Hinge mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

The invention discloses a hinge mechanism and electronic equipment, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The hinge mechanism comprises a hinge base, a swing arm, a damping assembly and a linkage assembly, the swing arm is rotationally connected with the hinge base through a rotating shaft, the damping assembly comprises a moving part and an elastic damping part, the moving part is matched with the swing arm, and when the swing arm rotates relative to the hinge base, the swing arm drives the moving part to move in the axial direction of the rotating shaft; the linkage assembly comprises a transmission part and a screen supporting part, the transmission part is connected with the moving part, and the transmission part is in transmission connection with the screen supporting part; in the unfolding process of the hinge mechanism, the moving piece drives the transmission piece to move in the first direction, and the transmission piece drives the screen supporting piece to move in the direction away from the hinge base. In the folding process of the hinge mechanism, the moving part drives the transmission part to move in the second direction, the transmission part drives the screen supporting part to move in the direction close to the hinge base, and the first direction and the second direction are opposite and are both parallel to the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of communication technology, specifically relating to a hinge mechanism and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, people are becoming increasingly dependent on electronic devices. To improve the portability and comfort of electronic devices, the application of foldable electronic devices is becoming more and more widespread.

[0003] In related technologies, foldable electronic devices typically include a first device body, a second device body, a hinge mechanism, and a display screen. The first and second device bodies rotate relative to each other via the hinge mechanism, thereby enabling the folding and unfolding of the foldable electronic device. Both the first and second device bodies have door panels, which are used to avoid or support the folded portion of the display screen. Specifically, during folding, the folded portion of the display screen forms a teardrop shape and approaches the hinge mechanism. At this time, a gap is formed between the door panels of the first and second device bodies to avoid the folded portion of the display screen and prevent it from being squeezed and damaged. During unfolding, the door panels of the first and second device bodies are joined together to support the folded portion of the display screen, ensuring that the display screen is smoothly laid flat.

[0004] However, this makes the structure of foldable electronic devices more complex, resulting in a larger thickness, which is not conducive to the development of thinner and lighter foldable electronic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a hinge mechanism and electronic device that can solve the problem that the complex structure of foldable electronic devices in related technologies is not conducive to the development of thinner and lighter designs.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a hinge mechanism, including a hinge base, a swing arm, a damping assembly, and a linkage assembly. The swing arm is rotatably connected to the hinge base via a pivot. The damping assembly includes a movable member and an elastic damping member. The movable member cooperates with the swing arm. When the swing arm rotates relative to the hinge base, the swing arm drives the movable member to move along the axial direction of the pivot. The linkage component includes a transmission component and a screen support component. The transmission component is connected to the moving component, and the transmission component is in a driving connection with the screen support component. The hinge mechanism has a folded state and an unfolded state. During the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the folded state to the unfolded state, the moving member drives the transmission member to move along a first direction, and the transmission member drives the screen support member to move in a direction away from the hinge base. During the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the moving member drives the transmission member to move along a second direction, and the transmission member drives the screen support member to move in a direction closer to the hinge base. The first direction and the second direction are opposite, and both are parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft.

[0007] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an electronic device, including a display screen, a first device body, a second device body, and the aforementioned hinge mechanism. The first device body is connected to the second device body via the hinge mechanism, a first portion of the display screen is connected to the first device body, and a second portion of the display screen is connected to the second device body. The electronic device has a folded state and an unfolded state. During the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the screen support moves in a direction close to the hinge base to avoid the display screen. During the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the folded state to the unfolded state, the screen support moves in a direction away from the hinge base to support the display screen.

[0008] In this embodiment, the hinge mechanism is supplemented with a linkage component, which includes a transmission component and a screen support component connected by transmission. During the unfolding process of the hinge mechanism, the moving component of the damping component moves along the first direction while driving the transmission component away from the hinge base. At the same time, the transmission component drives the screen support component away from the hinge base. That is, the screen support component moves along the direction closer to the display screen to support the display screen and ensure that the display screen is smoothly laid flat. During the folding process of the hinge mechanism, the moving component of the damping component moves along the second direction while driving the transmission component closer to the hinge base. At the same time, the transmission component drives the screen support component to move along the direction closer to the hinge base. That is, the screen support component moves along the direction away from the display screen, so that the screen support component avoids the folded part of the display screen, avoids the screen support component squeezing the display screen, and ensures the service life of the electronic device.

[0009] With this configuration, the linkage components of the hinge mechanism are used to avoid or support the display screen. In the thickness direction of the electronic device, the space occupied by the linkage components overlaps with the space occupied by other structures of the hinge mechanism. In other words, the linkage components will not occupy additional space in the thickness direction of the electronic device. The main body of the electronic device does not need to have a door panel to avoid or support the display screen. This simplifies the structure of the hinge mechanism, avoids the need to add a door panel which would result in a larger thickness of the electronic device, and helps to achieve a thinner and lighter electronic device. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism disclosed in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism disclosed in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the floating support plate disclosed in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application.

[0011] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100-Hinge Base 200-Swing arm, 210-Cylinder section, 210a-First drive surface, 300-Damping component, 310-Moving component, 310a-Second driving surface, 320-Elastic damping component, 330-Rotating shaft, 340-Retaining ring, 400 - Linkage component, 410 - Transmission component, 411 - Mating groove, 411a - First groove segment, 411b - Second groove segment, 411c - Third groove segment, 420 - Screen support component, 421 - Support rod, 421a - Protruding structure, 422 - Floating support plate, 4221 - Screen support surface, 422a - Connecting hole, 423 - Connector, 430 - Guide component, A1 - First direction, A2 - Second direction, B1 - Third direction, B2 - Fourth direction 500-Transmission Gear 610 - First equipment body 620-Second Equipment Body 630 - Display screen. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0013] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0014] The hinge mechanism and electronic device provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0015] Please refer to Figures 1-4 The hinge mechanism disclosed in this application is applied to electronic devices to enable the folding and unfolding of electronic devices.

[0016] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the hinge mechanism includes a hinge base 100, a swing arm 200, a damping assembly 300, and a linkage assembly 400. The hinge base 100 serves as a load-bearing component, supporting other components. The swing arm 200 is rotatable relative to the hinge base 100 and is used to drive the main body of the electronic device to rotate relative to the hinge base 100. The damping assembly 300 provides damping force during the rotation of the swing arm 200. The linkage assembly 400 follows the movement of the damping assembly 300 to support or avoid the display screen 630 of the electronic device.

[0017] The swing arm 200 is rotatably connected to the hinge base 100 via a pivot 330. Optionally, the pivot 330 is fixedly connected to the hinge base 100, which can be achieved by welding or other methods. The swing arm 200 includes a cylindrical portion 210, which is sleeved on the outside of the pivot 330 and rotates with the pivot 330. The swing arm 200 can rotate relative to the hinge base 100 around the axis of the pivot 330 via the cylindrical portion 210.

[0018] refer to Figure 1As shown, the damping assembly 300 includes a movable member 310 and an elastic damping member 320. The movable member 310 cooperates with the swing arm 200. When the swing arm 200 rotates relative to the hinge base 100, the swing arm 200 drives the movable member 310 to move axially along the rotation shaft 330. Optionally, the movable member 310 can be a movable cam. The end face of the movable cam can be provided with a first driving surface 210a, and the end face of the cylindrical portion 210 of the swing arm 200 can be provided with a second driving surface 310a. The first driving surface 210a and the second driving surface 310a cooperate, so that when the swing arm 200 rotates relative to the hinge base 100, the swing arm 200 drives the movable member 310 to move axially along the rotation shaft 330 through the first driving surface 210a and the second driving surface 310a.

[0019] The elastic damping element 320 can be, but is not limited to, a spring. The elastic damping element 320 is capable of elastic deformation. It is sleeved on the outside of the rotating shaft 330. When the moving member 310 moves axially along the rotating shaft 330, the moving member 310 directly acts on the elastic damping element 320, causing the elastic damping element 320 to undergo elastic deformation. Optionally, refer to... Figure 1 As shown, the damping assembly 300 also includes a retaining ring 340, which is located at the end of the elastic damping member 320. The retaining ring 340 is used to limit one end of the elastic damping member 320, and the moving member 310 can act on the other end of the elastic damping member 320. Further optionally, the retaining ring 340 can be sleeved on the outside of the rotating shaft 330, and the retaining ring 340 is fixed relative to the rotating shaft 330.

[0020] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the linkage assembly 400 includes a transmission component 410 and a screen support component 420. The transmission component 410 is connected to the moving component 310, and the transmission component 410 and the screen support component 420 are also connected in a transmission manner. Optionally, the transmission component 410 and the moving component 310 can be connected by welding, bonding, or other methods to achieve relative fixation between the transmission component 410 and the moving component 310. This application embodiment does not limit the connection form between the transmission component 410 and the moving component 310, as long as the transmission component 410 moves along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 330. The transmission component 410 and the screen support component 420 can be connected in a transmission manner through a reversing structure, thereby changing the direction of power transmission and converting the moving power of the transmission component 410 into the moving power of the screen support component 420.

[0021] Optionally, the screen support 420 can move relative to the hinge base 100, and the direction of movement of the screen support 420 can intersect with the direction of movement of the moving member 310. More optionally, the direction of movement of the screen support 420 can be perpendicular to the direction of movement of the moving member 310. (Refer to...) Figure 2As shown, when the moving member 310 moves along the first direction A1, the screen support member 420 moves along the third direction B1; when the moving member 310 moves along the second direction A2, the screen support member 420 moves along the fourth direction B2. The first direction A1 and the second direction A2 are opposite, and both are parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft 330. The third direction B1 is opposite to the fourth direction B2.

[0022] Optionally, the transmission component 410 and the screen support component 420 can be connected by a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly may include a first rack, a gear, and a second rack. The first rack is connected to the transmission component 410, and the first rack and the second rack are respectively meshed with the gear. The second rack is connected to the screen support component 420. The extension direction of the first rack intersects the extension direction of the second rack. Thus, when the transmission component 410 moves, it drives the first rack to move. The first rack drives the gear to rotate, which in turn drives the second rack to move, and the second rack drives the screen support component 420 to move.

[0023] The hinge mechanism has a folded state and an unfolded state. During the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the folded state to the unfolded state, the moving part 310 drives the transmission part 410 to move along the first direction A1, and the transmission part 410 drives the screen support part 420 to move in the direction away from the hinge base 100. That is, the screen support part 420 moves in the direction close to the display screen 630 of the electronic device to support the display screen 630 and ensure that the display screen 630 is smoothly laid flat. During the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the moving part 310 drives the transmission part 410 to move along the second direction A2, and the transmission part 410 drives the screen support part 420 to move along the direction close to the hinge base 100. That is, the screen support part 420 moves along the direction away from the display screen 630 of the electronic device, so that the screen support part 420 avoids the folded part of the display screen 630, avoids the screen support part 420 squeezing the display screen 630, and ensures the service life of the electronic device.

[0024] In this embodiment, the linkage component 400 of the hinge mechanism is used to avoid or support the display screen 630. In the thickness direction of the electronic device, the space occupied by the linkage component 400 coincides with the space occupied by other structures of the hinge mechanism. That is, the linkage component 400 will not occupy additional space in the thickness direction of the electronic device. The main body of the electronic device does not need to be equipped with a door panel to avoid or support the display screen 630. This simplifies the structure of the hinge mechanism, avoids the addition of a door panel which would result in a larger thickness of the electronic device, and helps to achieve a thinner and lighter electronic device.

[0025] In an optional embodiment, refer to Figure 2As shown, one of the transmission member 410 and the screen support member 420 is provided with a protrusion structure 421a, and the other is provided with a mating groove 411. The extending direction of the mating groove 411 is inclined relative to the first direction A1. Specifically, the transmission member 410 is provided with the protrusion structure 421a, and the screen support member 420 is provided with the mating groove 411, or the transmission member 410 is provided with the mating groove 411, and the screen support member 420 is provided with the protrusion structure 421a. The protrusion structure 421a extends into the mating groove 411, and the protrusion structure 421a slides in contact with the mating groove 411. The transmission member 410 drives the screen support member 420 to move through the protrusion structure 421a and the mating groove 411.

[0026] Optionally, the protrusion 421a can be a square protrusion, a cylindrical protrusion, etc. The specific shape of the protrusion 421a is not limited in this embodiment. The surface of the protrusion 421a slides in contact with the groove wall of the mating groove 411. The mating groove 411 has a first end and a second end. During the process of the moving member 310 driving the transmission member 410 to move along the first direction A1, the protrusion 421a moves from the first end of the mating groove 411 to the second end of the mating groove 411, and the mating groove 411 is inclined in a direction away from the hinge base 100, so that the protrusion 421a moves in a direction away from the hinge base 100, so that the screen support member 420 moves in a direction away from the hinge base 100 to support the display screen 630.

[0027] In this embodiment, the transmission component 410 and the screen support component 420 are respectively provided with a protrusion structure 421a and a mating groove 411, which can realize the transmission and mating between the two without the need for a complex transmission structure such as gears and racks as described above. This is conducive to simplifying the structure of the hinge mechanism and realizing the miniaturization of electronic devices.

[0028] In one alternative embodiment, the mating groove 411 is a straight groove, that is, the mating groove 411 extends in a constant direction.

[0029] In another embodiment, reference Figure 2 As shown, the mating groove 411 is a curved groove, comprising a first groove segment 411a, a second groove segment 411b, and a third groove segment 411c connected in sequence. The curvature of the second groove segment 411b is greater than that of the first groove segment 411a, and the curvature of the second groove segment 411b is greater than that of the third groove segment 411c. In other words, the curvature of the first groove segment 411a and the third groove segment 411c is relatively small, while the curvature of the second groove segment 411b is relatively large. The first groove segment 411a and the third groove segment 411c are relatively gentle, while the second groove segment 411b is relatively curved.

[0030] Optionally, during the process of the moving member 310 driving the transmission member 410 to move along the first direction A1, the protruding structure 421a slides sequentially along the first groove segment 411a, the second groove segment 411b, and the third groove segment 411c. Since the third groove segment 411c is relatively flat, the speed at which the screen support member 420 moves along the third direction B1 is reduced, which helps the screen support member 420 to stop in time and avoids excessive support force from the screen support member 420 on the display screen 630. During the process of the moving member 310 driving the transmission member 410 to move along the second direction A2, the protruding structure 421a slides sequentially along the third groove segment 411c, the second groove segment 411b, and the first groove segment 411a. Since the first groove segment 411a is relatively flat, the speed at which the screen support member 420 moves along the fourth direction B2 is reduced, which helps the screen support member 420 to stop in time and also helps to shorten the movement stroke of the screen support member 420 in the fourth direction B2, thus avoiding collision between the screen support member 420 and the hinge base 100.

[0031] In this embodiment, the mating groove 411 is set as groove segments with different degrees of curvature, which helps to reduce the moving speed of the protruding structure 421a sliding to the end of the mating groove 411, and reduces the moving speed of the screen support 420. This helps the screen support 420 stop in time, ensuring that the screen support 420 supports or avoids the display screen 630 while shortening the moving stroke of the screen support 420.

[0032] In an optional embodiment of this application, the screen support 420 includes a support rod 421, a protrusion structure 421a disposed on the support rod 421, and a mating groove 411 disposed on the transmission member 410. Optionally, the support rod 421 can directly contact the display screen 630 to support the display screen 630, or the screen support 420 may also include other components (such as the floating support plate 422 described below), and the support rod 421 contacts the display screen 630 through other components to support the display screen 630; the support rod 421 can be a round rod or a square rod, and the protrusion structure 421a protrudes from the circumferential surface of the support rod 421, with the protrusion direction of the protrusion structure 421a perpendicular to the circumferential surface of the support rod 421.

[0033] In one alternative embodiment, the number of transmission member 410 and support rod 421 is one.

[0034] In another embodiment, multiple transmission components 410 and support rods 421 are provided at intervals in the direction of the rotating shaft 330, with each transmission component 410 and support rod 421 corresponding to the other.

[0035] Optionally, the number of transmission components 410 and support rods 421 can be two, three or more. The structures of each transmission component 410 can be the same or different, and the structures of each support rod 421 can be the same or different. The transmission components 410 and each support rod 421 can be evenly or unevenly distributed.

[0036] In this embodiment, the number of transmission components 410 and support rods 421 increases. When each transmission component 410 moves along the first direction A1 with the moving component 310, it can drive the corresponding support rod 421 to move away from the hinge base 100. Each support rod 421 avoids different areas of the display screen 630, effectively preventing the screen support component 420 from squeezing the display screen 630 and ensuring the service life of the electronic device. When each transmission component 410 moves along the second direction A2 with the moving component 310, it can drive the corresponding support rod 421 to move closer to the hinge base 100. Each support rod 421 supports different areas of the display screen 630, which is conducive to the smooth flattening of the display screen 630.

[0037] In a further embodiment, reference is made to... Figure 2 As shown, the screen support 420 also includes a floating support plate 422. The floating support plate 422 can be a square plate or other shapes. The floating support plate 422 extends along the direction of the pivot 330. Each support rod 421 is connected to the floating support plate 422. Optionally, each support rod 421 can be fixedly connected to the floating support plate 422 by welding, bonding, or other methods. The surface of the floating support plate 422 facing away from the support rods 421 is the screen support surface 4221. The screen support surface 4221 can contact the display screen 630 to support the display screen 630.

[0038] Further optional, refer to Figure 3 As shown, the floating support plate 422 is provided with multiple connecting holes 422a, each corresponding to a support rod 421. (Refer to...) Figure 2 As shown, the screen support 420 also includes multiple connectors 423, each corresponding to a support rod 421. Each connector 423 is connected to the end of the corresponding support rod 421, which can be done by welding, bonding, or other methods. Each connector 423 extends into the corresponding connection hole 422a, and the connector 423 can be bonded to the wall of the connection hole 422a.

[0039] In this embodiment, the screen support 420 is further provided with a floating support plate 422. Multiple support rods 421 contact different areas of the display screen 630 through the floating support plate 422. The contact area between the floating support plate 422 and the display screen 630 is larger, which helps to reduce stress and makes it easier for the screen support 420 to support the display screen 630. This avoids the problem of multiple points of stress caused by multiple support rods 421 directly supporting the display screen 630.

[0040] Of course, in other embodiments, the screen support 420 may not have a floating support plate 422, and the ends of each support rod 421 may directly contact the display screen 630 to support the display screen 630.

[0041] In an optional embodiment, the linkage assembly 400 further includes a fastener, which can be a screw, bolt, or other threaded fastener. The fastener is threadedly engaged with the support rod 421. Specifically, the surface of the support rod 421 is provided with a threaded hole, and the end of the fastener extends into the threaded hole. The external thread of the fastener engages with the internal thread of the threaded hole. Moreover, the fastener protrudes from the surface of the support rod 421, and the portion of the fastener protruding from the support rod 421 forms a protrusion structure 421a.

[0042] In this embodiment, the naturally formed protrusion between the fastener and the support rod 421 through the threaded engagement serves as the protrusion structure 421a. This eliminates the need for specially designed molds to injection mold the support rod 421 and the protrusion structure 421a, and also eliminates the need for complex connection operations to link the protrusion structure 421a to the support rod 421. Furthermore, the operator can easily install and remove the fasteners as needed, facilitating maintenance of the hinge mechanism.

[0043] Of course, in other embodiments, the connecting component may not have fasteners, and other methods may be used to provide a protrusion structure 421a on the surface of the support rod 421.

[0044] In an optional embodiment of this application, the screen support 420 includes a support rod 421, a protruding structure 421a disposed on the support rod 421, and a mating groove 411 disposed on the transmission member 410. The linkage assembly 400 also includes a guide member 430, which is connected to the hinge base 100 and guides the support rod 421. Optionally, the guide member 430 may include a guide rail, and the support rod 421 may be disposed in a structure that mates with the guide rail to achieve a guide engagement between the guide rail and the support rod 421. The guide member 430 and the hinge base 100 may be connected by welding, bonding, or other methods.

[0045] In this embodiment, the linkage component 400 is further provided with a guide member 430. The guide member 430 guides the movement direction of the support rod 421, ensuring that the movement direction of the support rod 421 is accurate and avoiding any deviation in the movement direction of the support rod 421. This is beneficial for the screen support member 420 to accurately support or avoid the display screen 630 in a predetermined direction.

[0046] Of course, in other embodiments, the linkage component 400 may not have the guide member 430. The accuracy of the movement direction of the screen support member 420 can be ensured by improving the matching accuracy of the transmission structure between the transmission member 410 and the screen support member 420.

[0047] In a further embodiment, the guide 430 includes a sleeve, a support rod 421 extending into the sleeve, and the sleeve and the support rod 421 are slidably engaged.

[0048] Optionally, the support rod 421 can be a square rod, and the sleeve can be arranged around the support rod 421, with the sleeve making guide contact with the four sides of the support rod 421 respectively; or, the sleeve can be arranged around a part of the support rod 421, with the sleeve making guide contact with the three sides of the support rod 421 respectively.

[0049] In this embodiment, using a sleeve as a guide member 430 helps to increase the contact area between the support rod 421 and the guide member 430, increase the guiding fit area, and further improve the guiding accuracy.

[0050] In an optional embodiment, the moving direction of the screen support 420 is perpendicular to the direction of the pivot 330, and the moving direction of the screen support 420 is perpendicular to the plane of the hinge base 100. That is, the moving direction of the screen support 420 is perpendicular to the moving direction of the moving member 310. Therefore, the transmission structure between the transmission member 410 and the screen support 420 is used to change the direction of the linear movement power by 90°, increasing the options for vertical reversal transmission structures. This helps reduce the difficulty of transmission coordination and avoids the difficulty of transmission coordination caused by the screen support 420's moving direction being tilted relative to the moving member 310's moving direction (i.e., they intersect but are not perpendicular).

[0051] Of course, in other embodiments, the direction of movement of the screen support 420 may intersect but not be perpendicular to the direction of the pivot 330, and the direction of movement of the screen support 420 may intersect but not be perpendicular to the plane of the hinge base 100.

[0052] In the scheme of this application, reference is made to Figure 1As shown, there are multiple swing arms 200, with two swing arms 200 located on both sides of the hinge base 100. The hinge mechanism also includes a transmission gear 500, which is used to achieve synchronous rotation of the swing arms 200 located on both sides of the hinge base 100. Specifically, the cylindrical portion 210 of the swing arm 200 is provided with meshing teeth. There are at least two transmission gears 500. The meshing teeth of the swing arm 200 located on the first side of the hinge base 100, the transmission gear 500, and the meshing teeth of the swing arm 200 located on the second side of the hinge base 100 mesh sequentially to achieve synchronous rotation of the two swing arms 200. There can be at least two moving parts 310. The moving parts 310 correspond one-to-one with the swing arms 200, or different parts of the moving parts 310 respectively cooperate with the swing arms 200 located on both sides of the hinge base 100.

[0053] Based on the hinge mechanism disclosed in this application, embodiments of this application also disclose an electronic device, with reference to... Figure 4 As shown, the device includes a display screen 630, a first device body 610, a second device body 620, and the hinge mechanism described in the above embodiment. The first device body 610 is connected to the second device body 620 via the hinge mechanism. A first part of the display screen 630 is connected to the first device body 610, and a second part of the display screen 630 is connected to the second device body 620.

[0054] Optionally, the display screen 630 includes a first part, a folding part, and a second part connected in sequence. The first part is fixedly connected to the first device body 610 by means of adhesive bonding or the like, and the second part is fixedly connected to the second device body 620 by means of adhesive bonding or the like.

[0055] The electronic device has a folded state and an unfolded state. During the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the screen support 420 moves along the direction close to the hinge base 100, that is, along the fourth direction B2 mentioned above, to avoid the display screen 630, specifically to avoid the folded part of the display screen 630. During the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the folded state to the unfolded state, the screen support 420 moves along the direction away from the hinge base 100, that is, along the third direction B1 mentioned above, to support the display screen 630, specifically to support the folded part of the display screen 630.

[0056] In this embodiment, the hinge base 100 is equipped with a linkage component 400. The linkage component 400 is used to avoid or support the display screen 630. In the thickness direction of the electronic device, the space occupied by the linkage component 400 coincides with the space occupied by other structures of the hinge mechanism. That is, the linkage component 400 will not occupy additional space in the thickness direction of the electronic device. The main body of the electronic device does not need to be equipped with a door panel to avoid or support the display screen 630. This helps to simplify the structure of the hinge mechanism, avoids the addition of a door panel which would result in a larger thickness of the electronic device, and helps to achieve a thinner and lighter electronic device. The electronic devices disclosed in this application can be smartphones, tablets, e-book readers, wearable devices, video game consoles, etc. This application does not limit the specific types of electronic devices.

[0057] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism, characterized in that, It includes a hinge base, a swing arm, a damping assembly, and a linkage assembly. The swing arm is rotatably connected to the hinge base via a pivot. The damping assembly includes a moving part and an elastic damping part. The moving part cooperates with the swing arm. When the swing arm rotates relative to the hinge base, the swing arm drives the moving part to move along the axial direction of the pivot. The linkage component includes a transmission component and a screen support component. The transmission component is connected to the moving component, and the transmission component is in a driving connection with the screen support component. The hinge mechanism has a folded state and an unfolded state. During the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the folded state to the unfolded state, the moving member drives the transmission member to move along a first direction, and the transmission member drives the screen support member to move in a direction away from the hinge base. During the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the moving member drives the transmission member to move along a second direction, and the transmission member drives the screen support member to move in a direction closer to the hinge base. The first direction and the second direction are opposite, and both are parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft.

2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the transmission component and the screen support component is provided with a protruding structure, and the other is provided with a mating groove. The extending direction of the mating groove is inclined relative to the first direction. The protruding structure extends into the mating groove, and the protruding structure slides into the mating groove. The transmission component drives the screen support component to move through the protruding structure and the mating groove.

3. The hinge mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mating groove is a curved groove, which includes a first groove segment, a second groove segment, and a third groove segment connected in sequence. The curvature of the second groove segment is greater than that of the first groove segment, and the curvature of the second groove segment is greater than that of the third groove segment.

4. The hinge mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The screen support includes a support rod, the protruding structure is disposed on the support rod, and the mating groove is disposed on the transmission component. In the direction of the rotating shaft, multiple transmission components and support rods are respectively arranged at intervals, and the transmission components and support rods correspond one-to-one.

5. The hinge mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The screen support also includes a floating support plate, which extends along the direction of the pivot, and each of the support rods is connected to the floating support plate.

6. The hinge mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The screen support includes a support rod, the protruding structure is disposed on the support rod, and the mating groove is disposed on the transmission component. The linkage assembly also includes a fastener that is threaded into the support rod and protrudes from the surface of the support rod, with the portion of the fastener protruding from the support rod forming the protrusion structure.

7. The hinge mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The screen support includes a support rod, the protruding structure is disposed on the support rod, and the mating groove is disposed on the transmission component. The linkage assembly also includes a guide member, which is connected to the hinge base and is guided and engaged with the support rod.

8. The hinge mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The guide includes a sleeve, the support rod extends into the sleeve, and the sleeve and the support rod are slidably engaged.

9. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direction of movement of the screen support is perpendicular to the direction of the pivot, and the direction of movement of the screen support is perpendicular to the plane of the hinge base.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes a display screen, a first device body, a second device body, and a hinge mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the first device body is connected to the second device body via the hinge mechanism, a first portion of the display screen is connected to the first device body, and a second portion of the display screen is connected to the second device body; The electronic device has a folded state and an unfolded state. During the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the screen support moves in a direction close to the hinge base to avoid the display screen. During the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the folded state to the unfolded state, the screen support moves in a direction away from the hinge base to support the display screen.

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