Folding hinge and electronic equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a folding hinge and electronic equipment, and belongs to the technical field of electronic equipment. The folding hinge comprises a base and a swing arm, wherein one end of the swing arm is connected with the base. The swing arm comprises a plurality of connecting rods, the connecting rods are sequentially and rotationally connected, and the adjacent connecting rods can be close to or away from each other in the relative rotation process. Adjacent connecting rods form a gear pair so that the connecting rods can be in linkage, and at least two connecting rods in the connecting rods are opposite in rotating direction. Due to the fact that the rotating directions of at least two connecting rods are opposite, each connecting rod in the swing arm does not deflect towards the opposite side of the base on the basis of the previous connecting rod, the swing arm can be in a more complex posture, the display panel can be bent more finely, the shape of the bent portion of the display panel is changed, and the display effect is improved. The shape of the bent portion of the display panel is closer to the designed water drop shape, damage to the display panel is reduced, formation of creases is slowed down, and the service life of the display panel is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic device manufacturing technology, and in particular to a folding hinge and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of electronic technology, electronic devices have become increasingly widely used and have become one of the important tools in people's daily work and life. Foldable electronic devices are gradually gaining popularity because they take up little space and are easy to carry.

[0003] Folding hinges are an important structural component in foldable electronic devices. They connect two foldable parts of the device, allowing them to open and close relative to each other, thus enabling the display panel to flatten or fold.

[0004] In related technologies, the folding hinges of electronic devices are typically multi-link mechanisms. During the folding process, relative movement occurs between multiple links. When the electronic device is folded, the posture that the multi-link mechanism in the folding hinge can assume has a significant impact on the bending shape of the display panel. An unsuitable bending shape of the display panel can promote the formation of creases and even shorten the lifespan of the display panel. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a folding hinge and an electronic device that overcomes the problems in related technologies. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a folding hinge, which includes a base and a swing arm, one end of which is connected to the base;

[0007] The swing arm includes multiple links that are sequentially rotatably connected and can move closer to or further away from each other during relative rotation. Adjacent links form a gear pair to enable the multiple links to move in tandem, and at least two links rotate in opposite directions.

[0008] Based on the aforementioned folding hinge, a gear pair is formed through adjacent links, enabling multiple links to move in tandem. This allows for relative rotation between adjacent links as the swing arm rotates relative to the base. Since at least two links rotate in opposite directions, each link in the same swing arm does not necessarily deflect to the opposite side of the base based on the previous link. This allows the swing arm to assume more complex postures, enabling more precise bending of the display panel and altering the shape of the bent portion. This makes the bent portion of the display panel closer to the designed teardrop shape, reducing damage to the display panel, slowing crease formation, and extending the lifespan of the display panel.

[0009] In some examples, among the plurality of links, the link furthest from the base rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation of the other links.

[0010] For example, the link furthest from the base refers to the link with the largest ordinal number among multiple links in the same swing arm, starting from the link connected to the base.

[0011] Based on the above characteristics, the part of the connecting rod furthest from the base that contacts the display panel is located at the boundary between the area where the display panel bends and the area where it does not bend. Since the rotation direction of the connecting rod furthest from the base is opposite to the rotation direction of the other connecting rods, the degree of bending of the display panel at the boundary can be smaller, the transition of bending degree from the area where it does not bend to the area where it does bend is smoother and more natural, and the stress generated at the boundary is smaller.

[0012] In some examples, the link includes a link body and a gear drive, the gear drive being located on one side of the link body, the ends of the link bodies of adjacent links being rotatably connected, and the gear drives of adjacent links meshing with each other.

[0013] Based on the above characteristics, the gear transmission unit is arranged on one side of the connecting rod body, so that the rotational connection between adjacent connecting rods and the meshing of the gear transmission unit are relatively independent in arrangement and will not affect each other, which facilitates the assembly between connecting rods.

[0014] In some examples, among adjacent links, the gear drive of one link is movably connected to the link body, while the gear drive of the other link is fixedly connected to the link body. Based on these features, not only can adjacent links rotate smoothly relative to each other, but it also helps to further improve the stability of the folding hinge.

[0015] In some examples, the gear transmission includes at least one of the following:

[0016] A first gear is rotatably connected to the connecting rod body;

[0017] The gear set includes n second gears, where n is an odd number not less than 3, and the n second gears are rotatably connected to the connecting rod body respectively;

[0018] A sector gear, which is fixedly connected to the connecting rod body.

[0019] Based on the above characteristics, the arrangement of a single first gear is simple and occupies little space, which makes it easy to reduce the volume of the folding hinge; by adjusting the number n of the second gears in the gear set, the length of the connecting rod body can be adapted to make the gear set mesh with the adjacent connecting rod, while avoiding the individual second gear having an excessively large diameter; the sector gear is an incomplete gear, which can have a relatively large radius in a small volume, which is beneficial for saving space.

[0020] In other examples, the gear transmission components of each connecting rod are arranged coplanarly. Arranging the gear transmission components in the same plane allows for a more compact structure and smoother force transmission, reducing the likelihood of torsion in the connecting rods.

[0021] In other examples, the plurality of links includes adjacent first and second links, the first link being connected to the base, and the gear drive portion of the first link, the gear drive portion of the second link, and the base forming gear pairs respectively. Based on these features, during the rotation of the first link relative to the base, each link rotates relative to the previous link, causing the base to also participate in the linkage.

[0022] In some examples, the gear transmission of the first link includes a sector gear, which includes a first sector region and a second sector region, with the axis of the first sector region and the axis of the second sector region spaced apart from each other; the first sector region forms a gear pair with the base, and the second sector region meshes with the gear transmission of the second link.

[0023] Based on the above characteristics, by setting a first sector region and a second sector region with non-coincident axes, the base and the second link can rotate relative to the first link around different axes, thus avoiding restrictions on the structural design of the swing arm. For example, it at least avoids the length of the main body of the first link being limited by the radii of the first sector region and the second sector region.

[0024] In some examples, the plurality of links further includes a third link connected to the end of the second link away from the first link, the third link rotating in the opposite direction to the second link.

[0025] Based on the above characteristics, the swing arm can better adapt to the shape of the display panel when it is folded, while avoiding an overly complex structure and too many kinematic pairs that would affect the structural stability and rigidity.

[0026] As an example, in adjacent links, one link has an arc-shaped connecting arm connected to one end of its main body, while the other link has an arc-shaped groove at one end of its main body, with the arc-shaped connecting arm located within the groove. This rotating connection structure, where the arc-shaped connecting arm and the arc-shaped groove cooperate, allows adjacent links to rotate relative to each other and to move closer or further apart during rotation. This results in a longer swing arm in its folded state, creating a larger space between the two swing arms to accommodate the bending area of ​​the display panel.

[0027] In some examples, one end of the connecting rod body is connected to an arc-shaped connecting arm, and the other end has an arc-shaped groove.

[0028] Based on the above characteristics, the structural strength of the connecting rod body is not too low due to the arrangement of arc grooves at both ends of the same connecting rod body. Furthermore, with only one arc groove arranged on a connecting rod body, there is more space and the arrangement of the arc groove is more convenient.

[0029] In some examples, the folding hinge includes two swing arms, and the base includes a base body and a synchronizing gear set. The two swing arms are respectively connected to the base body and form gear pairs with the synchronizing gear set. The synchronizing gear set forms gear pairs with the two swing arms, enabling the two swing arms to rotate synchronously and open and close relative to each other.

[0030] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an electronic device that includes the folding hinge as described in the first aspect.

[0031] Based on the above features, by incorporating a folding hinge as described in the first aspect into the electronic device, the hinge arm can present a more complex posture, enabling more precise bending of the display panel and changing the shape of the bent portion of the display panel. This makes the shape of the bent portion of the display panel closer to the designed teardrop shape, thus reducing damage to the display panel, slowing down the formation of creases, and extending the service life of the display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a folding hinge in related technologies;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a folding hinge provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a folding hinge provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the folded state of a folding hinge provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a folding hinge provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a folding hinge provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a swing arm provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a folding hinge provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a folding hinge provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between a first link and a second link provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the first link and the base provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0044] Legend

[0045] 10. Base; 11. Base body; 12. Synchronous gear set; 121. Third gear

[0046] 1000, Display Panel

[0047] 20. Swing arm 200, connecting rod 201, connecting rod body 201a, arc groove 202, gear transmission part 210, first connecting rod 220, second connecting rod 230, third connecting rod

[0048] 2000, Housing 2001, First Housing 2002, Second Housing 2011, Arc-shaped Connecting Arm

[0049] 2021, sector gear 2021a, clearance notch 2022, gear set 2023, first gear

[0050] 20211, First sector area; 20212, Second sector area; 20221, Second gear.

[0051] 3000, Folding Hinge Detailed Implementation

[0052] The terminology used in the embodiments section of this application is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the application. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this application should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," "third," and similar terms used in the patent application specification and claims of this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "a" or "one," and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including," and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "including" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms "connected," "linked," and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up," "down," "left," "right," etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. The electronic device is a foldable electronic device. The electronic device can be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, tablet computer, PDA, laptop computer, or monitor.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the electronic device includes a display panel 1000 and a housing assembly, with the display panel 1000 connected to the housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a housing 2000 and a folding hinge 3000. The housing 2000 may include a first housing 2001 and a second housing 2002, with the folding hinge 3000 located between the first housing 2001 and the second housing 2002, and connected to both the first housing 2001 and the second housing 2002.

[0055] The folding hinge 3000 has an unfolded state and a folded state, and can switch between the two states. The first housing 2001 and the second housing 2002 can open and close relative to each other under the action of the folding hinge 3000. The display panel 1000 is connected to the first housing 2001 and the second housing 2002. The display panel 1000 can be a flexible display panel, which can be flattened or folded as the first housing 2001 and the second housing 2002 open and close.

[0056] Foldable electronic devices also have an unfolded state and a folded state. In the unfolded state, the first housing 2001 and the second housing 2002 are flattened; in the folded state, the first housing 2001 and the second housing 2002 are closed. Depending on the position of the display panel 1000 in the folded state, foldable electronic devices can be further divided into inward-folding electronic devices and outward-folding electronic devices. In the inward-folding electronic device, the display panel 1000 is sandwiched between the first housing 2001 and the second housing 2002 in the folded state; in the outward-folding electronic device, the display panel 1000 is located outside the first housing 2001 and the second housing 2002 in the folded state, that is, the first housing 2001 and the second housing 2002 are located between the two relatively bent parts of the display panel 1000. The electronic devices provided in this application embodiment can be either inward-folding or outward-folding electronic devices. This application embodiment mainly uses an inward-folding electronic device as an example for description.

[0057] In some foldable electronic devices, when folded, the bending part of the display panel 1000 is U-shaped. In this form, the bending radius of the display panel 1000 is small, which makes it easy to produce obvious creases and also makes the display panel 1000 more susceptible to damage.

[0058] In some other foldable electronic devices, the bending portion of the display panel 1000 is teardrop-shaped when folded, compared to a U-shaped bending portion. In this form, the bending radius of the display panel 1000 can be set to be larger, which helps to reduce damage to the display panel 1000, makes it less likely to form creases, and helps to extend the service life of the display panel 1000.

[0059] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a folding hinge structure in related technologies. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the folding hinge includes a base 10 and two symmetrically arranged swing arms 20. The swing arms 20 are rotatably connected to the base 10, and the two swing arms 20 can open and close relative to each other. Each swing arm 20 includes two connecting rods 200, which are rotatably connected and interlocked. The connecting rod 200 further from the base 10 is used to connect to the housing 2000. During the folding process, the electronic device... Figure 2 Taking the left-hand swing arm 20 as an example, as shown by the dotted arrow, of the two connecting rods 200, the connecting rod 200 connected to the base 10 rotates clockwise relative to the base 10, and the other connecting rod 200 also rotates clockwise relative to the connecting rod 200 connected to the base 10. In other words, the rotation directions of the two connecting rods 200 are the same. After folding to the desired position, the folding hinge forms a U-shape. This posture of the folding hinge results in a U-shaped cross-section at the bent portion of the display panel 1000.

[0060] In some related technologies, the swing arm 20 may also include three or more links 200, each linked 200 connected sequentially. The more links 200 there are, the larger the obtuse angle between two adjacent links 200 in the folded state. During the folding process, the rotation direction of multiple links 200 in the same swing arm 20 is the same, and each link 200 deflects further to the opposite side of the base 10 based on the previous link 200 closer to the base 10. Each link 200 in the same swing arm 20 further bends the display panel 1000 based on the previous link 200 closer to the base 10, ultimately making the cross-section of the bent part of the display panel 1000 U-shaped. That is to say, the folding hinge of this structure is suitable for bending the display panel 1000 into a U-shape in the bent state, but not suitable for bending the display panel 1000 into a teardrop shape that causes less damage to the display panel 1000, which is not conducive to extending the service life of the display panel 1000.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a folding hinge provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 The unfolded state of the folding hinge is shown. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a folding hinge provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The folded state of the hinge is shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the folding hinge includes a base 10 and a swing arm 20, one end of which is connected to the base 10. The other end of the swing arm 20 can be used to connect to the housing of an electronic device.

[0062] As an example, the folding hinge includes two swing arms 20, which can be connected to the base 10 respectively and are capable of opening and closing relative to each other, for example, the two swing arms 20 are connected to opposite sides of the base 10. One of the two swing arms 20 can be used to connect to the first housing 2001, and the other of the two swing arms 20 can be used to connect to the second housing 2002.

[0063] The swing arm 20 includes multiple links 200, which are rotatably connected in sequence. The links 200 can move closer to or further away from each other during relative rotation. Adjacent links 200 form gear pairs to enable linkage between the links 200, and at least two links 200 rotate in opposite directions. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The dashed arrows in the diagram illustrate the rotation direction of the gear pair portion of the connecting rod 200 during the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0064] The swing arm 20 has two opposite ends. A connecting rod 200 at one end of the swing arm 20 is connected to the base 10, and a connecting rod 200 at the other end of the swing arm 20 is connected to the housing 2000. During the folding process of the electronic device, the first housing 2001 drives the swing arm 20 on one side of the base 10 to move through the connecting rod 200 connected to the first housing 2001, and the second housing 2002 drives the swing arm 20 on the other side of the base 10 to move through the connecting rod 200 connected to the second housing 2002, so that the folding hinge and the electronic device move to the folded state.

[0065] In this embodiment, for the link 200 connected to the base 10, the rotation direction can refer to the direction in which the link 200 rotates relative to the base 10 compared to the unfolded state; for the link 200 other than the link 200 connected to the base 10, the rotation direction can refer to the direction in which the link 200 rotates relative to the previous link 200 compared to the unfolded state, where the previous link 200 refers to the adjacent link 200 that is closer to the base 10.

[0066] In this embodiment, by sequentially rotating and connecting multiple links 200 of the swing arm 20, and forming a gear pair with adjacent links 200, the multiple links 200 are linked together, so that during the rotation of the swing arm 20 relative to the base 10, the adjacent links 200 will rotate relative to each other. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the folded state of a folding hinge provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, since at least two links 200 rotate in opposite directions, each link 200 in the same swing arm 20 does not necessarily deflect to the opposite side of the base 10 based on the previous link 200. This allows the swing arm 20 to present a more complex posture, enabling it to bend the display panel 1000 more precisely, changing the shape of the bent part of the display panel 1000, and making the shape of the bent part of the display panel 1000 closer to the designed teardrop shape. This helps to reduce damage to the display panel 1000, slow down the formation of creases, and extend the service life of the display panel 1000.

[0067] In some examples, the folding hinge may include multiple pairs of swing arms 20, which are spaced apart along the length of the base 10. The swing arms 20 located on one side of the base 10 are connected to the first housing 2001, and the swing arms 20 located on the other side of the base 10 are connected to the second housing 2002. By arranging multiple pairs of swing arms 20, larger electronic devices can be accommodated, supporting larger display panels 1000. Furthermore, arranging multiple pairs of swing arms 20 also helps to improve the rigidity of the folding hinge and enhance the impact resistance of the electronic device.

[0068] As an example, in the same swing arm 20, among the multiple links 200, the link 200 farthest from the base 10 rotates in the opposite direction to the other links 200.

[0069] The link 200 furthest from the base 10 can refer to the link 200 with the largest ordinal number among multiple links 200 in the same swing arm 20, starting from the link 200 connected to the base 10. For example, if the swing arm 20 includes 3 links 200, the third link 200 is the link 200 furthest from the base 10, starting from the link 200 connected to the base 10.

[0070] The point where the connecting rod 200 furthest from the base 10 contacts the display panel 1000 is located at the boundary between the bent and unbent areas of the display panel 1000. Since the rotation direction of the connecting rod 200 furthest from the base 10 is opposite to that of the other connecting rods 200, the degree of bending of the display panel 1000 at this boundary is reduced, resulting in a smoother and more natural transition from the unbent area to the bent area. In the folded state, the two folded parts of the display panel 1000 fit together more naturally, and the stress generated at the boundary is reduced.

[0071] In some possible implementations, among the multiple links 200 of the same swing arm 20, the rotation direction of the link 200 adjacent to the link 200 furthest from the base 10 is opposite to the rotation direction of other links 200 closer to the base 10 than that link 200. The rotation directions of the link 200 furthest from the base 10 and the link 200 adjacent to the link 200 furthest from the base 10 can be the same or opposite.

[0072] For example, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a folding hinge provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, in this folding hinge, the swing arm 20 includes 5 links 200. Starting from the link 200 connected to the base 10, the rotation direction of the fourth link 200 is opposite to the rotation direction of the first to third links 200.

[0073] In some possible implementations, among the multiple links 200 of the same swing arm 20, the link 200 furthest from the base 10 and the link 200 adjacent to the link 200 furthest from the base 10 rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the other links 200. For example... Figure 6As shown, starting from the connecting rod 200 connected to the base 10, the rotation directions of the fourth and fifth connecting rods 200 are opposite to those of the first to third connecting rods 200. This arrangement also allows for a smoother and more natural transition in the bending degree at the junction of the display panel 1000.

[0074] Among the multiple links 200 of the swing arm 20, two links 200 with opposite rotation directions may be adjacent or not.

[0075] As an example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the swing arm 20 may include a first link 210, a second link 220, and a third link 230. The first link 210 is connected to the base 10, one end of the second link 220 is connected to the first link 210, and the third link 230 is connected to the end of the second link 220 away from the first link 210. The third link 230 is used to connect to the housing 2000. The rotation direction of the third link 230 is opposite to the rotation direction of the second link 220. By setting three links 200, the swing arm 20 can better adapt to the folded shape of the display panel 1000 during folding, while avoiding an overly complex structure and too many kinematic pairs that would affect structural stability and rigidity.

[0076] In other possible implementations, the swing arm 20 may include only two links 200, or it may include four or more links 200.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, the connecting rod 200 includes a connecting rod body 201 and a gear transmission part 202, with the gear transmission part 202 located on one side of the connecting rod body 201. The ends of the connecting rod bodies 201 of adjacent connecting rods 200 are rotatably connected, and the gear transmission parts 202 of adjacent connecting rods 200 mesh with each other.

[0078] The connecting rod bodies 201 of adjacent connecting rods 200 are rotatably connected through the ends, while the gear transmission part 202 is arranged on one side of the connecting rod body 201. This makes the rotatable connection between adjacent connecting rods 200 and the meshing of the gear transmission part 202 relatively independent in arrangement, so that they will not affect each other and make it more convenient to assemble the connecting rods 200.

[0079] The following describes the structure that forms a gear pair in a folding hinge.

[0080] In some examples, among adjacent links 200, the gear drive 202 of one link 200 is movably connected to the link body 201, while the gear drive 202 of the other link 200 is fixedly connected to the link body 201.

[0081] like Figure 5As shown, the gear transmission part 202 of the first link 210 is fixedly connected to the link body 201 of the first link 210; the gear transmission part 202 of the second link 220 is movably connected to the link body 201 of the second link 220; and the gear transmission part 202 of the third link 230 is fixedly connected to the link body 201 of the third link 230.

[0082] During the folding process, adjacent links 200 rotate relative to each other. For example, the second link 220 rotates relative to the first link 210. During folding, the gear drive 202 of the second link 220 rolls along the surface of the gear drive 202 of the first link 210 under the action of the gear drive 202 of the first link 210, allowing the second link 220 to rotate stably relative to the first link 210. Similarly, the third link 230 rotates relative to the second link 220. During folding, the rotation of the gear drive 202 of the second link 220 drives the third link 230 via the gear drive 202 of the third link 230, causing the third link 230 to rotate relative to the second link 220. Since one of the two meshing gear drive 202s is always fixedly connected, the relative movement of the two link bodies 201 and the relative movement of the two gear drive 202s in adjacent links 200 are always synchronized. When an electronic device is subjected to external impact, if the direction of the impact force is different from the direction of the force applied during normal folding operations, the gear transmission part 202 is less likely to rotate. This prevents adjacent link bodies 201 from rotating relative to each other or causes only a very small rotation, allowing the electronic device to maintain good stability and rigidity. Therefore, by using a movable connection for the gear transmission part 202 of one link 200 and a fixed connection for the gear transmission part 202 of the other link 200, not only can adjacent links 200 rotate smoothly relative to each other, but it also further improves the stability of the folding hinge.

[0083] In some examples, the gear transmission unit 202 may include a gear set 2022 or a sector gear 2021.

[0084] For example Figure 5 As shown, the gear transmission part 202 of the first connecting rod 210 includes a sector gear 2021, which is fixedly connected to the connecting rod body 201 of the first connecting rod 210.

[0085] For example Figure 5 As shown, the gear transmission part 202 of the third link 230 includes a sector gear 2021, which is fixedly connected to the link body 201 of the third link 230.

[0086] The sector gear 2021 is fixedly connected to the connecting rod body 201, and the axis of the sector gear 2021 coincides with the rotation axis of the connecting rod body 201. The sector gear 2021 is an incomplete gear, which can have a relatively large radius while having a small volume, thus driving the connecting rod body 201 to rotate.

[0087] For example Figure 5 As shown, the gear transmission part 202 of the second link 220 includes a gear set 2022.

[0088] In this example, the gear set 2022 includes a plurality of second gears 20221, each of which is rotatably connected to the connecting rod body 201. The number of second gears 20221 in the gear set 2022 is odd, for example... Figure 5 In the example shown, gear set 2022 includes three second gears 20221.

[0089] Figure 5 The dashed arrows schematically illustrate the rotation directions of the second gear 20221 and the sector gear 2021 during the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state. Figure 5 Taking the left-hand swing arm 20 as an example, during the process of the electronic device folding from the unfolded state to the folded state, a comparison is made. Figure 3 and Figure 5 Using the sector gear 2021 of the first link 210 as a reference, the second gear 20221, which meshes with the sector gear 2021 of the first link 210, gradually rolls from a position near the middle of the sector gear 2021 to the edge of the sector gear 2021, and the rotation direction of the second gear 20221 is clockwise. Since there are three second gears 20221, the rotation direction of the second gear 20221 that meshes with the sector gear 2021 of the third link 230 is also clockwise. The rotation direction of the sector gear 2021 of the third link 230 is counterclockwise. During the folding process, the rotation direction of the first link 210 is clockwise, the rotation direction of the second link 220 is also clockwise, and the rotation direction of the third link 230 is counterclockwise.

[0090] In gear set 2022, the number n of the second gears 20221 is an odd number not less than 3. By adjusting the transmission ratio between adjacent second gears 20221, the rotation angle of the third link 230 relative to the second link 220 can be changed from the unfolded state to the folded state, thereby fine-tuning the shape of the display panel 1000 after bending, so that the display panel 1000 can present a shape with less stress in the folded state. In addition, in different folding hinges, the length of the second link 220 may be different. By adjusting the number n of the second gears 20221 in gear set 2022, gear set 2022 can be made to cooperate with the first link 210 and the third link 230, while avoiding the individual second gear 20221 having an excessively large diameter.

[0091] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a folding hinge provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, in some examples, the gear transmission unit 202 may include a first gear 2023. The single first gear 2023, while transmitting power, can also change the rotation direction of the connecting rod 200, causing the two connecting rods 200 that mesh with the first gear 2023 to rotate in opposite directions, for example... Figure 7 The first link 210 and the third link 230, which are adjacent to the second link 220, rotate in opposite directions. The single first gear 2023 has a simple arrangement, occupies little space, and facilitates the reduction of the volume of the folding hinge.

[0092] like Figure 3 As shown, in some examples, the gear transmission parts 202 of each link 200 are arranged coplanarly.

[0093] In this example, a swing arm 20 includes three links 200, and the gear transmission parts 202 of the three links 200 are arranged in the same plane, which makes the structure more compact. The gear transmission parts 202 of adjacent links 200 also transmit the force more smoothly, avoiding torsion of adjacent links 200.

[0094] like Figure 5 As shown, a gear pair is also formed between the swing arm 20 and the base 10. For example, the first connecting rod 210 forms a gear pair with the base 10.

[0095] In this example, the gear transmission part 202 of the first link 210 and the gear transmission part 202 of the second link 220, together with the base 10, form gear pairs.

[0096] The gear transmission part 202 of the first link 210 cooperates with both the gear transmission part 202 of the second link 220 and the base 10. Gear pairs are formed between adjacent links 200, so that during the rotation of the first link 210 relative to the base 10, each link 200 will rotate relative to the previous link 200.

[0097] In this example, the base 10 includes a base body 11 and a synchronous gear set 12. Two swing arms 20 are respectively connected to the base body 11, and the two swing arms 20 form gear pairs with the synchronous gear set 12. The synchronous gear set 12 and the two swing arms 20 form gear pairs, enabling the two swing arms 20 to rotate synchronously and open and close relative to each other.

[0098] The synchronizing gear set 12 may include an even number of third gears 121. As an example, the synchronizing gear set 12 includes two third gears 121, which are rotatably connected to the base 10 and mesh with each other. The gear drive 202 of the first link 210 of one swing arm 20 meshes with one third gear 121, and the gear drive 202 of the first link 210 of the other swing arm 20 meshes with the other third gear 121.

[0099] Figure 8 This is a partial structural diagram of a swing arm provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the gear transmission section 202 of the first connecting rod 210 includes a sector gear 2021, which includes a first sector region 20211 and a second sector region 20212. The axis O1 of the first sector region 20211 and the axis O2 of the second sector region 20212 are spaced apart from each other. The first sector region 20211 forms a gear pair with the base 10, and the second sector region 20212 meshes with the gear transmission section 202 of the second connecting rod 220.

[0100] The sector gear 2021 is fixedly connected to the connecting rod body 201 of the first connecting rod 210, and their movements are identical. The axis O1 of the first sector region 20211 of the sector gear 2021 coincides with the rotation axis of the connecting rod body 201 of the first connecting rod 210 relative to the base 10. In other words, the axis O1 of the first sector region 20211 of the sector gear 2021 is the rotation axis of the first connecting rod 210 relative to the base 10. The gear transmission part 202 of the second connecting rod 220 meshes with the sector gear 2021, and the axis O2 of the second sector region 20212 of the sector gear 2021 is the rotation axis of the second connecting rod 220 relative to the first connecting rod 210. As can be seen, by setting the first sector region 20211 and the second sector region 20212 with non-coincident axes, the base 10 and the second link 220 can rotate relative to the first link 210 around different axes, thus avoiding restrictions on the structural design of the swing arm 20. For example, at least the length of the link body 201 of the first link 210 can be avoided.

[0101] Figure 9 This is a partial structural diagram of a folding hinge provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 9As shown, in some examples, the sector gears 2021 of the first connecting rods 210 of the two swing arms 20 and the synchronizing gear set 12 can be arranged coplanarly. The sector gears 2021 of the first connecting rods 210 can have clearance notches 2021a, which coincide in the unfolded state. The clearance notches 2021a prevent the sector gears 2021 of the first connecting rods 210 of the two swing arms 20 from interfering with each other, making the structure of the folding hinge more compact.

[0102] The following describes the structure that enables the rotational connection in a folding hinge.

[0103] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a folding hinge provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 As shown, in adjacent links 200, one end of the link body 201 of one link 200 is connected to an arc-shaped connecting arm 2011, and one end of the link body 201 of the other link 200 has an arc-shaped groove 201a, with the arc-shaped connecting arm 2011 located in the arc-shaped groove 201a.

[0104] The arc-shaped connecting arm 2011 cooperates with the arc-shaped groove 201a, enabling the two connected rods 200 to rotate relative to each other, and the axis of rotation is the axis of the arc-shaped connecting arm 2011 or the arc-shaped groove 201a.

[0105] Taking the connected first link 210 and second link 220 as an example, Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the engagement of a first link and a second link according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 11 As shown, one end of the first connecting rod 210 has an arc-shaped groove 201a, and one end of the second connecting rod 220 has an arc-shaped connecting arm 2011, which is inserted into the arc-shaped groove 201a. The arc-shaped connecting arm 2011 and the arc-shaped groove 201a can be clearance-fitted. During the relative rotation of the first connecting rod 210 and the second connecting rod 220, the arc-shaped connecting arm 2011 of the second connecting rod 220 moves within the arc-shaped groove 201a of the first connecting rod 210. For example, during the movement from the unfolded state to the folded state, the arc-shaped connecting arm 2011 gradually moves outward from the arc-shaped groove 201a, and the connecting rod bodies 201 of the first connecting rod 210 and the second connecting rod 220 gradually move away from each other, that is, the first connecting rod 210 and the second connecting rod 220 gradually move away from each other.

[0106] The rotating connection structure, in which the arc-shaped connecting arm 2011 and the arc-shaped groove 201a cooperate, allows adjacent connecting rods 200 to rotate relative to each other and to move closer or further apart during rotation. This rotating connection structure also allows the swing arm 20 to have a longer length in the folded state compared to the unfolded state. In the folded state, a larger space can be formed between the two swing arms 20 to accommodate the bending area of ​​the display panel 1000, which helps to increase the bending radius of the display panel and extend its service life.

[0107] In this example, adjacent links 200 slide against each other during relative rotation, but the sliding trajectory is an arc rather than a straight line. When the folding hinge is subjected to external impact, the adjacent links 200 are not prone to large-scale relative sliding, which makes the folding hinge have good rigidity and can better protect and support the display panel 1000.

[0108] As an example, one end of the connecting rod body 201 is connected to an arc-shaped connecting arm 2011, and the other end has an arc-shaped groove 201a.

[0109] For example Figure 11 As shown, the first connecting rod 210 has an arc-shaped connecting arm 2011 connected to one end of its connecting rod body 201 for connecting to the base 10, and an arc-shaped groove 201a at one end for connecting to the second connecting rod 220; the second connecting rod 220 has an arc-shaped connecting arm 2011 connected to one end of its connecting rod body 201 for connecting to the first connecting rod 210, and an arc-shaped groove 201a at one end for connecting to the third connecting rod 230.

[0110] In this example, an arc-shaped groove 201a is arranged only at one end of the connecting rod body 201 to avoid the structural strength of the connecting rod body 201 being too low due to the arrangement of two arc-shaped grooves 201a on the same connecting rod body 201. Furthermore, arranging only one arc-shaped groove 201a on a connecting rod body 201 allows for more space and facilitates the arrangement of the arc-shaped groove 201a.

[0111] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the first link and the base provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 12 As shown, the base 10 also has arc-shaped grooves 201a on both sides, and the arc-shaped grooves 201a of the base 10 can be located on the base body 11. The arc-shaped connecting arm 2011 of the first link 210 of the swing arm 20 is located in the arc-shaped groove 201a of the base 10, so that the link body 201 of the first link 210 can move closer to or away from the base 10 during the rotation of the first link 210 relative to the base 10.

[0112] The arc-shaped grooves 201a on both sides of the base 10 can be staggered to avoid the arc-shaped connecting arms 2011 of the first connecting rods 210 of the two swing arms 20 from affecting each other.

[0113] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings provided in the embodiments of this application are for illustrative purposes only. Some structures are only shown in part for demonstration purposes and do not represent a limitation on the actual form of these structures. For example Figure 12 The first link 210's main body 201 is divided into two independent parts by its arc-shaped groove 201a; the base 10's two arc-shaped grooves 201a divide its main body 11 into multiple independent parts. These divisions are for ease of demonstration of the arc-shaped grooves 201a and the arc-shaped connecting arm 2011. The two independent parts of the link body 201 can be connected by omitted portions of the link body 201, and the multiple independent parts of the base body 11 can be connected by omitted portions of the base body 11. The shapes of the link body 201 and the omitted portions of the base body 11 can be customized according to specific needs.

[0114] The above description is merely one embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A folding hinge, characterized in that, It includes a base (10) and a swing arm (20), one end of which is connected to the base (10); The swing arm (20) includes multiple links (200), which are connected to each other in sequence and can move closer or further away from each other during relative rotation. Adjacent links (200) form a gear pair to enable the multiple links (200) to move together, and at least two links (200) rotate in opposite directions.

2. The folding hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, Among the plurality of links (200), the link (200) furthest from the base (10) rotates in the opposite direction to the other links (200).

3. The folding hinge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connecting rod (200) includes a connecting rod body (201) and a gear transmission part (202). The gear transmission part (202) is located on one side of the connecting rod body (201). The ends of the connecting rod bodies (201) of adjacent connecting rods (200) are rotatably connected, and the gear transmission parts (202) of adjacent connecting rods (200) mesh with each other.

4. The folding hinge according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the adjacent links (200), the gear transmission part (202) of one link (200) is movably connected to the link body (201), and the gear transmission part (202) of the other link (200) is fixedly connected to the link body (201).

5. The folding hinge according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The gear transmission unit (202) includes at least one of the following: A first gear (2023) is rotatably connected to the connecting rod body (201); The gear set (2022) includes n second gears (20221), where n is an odd number not less than 3, and the n second gears (20221) are rotatably connected to the connecting rod body (201); A sector gear (2021) is fixedly connected to the connecting rod body (201).

6. The folding hinge according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The gear transmission parts (202) of each of the connecting rods (200) are arranged in a coplanar manner.

7. The folding hinge according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The plurality of links (200) include an adjacent first link (210) and a second link (220). The first link (210) is connected to the base (10). The gear transmission part (202) of the first link (210) and the gear transmission part (202) of the second link (220) and the base (10) respectively form a gear pair.

8. The folding hinge according to claim 7, characterized in that, The gear transmission part (202) of the first connecting rod (210) includes a sector gear (2021), which includes a first sector area (20211) and a second sector area (20212). The axis of the first sector area (20211) and the axis of the second sector area (20212) are spaced apart from each other. The first sector region (20211) forms a gear pair with the base (10), and the second sector region (20212) meshes with the gear transmission part (202) of the second connecting rod (220).

9. The folding hinge according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The plurality of links (200) further includes a third link (230), which is connected to the end of the second link (220) away from the first link (210), and the rotation direction of the third link (230) is opposite to the rotation direction of the second link (220).

10. The folding hinge according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that, In the adjacent links (200), one end of the link body (201) of one link (200) is connected to an arc-shaped connecting arm (2011), and one end of the link body (201) of the other link (200) has an arc-shaped groove (201a), and the arc-shaped connecting arm (2011) is located in the arc-shaped groove (201a).

11. The folding hinge according to claim 10, characterized in that, One end of the connecting rod body (201) is connected to an arc-shaped connecting arm (2011), and the other end has an arc-shaped groove (201a).

12. The folding hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The folding hinge includes two swing arms (20), and the base (10) includes a base body (11) and a synchronous gear set (12). The two swing arms (20) are respectively connected to the base body (11) and respectively form a gear pair with the synchronous gear set (12).

13. An electronic device, characterized in that, Includes the folding hinge as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

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