Hinge mechanism and foldable electronic equipment
By introducing a base frame assembly, a load-bearing assembly, a first link assembly, and a second link assembly into the hinge mechanism, the problem of bulky structure in traditional hinge mechanisms is solved, achieving a thinner and lighter design and improved reliability for foldable electronic devices.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410978767.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-20
AI Technical Summary
The floating plate limiting structure of traditional hinge mechanisms results in a bulky hinge mechanism structure, which is not conducive to the thinning and lightening of foldable electronic devices.
The design employs a hinge mechanism that includes a base frame assembly, a load-bearing assembly, a first link assembly, and a second link assembly. The first link assembly engages with the float plate to limit the range of motion of the float plate, thereby achieving a compact structure for the hinge mechanism.
The compact design of the hinge mechanism reduces the thickness of foldable electronic devices, which is beneficial for thinner and lighter designs, and improves the reliability of the device and the protection of the flexible display.
Smart Images

Figure CN121363583A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of electronics, and in particular, to a hinge mechanism and a foldable electronic device. BACKGROUND
[0002] Electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets have become indispensable technological products in people's life, learning and entertainment processes. At present, the flexible display screen of the foldable electronic device can be conveniently carried after being folded. And the flexible display screen has a larger display area after being unfolded, so that the foldable electronic device is more and more favored by consumers.
[0003] In the related art, the foldable electronic device usually uses a hinge mechanism to realize the unfolding or folding of the flexible display screen. However, the defect of the floating plate limiting structure of the traditional hinge mechanism leads to a relatively bulky structure of the hinge mechanism, which is not conducive to the thinning of the foldable electronic device. SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure provides a hinge mechanism and a foldable electronic device. The hinge mechanism has a compact structure and can meet the demand for thinning of the foldable electronic device.
[0005] The technical scheme is as follows:
[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge mechanism is provided, comprising a base frame assembly, a bearing assembly, a first connecting rod assembly, and a second connecting rod assembly. The bearing assembly comprises a connecting piece and a floating plate movably connected with the connecting piece. The first connecting rod assembly is rotationally connected with the base frame assembly, and the first connecting rod assembly is rotationally connected with the connecting piece. The second connecting rod assembly is rotationally connected with the base frame assembly and is slidingly connected with the connecting piece. The first connecting rod assembly and the second connecting rod assembly cooperate to drive the connecting piece to flip relative to the base frame assembly, so that the hinge mechanism has a folded state and an unfolded state. Wherein, the first connecting rod assembly is capable of at least limiting the floating plate in cooperation with the floating plate when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state and / or the folded state, so as to limit the activity range of the floating plate relative to the connecting piece.
[0007] The technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can include the following beneficial effects:
[0008] When the hinge mechanism is used, the first connecting rod assembly and the second connecting rod assembly are rotated along the base frame assembly, the first connecting rod assembly drives the connecting piece to rotate, the connecting piece slides with the second connecting rod assembly, the connecting piece drives the floating plate to flip relative to the base frame assembly, so that the hinge mechanism has a folded state and an unfolded state. And the first connecting rod assembly is capable of at least limiting the floating plate in cooperation with the floating plate when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state and / or the folded state, so as to limit the activity range of the floating plate relative to the connecting piece. Then, the first connecting rod assembly is used to limit the floating plate, so that the structure of the hinge mechanism is more compact.
[0009] The technical solutions of the present disclosure are further described below.
[0010] In one of the embodiments, when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, at least part of the floating plate forms a support structure with the base assembly. When the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the floating plate is arranged at an angle with the base assembly to form an avoiding space.
[0011] In one of the embodiments, the first linkage assembly comprises a first linkage rotatably connected with the connecting member, and part of the first linkage is movably connected with the floating plate to limit the movement range of the floating plate relative to the connecting member.
[0012] In one of the embodiments, when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, part of the first linkage is limited with the floating plate to limit the floating plate from tilting away from the base assembly.
[0013] In one of the embodiments, one of the first linkage and the floating plate is provided with a limiting portion, and the other is provided with a cooperating portion, the cooperating portion is limited with the limiting portion to limit the movement range of the floating plate relative to the connecting member.
[0014] In one of the embodiments, one of the limiting portion and the cooperating portion is a limiting recess, and the other is a limiting convex portion limited with the limiting recess.
[0015] In one of the embodiments, one of the limiting portion and the cooperating portion is a guide rail, and the other is a guide portion guided with the guide rail.
[0016] In one of the embodiments, the cooperating portion is slidingly connected with the limiting portion to limit the rotation range of the floating plate relative to the connecting member.
[0017] In one of the embodiments, the floating plate comprises a first support surface for forming the support structure, and the cooperating portion is arranged below the first support surface, and the cooperating portion is limited with the limiting portion.
[0018] In one of the embodiments, at least one of the side wall of the cooperating portion and the limiting portion is provided with a first guide portion, and part of the limiting portion is guided into the cooperating portion through the first guide portion.
[0019] In one of the embodiments, the limiting recess is arranged on the floating plate, and the limiting convex portion is arranged on the first linkage.
[0020] In one of the embodiments, the floating plate comprises a hook arranged below the first support surface, and part of the hook is arranged spaced apart from the first support surface to form the limiting recess.
[0021] In one of the embodiments, the connecting member comprises a first connecting portion, and the floating plate comprises a second connecting portion rotatably connected with the first connecting portion, and the second connecting portion and the cooperating portion are arranged spaced apart along the width direction of the floating plate. The cooperating portion is limited with the limiting portion to limit the rotation range of the first connecting portion relative to the second connecting portion.
[0022] In one of the embodiments, the connecting member is provided with a ramp, the floating plate includes a first side and a second side which are spaced apart along the width direction of the floating plate, and the second connecting portion is arranged close to the second side. When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the first side of the floating plate is spaced apart from the ramp, so that the floating plate and the base frame form a support structure. When the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the floating plate is arranged close to the ramp.
[0023] In one of the embodiments, when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the limiting portion and the side wall of the cooperating portion abut to limit the floating plate from being raised away from the base frame assembly.
[0024] In one of the embodiments, the limiting portion includes a protrusion, and the cooperating portion includes a limiting slot. When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the protrusion and the limiting slot limit the floating plate from being raised away from the base frame assembly.
[0025] In one of the embodiments, the protrusion is fixed to the first connecting rod, and the floating plate is provided with the limiting slot.
[0026] In one of the embodiments, the first connecting rod is provided with a cooperating gap, at least part of the protrusion is arranged in the cooperating gap, and part of the floating plate is inserted into the cooperating gap so that the limiting slot and the protrusion limit.
[0027] In one of the embodiments, the protrusion includes two protrusions which are spaced apart relative to each other and arranged on two opposite sides of the cooperating gap.
[0028] In one of the embodiments, the floating plate includes a first support surface for forming the support structure and a cooperating portion arranged below the first support surface. Part of the cooperating portion is inserted into the cooperating gap so that the protrusion and the limiting slot limit.
[0029] In one of the embodiments, the length direction of the limiting slot extends along the width direction of the floating plate, and the protrusion slides in the limiting slot during the switching of the hinge mechanism between the unfolded state and the folded state.
[0030] When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the protrusion and the side wall of the limiting slot abut to limit the floating plate from being raised away from the base frame assembly.
[0031] In one of the embodiments, the second connecting rod assembly includes a movable member which is rotationally connected to the base frame assembly and slidingly connected to the connecting member. The cooperating portion is arranged on the floating plate, and the first connecting rod assembly includes a second connecting rod and a transmission member. One end of the first connecting rod is rotationally connected to the connecting member, the other end of the first connecting rod is rotationally connected to one end of the second connecting rod and one end of the transmission member, the other end of the second connecting rod is rotationally connected to the base frame assembly, and the other end of the transmission member is rotationally connected to the movable member. One end of the second connecting rod is provided with a gap avoiding the cooperating portion, and the gap avoiding the cooperating portion and the cooperating gap are communicated to form a containing space containing the cooperating portion.
[0032] In one of the embodiments, the second linkage assembly comprises a movable member, the movable member is rotatably connected with the base assembly, and the movable member is slidably connected with the connecting member. The first linkage assembly comprises a second linkage and a transmission member, one end of the first linkage is rotatably connected with the connecting member, the other end of the first linkage is rotatably connected with one end of the second linkage and one end of the transmission member, the other end of the second linkage is rotatably connected with the base assembly, and the other end of the transmission member is rotatably connected with the movable member.
[0033] In one of the embodiments, one of the transmission member and the second linkage is provided with a pressing protrusion, when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the connecting member and the base assembly are arranged at an angle, the pressing protrusion is in abutment with the other one, so that the transmission member extrudes the second linkage.
[0034] In one of the embodiments, when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the pressing protrusion is in abutment with the other one, so that part of the second linkage is lifted towards the center line of the base assembly.
[0035] In one of the embodiments, the other end of the first linkage is rotatably connected with the connecting member, and has a first rotation center, the other end of the transmission member is rotatably connected with the other end of the second linkage, and has a second rotation center, and one end of the transmission member is rotatably connected with the movable member, and has a third rotation center.
[0036] In one of the embodiments, when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the first rotation center and the third rotation center form a first connection line, and the second rotation center is arranged on the inner side of the first connection line, so that the pressing protrusion lifts the second linkage.
[0037] In one of the embodiments, the transmission member is provided with a first gap, part of the second linkage is arranged in the first gap and rotatably connected with part of the transmission member. The pressing protrusion is fixedly arranged on the edge close to the first gap.
[0038] In one of the embodiments, the second linkage assembly comprises a movable member, the movable member is rotatably connected with the base assembly, and the movable member is slidably connected with the connecting member. Part of the first linkage is rotatably connected with the base assembly.
[0039] In one of the embodiments, the first linkage assembly further comprises at least one connecting rod;
[0040] The first linkage is rotatably connected with the connecting member through the at least one connecting rod;
[0041] And / or, the first linkage is rotatably connected with the base assembly through the at least one connecting rod.
[0042] In one of the embodiments, the first linkage assembly further comprises a transmission unit, the first linkage is movably connected with the floating plate through the transmission unit, so as to limit the movement range of the floating plate relative to the connecting member.
[0043] In one of the embodiments, the first connecting rod comprises at least two first connecting rods, and the at least two first connecting rods cooperatively form a first connecting rod assembly, and the at least two first connecting rods are movably connected to the floating plate to limit the movement range of the floating plate relative to the connecting member.
[0044] In one of the embodiments, the floating plate is rotatably or slidably connected to the connecting member.
[0045] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device is also provided, which comprises a flexible display screen, a housing assembly and the hinge mechanism in any of the above embodiments, and the housing assembly comprises a housing body fixedly connected to the connecting member. At least part of the flexible display screen covers the housing body and the hinge mechanism.
[0046] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can have the following beneficial effects:
[0047] The foldable electronic device applies the hinge mechanism in any of the above embodiments, and at least part of the flexible display screen covers the hinge mechanism and the housing body. The hinge mechanism is connected to the housing body through the connecting member, so as to drive the housing body to rotate relative to the base assembly through the first connecting rod assembly and the second connecting rod assembly, thereby realizing the unfolding and folding of the flexible display screen. The first connecting rod assembly can be limited by the floating plate in the unfolded state and / or the folded state, so as to limit the movement range of the floating plate relative to the connecting member. The first connecting rod assembly is used to limit the floating plate, so that the structure of the hinge mechanism is more compact, which is conducive to realizing the thinness of the foldable electronic device.
[0048] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0049] The accompanying drawings, which are included as part of this disclosure, serve to provide further understanding of the present disclosure, and the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure and their descriptions serve to explain the present disclosure, and do not constitute improper limitations on the present disclosure.
[0050] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings needed in the embodiment description will be briefly introduced as follows. Obviously, the drawings in the following description can only be some embodiments of the present disclosure, and other drawings can also be obtained by those skilled in the art without any creative effort.
[0051] Figure 1 It is an structural schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device shown in an embodiment.
[0052] Figure 2 It is an structural schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device shown in an embodiment. Figure 1Structural diagram of the hinge mechanism shown (hinge mechanism in the unfolded state).
[0053] Figure 3 For Figure 2 Structural exploded diagram of the hinge mechanism shown.
[0054] Figure 4 For Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism shown.
[0055] Figure 5 For Figure 3 Structural diagram of the float shown.
[0056] Figure 6 For Figure 3 Structural diagram of the first link shown.
[0057] Figure 7 For Figure 2 Structural diagram of the hinge mechanism shown in the folded state.
[0058] Figure 8 For Figure 2 Half-section diagram of A-A shown.
[0059] Figure 9 For Figure 7 Half-section diagram of B-B shown.
[0060] Figure 10 For Figure 7 Local structural diagram of the hinge mechanism shown in the unfolded state.
[0061] Figure 11 Local sectional view of the hinge mechanism shown in the folded state in one embodiment.
[0062] Figure 12 For Figure 11 Structural diagram of the transmission shown.
[0063] Figure 13 For Figure 11 Structural diagram of the second link shown.
[0064] Figure 14 For Figure 11 Local structural diagram of the hinge mechanism shown in the folded state (part of the structure of the base frame assembly is hidden).
[0065] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism shown in one embodiment.
[0066] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the foldable electronic device shown in one embodiment.
[0067] Reference Signs List:
[0068] 10, foldable electronic device; 11, processing component; 12, memory; 13, power supply component; 14, multimedia component; 15, audio component; 16, input / output interface; 17, sensor component; 18, communication component; 10a, flexible display screen; 10b, hinge mechanism; 101, containing space; 103, support structure; 104, first rotation center; 105, second rotation center; 106, third rotation center; 107, first connecting line; 10c, housing component; 102, housing body; 100, base frame component; 110, arc-shaped guide slot; 200, bearing component; 210, connecting piece; 211, first connecting part; 212, avoidance bevel; 220, floating plate; 221, fitting part; 2211, limiting slot; 222, first support surface; 223, hook body; 224, second connecting part; 201, first side; 202, second side; 300, first connecting rod component; 310, first connecting rod; 311, limiting part; 3111, protrusion; 312, fitting notch; 313, second rotation part; 3131, second through hole; 320, second connecting rod; 321, avoidance notch; 322, third rotation part; 3221, third through hole; 323, fourth rotation part; 3231, arc-shaped guide body; 324, plate body; 330, transmission piece; 331, pressing protrusion; 332, first notch; 333, first rotation part; 3331, first through hole; 334, first guide surface; 400, second connecting rod component; 410, movable piece; 411, first connecting body; 412, second connecting body; 413, transition body; 500, first rotation shaft; 600, damping component; 700, synchronization component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0069] In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure clearer, the present disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.
[0070] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used in the description of the present disclosure herein is only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure.
[0071] Electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets have become indispensable technological products in people's life, study and entertainment, bringing much convenience and joy to people's life. With the development of the diversification of electronic device functions, there are various types and brands of electronic devices, which makes it possible for consumers to choose many electronic devices, and only improving the functional characteristics of electronic devices cannot meet people's requirements for electronic devices.
[0072] With the increasing maturity of the application of flexible display screens, the application of flexible display screens on electronic devices is becoming more and more widespread. The foldable electronic device using the flexible display screen can be folded for convenient carrying. The flexible display screen has a larger display area after being unfolded, and thus is more and more favored by consumers. In the foldable electronic device with similar display size and performance, the more portable the foldable electronic device is, the better the holding feeling is, and thus the foldable electronic device can attract more consumers to purchase.
[0073] In the related art, the foldable electronic device usually uses a hinge mechanism to realize the unfolding or folding of the flexible display screen. The defects of the floating plate limiting structure of the conventional hinge mechanism result in a relatively bulky structure of the hinge mechanism, which is not conducive to the thinness of the foldable electronic device. For example, the floating plate is movably connected with the connecting piece, and other limiting structures are also arranged on the connecting piece to limit the movement range of the floating plate, and the connecting piece needs to be connected with the shell body, which results in a relatively thick thickness of the connecting piece at this position, and is not conducive to the thinness of the foldable electronic device.
[0074] Based on this, the present disclosure provides a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism has a compact structure and can meet the demand for thinness of the foldable electronic device.
[0075] In order to better understand the hinge mechanism of the present disclosure, the foldable electronic device applying the hinge mechanism is described
[0076] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device 10 is provided, which includes a flexible display screen 10a, a shell assembly 10c and a hinge mechanism 10b, and the shell assembly 10c includes a shell body 102. At least part of the flexible display screen 10a covers the hinge mechanism 10b and the shell body 102. The shell body 102 is fixedly connected with part of the hinge mechanism 10b to drive the shell body 102 to rotate. In this way, the folding or unfolding of the flexible display screen 10a is realized through the movement of the shell body 102 with the hinge mechanism 10b.
[0077] As shown in Figure 2As shown, the hinge mechanism 10b comprises a base frame assembly 100, a carrier assembly 200, a first linkage assembly 300, and a second linkage assembly 400. The carrier assembly 200 comprises a connecting piece 210 and a floating plate 220 movably connected with the connecting piece 210. The first linkage assembly 300 is rotationally connected with the base frame assembly 100 and rotationally connected with the connecting piece 210. The second linkage assembly 400 is rotationally connected with the base frame assembly 100 and slidingly connected with the connecting piece 210. The first linkage assembly 300 and the second linkage assembly 400 cooperate to drive the connecting piece 210 to overturn relative to the base frame assembly 100, so that the hinge mechanism 10b has a folded state and an unfolded state. The first linkage assembly 300 is capable of limiting the movement of the floating plate 220 relative to the connecting piece 210 at least when the hinge mechanism 10b is in the unfolded state and / or the folded state.
[0078] When the hinge mechanism 10b is in use, the first linkage assembly 300 and the second linkage assembly 400 are rotated along the base frame assembly 100, the first linkage assembly 300 drives the connecting piece 210 to rotate, and the connecting piece 210 slides relative to the second linkage assembly 400, so that the connecting piece 210 drives the floating plate 220 to overturn relative to the base frame assembly 100, so that the hinge mechanism 10b has a folded state and an unfolded state. The first linkage assembly 300 is capable of limiting the movement of the floating plate 220 relative to the connecting piece 210 at least when the hinge mechanism 10b is in the unfolded state and / or the folded state. Further, the first linkage assembly 300 limits the movement of the floating plate 220, so that the structure of the hinge mechanism 10b is more compact. In this way, the hinge mechanism 10b reduces the influence on the thinning of the foldable electronic device 10, which is conducive to realizing the thinning of the foldable electronic device 10.
[0079] It can be understood that the foldable electronic device can be locked in the unfolded state by the hinge mechanism to facilitate the user to unfold and use. At this time, the rotation damping between the first linkage assembly 300 and the base frame assembly 100 is large, and the first linkage assembly 300 will not easily rotate. Relative to the floating plate 220, the first linkage assembly 300 is a reliable limiting piece capable of limiting the movement of the floating plate 220. In some embodiments, the first linkage assembly 300 is capable of limiting the movement of the floating plate 220 in the unfolded state, and is capable of limiting the floating plate 220 from being raised away from the base frame assembly 100. In this way, it can be avoided that the hinge mechanism 10b is unfolded too much to cause damage to the parts or related parts to be separated and fail, or even damage the flexible display screen 10a. Further, the hinge mechanism 10b can not only avoid the floating plate 220 from being raised, but also reliably support the flexible display screen 10a by the floating plate 220.
[0080] In addition, the foldable electronic device 10 generally utilizes a flexible transmission member to realize the communication connection of the electronic devices on both sides of the base assembly 100. The hinge mechanism 10b of the present disclosure can avoid the floating plate 220 from being lifted and can be lifted by the flexible transmission member, but can limit the bending direction of the flexible transmission line (such as a flexible circuit board) by using the floating plate 220 to reduce interference.
[0081] It can be understood that the foldable electronic device can generally be locked in a folded state by the hinge mechanism to facilitate user carrying. At this time, the rotation damping between the first connecting rod assembly 300 and the base assembly 100 is large, and the first connecting rod assembly 300 will not easily rotate. Relative to the floating plate 220, the first connecting rod assembly 300 is a reliable limiting member and can limit the movement of the floating plate 220. In some embodiments, the first connecting rod assembly 300 can be in limiting cooperation with the floating plate 220 in the folded state, and can limit the movement of the floating plate 220 away from the connecting member 210. In this way, when the foldable electronic device 10 is accidentally dropped in the folded state, since part of the flexible display screen 10a is bent in the accommodating space 101, and the floating plate 220 is limited by the first connecting rod assembly 300, the floating plate 220 can cooperate with the base assembly 100 and part of the connecting rod assembly to limit and buffer the deformation of the flexible display screen 10a, so as to avoid the deformation of the flexible display screen 10a being too large to damage the flexible display screen 10a, thereby facilitating to improve the reliability of the foldable electronic device 10.
[0082] In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device can perform hovering motion by the hinge mechanism to realize rapid rotation and rapid stop. At this time, the rotation damping between the first connecting rod assembly 300 and the base assembly 100 is large, and the first connecting rod assembly 300 will not easily rotate. Relative to the floating plate 220, the first connecting rod assembly 300 is a reliable limiting member and can limit the movement of the floating plate 220. In some embodiments, the first connecting rod assembly can be in limiting cooperation with the floating plate during the rotation of the hinge mechanism to limit the movement range of the floating plate relative to the connecting member. At this time, the first connecting rod assembly cooperates with the connecting member, so that the floating plate can realize the hovering motion and realize the rapid rotation and rapid stop.
[0083] The rotation resistance of the hinge mechanism when the foldable electronic device is locked is greater than the rotation resistance of the hinge mechanism when the foldable electronic device is in the hovering state.
[0084] In order to better understand the technical solutions of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 , the length direction of the floating plate 220 and the length direction of the base assembly 100 are set as the X-axis direction, the width direction of the floating plate 220 and the width direction of the base assembly 100 are set as the Y-axis direction, and the thickness direction of the floating plate 220 and the thickness direction of the base assembly 100 are set as the Z-axis direction.
[0085] It can be understood that the thickness direction of the foldable electronic device 10 is also the Z-axis direction when the foldable electronic device 10 is in the unfolded state. When the foldable electronic device 10 is in the unfolded state, the floating plate 220 is prevented from being buckled, and it can also be understood that part of the floating plate 220 is prevented from being buckled to the Z-axis direction to lift the flexible display screen 10a.
[0086] As shown in Figure 2 and Figures 7 to 9 In some embodiments, when the hinge mechanism 10b is in the unfolded state, and at least part of the floating plate 220 forms a support structure 103 with the base assembly 100. When the hinge mechanism 10b is in the folded state, the floating plate 220 is arranged at an angle with the base assembly 100 to form a avoiding space. In this way, when the flexible display screen 10a needs to be unfolded for use, the foldable electronic device 10 is used, and the hinge mechanism 10b is switched to the unfolded state, so that at least part of the floating plate 220 forms a support structure 103 with the base assembly 100. Further, the support structure 103 and the shell body 102 can be used to more comprehensively support the flexible display screen 10a, improve the display quality, and facilitate the user to operate the flexible display screen 10a. When the flexible display screen 10a is folded, the hinge mechanism 10b is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state. In this process, the first connecting rod assembly 300 and the second connecting rod assembly 400 rotate along the base assembly 100, the connecting piece 210 is driven to rotate by the first connecting rod assembly 300, so that the connecting piece 210 slides with the second connecting rod assembly 400, so that the connecting piece 210 drives the floating plate 220 to move away from the base assembly 100, so as to provide space to facilitate the flexible display screen 10a to be folded.
[0087] It should be noted that the "limiting cooperation" between the floating plate 220 and the first connecting rod assembly 300 includes clamping limiting, abutting limiting or plug-in limiting, etc.
[0088] As shown in Figures 3 to 10 In some embodiments, the first connecting rod assembly 300 includes a first connecting rod 310 rotatably connected with the connecting piece 210, and part of the first connecting rod 310 is movably connected with the floating plate 220 to limit the movement range of the floating plate 220 relative to the connecting piece 210. In this way, since the floating plate 220 is rotatably arranged on the connecting piece 210, the first connecting rod 310 rotatably connected with the connecting piece 210 is used to limit the floating plate 220, so that the structure of the hinge mechanism 10b is compact, and the first connecting rod assembly 300 can be used to limit the movement range of the floating plate 220 relative to the connecting piece 210.
[0089] Optionally, part of the first connecting rod 310 is movably connected with the floating plate 220 to limit the rotation range of the floating plate 220 relative to the connecting piece 210.
[0090] As shown in Figure 8As shown, in some embodiments, when the hinge mechanism 10b is in the unfolded state, part of the first connecting rod 310 is in position-limiting cooperation with the floating plate 220 to limit the floating plate 220 from tilting away from the base assembly 100. Thus, in combination with the foregoing analysis, it can be known that the hinge mechanism 10b can avoid over-unfolding to cause damage to parts or disconnection of related parts to fail, or even damage the flexible display screen 10a. Further, the hinge mechanism 10b can not only avoid tilting of the floating plate 220, but also reliably support the flexible display screen 10a by the floating plate 220.
[0091] In combination with any of the foregoing embodiments of the first connecting rod 310, Figures 5 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, one of the first connecting rod 310 and the floating plate 220 is provided with a limiting portion 311, and the other is provided with a cooperating portion 221. The cooperating portion 221 is in position-limiting cooperation with the limiting portion 311 to limit the movement range of the floating plate 220 relative to the connecting piece 210. Thus, the floating plate 220 is rotationally connected with the connecting piece 210, and is in position-limiting cooperation with the cooperating portion 221 and the limiting portion 311 to limit the movement range of the floating plate 220 relative to the connecting piece 210. The connection structure between the floating plate 220 and the connecting piece 210 is simple, which is conducive to reducing the thickness of the floating plate 220 and / or the connecting piece 210, so that the bearing assembly 200 can be designed to be more lightweight.
[0092] It should be noted that the position-limiting cooperation between the limiting portion and the cooperating portion can be in various specific structures, and at least can be in position-limiting cooperation with the floating plate when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state and / or the folded state to limit the movement range of the floating plate relative to the connecting piece. For example, when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the limiting portion and the cooperating portion are in abutting position-limiting cooperation to limit the floating plate from tilting away from the connecting piece. Alternatively, when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the limiting portion and the cooperating portion are in abutting position-limiting cooperation to limit the floating plate from moving away from the connecting piece to cause the accommodation space to become smaller. Alternatively, the position-limiting cooperation between the limiting portion and the cooperating portion is in cooperation with the connecting piece, so that the floating plate moves along a set track (such as swinging or telescopic movement, etc.).
[0093] In some embodiments, one of the limiting portion and the cooperating portion is a limiting recess, and the other is a limiting protrusion in position-limiting cooperation with the limiting recess.
[0094] In some embodiments, one of the limiting portion and the cooperating portion is a guide rail, and the other is a guide portion in guiding cooperation with the guide rail. Thus, the floating plate can move along a set track through the cooperation between the guide rail and the guide portion.
[0095] For example, when the floating plate is rotationally connected with the connecting piece, the guide rail is an arc-shaped guide rail and is in cooperation with the guide portion to drive the floating plate to rotate.
[0096] The specific implementation mode of the guide rail includes but is not limited to at least one of a guide groove and a rail body.
[0097] Optionally, in some embodiments, the engaging portion and the limiting portion are slidingly engaged to limit the rotation range of the floating plate relative to the connecting member. In this way, the floating plate and the connecting member are rotationally connected, and the movement between the floating plate and the connecting member is more stable and controllable through the sliding engagement of the engaging portion and the limiting portion.
[0098] As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 , in some embodiments, the floating plate 220 includes a first support surface 222 for forming the support structure 103, and the engaging portion 221 is arranged below the first support surface 222, and the engaging portion 221 is engaged with the limiting portion 311. In this way, the engaging portion 221 is arranged below the first support surface 222 without interfering with the support function of the floating plate 220. And it is easy to limit the cooperation with the first connecting rod 310 below the floating plate 220.
[0099] In the process of switching the hinge mechanism 10b from the folded state to the unfolded state, the floating plate 220 moves with the connecting member 210, which is easy to engage the engaging portion 221 with the limiting portion 311. When the connecting member 210 is in the unfolded state, the limiting portion 311 is inserted into the engaging portion 221, which is easy to limit the floating plate 220 from being tilted away from the base frame assembly 100.
[0100] As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , in some embodiments, the limiting recess is arranged on the floating plate 220, and the limiting protrusion is arranged on the first connecting rod 310.
[0101] In some embodiments, the floating plate 220 includes a hook body 223 arranged below the first support surface 222, and part of the hook body 223 is arranged apart from the first support surface 222 to form a limiting recess. In this way, the hook body 223 protrudes from the first support surface 222, so that part of the hook body 223 is arranged apart from the first support surface 222 to form a limiting recess, so that the structure of the floating plate 220 is more compact.
[0102] As shown in Figure 8 , in some embodiments, when the hinge mechanism 10b is in the unfolded state, the limiting portion 311 and the side wall of the engaging portion 221 are in abutting cooperation to limit the floating plate 220 from being tilted away from the base frame assembly 100.
[0103] As shown in Figures 5 to 10As shown, in some embodiments, the limiting portion 311 comprises a protrusion 3111, and the cooperating portion 221 comprises a limiting groove 2211. When the hinge mechanism 10b is in the unfolded state, the protrusion 3111 is in limiting cooperation with the limiting groove 2211 to limit the floating plate 220 from being tilted away from the base assembly 100. In this way, in combination with the foregoing analysis, it can be known that the hinge mechanism 10b can avoid the over-tilting of the floating plate 220, which can cause the damage of the parts or the separation of the related parts, and even damage the flexible display screen 10a. Further, the hinge mechanism 10b can not only avoid the tilting of the floating plate 220, but also reliably support the flexible display screen 10a by the floating plate 220.
[0104] In some embodiments, the protrusion 3111 is fixedly arranged on the first connecting rod 310, and the floating plate 220 is provided with the limiting groove 2211. In this way, the assembly is convenient and easy to implement.
[0105] In combination with the embodiments of the cooperating portion 221 described above, in some embodiments, the first connecting rod 310 is provided with a cooperating gap 312, at least part of the protrusion 3111 is arranged in the cooperating gap 312, and part of the floating plate 220 is inserted into the cooperating gap 312 to enable the limiting cooperation between the cooperating portion 221 and the protrusion 3111. In this way, the movement of the floating plate 220 can be avoided by the cooperating gap 312. Further, at least part of the protrusion 3111 is arranged in the cooperating gap 312, and the space for avoiding is fully utilized to realize the cooperation with the limiting groove 2211, so that the connection between the first connecting rod 310 and the floating plate 220 is compact, and the structural compactness of the hinge mechanism 10b is further improved.
[0106] Optionally, as shown, Figures 5 to 10 In some embodiments, the protrusion 3111 comprises two protrusions, which are arranged opposite to each other on two opposite sides of the cooperating gap 312. In this way, the two protrusions 3111 are used to cooperate with the limiting groove 2211 to improve the reliability of the first connecting rod 310 in limiting the movement of the floating plate 220. Further, the two protrusions 3111 are arranged in the cooperating gap 312, and the accommodating space 101 of the cooperating gap 312 is fully utilized.
[0107] As shown, Figures 8 to 10 In some embodiments, the floating plate 220 comprises a first supporting surface 222 for forming the supporting structure 103, and the limiting groove 2211 is arranged below the first supporting surface 222. Part of the limiting groove 2211 is inserted into the cooperating gap 312 to enable the limiting cooperation between the protrusion 3111 and the limiting groove 2211. In this way, the limiting groove 2211 is arranged below the first supporting surface 222, which does not interfere with the supporting function of the floating plate 220. Further, the limiting groove 2211 is easy to cooperate with the cooperating gap 312 of the first connecting rod 310 below the floating plate 220 to further improve the compactness of the connection between the first connecting rod 310 and the floating plate 220.
[0108] As shown, Figures 8 to 10As shown, in some embodiments, the length direction of the limiting groove 2211 extends along the width direction of the floating plate 220, and the protrusion 3111 slides in the limiting groove 2211 during the switching of the hinge mechanism 10b between the unfolded state and the folded state. In this way, the movement between the floating plate 220 and the connecting piece 210 is smoother and the movement trajectory is controllable by the sliding of the protrusion 3111 in the limiting groove 2211.
[0109] When the hinge mechanism 10b is in the unfolded state, the protrusion 3111 abuts against the side wall of the limiting groove 2211 to limit the floating plate 220 from being tilted away from the base frame assembly 100. In this way, it can be avoided that the hinge mechanism 10b is unfolded too much to cause damage to the parts or failure of the related parts to separate, and even damage the flexible display screen 10a. Further, the hinge mechanism 10b can not only avoid the floating plate 220 from being tilted, but also reliably support the flexible display screen 10a by the floating plate 220.
[0110] It can be understood that the limiting recess includes at least one of the limiting groove 2211, the limiting hole (in the closed state), the limiting channel, etc. The limiting protrusion and the limiting recess are matched, and the movement range of the floating plate 220 can be limited.
[0111] In some embodiments, at least one of the side wall of the fitting part and the limiting part is provided with a first introduction part (not labeled), and part of the limiting part is introduced into the fitting part through the first introduction part. In this way, the first introduction part is used to facilitate the assembly of the two, and the assembly convenience is improved. It should be noted that the first introduction part includes a guide arc surface or a guide inclined surface.
[0112] In combination with the fitting notch 312 in any of the preceding embodiments, as Figure 7 and Figure 10As shown, in some embodiments, the second linkage assembly 400 includes a movable member 410, which is rotatably connected to the base frame assembly 100 and slidably connected to the connector 210. A mating part 221 is disposed on the float 220. The first linkage assembly 300 includes a second linkage 320 and a transmission member 330. One end of the first linkage 310 is rotatably connected to the connector 210, and the other end of the first linkage 310 is rotatably connected to one end of the second linkage 320 and one end of the transmission member 330. The other end of the second linkage 320 is rotatably connected to the base frame assembly 100, and the other end of the transmission member 330 is rotatably connected to the movable member 410. One end of the second linkage 320 is provided with a clearance notch 321 to avoid the mating part 221. The clearance notch 321 communicates with the mating notch 312 to form a receiving space 101 for accommodating the mating part 221. Thus, the avoidance notch 321 and the mating notch 312 connect to form a receiving space 101 for accommodating the mating part 221, which can effectively avoid the mating part 221, so that the arrangement of the mating part 221 will not interfere with the movement between the second link 320 and the first link 310. Moreover, it makes the float 220 and the first link assembly 300 fit together tightly, further improving the structural compactness of the hinge mechanism 10b.
[0113] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the connector 210 includes a first connecting portion 211. The float 220 includes a second connecting portion 224 rotatably connected to the first connecting portion 211, and the second connecting portion 224 and the mating portion 221 are spaced apart along the width direction of the float 220. The mating portion 221 is fitted with a limiting portion 311 to restrict the rotation range of the first connecting portion 211 relative to the second connecting portion 224. Thus, the float 220 is rotatably connected to the first connecting portion 211 via the second connecting portion 224, allowing the float 220 to swing relative to the connector 210. Furthermore, the fitting portion 221 and the limiting portion 311 further limit the swing range of the float 220, allowing the float 220 to swing along a predetermined trajectory, thus improving the controllability of the float 220's movement.
[0114] It should be noted that there are various ways to achieve the rotatable connection between the first connecting part 211 and the second connecting part 224, including hinge, shaft connection, and the cooperation between the arc-shaped guide rail and the arc-shaped guide groove, etc.
[0115] like Figures 7 to 9As shown, in some embodiments, the floating plate 220 includes a first side 201 and a second side 202 spaced apart along the width direction of the floating plate 220, with the second connecting portion 224 disposed near the second side 202. This allows the first side 201 of the floating plate 220 to move relative to the connecting member 210, so that when the floating plate 220 is in the unfolded state, its first side 201 is positioned away from the connecting member 210, facilitating support of the flexible display screen 10a. When the floating plate 220 is in the folded state, the first side 201 is positioned close to or against the connecting member 210 to better create clearance space.
[0116] like Figures 8 to 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the connector 210 is provided with a clearance ramp 212. When the hinge mechanism 10b is in the extended state, the first side 201 of the float 220 is spaced apart from the clearance ramp 212, so that the float 220 and the base frame form a support structure 103. When the hinge mechanism 10b is in the folded state, the float 220 is positioned against the clearance ramp 212. Thus, the clearance ramp 212 allows the float 220 to move relative to the connector 210, thereby forming a larger accommodating space 101 in the folded state. When the hinge mechanism 10b is in the extended state, the first side 201 can move away from the clearance ramp 212, allowing the float 220 to be used to form the support structure 103.
[0117] In an embodiment combining the mating part 221, such as Figure 7 as well as Figures 11 to 14As shown, in some embodiments, the second linkage assembly 400 includes a movable member 410 rotatably connected with the base assembly 100, and the movable member 410 is slidably connected with the connecting member 210. The first linkage assembly 300 includes a second linkage 320 and a transmission member 330, one end of the first linkage 310 is rotatably connected with the connecting member 210, the other end of the first linkage 310 is rotatably connected with one end of the second linkage 320 and one end of the transmission member 330, the other end of the second linkage 320 is rotatably connected with the base assembly 100, and the other end of the transmission member 330 is rotatably connected with the movable member 410. Among them, one of the transmission member 330 and the second linkage 320 is provided with a pressing protrusion 331, when the hinge mechanism 10b is in the folded state, the connecting member 210 and the base assembly 100 are arranged at an angle, the pressing protrusion 331 abuts against the other one, so that the transmission member 330 extrudes the second linkage 320. In this way, when the foldable electronic device 10 is in use, the hinge mechanism 10b can drive the shell body 102 to rotate through the bearing assembly 200, so as to realize the folding or unfolding (for example, switching between the unfolded state and the folded state) of the flexible display 10a. When the flexible display 10a is in the unfolded state, the hinge mechanism 10b is also in the unfolded state, and the flexible display 10a is supported by the bearing assembly 200 and the base assembly 100. During the switching process of the hinge mechanism 10b from the unfolded state to the folded state, the movable member 410 can rotate relative to the base assembly 100 and drive the connecting member 210 to move along the movable member 410 in a certain direction. During this process, the movable member 410 drives the second linkage 320 and the first linkage 310 to rotate through the transmission member 330, so as to limit the swinging direction of the connecting member 210. When the hinge mechanism 10b is in the folded state, the connecting member 210 and the base assembly 100 are arranged at an angle, the pressing protrusion 331 abuts against the other one, so that the transmission member 330 extrudes the second linkage 320, so that the transmission member 330 is closely matched with the second linkage 320 and the first linkage 310, and is not easy to rotate, thereby reducing the generation of abnormal sound. The transmission member 330 and the second linkage 320 and the first linkage 310 are not easy to rotate, reducing wear and tear, improving the durability of the hinge mechanism 10b, and better protecting the folded flexible display 10a.
[0118] In this way, when the hinge mechanism 10b is in the folded state, the linkages are closely matched, and abnormal sound is not easy to occur, thereby facilitating the improvement of the user experience of the foldable electronic device 10.
[0119] As shown, Figure 11 In some embodiments, when the hinge mechanism 10b is in the folded state, the pressing protrusion 331 abuts against the other one, so that part of the second linkage 320 is lifted towards the center line direction of the base assembly 100.
[0120] As shown, Figure 11As shown, in some embodiments, the other end of the first connecting rod 310 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 210 and has a first rotation center 104; the other end of the transmission member 330 is rotatably connected to the other end of the second connecting rod 320 and has a second rotation center 105; one end of the transmission member 330 is rotatably connected to the movable member 410 and has a third rotation center 106. When the hinge mechanism 10b is in the folded state, the first rotation center 104 and the third rotation center 106 form a first connecting line 107, and the second rotation center 105 is located inside the first connecting line 107, so that the pressing protrusion 331 pushes up the second connecting rod 320. This ensures that when the hinge mechanism 10b is in the folded state, the pressing protrusion 331 presses against the other, causing a portion of the first connecting rod to push up into the receiving space 101.
[0121] Optionally, in some embodiments, the pressing protrusion 331 is fixed to the transmission member 330. This does not increase the manufacturing difficulty of the transmission member 330, nor does it affect the assembly of the hinge mechanism 10b, making it easy to implement.
[0122] like Figure 12 As shown, in some embodiments, the transmission member 330 is provided with a first notch 332, and a portion of the second connecting rod 320 is disposed in the first notch 332 and rotatably connected to a portion of the transmission member 330. A pressing protrusion 331 is fixed to the transmission member 330 and is disposed near the edge of the first notch 332. Thus, by accommodating a portion of the first connecting rod 310 through the first notch 332, the first connecting rod assembly 300 achieves a tight fit and a compact structure.
[0123] like Figure 12 as well as Figure 14 As shown, in some embodiments, the other end of the transmission member 330 includes two first rotating portions 333 spaced apart to form a first notch 332. The first rotating portions 333 are rotatably connected to the other end of the second connecting rod 320 and one end of the first connecting rod 310. A pressing protrusion 331 is disposed between the two first rotating portions 333. In this way, by providing the first notch 332 to accommodate a portion of the second connecting rod 320, the transmission member 330 and the second connecting rod 320 fit tightly and do not interfere with each other.
[0124] like Figures 12 to 14As shown in FIGS. 1 1, 12, 13 and 14, in some embodiments, one end of the first connecting rod 310 is provided with a second rotating part 313, the other end of the second connecting rod 320 is provided with a third rotating part 322, the third rotating part 322 is rotationally connected with the second rotating part 313 and is embedded in the first gap 332 and rotationally connected with the first rotating part 333, respectively. In this way, part of the first connecting rod 310 can also be accommodated through the first gap 332, so that the third rotating part 322 can be embedded in the first gap 332 after being rotationally connected with the second rotating part 313 and rotationally connected with the first rotating part 333, respectively, thereby improving the compactness of the hinge mechanism 10b.
[0125] As shown in FIGS. 1 1, 12, 13 and 14, Figure 3 , Figure 10 and Figures 6 to 9 , in some embodiments, the hinge mechanism 10b further comprises a first rotating shaft 500, the first rotating part 333 is provided with a first through hole 3331, the second rotating part 313 is provided with a second through hole 3131, and the third rotating part 322 is provided with a third through hole 3221, the second rotating part 313 and the third rotating part 322 are nested and matched, so that the first through hole 3331, the second through hole 3131 and the third through hole 3221 are arranged along the same axis and are respectively sleeved and matched with the first rotating shaft 500. In this way, the first rotating part 333, the second rotating part 313 and the third rotating part 322 can be coaxially rotated by sleeving and matching the first rotating shaft 500 with the first through hole 3331, the second through hole 3131 and the third through hole 3221, thereby improving the convenience of assembling the hinge mechanism 10b.
[0126] Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 1, 12, 13 and 14, Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 13 , in some embodiments, the second connecting rod 320 comprises a fourth rotating part 323 rotationally connected with the base frame assembly 100 and a plate body 324 fixedly arranged between the fourth rotating part 323 and the third rotating part 322. When the hinge mechanism 10b is in the folded state, the plate body 324 abuts against the abutting convex part 331. In this way, the abutting between the plate body 324 and the abutting convex part 331 is reliable and easy to implement by matching the plate body 324 with the abutting convex part 331.
[0127] As shown in FIGS. 1 1, 12, 13 and 14, Figure 8 and Figure 9 , in some embodiments, the fourth rotating part 323 comprises an arc-shaped guide body 3231, and the base frame assembly 100 is provided with an arc-shaped guide groove 1 10 in guiding cooperation with the arc-shaped guide body 3231. In this way, the thickness space of the base frame assembly 100 can be fully utilized to accommodate the arc-shaped guide body 3231 by arranging the arc-shaped guide groove 1 10, so that the thickness of the hinge mechanism 10b can be made thinner, which can adapt to the development of the thin and light foldable electronic device 10.
[0128] As shown in FIGS. 1 1, 12, 13 and 14, Figure 7 andFigure 14 As shown, in some embodiments, the movable member 410 includes a first connecting body 411 slidably connected with the connecting member 210, a second connecting body 412 rotatably connected with the base assembly 100, and a transition body 413 fixed between the first connecting body 411 and the second connecting body 412, and the transmission member 330 is provided with a first guide surface 334. When the hinge mechanism 10b is in the folded state, the first guide surface 334 is arranged between the transition body 413 and the second connecting rod 320, and forms a limiting surface with part of the transition body 413 and the second connecting rod 320. In this way, by arranging the first guide surface 334 between the transition body 413 and the second connecting rod 320, the second connecting rod 320 and the transition body 413 can transition as smoothly as possible along the length direction of the base assembly 100, and the flexible display screen 10a will not be lifted. It is convenient to use the limiting surface to limit the movement of the flexible display screen 10a, so as to better protect the flexible display screen 10a.
[0129] It should be noted that the first guide surface 334 includes a guide arc surface or a guide inclined surface.
[0130] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first guide surface 334 includes a guide inclined surface, and when the hinge mechanism 10b is in the folded state, the guide inclined surface is inclined from the second connecting rod 320 to the transition body 413. It is easy to manufacture.
[0131] In combination with the accompanying drawings Figures 2 to 10 As shown, the first connecting rod assembly 300 and the second connecting rod assembly 400 of the present disclosure cooperate to form a three-stage hinge mechanism 10b. The first connecting rod 310 is rotatably connected with the connecting member 210 and connected with the base assembly 100 through the second connecting rod 320.
[0132] In combination with the embodiment of the cooperation part 221, reference is made to Figure 15 As shown, in some embodiments, the second connecting rod assembly 400 includes a movable member 410 rotatably connected with the base assembly 100, and the movable member 410 is slidably connected with the connecting member 210. Part of the first connecting rod 310 is rotatably connected with the base assembly 100. In this way, by cooperating the movable member 410 with the first connecting rod 310 to form a two-stage hinge mechanism 10b, the hinge mechanism 10b can form a water droplet-shaped accommodation space 101 in the folded state, which can meet the bending space required by the flexible display screen 10a, and improve the service life of the flexible display screen 10a. The first connecting rod 310 can also limit the activity range of the floating plate 220.
[0133] In other embodiments, the first connecting rod assembly 300 further includes at least one connecting rod arranged between the second connecting rod 320 and the first connecting rod 310, to cooperate to form a four-stage connecting rod mechanism, a five-stage connecting rod mechanism, and the like.
[0134] In combination with the embodiments of the limiting part, in some embodiments, the first linkage assembly further comprises at least one connecting rod. The first linkage is rotatably connected with the connecting member through the at least one connecting rod. At this time, the first linkage is indirectly rotatably connected with the connecting member. If the first linkage assembly and the second linkage assembly form a three-stage linkage mechanism, the first linkage can be used for the transmission member or the second linkage in the foregoing embodiments. That is, the transmission member and / or the second linkage in the foregoing embodiments can also be used to limit the movement range of the floating plate by limiting part. When the first linkage assembly and the second linkage assembly form a four-stage linkage mechanism, a five-stage linkage mechanism, and the like, referring to the foregoing structure, the first linkage can also be used to limit the movement of the floating plate.
[0135] In some embodiments, the first linkage is rotatably connected with the base frame assembly through at least two connecting rods. When the first linkage assembly and the second linkage assembly form a four-stage linkage mechanism, a five-stage linkage mechanism, and the like, referring to the foregoing structure, the first linkage rotatably connected with the connecting member can also be used to limit the movement of the floating plate.
[0136] It should be noted that the first linkage can be directly limited part (as shown in Figures 2 to 10 ) to limit the movement range of the floating plate. In other embodiments, the first linkage assembly further comprises a transmission unit, and the first linkage is movably connected with the floating plate through the transmission unit to limit the movement range of the floating plate relative to the connecting member. In this way, the first linkage can also indirectly limit the movement range of the floating plate relative to the connecting member through the transmission unit, so that the position of the first linkage and the floating plate can be more flexible, and it is also convenient to design the transmission unit according to the required limitation of the floating plate.
[0137] It should be noted that the first linkage assembly can be limited part (as shown in Figures 2 to 10 ) through one connecting rod to limit the movement range of the floating plate. In other embodiments, the first linkage assembly can be limited part through at least two connecting rods to limit the movement range of the floating plate. For example, in some embodiments, the first linkage comprises at least two, and the at least two first linkages form the first linkage assembly in cooperation, and the at least two first linkages are movably connected with the floating plate to limit the movement range of the floating plate relative to the connecting member.
[0138] In some embodiments, the floating plate 220 is rotatably or slidably connected with the connecting member 210. The movement between the floating plate 220 and the connecting member 210 can be flexibly controlled according to the deformation requirement of the flexible display screen 10a and the first linkage assembly 300 and the second linkage assembly 400.
[0139] On the basis of any of the embodiments of the connecting member 210 described above, as Figure 15As shown, in some embodiments, the hinge mechanism 10b further includes a damping component 600, which engages with the first link assembly 300 and / or the second link assembly 400 in a damped rotational manner. Thus, by providing the damping component 600, the link components can be rotatably connected to the base frame assembly 100 with damping, preventing the foldable electronic device 10 from easily rotating, facilitating support or restraint of the flexible display screen 10a, and making it convenient to use. It also facilitates the use of the first link assembly 300 to restrain the movement of the floating plate, improving the motion accuracy of the hinge mechanism.
[0140] It should be noted that the damping component 600 can be installed on any rotating component of the first link assembly 300 and the second link assembly 400, as long as it meets the above requirements.
[0141] It should be noted that the "damping component 600" can also be implemented in other ways, such as using friction plates to increase the rotational friction of the link assembly; or using elastic elements to increase the rotational resistance of the link assembly; or using magnetic elements to increase the rotational resistance of the link assembly, etc.
[0142] It should be noted that "hovering" can be understood as the ability of a rotating component to remain in a certain position when it is not subject to driving force. Applying a certain rotational force to the rotating component allows it to rotate, while removing or reducing this rotational force causes it to remain stationary in a fixed position. The first link assembly and / or the second link assembly are suspended relative to the base frame assembly.
[0143] Understandably, the damping assembly 600 includes a locked state and a hovering state. When the damping assembly 600 is in the locked state, the first linkage assembly can be locked in the deployed and / or folded state, facilitating the restraint of the float using the first linkage assembly. When the damping assembly 600 is in the hovering state, the first linkage assembly can be locked in the hovering state during the transition between the deployed and folded states, and can also be used to restrain the rotation of the float. The rotational resistance of the hinge mechanism when the damping assembly 600 is in the locked state is greater than the rotational resistance of the hinge mechanism when the damping assembly 600 is in the hovering state.
[0144] like Figure 15 As shown, in some embodiments, the first link assembly 300, the second link assembly 400, and the load-bearing assembly 200 correspond one-to-one as a first group, and at least two first groups are spaced apart on both sides of the base frame assembly 100. The hinge mechanism 10b also includes a synchronization component 700. The link components correspondingly arranged on both sides of the base frame assembly 100 are synchronously rotated and connected through the synchronization component 700. In this way, the synchronization component 700 is used to realize the synchronous rotation of the hinge mechanism 10b on both sides of the base frame assembly 100, so as to realize the folding and unfolding of the flexible display screen 10a.
[0145] The implementation of the synchronization assembly can be various, including but not limited to the gear transmission assembly described above, and also including other implementations of synchronous rotation, such as a belt wheel mechanism, a chain wheel mechanism, and the like.
[0146] In combination with any of the above embodiments, in some embodiments, the hinge mechanism 10b can hover at any angle in the range of 0°-180°. In this way, the hinge mechanism 10b can hover in the range of 45°-135°, which is defined as the hovering state. In the hovering state, the hinge mechanism 10b can achieve instant stop after rotation, which facilitates the user to use the foldable electronic device 10 at multiple angles and improves the user experience of the foldable electronic device 10.
[0147] In combination with any of the above embodiments of the movable piece 410, the hovering rotation range of the movable piece 410 is A, and A≥50°. In this way, the rotation range can be flexibly set according to actual needs. For example, A=50°, 60°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, 150°, and the like. Since the hinge mechanism is provided with two movable pieces 410 that move synchronously, when the movable piece can hover in 90°, the hinge mechanism can hover in 150°.
[0148] In some embodiments, the movable piece 410 can hover and rotate, so that the hinge mechanism 10b can hover at any angle in the range of 0°-180°. At this time, the movable piece 410 can also be referred to as a synchronous rod.
[0149] Optionally, in some embodiments, the base frame assembly 100 includes a base frame body and a decorative shell (not shown) fixedly connected with the base frame body, and the length direction of the decorative shell is arranged in the same direction as the length direction of the floating plate 220. In this way, the decorative shell can not only protect the hinge mechanism 10b, but also cooperate with the shell body 102 to improve the appearance aesthetics of the foldable electronic device 10.
[0150] Optionally, in some embodiments, the base frame assembly 100 further includes a support plate arranged on the base frame body. The support plate can be used to form a support structure 103 or an accommodation space 101 in cooperation with the floating plate 220. In addition, the support plate cooperates with the decorative shell to better protect the first linkage assembly 300 and the second linkage assembly 400, and the like.
[0151] It should be noted that the "arranged at an included angle" includes acute angles, right angles, and obtuse angles, but does not include straight angles.
[0152] The foldable electronic device 10 of the present disclosure can include a ranging device, a scanning device, a shooting device, a handheld device, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a monitoring device, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant computer, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a video camera, a video recorder, a camera, a vehicle-mounted computer, and the like, which are devices with display functions.
[0153] Referring to Figure 16 As shown in FIG. 1, the foldable electronic device 10, in some embodiments, also includes at least one or more of the following components: a processing component 11, a memory 12, a power supply component 13, a multimedia component 14, an audio component 15, an input / output interface 16, a sensor component 17, and a communication component 18.
[0154] The processing component generally controls the overall operation of the foldable electronic device, such as the operation associated with displaying, making and receiving telephone calls, data communications, camera operations, and recording operations. The processing component includes one or more processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or a network processor, to execute instructions.
[0155] The memory is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of the foldable electronic device. Examples of these data include instructions for any application or method operating on the foldable electronic device, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, and the like. The memory can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile memory devices or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, read-only memory, magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic disk or optical disk.
[0156] The control mainboard includes the processing component and the memory.
[0157] The power supply component provides power for the various components of the foldable electronic device. The power supply component includes at least a power management system, one or more power sources, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power for the foldable electronic device.
[0158] The multimedia component includes the display module of the present disclosure to facilitate human-machine interaction. If the display module includes a touch panel, the display module can be implemented as a touch screen to receive input signals from a user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touch, swipe, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensor can not only sense the boundary of a touch or swipe action, but also detect the duration and pressure associated with the touch or swipe operation. In some embodiments, the multimedia component includes a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera. The front-facing camera and / or the rear-facing camera can receive external multimedia data when the foldable electronic device is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode. Each front-facing camera and rear-facing camera can be a fixed optical lens system or have a focal length and optical zoom capability.
[0159] The audio component is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component includes a microphone (MIC) that is configured to receive an external audio signal when the foldable electronic device is in an operational mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signal can be further stored in the memory or transmitted via the communication component. In some embodiments, the audio component also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.
[0160] The input / output interface provides an interface between the processing component and peripheral interface modules, which can be a keypad, a click wheel, buttons, and the like. The buttons can include, but are not limited to, a home button, a volume button, a start button, and a lock button.
[0161] The sensor component includes one or more sensors for providing various aspects of state evaluation for the foldable electronic device. For example, the sensor component can detect an open / close state of the foldable electronic device, relative positioning of components, such as a display and a keypad of the foldable electronic device, a change in position of the foldable electronic device or a component of the foldable electronic device, presence or absence of user contact with the foldable electronic device, orientation or acceleration / deceleration of the foldable electronic device, and temperature changes of the foldable electronic device. The sensor component includes at least a proximity sensor configured to detect presence of a nearby object without any physical contact. The sensor component also includes at least a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in an imaging application. In some embodiments, the sensor component also includes at least an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.
[0162] The communication component is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the foldable electronic device and another device. The foldable electronic device can access a wireless network based on a communication standard, such as Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, 4G, or 6G, or a combination thereof. In an example embodiment, the communication component receives a broadcast signal or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an example embodiment, the communication component also includes a near-field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module can be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, infrared data association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.
[0163] In the description of the present disclosure, it needs to be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the purpose of facilitating the description of the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present disclosure.
[0164] In addition, the terms "first", "second", and the like are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined with "first", "second" and the like can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present disclosure, the meaning of "a plurality of" is at least two, for example, two, three, and the like, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited.
[0165] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "connecting", "connecting", "fixing" and the like should be understood broadly, for example, it can be fixed connection, or detachable connection, or integral; it can be mechanical connection, or electrical connection; it can be direct connection, or indirect connection through intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise explicitly limited. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0166] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the first feature "on" or "under" the second feature can be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature "above", "over" and "on" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature "below", "under" and "under" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.
[0167] It should be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to," "set on," "fixed to," or "mounted on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. Furthermore, when a component is considered to be "fixedly connected" to another component, the connection can be detachable or non-detachable, such as through socketing, snap-fitting, integral molding, welding, etc., which are achievable in conventional technologies and will not be elaborated upon here.
[0168] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0169] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this disclosure, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed. However, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the inventive concept of this disclosure, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.
Claims
1. A hinge mechanism, characterized by The hinge mechanism comprises: a base frame assembly; a bearing assembly comprising a connecting piece and a floating plate movably connected with the connecting piece; a first connecting rod assembly rotatably connected with the base frame assembly, the first connecting rod assembly being rotatably connected with the connecting piece; a second connecting rod assembly rotatably connected with the base frame assembly and slidably connected with the connecting piece; the first connecting rod assembly and the second connecting rod assembly cooperate to drive the connecting piece to overturn relative to the base frame assembly, so that the hinge mechanism has a folded state and an unfolded state; wherein the first connecting rod assembly is capable of limiting cooperation with the floating plate at least when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state and / or the folded state, so as to limit the activity range of the floating plate relative to the connecting piece.
2. The hinge mechanism of claim 1, wherein, When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, at least part of the floating plate forms a support structure with the base frame assembly; when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the floating plate is arranged at an angle with the base frame assembly to form an avoiding space. The first connecting rod assembly comprises a first connecting rod rotatably connected with the connecting piece, and part of the first connecting rod is movably connected with the floating plate to limit the activity range of the floating plate relative to the connecting piece.
3. The hinge mechanism of claim 2, wherein, When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, part of the first connecting rod is in limiting cooperation with the floating plate to limit the floating plate from tilting away from the base frame assembly.
4. The hinge mechanism of claim 2, wherein, One of the first connecting rod and the floating plate is provided with a limiting portion, and the other is provided with a cooperating portion, the cooperating portion being in limiting cooperation with the limiting portion to limit the activity range of the floating plate relative to the connecting piece.
5. The hinge mechanism of claim 4, wherein, One of the limiting portion and the cooperating portion is a limiting recess, and the other is a limiting convex portion in limiting cooperation with the limiting recess. One of the limiting portion and the cooperating portion is a guide rail, and the other is a guide portion in guiding cooperation with the guide rail. The cooperating portion is in sliding cooperation with the limiting portion to limit the rotation range of the floating plate relative to the connecting piece. The floating plate comprises a first support surface for forming the support structure, the cooperating portion is arranged below the first support surface, and the cooperating portion is in overlapping limiting cooperation with the limiting portion.
6. The hinge mechanism of claim 5, wherein, At least one of the side wall of the cooperating portion and the limiting portion is provided with a first guide-in portion, and part of the limiting portion is guided into the cooperating portion through the first guide-in portion.
7. The hinge mechanism of claim 5, wherein, The limiting recess is arranged on the floating plate, and the limiting convex portion is arranged on the first connecting rod. The floating plate comprises a hook body arranged below the first support surface, and part of the hook body is arranged in a spaced manner with the first support surface to form the limiting recess.
8. The hinge mechanism of claim 4, wherein, The connecting piece comprises a first connecting portion, and the floating plate comprises a second connecting portion rotatably connected with the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion being arranged in a spaced manner with the cooperating portion along the width direction of the floating plate. The cooperating portion is in limiting cooperation with the limiting portion to limit the rotation range of the first connecting portion relative to the second connecting portion.
9. The hinge mechanism of claim 8, wherein, The connecting piece is provided with an avoiding slope, the floating plate comprises a first side and a second side which are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the floating plate, and the second connecting part is arranged close to the second side; When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, and the first side of the floating plate is arranged at intervals from the avoiding slope, the floating plate and the base frame form a support structure; when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the floating plate is arranged close to the avoiding slope.
10. The hinge mechanism of claim 4, wherein, When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the limiting part and the side wall of the matching part abut to limit the floating plate from being raised away from the base frame assembly.
11. The hinge mechanism of claim 4, wherein, The limiting part comprises a protrusion, and the matching part comprises a limiting slot; when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the protrusion and the limiting slot limit to limit the floating plate from being raised away from the base frame assembly.
12. The hinge mechanism of claim 11, wherein, The protrusion is fixed to the first connecting rod, and the floating plate is provided with the limiting slot.
13. The hinge mechanism of claim 12, wherein, The first connecting rod is provided with a matching gap, at least part of the protrusion is arranged in the matching gap, and part of the floating plate is inserted into the matching gap to enable the limiting slot and the protrusion to limit.
14. The hinge mechanism of claim 13, wherein, The protrusion comprises two protrusions which are arranged at intervals. The floating plate comprises a first support surface for forming the support structure and the matching part arranged below the first support surface, part of the matching part is inserted into the matching gap to enable the protrusion and the limiting slot to limit.
15. The hinge mechanism of claim 12, wherein, The length direction of the limiting slot extends along the width direction of the floating plate, and the protrusion slides in the limiting slot during switching between the unfolded state and the folded state of the hinge mechanism. When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the protrusion and the side wall of the limiting slot abut to limit the floating plate from being raised away from the base frame assembly.
16. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that The second connecting rod assembly comprises a movable part which is rotationally connected with the base frame assembly and is slidingly connected with the connecting piece; the matching part is arranged on the floating plate, the first connecting rod assembly comprises a second connecting rod and a transmission part, one end of the first connecting rod is rotationally connected with the connecting piece, the other end of the first connecting rod is rotationally connected with one end of the second connecting rod and one end of the transmission part, the other end of the second connecting rod is rotationally connected with the base frame assembly, and the other end of the transmission part is rotationally connected with the movable part; one end of the second connecting rod is provided with an avoiding gap which avoids the matching part, and the avoiding gap and the matching gap are communicated to form a containing space which contains the matching part.
17. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein, The second connecting rod assembly comprises a movable part which is rotationally connected with the base frame assembly and is slidingly connected with the connecting piece; the first connecting rod assembly comprises a second connecting rod and a transmission part, one end of the first connecting rod is rotationally connected with the connecting piece, the other end of the first connecting rod is rotationally connected with one end of the second connecting rod and one end of the transmission part, the other end of the second connecting rod is rotationally connected with the base frame assembly, and the other end of the transmission part is rotationally connected with the movable part; The transmission member and one of the second links are provided with a pressing protrusion, when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the connecting member is arranged at an angle with the base assembly, the pressing protrusion is in abutment with the other one, so that the transmission member extrudes the second link.
18. The hinge mechanism of claim 17, wherein, When the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the pressing protrusion is in abutment with the other one, so that the part of the second link is lifted towards the center line direction of the base assembly.
19. The hinge mechanism of claim 17, wherein, The other end of the first link is rotationally connected with the connecting member and has a first rotation center, the other end of the transmission member is rotationally connected with the other end of the second link and has a second rotation center, one end of the transmission member is rotationally connected with the movable member and has a third rotation center; When the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the first rotation center and the third rotation center form a first connection line, the second rotation center is arranged on the inner side of the first connection line, so that the pressing protrusion lifts the second link.
20. The hinge mechanism of claim 17, wherein, The transmission member is provided with a first notch, the part of the second link is arranged in the first notch and rotationally connected with the part of the transmission member; the pressing protrusion is fixedly arranged on the transmission member and arranged close to the edge of the first notch.
21. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein, The second link assembly comprises a movable member, the movable member is rotationally connected with the base assembly, the movable member is slidingly connected with the connecting member; the part of the first link is rotationally connected with the base assembly.
22. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein, The first link assembly further comprises at least one connecting rod; The first link is rotationally connected with the connecting member through the at least one connecting rod; And / or, the first link is rotationally connected with the base assembly through the at least one connecting rod.
23. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein, The first link assembly further comprises a transmission unit, the first link is movably connected with the floating plate through the transmission unit, so as to limit the movement range of the floating plate relative to the connecting member.
24. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein, The first link comprises at least two, at least two first links cooperate to form the first link assembly, and at least two first links are movably connected with the floating plate, so as to limit the movement range of the floating plate relative to the connecting member.
25. The hinge mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The floating plate is rotationally or slidingly connected with the connecting member.
26. A foldable electronic device, comprising: The hinge mechanism comprises a housing assembly, a flexible display screen and any one of the hinge mechanisms according to claims 1 to 25, the housing assembly comprises a housing body, the housing body is fixedly connected with the connecting member; at least part of the flexible display screen covers the housing body and the hinge mechanism.