Hinge assembly and foldable electronic equipment

Abstract

According to the hinge assembly and the foldable electronic equipment, the linear sliding groove is formed in one of the supporting piece and the swing piece, the sliding piece is arranged on the other one of the supporting piece and the swing piece, and therefore the hinge assembly can be folded and unfolded. High pair matching of a cylindrical pin and an arc-shaped track groove between the supporting piece and the gear connecting rod is replaced by low pair matching of a linear sliding groove and a sliding piece between the supporting piece and the swing piece, so that the clearance between the sliding groove and the sliding piece is reduced, the angle control precision of the supporting piece is higher, and the service life of the supporting piece is prolonged. The supporting piece moves in place in the unfolding state and the folding state. In addition, the swing part is a part which is passively stressed, so that the movement process is stable, and when the supporting part is attached to the swing part, the movement of the supporting part is more stable.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The application number of the original application is 202110663650.4, the filing date of the original application is June 15, 2021, and the entire content of the original application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of terminal technologies, and particularly to a hinge assembly and a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0003] With the continuous development of mobile devices such as mobile phones, users' demand for large-screen mobile phones is becoming increasingly strong. However, large-screen mobile phones have the significant problem of being inconvenient to carry. Therefore, foldable mobile phones with stretchable and deformable screens have become the main direction to improve portability. Among them, in order to meet the different needs of different users, various folding mobile phones with in-folded and out-folded screens have emerged.

[0004] Currently, a foldable mobile phone generally includes two structural members, which are connected by a hinge assembly, so that the two structural members can rotate relative to each other, and then the two structural members can be overlapped or unfolded with each other. Among them, in order to better support the foldable display screen and ensure that the foldable display screen is not over-stretched and squeezed during the folding process, the hinge assembly usually includes a main shaft mechanism and rotating mechanisms located on both sides of the main shaft mechanism. The rotating mechanism includes a support plate, a linkage member, and a connecting member. The linkage member is connected to the main shaft mechanism and the connecting member, the connecting member is connected to the structural member and the support plate, and the support plate and the linkage member are rotationally matched through a cylindrical pin and an arc-shaped track groove.

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned foldable mobile phone, the support plate under the screen in the screen bending area moves unstably during the folding or unfolding process of the mobile phone, and the angle control accuracy of the support plate is poor. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of this application provide a hinge assembly and a foldable electronic device, which achieve a stable movement process of the support mechanism during the unfolding or folding of the electronic device, ensure higher control accuracy of the angle of the support mechanism, and enable the foldable electronic device to move into place in both the unfolded and folded working states.

[0007] In a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a hinge assembly is provided, including:

[0008] A main shaft mechanism, and two rotating mechanisms located on both sides of the main shaft mechanism and rotatably connected to the main shaft mechanism;

[0009] Each of the rotating mechanisms includes: a support member, at least one connecting member, and at least one swinging member;

[0010] The support member is disposed close to the main shaft mechanism, the connecting member is located at an end of the support member away from the main shaft mechanism, and the connecting member is connected to the support member;

[0011] One end of the swing member is rotatably connected to the main shaft mechanism, and the other end of the swing member is rotatably connected to the connecting member;

[0012] One of the swing member and the support member is provided with a straight chute, and the other of the swing member and the support member is provided with a sliding member that cooperates with the chute, so that the sliding member moves in the chute during the swinging of the swing member.

[0013] The hinge assembly provided by the embodiment of the present application includes a swing member, and a straight chute is provided on one of the support member and the swing member, and a sliding member is provided on the other. In this way, the high pair cooperation between the cylindrical pin and the arc-shaped track groove between the support member and the gear link is replaced by the low pair cooperation between the straight chute and the sliding member between the support member and the swing member. In this way, the virtual position between the chute and the sliding member is reduced, so that the angle control accuracy of the support member is higher, and the support member moves in place in both the unfolded and folded states. In addition, the swing member is a passively stressed part, so the movement process is stable. In this way, when the support member is attached to the swing member, the movement of the support member will also be more stable. Therefore, the hinge assembly provided by the embodiment of the present application realizes a stable movement process of the support mechanism during unfolding or folding, ensures a higher angle control accuracy of the support mechanism, and enables the foldable electronic device to move in place in both the unfolded and folded working states.

[0014] In a possible implementation manner, at least two opposite chutes are provided on the support member, a part of the swing member is located between the two chutes, and sliding members are respectively provided on both side edges of the swing member.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner, at least two opposite convex blocks are provided on one surface of the support member, and the chutes are formed on the convex blocks.

[0016] In a possible implementation manner, the chute penetrates from the top end face of the convex block to the bottom end of the convex block, and the chute is in an inclined shape inclined towards the connecting member.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, the chute at least includes two opposite and parallel planar groove walls, and an end groove wall located between one ends of the two planar groove walls;

[0018] A notch for the sliding member to slide into is formed between the other ends of the two planar groove walls.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the slider has a first sliding plane and a second sliding plane respectively opposite to the two plane groove walls, and an included angle is formed by the intersection of the extension directions between the first sliding plane and the second sliding plane.

[0020] In a possible implementation, when the support member and the main shaft mechanism are in the unfolded state, the second sliding plane fits with one of the plane groove walls, and the first sliding plane forms a first included angle with the other plane groove wall;

[0021] When the support member and the main shaft mechanism are in the folded state, the first sliding plane fits with the other plane groove wall, and the second sliding plane forms a second included angle with the one plane groove wall.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the slider is a wedge block, and the thick end face of the wedge block faces the bottom of the chute.

[0023] In a possible implementation, one end of the wedge block facing the bottom of the chute is an arc surface, and the end groove wall of the chute is an arc wall that cooperates with the arc surface.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the slider is a cylinder.

[0025] In a possible implementation, one end of the swing member facing the main shaft mechanism has a first rotating portion, the outer edges on both sides of the first rotating portion have arc surfaces, and there is an arc portion in the main shaft mechanism that rotates in cooperation with the arc surfaces. The main shaft mechanism is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism through the first rotating portion;

[0026] The other end of the swing member has a second rotating portion, and the second rotating portion is rotationally connected to the connecting member.

[0027] In a possible implementation, each of the rotating mechanisms further includes: at least one linkage member, one end of the linkage member is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism, and the other end of the linkage member is rotationally engaged with the support member.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the support member has an arc-shaped track groove, and the linkage member and the support member are rotationally connected through a cylindrical pin in cooperation with the arc-shaped track groove.

[0029] In a possible implementation, one end of the linkage member has a first gear, the gear is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism through a rotating shaft, and there are two mutually meshing second gears in the main shaft mechanism, and the second gears are mutually meshed with the first gear.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the support member has a plurality of virtual axes, and the connecting member has arc-shaped grooves that cooperate with the virtual axes. The support member and the connecting member are rotationally connected through the cooperation of the virtual axes and the arc-shaped grooves.

[0031] In a second aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a foldable electronic device is provided, which at least includes: a first structural member, a second structural member, and the hinge assembly described above;

[0032] The first structural member and the second structural member are respectively located on both sides of the hinge assembly, and the first structural member and the second structural member are respectively fixedly connected to the connecting member in the hinge assembly;

[0033] In addition, it further includes: a battery cover and a foldable first display screen; the battery cover and the first display screen are respectively located on both side surfaces of the hinge assembly, the first structural member, and the second structural member.

[0034] For the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present application, by including the above hinge assembly, in this way, the high pair cooperation between the cylindrical pin and the arc-shaped track groove between the support member and the gear link is replaced by the low pair cooperation between the linear chute and the sliding member between the support member and the swinging member. In this way, the virtual position between the chute and the sliding member is reduced, so that the angle control accuracy of the support member is higher, and the support member moves into place in both the unfolded and folded states. In addition, the swinging member is a passively stressed part, so the movement process is stable. In this way, when the support member is attached to the swinging member, the movement of the support member will also be more stable. Therefore, for the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present application, it is realized that the movement process of the support mechanism is stable during the unfolding or folding of the electronic device, ensuring higher control accuracy of the angle of the support mechanism, and enabling the foldable electronic device to move into place in both the unfolded and folded working states.

[0035] In a possible implementation, it further includes: a second display screen. The first display screen is located on one side surface of the hinge assembly, the first structural member, and the second structural member, and the second display screen and the battery cover are respectively located on the other side surfaces of the first structural member and the second structural member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present application in the unfolded state;

[0037] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present application in the semi-folded state;

[0038] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present application in the folded state;

[0039] Figure 4 Exploded structural schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 5 Structural schematic diagram when the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application is in the unfolded state;

[0041] Figure 6 Side view of the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application when switching between the unfolded state and the folded state;

[0042] Figure 7 Structural schematic diagram when one of the rotating mechanisms in the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application is disassembled from the main shaft mechanism;

[0043] Figure 8 Exploded schematic diagram of one of the rotating mechanisms in the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 9 Partial schematic diagram of the cooperation between the support and the gear link in the hinge assembly of a foldable electronic device;

[0045] Figure 10 Partial disassembled structural schematic diagram of the swing member and the support in the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 11 Partial disassembled structural schematic diagram of the swing member and the support in another direction in the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 12 Schematic diagram after the swing member is assembled on the support in the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 13 Stereoscopic structural schematic diagram of the swing member in the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 14 Partial sectional schematic diagram of the longitudinal section at the swing member in the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 15 Another stereoscopic structural schematic diagram of the swing member in the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 16Schematic diagram of the split structure of the connecting piece and the supporting piece in the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 17 Partial cross-sectional view of the longitudinal section of the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application at the connecting piece;

[0053] Figure 18 Another split diagram of the rotating mechanism in the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 19 Schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of the linkage in the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 20 Schematic diagram of the structure of the linkage in the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application after being assembled on the supporting piece;

[0056] Figure 21 Partial cross-sectional view of the longitudinal section of the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application at the linkage.

[0057] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0058] 10 - First display screen; 10a - Second display screen; 11 - First display area; 12 - Second display area; 13 - Third display area;

[0059] 21 - First structural member; 211 - First metal middle plate; 212 - First frame; 22 - Second structural member; Second metal middle plate - 221; Second frame - 222;

[0060] 30 - Hinge assembly; 31 - Main shaft mechanism; 311 - Outer shaft; 3112 - Arc portion; 312 - Inner shaft; 313, 314 - Second gears; 32 - Rotating mechanism;

[0061] 321 - Connecting piece; 3211 - Arc-shaped groove;

[0062] 322 - Oscillating piece; 3221 - Sliding piece; 3222a - First sliding plane; 3222b - Second sliding plane; 3223 - Arc-shaped surface;

[0063] 323 - Supporting piece; 3231 - Chute; 3232 - Arc-shaped track groove; 3233 - Protrusion; 3234a, 3234b - Plane groove walls; 3235 - Virtual axis;

[0064] 324 - Linkage; 3241 - First gear; 3242 - Tooth structure; 3243 - Pin hole;

[0065] 325 - Pin shaft; 326 - Cylindrical pin;

[0066] 40 - Battery cover. Detailed implementation manners

[0067] The terms used in the implementation manners part of this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application, rather than intended to limit this application. The implementation manners of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] Among them, the foldable electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application may include, but is not limited to, foldable fixed terminals or mobile terminals such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), handheld computers, touch TVs, walkie-talkies, netbooks, POS machines, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wearable devices, virtual reality devices, etc.

[0069] In the embodiments of this application, a mobile phone is taken as an example of the above-mentioned foldable electronic device, and this mobile phone is a foldable mobile phone with an in-screen folding plus an external screen.

[0070] Below, taking this foldable electronic device as a foldable screen mobile phone as an example, the hinge assembly and the foldable electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0071] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this foldable screen mobile phone may at least include: a first structural member 21, a second structural member 22, and a hinge assembly 30. Among them, the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are respectively located on both sides of the hinge assembly 30, and the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are respectively fixedly connected to the hinge assembly 30. Specifically, the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are respectively fixedly connected to the connecting member in the hinge assembly 30.

[0072] It should be noted that the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 may be fixedly connected to the connecting member by welding, bonding, screw locking, etc. respectively.

[0073] When the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 rotate towards each other until they overlap, the foldable screen mobile phone is in the folded state. On the contrary, when the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 rotate away from each other from the overlapping state until the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 cannot rotate (such as when the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are in the same plane), the foldable screen mobile phone is in the unfolded state. Among them, the process from the folded state to the unfolded state is the unfolding process, and the process from the unfolded state to the folded state is the folding process.

[0074] In addition, it should be noted that the number of the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 can both be one, so that the folding screen mobile phone can be folded into two layers. Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, the folding screen mobile phone may only include one first structural member 21, one second structural member 22, and a hinge assembly 30 for connecting the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22. The first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 rotate relative to each other to be stacked, so that the foldable electronic device is in a two-layer form.

[0075] Alternatively, the number of the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 can be multiple (not shown). There is a hinge assembly 30 for connecting the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 between adjacent first structural members 21 and second structural members 22, so that the foldable electronic device can be folded into multiple layers. For example, the foldable electronic device may include two second structural members 22, one first structural member 21, and two hinge assemblies 30 for connecting the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22. The two second structural members 22 are located on both sides of the first structural member 21 and are respectively rotatably connected to the first structural member 21 through the hinge assemblies 30. One of the second structural members 22 can rotate relative to the first structural member 21 to be stacked, and the other second structural member 22 can also rotate relative to the first structural member 21 to be stacked, so that the foldable electronic device presents a three-layer folding form. When two of the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 rotate to the same plane, the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state.

[0076] See Figure 1 shown, the foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: a foldable first display screen 10. Wherein, the foldable first display screen 10 may be disposed on the surfaces of the hinge assembly 30, the first structural member 21, and the second structural member 22. When the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are folded, the foldable first display screen 10 is bent and attached between the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22. When the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are unfolded, the foldable first display screen 10 is also unfolded accordingly.

[0077] In practical applications, the foldable first display screen 10 can be bonded to the surfaces of the hinge assembly 30, the first structural member 21, and the second structural member 22 to ensure that at least part of the foldable first display screen 10 is stably covered inside the hinge assembly 30, and improve the stability of the foldable first display screen 10 in the foldable electronic device.

[0078] See Figure 1As shown, the first display screen 10 may include: a first display area 11, a second display area 12, and a third display area 13 located between the first display area 11 and the second display area 12. Among them, the first display area 11 may be located on the surface of the first structural member 21, the second display area 12 may be located on the surface of the second structural member 22, and the third display area 13 is located on the surface of the hinge assembly 30.

[0079] Of course, in some embodiments, the foldable electronic device may also be a laptop computer, which may also include a first structural member 21 and a second structural member 22. The first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 can rotate towards each other until they overlap, making the laptop computer in a folded state. Conversely, when the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 start from the overlapping state and rotate away from each other until they cannot rotate, the laptop computer is in an unfolded state. Among them, in the unfolded state, a part of the foldable first display screen 10 on the first structural member 21 can be used for displaying images and the like, while a part of the foldable first display screen 10 on the second structural member 22 can be used as a virtual keyboard.

[0080] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the electronic device may further include: a second display screen 10a. The second display screen 10a and the first display screen may be respectively located on both sides of the first structural member 21 or the second structural member 22. For example, see Figure 2 As shown, the second display screen 10a is opposite to the second display area 12 of the first display screen, and the second display screen 10a and the second display area 12 of the first display screen are respectively located on both sides of the second structural member 22. In this way, see Figure 3 As shown, when the electronic device is in a folded state, the second display screen 10a can be used as an external screen. Of course, in some examples, the second display screen 10a may not be provided.

[0081] Among them, the second display screen 10a may be a liquid crystal display screen. Of course, the second display screen 10a may also be a flexible screen.

[0082] In the embodiments of the present application, see Figure 2 As shown, it may further include: a battery cover 40. The battery cover 40 and the first display area 11 of the first display screen 10 may be respectively located on both sides of the first structural member 21.

[0083] In the embodiments of the present application, see Figure 4As shown, the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 may be middle frames, wherein the first structural member 21 may include a first metal middle plate 211 and a first frame 212 surrounding the outer edge of the first metal middle plate 211, and the second structural member 22 may include a second metal middle plate 221 and a second frame 222 surrounding the outer edge of the second metal middle plate 221. The hinge assembly 30 is fixedly connected to the first metal middle plate 211 and the second metal middle plate 221, respectively.

[0084] The hinge assembly 30 used for the above-mentioned foldable electronic device in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below.

[0085] Combination Figure 5 As shown, the hinge assembly 30 may include: a main shaft mechanism 31, and two rotating mechanisms 32 located on both sides of the main shaft mechanism 31 and rotatably connected to the main shaft mechanism 31. Figure 5 As shown, the two rotating mechanisms 32 can be symmetrically arranged relative to the main shaft mechanism 31. The two rotating mechanisms 32 can be arranged along Figure 5 The two dotted arrows in FIG. 3 rotate relative to the spindle mechanism 31, for example, see Figure 6 As shown, when the two rotating mechanisms 32 are in the folded state, the two rotating mechanisms 32 may face each other, and when the two rotating mechanisms 32 are in the unfolded state, the two rotating mechanisms 32 are back to back relative to the main axis mechanism 31 .

[0086] See also Figure 7 As shown, when each rotating mechanism 32 is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism 31 , the rotating mechanism 32 and the main shaft mechanism 31 can be detachably connected.

[0087] See also Figure 8 As shown, each rotating mechanism 32 may include: a connecting member 321 and a supporting member 323, the supporting member 323 is used to support the third display area 13 of the first display screen 10, one end of the connecting member 321 in each rotating mechanism 32 is respectively fixedly connected to the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22, the supporting member 323 is arranged close to the main axis mechanism 31, the connecting member 321 is located at one end of the supporting member 323 away from the main axis mechanism 31, and the connecting member 321 is rotatably connected to the supporting member 323.

[0088] In the embodiment of the present application, the number of the connecting member 321 may be one or more, for example Figure 8 In the embodiment, the number of the connecting members 321 in each rotating mechanism is three, and the three connecting members 321 can be arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the main shaft mechanism 31. The supporting member 323 can be a supporting plate, and the supporting plate extends along the axial direction of the main shaft mechanism 31.

[0089] In some studies, see Figure 9As shown, the other end of the connecting member 321 is rotatably connected to one end of the gear link 322a, and the other end of the gear link 322a is rotatably connected to the main shaft mechanism 31. In order to ensure higher angle control accuracy and smooth operation of the support member 323 during the folding and unfolding processes, refer to Figure 9 As shown, a cylindrical pin 322b is provided on the gear link 322a, and an arc-shaped track groove 323a is provided on the support member 323. The cylindrical pin 322b moves in the arc-shaped track groove 323a as the rotating mechanism 32 rotates. However, when the cylindrical pin 322b moves in the arc-shaped track groove 323a, since the contact between the cylindrical pin 322b and the arc-shaped track groove 323a is a line contact, the cylindrical pin 322b and the arc-shaped track groove 323a are in a higher pair fit. In this way, during the movement of the support member 323, there is a relatively large amount of play between the cylindrical pin 322b and the arc-shaped track groove 323a, resulting in poor control accuracy of the rotation angle of the support member 323 when the cylindrical pin 322b drives the support member 323 during movement. In addition, there is a cam fit between the gear link 322a and the main shaft mechanism 31, resulting in unstable movement of the support member 323 during the movement process.

[0090] To solve the above problems, in the embodiments of the present application, by including a swing member 322, and providing a linear chute 3231 on one of the support member 323 and the swing member 322, and a sliding member 3221 on the other, in this way, the higher pair fit between the cylindrical pin 322b and the arc-shaped track groove 323a is replaced with a lower pair fit between the linear chute 3231 and the sliding member 3221. In this way, the play between the chute 3231 and the sliding member 3221 is reduced, making the angle control accuracy of the support member 323 higher, and the support member 323 moves into place in both the unfolded and folded states. In addition, the swing member 322 is a passively stressed part, so the movement process is smooth. In this way, when the support member 323 is attached to the swing member 322, the movement of the support member 323 will also be more stable. Therefore, the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present application realizes smooth movement of the support mechanism during the unfolding or folding of the electronic device, ensures higher control accuracy of the angle of the support mechanism, and enables the foldable electronic device to move into place in both the unfolded and folded working states.

[0091] For example, refer to Figure 10 As shown, the rotating mechanism 32 further includes: a swing member 322, one end of the swing member 322 is rotatably connected to the main shaft mechanism 31, and the other end of the swing member 322 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 321.

[0092] A linear chute 3231 is provided on one of the support member 323 and the swing member 322, and a sliding member 3221 is provided on the other. For example, refer to Figure 10As shown, a linear chute 3231 is provided on the support member 323, and a slider 3221 is provided on the swing member 322. During the swinging process of the swing member 322, the slider 3221 moves in the chute 3231. Among them, since the chute 3231 is linear and not arc-shaped, when the slider 3221 moves in the chute 3231, the slider 3221 moves along the linear chute wall of the chute 3231. In this way, a lower pair motion between the slider 3221 and the chute 3231 is achieved, so that the virtual position of the slider 3221 is reduced when it moves in the chute 3231. During the folding and unfolding process, the angle control accuracy of the support member 323 is higher. In addition, the swing member 322 is a passively stressed part, and the movement process is stable. When the support member 323 is attached to the swing member 322, the movement will also be more stable.

[0093] Of course, in some examples, a chute 3231 can also be provided on the swing member 322, and a slider 3221 is provided on the support member 323.

[0094] In a possible implementation, as shown in Figure 10 shown, at least two opposite chutes 3231 are provided on the support member 323, and a part of the swing member 322 is located between the two chutes 3231 (see Figure 12 ), for example, one end of the swing member 322 is located inside the main shaft mechanism 31, and the other end of the swing member 322 passes through the space between the two chutes 3231 and is connected to the connecting member 321. Among them, as shown in Figure 10 shown, sliders 3221 are respectively provided on both side edges of the swing member 322.

[0095] Among them, as shown in Figure 10 shown, at least two opposite convex blocks 3233 are provided on one surface of the support member 323, and chutes 3231 are provided on the convex blocks 3233. The chute 3231 penetrates from the top end face of the convex block 3233 to the bottom end of the convex block 3233. For example, the top end of the chute 3231 is open, and the slider 3221 can slide into the chute 3231 from the open position at the top end. The bottom end of the chute 3231 extends to the surface of the support member 323. In the embodiment of the present application, in order to facilitate the movement of the slider 3221 in the chute 3231 when the swing member 322 rotates, the chute 3231 is inclined towards the connecting member 321. As shown in Figure 10 shown, the chute 3231 is an inclined linear slideway, and an angle less than 90° is formed between the chute 3231 and the support member 323. The size of the angle is specifically set according to actual requirements.

[0096] Among them, the convex block 3233 and the support member 323 can be of an integral structure.

[0097] See Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the sliding groove 3231 includes at least two opposite and parallel planar groove walls. For example, the planar groove wall 3234b (see Figure 10 ) and the planar groove wall 3234a (see Figure 11 ). A notch is formed between the other ends of the planar groove wall 3234b and the planar groove wall 3234a for the sliding member 3221 to slide into. The sliding groove 3231 further includes: and an end groove wall (i.e., the groove bottom opposite to the top notch) located between one ends of the planar groove wall 3234b and the planar groove wall 3234a.

[0098] By including two opposite planar groove walls in the sliding groove 3231, it is ensured that the two groove walls of the sliding groove 3231 are straight. In this way, when the sliding member 3221 moves on the planar groove wall, the play is reduced, ensuring higher angle control accuracy of the support member 323.

[0099] See Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the sliding member 3221 has a first sliding plane 3222a (see Figure 10 ) and a second sliding plane 3222b (see Figure 11 ) respectively opposite to the two planar groove walls, and the extension directions between the first sliding plane 3222a and the second sliding plane 3222b intersect to form an angle. For example, the first sliding plane 3222a and the second sliding plane 3222b are not parallel. This ensures that the swing member 322 can move within the sliding groove 3231 during rotation.

[0100] In the embodiment of the present application, see Figure 13 As shown, one end of the swing member 322 facing the main shaft mechanism 31 has a first rotating portion 3224. The outer edges on both sides of the first rotating portion 3224 have arc surfaces 3225. There is an arc portion 3112 (see Figure 14 ) in the main shaft mechanism 31 that rotates in cooperation with the arc surfaces 3225. The main shaft mechanism 31 is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism 31 through the first rotating portion 3224; the other end of the swing member 322 has a second rotating portion 3226, and the second rotating portion 3226 is rotationally connected to the connecting member 321 through a pin shaft 325 (see Figure 14 ).

[0101] For example, see Figure 14 As shown, the main shaft mechanism 31 may include: an inner shaft 312 and a plurality of outer shafts 311. The inner shaft 312 is connected to the outer shafts 311. Among them, the first rotating portion 3224 of the swing member 322 is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism 31 through the limitation between the inner shaft 312 and the outer shafts 311. For example, an arc portion 3112 is defined between the inner shaft 312 and the outer shafts 311, and the first rotating portion 3224 of the swing member 322 can rotate around the arc portion 3112.

[0102] SeeFigure 14 As shown, when the support member 323 and the main shaft mechanism 31 are in the unfolded state (i.e., the electronic device is in the unfolded state), the second sliding plane 3222b is in contact with the plane groove wall 3234b, and the first sliding plane 3222a forms a first included angle a1 with the plane groove wall 3434a.

[0103] When the support member 323 and the main shaft mechanism 31 are in the folded state (i.e., the electronic device is in the folded state), the first sliding plane 3222a is in contact with the plane groove wall 3234a, and the second sliding plane 3222b forms a second included angle a2 with the plane groove wall 3234b. In this way, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the second sliding plane 3222b can abut against the plane groove wall 3234b, ensuring that the support member 323 moves in place during the unfolding movement. When the electronic device is in the folded state, the first sliding plane 3222a abuts against the other plane groove wall 3234a, ensuring that the support member 323 moves in place during the folding movement, achieving higher control accuracy of the angle of the support member 323.

[0104] In the embodiment of the present application, refer to Figure 14 As shown, the sliding member 3221 is a wedge block, and the thick end of the wedge block (i.e., the end with a larger thickness of the wedge block) faces the bottom of the chute 3231.

[0105] In the embodiment of the present application, refer to Figure 13 As shown, one end of the wedge block facing the bottom of the chute 3231 is an arc surface 3223. Refer to Figure 14 , the end groove wall of the chute 3231 is an arc wall that cooperates with the arc surface. In this way, when the electronic device is in the folded state, the contact between the arc surface of the sliding member 3221 and the arc wall of the chute 3231 is a surface contact, and it is not easy to have the problem of large wear at some position point contacts.

[0106] Of course, in some examples, refer to Figure 15 As shown, the sliding member 3221 can also be a cylinder. In this way, the cylinder can move along the two plane groove walls of the chute 3231. Compared with Figure 9 the arc-shaped track groove 323a in, in the embodiment of the present application, since the chute 3231 is linear, when the sliding member 3221 is a cylinder, the movement of the cylinder in the chute 3231 can still ensure the improvement of the angle control accuracy of the support member 323.

[0107] In the embodiment of the present application, when the connecting member 321 is rotationally matched with the support member 323, refer to Figure 16 As shown, the support member 323 has a plurality of virtual axes 3235, and the connecting member 321 has arc-shaped grooves 3211 that cooperate with the virtual axes 3235. The support member 323 and the connecting member 321 are rotationally connected through the cooperation of the virtual axes 3235 and the arc-shaped grooves 3211. For example, refer toFigure 17 As shown, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, one end of the virtual axis 3235 of the support member 323 is located in the arc-shaped groove 3211 on the connecting member 321, and there is still extra space in the arc-shaped groove 3211. When the electronic device is in the folded state, the virtual axis 3235 of the support member 323 rotates in the arc-shaped groove 3211 on the connecting member 321. Through the rotational cooperation between the arc-shaped groove 3211 and the virtual axis 3235, the rotational connection between the connecting member 321 and the support member 323 is realized. In this way, the movement of the support member 323 depends on the connecting member 321 and the swing member 322, and the swing member 322 is a passively stressed member with stable movement. Thus, the support member 323 that depends on the connecting member 321 and the swing member 322 moves smoothly.

[0108] In the embodiment of the present application, refer to Figure 18 As shown, each rotation mechanism 32 further includes: at least one linkage member 324. It should be noted that Figure 18 only one linkage member 324 is shown in . In actual assembly, the number of the linkage members 324 can be the same as the number of the connecting members 321. For example, when the number of the connecting members 321 is two, the number of the linkage members 324 can also be two.

[0109] Among them, one end of the linkage member 324 is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism 31, and the other end of the linkage member 324 is rotationally engaged with the support member 323. For example, refer to Figure 18 As shown, the support member 323 has an arc-shaped track groove 3232. Refer to Figure 19 As shown, a pin hole 3243 is formed on the linkage member 324. Refer to Figure 20 As shown, the linkage member 324 and the support member 323 are rotationally connected through a cylindrical pin 326 passing through the pin hole 3243 and the arc-shaped track groove 3232 for cooperation.

[0110] By providing at least one linkage member 324 and the arc-shaped track groove 3232, in this way, redundant control is performed on the movement of the support member 323, reducing the angular virtual position of the support member 323 and ensuring the angular control accuracy of the support member 323.

[0111] Refer to Figure 21 As shown, one end of the linkage member 324 has a first gear 3241. The first gear 3241 is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism 31 through a rotating shaft 3244, and there are two meshing second gears in the main shaft mechanism 31. The two second gears are, for example, the second gear 313 and the second gear 314. The second gear 313 meshes with the first gear 3241, and the second gear 314 meshes with the first gear 3241 of the linkage member 324 in another rotation mechanism 32.

[0112] It should be noted that refer to Figure 21As shown, a tooth structure 3242 is provided on a partial outer surface of the first gear 3241. Of course, in some examples, the tooth structure 3242 may also be provided on the entire outer surface of the first gear 3241.

[0113] See Figure 21 As shown, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the cylindrical pin 326 is located at one end of the arc-shaped track groove 3232. When the electronic device is in the folded state, the cylindrical pin 326 moves to the other end of the arc-shaped track groove 3232 during rotation. Among them, during the rotation process, the linkage member 324 drives the second gear to rotate through the first gear 3241. The two first gears 3241 on both sides achieve synchronous rotation through the second gears 313 and 314, so as to ensure that the rotating members on both sides of the main shaft mechanism 31 can achieve synchronous rotation.

[0114] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. It may be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to specific situations.

[0115] The device or element referred to in the embodiments of the present application or implied must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present application. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise precisely and specifically defined.

[0116] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the specification, claims, and above-mentioned drawings of the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily need to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such used data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present application described here, for example, can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described here. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units does not necessarily have to be limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0117] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit them; although the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly, characterized in that, include: A main shaft mechanism, and a first rotating mechanism and a second rotating mechanism located on both sides of the main shaft mechanism; The first rotating mechanism comprises: a first supporting member, a first connecting member, a first swinging member and a first linkage member; The first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first supporting member; One end of the first swinging member is rotatably connected to the spindle mechanism, and the other end of the first swinging member is rotatably connected to the first connecting member; One end of the first linkage member is rotatably connected to the spindle mechanism, and the other end of the first linkage member is rotatably connected to the first support member; The first support member is provided with a first slide groove, the first swing member is provided with a first sliding member, and the first sliding member is slidably connected to the first slide groove; The second rotating mechanism comprises: a second supporting member, a second connecting member, a second swinging member and a second linkage member; The second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second supporting member; One end of the second swinging member is rotatably connected to the spindle mechanism, and the other end of the second swinging member is rotatably connected to the second connecting member; One end of the second linkage member is rotatably connected to the spindle mechanism, and the other end of the second linkage member is rotatably connected to the second support member; The second supporting member is provided with a second sliding groove, the second swinging member is provided with a second sliding member, and the second sliding member is slidably connected to the second sliding groove.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first slide groove and the second slide groove are linear, the first slide groove includes two opposite and parallel first plane groove walls, and the second slide groove includes two opposite and parallel second plane groove walls.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the hinge assembly is in a flattened state, the first support member has a first support surface, the first slide groove is located on a surface of the first support member away from the first support surface, the distance between the first end of the first slide groove and the spindle mechanism is greater than the distance between the second end of the first slide groove and the spindle mechanism, and the distance between the first end of the first slide groove and the first support member is greater than the distance between the second end of the first slide groove and the first support plate; When the hinge assembly is in a flattened state, the second support member has a second support surface, the second slide groove is located on the surface of the second support member away from the second support surface, the distance between the first end of the second slide groove and the spindle mechanism is greater than the distance between the second end of the second slide groove and the spindle mechanism, and the distance between the first end of the second slide groove and the second support member is greater than the distance between the second end of the second slide groove and the second support member.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first support member is provided with at least two opposite first sliding grooves, a portion of the first swing member is located between the two first sliding grooves, and the first sliding members are respectively provided on both side edges of the first swing member; At least two opposite second slide grooves are arranged on the second support member, a portion of the second swing member is located between the two second slide grooves, and the second sliding members are respectively arranged on both side edges of the second swing member.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 4, wherein At least two opposite first protrusions are provided on one surface of the first support member, and the first protrusions are provided with the first sliding groove; At least two opposite second bumps are provided on one surface of the second support member, and the second sliding groove is formed in the second bump.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The first sliding groove penetrates from the top end face of the first bump to the bottom end of the first bump, and the first sliding groove is inclined toward the first connecting member. The second sliding groove penetrates from the top end face of the second bump to the bottom end of the second bump, and the second sliding groove is inclined toward the second connecting member.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first sliding member and the second sliding member are cylinders.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the first swinging member facing the main shaft mechanism has a first rotating portion, and arc surfaces are provided on both outer edges of the first rotating portion. An arc portion that is rotationally engaged with the arc surface is provided in the main shaft mechanism. The first swinging member is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism through the first rotating portion. The other end of the first swinging member has a second rotating portion, and the second rotating portion is rotationally connected to the first connecting member. One end of the second swinging member facing the main shaft mechanism has a third rotating portion, and arc surfaces are provided on both outer edges of the third rotating portion. An arc portion that is rotationally engaged with the arc surface is provided in the main shaft mechanism. The second swinging member is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism through the third rotating portion. The other end of the second swinging member has a fourth rotating portion, and the fourth rotating portion is rotationally connected to the second connecting member.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, A first arc-shaped track groove is provided on the first support member, and the first linkage member and the first support member are rotationally connected through the cooperation of a first cylindrical pin and the first arc-shaped track groove. A second arc-shaped track groove is provided on the second support member, and the second linkage member and the second support member are rotationally connected through the cooperation of a second cylindrical pin and the second arc-shaped track groove.

10. The hinge assembly according to claim 9, wherein, When the hinge assembly is in the unfolded state, the first cylindrical pin is located at the first end of the first arc-shaped track groove, and the second cylindrical pin is located at the first end of the second arc-shaped track groove. When the hinge assembly is in the folded state, the first cylindrical pin is located at the second end of the first arc-shaped track groove, and the second cylindrical pin is located at the second end of the second arc-shaped track groove. The distance between the first end of the first arc-shaped track groove and the main shaft mechanism is greater than the distance between the second end of the first arc-shaped track groove and the main shaft mechanism. The distance between the first end of the second arc-shaped track groove and the main shaft mechanism is greater than the distance between the second end of the second arc-shaped track groove and the main shaft mechanism.

11. The hinge assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The first linkage member is slidably connected to the first support member, and the second linkage member is slidably connected to the second support member.

12. The hinge assembly according to claim 11, wherein, One end of the first linkage member has a first gear, and the first gear is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism through a rotating shaft. Two mutually meshing second gears are provided in the main shaft mechanism, and the second gear meshes with the first gear. One end of the second linkage member has a third gear, and the third gear is rotationally connected to the main shaft mechanism through a rotating shaft. The third gear meshes with the second gear.

13. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first support member has a plurality of virtual axes, and the first connecting member has arc-shaped grooves that cooperate with the virtual axes. The first support member and the first connecting member are rotationally connected by the cooperation of the virtual axes and the arc-shaped grooves. The second support member has a plurality of virtual axes, and the second connecting member has arc-shaped grooves that cooperate with the virtual axes. The second support member and the second connecting member are rotationally connected by the cooperation of the virtual axes and the arc-shaped grooves.

14. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, At least comprising: A first structural member, a second structural member, and the hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1-13; The first structural member and the second structural member are respectively located on both sides of the hinge assembly, and the first structural member and the second structural member are respectively fixedly connected to the connecting members in the hinge assembly.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein The electronic device further includes: a battery cover and a foldable first display screen; the battery cover and the first display screen are respectively located on both side surfaces of the hinge assembly, the first structural member, and the second structural member.

16. The foldable electronic device according to claim 15, wherein, Further comprising: A second display screen, the first display screen is located on one side surface of the hinge assembly, the first structural member, and the second structural member, and the second display screen and the battery cover are respectively located on the other side surfaces of the first structural member and the second structural member.

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