Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment

Abstract

A rotating shaft mechanism (1) comprises a base (1021), a first shell fixing frame (1013), a second shell fixing frame (1014) and a supporting assembly (103), the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame are arranged on the two sides of the base respectively, the supporting assembly comprises a first supporting part (1031), a second supporting part (1032) and a third supporting part (1033), the first supporting part is arranged at the end of the first shell fixing frame, the second supporting part is arranged at the end of the second shell fixing frame, and the third supporting part is arranged at the end of the second shell fixing frame. The first supporting part is provided with a first bulge (10311) and a first groove (10312); the second supporting part is arranged at the end part of the second shell fixing frame, and the second supporting part is provided with a second bulge (10321) and a second groove (10322); the third supporting part is arranged at the end of the base, a third protrusion (10331) and a third groove (10332) are arranged on the side, close to the first shell fixing frame, of the third supporting part, and a fourth protrusion (10333) and a fourth groove (10334) are arranged on the side, close to the second shell fixing frame, of the third supporting part. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in an unfolded state, the third protrusion is limited in the first groove, the fourth protrusion is limited in the second groove, and when the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, the first protrusion is limited in the third groove, and the second protrusion is limited in the fourth groove. The invention also provides electronic equipment. According to the electronic equipment, the protrusion is matched with the groove, so that the risk of dislocation of the shell and the main shaft can be effectively reduced when the electronic equipment falls off or is impacted no matter the electronic equipment is in an unfolded state or a closed state, and the structural stability of the electronic equipment is improved.

Description

Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on June 20, 2023, with application number 202310739114.7 and application name “A Rotating Shaft Mechanism and Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment. Background Art

[0004] As flexible display technology matures, the display mode of electronic devices has undergone tremendous changes. Foldable flexible screen mobile phones, foldable flexible screen tablets, and wearable electronic devices with foldable flexible screens are an important evolutionary direction of future smart electronic devices.

[0005] The hinge mechanism is a key component that enables the folding function of foldable electronic devices, and its reliability is crucial to the overall reliability of the device. The hinge mechanism generally consists of multiple structural components connected by a transmission mechanism, which enable the electronic device to close or unfold through the linkage between these components. However, when the electronic device is dropped or impacted, the hinge mechanism's structural components are prone to misalignment. This not only damages the structural components' strength but also causes strain on other components of the electronic device, seriously affecting the reliability of the device.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device to improve the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism, thereby improving the overall reliability of the electronic device.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a rotating shaft mechanism, which may include a main shaft, a first shell fixing frame, a second shell fixing frame, and a support assembly. The first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame are respectively arranged on both sides of the main shaft, and the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame can rotate relative to the main shaft. The support assembly includes a first support portion, a second support portion, and a third support portion, wherein the first support portion can be arranged at the end of the first shell fixing frame along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the first support portion is located on the side of the first shell fixing frame close to the main shaft, and the first support portion is provided with a first protrusion and a first groove; the second support portion can be arranged at the end of the second shell fixing frame along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the second support portion is located on the side of the second shell fixing frame close to the main shaft, and the second support portion is provided with a second protrusion and a second groove; the third support portion can be arranged at the end of the main shaft along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the third support portion can be provided with a third protrusion and a third groove on the side close to the first shell fixing frame, and a fourth protrusion and a fourth groove on the side close to the second shell fixing frame. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in the extended state, the third protrusion can be limited to the first groove and the fourth protrusion can be limited to the second groove; when the rotating shaft mechanism is in the closed state, the first protrusion can be limited to the third groove and the second protrusion can be limited to the fourth groove; or, when the rotating shaft mechanism is in the extended state, the first protrusion can be limited to the third groove and the second protrusion can be limited to the fourth groove; when the rotating shaft mechanism is in the closed state, the third protrusion can be limited to the first groove and the fourth protrusion can be limited to the second groove.

[0009] In the present application, when the hinge mechanism is in the expanded state, the first support portion, the second support portion, and the third support portion can be at least laterally positioned by the cooperation of the third protrusion and the first groove, and the cooperation of the fourth protrusion and the second groove, or by the cooperation of the first protrusion and the third groove, and the cooperation of the second protrusion and the fourth groove, thereby reducing the risk of lateral displacement of the first support portion and the second support portion, thereby reducing the risk of misalignment between the first shell fixing frame, the second shell fixing frame, and the base when the hinge mechanism is in the expanded state. Similarly, when the hinge mechanism is in the closed state, the first support portion, the second support portion, and the third support portion can be at least laterally positioned by the cooperation of the first protrusion and the third groove, and the cooperation of the second protrusion and the fourth groove, or by the cooperation of the three protrusions and the first groove, and the cooperation of the fourth protrusion and the second groove, thereby reducing the risk of lateral displacement of the first support portion and the second support portion, thereby reducing the risk of misalignment between the first shell fixing frame, the second shell fixing frame, and the base when the hinge mechanism is in the closed state.

[0010] Based on the above-mentioned rotating shaft mechanism of the present application, when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame move toward each other. When the first shell fixing frame drives the first swing arm to rotate clockwise around the main axis, the first swing arm can drive the first connecting member to move toward the first swing arm in the first track groove of the main axis, thereby driving the first support arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis; when the second shell fixing frame drives the second swing arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis, the second swing arm can drive the second connecting member to move toward the second swing arm in the second track groove of the main axis, thereby driving the second support arm to rotate clockwise around the main axis. When the electronic device moves from a closed state to an unfolded state, the first housing fixing frame and the second housing fixing frame move in opposite directions. When the first housing fixing frame drives the first swing arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis, the first swing arm can drive the first connecting member to move within the first track groove of the main axis toward the first support arm, thereby driving the first support arm to rotate clockwise around the main axis. When the second housing fixing frame drives the second swing arm to rotate clockwise around the main axis, the second swing arm can drive the second connecting member to move within the second track groove of the main axis toward the second support arm, thereby driving the second support arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis. This realizes the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism.

[0011] It should be understood that the mating surface between the groove and the protrusion in the present application is not a plane. Taking the mating of the third protrusion and the first groove as an example, it can be concluded that the third protrusion is limited in the first groove, the first groove surrounds or partially surrounds the third protrusion, and the contact surface between the first groove and the third protrusion is a curved surface composed of multiple planes facing different directions. Correspondingly, the contact surface between the third protrusion and the first groove also includes multiple planes facing different directions, and each plane of the third protrusion abuts each plane of the first groove, forming a limit for the first support portion in multiple directions, including the horizontal direction, thereby effectively limiting the freedom of the first support portion in multiple directions, that is, limiting the freedom of the first shell fixing frame in multiple directions. However, the hinge mechanism in the prior art does not have a related support structure. When an electronic device using this hinge mechanism falls or hits, its shell fixing frame is easily displaced relative to the main shaft, which leads to misalignment. Compared with the prior art, the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application utilizes the cooperation of protrusions and grooves, so that the electronic device using the hinge mechanism can effectively reduce the risk of misalignment between the shell fixing frame and the main shaft when the electronic device falls or is hit, regardless of whether it is in the expanded state or the closed state, thereby improving the structural stability of the hinge mechanism.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first plane is defined as a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the projection of the third support portion on the first plane can overlap the projection of the main axis on the first plane. In other words, the peripheral edge of the third support portion extends beyond the main axis. This not only provides sufficient space for the projections and grooves on both sides of the third support portion, but also facilitates its coordination with the first and second support portions.

[0013] In some embodiments, the third support portion may include a main body and a baffle, and the third protrusion, third groove, fourth protrusion, and fourth groove may be provided on the main body, and the baffle may be located on the side of the main body away from the main shaft. Similarly, the first plane is defined as a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in an expanded state and a closed state, the projection of the baffle on the first plane may cover at least a portion of the projection of the first support portion on the first plane, and cover at least a portion of the projection of the second support portion on the first plane. Through this design, the first support portion and the second support portion can be positioned in the axial direction, reducing the risk of axial misalignment of the first support portion and the second support portion, thereby reducing the risk of axial misalignment of the first shell fixing frame, the second shell fixing frame and the main shaft.

[0014] In a specific implementation, the main body and the baffle of the third support portion may be an integrally formed structure to improve the structural strength of the third support portion and reduce the difficulty of assembling the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0015] In some embodiments, the groove wall of the first groove may include a first concave curved surface, and the surface of the third protrusion may include a third convex curved surface that is consistent with the shape of the first concave curved surface. This can increase the adaptability of the surface of the third protrusion to the groove wall of the first groove, reducing or avoiding the risk of the third protrusion moving within the first groove. Similarly, the groove wall of the second groove includes a second concave curved surface, and the surface of the fourth protrusion includes a fourth convex curved surface that is consistent with the shape of the second concave curved surface. This can increase the adaptability of the surface of the fourth protrusion to the groove wall of the second groove, reducing or avoiding the risk of the fourth protrusion moving within the second groove.

[0016] For example, the first concave surface may include a first inclined surface, the third convex surface may include a third inclined surface, and along the direction from the third protrusion to the fourth protrusion, the third inclined surface of the third convex surface may gradually tilt away from the support surface of the main shaft; the second concave surface may include a second inclined surface, the fourth convex surface may include a fourth inclined surface, and along the direction from the fourth protrusion to the third protrusion, the fourth inclined surface of the fourth convex surface gradually tilts away from the support surface of the main shaft. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in the deployed state, the third protrusion is confined within the first groove, the third inclined surface of the third convex surface is parallel to and abuts against the first inclined surface of the first concave surface, and the fourth inclined surface of the fourth convex surface is parallel to and abuts against the second inclined surface of the second concave surface.

[0017] Based on the same principle, the wall of the third groove may include a third concave curved surface, and the surface of the first protrusion may include a first convex curved surface that is consistent with the shape of the third concave curved surface, thereby increasing the compatibility of the first protrusion with the third groove and reducing or eliminating the risk of the first protrusion moving within the third groove. Similarly, the wall of the fourth groove may include a fourth concave curved surface, and the surface of the second protrusion may include a second convex curved surface that is consistent with the shape of the fourth concave curved surface, thereby increasing the compatibility of the second protrusion with the fourth groove and reducing or eliminating the risk of the second protrusion moving within the fourth groove.

[0018] For example, the first convex surface may include a first inclined surface, and correspondingly, the third concave surface may include a third inclined surface. Along the direction from the third groove to the fourth groove, the third inclined surface of the third concave surface may gradually tilt toward the support surface of the main shaft. The second convex surface may include a second inclined surface, and the fourth concave surface may include a fourth inclined surface. Along the direction from the fourth groove to the third groove, the fourth inclined surface of the fourth concave surface may gradually tilt toward the support surface of the main shaft. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, the first inclined surface of the first convex surface and the third inclined surface of the third concave surface are parallel to and abut against each other, and the second inclined surface of the second convex surface and the fourth inclined surface of the fourth concave surface are parallel to and abut against each other.

[0019] In some embodiments, the surface of the third protrusion can be connected to the groove wall of the third groove via a first connecting arc surface, and the surface of the fourth protrusion can be connected to the groove wall of the fourth groove via a second connecting arc surface. In this way, when the rotating shaft mechanism switches from the expanded state to the closed state or from the closed state to the expanded state, the first connecting arc surface can provide a guiding function for the first protrusion or the first groove of the first support portion, and the second connecting arc surface can provide a guiding function for the second protrusion or the second groove of the second support portion, thereby reducing the risk of jamming between the first support portion and the third support portion, and between the second support portion and the third support portion, and improving the smoothness of the rotation of the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame relative to the main shaft.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first supporting portion and the first housing fixing frame may be an integral structure, thereby improving the connection strength between the first supporting portion and the first housing fixing frame.

[0021] Similarly, the second support portion and the second housing fixing frame may also be an integral structure, thereby improving the connection strength between the second support portion and the second housing fixing frame. Also, the third support portion and the main shaft may also be an integral structure, thereby improving the connection strength between the third support portion and the main shaft.

[0022] In some embodiments, the number of the first support portion and the second support portion can be two, respectively. The two first support portions are respectively arranged at the two ends of the first shell fixing frame along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the two second support portions are respectively arranged at the two ends of the second shell fixing frame along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism. Correspondingly, the number of the third support portions can also be two, and the two third support portions are respectively arranged at the two ends of the main shaft along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism. In this way, the support assembly can limit the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame at both ends of the rotating shaft mechanism, thereby further reducing the risk of the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame being misaligned relative to the main shaft, and improving the structural reliability of the electronic device using the rotating shaft mechanism in falling or impact scenarios.

[0023] In some embodiments, the hinge mechanism may further include a rotation module, by which the first and second housing mounts can each be rotated relative to the main shaft. The specific implementation of the rotation module is not limited, as long as it can cause the first and second housing mounts to rotate relative to the main shaft to achieve the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism.

[0024] For example, in a specific embodiment, the rotating module may include a first rotating assembly and a second rotating assembly, the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly being respectively located between the first housing fixing frame and the second housing fixing frame. The first rotating assembly may include a first swing arm, a first support arm, and a first connecting member, the first swing arm being rotationally connected to the main shaft, the first swing arm being slidably connected to the first housing fixing frame, the first support arm being rotationally connected to the second housing fixing frame, the first connecting member being located between the first swing arm and the first support arm, and the first connecting member being rotationally connected to the first swing arm and the first support arm, respectively; the second rotating assembly may include a second swing arm, a second support arm, and a second connecting member, the second swing arm being rotationally connected to the main shaft, the second swing arm being slidably connected to the second housing fixing frame, the second support arm being rotationally connected to the first housing fixing frame, the second connecting member being located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, and the second connecting member being rotationally connected to the second swing arm and the second support arm, respectively. The main shaft is provided with a first track groove and a second track groove, the first connecting member being movable along the first track groove to limit the first connecting member's motion trajectory by the first track groove, and the second connecting member being movable along the second track groove to limit the second connecting member's motion trajectory by the second track groove.

[0025] In a second aspect, the present application also provides an electronic device, which includes a first shell, a second shell, a flexible display screen, and the hinge mechanism of the first aspect, wherein the first shell and the second shell are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the hinge mechanism, the first shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the first shell, and the second shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the second shell. The flexible display screen continuously covers the first shell, the second shell, and the hinge mechanism, and the flexible display screen is fixedly connected to the first shell and the second shell. When the electronic device is in the expanded state and the closed state, the third support portion can achieve a concave-convex fit with the first support portion and the second support portion, thereby limiting the relative position between the first shell fixing frame and the main shaft, and between the second shell fixing frame and the main shaft, thereby reducing the risk of misalignment of the first shell and the second shell relative to the hinge mechanism and improving the reliability of the electronic device.

[0026] In a possible implementation of the present application, the main shaft includes a base and a cover plate, the cover plate is provided on the base, the base is provided with a first arcuate groove, and the cover plate includes a first protrusion provided toward the first arcuate groove, and the gap between the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first arcuate groove can serve as a first track groove. In addition, the first connecting member may include a first arcuate surface and a second arcuate surface, and when the electronic device is in the expanded state and the closed state, the first arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and the second arcuate surface abuts against the groove surface of the first arcuate groove. As a result, the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first arcuate groove limit the first connecting member to the first track groove, so that when the rotating shaft mechanism is in the expanded state and the closed state, the position of the first connecting member is relatively stable, and no virtual position shaking occurs, thereby improving the reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism in the above two states.

[0027] In addition, the base may be provided with a third arcuate groove, and the cover may further include a third protrusion disposed toward the third arcuate groove. The gap between the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arcuate groove serves as a second track groove. The second connector includes a third arcuate surface and a fourth arcuate surface. When the electronic device is in the expanded state and the closed state, the third arcuate surface abuts the surface of the third protrusion, and the fourth arcuate surface abuts the groove surface of the third arcuate groove. Thus, the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arcuate groove constrain the second connector to the second track groove, so that the position of the second connector is relatively stable in the expanded state and the closed state of the hinge mechanism, without any virtual position shaking, thereby improving the reliability of the hinge mechanism in the above two states.

[0028] In one possible implementation of the present application, when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, the first curved surface abuts the surface of the first protrusion, and a gap exists between the second curved surface and the groove surface of the first curved groove. When the electronic device moves from a closed state to an expanded state, the second curved surface abuts the groove surface of the first curved groove, and a gap exists between the first curved surface and the surface of the first protrusion. This results in the first connector's movement trajectory within the first trajectory groove during the electronic device's transition from an expanded state to a closed state being different from the first connector's movement trajectory within the first trajectory groove during the electronic device's transition from a closed state to an expanded state, which helps enhance the flexibility of the hinge mechanism design.

[0029] Furthermore, when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, the third curved surface abuts the surface of the third protrusion, leaving a gap between the fourth curved surface and the groove surface of the third curved groove. Conversely, when the electronic device moves from a closed state to an expanded state, the fourth curved surface abuts the groove surface of the third curved groove, leaving a gap between the third curved surface and the surface of the third protrusion. This results in a different trajectory for the second connector within the second track groove when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state than when the electronic device moves from a closed state to an expanded state, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the hinge mechanism design.

[0030] In the present application, the motion trajectory of the first connector within the first trajectory groove during the electronic device's transition from an expanded state to a closed state can be the same as the motion trajectory of the first connector within the first trajectory groove during the electronic device's transition from a closed state to an expanded state. Specifically, the spacing between the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first arcuate groove is equal at all locations. In this case, the first trajectory groove is a groove of uniform width. During the transition of the electronic device from an expanded state to a closed state and vice versa, the first arcuate surface abuts the surface of the first protrusion, and the second arcuate surface abuts the groove surface of the first arcuate groove. This can help improve the stability of the first connector's movement within the first trajectory groove. Similarly, the distances between the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arcuate groove can also be equal at all locations, so that the second track groove is a groove of equal width. In addition, during the process of the electronic device changing from the expanded state to the closed state and from the closed state to the expanded state, the third arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and the fourth arcuate surface abuts against the groove surface of the third arcuate groove, so that the movement trajectory of the second connecting member in the second track groove during the process of the electronic device changing from the expanded state to the closed state is the same as the movement trajectory of the second connecting member in the second track groove during the process of the electronic device changing from the closed state to the expanded state, thereby improving the stability of the second connecting member's movement in the second track groove.

[0031] In a possible implementation of the present application, the first curved surface of the first connecting member may be a circular arc surface, and the second curved surface may also be a circular arc surface. In this case, the sum of the radius of the first curved surface and the radius of the second curved surface can be equal to the distance between the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first curved groove, so as to improve the smoothness of the movement of the first connecting member in the first trajectory groove.

[0032] Similarly, the third arc surface of the second connecting member can be a circular arc surface, and the fourth arc surface can also be a circular arc surface. In this case, the sum of the radius of the third arc surface and the radius of the fourth arc surface can be equal to the distance between the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arc groove, so as to improve the smoothness of the movement of the second connecting member in the second track groove.

[0033] In a third aspect, the present application further provides an electronic device, which may include a hinge mechanism, a first housing, a second housing, and a support assembly. The hinge mechanism includes a main shaft, a first housing fixing frame, and a second housing fixing frame, wherein the first housing fixing frame and the second housing fixing frame are respectively disposed on either side of the main shaft, and the first housing fixing frame and the second housing fixing frame are respectively rotatable relative to the main shaft, the first housing fixing frame is fixedly connected to the first housing, and the second housing fixing frame is fixedly connected to the second housing. The support assembly may include a first support portion, a second support portion and a third support portion. The first support portion may be arranged at the end portion of the first shell along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the first support portion is located on the side of the first shell close to the main shaft, and the first support portion is provided with a first protrusion and a first groove; the second support portion may be arranged at the end portion of the second shell along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the second support portion is located on the side of the second shell close to the main shaft, and the second support portion is provided with a second protrusion and a second groove; the third support portion may be arranged at the end portion of the main shaft along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the third support portion may be provided with a third protrusion and a third groove on the side close to the first shell, and a fourth protrusion and a fourth groove on the side close to the second shell. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in the extended state, the third protrusion can be limited to the first groove and the fourth protrusion can be limited to the second groove; when the rotating shaft mechanism is in the closed state, the first protrusion can be limited to the third groove and the second protrusion can be limited to the fourth groove; or, when the rotating shaft mechanism is in the extended state, the first protrusion can be limited to the third groove and the second protrusion can be limited to the fourth groove; when the rotating shaft mechanism is in the closed state, the third protrusion can be limited to the first groove and the fourth protrusion can be limited to the second groove.

[0034] In the present application, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first support portion, the second support portion, and the third support portion can be at least laterally positioned by the cooperation of the third protrusion and the first groove, and the cooperation of the fourth protrusion and the second groove, or by the cooperation of the first protrusion and the third groove, and the cooperation of the second protrusion and the fourth groove, thereby reducing the risk of lateral displacement of the first support portion and the second support portion, and thereby reducing the risk of misalignment of the first shell, the second shell, and the base of the electronic device in the unfolded state. Similarly, when the electronic device is in the closed state, the first support portion, the second support portion, and the third support portion can be at least laterally positioned by the cooperation of the first protrusion and the third groove, and the cooperation of the second protrusion and the fourth groove, or by the cooperation of the three protrusions and the first groove, and the cooperation of the fourth protrusion and the second groove, thereby reducing the risk of lateral displacement of the first support portion and the second support portion, and thereby reducing the risk of misalignment of the first shell, the second shell, and the base of the electronic device in the closed state.

[0035] It should be understood that the mating surface between the groove and the protrusion in the present application is not a plane. Taking the mating of the third protrusion and the first groove as an example, it can be concluded that the third protrusion is limited in the first groove, the first groove surrounds or partially surrounds the third protrusion, and the contact surface between the first groove and the third protrusion is a curved surface composed of multiple planes facing different directions. Correspondingly, the contact surface between the third protrusion and the first groove also includes multiple planes facing different directions, and each plane of the third protrusion abuts each plane of the first groove, forming a limit in multiple directions including the transverse direction for the first support portion, thereby effectively limiting the freedom of the first support portion in multiple directions, that is, limiting the freedom of the first shell in multiple directions. However, the electronic devices in the prior art do not have relevant support structures. When the electronic device falls or hits, its shell is easily displaced relative to the main shaft, which leads to misalignment. Compared with the prior art, the electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application utilizes the mating of the protrusion and the groove, so that the electronic device can effectively reduce the risk of misalignment between the shell and the main shaft when the electronic device falls or hits, thereby improving the structural stability of the electronic device, regardless of whether it is in the expanded state or the closed state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in a closed state;

[0037] FIG2a is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in an unfolded state;

[0038] FIG2 b is another structural schematic diagram of the electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in an unfolded state;

[0039] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the rotating shaft mechanism of the electronic device in FIG2b;

[0040] FIG4 is an exploded view of the structure shown in FIG3 ;

[0041] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting member of the rotating shaft mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in an unfolded state;

[0042] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a main shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of the base of the main shaft shown in FIG6 ;

[0044] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the cover plate of the main shaft shown in FIG6 ;

[0045] FIG9 is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting member of the rotating shaft mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state;

[0046] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a first connecting member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first connecting member and the main shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG12 is an AA cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG3 ;

[0049] FIG13 is a cross-sectional view of the first swing arm of the rotating shaft mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state;

[0050] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a first rotating assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a first swing arm provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the motion mechanism of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG18 is a schematic structural diagram of a first support portion and a second support portion provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG19 is a schematic structural diagram of a third support portion provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG20 is a schematic structural diagram of a support assembly in an expanded state of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG21 is a schematic structural diagram of the first support assembly of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application in a closed state;

[0058] FIG22 is a schematic structural diagram of another electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0059] Reference numerals: 1-rotating shaft mechanism; 1a-supporting surface; 1b-second surface of the rotating shaft mechanism; 101-rotating module; 1011-first rotating assembly; 10111-first swing arm; 101111-first arc-shaped rotating block; 1011111-first recessed portion; 1011112-first mounting groove; 10111121-first arc surface; 10112-first supporting arm; 10113-first connecting member; 101131-first rotating shaft; 1011311-second arc surface; 1011312-fourth arc surface; 101132-second rotating shaft; 101133-first arc surface; 101134-second arc surface; 1012 - Second rotating assembly; 10121 - Second swing arm; 101211 - Second arc-shaped rotating block; 1012111 - Second recessed portion; 1012112 - Second mounting slot; 10121121 - Fifth arc surface; 10122 - Second support arm; 10123 - Second connecting member; 101231 - Third rotating shaft; 1012311 - Sixth arc surface; 1012312 - Eighth arc surface; 101232 - Fourth rotating shaft; 101233 - Third arc surface; 101234 - Fourth arc surface; 1013 - First housing fixing bracket; 10131 - First slide groove; 10132 - First mounting portion; 1014 - Second housing fixing bracket; 10141 - Second slide groove; 10142 - Second mounting portion; 102 - spindle; 1021 - base; 10211 - first arcuate groove; 102111 - groove surface of the first arcuate groove; 10212 - second arcuate groove; 102121 - third arcuate surface; 10213 - third arcuate groove; 102131 - groove surface of the third arcuate groove; 10214 - fourth arcuate groove; 102141 - seventh arcuate surface; 1022 - cover plate; 10221 - first protrusion; 102211 - surface of the first protrusion; 10222 - second protrusion; 102221 - surface of the second protrusion; 10223 - first plug-in portion; 10224 - third protrusion; 102241 - surface of the third protrusion; 10225 - fourth protrusion; 102251 - surface of the fourth protrusion; 1023 - First track groove; 1024 - Second track groove; 103 - Support assembly; 1031 - First support portion; 10311 - First protrusion; 103111 - First convex surface; 1031111 - First inclined surface of the first convex surface; 10312 - First groove; 103121 - First concave surface; 1031211 - First inclined surface of the first concave surface; 1032 - Second support portion; 10321 - Second protrusion; 103211 - Second convex surface; 1032111 - Second inclined surface of the second convex surface; 10322 - Second groove; 103221 - Second concave surface; 1032211 - Second inclined surface of the second concave surface; 1033 - Third support portion;10331 - third protrusion; 103311 - third convex curved surface; 1033111 - third inclined surface of the third convex curved surface; 10332 - third groove; 103321 - third concave curved surface; 1033211 - third inclined surface of the third concave curved surface; 10333 - fourth protrusion; 103331 - fourth convex curved surface; 1033311 - fourth inclined surface of the fourth convex curved surface; 10334 - fourth groove; 103341 - fourth concave curved surface; 1033411 - fourth inclined surface of the fourth concave curved surface; 10335 - main body; 10336 - baffle; 10337 - first connecting arc surface; 10338 - second connecting arc surface; 2 - first housing; 2a - first surface of the first housing; 2b - second surface of the first housing; 3 - second housing; 3a - second surface of the second housing; 3b - second surface of the second housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The same reference numerals in the figures represent the same or similar structures, and thus their repeated description will be omitted. The words expressing position and direction described in the embodiments of the present application are all explained using the accompanying drawings as examples, but changes may be made as needed, and the changes made are all included in the scope of protection of the present application. The drawings in the embodiments of the present application are only used to illustrate the relative position relationship and do not represent the true proportion.

[0061] It should be noted that the following description sets forth specific details to facilitate understanding of the present application. However, the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in a variety of other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar generalizations without violating the connotations of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The electronic device may be a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a tablet computer or other devices with a foldable function. The electronic device of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is described using a laptop computer as an example. The electronic device may include a hinge mechanism 1, a flexible display screen (not shown in the figure) and two shells. For ease of description, the two shells are named as a first shell 2 and a second shell 3, respectively. The first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are located on both sides of the hinge mechanism 1 and can rotate around the hinge mechanism 1. When in use, the electronic device can be closed and unfolded according to different usage scenarios.

[0063] In the present application, the electronic device may be an outward-folding electronic device. In the process of the outward-folding electronic device changing from an unfolded state to a closed state, the flexible display screen is always located on the outside of the electronic device. FIG1 shows the relative positional relationship between the hinge mechanism 1 and the two shells when the electronic device is in a closed state. At this time, the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface of the first shell, and the first surface of the second shell can collectively serve as support surfaces for the flexible display screen. In FIG1 , the flexible display screen is omitted, the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1 refers to the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 facing the flexible display screen, the first surface of the first shell 2 refers to the surface of the first shell 2 facing the flexible display screen, and the first surface of the second shell 3 refers to the surface of the second shell 3 facing the flexible display screen.

[0064] Referring to Figure 2a, Figure 2a illustrates a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device in an unfolded state, and Figure 2a shows the structure of the first surface 2a of the first housing 2 and the first surface 3a of the second housing 3. In this unfolded state, the support surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the first surface 3a of the second housing 3 can be connected to form a flat support surface.

[0065] Based on this, the flexible display can continuously cover the support surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the first surface 3a of the second housing 3. The hinge mechanism 1 is positioned opposite the foldable portion of the flexible display, and the flexible display can be fixedly connected to the first surface 2a of the first housing 2 and the first surface 3a of the second housing 3, such connection methods may include, but are not limited to, adhesive bonding. In this way, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state as shown in Figure 2a, the hinge mechanism 1, the first housing 2, and the second housing 3 can provide a flat support for the flexible display.

[0066] Reference may be made to Figure 2b, which is another structural schematic diagram of the electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when it is in an unfolded state. Figure 2b shows the structure of the second surface 1b of the hinge mechanism 1, the second surface 2b of the first shell 2, and the second surface 3b of the second shell 3. Among them, the second surface 1b of the hinge mechanism 1 refers to the side of the hinge mechanism 1 facing away from the flexible display screen, the second surface 2b of the first shell 2 refers to the side of the first shell 2 facing away from the flexible display screen, and the second surface 3b of the second shell 3 refers to the side of the second shell 3 facing away from the flexible display screen. Then, the support surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1 and the second surface 1b of the hinge mechanism 1 are arranged opposite to each other, the first surface 2a of the first shell 2 and the second surface 2b of the first shell 2 are arranged opposite to each other, and the first surface 3a of the second shell 3 and the second surface 3b of the second shell 3 are arranged opposite to each other.

[0067] In the embodiment of the present application, the first shell 2 may include a first middle frame and a first outer shell, and the second shell 3 may include a second middle frame and a second outer shell, wherein the first outer shell may cover the side of the first middle frame facing away from the flexible display screen, and the second outer shell may cover the side of the second middle frame facing away from the flexible display screen. In this case, an accommodation space may be formed between the first outer shell and the first middle frame, and between the second outer shell and the second middle frame, respectively. The two accommodation spaces may be used to place components such as batteries, motherboards, receivers, and microphones of the electronic device. FIG2 b only shows the first middle frame of the first shell 2 and the second middle frame of the second shell 3, omitting the first outer shell and the second outer shell. Therefore, the second surface 2 b of the first shell 2 shown in FIG2 b is the side of the first middle frame facing away from the flexible display screen, rather than the outer surface of the first shell 2 facing away from the flexible display screen. Similarly, the second surface 3 b of the second shell 3 shown in FIG2 b is the side of the second middle frame facing away from the flexible display screen, rather than the outer surface of the second shell 3 facing away from the flexible display screen.

[0068] In the embodiments of the present application, the second surface 1b of the hinge mechanism 1, the outer surface of the first housing facing away from the flexible display, and the outer surface of the second housing facing away from the flexible display can collectively serve as the exterior surface of the electronic device. It will be understood that for an outward-folding electronic device, the exterior surface is exposed on the outside of the electronic device when the electronic device is in the unfolded state; and when the electronic device is in the closed state, the exterior surface is located on the inside of the electronic device. In the present application, during the relative rotation of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 from the unfolded state shown in Figure 2a or 2b to the closed state shown in Figure 1, or from the closed state shown in Figure 1 to the unfolded state shown in Figure 2a or 2b, the flexible display can bend or flatten along with the first housing 2 and the second housing 3. Furthermore, it will be understood that the process of the electronic device from the unfolded state shown in Figure 2a or 2b to the closed state shown in Figure 1, or from the closed state shown in Figure 1 to the unfolded state shown in Figure 2a or 2b, is the process of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotating about the hinge mechanism 1. The hinge mechanism 1 is a key functional component in a foldable electronic device. It can be set corresponding to the foldable part of the flexible display screen. Therefore, it plays an important role in supporting the foldable part of the flexible display screen in the unfolded state shown in Figure 2a or Figure 2b and in the closed state shown in Figure 1.

[0069] Referring to Figure 3, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the hinge mechanism 1 of the electronic device shown in Figure 2b. In the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may include a rotating module 101. The number of rotating modules 101 in the hinge mechanism 1 is not limited in the present application. The hinge mechanism 1 may include only one rotating module 101 or may include multiple rotating modules 101. When the hinge mechanism 1 includes multiple rotating modules 101, the multiple rotating modules 101 may be arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1. In the present application, the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1 is the extension direction of the axis of rotation of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 shown in Figure 2b around the hinge mechanism 1. It can be understood that the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are rotatably connected by multiple rotating modules 101, which can effectively improve the stability of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 of the electronic device in rotation relative to the hinge mechanism 1.

[0070] Referring to Figure 4 , which is an exploded view of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 shown in Figure 3 , the rotating module 101 may include a first rotating assembly 1011 and a second rotating assembly 1012. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4 , the rotating shaft mechanism 1 may further include a main shaft 102 , which serves as a supporting member for the first rotating assembly 1011 and the second rotating assembly 1012 , allowing the first rotating assembly 1011 and the second rotating assembly 1012 to rotate relative to the main shaft.

[0071] It is worth mentioning that in the embodiment of the present application, when there are multiple rotating modules 101, the first rotating components 1011 and the second rotating components 1012 of the multiple rotating modules 101 can all use the same main shaft 102 as a bearing component to improve the integration level of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. In other possible embodiments of the present application, the rotating shaft mechanism 1 can be provided with a main shaft 102 corresponding to each rotating module 101, so that the first rotating component 1011 and the second rotating component 1012 of each rotating module 101 use the corresponding main shaft 102 as a bearing component.

[0072] The rotating shaft mechanism may further include a first housing fixing frame 1013 and a second housing fixing frame 1014, which are disposed on opposite sides of the main shaft 102. The first housing fixing frame 1013 may be configured to be fixedly connected to the first housing 2, for example, to the first middle frame of the first housing 2, and the second housing fixing frame 1014 may be configured to be fixedly connected to the second housing 3, for example, to the second middle frame of the second housing 3. Furthermore, the first housing fixing frame 1013 may be in transmission connection with the first rotating assembly 1011, thereby enabling the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the first housing 2 to rotate relative to the main shaft 102. Furthermore, the second housing 3 may be in transmission connection with the second rotating assembly 1012, thereby enabling the second housing fixing frame 1014 and the second housing 3 to rotate relative to the main shaft 102. When the electronic device is unfolded or folded, the first housing mounting bracket 1013 rotates synchronously with the first housing 2, and the second housing mounting bracket 1014 rotates synchronously with the second housing 3. The first housing mounting bracket 1013 then drives the first rotating assembly 1011 to rotate about its main axis, while the second housing mounting bracket 1014 drives the second rotating assembly 1012 to rotate about its main axis. Thus, by properly designing the structures of the first rotating assembly 1011 and the second rotating assembly 1012, the motion trajectories of the first and second housings 2 and 3 can be restricted, allowing the electronic device to unfold and fold in a predetermined rotational pattern.

[0073] In addition, in order to reduce the risk of dislocation or damage of the structural parts of the electronic device (including rotating components, shell fixing frames or shells, etc.) in scenarios such as the electronic device falling or impacting, the electronic device in the embodiment of the present application also provides a support component 103 that can provide limiting support for the above-mentioned structural parts, so that the electronic device can be effectively supported in both the unfolded and folded states, thereby improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0074] To more clearly and completely present the support assembly 103 in the embodiment of the present application, before introducing the specific structure of the support assembly 103, please first refer to a specific implementation method of the hinge mechanism shown in Figures 4 to 16. In addition to being able to realize the support and limiting function of the rotating assembly, the housing fixing frame or the housing and other structural parts, the hinge mechanism 1 can also realize the flat support of the flexible display screen. In the intermediate state of the electronic device and during the unfolding or folding process, the bending portion of the flexible display screen can be evenly stressed. When the electronic device is in the folded state, it can provide a storage space for the flexible display screen, and this storage space can ensure that the bending portion of the flexible display screen has a certain degree of curvature to avoid being squeezed. Furthermore, the hinge mechanism 1 can also ensure that the length of the flexible display screen remains unchanged during the entire unfolding or folding process of the electronic device, thereby ensuring the reliability of the flexible display screen.

[0075] It should be understood that the connection method between the rotating assembly and the housing fixing frame can be various. For example, the rotating assembly and the main shaft can be rotatably connected, the rotating assembly and the housing fixing frame can be fixedly connected, rotatably connected, or slidably connected, etc. The following embodiment is only one possible implementation method of the rotating assembly for realizing the folding and unfolding function of the electronic device. The rotating assembly can also be realized in other ways. As long as the housing bracket can be rotated relative to the main shaft to realize the folding and unfolding function of the rotating shaft mechanism, it is within the scope of the embodiments of the present application. Accordingly, the support assembly 103 involved in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to any electronic device with a foldable function.

[0076] Next, an exemplary design of the rotating shaft mechanism will be described in detail.

[0077] Continuing with FIG4 , in the embodiment of the present application, the first rotating assembly 1011 may include a first swing arm 10111, a first support arm 10112, and a first connecting member 10113. The first connecting member 10113 is located between the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112, and is rotationally connected to the first swing arm 10111. The first connecting member 10113 is also rotationally connected to the first support arm 10112, so that the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 are pulled against each other via the first connecting member 10113. It can be understood that the motion trajectory of the first connecting member 10113 plays a key role in the motion trajectory of the first rotating assembly 1011.

[0078] In the present application, the first connecting member 10113 is movable relative to the main shaft 102. For a specific implementation, refer to Figure 5, which is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting member 10113 of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state. The main shaft 102 may be provided with a first track groove 1023, along which the first connecting member 10113 can move, thereby limiting the movement trajectory of the first connecting member 10113.

[0079] Referring to Figure 6, Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the main shaft 102 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The main shaft 102 may include a base 1021 and a cover plate 1022. The cover plate 1022 is covered on the base 1021, and the outer surface of the cover plate 1022 can serve as the appearance surface of the rotating shaft mechanism. Among them, referring to Figure 7, Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the base 1021 of the main shaft 102 shown in Figure 6. The base 1021 may be provided with a first arcuate groove 10211. Referring to Figures 5 and 7 together, the first connecting member 10113 is accommodated in the first arcuate groove 10211, and the first connecting member 10113 can slide along the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove. In addition, referring to Figure 8, Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the cover plate 1022 of the main shaft 102 shown in Figure 6, and Figure 8 is used to show the structure of the cover plate 1022 facing the base 1021. The cover plate 1022 includes a first protrusion 10221 , as shown in FIG. 5 . The first protrusion 10221 can be disposed toward the first arcuate groove 10211 . A gap exists between the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove. The gap serves as the first track groove 1023 .

[0080] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting member 10113 of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state. Figure 5 and Figure 9 can be referred to together. When the electronic device is in a process of changing from an expanded state to a closed state, the first connecting member 10113 can move toward the first swing arm 10111 in the first track groove 1023, and when it is in a process of changing from a closed state to an expanded state, the first connecting member 10113 can move toward the first support arm 10112 in the first track groove 1023, so that the first connecting member 10113 can move relative to the main shaft 102 according to the set track.

[0081] 5 and 9 , it can be seen that when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, or vice versa, the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 can rotate about the main axis 102. Furthermore, because the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 are mutually pulled by the first connecting member 10113, the first connecting member 10113 can also rotate relative to the surface 102211 of the first protruding portion and the groove surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped groove during its movement within the first track groove 1023, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement of the first rotating assembly 1011.

[0082] Referring to Figure 10 , Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a first connecting member 10113 provided in an embodiment of the present application. In the present application, the first connecting member 10113 may include a first curved surface 101133 and a second curved surface 101134. To enable the first connecting member 10113 to rotate relative to the surface 102211 of the first protruding portion and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove, the first curved surface 101133 and the second curved surface 101134 may be arcuate surfaces, with the center of the first curved surface 101133 coinciding with the center of the second curved surface 101134. The radii of the first curved surface 101133 and the second curved surface 101134 may be equal or different, and are not limited thereto in the present application. In addition, considering the design tolerance, the first arc surface 101133 and the second arc surface 101134 can also be arc surfaces of other possible shapes such as elliptical arc surfaces, as long as the first connecting member 10113 can be rotated relative to the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first arc groove.

[0083] 5 and 9 , when the electronic device is in the expanded state as shown in FIG5 and the closed state as shown in FIG9 , the first curved surface 101133 of the first connecting member 10113 can abut against the surface 102211 of the first protrusion, and the second curved surface 101134 abuts against the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove, so that the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove limit the first connecting member 10113 to the first track groove 1023, so that when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the expanded state and the closed state, the position of the first connecting member 10113 is relatively stable and no virtual shaking occurs, thereby improving the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 in the above two states.

[0084] In this application, when the electronic device is in the expanded state as shown in FIG5 , the distance between the point where the surface 102211 of the first protrusion abuts the first curved surface 101133 and the point where the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove abuts the second curved surface 101134 can be recorded as d1. When the electronic device is in the closed state as shown in FIG9 , the distance between the point where the surface 102211 of the first protrusion abuts the first curved surface 101133 and the point where the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove abuts the second curved surface 101134 can be recorded as d2. Since the first curved surface 101133 of the first connecting member 10113 can abut against the surface 102211 of the first protrusion when the electronic device is in the expanded state and the closed state, and the second curved surface 101134 abuts against the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove, when the first curved surface 101133 and the second curved surface 101134 are both circular arc surfaces, it can be concluded that d1=d2.

[0085] In the present application, the specific configuration of the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove is not limited. For example, the surface 102211 of the first protrusion can be an arcuate surface, and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove can be an arcuate surface. In addition, the center of the surface 102211 of the first protrusion coincides with the center of the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove. In other possible embodiments of the present application, the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove can also be planes, so that the first track groove 1023 is a straight groove; or the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove can also be other curved surfaces, so that the first track groove 1023 is a curved groove of any shape, all of which should be understood to fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0086] Continuing with FIG. 5 , in the present application, the spacing between the surface 102211 of the first protruding portion and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove can be made equal at all locations, so that the first trajectory groove 1023 is a groove of uniform width. In this case, during the electronic device's transition from the expanded state to the closed state, and vice versa, the surface 102211 of the first protruding portion and the first arcuate surface 101133, as well as the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove and the second arcuate surface 101134, are always in contact. This allows the first connecting member 10113 to maintain a consistent trajectory during the transition from the expanded state to the closed state, and vice versa. This helps improve the stability of the movement of the first connecting member 10113, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the first rotating assembly 10111.

[0087] Referring to Figure 11, Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first connecting member 10113 and the main shaft 102 provided in an embodiment of the present application. In the present application, when the first track groove 1023 is a groove of equal width, and the first curved surface 101133 and the second curved surface 101134 are circular arc surfaces, the sum of the radius R1 of the first curved surface 101133 and the radius R2 of the second curved surface 101134 is equal to the distance D between the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove. In addition, considering the smooth movement of the first connecting member 10113 within the first track groove 1023, a certain design gap can be retained between the first curved surface 101133 and the surface 102211 of the first protrusion, and / or between the second curved surface 101134 and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove.

[0088] In other possible embodiments of the present application, the motion trajectory of the first connector 10113 during the electronic device's transition from an expanded state to a closed state can be different from the motion trajectory of the first connector 10113 during the transition from a closed state to an expanded state. Specifically, during the transition from the expanded state to the closed state, the first curved surface 101133 abuts the surface 102211 of the first protruding portion, and a gap exists between the second curved surface 101134 and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove. Furthermore, during the transition from the expanded state to the closed state, the second curved surface 101134 abuts the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove, and a gap exists between the first curved surface 101133 and the surface 102211 of the first protruding portion. In this embodiment, the gaps between the surface 102211 of the first protruding portion and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove can vary, and the first trajectory groove 1023 can be a non-uniform width groove.

[0089] As can be seen from the above description, in the present application, the first swing arm 10111 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 102, wherein the first swing arm 10111 and the main shaft 102 can be rotatably connected by means of a virtual axis. This can help reduce the space occupied by the first swing arm 10111 on the main shaft 102, thereby helping to reduce the volume of the rotating module 101, so as to facilitate the miniaturization of the hinge mechanism 1. In addition, it can be understood that for an outward-folding electronic device, when the first swing arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 by means of a virtual axis, the axis of rotation of the first swing arm 10111 around the main shaft 102 is located on the side of the main shaft 102 facing away from the flexible display screen.

[0090] It is worth mentioning that in this application, a virtual axis refers to the axis of an arc-shaped structure, and two rotatably connected components can rotate relative to the virtual axis, and the position of the virtual axis is fixed as the two rotatably connected components rotate relative to each other. For example, as shown in Figure 12, Figure 12 is an AA cross-sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 3. The end of the first swing arm 10111 facing the base 1021 can be provided with a first arc-shaped rotating block 101111. In addition, referring to Figure 7, the base 1021 can be provided with a second arc-shaped groove 10212. The first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be accommodated in the second arc-shaped groove 10212, and the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can slide along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212, thereby realizing the rotation of the first swing arm 10111 around the main shaft 102 by sliding the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 along the arc surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212. In addition, in the present application, the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped rotating block, and the second arc-shaped groove 10212 can be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped groove. It is understood that when the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 is a circular arc-shaped rotating block, its surface for contacting the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212 can be a circular arc surface, and the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212 can also be a circular arc surface, with the centers of the two circular arc surfaces coinciding.

[0091] Referring to Figures 8 and 12 together, the cover 1022 may include a second protrusion 10222 arranged toward the second arc groove 10212, at least a portion of the first arc rotating block 101111 is located between the second protrusion 10222 and the second arc groove 10212, and the first arc rotating block 101111 may contact the surface 102221 of the second protrusion, so that the first arc rotating block 101111 can be limited between the cover 1022 and the base 1021, which can effectively improve the stability of the rotation of the first arc rotating block 101111 relative to the base 1021.

[0092] It's worth noting that when the second arcuate groove 10212 is formed as an arc, the portion of the second protruding portion's surface 102221 that contacts the first arcuate rotating block 101111 can also be an arc, with the centers of the two arcs coinciding. Furthermore, the surface of the first arcuate rotating block 101111 that faces the second protruding portion 10222 can be either a flat surface or an arc, as long as the first arcuate rotating block 101111 can rotate relative to the second protruding portion 10222.

[0093] Reference may be made to Figure 13, which is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application at the first swing arm 10111 when the electronic device is in a closed state. In the present application, the first arcuate rotating block 101111 may also be provided with a first recessed portion 1011111, with the opening of the first recessed portion 1011111 facing the cover plate 1022. Furthermore, the end of the cover plate 1022 facing the first swing arm 10111 may be provided with a first plug-in portion 10223. In this closed state, the first plug-in portion 10223 may be inserted into the first recessed portion 1011111, and the surface of the first plug-in portion 10223 facing the second arcuate groove 10212 abuts against at least a portion of the surface of the first recessed portion 1011111. In this way, the rotation position of the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be limited, and the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be prevented from escaping from the second arc-shaped groove 10212, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the first swing arm 10111 and the base 1021, and improving the structural reliability of the entire rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0094] It is worth mentioning that, in the present application, in addition to being rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a virtual shaft, the first swing arm 10111 can also be rotatably connected via a solid shaft, which can make the connection between the first swing arm 10111 and the main shaft 102 more reliable. It is understandable that when the first swing arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a solid shaft, the axis of rotation of the first swing arm 10111 around the main shaft 102 is also located on the side of the main shaft 102 facing away from the flexible display screen.

[0095] In the present application, when the first swing arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the first connecting member 10113, reference can continue to be made to Figure 10. The first connecting member 10113 may include a first rotating shaft 101131 and a second rotating shaft 101132. The axis of the first rotating shaft 101131 is parallel to the axis of the second rotating shaft 101132 and does not overlap.

[0096] In addition, referring to Figure 14, Figure 14 is a schematic structural diagram of the first rotating assembly 1011 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first connecting member 10113 is rotationally connected to the first swing arm 10111 via a first rotating shaft 101131, and the first connecting member 10113 is rotationally connected to the first support arm 10112 via a second rotating shaft 101132. This allows the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 to engage in mutual pulling motion via the first connecting member 10113.

[0097] Referring to FIG15 , FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a first swing arm 10111 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 of the first swing arm 10111 is provided with a first mounting groove 1011112. Referring to FIG12 and FIG15 together, the notch of the first mounting groove 1011112 is disposed toward the second arc-shaped groove 10212, so that the first rotating shaft 101131 can be mounted in the first mounting groove 1011112. A portion of the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 can contact the groove surface of the first mounting groove 1011112, and a portion of the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 can contact the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212, thereby confining the first rotating shaft 101131 in the first mounting groove 1011112.

[0098] Continuing with reference to Figures 12 and 15 , the groove surface of the first mounting groove 1011112 may include a first arcuate surface 10111121, and the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 that contacts the groove surface of the first mounting groove 1011112 is a second arcuate surface 1011311, with the center of the first arcuate surface 10111121 coinciding with the center of the second arcuate surface 1011311. Furthermore, referring to Figure 7 , the groove surface of the second arcuate groove 10212 may be a third arcuate surface 102121. As shown in Figure 12 , the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 that contacts the groove surface of the second arcuate groove 10212 may be a fourth arcuate surface 1011312, with the center of the third arcuate surface 102121 coinciding with the center of the fourth arcuate surface 1011312. In this way, referring to Figures 12 and 13 together, while the first rotating shaft 101131 slides along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212 with the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111, the first rotating shaft 101131 can also be rotated relative to the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111, thereby facilitating the movement of the first connecting member 10113 relative to the main shaft 102.

[0099] In the present application, when the first connecting member 10113 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10112, as shown in FIG14 , the second rotating shaft 101132 can be simultaneously provided through the first connecting member 10113 and the first support arm 10112. This simplifies the connection between the first connecting member 10113 and the first support arm 10112, which helps to simplify the structure of the first rotating assembly 1011, thereby simplifying the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. It is worth mentioning that when the first curved surface 101133 and the second curved surface 101134 of the first connecting member 10113 are both circular arc surfaces, the center of the first curved surface 101133, the center of the second curved surface 101134, and the axis of the second rotating shaft 101132 coincide with each other.

[0100] It is understandable that in the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the first connecting member 10113 may include a plurality of first sub-connecting members that are rotatably connected in sequence. In addition, the plurality of first sub-connecting members may be located between the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112, so that the first swing arm 10111 can be rotatably connected to the adjacent first sub-connecting member, and the first support arm 10112 can be rotatably connected to the adjacent first sub-connecting member. The manner in which the first swing arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the adjacent first sub-connecting member, and the manner in which the first support arm 10112 is rotatably connected to the adjacent first sub-connecting member, can be specifically set with reference to the above description of the rotatable connection between the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 and the first connecting member 10113, and will not be elaborated on here. In the present application, by setting the first connecting member 10113 as a plurality of first sub-connecting members that are connected in rotation in sequence, so that the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 are connected through a plurality of first sub-connecting members, the speed uniformity of the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 during the rotation around the main axis 102 can be effectively improved, thereby improving the smoothness of the mutual pulling movement of the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112.

[0101] Continuing with FIG. 4 , similar to the structure of the first rotating assembly 1011, when the second rotating assembly 1012 is specifically configured, the second rotating assembly 1012 is located between the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014. Furthermore, the second rotating assembly 1012 may include a second swing arm 10121, a second support arm 10122, and a second connecting member 10123. The second connecting member 10123 is located between the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122, and is rotationally connected to the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122. In the present application, when the second connecting member 10123 is rotationally connected to the second swing arm 10121 and the first support arm 10112, the configuration may be similar to the above-described configuration of the first connecting member 10113 rotationally connected to the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122. For example, reference may be made to FIG10 , which may also be used to illustrate the structure of the second connecting member 10123 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The second connecting member 10123 may include a third rotating shaft 101231 and a fourth rotating shaft 101232, wherein the axis of the third rotating shaft 101231 is parallel to and does not overlap with the axis of the fourth rotating shaft 101232. The second connecting member 10123 and the second swing arm 10121 may be rotatably connected via the third rotating shaft 101231, and the second connecting member 10123 and the second support arm 10122 may be rotatably connected via the fourth rotating shaft 101232, thereby allowing the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 to perform a pulling motion with each other via the second connecting member 10123.

[0102] In addition, referring to Figure 6 , the spindle 102 may be provided with a second trajectory groove 1024, along which the second connecting member 10123 can move, thereby limiting the movement trajectory of the second connecting member 10123. Specifically, referring to Figure 7 , the base 1021 may be provided with a third arcuate groove 10213, in which the second connecting member 10123 is accommodated and can slide along the groove surface of the third arcuate groove 10213. Furthermore, referring to Figure 8 , the cover 1022 includes a third protrusion 10224, which may be positioned toward the third arcuate groove 10213 of the base 1021 in Figure 7 . A gap exists between the surface 102241 of the third protrusion and the groove surface 102131 of the third arcuate groove, serving as the second trajectory groove 1024.

[0103] In the present application, as shown in FIG10 , the second connecting member 10123 may include a third curved surface 101233 and a fourth curved surface 101234. When the electronic device is in the expanded state and the closed state, the third curved surface 101233 of the second connecting member 10123 may abut against the surface 102241 of the third protrusion, and the fourth curved surface 101234 may abut against the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove, so that the surface 102241 of the third protrusion and the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove restrict the second connecting member 10123 to the second track groove 1024. This ensures that the position of the second connecting member 10123 is relatively stable when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the expanded state and the closed state, and does not cause virtual position shaking, thereby improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 in the above two states.

[0104] In the embodiment of the present application, the third curved surface 101233 of the second connecting member 10123 can be configured with reference to the first curved surface 101133 of the first connecting member 10113, and the fourth curved surface 101234 can be configured with reference to the second curved surface 101134 of the first connecting member 10113, which will not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the second track groove 1024 can be configured with reference to the first track groove 1023. In short, the spacing between the surface 102241 of the third protrusion and the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove is equal at all locations, so that the second track groove 1024 is a groove of uniform width. In this case, during the process of the electronic device moving from the expanded state to the closed state, and vice versa, the surface 102241 of the third protrusion and the third curved surface 101233, as well as the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove and the fourth curved surface 101234, are always in contact. Thus, when the electronic device moves from the expanded state to the closed state and from the closed state to the expanded state, the movement trajectory of the second connecting member 10123 within the second trajectory groove 1024 is the same. Alternatively, when the electronic device moves from the expanded state to the closed state, the third curved surface 101233 abuts against the surface 102241 of the third protruding portion, and a gap exists between the fourth curved surface 101234 and the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove. When the electronic device moves from the closed state to the expanded state, the fourth curved surface 101234 abuts against the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove, and a gap exists between the third curved surface 101233 and the surface 102241 of the third protruding portion. This ensures that the movement trajectory of the second connecting member 10123 when the electronic device moves from the expanded state to the closed state is different from the movement trajectory of the second connecting member 10123 when the electronic device moves from the closed state to the expanded state.

[0105] In the present application, the second swing arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102. The second swing arm 10121 and the main shaft 102 can be rotatably connected via a virtual axis. In a specific implementation, as shown in FIG7 , the base 1021 can be provided with a fourth arcuate groove 10214. In addition, referring to FIG4 and FIG15 , FIG15 can also be used to illustrate the structure of the second swing arm 10121. A second arcuate rotating block 101211 is provided at one end of the second swing arm 10121 facing the base 1021. The second arcuate rotating block 101211 can be, but is not limited to, a circular arcuate rotating block, and the fourth arcuate groove 10214 can be, but is not limited to, a circular arcuate groove. The second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 can be accommodated in the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214 and can slide along the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214, thereby achieving the rotation of the second swing arm 10121 about the base 1021 through the sliding of the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 along the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214. This can help reduce the space occupied by the second swing arm 10121 on the main shaft 102, thereby helping to reduce the volume of the rotating module 101, so as to achieve a miniaturized design of the hinge mechanism 1. It is understandable that for an outward-folding electronic device, when the second swing arm 10121 is rotationally connected to the main shaft 102 via a virtual axis, the axis of rotation of the second swing arm 10121 about the main shaft 102 is located on the side of the hinge mechanism facing away from the flexible display screen.

[0106] Furthermore, in the present application, the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped rotating block, and the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped groove. It is understood that when the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 is a circular arc-shaped rotating block, its surface for contact with the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214 may be a circular arc surface, and the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214 may also be a circular arc surface, with the centers of the two circular arc surfaces coinciding.

[0107] In the present application, in order to improve the stability of the second swing arm 10121 rotating about the main axis 102, as shown in FIG8 , the cover plate 1022 further includes a fourth protrusion 10225 disposed toward the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214. At least a portion of the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 is located between the fourth protrusion 10225 and the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214, and the surface of the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 facing the fourth protrusion 10225 can contact the surface 102251 of the fourth protrusion, thereby confining the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 between the cover plate 1022 and the base 1021. This can effectively improve the stability of the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 rotating relative to the base 1021. Furthermore, when the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove 10214 is an arcuate surface, the portion of the surface 102251 of the fourth protrusion that contacts the second arcuate rotating block 101211 may also be an arcuate surface, with the centers of the two arcuate surfaces coinciding. In the present application, the surface of the second arcuate rotating block 101211 facing the fourth protrusion 10225 may be a flat surface or an arcuate surface, as long as the second arcuate rotating block 101211 can rotate relative to the fourth protrusion 10225 while sliding along the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove 10214.

[0108] To enhance the reliability of the connection between the second swing arm 10121 and the base 1021, the second arcuate rotating block 101211 may also be provided with a second recessed portion 1012111, the opening of which faces the cover plate 1022. Furthermore, the end of the cover plate 1022 facing the second housing fixing frame 1014 may be provided with a second plug-in portion. In the closed state, the second plug-in portion may be inserted into the second recessed portion 1012111, with the surface of the second plug-in portion facing the fourth arcuate slot 10214 abutting at least partially against the surface of the second recessed portion 1012111. This limits the rotational position of the second arcuate rotating block 101211, thereby preventing the second arcuate rotating block 101211 from dislodging from the fourth arcuate slot 10214.

[0109] It's worth noting that, in this application, in addition to being rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a virtual shaft, the second swing arm 10121 can also be rotatably connected via a solid shaft, which provides a more reliable connection between the first swing arm 10111 and the main shaft 102. For outward-folding electronic devices, when the second swing arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a solid shaft, the axis of rotation of the second swing arm 10121 around the main shaft 102 is also located on the side of the hinge mechanism facing away from the flexible display.

[0110] When the second connecting member 10123 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10121 through the third rotating shaft 101231, reference can be continued to Figure 15. The second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 is provided with a second mounting groove 1012112, and the groove opening of the second mounting groove 1012112 is set toward the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214. Then the third rotating shaft 101231 can be installed in the second mounting groove 1012112, and part of the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 can contact the groove surface of the second mounting groove 1012112, and part of the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 is in contact with the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214, so as to limit the third rotating shaft 101231 to the second mounting groove 1012112.

[0111] As shown in FIG15 , in the present application, the groove surface of the second mounting groove 1012112 may include a fifth arcuate surface 10121121, and as shown in FIG10 , the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 that contacts the groove surface of the second mounting groove 1012112 is a sixth arcuate surface 1012311, and the center of the fifth arcuate surface 10121121 coincides with the center of the sixth arcuate surface 1012311. Furthermore, the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove 10214 is a seventh arcuate surface 102141, and the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 that contacts the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove 10214 may be an eighth arcuate surface 1012312, and the center of the seventh arcuate surface 102141 coincides with the center of the eighth arcuate surface 1012312. In this way, while the third rotating shaft 101231 slides along the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214 with the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211, the third rotating shaft 101231 can also be rotated relative to the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211, thereby facilitating the movement of the second connecting member 10123 relative to the main shaft 102.

[0112] In the embodiment of the present application, when the second connecting member 10123 and the second support arm 10122 are rotatably connected through the fourth rotating shaft 101232, the fourth rotating shaft 101232 can be simultaneously passed through the second connecting member 10123 and the second support arm 10122. Then, the connection method between the second connecting member 10123 and the second support arm 10122 is relatively simple, which is conducive to simplifying the structure of the second rotating component 1012, thereby simplifying the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0113] It is understood that in the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the second connecting member 10123 may include a plurality of second sub-connecting members that are rotatably connected in sequence. In addition, the plurality of second sub-connecting members may be located between the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122, so that the second swing arm 10121 can be rotatably connected to the adjacent second sub-connecting member, and the second support arm 10122 can be rotatably connected to the adjacent second sub-connecting member. The manner in which the second swing arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the adjacent second sub-connecting member, and the manner in which the second support arm 10122 is rotatably connected to the adjacent second sub-connecting member, can be specifically set with reference to the above description of the rotatable connection between the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 and the second connecting member 10123, and will not be described in detail here. In the present application, by setting the second connecting member 10123 as a plurality of second sub-connecting members that are rotatably connected in sequence, so that the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 are rotatably connected through the plurality of second sub-connecting members, the speed uniformity of the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 during the rotation around the main axis 102 can be effectively improved, thereby improving the smoothness of the mutual pulling movement of the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122.

[0114] Continuing with FIG. 4 , in the embodiment of the present application, the first rotating assembly 1011 is located between the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014. The first swing arm 10111 is slidably connected to the first housing fixing frame 1013. Specifically, the first housing fixing frame 1013 is provided with a first slide groove 10131. The first slide groove 10131 extends in a first direction, and the first swing arm 10111 can be mounted in the first slide groove 10131 and can slide in the first direction within the first slide groove 10131. The first direction can be the direction in which the first housing fixing frame 1013 moves toward or away from the base 1021. Furthermore, to prevent the first swing arm 10111 from falling out of the first slide groove 10131, a first slideway can be provided on the groove wall of the first slide groove 10131, and a first slider can be provided on the first swing arm 10111. In this way, the first slider can be clamped in the first slideway and can slide along the first slideway to limit the first swing arm 10111 in the first slide groove 10131. In addition, by providing the first slideway on the groove wall of the first slide groove 10131, it can provide a guide for the first swing arm 10111 to slide along the first slide groove 10131, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the first swing arm 10111.

[0115] In the present application, the first support arm 10112 can be rotatably connected to the second housing fixing frame 1014. In a specific implementation, referring to Figure 4, the second housing fixing frame 1014 has a second mounting portion 10142. The end of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing fixing frame 1014 is mounted on the second mounting portion 10142, and the end of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing fixing frame 1014 is rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 10142.

[0116] In the embodiment of the present application, the specific manner in which the end portion of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing fixing frame 1014 is rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 10142 is not limited. For example, with continued reference to FIG. 4 , the second mounting portion 10142 may be provided with a first mounting hole, and the end portion of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing fixing frame 1014 may be provided with a second mounting hole. Then, the end portion of the first support arm 10112 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 may be rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 10142 via a rotating shaft that passes through both the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

[0117] Referring to Figure 16, which is a schematic diagram of the motion mechanism of the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, based on the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the above embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device moves from an unfolded state to a closed state, the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 move toward each other. When the first housing fixing frame 1013 drives the first swing arm 10111 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102, the first swing arm 10111 can slide along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212, thereby driving the first connecting member 10113 to move toward the first swing arm 10111 within the first track groove 1023 of the main shaft 102. Because the first connecting member 10113 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10112, the first connecting member 10113 can drive the first support arm 10112 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102 during the process of moving toward the first swing arm 10111 in the first track groove 1023 of the main shaft 102, thereby driving the second shell fixing frame 1014 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102 through the first support arm 10112. During the process of the electronic device moving from a closed state to an unfolded state, the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 move in opposite directions. When the first shell fixing frame 1013 drives the first swing arm 10111 to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis 102, the first swing arm 10111 can drive the first connecting member 10113 to move toward the first support arm 10112 in the first track groove 1023 of the main axis 102, thereby driving the first support arm 10112 to rotate clockwise around the main axis 102, so as to drive the second shell fixing frame 1014 to rotate clockwise around the main axis 102 through the first support arm 10112, thereby realizing the folding and unfolding function of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0118] Through the above structural relationship, the cross-section of the first connecting member 10113 can be made smaller to allow it to pass through the first track groove 1023 of the main shaft 102. At the same time, because the first connecting member 10113 has a sufficient length extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis and is connected to the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 respectively, the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be guaranteed. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft 102 and the thickness of the entire device can be reduced while maintaining the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1, making the entire hinge mechanism 1 light, thin and reliable.

[0119] In addition, since the first connecting member 10113 can move along a set trajectory within the first trajectory groove 1023, uncontrolled movement of the first connecting member 10113 during the entire folding and unfolding process can be avoided, thereby preventing random movement of the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014, thereby ensuring the structural and motion stability of the entire hinge mechanism 1. In some cases, through reasonable design of the first trajectory groove 1023, the outer tangent of the hinge mechanism 1 can also maintain a constant length throughout the entire folding and unfolding process, thereby ensuring that the flexible display covering the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can also maintain a substantially constant length. In this way, squeezing or pulling of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display, and thus improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0120] Referring again to FIG. 4 , in the embodiment of the present application, the second swing arm 10121 can be slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket 1014. Specifically, the second housing mounting bracket 1014 is provided with a second slide groove 10141, which is spaced apart from the second mounting portion 10142 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. The second slide groove 10141 extends in a second direction, and the second swing arm 10121 can be mounted in the second slide groove 10141 and slide within the second slide groove 10141 in the second direction. The second direction can be the direction in which the second housing mounting bracket 1014 moves toward or away from the base 1021. Furthermore, to prevent the second swing arm 10121 from falling out of the second slide groove 10141, a second slideway can be provided on the wall of the second slide groove 10141, and a second slider can be provided on the second swing arm 10121. In this way, the second slider can be locked in the second slideway and slide along the second slideway to limit the second swing arm 10121 in the second slide groove 10141. In addition, by providing the second slideway on the groove wall of the second slide groove 10141, it can provide a guide for the second swing arm 10121 to slide along the second slide groove 10141, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the second swing arm 10121.

[0121] In addition, the second support arm 10122 can be rotatably connected to the first housing fixing frame 1013. In a specific embodiment, the first housing fixing frame 1013 has a first mounting portion 10132, which is spaced apart from the first slide groove 10131 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. The end of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 is mounted on the first mounting portion 10132, and the end of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 is rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 10132.

[0122] In the embodiment of the present application, the specific manner in which the end portion of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 is rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 10132 is not limited. For example, with continued reference to FIG. 4 , the first mounting portion 10132 may be provided with a third mounting hole, while the end portion of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 is provided with a fourth mounting hole. In this case, the end portion of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 may be rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 10132 via a rotating shaft that passes through both the third mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole.

[0123] Based on the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the above-described embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device moves from an open state to a closed state, the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 move toward each other. When the second housing fixing frame 1014 drives the second swing arm 10121 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102, the second swing arm 10121 can drive the second connecting member 10123 to move toward the second swing arm 10121 within the second track groove 1024 of the main shaft 102. Because the second connecting member 10123 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10122, when the second connecting member 10123 moves toward the second swing arm 10121 within the second track groove 1024 of the main shaft 102, it can drive the second support arm 10122 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102, thereby driving the first housing fixing frame 1013 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102 through the second support arm 10122. When the electronic device moves from the closed state to the unfolded state, the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 move in opposite directions. When the second housing fixing frame 1014 drives the second swing arm 10121 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102, the second swing arm 10121 can drive the second connecting member 10123 to move within the second track groove 1024 of the main shaft 102 toward the second support arm 10122, thereby driving the second support arm 10122 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102. The second support arm 10122 drives the first housing fixing frame 1013 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102, thereby realizing the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0124] The above-described structural relationship allows the cross-section of the second connecting member 10123 to be made smaller so that it can be inserted into the second track groove 1024 of the main shaft 102. At the same time, because the second connecting member 10123 has a sufficient length extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis and is connected to the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122, respectively, the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be ensured. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft 102 and the entire device can be reduced while maintaining the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1, making the entire hinge mechanism 1 light, thin, and reliable.

[0125] Since the second connecting member 10123 can move along a set trajectory, uncontrolled movement of the second connecting member 10123 during the entire folding and unfolding process can be avoided, thereby preventing random movement of the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014, thereby ensuring the structural and motion stability of the entire hinge mechanism 1. In some cases, through reasonable design of the second trajectory groove 1024, the outer tangent of the hinge mechanism 1 can also maintain a constant length throughout the entire folding and unfolding process, thereby ensuring that the flexible display covering the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can also maintain a substantially constant length. In this way, squeezing or pulling of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display, and thus improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0126] After introducing the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly of the rotating shaft mechanism, the supporting assembly will be further described in detail below.

[0127] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG4 and FIG17 , in the embodiment of the present application, the support assembly 103 may include a first support portion 1031, a second support portion 1032, and a third support portion 1033. The first support portion 1031 may be disposed at an end of the first housing fixing frame 1013 along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, and the first support portion 1031 is located on a side of the first housing fixing frame 1013 close to the base 1021. The second support portion 1032 may be disposed at an end of the second housing fixing frame 1014 along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, and the second support portion 1032 is located on a side of the second housing fixing frame 1014 close to the base 1021. The third support portion 1033 is disposed at an end of the base 1021 along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, that is, the third support portion 1033 is located between the first support portion 1031 and the second support portion 1032.

[0128] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first support portion 1031 and the second support portion 1032 provided in an embodiment of the present application, and FIG19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third support portion 1033 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG17 to FIG19 , the first support portion 1031 may be provided with a first protrusion 10311 and a first groove 10312, and the second support portion 1032 may be provided with a second protrusion 10321 and a second groove 10322. Accordingly, the third support portion 1033 may be provided with a third protrusion 10331 and a third groove 10332 on the side close to the first housing fixing frame 1013, and a fourth protrusion 10333 and a fourth groove 10334 on the side close to the second housing fixing frame 1014.

[0129] FIG20 is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship among the first support portion 1031 , the second support portion 1032 , and the third support portion 1033 of the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application when the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state. With reference to Figures 17 and 20, in an embodiment of the present application, when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the expanded state, the third protrusion 10331 of the third support portion 1033 is limited to the first groove 10312 of the first support portion 1031, and the fourth protrusion 10333 of the third support portion 1033 is limited to the second groove 10322 of the second support portion 1032. In this way, through the cooperation between the third protrusion 10331 and the first groove 10312, and the cooperation between the fourth protrusion 10333 and the second groove 10322, the first support portion 1031, the second support portion 1032 and the third support portion 1033 can be at least laterally positioned, reducing the risk of lateral displacement of the first support portion 1031 and the second support portion 1032, and thereby reducing the risk of lateral misalignment of the first shell fixing frame 1013, the second shell fixing frame 1014 and the base 1021 in the expanded state. The horizontal direction may be understood as the arrangement direction of the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 on both sides of the base 1021 .

[0130] FIG21 is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship among the first support portion 1031 , the second support portion 1032 , and the third support portion 1033 of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application in a closed state. Referring to Figures 17 and 21, when the hinge mechanism 1 is in a closed state, the first protrusion 10311 of the first support portion 1031 is limited to the third groove 10332 of the third support portion 1033, and the second protrusion 10321 of the second support portion 1032 is limited to the fourth groove 10334 of the third support portion 1033. In this way, through the cooperation between the first protrusion 10311 and the third groove 10332, and the cooperation between the second protrusion 10321 and the fourth groove 10334, the first support portion 1031 and the second support portion 1032 can be at least laterally positioned, reducing the risk of lateral displacement of the first support portion 1031 and the second support portion 1032, and thereby reducing the risk of lateral misalignment of the first shell fixing frame 1013, the second shell fixing frame 1014 and the base 1021 in the closed state.

[0131] In addition, it should be understood that the mating surface between the groove and the protrusion is not a plane. Taking the mating between the third protrusion 10331 and the first groove 10312 as an example, it can be concluded from the fact that the third protrusion 10331 is limited in the first groove 10312 that the first groove 10312 surrounds or partially surrounds the third protrusion 10331, and the contact surface between the first groove 10312 and the third protrusion 10331 is a curved surface composed of multiple planes facing different directions. Correspondingly, the contact surface between the third protrusion 10331 and the first groove 10312 also includes multiple planes facing different directions, and each plane of the third protrusion 10331 abuts against each plane of the first groove 10312 respectively, forming a limit for the first support portion 1031 in multiple directions including the horizontal direction, thereby effectively limiting the freedom of the first support portion 1031 in multiple directions, that is, limiting the freedom of the first shell fixing frame in multiple directions. The hinge mechanism in the prior art lacks a supporting structure. When an electronic device using this hinge mechanism is dropped or impacted, its housing mount is easily displaced relative to the main shaft, leading to misalignment. Compared to the prior art, the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present application utilizes a protrusion and a groove to effectively reduce the risk of misalignment between the housing mount and the main shaft when the electronic device is dropped or impacted, regardless of whether the electronic device is in the expanded or closed state. This improves the structural stability of the hinge mechanism.

[0132] Referring to Figures 19 to 21 together, in an embodiment of the present application, the third support portion 1033 may include a main body 10335 and a baffle 10336, wherein the baffle 10336 may be located on a side of the main body 10335 away from the base, and the above-mentioned third protrusion 10331, third groove 10332 and fourth protrusion 10333, fourth groove 10334 are all arranged on the main body 10335. A plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism is defined as the first plane. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in the expanded state, the projection of the baffle 10336 on the first plane covers at least part of the projection of the first support part 1031 on the first plane, and covers at least part of the projection of the second support part 1032 on the first plane. That is to say, the baffle 10336 overlaps with the first support part 1031 and the second support part 1032 in the axial direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft mechanism. Through this design, the first support part 1031 and the second support part 1032 can be positioned in the axial direction, reducing the wind direction of the axial displacement of the first support part 1031 and the second support part 1032, thereby reducing the risk of axial misalignment of the first shell fixing frame, the second shell fixing frame and the base in the expanded state.

[0133] Similarly, when the hinge mechanism is in the closed state and in the process of switching between the expanded state and the closed state, the projection of the baffle 10336 on the first plane can also cover at least part of the projection of the first support part 1031 on the first plane, and cover at least part of the projection of the second support part 1032 on the first plane, thereby reducing the risk of axial misalignment between the first shell fixing frame, the second shell fixing frame and the base during the process of switching between the closed state and the expanded state and the closed state of the hinge mechanism.

[0134] In a specific implementation, the main body 10335 and the baffle 10336 of the third support portion 1033 can be an integrally formed structure, which helps to improve the structural strength of the third support portion 1033 and reduce the difficulty of assembling the shaft mechanism.

[0135] Continuing to refer to Figures 19 to 21, in some embodiments, the groove wall of the first groove 10312 may include a first concave surface 103121, and accordingly, the surface of the third protrusion 10331 may include a third convex surface 103311 that is consistent in shape with the first concave surface 103121. This can increase the adaptability of the surface of the third protrusion 10331 and the groove wall of the first groove 10312, thereby preventing the third protrusion 10331 from moving within the first groove 10312, thereby further reducing the risk of misalignment of the first shell fixing frame relative to the base in the expanded state.

[0136] Exemplarily, the first concave surface 103121 and the third convex surface 103311 include an arcuate surface, an inclined surface, or a combination of an arcuate surface and an inclined surface. For example, in one specific implementation, the first concave surface 103121 may include a first inclined surface 1031211, and the third convex surface 103311 may include a third inclined surface 1033111. Along the direction from the third protrusion 10331 to the fourth protrusion 10333 (i.e., the lateral direction from the first housing mount to the second housing mount), the third inclined surface 1033111 of the third convex surface 103311 may gradually tilt away from the support surface of the main shaft. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the third protrusion 10331 is confined within the first groove 10312, and the third inclined surface 1033111 of the third convex surface 103311 is parallel to and abuts against the first inclined surface 1031211 of the first concave surface 103121. If the electronic device falls or is hit in the unfolded state, the cooperation between the first groove 10312 and the third protrusion 10331 can not only realize the horizontal positioning of the first support part 1031, but also can utilize the third inclined surface 1033111 of the third convex surface 103311 to effectively limit the movement of the first support part 1031 toward the support surface of the main axis, that is, limit the movement of the first shell fixing frame toward the flexible display screen, thereby avoiding the first shell fixing frame from squeezing the flexible display screen and reducing the risk of damage to the flexible display screen.

[0137] Similarly, the groove wall of the second groove 10322 includes a second concave surface 103221, and accordingly, the surface of the fourth protrusion 10333 may include a fourth convex surface 103331 that is consistent in shape with the second concave surface 103221. This can increase the adaptability of the surface of the fourth protrusion 10333 and the groove wall of the second groove 10322, thereby preventing the fourth protrusion 10333 from moving within the second groove 10322, thereby further reducing the risk of misalignment of the second shell fixing frame relative to the base in the expanded state.

[0138] Similarly, the second concave surface 103221 and the fourth convex surface 103331 include curved surfaces, inclined surfaces, or a combination of curved surfaces and inclined surfaces. For example, in one specific implementation, the second concave surface 103221 may include a second inclined surface 1032211, and the fourth convex surface 103331 may include a fourth inclined surface 1033311. Along the direction from the fourth protrusion 10333 to the third protrusion 10331 (i.e., the lateral direction from the second housing mount to the first housing mount), the fourth inclined surface 1033311 of the fourth convex surface 103331 gradually inclines away from the support surface of the main shaft. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the fourth protrusion 10333 is confined within the second groove 10322, and the fourth inclined surface 1033311 of the fourth convex surface 103331 is parallel to and abuts against the second inclined surface 1032211 of the second concave surface 103221. If the electronic device falls or is hit in the unfolded state, the cooperation between the second groove 10322 and the fourth protrusion 10333 can not only realize the horizontal positioning of the second support part 1032, but also can utilize the fourth inclined surface 1033311 of the fourth convex surface 103331 to effectively limit the movement of the second support part 1032 toward the support surface of the main axis, that is, to limit the movement of the second shell fixing frame toward the flexible display screen, thereby avoiding the second shell fixing frame from squeezing the flexible display screen and reducing the risk of damage to the flexible display screen.

[0139] In some embodiments, the groove wall of the third groove 10332 may include a third concave surface 103321, and accordingly, the surface of the first protrusion 10311 may include a first convex surface 103111 that is consistent in shape with the third concave surface 103321. This can increase the adaptability of the surface of the first protrusion 10311 and the groove wall of the third groove 10332, thereby preventing the first protrusion 10311 from moving in the third groove 10332, thereby further reducing the risk of misalignment of the first shell fixing frame relative to the base in the closed state.

[0140] Exemplarily, the third concave surface 103321 and the first convex surface 103111 include an arcuate surface, an inclined surface, or a combination of an arcuate surface and an inclined surface. For example, in a specific implementation, the first convex surface 103111 may include a first inclined surface 1031111, and correspondingly, the third concave surface 103321 may include a third inclined surface 1033211. Along the direction from the third groove 10332 to the fourth groove 10334 (i.e., the lateral direction from the first housing fixing frame to the second housing fixing frame), the third inclined surface 1033211 of the third concave surface 103321 may gradually tilt toward the support surface of the main shaft. When the electronic device is in a closed state, the first protrusion 10311 is confined within the third groove 10332, and the first inclined surface 1031111 of the first convex surface 103111 is parallel to and abuts against the third inclined surface 1033211 of the third concave surface 103321. If the electronic device falls or is hit in the closed state, the third inclined surface 1033211 of the third concave surface 103321 can effectively limit the movement of the first support portion 1031 away from the third support portion 1033, that is, limit the movement of the first shell fixing frame away from the main axis, thereby reducing the risk of failure of other components due to the outward expansion of the first shell fixing frame.

[0141] It should be noted that, for the first support portion 1031, the first convex surface 103111 of the first protrusion 10311 and the first concave surface 103121 of the first groove 10312 can be adjacent to and connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the first support portion. At this time, the first inclined surface 1031111 of the first convex surface 103111 and the first inclined surface 1031211 of the first concave surface 103121 can be the same inclined surface. This design is conducive to simplifying the external structure of the first support portion 1031, thereby reducing the processing difficulty of the first support portion.

[0142] Similarly, the groove wall of the fourth groove 10334 may include a fourth concave surface 103341, and accordingly, the surface of the second protrusion 10321 may include a second convex surface 103211 that is consistent in shape with the fourth concave surface 103341. This can increase the adaptability of the surface of the second protrusion 10321 and the groove wall of the fourth groove 10334, thereby preventing the second protrusion 10321 from moving in the fourth groove 10334, thereby further reducing the risk of misalignment of the second shell fixing frame relative to the base in the closed state.

[0143] Similarly, the fourth concave surface 103341 and the second convex surface 103211 may include an arcuate surface, an inclined surface, or a combination of an arcuate surface and an inclined surface. For example, in one specific implementation, the second convex surface 103211 may include a second inclined surface 1032111, and the fourth concave surface 103341 may include a fourth inclined surface 1033411. Along the direction from the fourth groove 10334 to the third groove 10332 (i.e., the lateral direction from the second housing mount to the first housing mount), the fourth inclined surface 1033411 of the fourth concave surface 103341 may gradually tilt toward the support surface of the main shaft. When the electronic device is in a closed state, the second protrusion 10321 is confined within the fourth groove 10334, and the second inclined surface 1032111 of the second convex surface 103211 is parallel to and abuts against the fourth inclined surface 1033411 of the fourth concave surface 103341. If the electronic device falls or is hit in the closed state, the fourth inclined surface 1033411 of the fourth concave surface 103341 can effectively limit the movement of the second support portion 1032 away from the third support portion 1033, that is, limit the movement of the second shell fixing frame away from the main axis, thereby reducing the risk of failure of other components due to the outward expansion of the second shell fixing frame.

[0144] It should be noted that, for the second support portion 1032, the second convex surface 103211 of the second protrusion 10321 and the second concave surface 103221 of the second groove 10322 can be adjacent to and connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the second support portion 1032. At this time, the second inclined surface 1032111 of the second convex surface 103211 and the second inclined surface 1032211 of the second concave surface 103221 can be the same inclined surface. This design is conducive to simplifying the external structure of the second support portion 1032, thereby reducing the processing difficulty of the second support portion 1032.

[0145] Referring to Figures 19 to 21, in an embodiment of the present application, the surface of the third protrusion 10331 and the groove wall of the third groove 10332 can be connected by a first connecting arc surface 10337. In this way, when the hinge mechanism switches from the expanded state to the closed state, driven by the first shell fixing frame, the first protrusion 10311 of the first support part 1031 can smoothly transition to the third groove 10332 of the third support part 1033 under the guidance of the first connecting arc surface 10337, thereby reducing the risk of the first support part 1031 and the third support part 1033 getting stuck during the switching process, thereby improving the smoothness of the rotation of the first shell fixing frame relative to the base. On the contrary, when the hinge mechanism switches from a closed state to an expanded state, driven by the first shell fixing frame, the first groove 10312 of the first support portion 1031 can smoothly transition to the periphery of the third protrusion 10331 of the third support portion 1033 under the guidance of the first connecting arc surface 10337, so as to accommodate the third protrusion 10331 inside, thereby reducing the risk of jamming between the first support portion 1031 and the third support portion 1033 during the switching process, thereby improving the smoothness of the rotation of the first shell fixing frame relative to the base.

[0146] Based on the same principle, the surface of the fourth protrusion 10333 and the groove wall of the fourth groove 10334 can be connected by a second connecting arc surface 10338. In this way, when the hinge mechanism switches from the expanded state to the closed state, driven by the second shell fixing frame, the second protrusion 10321 of the second support part 1032 can smoothly transition to the fourth groove 10334 of the third support part 1033 under the guidance of the second connecting arc surface 10338, thereby reducing the risk of the second support part 1032 and the third support part 1033 getting stuck during the switching process, thereby improving the smoothness of the rotation of the second shell fixing frame relative to the base. On the contrary, when the hinge mechanism switches from a closed state to an expanded state, driven by the second shell fixing frame, the second groove 10322 of the second support portion 1032 can smoothly transition to the periphery of the fourth protrusion 10333 of the third support portion 1033 under the guidance of the second connecting arc surface 10338, so as to accommodate the fourth protrusion 10333 inside, thereby reducing the risk of the second support portion 1032 and the third support portion 1033 getting stuck during the switching process, thereby improving the smoothness of the rotation of the second shell fixing frame relative to the base.

[0147] It can be seen that through the above structural design, when the electronic device is in the expanded state and the closed state, the third support portion 1033 can achieve concave-convex cooperation with the first support portion 1031 and the second support portion 1032, thereby limiting the relative position between the first shell fixing frame and the base, and between the second shell fixing frame and the base, thereby reducing the risk of misalignment of the first shell and the second shell relative to the rotating shaft mechanism, and improving the reliability of the electronic device.

[0148] Of course, in some other embodiments, by changing the positional relationship between the first protrusion 10311 and the first groove 10312 of the first support portion 1031 relative to the flexible display screen, the positional relationship between the third protrusion 10331 and the third groove 10332 of the third support portion 1033 relative to the flexible display screen, and changing the positional relationship between the second protrusion 10321 and the second groove 10322 of the second support portion 1032 relative to the flexible display screen, and the positional relationship between the fourth protrusion 10333 and the fourth groove 10334 of the third support portion 1033 relative to the flexible display screen, the first support portion 1031 and the third support portion 1033, as well as the second support portion 1032 and the third support portion 1033 may also adopt a matching relationship opposite to that in the aforementioned embodiments. For example, when the hinge mechanism is in the extended state, the first protrusion 10311 of the first support portion 1031 is confined within the third groove 10332 of the third support portion 1033, and the second protrusion 10321 of the second support portion 1032 is confined within the fourth groove 10334 of the third support portion 1033. When the hinge mechanism is in the closed state, the third protrusion 10331 of the third support portion 1033 is confined within the first groove 10312 of the first support portion 1031, and the fourth protrusion 10333 of the third support portion 1033 is confined within the second groove 10322 of the second support portion 1032. This design can also define the relative relationship between the first and second housing fixing frames and the base, and the details will not be repeated here.

[0149] Referring again to Figure 17, in the embodiment of the present application, the first support portion 1031 and the first housing fixing frame 1013 can be an integral structure, that is, the first support portion 1031 can be directly formed at the end of the first housing fixing frame 1013, thereby improving the connection strength between the first support portion 1031 and the first housing fixing frame 1013 and reducing the difficulty of assembling the hinge mechanism 1. Of course, in other embodiments, the first support portion 1031 and the first housing fixing frame 1013 can also be fixedly connected by welding, bonding, etc. This split design helps to simplify the processing difficulty of the first support portion 1031 and the first housing fixing frame 1013.

[0150] Similarly, the second support portion 1032 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 can be designed as an integral body or as a split body; and the third support portion 1033 and the base 1021 can be designed as an integral body or as a split body.

[0151] In addition, the number of the first support portion 1031, the second support portion 1032, and the third support portion 1033 can be two respectively, wherein the two first support portions 1031 can be respectively arranged at the two ends of the first shell fixing frame 1013 along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, the two second support portions 1032 can be respectively arranged at the two ends of the second shell fixing frame 1014 along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, and the two third support portions 1033 can be respectively arranged at the two ends of the base 1021 along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1. In this way, the support assembly 103 can limit the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 at both ends of the hinge mechanism 1, thereby further reducing the risk of misalignment between the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the first shell, and between the second shell fixing frame 1014 and the second shell relative to the base, thereby improving the structural reliability of the electronic device in drop or impact scenarios.

[0152] FIG22 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG22 , in an embodiment of the present application, the electronic device includes a hinge mechanism 1, a first shell 2, and a second shell 3. Similar to the aforementioned embodiment, the hinge mechanism may include a base 1021, a first shell fixing frame 1013, a second shell fixing frame 1014, and one or more rotation modules. The first shell fixing frame 1013 is fixedly connected to the first shell 2, and the second shell fixing frame 1014 is fixedly connected to the second shell 3. Each rotation module may include a first rotation component and a second rotation component. The specific structure of the first rotation component and the second rotation component, as well as the connection method of the first rotation component and the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the connection method of the second rotation component and the second shell fixing frame 1014 can be set with reference to the embodiments shown in FIG4 to FIG16 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0153] In this embodiment of the present application, the electronic device may also include a support assembly 103, which includes a first support portion 1031, a second support portion 1032, and a third support portion 1033. Unlike the previous embodiment, in this embodiment, the first support portion 1031 and the second support portion 1032 are no longer disposed on the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second fixing frame 1014 of the hinge mechanism 1, but are instead disposed directly on the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 of the electronic device. Specifically, the first support portion 1031 may be disposed at an end of the first housing 2 along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, and the first support portion 1031 is located on the side of the first housing 2 closer to the base 1021; the second support portion 1032 may be disposed at an end of the second housing 3 along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, and the second support portion 1032 is located on the side of the second housing 3 closer to the base 1021; and the third support portion 1033 may be disposed at an end of the base 1021 along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0154] Similar to the aforementioned embodiment, the first housing 2 may include a first middle frame and a first outer shell covering the side of the first middle frame facing away from the flexible display. The second housing 3 may include a second middle frame and a second outer shell covering the side of the second middle frame facing away from the flexible display. In this embodiment of the present application, the first support portion 1031 and the second support portion 1032 may be provided on the first and second middle frames, respectively.

[0155] In a specific implementation, the first support portion 1031 may be provided with a first protrusion and a first groove, and the second support portion 1032 may be provided with a second protrusion and a second groove. Correspondingly, the side of the third support portion 1033 close to the first housing 2 may be provided with a third protrusion and a third groove, and the side of the third support portion 1033 close to the second housing 3 may be provided with a fourth protrusion and a fourth groove. The concave-convex surface design of the first support portion 1031, the concave-convex surface design of the second support portion 1032, and the concave-convex surface design of the third support portion 1033 may all be designed with reference to the aforementioned embodiments and will not be further elaborated here.

[0156] In one embodiment, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the third protrusion of the third support portion 1033 is located within the first groove of the first support portion 1031, and the fourth protrusion of the third support portion 1033 is located within the second groove of the second support portion 1032. When the electronic device is in the closed state, the first protrusion of the first support portion 1031 is located within the third groove of the third support portion 1033, and the second protrusion of the second support portion 1032 is located within the fourth groove of the third support portion 1033. In this embodiment, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state and the closed state, the relative positions between the first housing 2 and the base 1021, as well as between the second housing 3 and the base 1021, can be defined by the concave-convex fit between the third support portion 1033 and the first support portion 1031 and the second support portion 1032, thereby reducing the risk of misalignment of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 relative to the hinge mechanism 1. Based on the fixed connection relationship between the first shell 2 and the first shell fixing frame 1013, and the fixed connection relationship between the second shell 3 and the second shell fixing frame 1014, when the positions of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are limited, the risk of misalignment between the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 can also be reduced.

[0157] In another embodiment, the first support portion 1031 and the third support portion 1033, as well as the second support portion 1032 and the third support portion 1033, may also employ a matching relationship opposite to that in the above embodiment. For example, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first protrusion 10311 of the first support portion 1031 is confined within the third groove 10332 of the third support portion 1033, and the second protrusion 10321 of the second support portion 1032 is confined within the fourth groove 10334 of the third support portion 1033. When the electronic device is in the closed state, the third protrusion 10331 of the third support portion 1033 is confined within the first groove 10312 of the first support portion 1031, and the fourth protrusion 10333 of the third support portion 1033 is confined within the second groove 10322 of the second support portion 1032. This design can also define the positions of the first housing 2 and the first housing fixing frame 1013, as well as the second housing 3 and the second housing fixing frame 1014. The details will not be elaborated here.

[0158] In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the first support portion 1031 and the first housing 2 can be an integral structure, that is, the first support portion 1031 can be directly formed at the end of the first housing 2, thereby improving the connection strength between the first support portion 1031 and the second housing 3 and reducing the difficulty of assembling the electronic device. Of course, in other embodiments, the first support portion 1031 and the first housing 2 can also be fixedly connected by welding, bonding, etc. This split design helps to simplify the processing difficulty of the first support portion 1031 and the first housing 2.

[0159] Similarly, the second support portion 1032 and the second shell 3 can be designed as an integral body or as a split body; and the third support portion 1033 and the base 1021 can be designed as an integral body or as a split body.

[0160] Similar to the previous embodiment, in this embodiment, the number of the first support portion 1031, the second support portion 1032, and the third support portion 1033 can each be two, wherein the two first support portions 1031 can be respectively disposed at the two ends of the first housing 2 along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, the two second support portions 1032 can be respectively disposed at the two ends of the second housing 3 along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, and the two third support portions 1033 can be respectively disposed at the two ends of the base 1021 along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1. In this way, the support assembly 103 can limit the position of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 at both ends of the hinge mechanism 1, thereby further reducing the risk of misalignment of the first housing 2 and the first housing fixing frame 1013, and the second housing 3 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 relative to the base, thereby improving the structural reliability of the electronic device in the event of a fall or impact.

[0161] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A rotating shaft mechanism, characterized in that: The invention comprises a main shaft, a first housing fixing frame, a second housing fixing frame and a supporting assembly, wherein the first housing fixing frame and the second housing fixing frame are respectively arranged on both sides of the main shaft, and the first housing fixing frame and the second housing fixing frame can rotate relative to the main shaft respectively, and the supporting assembly comprises a first supporting part, a second supporting part and a third supporting part, wherein: The first support portion is arranged at the end of the first housing fixing frame along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the first support portion is located on a side of the first housing fixing frame close to the main shaft, and the first support portion is provided with a first protrusion and a first groove; The second support portion is arranged at the end of the second housing fixing frame along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the second support portion is located on a side of the second housing fixing frame close to the main shaft, and the second support portion is provided with a second protrusion and a second groove; The third support portion is arranged at the end of the main shaft along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, a third protrusion and a third groove are arranged on a side of the third support portion close to the first housing fixing frame, and a fourth protrusion and a fourth groove are arranged on a side of the third support portion close to the second housing fixing frame; When the rotating shaft mechanism is in an extended state, the third raised limit is located in the first groove, and the fourth raised limit is located in the second groove; when the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, the first raised limit is located in the third groove, and the second raised limit is located in the fourth groove; or, when the rotating shaft mechanism is in an extended state, the first raised limit is located in the third groove, and the second raised limit is located in the fourth groove; when the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, the third raised limit is located in the first groove, and the fourth raised limit is located in the second groove.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The projection of the third support portion on the first plane covers the projection of the main axis on the first plane; Wherein, the first plane is a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The third supporting portion includes a main body and a baffle, the third protrusion, the third groove, the fourth protrusion, and the fourth groove are all arranged on the main body; the baffle is located on a side of the main body away from the main axis; When the hinge mechanism is in the expanded state and the closed state, the projection of the baffle on the first plane covers at least a portion of the projection of the first support portion on the first plane, and covers at least a portion of the projection of the second support portion on the first plane; Wherein, the first plane is a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The groove wall of the first groove includes a first concave curved surface, and the surface of the third protrusion includes a third convex curved surface that is consistent with the shape of the first concave curved surface; The groove wall of the second groove includes a second concave curved surface, and the surface of the fourth protrusion includes a fourth convex curved surface having the same shape as the second concave curved surface.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first concave surface includes a first inclined surface, and the third convex surface includes a third inclined surface, and along the direction from the third protrusion to the fourth protrusion, the third inclined surface of the third convex surface gradually inclines away from the supporting surface of the main shaft; The second concave surface includes a second inclined surface, and the fourth convex surface includes a fourth inclined surface. Along the direction from the fourth protrusion to the third protrusion, the fourth inclined surface of the fourth convex surface gradually inclines away from the supporting surface of the main shaft; When the rotating shaft mechanism is in the unfolded state, the third inclined surface of the third convex surface is parallel to the first inclined surface of the first concave surface and abuts against each other, and the fourth inclined surface of the fourth convex surface is parallel to the second inclined surface of the second concave surface and abuts against each other; Wherein, the supporting surface of the main shaft is a side of the main shaft used to support the flexible display screen of the electronic device.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The groove wall of the third groove includes a third concave curved surface, and the surface of the first protrusion includes a first convex curved surface that is consistent with the shape of the third concave curved surface; The groove wall of the fourth groove includes a fourth concave curved surface, and the surface of the second protrusion includes a second convex curved surface that is consistent with the shape of the fourth concave curved surface.

7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first convex surface includes a first inclined surface, and the third concave surface includes a third inclined surface, and along the direction from the third groove to the fourth groove, the third inclined surface of the third concave surface gradually inclines toward the supporting surface of the main shaft; The second convex surface includes a second inclined surface, and the fourth concave surface includes a fourth inclined surface, and along the direction of the fourth groove pointing to the third groove, the fourth inclined surface of the fourth concave surface gradually inclines toward the supporting surface of the main shaft; When the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, the first inclined surface of the first convex curved surface is parallel to the third inclined surface of the third concave curved surface and Abutting against each other, the second inclined surface of the second convex curved surface is parallel to the fourth inclined surface of the fourth concave curved surface and abuts against each other; Wherein, the supporting surface of the main shaft is a side of the main shaft used to support the flexible display screen of the electronic device.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The surface of the third protrusion and the groove wall of the third groove are connected via a first connecting arc surface, and the surface of the fourth protrusion and the groove wall of the fourth groove are connected via a second connecting arc surface.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The first supporting portion and the first housing fixing frame are an integral structure; and / or, The second supporting portion and the second housing fixing frame are an integral structure; and / or, The third supporting portion and the main shaft are an integral structure.

10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The number of the first supporting parts is two, and the two first supporting parts are respectively arranged at two ends of the first housing fixing frame along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism; The number of the second supporting parts is two, and the two second supporting parts are respectively arranged at two ends of the second shell fixing frame along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism; The number of the third supporting parts is two, and the two third supporting parts are respectively arranged at two ends of the main shaft along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The rotating shaft mechanism further includes a rotating module, and the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame are respectively rotated relative to the main shaft through the rotating module.

12. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that: The rotating module comprises a first rotating assembly and a second rotating assembly, wherein the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly are respectively located between the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame; wherein, The first rotating assembly includes a first swing arm, a first support arm and a first connecting member, the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first housing fixing frame, the first support arm is rotatably connected to the second housing fixing frame, the first connecting member is located between the first swing arm and the first support arm, and the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first swing arm and the first support arm respectively; The second rotating assembly includes a second swing arm, a second support arm and a second connecting member, the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the second swing arm is slidably connected to the second housing fixing frame, the second support arm is rotatably connected to the second housing fixing frame, the second connecting member is located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, and the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second swing arm and the second support arm respectively; The main shaft is provided with a first trajectory groove and a second trajectory groove, the first connecting member can move along the first trajectory groove to limit the movement trajectory of the first connecting member through the first trajectory groove; the second connecting member can move along the second trajectory groove to limit the movement trajectory of the second connecting member through the second trajectory groove.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that: It comprises a first shell, a second shell, a flexible display screen and a hinge mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The first shell and the second shell are respectively arranged on two sides of the rotating shaft mechanism, the first shell is fixedly connected to the first shell fixing frame, and the second shell is fixedly connected to the second shell fixing frame; The flexible display screen continuously covers the first shell, the second shell and the hinge mechanism, and the flexible display screen is fixedly connected to the first shell and the second shell.

14. An electronic device, characterized in that: It includes a rotating shaft mechanism, a first shell, a second shell and a supporting assembly, wherein: The rotating shaft mechanism includes a main shaft, a first shell fixing frame, and a second shell fixing frame. The first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame are respectively arranged on both sides of the main shaft, and the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame can rotate relative to the main shaft respectively. The first shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the first shell, and the second shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the second shell; The support assembly includes a first support portion, a second support portion and a third support portion, the first support portion is arranged at the end portion of the first housing along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the first support portion is located on a side of the first housing close to the main shaft, and the first support portion is provided with a first protrusion and a first groove; the second support portion is arranged at the end portion of the second housing along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the second support portion is located on a side of the second housing close to the main shaft, and the second support portion is provided with a second protrusion and a second groove; the third support portion is arranged at the end portion of the main shaft along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, a side of the third support portion close to the first housing is provided with a third protrusion and a third groove, and a side of the third support portion close to the second housing is provided with a fourth protrusion and a fourth groove; When the rotating shaft mechanism is in an extended state, the third protrusion is located in the first groove, and the fourth protrusion is located in the second groove. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, the first protrusion is located in the third groove, and the second protrusion is located in the or, when the rotating shaft mechanism is in an expanded state, the first protrusion is limited to the third groove, and the second protrusion is limited to the fourth groove; when the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, the third protrusion is limited to the first groove, and the fourth protrusion is limited to the second groove.

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