Rotating shaft assembly and foldable electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of electronic equipment, aims to solve the problems that an arc-shaped sliding groove matched with an auxiliary swing arm is formed in a middle beam of a known rotating shaft assembly, and the structural strength of the middle beam is low, and provides a rotating shaft assembly and foldable electronic equipment. The rotating shaft assembly comprises a middle beam and two supporting mechanisms, and the two supporting mechanisms are located on the two sides of the middle beam correspondingly. First tooth parts are arranged on the two sides of the middle beam respectively. The supporting mechanism comprises a connecting block, a first swing arm and a connecting rod. The connecting block is located on one side of the middle beam. The first swing arm defines a first end and a second end which are opposite; a second tooth part and a rotary connecting part are arranged at the first end of the first swing arm, and the second tooth part is meshed with the first tooth part on the corresponding side; the second end of the first swing arm is in sliding fit with the connecting block. One end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the middle beam, and the other end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected with the rotary connecting part. The structure has the beneficial effects that the middle beam is high in structural strength, the first swing arms are not prone to disengaging from the middle beam or the connecting blocks, and the lap joint amount of the first swing arms and the connecting blocks is large.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic devices, and more specifically, to hinge assemblies and foldable electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] The foldable function of foldable electronic devices (such as foldable phones) is mainly achieved by the hinge assembly. In some known technologies, the secondary swing arm of the hinge assembly is connected to the central beam in a rotating manner by means of a sliding tongue engaging with an arc-shaped groove opened in the central beam.

[0003] However, the structural strength of the central beam at the arc-shaped groove used to cooperate with the auxiliary swing arm is low, making it prone to deformation and damage under stress. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of this application provide a pivot assembly and a foldable electronic device to solve the problem that the structural strength of the pivot assembly is low because the central beam has an arc-shaped groove that matches the auxiliary swing arm.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a rotating shaft assembly, which includes a central beam and two support mechanisms, respectively located on both sides of the central beam. Each side of the central beam has a first toothed portion. Each support mechanism includes a connecting block, a first swing arm, and a connecting rod. The connecting block is located on one side of the central beam. The first swing arm defines opposing first and second ends; the first end of the first swing arm has a second toothed portion and a rotating connecting portion, the second toothed portion meshing with the corresponding first toothed portion; the second end of the first swing arm is slidably engaged with the connecting block. One end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the central beam, and the other end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the rotating connecting portion.

[0006] In the embodiments of this application, the pivot assembly has a first swing arm and a middle beam that mesh through a first tooth and a second tooth. This eliminates the need to open an arc-shaped groove on the middle beam to accommodate the first swing arm, thus avoiding the problem of the middle beam being prone to breakage due to weak points caused by opening an arc-shaped groove. This helps to ensure that the middle beam has high structural strength.

[0007] Meanwhile, the first swing arm is directly supported by a fixed toothed block on the middle beam through gear meshing, and indirectly connected to the middle beam through a connecting rod. The connection between the first swing arm and the middle beam is relatively reliable, the first swing arm can be well supported by the middle beam, and it is not easy to detach from the middle beam.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the axis of rotation of the connecting rod relative to the center beam coincides with the central axis of the first tooth; or, the axis of rotation of the connecting rod relative to the center beam is parallel and spaced apart from the central axis of the first tooth.

[0009] In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the connecting rod relative to the middle beam coincides with the central axis of the first tooth, which simplifies the motion design of the rotating shaft assembly; the rotation axis of the connecting rod relative to the middle beam is parallel and spaced apart from the central axis of the first tooth, which also enables the normal folding or unfolding of the rotating shaft assembly.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the rotation axis of the first swing arm relative to the connecting rod coincides with the central axis of the second tooth.

[0011] In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the first swing arm relative to the connecting rod coincides with the central axis of the second tooth, which facilitates the normal folding or unfolding of the rotating shaft assembly.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the middle beam includes a bottom beam and a fixed tooth block. The fixed tooth block is connected to the bottom beam, and two first teeth are respectively located on both sides of the fixed tooth block.

[0013] In this embodiment, the first tooth is set by fixing the tooth block, which facilitates the machining of the first tooth.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the bottom beam has a positioning boss with a threaded hole. The fixing tooth block has a recessed positioning hole on the side near the bottom beam, which engages with the positioning boss. The fixing tooth block has a connecting hole on the side away from the bottom beam, which connects to the positioning hole. The middle beam also includes a first locking screw, which passes through the connecting hole and is threaded into the threaded hole to lock the fixing tooth block to the bottom beam.

[0015] In this embodiment, the fixed toothed block can be reliably positioned and connected to the bottom beam, and is easy to disassemble and maintain.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first swing arm further includes a first arm body, and a second toothed portion is connected to one end of the first arm body near the center beam. The rotatable connection includes a first shaft portion protruding axially from the second toothed portion, the central axis of the first shaft portion coinciding with the central axis of the first toothed portion. The connecting rod has a first shaft hole, and the first shaft portion rotatably engages with the first shaft hole.

[0017] In this embodiment, the first swing arm and the connecting rod are rotatably connected by a real shaft, and the first swing arm can be reliably connected to the middle beam through the connecting rod.

[0018] In one possible implementation, there are two first shaft portions, each protruding from both axial sides of the second tooth portion. There are two connecting rods, each rotatably connected to one of the two first shaft portions.

[0019] In this embodiment, the first swing arm is connected to the central beam through two connecting rods. The first swing arm is subjected to balanced forces, which is conducive to the folding or unfolding of the rotating shaft assembly.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the middle beam is provided with a rotating support. A second shaft protrudes from one end of the connecting rod near the middle beam, and this second shaft is rotatably supported by the rotating support.

[0021] In this embodiment, the connecting rod and the middle beam are connected by a first shaft to ensure that the connecting rod is reliably connected to the middle beam, thereby ensuring that the first swing arm is reliably connected to the middle beam and preventing the first swing arm from disengaging from the middle beam.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the connecting rod has a third tooth at one end near the center beam. The third tooth of the support mechanism located on one side of the center beam meshes with the third tooth of the support mechanism located on the other side of the center beam.

[0023] In this embodiment, the support mechanisms on both sides of the rotating shaft assembly can be folded or unfolded synchronously by the engagement of the third teeth on both sides.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the central beam is provided with two rotating supports, which are spaced apart along the length of the central beam to define a first interval space. Each rotating support includes a first base plate and a second base plate, which are also spaced apart along the length of the central beam to define a second interval space. The central beam includes a bottom beam and a fixed toothed block, which is connected to the bottom beam and located within the first interval space. Two first teeth are respectively located on both sides of the fixed toothed block. There are two connecting rods, with one end of each connecting rod near the central beam rotatably engaged with one of the two rotating supports. A second shaft portion protrudes from both axial sides of a third tooth portion, and the central axis of the second shaft portion coincides with the central axis of the third tooth portion. The third tooth portion engages with the second interval space, and the two second shaft portions are rotatably supported by the first and second base plates of the same rotating support.

[0025] In this embodiment, the fixed tooth block and the third tooth are accommodated by the first and second interval spaces, resulting in a compact and reasonable structural arrangement.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the middle beam further includes a cap beam, which is detachably connected to one side of the bottom beam along its thickness direction. The third tooth and the fixed tooth block are both sandwiched between the cap beam and the bottom beam.

[0027] The structure of this implementation is reasonably compact.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first swing arm includes a first arm body and a first sliding portion. The connecting block has a first sliding groove, and the first sliding portion slidably engages with the first sliding groove.

[0029] In this embodiment, during the folding or unfolding process, the connecting block can slide relative to the first swing arm to adapt to the support of the folding screen.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the central axis of the second tooth is located on the side of the central axis of the first tooth closer to the connecting block.

[0031] In this embodiment, the central axis of the second tooth is located on the side of the central axis of the first tooth closer to the connecting block. This allows the central axis of the second tooth to shift a certain distance towards the connecting block during the process of the rotating shaft assembly changing from the folded state to the unfolded state. This shift reduces the sliding distance between the connecting block and the first swing arm, thereby ensuring a larger overlap between the first swing arm and the connecting block in the unfolded state, ensuring the reliability of the first swing arm's support for the connecting block, and reducing the possibility of jamming when the rotating shaft assembly is unfolded.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the support mechanism further includes a decorative bushing and a bushing drive arm. The bushing drive arm is driven between the center beam and the connecting block. The decorative bushing is located on the rear side of the rotating shaft assembly and is fixedly connected to the bushing drive arm to move under the drive of the bushing drive arm.

[0033] In this embodiment, the decorative shaft cover is driven by an additional shaft cover drive arm instead of the first swing arm (or auxiliary swing arm). This avoids the movement requirements of the decorative shaft cover restricting the movement design of the first swing arm. Furthermore, it also avoids the external force acting on the decorative shaft cover being directly transmitted to the first swing arm, causing the first swing arm to be subjected to excessive force and deform and dislodge, thus ensuring that the pivot assembly can be folded or unfolded normally.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the bushing drive arm includes a primary bushing and a secondary bushing. The end of the primary bushing near the center beam is rotatably connected to the center beam, the end of the secondary bushing near the primary bushing is rotatably connected to the primary bushing, and the end of the secondary bushing away from the primary bushing is slidably fitted to a connecting block. The decorative bushing is fixedly connected to the secondary bushing.

[0035] In this embodiment, the shaft cover drive assembly is movable as the shaft assembly folds or unfolds, and drives the decorative shaft cover to adapt to the movement.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the shaft cover drive arm further includes a pin. The primary rocker arm has two spaced-apart first lugs, and the secondary rocker arm has a second lug, the second lug being rotatably connected between the two first lugs by the pin.

[0037] In this embodiment, the pin ensures a reliable rotatable connection between the primary and secondary swing arms.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the primary swing arm has a first mating surface, and the secondary swing arm has a second mating surface. The first mating surface is located between two first lugs and faces the second lug; the second mating surface is located where the second lug faces the first mating surface. In a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the pin, the first mating surface includes a first arcuate segment and two first stop segments; the first arcuate segment is a convex arcuate surface whose center coincides with the central axis of the pin, and the two first stop segments are respectively connected to the two ends of the arcuate segment. In a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the pin, the second mating surface includes a second arcuate segment and two second stop segments; the second arcuate segment is a concave arcuate surface whose center coincides with the central axis of the pin, and the two second stop segments are respectively connected to the two ends of the arcuate segment. The pivot assembly has a folded state and an unfolded state. In the folded state, one of the first stop segments abuts against the corresponding second stop segment. In the unfolded state, the other first stop segment abuts against the corresponding second stop segment.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the pivot assembly is folded or unfolded, the primary swing arm and the secondary swing arm rotate relative to the central beam under the drive of the connecting block. Furthermore, the relative rotation angle of the primary swing arm and the secondary swing arm can be limited by the limiting of the first stop surface segment and the second stop surface segment, so that the decorative shaft cover can rotate within a limited range and avoid interference with the surrounding structure.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the support mechanism further includes a second swing arm. One end of the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the central beam, and the other end is rotatably connected to the connecting block.

[0041] In this embodiment, the second swing arm can reliably and rotatably support the connecting block on the middle beam.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the support mechanism further includes a support block. The support block is fixedly connected to the second swing arm to move with the second swing arm. The support block is located between the central beam and the connecting block, and together with the central beam and the connecting block, it supports the folding screen of a foldable electronic device.

[0043] In this embodiment, the support block can provide better support for the foldable screen.

[0044] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a foldable electronic device, which includes a first housing, a second housing, a foldable screen, and the aforementioned hinge assembly, the hinge assembly being connected between the first housing and the second housing. The foldable screen is stacked on the first housing and the second housing and supported by the hinge assembly.

[0045] The foldable electronic device in this embodiment uses the aforementioned hinge assembly, wherein the beam structure has high strength. Attached Figure Description

[0046] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of this application when it is in the unfolded state;

[0048] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a folded state;

[0049] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Exploded view of a foldable electronic device in its unfolded state;

[0050] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure on one side of the back of a foldable electronic device;

[0051] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Exploded view of a foldable electronic device;

[0052] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device after the first and second back covers are hidden;

[0053] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a rotating shaft assembly according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the rotating shaft assembly is in an unfolded state;

[0054] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Exploded view of the pivot assembly;

[0055] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A structural diagram of one side of the front of the rotating shaft assembly;

[0056] Figure 10 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure on one side of the back of the pivot assembly, concealing the two decorative pivot covers;

[0057] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A structural diagram of the rear side of the shaft assembly hidden behind the cover beam;

[0058] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the rotating shaft assembly in its folded state;

[0059] Figure 13 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of part of the image;

[0060] Figure 14 for Figure 13 Enlarged view of part of the image;

[0061] Figure 15 for Figure 14 A three-dimensional view of the first swing arm, connecting rod, and fixed tooth block in their assembled state;

[0062] Figure 16 for Figure 11 Enlarged view of point A of the rotating shaft assembly;

[0063] Figure 17 for Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft assembly along line BB;

[0064] Figure 18 for Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the rotating shaft assembly in a folded state;

[0065] Figure 19 for Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft assembly along the CC line;

[0066] Figure 20 for Figure 19 A schematic diagram of the rotating shaft assembly in a folded state;

[0067] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the folding or unfolding process of the pivot assembly at the secondary swing arm in this embodiment;

[0068] Figure 22 for Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft assembly along line DD;

[0069] Figure 23 for Figure 22 A schematic diagram of the rotating shaft assembly in a folded state;

[0070] Figure 24 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of part of the image;

[0071] Figure 25 for Figure 11 Enlarged view of point H;

[0072] Figure 26 for Figure 25 A cross-sectional view of the shaft assembly along line EE;

[0073] Figure 27 for Figure 26 A schematic diagram of the hinge assembly in the folded state;

[0074] Figure 28 This is a perspective view of the shaft cover drive swing arm according to an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 29 for Figure 28 Exploded view of the shaft cover driving the swing arm;

[0076] Figure 30 for Figure 26 A schematic diagram showing the cooperation relationship between the first-stage and second-stage rocker arms of the shaft cover drive rocker arm;

[0077] Figure 31 This is a frontal view of a known rotating shaft assembly in its unfolded state.

[0078] Figure 32 for Figure 31 A schematic diagram of the back of the pivot assembly (two decorative pivot covers are hidden and not shown);

[0079] Figure 33 for Figure 32 A cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft assembly along line FF;

[0080] Figure 34 for Figure 33 A schematic diagram of the hinge assembly in its folded state;

[0081] Figure 35 for Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft assembly along line GG.

[0082] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0083] Foldable electronic devices 100

[0084] Foldable screen 2

[0085] First large area 2a

[0086] Second largest area 2b

[0087] Bendable area 2c

[0088] Housing assembly 1

[0089] First shell 1a

[0090] First rear cover 1a1

[0091] First middle frame 1a2

[0092] Second shell 1b

[0093] Second rear cover 1b1

[0094] Second middle frame 1b2

[0095] Shaft assembly 1c

[0096] Zhongliang 10

[0097] Bottom beam 11

[0098] Positioning boss 11a

[0099] Cap beam 12

[0100] Fixed tooth block 13

[0101] First tooth 13a

[0102] Rotating support 14

[0103] First seat plate 14a

[0104] Second seat plate 14b

[0105] First locking screw 19

[0106] Supporting institution 110

[0107] Connector block 20

[0108] Sliding mating seat 28

[0109] Second locking screw 29

[0110] First swing arm structure 120

[0111] First swing arm 30

[0112] First arm body 31

[0113] Second tooth 32

[0114] Rotary connecting part 33

[0115] First shaft section 33a

[0116] First sliding part 34

[0117] Link 40

[0118] Second shaft section 41

[0119] Third tooth 42

[0120] Support block 50

[0121] Second swing arm 51

[0122] First rotating tongue 51a

[0123] Second rotating tongue 51b

[0124] Decorative shaft cover 70

[0125] Shaft cover drive swing arm 80

[0126] Level 1 swing arm 81

[0127] First protruding ear 81a

[0128] Third rotating tongue 81b

[0129] Secondary swing arm 82

[0130] Second lug 82a

[0131] Pin 83

[0132] Third locking screw 84

[0133] Damping mechanism 90

[0134] First mating surface P1

[0135] First arc segment P11

[0136] First stop surface segment P12

[0137] Second mating surface P2

[0138] Second arc segment P21

[0139] Second stop surface segment P22

[0140] First interval space Q1

[0141] Second interval space Q2

[0142] First groove C1

[0143] Mounting slot C2

[0144] First mating groove C3

[0145] Second matching arc groove C4

[0146] Second slide C6

[0147] Front S1

[0148] Back S2

[0149] Threaded hole K1

[0150] Positioning hole K2

[0151] Connecting hole K3

[0152] First rotating fitting hole K5

[0153] Second rotating fitting hole K6

[0154] First shaft hole K7

[0155] First end D1

[0156] Second end D2

[0157] Length direction Y

[0158] Shaft assembly 300

[0159] Zhongliang 310

[0160] Connector block 320

[0161] 330 auxiliary swing arm

[0162] Curved sliding tongue 331

[0163] Decorative shaft cover 370

[0164] Arc-shaped slide C301

[0165] Sliding groove C302 Detailed Implementation

[0166] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0167] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0168] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0169] Some embodiments of this application are described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0170] Example

[0171] This application provides a foldable electronic device, which can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), personal computer, multimedia player, smart screen, e-book reader, in-vehicle device, or wearable device, etc. Wearable devices can include smart bracelets, smartwatches, smart head-mounted displays, smart glasses, etc.

[0172] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable electronic device 100 provided in the embodiment of this application when it is in the unfolded state; Figure 2 for Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device 100 in its folded state. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment uses a foldable mobile phone as an example to illustrate the foldable electronic device 100.

[0173] For the foldable electronic device 100, it can have different usage states in different usage scenarios. Figure 1 The foldable electronic device 100 is shown in its unfolded state, at which time the foldable electronic device 100 can realize a large screen display; Figure 2 The diagram shows a foldable electronic device 100 in a folded state. In this state, the foldable electronic device 100 occupies a small area (referring to the area perpendicular to the thickness direction of the foldable electronic device 100), making it easy to carry.

[0174] in addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The foldable electronic device 100 shown is a foldable electronic device 100 capable of folding once. The foldable electronic device 100 includes two parts that can rotate relative to each other. When the two parts rotate to be coplanar, the foldable electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state (e.g., Figure 1 As shown), when the two parts are rotated to overlap, the foldable electronic device 100 is in a folded state (as shown). Figure 2 (As shown). In other embodiments, the foldable electronic device 100 may also be a foldable electronic device 100 capable of being folded more than three times (three or more times). In this case, the foldable electronic device 100 may include a plurality of parts that are rotatably connected in sequence. Two adjacent parts may be relatively far apart to be unfolded into an unfolded state, and two adjacent parts may also be relatively close to be folded into a folded state.

[0175] Figure 3An exploded view of the foldable electronic device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 3 As shown, the foldable electronic device 100 includes a housing assembly 1 and a foldable screen 2. The foldable screen 2 is supported and connected to one side of the housing assembly 1. The side of the foldable screen 2 facing away from the housing assembly 1 is used to display information and / or provide an interactive interface for the user.

[0176] In this embodiment, the surface of the housing assembly 1 facing the folding screen 2 is defined as the front surface S1 of the housing assembly 1, and the surface of the housing assembly 1 away from the folding screen 2 is defined as the back surface S2 of the housing assembly 1. For the sake of simplicity, the front surface S1 and back surface S2 of the various components of the housing assembly 1 (such as the hinge assembly 1c below) will also adopt this definition.

[0177] In this embodiment, the foldable screen 2 may be, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display, etc.

[0178] The foldable screen 2 may include a first large surface area 2a, a second large surface area 2b, and a bendable area 2c, with the bendable area 2c connected between the first large surface area 2a and the second large surface area 2b. During use, the first large surface area 2a and the second large surface area 2b can remain stacked on the housing assembly 1, while the bendable area 2c can be bent and deformed to change the angle between the first large surface area 2a and the second large surface area 2b, allowing the foldable screen 2 to fold or unfold with the movement of the housing assembly 1, thereby enabling the foldable electronic device 100 to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0179] Figures 1-3 The foldable electronic device 100 shown is an outward-folding foldable electronic device. When it is in the folded state, the foldable screen 2 is exposed and can be used to realize the display function.

[0180] In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device 100 can hover in a partially unfolded state between an unfolded state and a folded state. For example, the hovering angle of the foldable electronic device 100 can be 90°, 120°, 135°, 150°, etc. This hovering function can be achieved by relying on the damping force provided by the housing assembly 1.

[0181] See Figure 3 The housing assembly 1 includes a first housing 1a, a second housing 1b, and a pivot assembly 1c. The first housing 1a and the second housing 1b are rotatably connected to both sides of the pivot assembly 1c, thereby enabling them to fold or unfold.

[0182] The first housing 1a supports and connects to the first large surface area 2a of the foldable screen 2, the second housing 1b supports and connects to the second large surface area 2b of the foldable screen 2, and the hinge assembly 1c supports the bendable area 2c of the foldable screen 2.

[0183] For example, the first large surface area 2a of the foldable screen 2 can be bonded to the second large surface area 2b of the first housing 1a, and the second housing 1b can be bonded to the second housing 1b.

[0184] It should be noted that, Figures 1-3 The foldable electronic device 100 shown is a schematic diagram with simplified structural and / or appearance details, and does not represent the actual appearance or structure.

[0185] Figure 4 This is a structural view of the back side of the foldable electronic device 100 in the unfolded state according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Exploded view of a foldable electronic device 100; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the first middle frame 1a2, the hinge assembly 1c, and the second middle frame 1b2 of the foldable electronic device 100 in the connected state.

[0186] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the first housing 1a includes a first middle frame 1a2 and a first rear cover 1a1, with the first rear cover 1a1 covering one side of the back of the first middle frame 1a2. The second housing 1b includes a second middle frame 1b2 and a second rear cover 1b1, with the second rear cover 1b1 covering one side of the back of the second middle frame 1b2.

[0187] The first back cover 1a1 and the first middle frame 1a2 form an accommodating space, and the second back cover 1b1 and the second middle frame 1b2 form an accommodating space. The accommodating space can be used to install some functional components (not shown in the figure) of the foldable electronic device 100, such as circuit boards, batteries, camera modules, microphones, speakers, etc.

[0188] SeeFigure 6 The first middle frame 1a2 and the second middle frame 1b2 are respectively fixedly connected to both sides of the pivot assembly 1c to achieve mutual folding or unfolding.

[0189] Some known foldable electronic devices have an arc-shaped groove C301 in the center beam 310 of the hinge assembly 300 (visible in... Figure 33 and Figure 34 The connecting block 320 has a sliding groove C302. One end of the auxiliary swing arm 330 has an arc-shaped groove C301 that rotatably engages with the middle beam 310, and the other end has an arc-shaped tongue 331 that slides into the sliding groove C302. To ensure that the folding or unfolding angle meets the requirements, the extension angle of the arc-shaped groove C301 used to engage with the auxiliary swing arm 330 often needs to be set large enough, for example, greater than 90°. However, opening an arc-shaped groove C301 with an excessively large extension angle on the middle beam 310 will have a significant impact on the structural strength of the middle beam 310, causing the middle beam 310 to be prone to deformation or breakage at the location where the arc-shaped groove C301 is opened.

[0190] In view of this, this embodiment provides a pivot assembly 1c, wherein the beam 10 does not require an arc-shaped groove for cooperating with the auxiliary swing arm, and the middle beam 10 has high structural strength. The following will describe it exemplarily with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0191] For ease of description, the front of the hinge assembly 1c is defined as the hinge assembly 1c used to support the foldable screen 2 (which can be seen in...). Figure 3 On one side of the hinge assembly 1c, the back side is the side of the hinge assembly 1c that faces away from the folding screen 2. Correspondingly, the front of each component of the hinge assembly 1c (such as the middle beam 10, connecting block 20, support block 50, etc., as described below) is the same side surface as the front of the hinge assembly 1c, and the back of each component of the hinge assembly 1c (such as the middle beam 10, connecting block 20, support block 50, etc., as described below) is the same side surface as the back of the hinge assembly 1c.

[0192] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a rotating shaft assembly 1c according to an embodiment of this application, wherein the rotating shaft assembly 1c is in an unfolded state with its back side facing upwards. Figure 8 for Figure 7 Exploded view of the rotating shaft assembly 1c.

[0193] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the rotating shaft assembly 1c includes a central beam 10 and two support mechanisms 110, which are rotatably connected to both sides of the central beam 10.

[0194] The middle beam 10 includes a bottom beam 11 and a cap beam 12. The cap beam 12 is detachably fitted onto one side of the bottom beam 11 along the thickness direction. Specifically, the cap beam 12 is connected to the back side of the bottom beam 11.

[0195] The support mechanism 110 includes a connecting block 20 and multiple swing arm structures connecting the connecting block 20 to one side of the central beam 10. The support block 50 is an elongated structure, and the support block 50 and the central beam 10 are arranged parallel and spaced apart. Among the multiple swing arm structures, some are first swing arm structures 120, and some are second swing arms 51. For example... Figure 8 As shown, there are two sets of first swing arm structures 120 and five sets of second swing arms 51. The two sets of first swing arm structures 120 and the five sets of second swing arms 51 are distributed at intervals along the length direction Y of the middle beam 10 to connect the middle beam 10 and the connecting block 20 at different positions along the length direction Y.

[0196] The support mechanism 110 may further include a support block 50. The support block 50 is disposed between the central beam 10 and the connecting block 20, and is used to jointly support the folding screen 2 together with the central beam 10 and the connecting block 20. Optionally, the support block 50 is elongated, and each of the second swing arms 51 is connected to different positions along the length Y direction of the support block 50. Thus, the support block 50 can move with the second swing arms 51 to adapt to supporting the folding screen 2 in different states. The specific structures of the support block 50 and the second swing arms 51 will be described in detail later.

[0197] Of course, in other embodiments, the support block 50 may not be connected to the second swing arm 51, but to other components, as long as it can be adapted to support the folding screen 2.

[0198] In some other embodiments, the pivot assembly 1c may omit the support block 50, and the bendable area 2c of the foldable screen 2 can be supported by the central beam 10 and the connecting block 20.

[0199] The support mechanism 110 may also include a decorative shaft cover 70. The decorative shaft cover 70 is located on one side of the back of the pivot assembly 1c and is mainly used to cover the gap between the center beam 10 and the connecting block 20, preventing the various swing arm structures (such as the first swing arm structure 120, the second swing arm 51, etc.) from being exposed on the back S2 of the pivot assembly 1c, thus affecting the appearance of the pivot assembly 1c. Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the first middle frame 1a2 and the second middle frame 1b2 are coplanarly connected to two connecting blocks 20. On the back side of the foldable electronic device 100, one of the connecting blocks 20 of the first middle frame 1a2 and the hinge assembly 1c is covered by the first rear cover 1a1, and the other connecting block 20 of the second middle frame 1b2 and the hinge assembly 1c is covered by the second rear cover 1b1. The gap area between the middle beam 10 and the connecting block 20 is covered by a decorative shaft cover 70, thereby preventing the hinge assembly 1c in the foldable electronic device 100 from being exposed (see...).Figure 4 The appearance is flat and beautiful, and the rotating shaft assembly 1c is not easy to interfere with other structures.

[0200] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 Some of the aforementioned swing arm structures are shaft cover driven swing arms 80. The shaft cover driven swing arm 80 is movably connected between the center beam 10 and the connecting block 20. The decorative shaft cover 70 is connected to the shaft cover driven swing arm 80 and moves under the drive of the shaft cover driven swing arm 80 to adapt to different shading needs. The specific structure of the shaft cover driven swing arm 80 will be described later.

[0201] In other embodiments, the pivot assembly 1c may also be without the pivot cover driving the swing arm 80, and the decorative pivot cover 70 may be driven by other swing arm structures.

[0202] Of course, in other embodiments, the hinge assembly 1c may not be provided with the decorative hinge cover 70 and the hinge cover drive arm 80. The foldable electronic device 100 can cover or decorate the hinge assembly 1c in other ways, which are not limited here.

[0203] Figure 9 for Figure 7 Another view of the pivot component 1c. Figure 9 The front of the rotating shaft assembly 1c is facing upwards.

[0204] See Figure 9 In the pivot assembly 1c, the front of the central beam 10, the two support blocks 50 and the two connecting blocks 20 are relatively flat, which are used to jointly support the bendable area 2c of the foldable screen 2.

[0205] The first swing arm structure 120 and its cooperation with the middle beam 10 and the connecting block 20 in this embodiment are described below by way of example.

[0206] Figure 10 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the pivot assembly 1c after concealing the two decorative pivot covers 70. Figure 10 In the middle, the back of the pivot assembly 1c is facing upwards; Figure 11 for Figure 10 A structural schematic diagram of the structure after the cap beam 12 is concealed from the central beam 10; Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of the pivot assembly 1c in the folded state.

[0207] See Figures 10-12 In the unfolded state, the two support blocks 50 and the two connecting blocks 20 of the pivot assembly 1c are unfolded on both sides of the central beam 10; in the folded state, the two connecting blocks 20 of the pivot assembly 1c are folded together.

[0208] SeeFigure 11 The hinge assembly 1c may also be provided with a damping mechanism 90 to provide damping for folding or unfolding the hinge assembly 1c, thereby improving the folding feel. The damping mechanism 90 may adopt a known damping structure, and is not limited here.

[0209] Figure 13 for Figure 10 A partial exploded view; Figure 14 for Figure 13 Enlarged view of a portion of the structure; Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the first swing arm 30, connecting rod 40, and fixed tooth block 13 in the assembled state of this embodiment.

[0210] See Figures 13-15 In this embodiment, the central beam 10 further includes a fixed gear block 13. The fixed gear block 13 has first teeth 13a on both sides. The first teeth 13a are partial gears, not complete gears covering the entire circumference.

[0211] The fixed tooth block 13 can be formed separately and connected to the bottom beam 11 and sandwiched between the bottom beam 11 and the cap beam 12.

[0212] Optionally, the bottom beam 11 is provided with a positioning boss 11a, and the positioning boss 11a has a threaded hole K1. The fixing tooth block 13 has a positioning hole K2 recessed on the side near the bottom beam 11, and the positioning hole K2 is positioned and fitted to the positioning boss 11a. The fixing tooth block 13 has a connecting hole K3 on the side away from the bottom beam 11, and the connecting hole K3 connects to the positioning hole K2. The middle beam 10 also includes a first locking screw 19, which passes through the connecting hole K3 and is threaded into the threaded hole K1 to lock the fixing tooth block 13 to the bottom beam 11.

[0213] The positioning boss 11a can be a non-circular boss, and the shape of the positioning hole K2 is adapted to the positioning boss 11a to ensure that the fixing tooth block 13 and the bottom beam 11 are reliably positioned.

[0214] The connection relationship between the fixed tooth block 13 and the bottom beam 11 is also seen in Figures 16-18 .

[0215] In other embodiments, the fixing tooth block 13 may also be integrally formed with the bottom beam 11 or the cap beam 12.

[0216] In other embodiments, the first tooth 13a of the middle beam 10 can also be directly formed on the bottom beam 11 or the cap beam 12 of the middle beam 10 without setting additional fixing tooth blocks 13.

[0217] See you again Figure 14 and Figure 15 The first swing arm structure 120 includes a first swing arm 30 (or auxiliary swing arm) and a connecting rod 40.

[0218] In the pivot assembly 1c, the first swing arm 30 can also be called the auxiliary swing arm, and correspondingly, the second swing arm 51 can be called the main swing arm.

[0219] In this embodiment, the first swing arm 30 defines a first end D1 and a second end D2, wherein the first end D1 is the end near the middle beam 10, and the second end D2 is the end near the connecting block 20. The first end D1 of the first swing arm 30 is provided with a second tooth 32 and a rotating connecting part 33. The second tooth 32 meshes with the first tooth 13a on the corresponding side, and the second end D2 of the first swing arm 30 is slidably engaged with the connecting block 20. One end of the connecting rod 40 is rotatably connected to the middle beam 10, and the other end of the connecting rod 40 is rotatably connected to the rotating connecting part 33.

[0220] In this embodiment, the pivot assembly 1c, the first swing arm 30 and the middle beam 10 are engaged by the first tooth 13a and the second tooth 32. There is no need to open the arc-shaped sliding groove C301 on the middle beam 10 to fit the first swing arm 30. This avoids the problem that the middle beam 10 is prone to breakage due to the arc-shaped sliding groove C301, and helps to ensure that the middle beam 10 has high structural strength.

[0221] Meanwhile, the first swing arm 30 is directly supported by the fixed tooth block 13 on the middle beam 10 through gear meshing, and indirectly connected to the middle beam 10 through the connecting rod 40. The connection between the first swing arm 30 and the middle beam 10 is relatively reliable, the first swing arm 30 can be well supported by the middle beam 10, and it is not easy to detach from the middle beam 10.

[0222] In contrast, some known technologies for hinge assemblies 300 (see...) Figure 33 and Figure 34 The auxiliary swing arm 330 is slidably connected to the central beam 310 via an arc-shaped sliding tongue 331 and an arc-shaped groove C301. This allows the auxiliary swing arm 330 to rotate relative to the central beam 310 around a virtual axis (i.e., the central axis of the arc-shaped groove C301). In the folded state, to ensure the required rotation angle for folding, most of the arc-shaped sliding tongue 331 slides out of the arc-shaped groove C301, with only a small portion remaining overlapping within the arc-shaped groove C301 of the central beam 310. That is, in the folded state, the overlap between the auxiliary swing arm 330 and the central beam 310 is small, the central beam 310 provides less support to the auxiliary swing arm 330, and the auxiliary swing arm 330 is more easily disengaged from the arc-shaped groove C301 of the central beam 310.

[0223] In addition, see also Figures 19-21 The first swing arm 30 is engaged with the middle beam 10 by gears, and the rotation center L2 of the first swing arm 30 (see...) Figure 21The central axis of the second tooth 32 is the pivot axis. When the pivot assembly 1c is folded or unfolded, the rotation center L2 of the first swing arm 30 will rotate around the central axis L1 of the first tooth 13a. In this embodiment, in the folded state of the pivot assembly 1c (see...), Figure 21 (As shown by the dotted line), the first swing arm 30 can have a large overlap b with the connecting block 20, allowing for full overlap; however, when the rotating shaft assembly 1c is deployed, the connecting block 20 slides relative to the first swing arm 30 towards the side away from the center beam 10, until it is fully deployed (see...). Figure 21 (As shown by the solid line), the connecting block 20 slides away from the center beam 10 relative to the first swing arm 30 by a distance c. At this time, the overlap between the first swing arm 30 and the connecting block 20 becomes a. In this embodiment, the rotation center L2 of the first swing arm 30 is variable, making the sliding distance c smaller. This ensures that in the unfolded state, the connecting block 20 and the first swing arm 30 can still maintain a large overlap a, and the first swing arm 30 can provide more reliable support for the connecting block 20.

[0224] In this embodiment, the central axis of the second tooth 32 (coinciding with the rotation center L2 of the first swing arm 30) is located on the side of the central axis L1 of the first tooth 13a closer to the connecting block 20. This allows the central axis of the second tooth 32 to shift a certain distance towards the connecting block 20 during the process of the rotating shaft assembly 1c changing from the folded state to the unfolded state. This shift reduces the sliding distance c between the connecting block 20 and the first swing arm 30, thereby ensuring that the overlap amount b between the first swing arm 30 and the connecting block 20 is relatively large in the unfolded state. This ensures the reliability of the support of the first swing arm 30 to the connecting block 20 and reduces the possibility of jamming when the rotating shaft assembly 1c is unfolded.

[0225] In comparison, see Figure 33 and Figure 34 A known technique is shown in the folded state of the pivot assembly 300 (see...). Figure 32 The overlap amount b1 between the secondary swing arm 330 and the connecting block 320 is (see...) Figure 34 The secondary swing arm 330 is relatively large, allowing it to fully overlap with the connecting block 320; however, when the pivot assembly 300 is deployed, the connecting block 320 slides relative to the secondary swing arm 330 towards the side away from the center beam 310, until it is fully deployed (see...). Figure 33When the connecting block 320 slides away from the middle beam 310 relative to the secondary swing arm 330, the sliding distance is c1. At this time, the overlap between the secondary swing arm 330 and the connecting block 320 is reduced to a1. In this known technology, the rotation center of the secondary swing arm 330 always remains at the center of the arc-shaped groove C301 of the middle beam 310, which makes the sliding distance c1 relatively large. As a result, in the unfolded state, the overlap a1 between the connecting block 320 and the secondary swing arm 330 becomes very small. The secondary swing arm 330 has poor support capacity for the connecting block 20, and the connecting block 320 is prone to deformation due to stress concentration at the overlap with the secondary swing arm 330. This may also cause the rotating shaft assembly 1c to jam when unfolded.

[0226] In other known technologies, to increase the overlap between the secondary swing arm and the connecting block in the deployed state, the connecting block is widened and the length of the secondary swing arm is increased. However, this will lead to an increase in the size of the pivot assembly, which greatly limits the miniaturization and thinning of the pivot assembly.

[0227] See you again Figure 14 and Figure 15 In this embodiment, the first swing arm 30 further includes a first arm body 31 and a first sliding portion 34. The second toothed portion 32 is connected to one end of the first arm body 31 near the middle beam 10. The first sliding portion 34 is slidably engaged with the first sliding groove C1 opened on the connecting block 20 (see...). Figure 13 The rotating connection 33 includes a first shaft portion 33a protruding axially from the second tooth portion 32, the central axis of which coincides with the central axis of the first tooth portion 13a. The connecting rod 40 has a first shaft hole K7, and the first shaft portion 33a is rotatably fitted into the first shaft hole K7. Optionally, the first swing arm 30 has two first shaft portions 33a, each protruding from both axial sides of the second tooth portion 32. Correspondingly, there are two connecting rods 40, each rotatably connected to one of the two first shaft portions 33a. The bottom beam 11 of the middle beam 10 has a rotating support 14 protruding from it, and the end of the connecting rod 40 near the middle beam 10 has a second shaft portion 41 protruding from it, which is rotatably supported by the rotating support 14. Thus, the first swing arm 30 is not only supported on the first tooth 13a of the middle beam 10 by the second tooth 32, but also connected to the middle beam 10 by the connecting rods 40 on both sides, so that the first swing arm 30 can be reliably connected to the middle beam 10, greatly reducing the possibility of the first swing arm 30 (also called the auxiliary swing arm) disengaging from the middle beam 10.

[0228] In this embodiment, the first slide groove C1 extends in a straight line. At this time, during the process of the first sliding part 34 sliding along the first slide groove C1, the connecting block 20 will not rotate relative to the first swing arm 30.

[0229] In other embodiments, the first slide groove C1 can also be configured as an arc groove extending along a large radius arc line. During the process of the first sliding part 34 sliding along the first slide groove C1, the connecting block 20 will also deflect at a certain angle relative to the first swing arm 30 to adapt to the support requirements of the connecting block 30 for the folding screen 2.

[0230] Optionally, the two connecting rods 40 are arranged symmetrically to balance the forces on the first swing arm 30.

[0231] In comparison, Figure 33 and Figure 34 The known pivot assembly 300 shown has a secondary swing arm 330 that engages with the center beam 310 only via an arc-shaped sliding tongue 331, when the pivot assembly 300 is in a folded state (see...). Figure 34 When the auxiliary swing arm 330 is in motion, the overlap between the arc-shaped sliding tongue 331 and the middle beam 310 is relatively small, making it easier to detach from the middle beam 310.

[0232] See you again Figure 14 and Figure 15 In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the first swing arm 30 relative to the connecting rod 40 and the central axis of the second tooth 32 are both collinear with the rotation center L2 of the first swing arm 30, so as to ensure that the first swing arm 30 remains connected to the middle beam 10 through the connecting rod 40 while rotating and revolving as a planetary gear that acts as a fixed tooth block 13.

[0233] In this embodiment, optionally, the connecting rod 40 is provided with a third tooth 42 at one end near the middle beam 10. Optionally, the cap beam 12 and the bottom beam 11 define a space to accommodate the third tooth 42, and the third tooth 42 is movably disposed between the cap beam 12 and the bottom beam 11.

[0234] The third tooth 42 of the support mechanism 110 located on one side of the middle beam 10 meshes with the third tooth 42 of the support mechanism 110 located on the other side of the middle beam 10 (also seen in...). Figure 22 and Figure 23 Thus, during folding or unfolding, the rotation of the support mechanism 110 on one side of the pivot assembly 1c can be transmitted to the other side through the meshing of the two third teeth 42, so that the support mechanisms 110 on both sides can rotate synchronously.

[0235] Of course, in other embodiments, the connecting rod 40 may not have the third tooth 42, and the synchronization function of the rotating shaft assembly 1c may be implemented using other structures, which are not limited here.

[0236] See also Figure 14 and Figure 15In this embodiment, the bottom beam 11 of the middle beam 10 is provided with two rotating supports 14. The two rotating supports 14 are spaced apart along the length direction Y of the middle beam 10 to define a first interval space Q1. The rotating supports 14 include a first seat plate 14a and a second seat plate 14b. The first seat plate 14a and the second seat plate 14b are spaced apart along the length direction Y of the middle beam 10 to define a second interval space Q2.

[0237] The fixed toothed block 13 of the middle beam 10 is connected to the bottom beam 11 and located in the first interval space Q1. The ends of the two connecting rods 40 near the middle beam 10 are rotatably fitted to the two rotating supports 14. The third toothed portion 42 has second shaft portions 41 protruding from both axial sides, and the central axis of the second shaft portions 41 coincides with the central axis of the third toothed portion 42. The third toothed portion 42 fits into the second interval space Q2, and the two second shaft portions 41 are rotatably supported on the first seat plate 14a and the second seat plate 14b of the same rotating support 14.

[0238] For example, the first seat plate 14a has a first rotating fit hole K5, and the second seat plate 14b has a second rotating fit hole K6. The two second shaft portions 41 of the connecting rod 40 are rotatably fitted into the first rotating fit hole K5 and the second rotating fit hole K6, respectively. When the cover beam 12 is covered by the bottom beam 11, the cover beam 12 covers the first rotating fit hole K5 and the second rotating fit hole K6, so as to rotatably limit the second shaft portions 41 of the connecting rod 40 within the first rotating fit hole K5 and the second rotating fit hole K6.

[0239] Optionally, the axial ends of the fixed tooth block 13 abut against the rotating supports 14 on both sides, occupying most of the first gap space Q1. Combined with the reliable fixing of the fixed tooth block 13 to the bottom beam 11, this ensures that the middle beam 10 has higher structural strength. In some embodiments, after the fixed tooth block 13 is locked to the bottom beam 11, it can be welded to the bottom beam 11, thereby further improving the integrity of the fixed tooth block 13 and the bottom beam 11, and further improving the structural strength of the middle beam 10.

[0240] In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the connecting rod 40 relative to the middle beam 10 coincides with the central axis L1 of the first tooth 13a. That is, the rotation center of the connecting rod 40 relative to the middle beam 10 coincides with the rotation center of the first swing arm 30 relative to the middle beam 10, which simplifies the motion design of the rotating shaft assembly 1c.

[0241] Of course, in other embodiments, the axis of rotation of the connecting rod 40 relative to the middle beam 10 may also be parallel and spaced apart from the central axis L1 of the first tooth 13a, which is not limited here.

[0242] Figure 24 for Figure 8 The enlarged view shows the specific structure of the second swing arm 51 (also known as the main swing arm) of the pivot assembly 1c.

[0243] See Figure 24 The second swing arm 51 of the rotating shaft assembly 1c is rotatably connected at one end to the middle beam 10 and at the other end to the connecting block 20.

[0244] Optionally, the second swing arm 51 is a double-rotation swing arm, which includes a first rotating tongue 51a and a second rotating tongue 51b connected together. The first rotating tongue 51a is rotatably fitted into a first mating arc groove C3 on the middle beam 10, and the second rotating tongue 51b is rotatably connected to a sliding mating seat 28, which is locked into a mounting groove C2 on the connecting block 20 by a second locking screw 29. The support block 50 of the support mechanism 110 is fixedly connected to the second swing arm 51 to move with the second swing arm 51. For example, the support block 50 is connected at the junction of the first rotating tongue 51a and the second rotating tongue 51b.

[0245] In this embodiment, the second swing arm 51 and the support block 50 can be integrally formed by one-time molding or two-time molding. In other embodiments, the second swing arm 51 can be locked to the support block 50 by a locking element (such as a locking screw).

[0246] It should be noted that during the rotation of the rotating shaft assembly 1c, the rotation angle of the support block 50 is relatively small. Therefore, the extension angle of the first mating arc groove C3 on the middle beam 10 that matches the first rotating tongue 51a can also be set to be relatively small, and thus its impact on the structural strength of the middle beam 10 is relatively small.

[0247] Figure 25 for Figure 11 Enlarged view at point H, Figure 26 for Figure 25 A cross-sectional view of the pivot assembly 1c along line EE. Figure 26 A decorative shaft cover 70 is also shown in the image. Figure 27 for Figure 26 A schematic diagram of the structure of the pivot assembly 1c in the folded state.

[0248] See Figures 25-27 As described above, the decorative shaft cover 70 in this embodiment (visible in...) Figure 26 Located on one side of the back of the pivot assembly 1c, it is used to cover the gap between the connecting block 20 and the middle beam 10 on the back of the pivot assembly 1c, serving both a protective and decorative purpose.

[0249] The axle cover drive arm 80 is connected between the center beam 10 and the connecting block 20. The decorative axle cover 70 is fixedly connected to the axle cover drive arm 80, so as to move under the drive of the axle cover drive arm 80 to adapt to the state changes of the rotating shaft assembly 1c during folding or unfolding. For example, in this embodiment, the decorative axle cover 70 on each side of the center beam 10 is supported and driven by two spaced axle cover drive arms 80 (see...). Figure 8 ).

[0250] Figure 28 This is a perspective view of the shaft cover drive swing arm 80 according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 29 for Figure 28 Exploded view of the shaft cover drive swing arm 80; Figure 30 for Figure 26 A schematic diagram showing the cooperation relationship between the first-stage rocker arm 81 and the second-stage rocker arm 82 of the shaft cover drive rocker arm 80.

[0251] In this embodiment, the shaft cover drive swing arm 80 includes a primary swing arm 81 and a secondary swing arm 82. The end of the primary swing arm 81 near the central beam 10 is rotatably connected to the central beam 10. The end of the secondary swing arm 82 near the first swing arm 30 is rotatably connected to the primary swing arm 81. The end of the secondary swing arm 82 away from the primary swing arm 81 is slidably fitted to the connecting block 20. The decorative shaft cover 70 is fixedly connected to the secondary swing arm 82. The rotatable connection between the primary swing arm 81 and the secondary swing arm 82 ensures that the rotating shaft assembly 1c can be folded or unfolded normally.

[0252] The shaft cover drive swing arm 80 also includes a pin 83. The first-stage swing arm 81 has two spaced first lugs 81a, and the second-stage swing arm 82 has a second lug 82a. The second lug 82a is rotatably connected between the two first lugs 81a via the pin 83.

[0253] Optionally, a third rotating tongue 81b is provided at one end of the primary swing arm 81 near the middle beam 10. A second mating arc groove C4 can be opened on the middle beam 10. The third rotating tongue 81b is rotatably engaged with the second mating arc groove C4 to achieve a rotatable connection between the primary swing arm 81 and the middle beam 10. Since the axle cover drive swing arm 80 does not need to bear the main loads such as the middle frame of the foldable electronic device 100, but only needs to bear the relatively light decorative axle cover 70, the force it applies to the middle beam 10 is small, and it is not easy for the middle beam 10 to be subjected to excessive force and deformed at the arc groove C4.

[0254] The connecting block 20 is also provided with a second sliding groove C6. The end of the secondary swing arm 82 near the connecting block 20 is slidably engaged with the second sliding groove C6 to achieve a sliding engagement between the secondary swing arm 82 and the connecting block 20.

[0255] One side of the decorative shaft cover 70 is locked to the end of the secondary swing arm 82 away from the first swing arm 30 by the third locking screw 84. The other side of the decorative shaft cover 70 extends outward toward the middle beam 10 to a position close to the middle beam 10, so as to cover and decorate the gap between the connecting block 20 and the middle beam 10.

[0256] See Figure 30 Optionally, the primary swing arm 81 has a first mating surface P1, and the secondary swing arm 82 has a second mating surface P2. The first mating surface P1 is located between the two first lugs 81a and faces the second lug 82a; the second mating surface P2 is located at the point where the second lug 82a faces the first mating surface P1.

[0257] In a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the pin 83, the first mating surface P1 includes a first arcuate segment P11 and two first stop segments P12. The first arcuate segment P11 is a convex arcuate surface whose center coincides with the central axis of the pin 83, and the two first stop segments P12 are respectively connected to the two ends of the arcuate segment P11. In a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the pin 83, the second mating surface P2 includes a second arcuate segment P21 and two second stop segments P22. The second arcuate segment P21 is a concave arcuate surface whose center coincides with the central axis of the pin 83, and its radius is slightly larger than that of the first arcuate segment P11. The two second stop segments P22 are respectively connected to the two ends of the arcuate segment P21.

[0258] The pivot assembly 1c has a folded state and an unfolded state. In the folded state, one of the first stop surface segments P12 abuts against the corresponding second stop surface segment P22; in the unfolded state, the other first stop surface segment P12 abuts against the corresponding second stop surface segment P22.

[0259] When the pivot assembly 1c is folded or unfolded, the primary pivot arm 81 and the secondary pivot arm 82 rotate relative to the central beam 10 under the drive of the connecting block 20. Furthermore, the relative rotation angle of the primary pivot arm 81 and the secondary pivot arm 82 can be limited by the limiting of the first stop surface segment P12 and the second stop surface segment P22, so that the decorative shaft cover 70 rotates within a limited range and avoids interference with the surrounding structure.

[0260] In this embodiment, the decorative shaft cover 70 is driven by an additional shaft cover drive arm 80 instead of the first swing arm 30 (or auxiliary swing arm). This avoids the movement requirements of the decorative shaft cover 70 restricting the movement design of the first swing arm 30. Furthermore, it also avoids the external force acting on the decorative shaft cover 70 being directly transmitted to the first swing arm 30, causing the first swing arm 30 to be subjected to excessive force and deform, thus ensuring that the rotating shaft assembly 1c can be folded or unfolded normally.

[0261] In contrast, some known technology pivot assemblies 300 have decorative pivot caps 370 driven by secondary rocker arms 330 (see...). Figure 35The motion design of the secondary swing arm 330 is limited by the motion requirements of the decorative shaft cover 370. At the same time, since the decorative shaft cover 370 is an exposed part, it is easily affected by external forces during use. This interference will directly act on the secondary swing arm 330 through the decorative shaft cover 370, restricting the movement of the secondary swing arm 330, and thus affecting the smooth folding or unfolding of the pivot assembly 300.

[0262] Finally, the hinge assembly 1c in this embodiment, in addition to being used in the aforementioned outward-folding foldable electronic device, can also be used in an inward-folding foldable electronic device, or a foldable electronic device that can be folded both inwards and outwards. Here, a foldable electronic device that can be folded both inwards and outwards refers to a foldable electronic device.

[0263] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions to the technical solutions of this application should not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A rotating shaft assembly, characterized in that, The middle beam and two support mechanisms, two of which are located on both sides of the middle beam; wherein the two sides of the middle beam are respectively provided with a first tooth part; the support mechanism comprises: a connecting block located on one side of the middle beam; a first swing arm defining opposite first and second ends; the first end of the first swing arm is provided with a second tooth part and a rotating connection part, and the second tooth part is engaged with the first tooth part on the corresponding side; the second end of the first swing arm is in sliding fit with the connecting block; and a connecting rod, one end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the middle beam, and the other end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the rotating connection part.

2. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the rotating axis of the connecting rod relative to the middle beam coincides with the central axis of the first tooth part; or the rotating axis of the connecting rod relative to the middle beam is parallel and spaced apart from the central axis of the first tooth part.

3. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the rotating axis of the first swing arm relative to the connecting rod coincides with the central axis of the second tooth part.

4. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the middle beam comprises a bottom beam and a fixed tooth block; the fixed tooth block is connected to the bottom beam, and two first tooth parts are respectively arranged on both sides of the fixed tooth block.

5. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 4, wherein: the bottom beam is provided with a positioning boss, and the positioning boss is provided with a threaded hole; the fixed tooth block is recessed with a positioning hole on the side close to the bottom beam, and the positioning hole is in positioning fit with the positioning boss; the fixed tooth block is provided with a communication hole on the side away from the bottom beam, and the communication hole communicates with the positioning hole; the middle beam further comprises a first locking screw, the first locking screw passes through the communication hole and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole to lock the fixed tooth block to the bottom beam.

6. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the first swing arm further comprises a first arm body, and the second tooth part is connected to one end of the first arm body close to the middle beam; the rotating connection part comprises a first shaft part protruding in the axial direction from the second tooth part, and the central axis of the first shaft part coincides with the central axis of the first tooth part; the connecting rod is provided with a first shaft hole, and the first shaft part is rotatably fitted in the first shaft hole.

7. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 6, wherein: the first shaft part has two, and the two first shaft parts are respectively protruded on both axial sides of the second tooth part; the connecting rod has two, and the two connecting rods are respectively rotatably connected to the two first shaft parts.

8. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 6, wherein: the middle beam is provided with a rotating support; the connecting rod is provided with a second shaft part on the end close to the middle beam, and the second shaft part is rotatably supported on the rotating support.

9. The rotating shaft assembly according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein: the connecting rod is provided with a third tooth part on the end close to the middle beam; The third tooth portion of the support mechanism on one side of the middle beam is engaged with the third tooth portion of the support mechanism on the other side of the middle beam. 10.The hinge assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The middle beam is provided with two rotating supports, which are spaced apart along the length direction of the middle beam to define a first spacing space. The rotating support comprises a first seat plate and a second seat plate, which are spaced apart along the length direction of the middle beam to define a second spacing space. The middle beam comprises a bottom beam and a fixed tooth block, the fixed tooth block is connected to the bottom beam and located in the first spacing space, and the two first tooth portions are respectively arranged on two sides of the fixed tooth block. The connecting rods are two, and one end of each of the two connecting rods close to the middle beam is rotatably connected to one of the two rotating supports. The third tooth portion is rotatably supported on the first seat plate and the second seat plate of the same rotating support. 11.The hinge assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that: The middle beam further comprises a cover beam, which is detachably connected to one side of the bottom beam along the thickness direction. The third tooth portion and the fixed tooth block are clamped between the cover beam and the bottom beam. 12.The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first swing arm comprises a first arm body and a first sliding portion. The connecting block is provided with a first sliding groove, and the first sliding portion is slidably connected to the first sliding groove. 13.The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that: The central axis of the second tooth portion is located on the side of the central axis of the first tooth portion close to the connecting block. 14.The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that: The support mechanism further comprises a decorative shaft cover and a shaft cover driving swing arm. The shaft cover driving swing arm is drivingly connected between the middle beam and the connecting block. The decorative shaft cover is located on the back side of the hinge assembly and is fixedly connected to the shaft cover driving swing arm to move under the driving of the shaft cover driving swing arm. 15.The hinge assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that: The shaft cover driving swing arm comprises a primary swing arm and a secondary swing arm. One end of the primary swing arm close to the middle beam is rotatably connected to the middle beam, one end of the secondary swing arm close to the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the primary swing arm, and the other end of the secondary swing arm away from the primary swing arm is slidably connected to the connecting block. The decorative shaft cover is fixedly connected to the secondary swing arm. 16.The hinge assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that: The shaft cover driving swing arm further comprises a pin shaft. The primary swing arm has two spaced-apart first lugs, the secondary swing arm has a second lug, and the second lug is rotatably connected between the two first lugs through the pin shaft.

17. The hinge assembly according to claim 16, wherein: the first swing arm has a first engaging surface, and the second swing arm has a second engaging surface; the first engaging surface is located between the two first lugs and faces the second lug, and the second engaging surface is located on the second lug and faces the first engaging surface; in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the pin shaft, the first engaging surface comprises a first arc surface segment and two first stop surface segments, the first arc surface segment being a convex arc surface with a center coinciding with the central axis of the pin shaft, and the two first stop surface segments being connected to the two ends of the first arc surface segment respectively; in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the pin shaft, the second engaging surface comprises a second arc surface segment and two second stop surface segments, the second arc surface segment being a concave arc surface with a center coinciding with the central axis of the pin shaft, and the two second stop surface segments being connected to the two ends of the second arc surface segment respectively; the hinge assembly has a folded state and an unfolded state; in the folded state, one of the first stop surface segments abuts against the corresponding second stop surface segment; in the unfolded state, the other of the first stop surface segments abuts against the corresponding second stop surface segment.

18. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein: the support mechanism further comprises a second swing arm; one end of the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the middle beam, and the other end of the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the connecting block.

19. The hinge assembly according to claim 18, wherein: the support mechanism further comprises a support block; the support block is fixedly connected to the second swing arm so as to move with the second swing arm; the support block is located between the middle beam and the connecting block, and is configured to support a folding screen of a foldable electronic device together with the middle beam and the connecting block.

20. A foldable electronic device, characterized by comprising: a first housing and a second housing; the hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1-19, connected between the first housing and the second housing; and a folding screen, stacked on the first housing and the second housing and supported by the hinge assembly.

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