Hinge structure and electronic device

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a hinge structure and an electronic device. The hinge structure includes a frame, two drive rods, and an electric synchronization assembly. Each drive rod includes a shaft portion and a connecting portion. The drive rods are rotatably connected to the frame via the shaft portions, and the axis of rotation between the drive rods and the frame is a first axis of rotation extending along a first direction. The shaft portions of the two drive rods are spaced apart along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. One end of the connecting portion is connected to the shaft portion, and the connecting portions of the two drive rods are respectively used to connect two fixed blocks. The electric synchronization assembly is disposed on the frame and configured to drive the two drive rods to rotate synchronously. Accordingly, this disclosure utilizes two drive rods to drive the two middle frames of the electronic device to achieve synchronous automatic opening and closing, eliminating the need for manual force application by the user, making operation simple and labor-saving. Furthermore, the control method of the above-mentioned structural design adopted in this disclosure is direct, simple to implement, has few parts, and high reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to electronic devices with folding and opening functions, and more particularly to a hinge structure and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Folding and folding designs enable miniaturization of electronic devices when folded, facilitating portability and storage, while providing a larger display area or operating space when unfolded. Therefore, folding and folding functionality has become one of the important development trends for electronic devices. However, in current technologies, folding and folding electronic devices rely on manual force to open and close, which is cumbersome, laborious, and results in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the problems existing in the related technologies, this disclosure provides a hinge structure and an electronic device.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a hinge structure is provided, wherein: the hinge structure includes a frame, two drive rods, and an electric synchronization assembly; each drive rod includes a shaft portion and a connecting portion; the drive rod is rotatably connected to the frame via the shaft portion, the rotation axis of the drive rod and the frame is a first rotation axis, the first rotation axis extends along a first direction, and the shaft portions of the two drive rods are spaced apart along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; one end of the connecting portion is connected to the shaft portion, and the connecting portions of the two drive rods are respectively used to connect two fixed blocks; the electric synchronization assembly is disposed on the frame and configured to drive the two drive rods to rotate synchronously.

[0005] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the rotating shaft is provided with a guide groove that extends along a spiral arc path; the electric synchronization assembly includes a motor and a first slider; the motor is mounted on the frame; the first slider is provided with sliding posts on both sides in the second direction, and the two sliding posts of the first slider are respectively slidably engaged with the guide grooves of the two rotating shafts; when the motor drives the first slider to move along the first direction, the two driving rods rotate synchronously.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the electric synchronization assembly includes a lead screw; the motor is disposed on the frame; the lead screw is connected to the motor and can be driven by the motor to rotate axially, the lead screw is located between the two rotating shafts; the lead screw passes through the first slider and is threadedly engaged; when the motor drives the lead screw to rotate, the first slider moves along the first direction.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the rotating shaft onto a reference plane perpendicular to the first direction is circular, and the first rotation axis passes through the center of the circle; wherein, the orthographic projection of the guide groove onto the reference plane perpendicular to the first direction is an arc shape, and the corresponding central angle of the arc shape is 90° to 180°.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the sliding post is cylindrical, and the cylindrical surface of the sliding post contacts the groove wall of the guide groove.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the frame is provided with a first slide groove that extends along the first direction; a sliding protrusion is provided on the side of the first slider facing the first slide groove, and the sliding protrusion slides in cooperation with the first slide groove.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the connecting portion has a first surface parallel to the fixing block, the first surface being parallel to and offset from the first rotation axis.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the hinge structure includes two rotating components arranged along the second direction; each rotating component includes a driving rod, a trajectory rod, and a fixing block, the driving rod and the trajectory rod being arranged along the first direction; the two trajectory rods of the two rotating components are arranged along the second direction; the trajectory rod includes a first part and a second part, the first part being rotatably connected to the frame, the rotation axis of the first part and the frame being a second rotation axis, the second part being rotatably connected to the fixing block, the rotation axis of the second part and the fixing block being a third rotation axis, the second rotation axis being parallel to the third rotation axis, and the second rotation axis being parallel to and offset from the first rotation axis; the fixing block is provided with a second sliding groove, the extension direction of the second sliding groove being perpendicular to the first direction, and the second part slidingly engaging with the second sliding groove.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the frame includes a first frame and a second frame, the first frame and the second frame being arranged along the first direction; the drive rod is connected to the first frame, and the track rod is connected to the second frame; wherein, a first axis fixing frame and a second axis fixing frame spaced apart along the first direction are fixed on the first frame, two first axes are provided between the first axis fixing frame and the second axis fixing frame, the first axes extend along the first direction, and the two first axes are spaced apart along the second direction; a first part is located between the first axis fixing frame and the second axis fixing frame, the first axis passes through the first part, and the drive rod is rotatable around the first axis.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the first shaft fixing bracket is located at the connection between the first frame and the second frame; the first shaft fixing bracket is provided with a first assembly protrusion on the side facing the second frame, the second frame is provided with a first assembly groove, and the first assembly protrusion is accommodated in the first assembly groove.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the second shaft fixing bracket is provided with a second mounting protrusion on the side facing the first frame, the first frame is provided with a second mounting groove, and the second mounting protrusion is accommodated in the second mounting groove.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the second shaft fixing bracket is farther away from the second frame than the first shaft fixing bracket; wherein, one end of the first shaft away from the first shaft fixing bracket passes through and extends out of the second shaft fixing bracket, and the end is provided with a retaining ring to fix the first shaft relative to the second shaft fixing bracket.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the second frame is provided with a third slide groove, which is arc-shaped; the first part is provided with a second slider, which is arc-shaped, and the second slider slides in cooperation with the third slide groove, and the axis of the corresponding circle of the arc is the second rotation axis.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the second part is provided with a first shaft hole; the fixing block is provided with a second shaft hole; the first shaft hole and the second shaft hole are connected together by a second shaft, the second part and the fixing block are rotatably connected via the second shaft, and the axis of the second shaft is the third rotation axis.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, wherein the electronic device includes the hinge structure proposed in the present disclosure and described in the above embodiments.

[0019] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can include the following beneficial effects: This disclosure can use an electric synchronous component to drive two drive rods to rotate synchronously relative to the frame, thereby using the two drive rods to drive the two middle frames of the electronic device to achieve synchronous automatic opening and closing, without requiring manual force from the user, making operation simple and labor-saving, and improving the user experience. In addition, the control method of the above-mentioned structural design adopted by this disclosure is direct, simple to implement, has few parts, and high reliability.

[0020] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a hinge structure in one state, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram from another perspective;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the hinge structure in another state;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of part of the structure;

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of part of the structure;

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional diagram in yet another state;

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of part of the structure;

[0029] Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the drive lever;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first slider;

[0031] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of part of the structure;

[0032] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A three-dimensional exploded view;

[0033] Figure 12 and Figure 13 They are Figure 6 A three-dimensional exploded diagram from two different perspectives;

[0034] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of an electronic device in one state, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of an electronic device in another state is shown;

[0036] Figure 16 This is a block diagram of an electronic device illustrated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] 100. Hinge structure; 101. Rotating assembly; 110. Frame; 111. First frame; 1111. First slide groove; 1112. Second assembly groove; 112. Second frame; 1121. First assembly groove; 1123. Third slide groove; 113. First shaft fixing bracket; 1131. First assembly protrusion; 114. Second shaft fixing bracket; 1141. Second assembly protrusion; 115. First shaft; 116. Snap ring; 120. Drive rod; 121. Rotating shaft part; 1211. Guide groove; 122. Connecting part ; 1221. First surface; 130. Electric synchronization assembly; 131. Motor; 132. Lead screw; 133. First slider; 1331. Sliding column; 1332. Sliding protrusion; 150. Track rod; 151. First part; 1511. Second slider; 152. Second part; 1521. First shaft hole; 1522. Second shaft; 160. Fixing block; 161. Second slide groove; 162. Second shaft hole; 200. Middle frame; L1. First rotation axis; L2. Second rotation axis; L3. Third rotation axis. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Some embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. Various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to those orders set forth herein, but can be changed as will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure, except for operations that must be performed in a particular order. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted.

[0040] The embodiments described in the following examples of this disclosure are not representative of all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0041] See Figure 1The illustration shows a perspective view of the hinge structure 100 proposed in this disclosure in one state. In this exemplary embodiment, the hinge structure 100 proposed in this disclosure is described using an application to a foldable screen mobile phone as an example. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, or other changes may be made to the specific embodiments described below to apply the relevant designs of this disclosure to other types of electronic devices, and these changes are still within the scope of the principles of the hinge structure 100 proposed in this disclosure.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the hinge structure 100 includes a frame 110, two drive rods 120, and an electric synchronization assembly 130. (See also...) Figures 2 to 13 , Figure 2 China representatively shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram from another perspective, in which, Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be understood as a reference. Figure 15 The state of the hinge structure 100 corresponding to the electronic device when the two mid-frames 200 are opened relative to each other (e.g., opened to 180°); Figure 3 The diagram shows a representative three-dimensional representation of the hinge structure in another state, in which... Figure 3 It can be understood as a reference. Figure 14 The state of the hinge structure 100 corresponding to the electronic device when the two middle frames 200 are closed relative to each other is shown; Figure 4 China representatively shows Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of part of the structure; Figure 5 China representatively shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of part of the structure. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The three-dimensional structure is shown from two different perspectives when the pair of rotating components 101 are open; Figure 6 China representatively shows Figure 4 A three-dimensional diagram in yet another state; Figure 7 China representatively shows Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of part of the structure; Figure 8 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the drive lever 120 is shown in the figure. Figure 9 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first slider 133 is shown in the figure. Figure 10 China representatively shows Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of part of the structure; Figure 11 China representatively shows Figure 10 A three-dimensional exploded view; Figure 12 and Figure 13 The text represents the characteristics of each element. Figure 6An exploded three-dimensional diagram from two different perspectives. The following, in conjunction with the aforementioned figures, will provide a detailed description of the structure, connection method, and functional relationship of each major component of the hinge structure 100 proposed in this disclosure.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the hinge structure 100 includes a frame 110, two drive rods 120, and an electric synchronization assembly 130. Each drive rod 120 includes a pivot portion 121 and a connecting portion 122. The drive rod 120 is rotatably connected to the frame 110 via the pivot portion 121. The axis of rotation between the drive rod 120 and the frame 110 is a first axis of rotation L1, which extends along a first direction (e.g., the X direction shown in the figures). The pivot portions 121 of the two drive rods 120 are spaced apart along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the Y direction shown in the figures). One end of the connecting portion 122 is connected to the pivot portion 121. The connecting portions 122 of the two drive rods 120 are respectively used to connect two fixing blocks 160, which can be respectively connected to the two mid-frames of an electronic device (e.g., a foldable screen phone). The electric synchronization assembly 130 is disposed on the frame 110 and configured to drive the two drive rods 120 to rotate synchronously. Through the above design, this disclosure enables the electric synchronization component 130 to drive the two drive rods 120 to rotate synchronously relative to the frame 110. This allows the two drive rods 120 to respectively drive the two mid-frames of the electronic device to achieve synchronous automatic opening and closing, eliminating the need for manual force application by the user. This simplifies operation and improves user experience. Furthermore, the control method of the above-mentioned structural design is direct, simple to implement, requires fewer parts, and has high reliability.

[0044] like Figures 4 to 9 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the rotating shaft portion 121 may be provided with a guide groove 1211, which extends along a spiral arc path. The electric synchronization assembly 130 may include a motor 131 and a first slider 133. The motor 131 is mounted on the frame 110. The first slider 133 has sliding posts 1331 on both sides in the second direction, and the two sliding posts 1331 of the first slider 133 are respectively slidably engaged with the guide grooves 1211 of the two rotating shaft portions 121. When the motor 131 drives the first slider 133 to move in the first direction, the two driving rods 120 rotate synchronously. Through the above design, this disclosure uses the spiral arc guide groove 122 to cooperate with the sliding posts 1331 of the first slider 133, and uses the motor 131 to drive the first slider 133 to achieve synchronous drive rotation of the two driving rods 120. The structure is simple, occupies less space, and is conducive to the design needs of thinness and miniaturization.

[0045] like Figures 4 to 9As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the electric synchronization assembly 130 may include a lead screw 132. The lead screw 132 is connected to a motor 131 and can be driven by the motor 131 to rotate axially. The lead screw 132 is located between two rotating shafts 121. The lead screw 132 passes through a first slider 133 and is threadedly engaged. The first slider 133 is restricted from rotating relative to the frame 110. Accordingly, when the lead screw 132 is driven to rotate by the motor 131, since the lead screw 132 is threadedly engaged with the first slider 133 and cannot rotate relative to it, the first slider 133 can move relative to the lead screw 132 in a first direction, thereby realizing the movement of the first slider 133 relative to the frame 110 and the rotating shafts 121 in the first direction.

[0046] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the motor 131 and the frame 110 can be fixedly connected by welding, riveting, bonding, screw connection or other methods.

[0047] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first slider 133 may be provided with a threaded hole extending in a first direction, the wall of which is provided with an internal thread. The outer periphery of the lead screw 132 may be provided with an external thread. The lead screw 132 passes through the threaded hole, and the external thread of the lead screw 132 is screwed into the internal thread of the threaded hole.

[0048] like Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the rotating shaft portion 121 onto a reference plane perpendicular to the first direction can be circular. In other words, at least a portion of the rotating shaft portion 121 can be a cylindrical structure, and the first rotation axis L1 passes through the center of the aforementioned circle (or the axis of the cylinder). Based on this, the orthographic projection of the guide groove 1211 onto a reference plane perpendicular to the first direction can be an arc shape, and the corresponding central angle of this arc shape can be 90° to 180°, for example, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180°, etc. In some embodiments, the corresponding central angle of the aforementioned arc shape can also be less than 90°, for example, 45°, 60°, 75°, 80°, etc., and is not limited to this embodiment.

[0049] Specifically, taking the corresponding central angle of 90° as an example, when the two frames of the two electronic devices are closed, it can be understood that the two frames are arranged relatively parallel. At this time, it can be understood that the two sliding posts 1331 are located (or adjacent to) one end of each of the two guide slots 1211. When it is necessary to open the two frames, the motor 131 drives the lead screw 132 to rotate, thereby driving the first slider 133 to move along the first direction. The two sliding posts 1331 start to slide from one end (or adjacent to) of each of the two guide slots 1211. The two drive rods 120 rotate synchronously in opposite directions and drive the two frames to rotate synchronously in opposite directions until the two sliding posts 1331 slide to the other end of each of the two guide slots 1211. At this time, each frame (drive rod 120) has rotated approximately 90° compared to the closed state of the electronic device, so that the two frames are approximately in an unfolded state of 180°. Alternatively, taking the corresponding central angle of 180° as an example, starting from the closed state of the electronic device, until the two sliding pillars 1331 slide to the other end of the two guide grooves 1211 respectively, at this time, each middle frame (driving rod 120) has rotated approximately 180° compared to the closed state of the electronic device, so that the two middle frames are approximately in a 360° unfolded state, that is, a reverse folded unfolded state. Taking a foldable screen phone as an example, when the two middle frames 200 are closed, the main screens of the two middle frames 200 are arranged opposite each other. When the two middle frames 200 are folded unfolded in reverse, the main screens of the two middle frames 200 are arranged opposite each other.

[0050] like Figure 9 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the sliding post 1331 can be cylindrical, thereby enabling the cylindrical surface of the sliding post 1331 to contact the groove wall of the guide groove 1211. Through this design, this disclosure can reduce friction between the sliding post 1331 and the groove wall of the guide groove 1211, thereby extending the service life of the component and reducing the scraping problem caused by friction between the sliding seat and the groove wall of the guide groove 1211.

[0051] Furthermore, in an embodiment not illustrated in this disclosure, the sliding post 1331 may include a rotating shaft and a roller (or wheel). The rotating shaft is connected to the side of the first slider 133 in the second direction and extends along the second direction. The roller is sleeved on the rotating shaft and can rotate around the rotating shaft. Accordingly, the sliding post 1331 contacts the groove wall of the guide groove 1211 with the roller, thereby improving the contact mode between the sliding post 1331 and the guide groove 1211 when sliding along the guide groove 1211 to rolling contact, further reducing friction.

[0052] like Figure 7 and Figure 9As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the frame 110 may be provided with a first slide groove 1111, which extends along a first direction. A sliding protrusion 1332 may be provided on the side of the first slider 133 facing the first slide groove 1111, and the sliding protrusion 1332 slides in cooperation with the first slide groove 1111. Through this design, this disclosure can utilize the first slide groove 1111 to guide the first slider 133 as it slides along the first direction. Simultaneously, the cooperation between the first slide groove 1111 and the sliding protrusion 1332 restricts the first slider 133 from rotating relative to the frame 110, ensuring that the torque output by the motor 131 via the lead screw 132 is fully converted into linear motion of the first slider 133 along the first direction. This improves the opening and closing control accuracy and reduces energy loss.

[0053] like Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the connecting portion 122 of the drive lever 120 may have a first surface 1221 parallel to the fixed block 160 (i.e., parallel to the middle frame), and the first surface 1221 is parallel to and offset from the first rotation axis L1. Through this design, during the process of the two fixed blocks 160 (i.e., the middle frame) rotating relative to each other from an open state to a closed state, this disclosure enables the two fixed blocks 160 to actively move relative to each other outwards, thereby creating a certain distance between the two fixed blocks 160 when they are relatively closed (e.g., ...). Figure 14 The distance between the two mid-frames 200 shown in the second direction is illustrated. Taking a mobile phone (e.g., a foldable phone) as an example, the two mid-frames 200 of a foldable phone are respectively connected to two fixing blocks 160. This disclosure allows for a larger safety distance between the teardrop shape of the screen set in the mid-frames 200 and the hinge structure 100, making it less likely for the hinge structure 100 to collide with the screen when the device is dropped, significantly reducing the risk of screen failure due to drop. Furthermore, by means of the linkage control with the drive lever 120 of the hinge structure 100, the screen sliding during bending can be controlled more directly, which is simple to implement, has fewer parts, and high reliability.

[0054] like Figures 4 to 6 , Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the hinge structure 100 proposed in this disclosure may include at least two rotating components 101, which are arranged along a second direction. Each rotating component 101 includes a drive rod 120, a track rod 150, and a fixing block 160, with the drive rod 120 and track rod 150 arranged along a first direction. Specifically, the two track rods 150 of the two rotating components 101 are arranged along the second direction. The track rod 150 includes a first part 151 and a second part 152. The first part 151 is rotatably connected to the frame 110, and the rotation axis of the first part 151 and the frame 110 is a second rotation axis L2. The second part 152 is rotatably connected to the fixing block 160, and the rotation axis of the second part 152 and the fixing block 160 is a third rotation axis L3. The second rotation axis L2 and the third rotation axis L3 are parallel, and the second rotation axis L2 is parallel to and offset from the first rotation axis. The fixed block 160 is provided with a second sliding groove 161, the extension direction of which is perpendicular to the first direction, i.e., the second sliding groove 161 is a straight sliding groove, and the second part 142 slides in cooperation with the second sliding groove 161. Through the above design, this disclosure can increase the length of the fixed block 160 in the first direction by using the drive rod 120 and the track rod 150, i.e., increase the length of the connection and support between the hinge structure 100 and the middle frame via the fixed block 160, avoiding the problem of local stress concentration during opening and closing. Since the rotation axes of the drive rod 120 and the track rod 150 are different, and due to the arc sliding design of the drive rod 120 and the fixed block 160, this disclosure can ensure that "the first surface 1221 of the connecting part 122 is parallel and offset from the first rotation axis L1", so that the drive rod 120 and the track rod 150 in the same group rotate synchronously with the two connection positions of the fixed block 160 during rotation, avoiding the tilting of the rotation axis of the fixed block 160 (i.e., the middle frame) during rotation.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the hinge structure 100 may include two pairs of rotating components 101, such as the two pairs of rotating components 101 arranged along the first direction in the figures, and the rotating components 101 in the same pair are the two rotating components 101 arranged along the second direction as described above. Through the above design, this disclosure can further increase the number of connection points between the hinge structure 100 and the middle frame in the first direction. In other embodiments of this disclosure, the hinge structure 100 may also include only one pair of rotating components 101, or three or more pairs of rotating components 101, and is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0056] like Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the frame 110 may include a first frame 111 and a second frame 112, which are arranged along a first direction. A drive rod 120 is connected to the first frame 111, and a track rod 150 is connected to the second frame 112. Based on this, a first axis fixing frame 113 and a second axis fixing frame 114 spaced apart along the first direction are fixed on the first frame 111. Two first axes 115 are arranged between the first axis fixing frame 113 and the second axis fixing frame 114, extending along the first direction. The two first axes 115 are spaced apart along a second direction, thereby enabling the drive rod 120 to rotate around the frame 110. A first part 141 is located between the first axis fixing frame 113 and the second axis fixing frame 114, and the first axes 115 pass through the first part 141, allowing the drive rod 120 to rotate around the first axis 115. Through the above design, this disclosure can realize the rotatable connection between the drive rod 120 and the frame 110, and is easy to disassemble and assemble.

[0057] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first shaft fixing bracket 113 and the frame 110 can be fixedly connected by welding, riveting, bonding, screw connection or other methods.

[0058] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second shaft fixing bracket 114 and the frame 110 can be fixedly connected by welding, riveting, bonding, screw connection or other methods.

[0059] like Figure 11 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first shaft fixing bracket 113 can be located at the connection between the first frame 111 and the second frame 112. The first shaft fixing bracket 113 facing the second frame 112 may be provided with a first mounting protrusion 1131, and the second frame 112 may be provided with a first mounting groove 1121, with the first mounting protrusion 1131 accommodated in the first mounting groove 1121. Through the above design, this disclosure can improve the assembly effect between the first shaft fixing bracket 113 and the frame 110. For example, when the two are fixedly connected by welding, the matching design of the first mounting protrusion 1131 and the first mounting groove 1121 can increase the welding area. Simultaneously, this disclosure can utilize the first mounting groove 1121 to achieve positioning of the first shaft fixing bracket 113 during assembly, which helps to reduce assembly difficulty.

[0060] like Figure 11As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a second mounting protrusion 1141 may be provided on the side of the second shaft fixing bracket 114 facing the first frame 111, and the first frame 111 may be provided with a second mounting groove 1112, in which the second mounting protrusion 1141 is accommodated. Through this design, this disclosure can improve the assembly effect between the second shaft fixing bracket 114 and the frame 110. For example, when the two are fixedly connected by welding, the matching design of the second mounting protrusion 1141 and the second mounting groove 1112 can increase the welding area. Simultaneously, this disclosure can utilize the second mounting groove 1112 to position the second shaft fixing bracket 114 during assembly, which helps reduce assembly difficulty.

[0061] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second shaft fixing bracket 114 is farther away from the second frame 112 than the first shaft fixing bracket 113. Based on this, one end of the first shaft 115, away from the first shaft fixing bracket 113, can pass through and extend out of the second shaft fixing bracket 114, and the aforementioned end of the first shaft 115 can be provided with a retaining ring 116, which can fix the first shaft 115 relative to the second shaft fixing bracket 114. Through the above design, this disclosure can utilize the retaining ring 116 to achieve the fixed assembly of the first shaft 115 in the two shaft fixing members, with low assembly difficulty and easy disassembly.

[0062] like Figure 11 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first shaft fixing bracket 113 and the second shaft fixing bracket 114 may each be provided with pin holes at their two ends in the second direction for the first shaft 115 to pass through, and the first shaft 115 may be a pin.

[0063] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second frame 112 of the frame 110 may be provided with a third slide groove 1123, and the third slide groove 1123 may be arc-shaped. The first part 151 of the track rod 150 may be provided with a second slider 1511, and the second slider 1511 may be arc-shaped. The second slider 1511 slides in conjunction with the third slide groove 1123, and the axis of the corresponding circle of the arc shape is the second rotation axis L2. Through the above design, this disclosure can realize the fixed-axis rotation of the track rod 150 and the frame 110 by using the arc-shaped third slide groove 1123 and the second slider 1511.

[0064] like Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second part 152 of the track rod 150 may be provided with a first shaft hole 1521. The fixing block 160 may be provided with a second shaft hole 162. The first shaft hole 1521 and the second shaft hole 162 are connected together by a second shaft 1522. The second part 152 and the fixing block 160 are rotatably connected via the second shaft 1522, and the axis of the second shaft 1522 is the aforementioned third rotation axis L3. Through the above design, this disclosure can realize the fixed-axis rotation of the track rod 150 and the fixing block 160 using the second shaft 1522.

[0065] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first shaft hole 1521 and the second shaft hole 162 can be pin holes, and the second shaft 1522 can be a pin.

[0066] In another embodiment not illustrated in this disclosure, still taking the example of each rotating component including a drive rod, a track rod, and a fixing block, the electric synchronization component can also cooperate with two track rods arranged in pairs. Specifically, the first slider of the electric synchronization component can be disposed between the two track rods, and the guide groove extending along a spiral arc path can be disposed on the second part of the track rod. The two sliding posts of the first slider are respectively slidably engaged with the guide grooves of the two second parts. When the motor drives the first slider to move in the first direction, the two track rods rotate synchronously.

[0067] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the hinge structure proposed in this disclosure can be disposed in an electronic device, such as a foldable screen mobile phone or a laptop computer. That is, the electronic device includes two middle frames, and the two middle frames are respectively connected to two fixing blocks 160. The connecting parts of the two drive rods of the hinge structure are respectively connected to the two middle frames via the two fixing blocks 160.

[0068] It should be noted that the hinge structures shown in the accompanying drawings and described in this specification are merely a few examples among many hinge structures capable of employing the principles of this disclosure. It should be clearly understood that the principles of this disclosure are by no means limited to any detail or component of the hinge structures shown in the accompanying drawings or described in this specification.

[0069] Based on the above detailed description of several exemplary embodiments of the hinge structure proposed in this disclosure, an exemplary embodiment of the electronic device proposed in this disclosure will be described below.

[0070] See Figure 14This illustration represents a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the electronic device proposed in this disclosure in one state, specifically showing the three-dimensional structure of the electronic device when its two mid-frames are in a closed state. In this exemplary embodiment, the electronic device proposed in this disclosure is described using a foldable screen phone as an example. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, or other changes may be made to the following specific embodiments to apply the relevant designs of this disclosure to other types of electronic devices, and these changes remain within the scope of the principles of the electronic device proposed in this disclosure.

[0071] See also Figure 15 , Figure 15 The diagram represents a three-dimensional representation of an electronic device in another state, specifically showing the three-dimensional structure of the electronic device when its two mid-frames are in the open state.

[0072] like Figures 14 to 15 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the electronic device proposed in this disclosure includes two mid-frames and a hinge structure proposed in this disclosure and described in detail in the above embodiments. For example, the electronic device is a mobile phone (e.g., a foldable screen phone), wherein the electronic device includes two mid-frames, and the connecting portions of the two drive rods of the hinge structure are respectively connected to the two mid-frames via two fixing blocks 160.

[0073] Figure 16 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, device 800 may be a mobile phone, computer, digital broadcasting terminal, messaging device, game console, tablet device, medical device, fitness device, personal digital assistant, etc.

[0074] Reference Figure 16 The electronic device 800 may include one or more of the following components: a processing component 802, a memory 804, a power component 806, a multimedia component 808, an audio component 810, an input / output (I / O) interface 812, a sensor component 814, and a communication component 816.

[0075] Processing component 802 typically controls the overall operation of electronic device 800, such as operations associated with display, telephone calls, data communication, camera operation, and recording operations. Processing component 802 may include one or more processors 820 to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the methods described above. Furthermore, processing component 802 may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between processing component 802 and other components. For example, processing component 802 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between multimedia component 808 and processing component 802.

[0076] Memory 804 is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of device 800. Examples of this data include instructions for any application or method operating on electronic device 800, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. Memory 804 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0077] Power component 806 provides power to various components of electronic device 800. Power component 806 may include a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to electronic device 800.

[0078] Multimedia component 808 includes a screen that provides an output interface between the electronic device 800 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen may be implemented as a touchscreen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touches, swipes, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensors may sense not only the boundaries of the touch or swipe action but also the duration and pressure associated with the touch or swipe operation. In some embodiments, multimedia component 808 includes a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera. When the device 800 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front-facing camera and / or the rear-facing camera may receive external multimedia data. Each front-facing camera and rear-facing camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0079] Audio component 810 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, audio component 810 includes a microphone (MIC) configured to receive external audio signals when electronic device 800 is in an operating mode, such as call mode, recording mode, and voice recognition mode. The received audio signals may be further stored in memory 804 or transmitted via communication component 816. In some embodiments, audio component 810 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0080] I / O interface 812 provides an interface between processing component 802 and peripheral interface modules, such as keyboards, click wheels, buttons, etc. These buttons may include, but are not limited to, home buttons, volume buttons, power buttons, and lock buttons.

[0081] Sensor assembly 814 includes one or more sensors for providing state assessments of various aspects of electronic device 800. For example, sensor assembly 814 may detect the on / off state of device 800, the relative positioning of components such as the display and keypad of electronic device 800, changes in position of electronic device 800 or a component of electronic device 800, the presence or absence of user contact with electronic device 800, orientation or acceleration / deceleration of electronic device 800, and temperature changes of electronic device 800. Sensor assembly 814 may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. Sensor assembly 814 may also include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, sensor assembly 814 may also include an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, pressure sensor, or temperature sensor.

[0082] Communication component 816 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between electronic device 800 and other devices. Electronic device 800 can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G, other communication standards, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments of this disclosure, communication component 816 receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In some embodiments of this disclosure, communication component 816 further includes a near-field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0083] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 800 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the methods described above.

[0084] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory 804 including instructions, which can be executed by a processor 820 of an electronic device 800 to perform the above-described method. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0085] It should be noted that the electronic devices shown in the accompanying drawings and described in this specification are merely a few examples among many electronic devices capable of employing the principles of this disclosure. It should be clearly understood that the principles of this disclosure are by no means limited to any detail or component of the electronic devices shown in the accompanying drawings or described in this specification.

[0086] In summary, this disclosure utilizes an electric synchronous assembly to drive two drive rods to rotate synchronously relative to the frame. This allows the two drive rods to respectively drive the two mid-frames of the electronic device to achieve synchronous automatic opening and closing, eliminating the need for manual force application by the user. This simplifies operation, saves effort, and improves the user experience. Furthermore, the control method employed in this disclosure is direct, simple to implement, requires fewer parts, and offers high reliability.

[0087] Furthermore, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous compared to other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the term “exemplary” is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner. As used herein, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, “X applies A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive arrangements. That is, “X applies A or B” satisfies any of the foregoing instances if X applies A; X applies B; or both X applies A and B. Additionally, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context to refer to the singular form, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims are generally understood to mean “one or more.”

[0088] Similarly, although this disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the specification and drawings. This disclosure includes all such modifications and variations and is limited only by the scope of the claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the components described above (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), unless otherwise indicated, the terminology used to describe such components is intended to correspond to any component (functionally equivalent) that performs the specific function of the described component, even if structurally not equivalent to the disclosed structure. Furthermore, although specific features of this disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other implementations, as may be desired and advantageous to any given or particular application. Moreover, with regard to the terms “comprising,” “owning,” “having,” “having,” or variations thereof as used in the detailed description or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “including.”

[0089] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0090] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hinge structure, characterized in that: The hinge structure includes a frame, two drive rods, and an electric synchronization assembly. The drive rod includes a shaft portion and a connecting portion; the drive rod is rotatably connected to the frame via the shaft portion, and the rotation axis of the drive rod and the frame is a first rotation axis, which extends along a first direction; the shaft portions of the two drive rods are arranged at intervals along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; one end of the connecting portion is connected to the shaft portion, and the connecting portions of the two drive rods are respectively used to connect two fixed blocks; The electric synchronization assembly is mounted on the frame and configured to drive the two drive rods to rotate synchronously.

2. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating shaft is provided with a guide groove, which extends along a spiral arc path; the electric synchronization component includes a motor and a first slider; the motor is mounted on the frame; the first slider is provided with sliding posts on both sides in the second direction, and the two sliding posts of the first slider are respectively slidably engaged with the guide grooves of the two rotating shafts; when the motor drives the first slider to move along the first direction, the two driving rods rotate synchronously.

3. The hinge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electric synchronization assembly includes a lead screw; the lead screw is connected to the motor and can be driven by the motor to rotate axially, and the lead screw is located between the two rotating shafts; the lead screw passes through the first slider and is threadedly engaged; when the motor drives the lead screw to rotate, the first slider moves along the first direction.

4. The hinge structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least a portion of the orthographic projection of the rotating shaft onto a reference plane perpendicular to the first direction is circular, and the first rotation axis passes through the center of the circle; wherein, the orthographic projection of the guide groove onto the reference plane perpendicular to the first direction is an arc shape, and the corresponding central angle of the arc shape is 90° to 180°.

5. The hinge structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sliding column is cylindrical, and the cylindrical surface of the sliding column contacts the groove wall of the guide groove.

6. The hinge structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The frame is provided with a first slide groove, which extends along the first direction; the first slider is provided with a sliding protrusion on the side facing the first slide groove, and the sliding protrusion slides in cooperation with the first slide groove.

7. The hinge structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The connecting part has a first surface parallel to the fixed block, and the first surface is parallel to and offset from the first rotation axis.

8. The hinge structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The hinge structure includes two rotating components arranged along the second direction; each rotating component includes a drive rod, a track rod, and a fixed block, the drive rod and the track rod being arranged along the first direction; the two track rods of the two rotating components are arranged along the second direction; the track rod includes a first part and a second part, the first part being rotatably connected to the frame, the rotation axis of the first part and the frame being a second rotation axis, the second part being rotatably connected to the fixed block, the rotation axis of the second part and the fixed block being a third rotation axis, the second rotation axis being parallel to the third rotation axis, and the second rotation axis being parallel to and offset from the first rotation axis; the fixed block is provided with a second sliding groove, the extension direction of the second sliding groove being perpendicular to the first direction, and the second part slidingly engaging with the second sliding groove.

9. The hinge structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The frame includes a first frame and a second frame, which are arranged along a first direction. The drive rod is connected to the first frame, and the track rod is connected to the second frame. The first frame is fixed with a first axis fixing frame and a second axis fixing frame spaced apart along the first direction. Two first axes are arranged between the first axis fixing frame and the second axis fixing frame. The first axes extend along the first direction, and the two first axes are arranged spaced apart along the second direction. A first part is located between the first axis fixing frame and the second axis fixing frame. The first axis passes through the first part, and the drive rod can rotate around the first axis.

10. The hinge structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first shaft fixing bracket is located at the connection between the first frame and the second frame; the first shaft fixing bracket is provided with a first assembly protrusion on the side facing the second frame, the second frame is provided with a first assembly groove, and the first assembly protrusion is accommodated in the first assembly groove.

11. The hinge structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second shaft fixing bracket has a second mounting protrusion on the side facing the first frame, and the first frame has a second mounting groove, into which the second mounting protrusion is accommodated.

12. The hinge structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second shaft fixing bracket is farther away from the second frame than the first shaft fixing bracket; wherein, one end of the first shaft away from the first shaft fixing bracket passes through and extends out of the second shaft fixing bracket, and the end is provided with a retaining ring to fix the first shaft and the second shaft fixing bracket relative to each other.

13. The hinge structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second frame is provided with a third slide groove, which is arc-shaped; the first part is provided with a second slider, which is arc-shaped, and the second slider slides in cooperation with the third slide groove, and the axis of the corresponding circle of the arc is the second rotation axis.

14. The hinge structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second part is provided with a first shaft hole; the fixing block is provided with a second shaft hole; the first shaft hole and the second shaft hole are connected together by a second shaft, and the second part and the fixing block are rotatably connected via the second shaft, the axis of the second shaft being the third rotation axis.

15. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes the hinge structure according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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