Hinge structure and electronic device thereof

Abstract

This invention provides a hinge structure and its electronic device. The hinge structure includes a body and a screen support. A temporary limiting component is disposed between the screen support and the body. The temporary limiting component includes an actuator, a locking plate, and a wave spring assembly. The wave spring assembly is disposed between the locking plate and the body and includes multiple stacked wave spring sheets. Each wave spring sheet extends in a wavy shape along the direction of the virtual swing center line. The wave spring assembly in the hinge structure provided by this invention can be installed in a confined space. With a small K-value for each wave spring sheet, the wave spring assembly can provide a large force. Furthermore, during the opening and closing process of the hinge assembly, the force variation of the wave spring assembly before, during, and after compression is smaller, thereby improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic device technology, such as foldable mobile phones, and in particular to a hinge structure and electronic device thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, foldable electronic devices, such as foldable phones and tablets, use hinge structures to fold and unfold the screen. The hinge structure not only needs to support the weight of the screen but also needs to maintain its flatness and stability during folding and unfolding. The applicant's previously submitted hinge structure includes a temporary limiting component to temporarily restrict the folding screen of the phone to one or more predetermined opening angles; the return spring in the temporary limiting component is often a coil spring. To meet the limiting requirements, the coil spring needs to provide sufficiently large elastic force; however, due to the very limited installation space, the coil spring needs to be relatively short. If the coil spring is required to provide a large elastic force within a short compression space, then the spring constant K value of the coil spring needs to be large.

[0003] From the perspective of user experience, if the K value of the spring is large, the force value of the coil spring changes greatly before, during and after compression, resulting in large changes in force during the opening and closing of the screen, which leads to a poor user experience.

[0004] The previously applied-for technology cannot simultaneously meet both of the above requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hinge structure and its electronic device to solve at least one of the aforementioned technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a hinge structure, including a body and a screen support component; The screen support is rotatably mounted on the main body; two screen supports are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main body for mounting and supporting the flexible screen. A temporary limiting component is provided between the screen support and the main body to temporarily limit the screen support to one or more set opening and closing angles (or swing angles). The temporary limiting assembly includes an actuator, a locking plate, and a wave spring assembly; The actuator is slidably disposed on the body along the virtual swing center line of the screen support; the actuator includes: a main body and a long tail fixedly connected to the main body; a transmission structure is provided between the screen support and the main body for driving the main body and the long tail to slide along the virtual swing center line during the swing of the screen support (or the opening and closing of the screen or hinge); The long tail is rod-shaped and is arranged along the virtual swing center line. The locking plate can be slidably mounted on the main body. A temporary limiting structure is provided between the long tail and the carding plate; The temporary limiting structure includes: one or more limiting protrusions provided on the long tail or the positioning plate, and one or more slots provided on the positioning plate or the long tail to engage with the limiting protrusions; The wave spring assembly is disposed between the locking plate and the body, tending to force the locking plate to abut against the long tail, thereby maintaining the locking state of the limiting protrusion and the slot (i.e., the limiting protrusion is locked in the slot, so that the hinge structure is temporarily held at a set opening and closing angle). The wave spring assembly includes multiple stacked wave spring sheets; each wave spring sheet extends in a wave shape along the direction of the virtual swing center line (i.e., the wave spring sheet in the application is not in a spiral coiled form, but is a straight wave spring sheet).

[0007] The wave spring assembly in this application can be installed in a confined space. With a small K value for each wave spring sheet, the wave spring assembly can provide a large force. Furthermore, during the opening and closing of the hinge assembly, the force variation of the wave spring assembly before, during, and after compression is smaller, thereby improving the user experience.

[0008] Furthermore, in the waveform spring assembly, two adjacent waveform spring sheets are arranged back to back; in the thickness direction (i.e., the superposition direction) of the waveform spring assembly, the peak of one of the two adjacent waveform spring sheets is arranged opposite to the trough of the other.

[0009] Furthermore, the wave spring assembly includes 2-15 wave spring plates.

[0010] In the prior art and earlier applications, if it is necessary to increase the temporary locking force of the helical spring, a helical spring with a higher K value is required, which inevitably leads to a larger change in spring force during compression. However, in this application, by appropriately adding several wave spring plates, the locking force can be increased several times over, while the change in spring force of the entire wave spring group remains constant.

[0011] Furthermore, the wave spring assembly includes 2-6 wave spring sheets with their peaks and troughs completely aligned with each other.

[0012] The wave spring sheets that fit together have the same coordinates for the peaks and troughs along their length and are pressed together along their thickness.

[0013] Furthermore, the wave spring sheets in the wave spring assembly are fixedly connected by adhesive bonding or spot welding, thereby forming a whole structure with multiple wave spring sheets, which facilitates installation and improves efficiency.

[0014] Furthermore, the carding plate has side plates at both ends on the side opposite to the limiting protrusion or the card slot, and the wave spring assembly is installed between the two side plates.

[0015] Furthermore, the distance between the two side plates is greater than the length of the wave spring assembly, thereby providing deformation space for the wave spring assembly to extend to both sides when compressed.

[0016] Furthermore, the multiple wave spring plates in the wave spring assembly are connected end to end, forming a Z-shape.

[0017] Furthermore, the multiple wave spring sheets in the wave spring assembly are integrally manufactured, that is, the wave spring assembly is formed by repeatedly bending a single wave spring sheet in a Z-shape.

[0018] Preferably, the temporary limiting structure is symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides. That is, the limiting protrusions or the slots are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the long tail. The two sets of positioning plates and wave springs are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the long tail. Under the action of the wave springs, the two positioning plates on the left and right sides tend to move towards the middle, thereby clamping the long tail and maintaining the positioning state of the limiting protrusion and the slot.

[0019] Furthermore, the screen support is rotatably mounted on the body via the first linkage; The first connecting rod is rotatably mounted on the body via a first shaft; The first link includes an upper swing member and a lower swing member; The upper swing component includes an upper bushing and an upper connecting part; the upper bushing has an upper through hole in the middle that is adapted to the first shaft; the lower swing component includes a lower bushing and a lower connecting part; the lower bushing has a lower through hole in the middle that is adapted to the first shaft. The bottom of the upper bushing is provided with an upper helical working surface; the top of the lower bushing is provided with a lower helical working surface; after the upper swing component and the lower swing component are fitted onto the same first shaft, the upper helical working surface and the lower helical working surface together form a helical guide groove; in the axial direction of the first shaft, the upper swing component and the lower swing component can be relatively close to each other. The main body of the actuator is provided with a spiral guide bar adapted to the spiral guide groove; the spiral guide bar includes an upper working surface and a lower working surface that are respectively slidably engaged with the upper spiral working surface and the lower spiral working surface; the guide bar can be slidably inserted into the spiral guide groove, thereby forming a spiral transmission pair between the actuator and the first connecting rod. When the first connecting rod rotates, it drives the actuator to translate along the axial direction of the first shaft through the spiral transmission pair.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes wedge blocks and compression springs; The wedge block is slidably disposed between the body and the upper and / or lower swing members, and the sliding direction of the wedge block is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first shaft. The compression spring tends to force the wedge block to wedge between the body and the upper and / or lower swing components, thereby forcing the upper and lower swing components to adhere to the spiral guide strip on the body, eliminating the gap between the upper spiral working surface and the upper working surface, and between the lower spiral working surface and the lower working surface.

[0021] Furthermore, the inner surface of the wedge block that contacts the outer end face of the upper or lower swing member is a plane perpendicular to the first shaft; the outer surface of the wedge block that is opposite to the upper or lower swing member is an inclined surface that is inclined at an angle to the inner surface.

[0022] Alternatively, the outer side of the wedge block that is opposite to the upper or lower swing member is a plane perpendicular to the first shaft; the inner side of the wedge block that contacts the upper or lower swing member is an inclined surface that is inclined at an angle to the outer side.

[0023] Furthermore, a limiting platform is provided on the outer side of the upper or lower swing component on the main body; the wedge block is wedged into the limiting platform and the upper or lower swing component; the limiting platform is provided on one side of the wedge block with an inclined working surface or a flat working surface that contacts and cooperates with the inclined surface or the plane.

[0024] Furthermore, the included angle (i.e., wedge angle) between the inner and outer surfaces of the wedge block is 0.5-15°, preferably 2-8°.

[0025] Furthermore, it includes two sets of first connecting rods and first shafts arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides; the main body of the actuator is provided with two spiral guide bars on the left and right sides, which are respectively adapted to the two sets of first connecting rods.

[0026] Furthermore, on the projection plane perpendicular to the first shaft, the wedge block is H-shaped as a whole, with grooves at both ends; the two first shafts, symmetrically arranged on the left and right, are respectively slidably inserted into the two grooves of the wedge block for sliding guidance and limiting of the wedge block.

[0027] Furthermore, the limiting platform is provided with a shaft hole, and one end of the first shaft is inserted into the shaft hole of the limiting platform.

[0028] Preferably, the wedge block is provided with a vertical plate, one end of the compression spring abuts against the seat plate of the main body, and the other end abuts against the vertical plate; two limiting platforms are arranged on the left and right; the vertical plate, the seat plate and the compression spring are arranged between the two limiting platforms.

[0029] Furthermore, the two wedge blocks are slidably disposed between the main body and the upper and lower swing components; that is, the two wedge blocks wedge in from the upper and lower sides respectively and force the upper and lower swing components to adhere to the spiral guide strip on the main body; Alternatively, one of the wedge blocks may be slidably disposed between the body and the upper or lower swing member; the outer end face of the lower or upper swing member abuts against a limiting end face on the body.

[0030] Thus, the wedge block eliminates the 5 or 6 contact gaps on the first shaft in one go.

[0031] Furthermore, the screen support includes a first plate (large plate) and a second plate (small plate); the area of ​​the first plate is larger than the area of ​​the second plate; The upper connecting part of the upper swing member and the lower connecting part of the lower swing member in the first connecting rod are connected to the first plate; that is, the first plate is pivotally connected to the main body through the first connecting rod.

[0032] Furthermore, rubber spring material is filled between two adjacent wave spring sheets in the wave spring assembly.

[0033] Preferably, the rubber spring material is silicone or rubber.

[0034] By filling the spaces between the wave spring sheets with rubber or silicone spring materials, the spring force of the wave spring assembly is greatly increased.

[0035] Furthermore, with the long-term use of the hinge assembly, the spring force of the wave spring sheet will gradually decrease, and its K value will become smaller; while the rubber spring material will also age and its elasticity will weaken, and its K value will become larger; the two cancel each other out, and the degree of attenuation of the entire wave spring assembly is greatly reduced or even eliminated.

[0036] After the wave spring assembly is assembled (i.e., the hinge structure and screen support are in a closed or open static state), it is in an initial compressed state. The wave spring assembly provides the initial spring pressure to the card plate (its initial spring pressure value is set according to the hinge structure design requirements). During the opening and closing of the screen, the actuator drives the long tail to slide along the virtual swing center line. When the limiting protrusion flips over the side protrusion of the card slot, the wave spring assembly is subjected to maximum compression, and its spring force value is also the maximum.

[0037] Furthermore, after the wave spring assembly is assembled and in its initial compressed state, the rubber spring material is in a natural state where it is neither compressed nor stretched.

[0038] That is, when the wave spring assembly is in the initial compressed state, rubber spring material is filled between two adjacent wave spring plates. During the long-term use of the hinge structure, the rubber spring material is in a natural state of not being compressed or stretched most of the time, which greatly reduces the aging rate of the rubber spring material and extends its effective service life.

[0039] By filling with rubber spring material, multiple wave spring sheets can also be glued together at the same time, which facilitates subsequent installation and improves assembly efficiency.

[0040] The second aspect of this application discloses an electronic device having the aforementioned hinge structure.

[0041] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The wave spring assembly in the hinge structure provided by this invention can be installed in a small space. Under the premise that the K value of each wave spring is small, the wave spring assembly can provide a large force. Moreover, during the opening and closing process of the hinge assembly, the force change of the wave spring assembly before, during and after compression is smaller, thereby improving the user experience.

[0042] Furthermore, compared to the previous application, which required installing multiple tiny helical springs in a confined space, making the installation process time-consuming and labor-intensive, the wave spring assembly in this application is simpler and more efficient to install, greatly improving work efficiency. In the earlier application, the helical spring required an increase in its K value to increase its spring force, which would lead to greater spring attenuation later on. However, the wave spring in this application has a relatively small K value while maintaining the same or even greater spring force, resulting in relatively less force attenuation during later use. Attached Figure Description

[0043] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a front view of a foldable electronic device with a hinge structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the foldable electronic device shown; Figure 3 for Figure 2 An exploded view of the intermediate hinge structure shown. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional model diagram of a portion of the hinge assembly in the embodiment; Figure 5 for Figure 4 A three-dimensional exploded model diagram of the central hinge component; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the temporary limit component. Figure 7 This is a decomposed model diagram of the temporary limit component; Figure 8 for Figure 3 A three-dimensional engineering drawing (line drawing) of the intermediate hinge structure shown. Figure 9 for Figure 8 An exploded front view of the intermediate hinge structure shown; Figure 10 for Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of the intermediate hinge structure shown. Figure 11 for Figure 10 Plan view of the temporary limit component; Figure 12 for Figure 11 3D engineering drawing of the temporary limit component; Figure 13 An exploded view of the wave spring assembly and its assembly structure; Figure 14 for Figure 13 A perspective view of the wave spring assembly and its assembly structure; Figure 15 This is a front view of the wedge block mounting structure in Example 2; Figure 16 for Figure 15 Partial structural diagram of the installation structure of the middle wedge block; Figure 17 for Figure 15 Exploded view of the installation structure of the middle wedge block; Figure 18 Exploded view of the first connecting rod in Example 2; Figure 19 A perspective view of the actuator in Example 2; Figure 20 Exploded view of the actuator and the first connecting rod in Example 2; Figure 21 A perspective view of the wedge block in Example 2; Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting structure of the second plate in the embodiment; Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the wave spring assembly in Example 1; Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the wave spring assembly in Example 1; Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the wave spring assembly in Example 1; Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the wave spring assembly in Example 1; Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the wave spring assembly in Example 3.

[0045] Figure label: 1-Screen support; 10-Main body; 10a-Base; 10b-Upper cover plate; 10c-Lower substrate; 11-First plate; 12-Second plate; 13-Limiting stage; 20-First connecting rod; 21-Upper swing member; 21a-Upper bushing; 21b-Upper connecting part; 21c-Guide post; 22-Lower swing member; 22a-Lower bushing; 22b-Lower connecting part; 23-First shaft; 30- Second link; 31-Connecting seat; 32-Groove; 40-Temporary limiting component; 41-Actuator; 41a-Main body; 41b-Spiral guide bar; 42-Long tail; 42a-Limiting protrusion; 43-Positioning plate; 44-Wave spring assembly; 44a-Wave spring sheet; 44b-Rubber spring material; 45-Slot; 50-Wedge block; 51-Slide groove; 52-Vertical plate; 55-Compression spring. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0048] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0050] Example 1 See Figure 1-14 As shown, this embodiment provides a hinge structure including a body 10 and a screen support 1; the screen support 1 is rotatably mounted on the body 10; in this embodiment, the screen support 1 is rotatably mounted on the body 10 via a first connecting rod 20. The screen support 1 includes a first door panel 11 and a second door panel 12. The two screen supports 1 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the body 10 for mounting and supporting a flexible screen.

[0051] The body 10 can be a single component. In this embodiment, the body 10 is preferably in the form of a component, serving as a platform or carrier for connecting other components. The body 10 includes, but is not limited to, a base 10a, an upper cover 10b, and a lower substrate (not shown). The lower substrate extends through the entire height of the phone (i.e., the length of the entire phone hinge), connecting multiple components of the body 10 into a whole. Other components, such as the base 10a and the upper cover 10b, are directly or indirectly connected to the lower substrate.

[0052] A temporary limiting component 40 is provided between the screen support 1 and the body 10 to temporarily limit the screen support 1 to one or more set opening and closing angles (or swing angles).

[0053] See Figure 5-7As shown in Figures 11-14, the temporary limiting assembly 40 includes an actuator 41, a locking plate 43, and a wave spring assembly 44.

[0054] The actuator 41 is slidably disposed on the body 10 along the virtual swing center line of the screen support 1; the actuator 41 includes: a main body 41a, and a long tail 42 fixedly connected to the main body 41a; a transmission structure is provided between the screen support 1 and the main body 41a for driving the main body 41a and the long tail 42 to slide along the virtual swing center line during the swing (or opening and closing of the screen or hinge) of the screen support 1.

[0055] The long tail 42 is rod-shaped and is arranged along the virtual swing center line. The locking plate 43 is slidably mounted on the body 10.

[0056] A temporary limiting structure is provided between the long tail portion 42 and the positioning plate 43; the temporary limiting structure includes: see [link] Figure 13 As shown, one or more limiting protrusions 42a are provided on the long tail portion 42 or the positioning plate 43, and one or more slots 45 are provided on the positioning plate 43 or the long tail portion 42 to engage with the limiting protrusions 42a. The wave spring assembly 44 is disposed between the locking plate 43 and the body 10, tending to force the locking plate 43 to abut against the long tail 42, thereby maintaining the locking state of the limiting protrusion 42a and the slot 45 (i.e., the limiting protrusion 42a is locked in the slot 45, so that the hinge structure is temporarily held at a set opening and closing angle). The wave spring assembly 44 includes multiple stacked wave spring sheets 44a; each wave spring sheet 44a extends in a wave shape along the virtual swing center line.

[0057] The wave spring assembly 44 in this application can be installed in a confined space. Under the premise that the K value of each wave spring sheet 44a is small, the wave spring assembly 44 can provide a large force. Moreover, during the opening and closing process of the hinge assembly, the force change of the wave spring assembly 44 before, during and after compression is smaller, thereby improving the user experience.

[0058] The wave spring assembly 44 includes 2-15 wave spring sheets 44a. Preferably, it includes 3-10 sheets. Furthermore, the wave spring assembly 44 can be configured in various ways; preferably, see [reference needed]. Figure 23As shown, the wave spring assembly includes eight wave spring plates 44a; wherein, two adjacent wave spring plates 44a are arranged back to back; in the thickness direction (i.e., the stacking direction) of the wave spring assembly 44, the peak of one of the two adjacent wave spring plates 44a is arranged opposite to the trough of the other.

[0059] See Figure 24 As shown, the wave spring assembly 44 may further include 2-6 wave spring sheets 44a with their peaks and troughs completely attached to each other. The wave spring sheets 44a that are attached to each other have the same peak and trough coordinate positions in the length direction, and are pressed together in the thickness direction.

[0060] See Figure 25 As shown, optionally, multiple wave spring plates 44a in the wave spring assembly 44 are connected end-to-end, forming a Z-shape. Preferably, the multiple wave spring plates 44a in the wave spring assembly 44 are integrally formed, that is, the wave spring assembly 44 is formed by repeatedly bending a single wave spring plate 44a into a Z-shape. This bending form is different from that of a helical spring wound around a cylinder; in this application, the winding or bending trajectory of the individual wave spring plates 44a forming the Z-shape of the wave spring assembly 44 is in the same plane.

[0061] See Figure 26 As shown, the wave spring assembly 44 can also be a combination of two or three of the above three embodiments.

[0062] In the prior art and earlier applications, if it is necessary to increase the temporary locking force of the helical spring, a helical spring with a higher K value is required, which inevitably leads to a larger change in spring force during compression. However, in this application, by appropriately adding several wave spring plates 44a, the locking force can be increased several times over, while the change in spring force of the entire wave spring assembly 44 remains unchanged.

[0063] Furthermore, the peaks of two adjacent wave spring sheets 44a in the wave spring assembly 44 are fixedly connected by bonding or welding (spot welding); thereby enabling multiple wave spring sheets 44a to form an integral structure, which facilitates installation and improves efficiency.

[0064] Preferably, the positioning plate 43 has side plates at both ends on the side opposite to the limiting protrusion 42a or the slot 45, and the wave spring assembly 44 is installed between the two side plates.

[0065] Furthermore, the distance between the two side plates is greater than the length of the wave spring assembly 44, thereby providing deformation space for the wave spring assembly 44 to extend to both sides when compressed.

[0066] Preferably, the temporary limiting structure is symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides. That is, the limiting protrusion 42a or the slot 45 is symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the long tail 42; The two sets of positioning plates 43 and wave spring groups 44 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the long tail 42. Under the action of the wave spring groups 44, the two positioning plates 43 on the left and right sides tend to move towards the middle, thereby clamping the long tail 42 and maintaining the positioning state of the limiting protrusion 42a and the slot 45.

[0067] The wave spring assembly 44 in the hinge structure provided by the present invention can be installed in a small space. Under the premise that the K value of each wave spring sheet 44a is small, the wave spring assembly 44 can provide a large force. Moreover, during the opening and closing process of the hinge assembly, the force change of the wave spring assembly 44 before, during and after compression is smaller, thereby improving the user experience.

[0068] Furthermore, compared to the previous application, which required installing multiple tiny helical springs in a confined space, making the installation process time-consuming and labor-intensive, the wave spring assembly 44 in this application is simpler and more efficient to install, greatly improving work efficiency. In the prior application, the coil spring required an increase in its K value to increase its spring force, which would lead to greater spring attenuation in the later stages. However, the wave spring assembly 44 in this application has a relatively small K value while maintaining the spring force unchanged or even greater, resulting in relatively less force attenuation during later use.

[0069] Example 2 This embodiment is basically the same as embodiment 1, except that: See Figure 1-22 As shown, this embodiment provides a hinge structure in which the first link 20 is rotatably mounted on the body 10 via the first shaft 23; the temporary limiting component 40 is used to temporarily limit the first link 20 to one or more set swing angles; the first link 20 includes an upper swing component 21 and a lower swing component 22.

[0070] See Figure 15-17As shown, the upper swing component 21 includes an upper bushing portion 21a and an upper connecting portion 21b; the upper bushing portion 21a has an upper through hole in the middle that is adapted to the first shaft 23; the lower swing component 22 includes a lower bushing portion 22a and a lower connecting portion 22b; the lower bushing portion 22a has a lower through hole in the middle that is adapted to the first shaft 23; the bottom of the upper bushing portion 21a has an upper helical working surface; the top of the lower bushing portion 22a has a lower helical working surface; after the upper swing component 21 and the lower swing component 22 are fitted onto the same first shaft 23, the upper helical working surface and the lower helical working surface together form a helical guide groove. The upper swing component 21 and the lower swing component 22 can be relatively close to each other along the axial direction of the first shaft 23. Strictly speaking, the upper swing component 21 and the lower swing component 22 can be set relatively close to each other within the design range (e.g., within a range of 1-5mm), thereby ensuring that they can always remain relatively close under the action of the wedge block 50 and throughout the entire service life, thus eliminating the aforementioned gap.

[0071] The main body 41a of the actuator 41 is provided with a spiral guide bar 41b (or spiral slider structure) adapted to the spiral guide groove; the spiral guide bar 41b includes a spiral upper working surface and a lower working surface that slide in cooperation with the upper spiral working surface and the lower spiral working surface respectively; the spiral guide bar 41b can be relatively slidably inserted into the spiral guide groove, thereby forming a spiral transmission pair between the actuator 41 and the first connecting rod 20. When the first connecting rod 20 swings, it drives the actuator 41 to translate along the axial direction of the first shaft 23 (equivalent to the direction of the virtual swing center line mentioned above) through the spiral transmission pair.

[0072] The wedge block 50 is slidably disposed between the body 10 and the upper swing member 21 (optionally, it can also be disposed between the lower swing member 22 of the body 10), and the sliding direction of the wedge block 50 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first shaft 23.

[0073] The compression spring 55 tends to force the wedge block 50 to wedge into the body 10 and the upper swing member 21, thereby forcing the upper swing member 21 and the lower swing member 22 to adhere to the spiral guide bar 41b on the body 41a, eliminating the gap between the upper spiral working surface and the upper working surface of the spiral guide bar 41b, and between the lower spiral working surface and the lower working surface of the spiral guide bar 41b.

[0074] This application eliminates the gap between the upper and lower swing members 21 or 22 and the spiral guide bar 41b on the main body 41a by setting a translational wedge block 50 between the main body 10 and the upper swing member 21 or 22. The spring force of the compression spring 55 (the direction of the spring force is perpendicular to the axis of the first shaft 23) forces the wedge block 50 to wedge in, thereby eliminating the gap between the upper and lower swing members 21 and 22 and the spiral guide bar 41b on the main body 41a. Due to the self-locking function of the wedge block 50, the swing of the first connecting member 20, i.e. the opening and closing of the folding screen, will not cause the wedge block 50 to move in the opposite direction, i.e., it will not cause the gap to be generated repeatedly. As the folding screen is repeatedly opened and closed, the upper and lower swing members 21 and 22 wear with the spiral guide bar 41b on the main body 41a. The wedge block 50 can automatically compensate for the wear and maintain zero gap between the components. This makes the swing action smoother and the noise lower.

[0075] More importantly, the wedge block 50 structure in this application is different from the wedge structure in the prior art, and has unexpected outstanding technical effects. Specifically, the actuator 41 of the temporary limiting component 40 in this application can be slidably disposed on the body 10 along the axial direction of the first shaft 23; the moving direction of the actuator 41 is perpendicular to the moving direction of the wedge block 50, and the force exerted on the actuator 41 by the wedge block 50 and the compression spring 55 can be ignored, that is, the influence of the wedge block 50 structure on the temporary limiting component 40 can be ignored.

[0076] The temporary limiting component 40 is designed to provide users with a slight jolt (e.g., a slight clicking sound) at a set opening angle (commonly known as "overshoot") during screen opening and closing, thereby improving the user experience. In existing technologies or the applicant's prior art, springs or other reset components arranged axially along the first shaft 23 are often used to eliminate the aforementioned gap. However, these reset components significantly impact the operation of the temporary limiting component 40, leading to excessive or absent jolts and a reduced user experience. The wedge block 50 structure in this application effectively eliminates the aforementioned adverse effects of gap removal structures in existing technologies, greatly improving the user experience.

[0077] In this embodiment, the inner surface of the wedge block 50 that contacts the outer end face of the upper swing member 21 is a plane perpendicular to the first shaft 23; the outer surface of the wedge block 50 that is opposite to the upper swing member 21 is an inclined surface that is inclined at an angle to the inner surface.

[0078] A limiting platform 13 is provided on the outer side of the upper swing component 21 on the main body 10; a wedge block 50 is wedged into the limiting platform 13 between the upper swing component 21 or the lower swing component 22; the limiting platform 13 is provided with an inclined working surface that contacts and cooperates with the inclined surface on one side of the wedge block 50.

[0079] Furthermore, the included angle (i.e., wedge angle) between the inner and outer surfaces of the wedge block 50 is 2-10°, preferably 3-6°, thereby effectively realizing the self-locking function.

[0080] In practical applications, it typically includes two sets of first connecting rods 20 and first shafts 23 arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides; the main body 41a of the actuator 41 is provided with two spiral guide bars 41b on the left and right sides respectively adapted to the first connecting rods 20 on both sides.

[0081] See Figure 20 and 21 As shown, on the projection plane perpendicular to the first shaft 23, the wedge block 50 is H-shaped overall, with grooves 51 at both ends. Two first shafts 23, symmetrically arranged on the left and right, are slidably inserted into the two grooves 51 of the wedge block 50, serving as sliding guides and limits for the wedge block 50. A shaft hole is provided on the limiting platform 13, and one end of the first shaft 23 is inserted into the shaft hole of the limiting platform 13.

[0082] Preferably, the wedge block 50 is provided with a vertical plate 52, and one end of the compression spring 55 abuts against the seat plate 14 of the body 10, and the other end abuts against the vertical plate 52; each wedge block 50 is provided with two limiting platforms 13, and the two limiting platforms 13 are arranged symmetrically on the left and right; the vertical plate 52, the seat plate 14 and the compression spring 55 are arranged between the two limiting platforms 13.

[0083] The outer end face of the lower helix 22 abuts against the limiting end face of the main body 10. Thus, the wedge block 50 eliminates all five contact gaps on the first shaft 23 at once.

[0084] The area of ​​the first plate 11 in the screen support 1 is larger than the area of ​​the second plate 12.

[0085] In the first connecting rod 20, the upper connecting part 21b of the upper swing member 21 and the lower connecting part 22b of the lower swing member 22 are connected to the first plate 11; that is, the first plate 11 is pivotally connected to the body 10 through the first connecting rod 20.

[0086] Preferably, the device further includes a connecting seat 31, on which the first plate 11 is fixedly mounted. The upper connecting portion 21b of the upper swing member 21 and the lower connecting portion 22b of the lower swing member 22 are connected to the connecting seat 31 by a plug-in connection. Preferably, slots or plug-in blocks are provided on the upper side of the upper connecting portion 21b of the upper swing member 21 and the lower side of the lower connecting portion 22b of the lower swing member 22. The connecting seat 31 is provided with plug-in blocks or slots that are plugged into and cooperate with the aforementioned slots or plug-in blocks. The connecting seat 31 does not have a limiting structure between the upper swing member 21 and the lower swing member 22 that restricts them from being relatively close to each other within the design range (e.g., within a range of 1-5 mm); or, at least the upper swing member 21 or the lower swing member 22 that directly contacts the wedge block 50 can be positioned close to the lower swing member 22 or the upper swing member 21 within the design range in the axial direction of the first shaft 23, for example, in the slot and plug-in block structure described above, the plug-in block can be slidably positioned relative to the slot in the axial direction of the first shaft 23.

[0087] A guide structure, including a guide post and a guide hole, is provided between the upper swing member 21 and the lower swing member 22, arranged axially along the first shaft 23, to ensure the shape accuracy of the spiral guide groove between them. In this embodiment, the upper swing member 21 can be movably arranged along the axial direction of the first shaft 23. See [reference needed] Figure 17 As shown, this embodiment is provided with a guide post 21c parallel to the axial direction of the first shaft 23, and a guide hole adapted to it is provided on the connecting seat 31.

[0088] See Figure 22 As shown, the outer end of the second plate 12 away from the first shaft 23 is pivotally connected to the connecting seat 31; in the embodiment, specifically, the connecting seat 31 is provided with an arc-shaped groove, and the second plate 12 is provided with an arc-shaped protrusion adapted to the arc-shaped groove.

[0089] The second plate 12 is movably disposed near the inner end of the first shaft 23. The connecting seat 31 and the main body 10 are provided with a movable space recessed in the direction away from the flexible screen near the inner end of the second plate 12; when the flexible screen is fully folded, the inner end of the second plate 12 slides into the movable space, and is thus tilted relative to the first plate 11, thereby creating a deformation space for the folded part of the flexible screen.

[0090] Preferably, it also includes a second connecting rod 30; one end of the second connecting rod 30 is pivotally connected to the body 10, and the other end is pivotally connected to the connecting seat 31, further improving the stability of the connecting seat 31 during the swinging process.

[0091] Furthermore, the outer end of the second plate 12 away from the first shaft 23 is pivotally connected to the connecting seat 31; the inner end of the second plate 12 near the first shaft 23 is movably disposed; the second connecting rod 30 is provided with a groove 32 recessed in the direction away from the flexible screen at the inner end near the second plate 12; when the flexible screen is fully folded, the inner end of the second plate 12 slides into the groove 32, and is then tilted relative to the first plate 11, thereby creating a deformation space for the folded part of the flexible screen.

[0092] This application has a simple structure. During the folding process, the inner end of the second plate 12 slides into the groove, forming an inverted trumpet-shaped deformation space in the folded part of the flexible screen. This makes the flexible screen teardrop-shaped in the space, preventing the folded part from being completely folded and damaged.

[0093] In this application, multiple hinge structures can be spaced apart along the axial direction of the first shaft 23 on an electronic device. Covers or similar elements can also be provided on the hinge structures. Preferably, the cover is fixedly connected to the body 10.

[0094] The hinge structure provided by this invention eliminates the gap between the upper and lower swing members 21 and the spiral guide bar 41b on the main body 41a by setting a translational wedge block 50 between the main body 10 and the upper swing member 21 or the lower swing member 22. The spring force of the compression spring 55 (the direction of the spring force is perpendicular to the axis of the first shaft 23) forces the wedge block 50 to wedge in, thereby eliminating the gap between the upper and lower swing members 21 and the lower swing member 22 and the spiral guide bar 41b on the main body 41a. Due to the self-locking function of the wedge block 50, the swing of the first connecting member 20, i.e., the opening and closing of the folding screen, will not cause the wedge block 50 to move in the opposite direction, i.e., it will not cause the gap to be generated repeatedly. As the folding screen is repeatedly opened and closed, the upper and lower swing members 21 and the lower swing member 22 wear with the spiral guide bar 41b on the main body 41a. The wedge block 50 can automatically compensate for the wear and maintain zero gap between the components. This makes the swing action smoother and the noise lower.

[0095] Example 3 This embodiment is basically the same as embodiment 1, except that: See Figure 27 As shown, this embodiment discloses a wave spring assembly 44, wherein a rubber spring material 44b is filled between two adjacent wave spring sheets 44a.

[0096] Preferably, the rubber spring material 44b is silicone or rubber.

[0097] By filling the space between the wave spring sheets 44a with rubber or silicone spring material 44b, the spring force of the wave spring assembly 44 is greatly improved.

[0098] Furthermore, with the long-term use of the hinge assembly, the spring force of the wave spring plate 44a will gradually decrease, and its K value will become smaller; while the rubber spring material 44b will also age and its elasticity will weaken, and its K value will become larger; the two cancel each other out, and the degree of attenuation of the entire wave spring assembly 44 is greatly reduced or even eliminated.

[0099] After the wave spring assembly 44 is assembled in place (i.e., the hinge structure and screen support are in a closed or open static state), it is in an initial compressed state. The wave spring assembly 44 provides the initial spring pressure to the card plate (its initial spring pressure value is set according to the hinge structure design requirements). During the opening and closing of the screen, the actuator drives the long tail to slide along the direction of the virtual swing center line. When the limiting protrusion flips over the side protrusion of the card slot, the wave spring assembly 44 is subjected to maximum compression, and its spring force value is also the maximum.

[0100] Furthermore, after the wave spring assembly 44 is assembled and in its initial compressed state, the rubber spring material 44b is in a natural state where it is neither compressed nor stretched.

[0101] That is, when the wave spring assembly 44 is in the initial compressed state, rubber spring material 44b is filled between two adjacent wave spring plates 44a of the wave spring assembly 44. During the long-term use of the hinge structure, the rubber spring material is in a natural state of not being compressed or stretched most of the time, which greatly reduces the aging rate of the rubber spring material 44b and extends its effective service life.

[0102] By filling the rubber spring material 44b, multiple wave spring sheets 44a can also be bonded together at the same time, which facilitates subsequent installation and improves assembly efficiency.

[0103] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hinge structure, characterized in that, Includes the main body and screen support; The screen support is rotatably mounted on the main body; two screen supports are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main body for mounting and supporting the flexible screen. A temporary limiting component is provided between the screen support and the body to temporarily limit the screen support to one or more set opening and closing angles. The temporary limiting component includes an actuator, a locking plate, and a wave spring assembly; The actuator is slidably disposed on the body along the virtual swing center line of the screen support; the actuator includes: a main body and a long tail fixedly connected to the main body; a transmission structure is provided between the screen support and the main body for driving the main body and the long tail to slide along the virtual swing center line during the swing of the screen support; The long tail is rod-shaped and is arranged along the virtual swing center line. The locking plate can be slidably mounted on the main body. A temporary limiting structure is provided between the long tail and the carding plate; The temporary limiting structure includes: one or more limiting protrusions provided on the long tail or the positioning plate, and one or more slots provided on the positioning plate or the long tail to engage with the limiting protrusions; The wave spring assembly is disposed between the locking plate and the body, tending to force the locking plate against the long tail, thereby maintaining the locking state of the limiting protrusion and the slot; The wave spring assembly includes multiple stacked wave spring sheets; each wave spring sheet extends in a wave shape along the direction of the virtual swing center line.

2. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the waveform spring assembly, two adjacent waveform spring sheets are arranged back to back; in the thickness direction of the waveform spring assembly, the peak of one of the two adjacent waveform spring sheets is arranged opposite to the trough of the other.

3. The hinge structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The wave spring assembly includes 2-15 wave spring plates.

4. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waveform spring assembly includes 2-6 waveform spring plates whose peaks and troughs are completely aligned with each other.

5. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two adjacent wave spring sheets in the wave spring assembly are fixedly connected by adhesive bonding or spot welding.

6. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning plate has side plates at both ends on the side opposite to the limiting protrusion or the slot, and the wave spring assembly is installed between the two side plates.

7. The hinge structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The distance between the two side plates is greater than the length of the wave spring assembly, thereby providing deformation space for the wave spring assembly to extend to both sides when compressed.

8. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waveform spring assembly consists of multiple waveform spring plates connected end to end, forming a Z-shape.

9. The hinge structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The multiple wave spring sheets in the wave spring assembly are integrally manufactured, that is, the wave spring assembly is formed by repeatedly bending a single wave spring sheet in a Z-shape.

10. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The screen support is rotatably mounted on the body via a first connecting rod; The first connecting rod is rotatably mounted on the body via a first shaft; The first link includes an upper swing member and a lower swing member; The upper swing component includes an upper bushing and an upper connecting part; the upper bushing has an upper through hole in the middle that is adapted to the first shaft; the lower swing component includes a lower bushing and a lower connecting part; the lower bushing has a lower through hole in the middle that is adapted to the first shaft. The bottom of the upper bushing is provided with an upper helical working surface; the top of the lower bushing is provided with a lower helical working surface; after the upper swing component and the lower swing component are fitted onto the same first shaft, the upper helical working surface and the lower helical working surface together form a helical guide groove; in the axial direction of the first shaft, the upper swing component and the lower swing component can be relatively close to each other. The main body of the actuator is provided with a spiral guide bar adapted to the spiral guide groove; the spiral guide bar includes an upper working surface and a lower working surface that are respectively slidably engaged with the upper spiral working surface and the lower spiral working surface; the guide bar can be slidably inserted into the spiral guide groove, thereby forming a spiral transmission pair between the actuator and the first connecting rod. When the first connecting rod rotates, it drives the actuator to translate along the axial direction of the first shaft through the spiral transmission pair.

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