Hinge mechanism and terminal equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a hinge mechanism and terminal equipment. The hinge mechanism is applied to the terminal equipment and can drive two frame bodies of the terminal equipment to rotate relatively, the hinge mechanism comprises a rotating assembly, a thrust assembly and a locking assembly, the rotating assembly comprises a fixed support and two swing rod units, the two swing rod units can rotate relatively around rotating shafts parallel to each other, and the two swing rod units can rotate relatively around the fixed support. The fixing support is provided with first cam parts corresponding to the swing rod units one to one, the first cam parts abut against the first ends of the swing rod units, the thrust assembly abuts against the second ends of the swing rod units and is used for applying thrust to the swing rod units along the rotating shaft, and the locking assembly is arranged on the fixing support and abuts against the first ends of the swing rod units. According to the hinge mechanism provided by the invention, the two swing rod units can automatically rotate under the action of the thrust assembly, so that automatic opening of the terminal equipment is realized.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The original application has the application number 202011069902.2 and the original application date is September 30, 2020. The entire contents of the original application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of electronic devices, and more particularly to a hinge mechanism and a terminal device. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of science and technology, diverse screens have provided more application options for mobile phones and other terminal devices. In particular, with the development and maturity of flexible screen technology, it has become a reality to develop terminal devices with foldable screens by utilizing the bendable and foldable characteristics of flexible screens.

[0004] Among various products equipped with flexible screens, foldable terminal devices generally have two main bodies connected by a hinge mechanism that can rotate relative to each other. The flexible screen covers the surfaces of the two main bodies, and the hinge mechanism that supports the folding function of the flexible screen is a key component of this type of product. Currently, most mainstream foldable terminal devices rely on manual operation to open and close the screen. When using them, users need to hold one of the main bodies of the terminal device with one hand and flip the other main body of the terminal device with the other hand to unfold it from the folded state.

[0005] Therefore, existing foldable terminal devices are inconvenient to open and have a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a hinge mechanism and a terminal device that can automatically open a foldable terminal device, thereby improving the user experience.

[0007] In a first aspect, the hinge mechanism provided in this application is applied to a terminal device. The terminal device has two frames that can rotate relative to each other. The hinge mechanism includes a rotating component, a thrust component, and a locking component. The rotating component includes a fixed bracket and two rocker arm units. The two rocker arm units are respectively connected to the two frames of the terminal device, and the two rocker arm units can rotate relative to each other about mutually parallel rotation axes. The fixed bracket is provided with a first cam portion corresponding to each rocker arm unit. The first cam portion abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit. The thrust component abuts against the second end of the rocker arm unit. The thrust component is used to apply a thrust to the rocker arm unit along the rotation axis so that the rocker arm unit rotates along the contour of the first cam portion under the action of the thrust.

[0008] The locking component is mounted on the fixed bracket and abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit. When the locking component is in the locked state, it stops on the movement trajectory of the first end of the rocker arm unit to prevent the rotation of the two rocker arm units.

[0009] In this way, by controlling the locking state of the locking component, the two rocker arm units can rotate automatically under the action of the thrust component, thereby realizing the automatic opening of the terminal device and facilitating user operation.

[0010] As an optional implementation, when the locking component is in the locked state, the two lever units are closed relative to each other. In this way, the hinge mechanism can be kept in the closed state when not in use, and when in use, the hinge structure can be automatically unfolded simply by releasing the locking component.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the first cam part is a hollow cylindrical structure. The bottom end of the first cam part is connected to the fixed bracket, and the top end of the first cam part extends along the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit. The top end of the first cam part has an annular first cam surface. Different positions of the first cam surface in the circumferential direction have different axial heights, so that the rocker arm unit can move axially under the action of the thrust assembly.

[0012] In this design, the first end of the rocker arm unit abuts against the first cam surface. When the axial position of the rocker arm unit changes, it slides relative to the first cam surface while simultaneously rotating around the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit. In this way, the cam structure converts the axial movement of the rocker arm unit driven by the thrust assembly into the rotation of the rocker arm unit.

[0013] As an optional implementation, the first end of the rocker arm unit has a contact portion extending along its rotation axis, the contact portion protruding towards the fixed bracket and abutting against the first cam surface of the first cam portion. In this way, the contact portion can slide along the first cam surface, and the reaction force of the first cam surface on the contact portion will generate a rotational torque on the rocker arm unit, causing the rocker arm unit to rotate.

[0014] As an optional implementation, the locking assembly includes a locking member, which is sleeved on the outside of the first cam portion and abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit. The outline of the locking member is located on the movement trajectory of the first end of the rocker arm unit. Thus, after the locking assembly is unlocked, the locking member can rotate around the rotation axis. When the locking assembly is in the locked state, the locking member is fixed relative to the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit, thereby hindering the rotation of the rocker arm unit.

[0015] As an alternative implementation, the locking member has a second cam portion, the top end of which extends along the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit. The top end of the second cam portion has an annular second cam surface, which is located outside the shape enclosed by the first cam surface. The second cam surface has different axial heights at different positions in the circumferential direction.

[0016] The second cam surface abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit, and the second cam surface and the first cam surface have different contours in the circumferential direction. This allows the first end of the rocker arm unit to slide along the second cam surface, and the contact part of the first end of the rocker arm unit can slide in cooperation with the first cam surface and the second cam surface respectively. This enables both automatic and manual opening of the terminal device.

[0017] As an optional implementation, when the rocker arm unit rotates under the thrust of the thrust assembly, the highest point of the second cam surface is located in front of the movement trajectory of the first end of the rocker arm unit, and the highest point of the second cam surface abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit. Thus, after the locking member is unlocked, the rocker arm unit can push the locking member to rotate while rotating automatically.

[0018] As an optional implementation, when the rocker arm unit is in the relatively closed position, the highest point of the first cam surface and the highest point of the second cam surface are staggered to form a slot together, and the first end of the rocker arm unit is locked in the slot. In this way, when the locking component is in the locked state, the rocker arm unit can be kept in the closed position.

[0019] As an optional implementation, when the rocker arm unit is relatively unfolded, the rotation angle of the second cam surface relative to the first cam surface is twice the rotation angle of the rocker arm unit. In this way, while the rocker arm unit pushes the locking member to rotate, the contact part of the rocker arm unit can slide along the second cam surface, so that after the rocker arm unit is fully unfolded, the locking member can rotate 180°, thereby enabling repeated automatic opening by utilizing the centrally symmetrical structure of the second cam surface.

[0020] As an optional implementation, when the rocker arm unit is in the closed state, the contact portion corresponds to the high point of the contour curve of the first cam surface and the second cam surface; when the rocker arm unit is in the extended state, the contact portion corresponds to the low point of the contour curve of the first cam surface and the second cam surface. In this way, as the thrust assembly pushes the rocker arm unit to slide from the high point to the low point of the cam surface, the rotation and extension of the rocker arm unit can be realized simultaneously.

[0021] As an optional implementation, the profile of the second cam surface includes a straight section perpendicular to the rotation axis, located between the highest and lowest points of the second cam surface. Thus, when the terminal device is manually opened, as the contact portion of the lever unit slides along the second cam surface, the terminal device can remain in a semi-open state when the contact portion slides to the straight section.

[0022] As an optional implementation, the locking assembly further includes a button, a first elastic element, and a locking block. The locking block has a first inclined surface, and the button has a second inclined surface that cooperates with the first inclined surface. Both the first and second inclined surfaces form an angle with the rotation axis. Both the locking block and the button are slidably mounted on the fixed bracket, with the sliding direction of the locking block perpendicular to the rotation axis and the sliding direction of the button extending along the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit. Thus, by utilizing the cooperation of the first and second inclined surfaces, when the button moves axially along the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit, it can push the locking block to slide in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0023] The first elastic element is connected to the locking block and is used to apply elastic force to the locking block, so that the locking block can slide to a position abutting against the locking element under the elastic force of the first elastic element, so that the locking component is in a locked state, or slide to a position that is disengaged from the locking element under the push of the button, so that the locking component is unlocked.

[0024] As an optional implementation, the locking assembly includes two locking blocks, a first elastic element disposed between the two locking blocks, and the elastic force of the first elastic element pointing in a direction that moves the two locking blocks away from each other. The button has two second inclined surfaces, which respectively cooperate with the first inclined surface of each locking block. In this way, the reliability of the locking assembly's locking can be ensured by the elastic force of the first elastic element, while the movement of the button can push the locking blocks to move in opposite directions against the elastic force of the first elastic element, thereby also realizing the convenience of unlocking the locking assembly.

[0025] As an optional implementation, a notch is provided on the side wall of the locking member. When the locking block abuts against the locking member, the locking block can be inserted into the notch to lock the locking assembly, thereby ensuring the reliability of the locking block's fixation of the locking member.

[0026] As an optional implementation, there are two notches, located on opposite sides of the locking member. This allows the locking block to keep the locking member locked whether the lever unit is closed or fully extended. This ensures that the locking member remains relatively fixed during manual opening or closing of the terminal device, and also provides the locking member with a symmetrical fixing structure, thus guaranteeing the locking function of the locking component during repeated opening and closing.

[0027] As an optional implementation, the fixed bracket has a through hole for the locking block to pass through. When the two locking blocks move away from each other under the elastic force of the first elastic element, the sidewall of the locking block and the edge of the through hole abut against each other. This allows the locking block to be engaged with the fixed bracket, ensuring its locking function.

[0028] As an optional implementation, the thrust assembly includes a first baffle, a second baffle, and a second elastic member disposed between the first baffle and the second baffle. The first baffle abuts against the second end of the rocker arm unit, and the second elastic member is used to apply elastic force to the first baffle. The first baffle can push the rocker arm unit to move along the rotation axis, thereby realizing the rotation of the rocker arm unit through cooperation with the first cam surface and the second cam surface.

[0029] As an optional implementation, the hinge mechanism further includes two first positioning rods, which are respectively arranged with two rocker arm units. The first positioning rods pass through the fixed bracket, the rocker arm units, and the thrust assembly in sequence to form the rotation axis of the rocker arm units. The first end of the positioning rod is connected to the side of the fixed bracket opposite to the rocker arm units, and the second end of the positioning rod is fixed to the side of the thrust assembly opposite to the rocker arm units. In this way, support can be provided for the overall structure of the hinge mechanism, while providing positioning and guidance for the opening and closing movements and axial movement of the hinge structure.

[0030] As an optional implementation, the thrust assembly further includes a third baffle, which is disposed on the side of the second baffle opposite to the second elastic member. The third baffle has a groove, and the second end of the first positioning rod is engaged in the groove. This facilitates the installation of the positioning rod by passing it sequentially through the swing arm unit and the thrust assembly from one side of the fixed bracket.

[0031] As an optional implementation, the second elastic element is fitted onto the first positioning rod. In this way, the first positioning rod can provide a guiding function when the second elastic element is compressed.

[0032] As an optional implementation, the rotating assembly further includes a synchronizing gear unit, which includes a first gear and a second gear meshing with each other; the side wall of the rocker arm unit is provided with a meshing part, and the first gear and the second gear respectively mesh with the meshing parts of the two rocker arm units. In this way, the two rocker arm units can rotate synchronously, ensuring the smoothness of the opening and closing process of the terminal device.

[0033] As an optional implementation, the side wall of the rocker arm unit is provided with a connecting portion that protrudes radially along the rocker arm unit, and the connecting portion is used to connect with the frame of the terminal device. In this way, the opening and closing of the hinge mechanism can drive the opening and closing of the terminal device frame.

[0034] Secondly, this application provides a terminal device, including two frames and the aforementioned hinge mechanism, wherein two rocker arm units of the hinge mechanism are respectively connected to the two frames to allow the two frames to rotate relative to each other.

[0035] This application provides a hinge mechanism and a terminal device. The hinge mechanism is applied in the terminal device and can drive the two frames of the terminal device to rotate relative to each other. The hinge mechanism includes a rotating component, a pushing component, and a locking component. The rotating component includes a fixed bracket and two rocker arm units, which are respectively connected to the two frames of the terminal device. The two rocker arm units can rotate relative to each other about mutually parallel rotation axes. The fixed bracket is provided with a first cam portion corresponding to each rocker arm unit. The first cam portion abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit. The pushing component abuts against the second end of the rocker arm unit and is used to apply a pushing force to the rocker arm unit along the rotation axis, so that the rocker arm unit rotates along the contour of the first cam portion under the action of the pushing force. The locking component is provided on the fixed bracket and abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit. When the locking component is in the locked state, the locking component stops on the movement trajectory of the first end of the rocker arm unit to prevent the rotation of the two rocker arm units. In this way, by controlling the locking state of the locking component, the two rocker arm units can be automatically rotated under the action of the pushing component, thereby realizing the automatic opening of the terminal device and facilitating user operation. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a foldable terminal device;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a hinge structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the hinge structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a front view of the hinge mechanism in the closed state provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a partial view of the hinge mechanism in the closed state provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a partial view of the position of the first end of the rocker arm unit in the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 7a This is a cam profile curve diagram of the initial state of the hinge mechanism when it automatically unfolds according to the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 7b This is a cam profile curve diagram of the first intermediate state when the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of this application automatically unfolds;

[0044] Figure 7c This is a cam profile curve diagram of the second intermediate state when the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of this application automatically unfolds;

[0045] Figure 7d This is a cam profile curve diagram of the final state of the hinge mechanism when it is automatically deployed according to the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a cam profile curve diagram of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application when it is manually unfolded or closed;

[0047] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the locking component and the rotating component in the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 10a This is a schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism provided in this application before unlocking;

[0049] Figure 10b This is a schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism after unlocking, as provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 10c This is a schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism unlocking and resetting structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 11 This is a front view of the fixed bracket in the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0053] 1-Hinge structure; 10-Rotating assembly; 11-Swing rod unit; 111-Contact part; 112-Connecting part; 12-Fixed bracket; 121-First cam part; 1211-First cam surface; 122-Through hole; 13-Synchronous pulley unit; 20-Locking assembly; 21-Locking element; 211-Second cam part; 2111-Second cam surface; 212-Notch; 213-Slot; 22-Button; 221-First inclined surface; 222-First protruding structure; 23-Locking block; 231-Second inclined surface; 232-Protrusion; 233-Groove section; 234-Second protruding structure; 24-First elastic element; 30-Thrust assembly; 31-First baffle; 32-Second baffle; 33-Third baffle; 331-Slide groove; 34-Second elastic element; 40-First positioning rod; 100-Frame. Detailed Implementation

[0054] With the development of science and technology, flexible screen technology has gradually matured. By utilizing the bendable and foldable characteristics of flexible screens, mobile phones and other terminal devices can achieve screen bending and folding, thereby enabling terminal devices to have a relatively compact size while allowing flexible screens to have a large display area.

[0055] Currently, to achieve a larger screen area on a smaller terminal device, a flexible screen can be incorporated into the terminal device, and the device can be designed as a foldable screen structure. For example... Figure 1As shown, in existing foldable screen terminal devices, the main structure of the terminal device is divided into two frames 100 that are hinged together by a hinge mechanism 1, and a flexible screen covers the surfaces of both frames 100. When the two frames 100 rotate around the pivot and fold together, the terminal device is in a folded state, which is small in size and easy to carry; when the two frames 100 rotate around the pivot to a position where they are flush with each other, the terminal device is in an unfolded state, and the flexible screen of the terminal device has a large display area.

[0056] Existing foldable screen structures allow for either inward or outward folding. Taking an inward-folding structure as an example, the flexible screen is positioned inside two frames 100. When the two frames 100 are folded, the flexible screen is sandwiched between them, and the portion of the flexible screen near the hinge mechanism 1 bends, causing the parts of the flexible screen corresponding to the two frames 100 to fold and fit together. When the two frames 100 are unfolded, the flexible screen also unfolds, forming a larger display plane. During the opening and closing process, the hinge mechanism 1 connecting the two frames 100 is a crucial component, ensuring the smoothness of the terminal device's opening and closing process and the reliability of the overall structure.

[0057] However, in existing technologies, foldable screen devices typically require manual opening of the two frames 100 when they are folded. This means that the user needs to hold one frame 100 with one hand and unfold the other frame 100 with the other hand. During this process, the user needs to continuously push the frame 100 to the unfolded state so that the two frames 100 are horizontally coplanar and form a complete larger display plane. Therefore, existing foldable screen devices are inconvenient to open and affect the user experience.

[0058] Therefore, this application provides a hinge mechanism and a terminal device that can automatically open a foldable terminal device, thereby improving the user experience. It should be noted that the automatic opening method of the terminal device from a folded state provides users with a more convenient option. Users can either open the folded terminal device automatically or manually unfold it. The hinge mechanism provided in this application allows for both automatic and manual opening, enabling users to choose according to their actual application scenario and personal habits. The terminal device unfolded using either method can be manually folded back up.

[0059] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a hinge structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the hinge structure provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the hinge mechanism provided in this application includes a rotating assembly 10, a thrust assembly 30, and a locking assembly 20. The rotating assembly 10 includes a fixed bracket 12 and two rocker arm units 11. The two rocker arm units 11 are respectively connected to the two frames 100 of the terminal device. The two rocker arm units 11 can rotate relative to each other around mutually parallel rotation axes. The fixed bracket 12 is provided with a first cam portion 121 corresponding to each rocker arm unit 11. The first cam portion 121 abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit 11. The thrust assembly 30 abuts against the second end of the rocker arm unit 11. The thrust assembly 30 is used to apply a thrust to the rocker arm unit 11 along the rotation axis, so that the rocker arm unit 11 rotates along the contour of the first cam portion 121 under the action of the thrust. In this way, the two rocker arm units 11 can rotate automatically under the action of the thrust assembly 30, thereby realizing the automatic opening of the terminal device and facilitating user operation.

[0060] The locking component 20 is mounted on the fixed bracket 12 and abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit 11. When the locking component 20 is in the locked state, it stops the movement of the first end of the rocker arm unit 11, thereby preventing the rotation of the two rocker arm units 11. The fixed bracket 12 can be a plate-shaped structure, with a first cam portion 121 located on the side of the fixed bracket 12 facing the rocker arm unit 11 and protruding outward from the plate surface of the fixed bracket 12.

[0061] Specifically, when the relative angle between the two rocker arm units 11 is 0°, the rotating component 10 is in a closed state. That is, at this time, the locking component 20 can maintain the rocker arm unit 11 in the initial closed state. When the locking component 20 is unlocked, the rocker arm unit 11 can move along the axial direction of the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit 11 under the thrust of the thrust component 30. Since the first end of the rocker arm unit 11 abuts against the first cam portion 121 of the fixed bracket 12, and there is a height difference between different positions of the first cam portion 121, the rocker arm unit 11 will slide from the high point of the first cam portion 121 to the low point. During the sliding process of the rocker arm unit 11 along the end of the first cam portion 121, it will simultaneously rotate around the rotation axis until the rocker arm unit 11 slides to the lowest point of the first cam portion 121 and stops rotating. At this time, the unfolding angle of the two rocker arm units 11 is 180°.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit 11 can be either a virtual rotation axis or a physical rotation axis. That is, the rotation axis here is only to illustrate that the rocker arm unit 11 will rotate around a certain fixed axis when it is unfolded or closed. The positioning and radial position limitation of the rocker arm unit 11 can be achieved by either an external positioning structure or an internal physical rotation axis, which will be explained in detail below and will not be elaborated here.

[0063] It should be noted that after the locking component 20 is unlocked, the thrust component 30 is the power source that automatically unfolds the rocker arm unit 11 from the closed state. However, the thrust directly generated by the thrust component 30 along the rotation axis can only move the rocker arm unit 11 along the rotation axis. The rotation of the rocker arm unit 11 depends on the reaction force generated by the first cam portion 121 when it abuts against it. That is, the thrust component 30 located at the second end of the rocker arm unit 11 applies a thrust towards its first end to the rocker arm unit 11. The rocker arm unit 11 will correspondingly exert a force on the first cam portion 121 at its first end. Since the mating surface between the first cam portion 121 and the rocker arm unit 11 is a cam slope, the reaction force of the first cam portion 121 on the rocker arm unit 11 will have an angle with the rotation axis. The component of this reaction force perpendicular to the rotation axis will generate a rotational torque on the rocker arm unit 11, thereby driving the rocker arm unit 11 to rotate around the rotation axis. The specific cooperation between the first cam section 121 and the rocker arm unit 11, as well as the contour shape of the contact surface, will be described in detail below.

[0064] As an optional implementation, the first cam portion 121 is a hollow cylindrical structure. The bottom end of the first cam portion 121 is connected to the fixed bracket 12. The top end of the first cam portion 121 extends along the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit 11. The top end of the first cam portion 121 has an annular first cam surface 1211. Different positions of the first cam surface 1211 in the circumferential direction have different axial heights, so that the rocker arm unit 11 can move axially under the action of the thrust assembly 30.

[0065] The first end of the rocker arm unit 11 abuts against the first cam surface 1211. When the axial position of the rocker arm unit 11 changes, it will slide relative to the first cam surface 1211 and rotate around the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit 11. Thus, the axial movement of the rocker arm unit 11 driven by the thrust assembly 30 can be converted into the rotation of the rocker arm unit 11 by the cam structure.

[0066] Specifically, since the first cam surface 1211 is an annular surface, it can be divided into two semi-circular parts, each with a corresponding 180° rotation angle. Both cam surfaces extend from a high point to a low point, with the same inclination angle and profile. The highest point of one cam surface connects to the lowest point of the other, and correspondingly, the lowest point also connects to the highest point. The corresponding rotation angle from the highest to the lowest point is 90°. When the rocker arm unit 11 abuts against the first cam surface 1211, the first end of the rocker arm unit 11 simultaneously abuts against both parts of the first cam surface 1211. During the rotation of the rocker arm unit 11, the height of the two semi-circular annular surfaces of the first cam surface 1211 remains consistent. This ensures the stability of the rocker arm unit 11's movement, and the torque generated by the reaction force of the first cam surface 1211 on the rocker arm unit 11 can relatively balance the rotation of the rocker arm unit 11.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a front view of the hinge mechanism in the closed state provided in the embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a partial view of the hinge mechanism in the closed state provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, for example, when the rocker arm unit 11 is in the closed state, the first end of the rocker arm unit 11 simultaneously abuts against the highest points of the two parts of the first cam surface 1211. At this time, the included angle between the two rocker arm units 11 is 0°. During the rotation of the rocker arm unit 11, both sides of its first end slide from the highest point to the lowest point of the two parts of the first cam surface 1211. When sliding to the lowest point, the two rocker arm units 11 rotate 90° relative to the first cam surface 1211 in opposite directions. That is, the included angle between the two rocker arm units 11 is 180° at this time.

[0068] Furthermore, in order for the first end of the rocker arm unit 11 to slide along the first cam surface 1211 when it engages with the first cam surface 1211, it is necessary to ensure that the surface-to-surface contact between the two is a line contact. Therefore, a contact portion 111 extending and protruding along its rotation axis can be provided at the first end of the rocker arm unit 11. The contact portion 111 protrudes toward the fixed bracket 12 and abuts against the first cam surface 1211 of the first cam portion 121. The contact portion 111 can then slide along the first cam surface 1211. The reaction force of the first cam surface 1211 on the contact portion 111 will generate a rotational torque on the rocker arm unit 11, causing the rocker arm unit 11 to rotate.

[0069] Specifically, the contact part 111 can be an arc-shaped protrusion structure, and the first end of each rocker arm unit 11 can be provided with two symmetrical contact parts 111. The two contact parts 111 correspond to the cam surfaces of the two semi-circular rings of the first cam surface 1211 respectively. In this way, the first end of the rocker arm unit 11 can simultaneously abut against the two semi-circular ring parts of the first cam surface 1211, ensuring the balance of force on the rocker arm unit 11 and the smoothness of the rotation process.

[0070] Furthermore, it should be noted that in order to ensure that the rocker arm unit 11 is always subjected to a thrust against the fixed bracket 12, the thrust assembly 30 will continuously press against the second end of the rocker arm unit 11. When the rocker arm unit 11 is in the closed state, the contact portion 111 of its first end abuts against the high position of the first cam surface 1211. At the same time, in order to allow the rocker arm unit 11 to slide in a specific direction, its abutment position with the first cam surface 1211 will be slightly lower than the highest point of the contour curve of the first cam surface 1211. In order to ensure that the rocker arm unit 11 can remain at the high position of the first cam curve when subjected to the thrust of the thrust assembly 30, thereby maintaining the closed state, the locking assembly 20 needs to lock the rocker arm unit 11, that is, block it in front of the sliding stroke of the rocker arm unit 11 to prevent it from sliding from the high position to the low position of the first cam surface 1211. The specific structure and locking method of the locking assembly 20 will be described in detail below.

[0071] As an optional implementation, the locking assembly 20 includes a locking member 21, which is sleeved on the outside of the first cam portion 121 and abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit 11. The outline of the locking member 21 is located on the movement trajectory of the first end of the rocker arm unit 11. Thus, after the locking assembly 20 is released from the locked state, the locking member 21 can rotate around the rotation axis. When the locking assembly 20 is in the locked state, the locking member 21 is fixed relative to the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit 11, thereby hindering the rotation of the rocker arm unit 11.

[0072] Specifically, the locking member 21 has a similar structure to the first cam portion 121 on the fixed bracket 12. The locking member 21 is also a cylindrical structure. The locking member 21 may be provided with a second cam portion 211. One difference between the two is that the diameter of the locking member 21 is larger than the diameter of the first cam portion 121. Therefore, the locking member 21 is sleeved on the outside of the first cam portion 121, and one end of the locking member 21 abuts against the plate surface of the fixed bracket 12 facing the rocker arm unit 11, and the other end can abut against the first end of the rocker arm unit 11. That is, the end of the locking member 21 with the second cam portion 211 can abut against the contact portion 111 of the rocker arm unit 11. Therefore, the contact portion 111 at the first end of the rocker arm unit 11 can simultaneously abut against the first cam portion 121 and the second cam portion 211. During the process of automatically unfolding the rocker arm unit 11 from the closed locked state, the first cam portion 121 determines the sliding trajectory of the rocker arm unit 11, that is, the rocker arm unit 11 will slide along the first cam surface 1211 of the first cam portion 121, thereby rotating and unfolding. The second cam portion 211 can use its own structure to block the front of the sliding trajectory of the rocker arm unit 11. When the position of the second cam portion 211 is fixed relative to the first cam portion 121, the rocker arm unit 11 is in a locked state. When the second cam portion 211 can move relative to the first cam portion 121, the rocker arm unit 11 is unlocked and can automatically unfold under the thrust of the thrust assembly 30.

[0073] In order to achieve different functions of the first cam portion 121 and the second cam portion 211, the ends of the two can be designed with different contour curves. The top end of the second cam portion 211 extends along the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit 11. The top end of the second cam portion 211 can be designed with a ring-shaped second cam surface 2111. The second cam surface 2111 is located outside the shape enclosed by the first cam surface 1211. The second cam surface 2111 has different axial heights at different positions in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the contact portion 111 at the first end of the rocker arm unit 11 can abut against the first cam surface 1211 and the second cam surface 2111. The second cam surface 2111 and the first cam surface 1211 have different profiles in the circumferential direction. This allows the rocker arm unit 11 to abut against the first cam surface 1211 and be blocked by the second cam surface 2111 when the second cam surface 2111 is fixed in position, thus maintaining a locked and closed position. When the second cam surface 2111 can rotate relative to it, the rocker arm unit 11 unlocks and automatically unfolds, allowing it to slide along the first cam surface 1211. During this sliding process, the contact portion 111 and the second cam surface 2111 also slide relative to each other. That is, the rotation of the second cam surface 2111 relative to the first cam surface 1211 is achieved by the pushing force of the contact portion 111 on the second cam surface 2111.

[0074] Furthermore, when the rocker arm unit 11 rotates under the thrust of the thrust assembly 30, the highest point of the second cam surface 2111 is located in front of the moving trajectory of the contact portion 111 at the first end of the rocker arm unit 11, and the highest point of the second cam surface 2111 abuts against the contact portion 111. Thus, after the locking member 21 is unlocked, the rocker arm unit 11 can push the locking member 21 to rotate while rotating automatically. It can be seen that when the rocker arm unit 11 is in the closed state, the contact portion 111 at its first end corresponds to the highest point of the first cam surface 1211 and the highest point of the second cam surface 2111. It should be noted that the highest points of the first cam surface 1211 and the second cam surface 2111 described here refer to a convex arc-shaped surface at the highest point of the cam surface. Specifically, the highest point of the first cam surface 1211 and the highest point of the second cam surface 2111 are staggered to form a slot 213. The first end of the rocker arm unit 11 is engaged in the slot 213, that is, the contact part 111 is engaged in the slot 213. In this way, when the locking component 20 is in the locked state, the rocker arm unit 11 can be kept in the closed position.

[0075] Furthermore, the second cam surface 2111 can be divided into two opposing cam surfaces, each corresponding to a 180° rotation angle. The two contact portions 111 at the first end of the rocker arm unit 11 respectively abut against the two cam surfaces, and the two cam surfaces are symmetrical with respect to the center point of the locking member 21. That is, during the rotation of the rocker arm unit 11, the height of the contour curves of the contact portions 111 and the two cam surfaces abutting is consistent. For the two cam surfaces of the second cam surface 2111, the rotation angle from the highest point to the lowest point is 90°, and the lowest points of the two cam surfaces are connected. For the overall contour curve of the second cam surface 2111, there are two highest points and two lowest points in the circumferential direction, which are distributed alternately, and the rotation angle between the highest point and the lowest point is 90°. When the rocker arm unit 11 rotates automatically from the closed state to the fully extended state, the contact part 111 rotates at a 90° angle relative to the first cam part 121. The two rocker arm units 11 rotate in opposite directions to form a relative angle of 180°. At the same time, the contact part 111 pushes the second cam part 211 to rotate and slides along the second cam surface 2111 from the highest point to the lowest point. Therefore, the second cam part 211 also has a 90° rotation angle relative to the contact part 111. Since the rotation direction of the contact part 111 of the rocker arm unit 11 is the same as that of the second cam part 211 of the locking member 21, the rotation angle of the second cam part 211 relative to the first cam part 121 is 180°. That is, after the rocker arm unit 11 is automatically extended, the rotation angle of the second cam surface 2111 relative to the first cam surface 1211 is twice the rotation angle of the rocker arm unit 11.

[0076] The aforementioned cooperation and movement relationship between the contact portion 111 of the rocker arm unit 11 and the first cam surface 1211 and the second cam surface 2111 describes the process of the rocker arm unit 11 automatically unfolding from the closed state. In this embodiment, the rocker arm unit 11 can unfold automatically or under the action of external force. That is, the corresponding terminal device can unfold automatically or manually. Regardless of whether it unfolds automatically or manually, the terminal device needs to be manually closed when it is closed from the unfolded state. That is, the process of the rocker arm unit 11 from unfolding to closing needs to be achieved by external force overcoming the thrust of the thrust assembly 30. The process of manually unfolding and manually closing the rocker arm unit 11 will be described in detail below.

[0077] When the rocker arm unit 11 is manually unfolded from the closed state, the locking assembly 20 remains locked, meaning the locking member 21 and the fixed bracket 12 remain relatively fixed. Correspondingly, the first cam portion 121 and the second cam portion 211 also remain relatively fixed. Since the contact portion 111 engages in the groove 213 formed by the highest points of the first cam surface 1211 and the second cam surface 2111, and the highest point of the second cam surface 2111 is positioned in front of the contact portion's movement path, the contact portion 111 can only slide along the second cam surface 2111 after it has passed the highest point of the second cam surface 2111. This process requires external force, meaning it can be done manually. Furthermore, the contact portion 111 must slide past the highest point of the second cam surface 2111 before it can slide along it. When the second cam surface 2111 reaches its highest point, the contact portion 111 moves along the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit 11 in a direction away from the fixed bracket 12. That is, the rocker arm unit 11 needs to overcome the resistance of the thrust assembly 30 to move. After the contact portion 111 passes the highest point of the second cam surface 2111, it slides from the highest point of the second cam surface 2111 along the second cam surface 2111 to the lowest point. During this process, the thrust assembly 30 can provide thrust to help the rocker arm unit 11 rotate. Therefore, during the process of manually opening the terminal device of this embodiment, a certain amount of damping needs to be overcome at the beginning, and the thrust assembly 30 can provide auxiliary thrust during the subsequent unfolding process to make the opening process smoother.

[0078] It should be noted that the difference between automatic and manual opening lies in the sliding trajectory of the contact part 111. During automatic opening, the contact part 111 slides along the first cam surface 1211, simultaneously pushing the second cam part 211 to rotate. In this process, the contact part 111 contacts and slides relative to both the first and second cam surfaces 1211. During manual opening, however, the contact part 111 only slides along the second cam surface 2111, and the second cam part 211 remains relatively stationary with the first cam. Therefore, the contour curves of the second cam surface 2111 from its highest point to its two adjacent lowest points differ, with both contour curves corresponding to a 90° rotation angle. Specifically, during the automatic unfolding of the rocker arm unit 11, the contact part 111 slides along one segment of the contour curve, while during manual unfolding, the contact part 111 slides along the other segment of the contour curve.

[0079] When the swing arm unit 11 is manually closed from the unfolded state, the locking component 20 is also in the locked state. The locking member 21 remains relatively fixed to the fixed bracket 12. The contact part 111 slides from the lowest point to the highest point along the second cam surface 2111 and returns to the slot 213 formed by the highest point of the first cam surface 1211 and the second cam surface 2111 to engage. In this process, the contact part 111 moves from the low point to the high point, that is, the swing arm unit 11 moves along its rotation axis in the direction away from the fixed bracket 12. It needs to overcome the thrust of the thrust component 30. Therefore, the slope of this section of the contour curve on the second cam surface 2111 will affect the damping magnitude when the swing arm unit 11 is manually closed. Thus, the damping magnitude of the swing arm unit 11 can be adjusted by adjusting the slope of the contour curve of the second cam surface 2111 to achieve a more comfortable and smooth hand feel when the terminal device is manually opened and closed.

[0080] In some embodiments, the contour of the second cam surface 2111 includes a straight section perpendicular to the rotation axis. The straight section is located between the highest and lowest points of the second cam surface 2111. When the terminal device is manually opened, during the sliding process of the contact portion 111 of the rocker arm unit 11 along the second cam surface 2111, the terminal device can remain in a half-open state when the contact portion 111 slides to the straight section. Specifically, when the contact portion 111 is in the straight section, the direction of its thrust on the second cam surface 2111 under the action of the thrust assembly 30 will be perpendicular to the surface of the straight section, thereby not generating a component force that causes the rocker arm unit 11 to rotate. Therefore, the rocker arm unit 11 can be maintained in a half-open state. In addition, the specific position of the straight section between the highest points on the second cam surface 2111 and the size of the rotation angle corresponding to the straight section can be determined according to the specific angle and range that the two rocker arm units 11 need to maintain open. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0081] Furthermore, it should be noted that when the hinge mechanism of this embodiment is manually opened and closed, the locking member 21 and the fixed bracket 12 remain relatively stationary, that is, the relative positions of the first cam surface 1211 and the second cam surface 2111 remain unchanged, while the contact part 111 slides along the second cam surface 2111. Therefore, within the sliding trajectory range of the contact part 111, the height of the contour curve of the second cam surface 2111 is higher than the height of the contour curve of the first cam surface 1211.

[0082] As can be seen from the above-described automatic opening and manual opening and closing motion process of the rocker arm unit 11, the trajectory of the rocker arm unit 11 sliding along the first cam surface 1211 or the second cam surface 2111 during the opening and closing process can actually be divided into three types. First of all, it should be noted that the first cam surface 1211 and the second cam surface 2111 are both annular cam surfaces. In order to facilitate the representation of the undulation of the contour curves of the two, they are unfolded into a planar drawing for illustration. The sliding of the contact part 111 on the first cam surface 1211 or the second cam surface 2111 is manifested as the movement along the contour curve in the plane. Figure 6 This is a partial view of the position of the first end of the rocker arm unit in the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of this application. Figure 7a This is a cam profile curve diagram of the initial state of the hinge mechanism when it automatically unfolds according to the embodiments of this application. Figure 7b This is a cam profile curve diagram of the first intermediate state when the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of this application automatically unfolds. Figure 7c This is a cam profile curve diagram of the second intermediate state when the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of this application automatically unfolds. Figure 7d This is a cam profile curve diagram showing the final state of the hinge mechanism when it automatically unfolds according to the embodiments of this application. Figure 8 This is a cam profile curve diagram of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application when it is manually unfolded or closed, such as... Figures 6 to 8As shown, the first sliding trajectory is the automatic opening process of the lever unit 11. The contact part 111 slides along the first cam surface 1211 and pushes the second cam surface 2111 to rotate along its sliding direction. This is represented in the attached figure as follows: the contour curve of the first cam surface 1211 is fixed, and the contact part 111 slides to the right along the contour curve of the first cam surface 1211. Simultaneously, the contact part 111 pushes the contour curve of the second cam surface 2111 to slide to the right together. There is also a phase difference between the contact part 111 and the second cam surface 2111. When the contact part 111 slides from the high position to the low position of the first cam surface 1211, the actual rotation angle of the rocker arm unit 11 is 90°. Correspondingly, when the contact part 111 slides relative to the second cam surface 2111 to its low position, the second cam surface 2111 is pushed by an angle of 180°, that is, the corresponding rotation angle of the locking member 21 is 180°. This process utilizes the thrust assembly 30 to push the rocker arm unit 11 along the rotation axis, thereby realizing the automatic rotation of the rocker arm unit 11, that is, the automatic unfolding of the hinge mechanism.

[0083] The second sliding trajectory is the manual opening process of the rocker arm unit 11. The contact part 111 slides along the second cam surface 2111, while the first cam surface 1211 and the second cam surface 2111 remain relatively fixed. In the attached figure, this is represented by the contour curves of the first cam surface 1211 and the second cam surface 2111 remaining stationary. The contact part 111 slides to the right along the contour curve of the second cam surface 2111. When the contact part 111 slides from the high position to the low position of the second cam surface 2111, the actual rotation angle of the rocker arm unit 11 is 90°. This process relies on external force, i.e., manual unfolding, so that the contact part 111 slides out of the groove 213 formed by the highest point of the first cam surface 1211 and the second cam surface 2111, and slides along the second cam surface 2111 to the lowest point. After sliding out of the groove 213, there is a process from high to low. The thrust component 30 can provide an auxiliary force to help the rocker arm unit 11 rotate, so that the hinge structure can be unfolded.

[0084] The third sliding trajectory is the manual closing process of the rocker arm unit 11. The contact part 111 slides along the second cam surface 2111, while the first cam surface 1211 and the second cam surface 2111 remain relatively fixed. In the attached figure, this is represented by the contour curves of the first cam surface 1211 and the second cam surface 2111 remaining stationary. The contact part 111 slides to the left along the contour curve of the second cam surface 2111. When the contact part 111 slides from the low position to the high position, the contact part 111 is engaged in the slot 213 formed by the highest point of the first cam surface 1211 and the second cam surface 2111. The actual rotation angle of the rocker arm unit 11 is 90°. This process is actually the reverse sliding process of the second sliding trajectory. It relies on external force, that is, on manual closing, so that the rocker arm unit 11 overcomes the thrust of the thrust assembly 30, thereby enabling the hinge mechanism to close.

[0085] Because the hinge mechanism needs to maintain relative fixation between the locking element 21 and the fixed bracket 12 when it is in the closed state and during manual opening and closing, and the locking element 21 needs to be able to rotate relative to the fixed bracket during automatic unfolding, the locking assembly 20 needs to have a structure to achieve the fixing and unlocking of the locking element 21. This will be explained in detail below.

[0086] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the locking component and the rotating component in the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 10a This is a schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism provided in this application before unlocking. Figure 10b This is a schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism after unlocking, as provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 10c This is a schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism unlocking and resetting structure provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figures 9 to 10c As shown, in one optional implementation, the locking assembly 20 further includes a button 22, a first elastic element 24, and a locking block 23. The locking block 23 has a first inclined surface 221, and the button 22 has a second inclined surface 231 that cooperates with the first inclined surface 221. Both the first inclined surface 221 and the second inclined surface 231 have an angle with the rotation axis. Both the locking block 23 and the button 22 are slidably mounted on the fixed bracket 12, and the sliding direction of the locking block 23 is perpendicular to the rotation axis, while the sliding direction of the button 22 is the extension direction of the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit 11. Figure 10a In the direction A, the first inclined surface 221 and the second inclined surface 231 are configured such that when the button 22 moves along the axial direction of the rocker arm unit 11, the locking block 23 can be pushed to slide in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, thereby realizing the fixing and unlocking of the locking block 23 on the locking member 21.

[0087] The first elastic element 24 is connected to the locking block 23 and applies a spring force to the locking block 23. This allows the locking block 23 to slide under the spring force of the first elastic element 24 to abut against the locking member 21, thus locking the locking assembly 20. Alternatively, it can slide under the push of the button 22 to a position where it is no longer in contact with the locking member 21. Specifically, when the button 22 is pushed to slide along the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit 11, the first inclined surface 221 exerts pressure on the second inclined surface 231. The component of this pressure in the sliding direction of the locking block 23 is opposite to the direction of the spring force of the first elastic element 24, thereby forcing the locking block 23 to move and compress the first elastic element 24, thus unlocking the locking assembly 20. Furthermore, the first elastic element 24 can be a spring, an elastic rubber block, etc., and multiple first elastic elements 24 can be spaced apart; this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0088] In some embodiments, the locking assembly 20 includes two locking blocks 23, a first elastic member 24 is disposed between the two locking blocks 23, and the elastic force of the first elastic member 24 points in a direction away from each other. The button 22 has two second inclined surfaces 231, which respectively cooperate with the first inclined surface 221 of each locking block 23. In this way, under the elastic force of the first elastic member 24, the reliability of the locking assembly 20 is ensured. At the same time, the movement of the button 22 can push the locking blocks 23 to move towards each other against the elastic force of the first elastic member 24, thereby also realizing the convenience of unlocking the locking assembly 20.

[0089] Furthermore, a notch 212 may be provided on the side wall of the locking member 21. When the locking block 23 abuts against the locking member 21, a protrusion 232 may be provided on the locking block 23, and the protrusion 232 on the locking block 23 may be inserted into the notch 212 to make the locking component 20 locked, thereby ensuring the reliability of the locking block 23 in fixing the locking member 21. Correspondingly, when the locking block 23 is pushed by the button 22 to overcome the elastic force of the first elastic member 24, the protrusion 232 of the locking block 23 may slide out from the notch 212, thereby unlocking the locking member 21. Under the pushing force of the thrust component 30 on the swing arm unit 11, the locking member 21 will rotate relative to the rocker arm unit 11, and the corresponding rocker arm unit 11 will also automatically unfold.

[0090] It should be noted that, in order to install the button 22 on the locking block 23, while the first inclined surface 221 of the button 22 and the second inclined surface 231 of the locking block 23 cooperate and can slide relative to each other, in order to prevent the button 22 from slipping off the locking block 23, a first stop and a second stop are respectively provided on both sides of the first inclined surface 221 and the second inclined surface 231. The first stop is located on the side of the second stop facing the fixed bracket 12. When the button 22 slides away from the locking block 23, the second stop can abut against the first stop, thereby preventing the button 22 from slipping off the locking block 23.

[0091] In some embodiments, there can be two notches 212, which are disposed on opposite sides of the locking member 21. Since the actual rotation angle of the locking member 21 relative to the fixed bracket 12 is 180° when the rocker arm unit 11 automatically unfolds to full open, the two oppositely disposed notches 212 can allow the protrusion 232 of the locking block 23 to be engaged in the notches 212 when the rocker arm unit 11 is closed or fully unfolded, and the locking member 21 remains in the locked state. On the other hand, the second cam portion 211 of the locking member 21 has two centrally symmetrical cam surface profiles. The two oppositely disposed notches 212 can ensure the locking function of the locking assembly 20 while the locking member 21 rotates in a fixed direction during the repeated automatic unfolding of the rocker arm unit 11. For example, the notches 212 on both sides of the locking member 21 include a first notch and a second notch. The protrusion 232 of the locking block 23 is engaged in the first notch of the locking member 21. When the button 22 is pushed so that the protrusion 232 of the locking block 23 slides out of the first notch, the locking member 21 will rotate with the rotation of the rocker arm unit 11. The locking member 21 rotates 180° under the push of the rocker arm unit 11. At this time, the second notch is opposite to the protrusion 232 of the locking block 23. At this time, the locking block 23 can abut against the locking member 21 again under the elastic force of the first elastic member 24, and the protrusion 232 of the locking block 23 is engaged in the second notch.

[0092] As an optional implementation, the fixed bracket 12 has a through hole 122 through which the locking block 23 passes. When the two locking blocks 23 move away from each other under the elastic force of the first elastic member 24, the side wall of the locking block 23 abuts against the edge of the through hole 122, thereby locking the locking block 23 onto the fixed bracket 12 to ensure the realization of its locking function.

[0093] For example, the through hole 122 on the fixing bracket 12 can be a cross hole, that is, the through hole 122 has two slots extending in mutually perpendicular directions. Figure 11 This is a front view of the fixed bracket in the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 11As shown, the X direction is the direction in which the locking blocks 23 slide relative to each other. When the two locking blocks 23 are inserted into the through hole 122 of the fixed bracket 12, an external force is first used to bring the two locking blocks 23 together. At this time, the first elastic element 24 between the two locking blocks 23 is compressed. Therefore, the thickness of the ends of the two locking blocks 23 after they are brought together is less than the width of the groove in the Y direction of the through hole 122. In this way, the two locking blocks 23 can be inserted into the through hole 122. After that, the two locking blocks 23 are released. Under the elastic force of the first elastic element 24, the two locking blocks 23 slide along the X direction of the through hole 122 and move away from each other. In addition, a groove segment 233 is provided on the locking block 23. The width of the groove end is smaller than the width of its two ends. After the locking block 23 is inserted into the through hole 122, the groove segment 233 of the locking block 23 cooperates with the through hole 122, so that while the locking block 23 can slide along the X direction of the through hole 122, it prevents the locking block 23 from sliding out of the through hole 122 due to axial movement relative to the through hole 122.

[0094] The thrust assembly 30 needs to provide thrust for the rotation of the rocker arm unit 11 during the automatic unfolding of the hinge mechanism, and also needs to provide auxiliary force or damping for the manual unfolding and closing of the hinge mechanism. The specific structure of the thrust assembly 30 will be described below.

[0095] As an optional implementation, the thrust assembly 30 includes a first baffle 31, a second baffle 32, and a second elastic member 34 disposed between the first baffle 31 and the second baffle 32. The first baffle 31 abuts against the second end of the rocker arm unit 11, and the second elastic member 34 is used to apply elastic force to the first baffle 31. The first baffle 31 can push the rocker arm unit 11 to move along the rotation axis, thereby realizing the rotation of the rocker arm unit 11 through cooperation with the first cam surface 1211 and the second cam surface 2111.

[0096] Specifically, the second elastic element 34 is compressed by the first baffle 31 and the second baffle 32. The first baffle 31 abuts against the second end of the swing arm unit 11 during the movement of the swing arm unit 11 and moves axially along its rotation axis with the swing arm unit 11, while the position of the second baffle 32 is relatively fixed.

[0097] In some embodiments, the hinge mechanism further includes two first positioning rods 40, which are respectively arranged with two rocker arm units 11. The first positioning rods 40 pass through the fixed bracket 12, the rocker arm unit 11 and the thrust assembly 30 in sequence to form the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit 11. The first end of the positioning rod is connected to the side of the fixed bracket 12 opposite to the rocker arm unit 11, and the second end of the positioning rod is fixed to the side of the thrust assembly 30 opposite to the rocker arm unit 11. This can provide support for the overall structure of the hinge mechanism, and at the same time provide positioning and guidance for the opening and closing movement and axial movement of the hinge structure.

[0098] Optionally, the thrust assembly 30 also includes a third baffle 33, which is disposed on the side of the second baffle 32 away from the second elastic member 34. The third baffle 33 is provided with a sliding groove 331, and the second end of the first positioning rod 40 is engaged in the sliding groove 331, thereby facilitating the installation of the first positioning rod 40 by passing through the swing arm unit 11 and the thrust assembly 30 sequentially from one side of the fixed bracket 12.

[0099] Furthermore, the second elastic element 34 is sleeved on the first positioning rod 40. Thus, the first positioning rod 40 can provide a guiding function when the second elastic element 34 is compressed. Alternatively, the elastic element can be a spring.

[0100] It should be noted that, in order to achieve the support of the first positioning rod 40 for the overall structure, a first protrusion structure 222 and a second protrusion structure 234 are respectively provided at the first end and the second end of the first positioning rod 40. The diameters of the first protrusion structure 222 and the second protrusion structure 234 are both larger than the diameter of the rod body of the first positioning rod 40. When installing the first positioning rod 40, the second end of the first positioning rod 40 passes through the mounting holes of each component in sequence from one side of the fixed bracket 12. Therefore, the diameter of the second protrusion structure 234 is smaller than the diameter of the mounting holes on the fixed bracket 12, the swing rod unit 11, the first baffle 31 and the second single plate, while the diameter of the first protrusion structure 222 is larger than the diameter of the mounting holes on the fixed bracket 12. In this way, the first protrusion structure 222 can abut against the side of the fixed bracket 12 away from the swing rod unit 11. After the first positioning rod 40 is installed, the third baffle 33 is installed. The width of the groove 331 on the third baffle 33 is smaller than the diameter of the second protrusion 234, but larger than the diameter of the first positioning rod 40. This allows the second end of the first positioning rod 40 to slide into the groove 331 of the third baffle 33. Simultaneously, the second protrusion 234 abuts against the side of the third baffle 33 away from the second baffle 32. Under the elastic force of the second elastic element 34, the fixed bracket 12, the second single plate, and the third baffle 33 abut against the two ends of the first positioning rod 40, ensuring the stability of the overall hinge mechanism. The swing unit and the first baffle 31 can move along the axial direction of the first positioning rod 40. In this case, the first positioning rod 40 represents a structural design of the solid rotating shaft of the swing unit described above.

[0101] Since there are two relatively rotating swing arm units 11 in this embodiment, it is necessary to ensure the synchronization of the rotation rhythm and rotation angle of the two swing units during the unfolding process of the hinge mechanism.

[0102] As an optional implementation, the rotating assembly 10 also includes a synchronous wheel unit 13, which includes a first gear and a second gear that mesh with each other; the side wall of the rocker arm unit 11 is provided with a meshing part, and the first gear and the second gear respectively mesh with the meshing parts of the two rocker arm units 11. This arrangement can make the two rocker arm units 11 rotate synchronously, ensuring the smoothness of the opening and closing process of the terminal device.

[0103] Specifically, the first gear and the second gear can both be installed on the side of the first baffle 31 that abuts against the rocker arm unit 11, and the first gear and the second gear will move axially along the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit 11 as the second baffle 32 rotates during the rotation of the rocker arm unit 11.

[0104] Optionally, the hinge mechanism can also be provided with second positioning rods. There can be two second positioning rods, which pass through the first gear and the second gear respectively, serving as the rotation shafts of the first gear and the second gear. Taking the first gear as an example, one of the second positioning rods passes through the first gear, the first baffle 31, and the second baffle 32 in sequence, and one end of the rod located on the second baffle 32 can be engaged with the third baffle 33. In addition, a second elastic element 34 can also be sleeved on the second positioning rod, so that it, together with the second elastic element 34 on the first positioning rod 40, provides elastic force, thereby improving the stability of the overall structure. On the other hand, having multiple second elastic elements 34 providing thrust and being arranged separately can reduce the size of each second elastic element 34.

[0105] As an optional implementation, the side wall of the rocker arm unit 11 is provided with a connecting part 112 that protrudes radially along the rocker arm unit 11. The connecting part 112 is used to connect with the frame 100 of the terminal device. With this configuration, the opening and closing of the hinge mechanism can drive the opening and closing of the frame 100 of the terminal device.

[0106] This embodiment also provides a terminal device, including two frames 100 and the aforementioned hinge mechanism. The two swing arm units 11 of the hinge mechanism are respectively connected to the two frames 100 so that the two frames 100 can rotate relative to each other.

[0107] Specifically, the relative state of the two frames 100 corresponds to the relative state of the two swing arm units 11 of the hinge mechanism. That is, when the swing arm units 11 are in the closed state, the two frames 100 are closed relative to each other, and when the two swing arm units 11 are unfolded relative to each other, the two frames 100 are also unfolded relative to each other. For foldable terminal devices with flexible screens, when the two frames 100 are closed, the terminal device can be easily carried, and when the two frames 100 are unfolded, a larger display area can be obtained.

[0108] In some embodiments, the terminal device may include, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs), point-of-sale (POS) terminals, in-vehicle computers, etc. It can be either a foldable terminal device using a flexible screen or a foldable terminal device without a flexible screen. The difference lies in the fact that a foldable terminal device with a flexible screen needs to unfold to a greater angle, that is, unfold the two frames 100° by 180° to obtain a flat display plane. The embodiments of this application can meet the requirements.

[0109] This embodiment provides a hinge mechanism and a terminal device. The hinge mechanism is applied in the terminal device and can drive the two frames of the terminal device to rotate relative to each other. The hinge mechanism includes a rotating component, a pushing component, and a locking component. The rotating component includes a fixed bracket and two rocker arm units, which are respectively connected to the two frames of the terminal device. The two rocker arm units can rotate relative to each other around mutually parallel rotation axes. The fixed bracket is provided with a first cam portion corresponding to each rocker arm unit. The first cam portion abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit. The pushing component abuts against the second end of the rocker arm unit and is used to apply a pushing force to the rocker arm unit along the rotation axis, so that the rocker arm unit rotates along the contour of the first cam portion under the action of the pushing force. The locking component is provided on the fixed bracket and abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit. When the locking component is in the locked state, the locking component stops on the movement trajectory of the first end of the rocker arm unit to prevent the rotation of the two rocker arm units. In this way, by controlling the locking state of the locking component, the two rocker arm units can be automatically rotated under the action of the pushing component, thereby realizing the automatic opening of the terminal device and facilitating user operation.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism applied to a terminal device, the terminal device having two relatively rotatable frames, characterized in that, The hinge mechanism includes a rotating component, a pushing component, and a locking component. The rotating component includes a fixed bracket and two rocker arm units. The two rocker arm units are respectively used to connect to the two frames of the terminal device. The two rocker arm units can rotate relative to each other around mutually parallel rotation axes. The fixed bracket is provided with a first cam portion corresponding to each of the rocker arm units. The first cam portion abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit, and the thrust assembly abuts against the second end of the rocker arm unit. The thrust assembly is used to apply a thrust to the rocker arm unit along the rotation axis so that the rocker arm unit rotates along the contour of the first cam portion under the action of the thrust. The locking assembly is mounted on the fixed bracket. The locking assembly has a second cam portion, the top of which has an annular second cam surface. The second cam surface has different axial heights at different positions in the circumferential direction. The second cam surface abuts against the rocker arm unit, and the second cam surface and the first cam surface have different profiles in the circumferential direction. When the locking component is in the locked state, it prevents the rotation of the two rocker arm units.

2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the locking component is in the locked state, the two swing arm units close together.

3. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first cam part is a hollow cylindrical structure. The bottom end of the first cam part is connected to the fixed bracket. The top end of the first cam part extends along the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit. The top end of the first cam part has an annular first cam surface. Different positions of the first cam surface in the circumferential direction have different axial heights. The first end of the rocker arm unit abuts against the first cam surface. When the axial position of the rocker arm unit changes, the rocker arm unit slides relative to the first cam surface to rotate around the rotation axis.

4. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first end of the rocker arm unit has a contact portion extending along the rotation axis, the contact portion protruding toward the fixed bracket and abutting against the first cam surface.

5. The hinge mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes a locking member, which is sleeved on the outside of the first cam portion and abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit. The outline of the locking member is located on the movement trajectory of the first end of the rocker arm unit, and the locking member can rotate around the rotation axis. When the locking component is in the locked state, the locking member is fixed relative to the rotation axis.

6. The hinge mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The locking member has a second cam portion, the top end of which extends along the rotation axis of the rocker arm unit, and the second cam surface is located outside the shape formed by the first cam surface, and the second cam surface abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit.

7. The hinge mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the rocker arm unit rotates under the thrust of the thrust assembly, the highest point of the second cam surface is located in front of the movement trajectory of the first end of the rocker arm unit, and the highest point of the second cam surface abuts against the first end of the rocker arm unit.

8. The hinge mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the rocker arm unit is in a relatively closed position, the highest point of the first cam surface and the highest point of the second cam surface are staggered to form a slot, and the first end of the rocker arm unit is engaged in the slot.

9. The hinge mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the rocker arm unit rotates, the rotation angle of the second cam surface relative to the first cam surface is twice the rotation angle of the rocker arm unit.

10. The hinge mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the rocker arm unit is in the closed state, the contact portion corresponds to the high point of the contour curve of the first cam surface and the second cam surface; when the rocker arm unit is in the extended state, the contact portion corresponds to the low point of the contour curve of the first cam surface and the second cam surface.

11. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 6-10, characterized in that, The profile of the second cam surface includes a straight section perpendicular to the rotation axis, the straight section being located between the highest and lowest points of the second cam surface.

12. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 5-11, characterized in that, The locking assembly further includes a button, a first elastic element, and a locking block. The locking block has a first inclined surface, and the button has a second inclined surface that cooperates with the first inclined surface. Both the first and second inclined surfaces have an angle with the rotation axis. The locking block and the button are slidably mounted on the fixed bracket, and the sliding direction of the locking block is perpendicular to the rotation axis, while the sliding direction of the button is the extension direction of the rotation axis. The first elastic element is connected to the locking block and is used to apply elastic force to the locking block. The locking block is used to slide to a position abutting against the locking element under the elastic force of the first elastic element, so that the locking component is in the locked state, or to slide to a position that is disengaged from the locking element under the push of the button, so that the locking component is unlocked.

13. The hinge mechanism according to claim 12, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes two locking blocks, the first elastic element is disposed between the two locking blocks, and the elastic force direction of the first elastic element points in the direction that the two locking blocks move away from each other; The button has two second inclined surfaces, which respectively cooperate with the first inclined surface of each of the locking blocks.

14. The hinge mechanism according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The locking component has a notch on its side wall. When the locking block abuts against the locking component, the locking block can be inserted into the notch so that the locking component is in the locked state.

15. The hinge mechanism according to claim 14, characterized in that, There are two notches, and they are located on opposite sides of the locking member.

16. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, The fixed bracket has a through hole through which the locking block passes. When the two locking blocks move away from each other under the elastic force of the first elastic member, the side wall of the locking block and the edge of the through hole abut against each other.

17. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1-16, characterized in that, The thrust assembly includes a first baffle, a second baffle, and a second elastic member disposed between the first baffle and the second baffle. The first baffle abuts against the second end of the rocker arm unit, and the second elastic member applies elastic force to the first baffle to push the rocker arm unit to rotate.

18. The hinge mechanism according to claim 17, characterized in that, It also includes two first positioning rods, which are respectively arranged with two swing arm units. The first positioning rods pass through the fixed bracket, the swing arm unit and the thrust assembly in sequence to form the rotation axis of the swing arm unit. The first end of the first positioning rod is connected to the side of the fixed bracket away from the swing arm unit, and the second end of the first positioning rod is fixed to the side of the thrust assembly away from the swing arm unit.

19. The hinge mechanism according to claim 18, characterized in that, The thrust assembly also includes a third baffle, which is disposed on the side of the second baffle away from the second elastic member. The third baffle is provided with a sliding groove, and the second end of the first positioning rod is engaged in the sliding groove.

20. The hinge mechanism according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second elastic element is sleeved on the first positioning rod.

21. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1-20, characterized in that, The rotating assembly also includes a synchronizing gear unit, which includes a first gear and a second gear that mesh with each other. The side wall of the rocker arm unit is provided with a meshing part, and the first gear and the second gear respectively mesh with the meshing parts of the two rocker arm units so that the two rocker arm units rotate synchronously.

22. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1-20, characterized in that, The side wall of the swing arm unit is provided with a connecting part that protrudes radially along the swing arm unit, and the connecting part is used to connect with the frame of the terminal device.

23. A terminal device, characterized in that, It includes two frames and a hinge mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-22, wherein two lever units of the hinge mechanism are respectively connected to the two frames to allow the two frames to rotate relative to each other.

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