not cause external force interference to the flexible screen covering the surface of the main body 20.

[0130] In a specific implementation, the other components of the hinge mechanism for the outward-foldable electronic device are the same as those of the hinge mechanism Figure 2 described above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0131] The implementation solution of the hinge mechanism described in the foregoing embodiments can be widely applied to different folding devices, including but not limited to mobile or fixed terminals with foldable screens such as ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), handheld computers, walkie-talkies, netbooks, POS machines, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wearable devices, virtual reality devices, etc.

[0132] In a specific implementation, the folding device further includes a mobile or fixed terminal with a display device provided on one main body and a keyboard provided on the other main body. In addition, in other possible implementation manners, the hinge mechanism can also be applied to foldable non-electronic devices.

[0133] The above is only the preferred implementation manner of the present invention. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the principle of the present invention, several improvements and refinements can be made, and these improvements and refinements should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism, characterized in that, It includes a main shaft assembly, a first main swing arm, a second main swing arm, a first sliding bracket and a damping module; The first main swing arm and the second main swing arm are arranged on both sides of the axis of the main shaft assembly and are respectively rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly on their respective sides. The rotation center lines of the first main swing arm and the second main swing arm are parallel to the extension direction of the main shaft assembly so as to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state relative to the main shaft assembly; The first sliding bracket is arranged on the first main swing arm, and the first sliding bracket can slide relative to the first main swing arm in a direction close to or away from the main shaft assembly; The damping module is arranged on the first sliding bracket, a cam portion is arranged on the first main swing arm, one end of the damping module is provided with a first damping friction member, and the first damping friction member abuts against the cam portion to provide a damping torque when the first sliding bracket slides relative to the first main swing arm.

2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein The first damping friction member is a first spherical member, and the damping module further includes a slider and an elastic member. The slider is arranged between the first spherical member and the elastic member; The slider has a first inclined surface that presses against the first spherical member. The first inclined surface is inclined from the end of the slider away from the elastic member towards the direction close to the first sliding bracket; The first sliding bracket has a second inclined surface that presses against the first spherical member. The second inclined surface is arranged opposite to the first inclined surface in the thickness direction, and the second inclined surface is inclined from the body side of the first sliding bracket towards the direction away from the first spherical member.

3. The hinge mechanism according to claim 2, wherein, The other end of the damping module is provided with a second damping friction member, and the second damping friction member can abut against the first main swing arm.

4. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, wherein, The second damping friction member is a second spherical member, and the damping module further includes a base. The base is arranged between the elastic member of the damping module and the second spherical member; The base has a third inclined surface that presses against the second spherical member. The third inclined surface is inclined from the end of the base away from the elastic member towards the direction close to the first sliding bracket; The first sliding bracket has a fourth inclined surface that presses against the second spherical member. The fourth inclined surface is arranged opposite to the third inclined surface in the thickness direction, and the fourth inclined surface is inclined from the body side of the first sliding bracket towards the direction away from the second spherical member.

5. The hinge mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first main swing arm includes a cam support arm and a sliding support arm. The cam portion is arranged on the surface of the cam support arm opposite to the damping module. In the extension direction of the main shaft assembly, the cam support arm and the sliding support arm are arranged at intervals and both extend towards the direction away from the main shaft assembly. A chute and a receiving groove are formed in the first sliding bracket. The sliding support arm is inserted into the chute, and the cam support arm is inserted into the receiving groove; The first spherical member is disposed in the receiving groove. The side wall of the receiving groove close to the damping module has a first concave inclined groove, which is inclined from the bottom of the receiving groove towards the direction away from the inner space of the receiving groove, and the groove wall of the first concave inclined groove forms the second inclined surface; The second spherical member is disposed in the sliding groove. The side wall of the sliding groove close to the damping module has a second concave inclined groove, which is inclined from the bottom of the sliding groove towards the direction away from the inner space of the sliding groove, and the groove wall of the second concave inclined groove forms the fourth inclined surface.

6. The hinge mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second spherical member abuts against the sliding arm of the first main swing arm.

7. The hinge mechanism according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The damping module further includes a friction plate, which is disposed between the second spherical member and the sliding arm.

8. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The first sliding bracket is further provided with a concave receiving cavity, which is located between the receiving groove and the sliding groove and is respectively communicated with the receiving groove and the sliding groove, and at least part of the damping module is disposed in the concave receiving cavity.

9. The hinge mechanism according to claim 8, wherein Both the slider and the base are disposed in the concave receiving cavity, and the slider can slide in the concave receiving cavity.

10. The hinge mechanism according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The slider has a first limiting convex block extending laterally, and a first limiting groove is correspondingly formed on the side wall of the concave receiving cavity, and the first limiting convex block is inserted into the first limiting groove; the base has a second limiting convex block extending laterally, and a second limiting groove is correspondingly formed on the side wall of the concave receiving cavity, and the second limiting convex block is inserted into the second limiting groove.

11. The hinge mechanism according to claim 5, wherein, Among the side wall of the sliding groove and the sliding arm, a positioning groove is formed on one of them, and a positioning convex block is disposed on the other, the positioning groove is in the same direction as the extending direction of the sliding groove, and the positioning convex block is disposed in the positioning groove.

12. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that The elastic member is a spring. A first positioning post is disposed on the opposite side of the slider to the spring, and a second positioning post is disposed on the opposite side of the base to the spring. The spring coils at both ends of the spring are respectively sleeved on the first positioning post and the second positioning post.

13. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The cam portion includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion connected in sequence. The second portion is the high point of the cam portion; the first portion is located on the side of the cam portion close to the main shaft assembly and is an inclined surface or an arc surface gradually converging from the second portion; the second portion is located on the side of the cam portion away from the main shaft assembly and is an inclined surface or an arc surface gradually converging from the second portion.

14. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, A second sliding bracket is disposed on the second main swing arm, and the second sliding bracket can slide relative to the second main swing arm towards or away from the main shaft assembly.

15. The hinge mechanism according to claim 14, wherein, A second damping module is disposed on the second sliding bracket to provide a damping torque when the second sliding bracket slides relative to the second main swing arm.

16. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The hinge mechanism further includes a pulling component, one end of the pulling component is connected to the sliding bracket, and the other end is rotatably connected to the main shaft component; the main swing arm rotates relative to the main shaft component about a first rotation center, the pulling component rotates relative to the main shaft component about a second rotation center, and the first rotation center is closer to the center line of the main shaft component than the second rotation center.

17. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The hinge mechanism further includes a pulling component, one end of the pulling component is connected to the sliding bracket, and the other end is rotatably connected to the main shaft component; the main swing arm rotates relative to the main shaft component about a first rotation center, the pulling component rotates relative to the main shaft component about a second rotation center, and the second rotation center is closer to the center line of the main shaft component than the first rotation center.

18. The hinge mechanism according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The pulling component includes a connecting piece and an arc arm, one end of the connecting piece is connected to the arc arm, the other end of the connecting piece is connected to the sliding bracket, and the arc arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft component.

19. The hinge mechanism according to claim 18, characterized in that, An arc-shaped slider is arranged on the arc arm, an arc-shaped groove is formed in the main shaft component, one side notch of the arc-shaped groove is arranged on the inner surface of the main shaft component, and the arc-shaped slider is placed in the arc-shaped groove and slides along the arc-shaped groove so that the arc arm rotates relative to the main shaft component.

20. A folding device, characterized in that, The folding device includes two main bodies connected by a hinge mechanism, and the hinge mechanism adopts the hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The folding device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The folding device is a laptop computer, a foldable tablet computer or a foldable mobile phone.

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