Hinge assembly and foldable electronic device

Abstract

The application provides a hinge assembly and a foldable electronic device, relates to the technical field of electronic products, and aims to solve the problem of poor impact resistance of a folding screen. Specifically, the hinge assembly comprises a shaft cover, a first swing structure, a second swing structure, a first door plate, a second door plate, and a support plate structure. The first swing structure and the second swing structure are oppositely arranged along the width direction of the shaft cover and can rotate between a folding position and an unfolding position. When the first swing structure and the second swing structure are both located at the folding position, the surfaces of the first swing structure and the second swing structure facing each other are a first surface and a second surface respectively. The first door plate covers a part of the first surface, and the second door plate covers a part of the second surface. The support plate structure covers at least part of the shaft cover, covers another part of the first surface, and covers another part of the second surface. The first door plate, the second door plate, and the support plate structure are used for bearing the folding screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic product technology, and more particularly to hinge components and foldable electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] Foldable electronic devices are receiving increasing attention due to their advantages such as large screens and portability.

[0003] Foldable electronic devices typically use hinges to fold and unfold the screen. In related technologies, the hinges of foldable electronic devices usually have many protrusions, grooves, and holes. During the use of the foldable screen, the part of the foldable screen corresponding to the hinge cannot be well supported, which affects the impact resistance of the foldable screen. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a hinge assembly and a foldable electronic device to address the problem of poor impact resistance of foldable screens.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a hinge assembly is provided, comprising a shaft cover, a first swing structure, a second swing structure, a first door panel, a second door panel, and a support plate structure. The first swing structure and the second swing structure are disposed opposite to each other along the width direction of the shaft cover and are rotatable relative to the shaft cover between a folded position and an unfolded position. When both the first swing structure and the second swing structure are in the folded position, the side surface of the first swing structure facing the second swing structure is a first surface, and the side surface of the second swing structure facing the first swing structure is a second surface. The first door panel covers a portion of the first surface, and the second door panel covers a portion of the second surface. The support plate structure covers at least a portion of the shaft cover and includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion, the first plate portion covering another portion of the first surface, and the second plate portion covering another portion of the second surface. The first door panel, the second door panel, and the support plate structure are used to support a foldable screen.

[0007] According to the hinge assembly of the present application embodiment, the first door panel covers a portion of the first surface, the second door panel covers a portion of the second surface, the support plate structure covers at least a portion of the shaft cover, and the first plate portion covers another portion of the first surface and the second plate portion covers another portion of the second surface. This allows the first door panel, the second door panel, and the support plate structure to shield at least some of the protruding structures, groove structures, hole structures, etc. in the hinge assembly, and to support the folding screen portion through the first door panel, the second door panel, and the support plate structure, thereby reducing the local sharp point impact of the hinge assembly on the third folding screen portion and improving the impact resistance of the folding screen.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first swing structure further has a third surface opposite to the first surface; the first swing structure is provided with a first sliding part, and a second sliding part is provided at the end of the first plate near the first door panel, the first sliding part and the second sliding part are slidably connected; during the process of the first swing structure moving from the folded position to the unfolded position, the second sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part towards the shaft cover, and the second sliding part moves along the direction from the third surface to the first surface; during the process of the first swing structure moving from the unfolded position to the folded position, the second sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part away from the shaft cover, and the second sliding part moves along the direction from the first surface to the third surface.

[0009] In this way, as the first swing structure moves from the folded position to the unfolded position, the second sliding part moves along the direction from the third surface to the first surface. This allows the second sliding part to drive the end of the first plate near the first door panel to move along the direction from the third surface to the first surface. This makes the angle between the surface of the first door panel that supports the folding screen and the surface of the first plate that supports the folding screen closer to 180°, thus improving the support effect of the first door panel and the first plate when the first swing structure is in the unfolded position. During the movement of the first swing structure from the unfolded position to the folded position, the second sliding part moves along the direction from the first surface to the third surface, which facilitates the formation of a space between the first door panel, the support plate structure, and the second door panel to accommodate the folding screen when the first swing structure is in the folded position.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first sliding part has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. When the first swing structure is in the folded position, the first end is located on the side of the second end facing the shaft cover and on the side of the second end facing the second swing structure. During the process of the first swing structure moving from the folded position to the unfolded position, the second sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part in the direction of the second end towards the first end. During the process of the first swing structure moving from the unfolded position to the folded position, the second sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part in the direction of the first end towards the second end.

[0011] With the above-mentioned arrangement of the first sliding part, the first swing member, the first sliding part and the second sliding part can cooperate with each other to make the angle between the surface of the first door panel used to support the folding screen and the surface of the first plate used to support the folding screen closer to 180° when the first swing structure is in the unfolded position, and to form an accommodating space between the first door panel, the support plate structure and the second door panel to accommodate the folding screen when the first swing structure is in the folded position. In addition, the cooperation between the first swing member, the first sliding part and the second sliding part is relatively simple, which can simplify the structure of the hinge assembly and facilitate the setting of the hinge assembly.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first swing structure includes a first swing member and a first transmission member. One end of the first swing member is rotatably connected to the axle cover, and the other end is connected to the first door panel. The first transmission member is connected to the axle cover and is also drively connected between the first swing member and the second sliding part, so that when the first swing member rotates relative to the axle cover, it drives the first sliding part and the second sliding part to slide relative to each other. By providing the first transmission member, the first swing member can drive the first sliding part and the second sliding part to slide relative to each other when rotating relative to the axle cover, thereby avoiding the need for separate components to drive the first sliding part and the second sliding part to slide relative to each other, thus simplifying the structure of the hinge assembly.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first swing member is provided with a third sliding part, one end of the first transmission member is slidably connected to the third sliding part, and the other end of the first transmission member is rotatably connected to the shaft cover; during the rotation of the first swing structure between the folded position and the unfolded position, the first transmission member slides relative to the third sliding part along the arrangement direction of the first swing structure and the shaft cover; the first sliding part is provided on the first transmission member.

[0014] In this way, during the rotation of the first swing structure between the folded and unfolded positions, the first swing member rotates relative to the axle cover, thereby causing the first transmission member to slide relative to the third sliding part. Since the first sliding part is located on the first transmission member, it moves synchronously with the first transmission member, thus sliding relative to the first sliding part and generating a thrust on it, causing the first sliding part to move away from or towards the first swing structure. Therefore, there is no need for a separate component to drive the first transmission member, simplifying the mating structure between the first swing member and the first transmission member and simplifying the structure of the hinge assembly.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first swing member includes a first swing arm and a connecting member. One end of the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the shaft cover; the other end of the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the connecting member, and a third sliding part is disposed on the connecting member. In this way, since the first swing arm and the connecting member can rotate relative to each other, when the third sliding part slides relative to the first transmission member, jamming between the third sliding part and the first transmission member can be avoided, ensuring the smooth operation of the hinge assembly.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the end of the first door panel facing away from the first plate portion is rotatably connected to the first swing structure, and the end of the first door panel facing the first plate portion is provided with a fifth sliding portion, which is slidably connected to the first sliding portion; during the process of the first swing structure moving from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fifth sliding portion slides relative to the first sliding portion toward the shaft cover, and the fifth sliding portion moves along the direction from the third surface to the first surface; during the process of the first swing structure rotating from the unfolded position to the folded position, the fifth sliding portion slides relative to the first sliding portion away from the shaft cover, and the fifth sliding portion moves along the direction from the first surface to the third surface.

[0017] In this way, as the first swing structure moves from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fifth sliding part moves along the direction from the third surface to the first surface. This allows the fifth sliding part to drive the end of the first door panel near the first plate to move along the direction from the third surface to the first surface. This makes the angle between the surface of the first door panel that supports the folding screen and the surface of the first plate that supports the folding screen closer to 180°, further improving the support effect of the first door panel and the first plate on the folding screen when the first swing structure is in the unfolded position. During the movement of the first swing structure from the unfolded position to the folded position, the fifth sliding part moves along the direction from the first surface to the third surface, which facilitates the formation of a space between the first door panel, the support plate structure, and the second door panel to accommodate the folding screen when the first swing structure is in the folded position.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first sliding part has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. When the first swing structure is in the folded position, the first end is located on the side of the second end facing the shaft cover and on the side of the second end facing the second swing structure. During the process of the first swing structure moving from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fifth sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part in the direction of the second end towards the first end. During the process of the first swing structure moving from the unfolded position to the folded position, the fifth sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part in the direction of the first end towards the second end.

[0019] In this way, during the rotation of the first swing structure from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fifth sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part in the direction from the second end to the first end. This allows the first sliding part to apply a pushing force to the fifth sliding part in the direction from the third surface to the first surface, causing the end of the first door panel facing the first plate portion to move in the direction from the third surface to the first surface. Therefore, when the first swing structure rotates to the unfolded position, the angle between the surface of the first door panel used to support the folding screen and the surface of the first plate portion used to support the folding screen can be closer to 180°, improving the support effect of the first door panel and the first plate portion on the folding screen. Furthermore, during the movement of the first swing structure from the unfolded position to the folded position, the fifth sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part in the direction from the first end to the second end. This allows the first sliding part to apply a pushing force to the fifth sliding part in the direction from the first surface to the third surface, causing the first door panel to move in the direction from the first surface to the third surface. Therefore, when the first swing structure is in the folded position, it facilitates the formation of an accommodating space between the first door panel, the support plate structure, and the second door panel that matches the third folding screen portion.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first swing structure has a clearance portion on the side facing the first door panel. When the first swing structure is in the folded position, both the end of the first door panel facing the first panel portion and the end of the first panel portion facing the first door panel are located within the clearance portion. With both the end of the first door panel facing the first panel portion and the end of the first panel portion facing the first door panel located within the clearance portion when the first swing structure is in the folded position, the overall thickness of the first swing structure, the first door panel, and the second door panel can be reduced, thereby facilitating the thinning and lightening of the foldable electronic device.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first swing arm includes a connecting rod and a first arm and a second arm spaced apart along the length of the shaft cover; one end of the first arm and one end of the second arm are rotatably connected to the shaft cover, and the other end of the first arm and the other end of the second arm are connected to the connecting rod, which is rotatably connected to a connecting member. In this way, both the first arm and the second arm can support the first swing member's rotation relative to the shaft cover, thereby improving the stability of the first swing member's rotation relative to the shaft cover.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first transmission member is located between the first arm and the second arm. This allows for efficient use of the space between the first and second arms to accommodate the first transmission member, thereby reducing the length of the hinge assembly along the shaft cover and thus minimizing the space occupied by the hinge assembly.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first swing arm and the first transmission member are arranged along the length of the shaft cover. This ensures that the first swing arm and the first transmission member do not interfere with each other during installation, facilitating their installation.

[0024] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first plate portion includes a first support plate connected between the first swing structure and the shaft cover; the second plate portion includes a second support plate connected between the second swing structure and the shaft cover.

[0025] In this way, the first support plate can cover at least a portion of the second part of the first swing structure and the portion of the shaft cover near one end of the first swing structure, thereby increasing the coverage area of ​​the first support plate; and the second support plate can cover at least a portion of the fourth part of the second swing structure and the portion of the shaft cover near one end of the second swing structure, thereby increasing the coverage area of ​​the second support plate; thereby further improving the support effect of the hinge assembly on the third folding screen part and improving the impact resistance of the folding screen.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, a fourth sliding part is provided at the end of the first support plate facing the shaft cover, and the fourth sliding part is slidably connected to the shaft cover. During the movement of the first swing structure from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fourth sliding part slides relative to the shaft cover towards the second swing structure. Thus, during the movement of the first swing structure from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fourth sliding part can drive the end of the first support plate facing the shaft cover to move in a direction opposite to the first swing structure, thereby avoiding interference between the first support plate and the first swing structure and affecting the normal operation of the hinge assembly. During the movement of the first swing structure from the unfolded position to the folded position, the fourth sliding part slides relative to the shaft cover away from the second swing structure. Thus, when the first swing structure moves to the folded position, the first door panel, the second door panel, the support plate structure, and the shaft cover can form an accommodating space for the folding screen.

[0027] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the shaft cover is provided with a third slide groove that extends along the width direction of the shaft cover, and a fourth sliding part is slidably connected within the third slide groove.

[0028] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the third slide groove has a limiting groove on the inner wall surface in the length direction of the shaft cover, and the limiting groove extends along the width direction of the shaft cover; the fourth sliding part includes a first sliding member and a limiting member connected to the first sliding member, a portion of the first sliding member is located in the third slide groove, and a portion of the limiting member is located in the limiting groove.

[0029] In this way, as the first swing structure moves between the unfolded and folded positions, the fourth sliding part can slide within the third sliding groove along its extension direction due to the limiting effect of the limiting groove on the limiting member. This allows the first support plate to rotate with the first swing structure while the end of the first support plate facing the shaft cover can move within a certain range relative to the shaft cover, thus avoiding interference between the first support plate and the first swing structure.

[0030] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the support plate structure includes a flexible plate, which includes a first flexible portion, a second flexible portion, and a third flexible portion. A second portion is connected between the first flexible portion and the third flexible portion. The first flexible portion forms a first plate portion, and the second flexible portion forms a second plate portion. When the first swing structure and the second swing structure are in the folded position, the first flexible portion and the third flexible portion are disposed opposite each other on the side of the second flexible portion away from the shaft cover. When the first swing structure and the second swing structure are in the unfolded position, the first flexible portion, the second flexible portion, and the third flexible portion are arranged sequentially along the width direction of the shaft cover.

[0031] By using a flexible plate, the plate can cover the entire axle cover, thus avoiding a large height difference between the support plate structure and the axle cover that could affect the performance of the foldable screen. Furthermore, when the first and second swing structures are in the folded position, the flexible plate can more easily form a shape that matches the portion of the foldable screen, improving its load-bearing capacity.

[0032] Secondly, this application provides a foldable electronic device, which includes a foldable screen and the aforementioned hinge assembly. The foldable screen is disposed on the side of the first door panel facing away from the first swing structure, the side of the second door panel facing away from the second swing structure, and the side of the support plate structure facing away from the first swing structure, the shaft cover, and the second swing structure.

[0033] Since the foldable electronic device provided in this application includes the hinge assembly as described above, both can solve the same problem and achieve the same effect. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 A perspective view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the foldable electronic device shown.

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the foldable electronic device in its folded state.

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a front view of the hinge assembly in the folded position in a foldable electronic device.

[0038] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a front view of the hinge assembly in the unfolded position.

[0039] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the hinge assembly in the folded position;

[0040] Figure 7 for Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the hinge assembly in the unfolded position;

[0041] Figure 8 for Figure 4 A partial structural schematic diagram of the hinge assembly shown.

[0042] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at point AA;

[0043] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the hinge assembly in the deployed state;

[0044] Figure 11 for Figure 9 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the hinge assembly shown.

[0045] Figure 12 for Figure 8 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point B;

[0046] Figure 13 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at the CC section;

[0047] Figure 14 for Figure 4 A partial structural diagram of the hinge assembly in the deployed state;

[0048] Figure 15 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at the middle DD section;

[0049] Figure 16 for Figure 4 A partial structural diagram of the hinge assembly shown, where the first transmission component is located inside the first swing arm.

[0050] Figure 17 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at the middle EE section;

[0051] Figure 18 for Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the hinge assembly in the deployed state;

[0052] Figure 19 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first door panel in the hinge assembly shown;

[0053] Figure 20 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another connection relationship between the first transmission component and the first swing component in the hinge assembly shown;

[0054] Figure 21 for Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the hinge assembly shown, where the support plate structure is a flexible plate.

[0055] Figure 22 for Figure 21 The front view of the hinge assembly shown in the folded state;

[0056] Figure 23 for Figure 21 The front view of the hinge assembly shown in the unfolded state.

[0057] Figure label:

[0058] 100. Foldable electronic device; 10. Foldable screen; 101. First foldable screen portion; 102. Second foldable screen portion; 103. Third foldable screen portion; 1031. Bottom arc segment; 1032. First transition segment; 1033. Second transition segment; 20. Housing; 201. First housing; 202. Second housing; 30. Hinge assembly;

[0059] 1. Shaft cover; 11. Third slide groove; 111. Limiting groove; 12. First clearance groove; 121. First rotating shaft; 13. Arc-shaped slide groove;

[0060] 2. First swing structure; 21. First surface; 22. First sliding part; 221. First end; 222. Second end; 23. First swing member; 231. Third sliding part; 232. First swing arm; 2321. Arc-shaped structure; 2322. First arm; 2323. Second arm; 2324. Connecting rod; 233. Connecting member; 2331. First clearance notch; 2332. Main body; 2333. Support part; 2334. Second clearance notch; 2335. Clearance part; 24. First transmission member; 241. First section; 242. Second section;

[0061] 3. Second oscillating structure; 31. Second surface;

[0062] 4. First door panel; 41. Fifth sliding part; 411. Second fixing ring;

[0063] 5. Second door panel;

[0064] 6. Support plate structure; 61. First plate section; 611. First support plate; 6111. Fourth sliding section; 6111A. First sliding member; 6111B. Limiting member; 612. Second sliding section; 6121. Pin shaft; 6122. First fixing ring; 62. Second plate section; 621. Second support plate; 63. Flexible plate; 631. First flexible part; 632. Second flexible part; 633. Third flexible part. Detailed Implementation

[0065] In the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0066] In the embodiments of this application, it should be understood that the directional terms mentioned, such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., are only for reference to the direction of the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for better and clearer explanation and understanding of the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to 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 embodiments of this application.

[0067] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0068] In embodiments of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0069] In the embodiments of this application, "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0070] In the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the descriptions of "vertical" and "parallel" respectively indicate approximately vertical and approximately parallel within a certain error range. This error range can be a range with a deviation angle of less than or equal to 5°, 8° or 10° relative to absolute verticality and absolute parallelism, respectively, and is not specifically limited here.

[0071] This application provides a foldable electronic device, which can be a user equipment (UE) or a terminal device, such as a tablet computer (PAD), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, and so on.

[0072] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 These are perspective views of the foldable electronic device in its unfolded state, provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial exploded view of the foldable electronic device. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The foldable electronic device 100 shown is a foldable mobile phone, and this application uses the foldable electronic device 100 as a mobile phone for illustrative purposes.

[0073] The foldable electronic device 100 includes a foldable screen 10, a housing 20, and a hinge assembly 30. When the foldable electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the foldable screen 10 is also in the unfolded state.

[0074] The foldable screen 10 may include a first foldable screen portion 101, a second foldable screen portion 102, and a third foldable screen portion 103 connected between the first foldable screen portion 101 and the second foldable screen portion 102. Figure 1 and Figure 2In the foldable electronic device 100 shown, when the foldable screen 10 is in the unfolded state, the first foldable screen portion 101, the third foldable screen portion 103, and the second foldable screen portion 102 are arranged in a horizontal sequence, so that the foldable screen 10 device folds horizontally.

[0075] In some other embodiments, when the folding screen 10 is in the unfolded state, the first folding screen portion 101, the third folding screen portion 103, and the second folding screen portion 102 may also be arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction. In this way, the folding screen 10 device folds along the longitudinal direction.

[0076] When the foldable screen 10 is unfolded, it can achieve large-screen display to provide users with richer information and a better user experience.

[0077] When the foldable screen 10 is in the unfolded state, the horizontal and vertical axes are parallel to the foldable screen 10, and the vertical and horizontal axes are perpendicular.

[0078] At least the third folding screen portion 103 of the folding screen 10 is a flexible screen structure. Thus, the third folding screen portion 103 can bend and deform under external force, allowing the folding screen 10 to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The unfolded state is folded to the folded state. The first folding screen portion 101 and the second folding screen portion 102 of the folding screen 10 can be a flexible screen structure, a rigid screen structure, or a combination of both. This application does not make any specific limitations in this regard.

[0079] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the foldable electronic device 100 in a folded state, where the foldable screen 10 is also in a folded state. In this state, the first foldable screen portion 101 and the second foldable screen portion 102 are approximately parallel and arranged opposite to each other.

[0080] It should be noted that if the angle between the first folding screen portion 101 and the second folding screen portion 102 is within 30 degrees (°), it can be considered that the first folding screen portion 101 and the second folding screen portion 102 are approximately parallel. The first folding screen portion 101 and the second folding screen portion 102 being arranged opposite each other means that the display surfaces of the first folding screen portion 101 and the second folding screen portion 102 face each other. Here, "display surface" refers to the surface used to display video or images.

[0081] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 3When the foldable screen 10 is in the folded state, the third foldable screen portion 103 is folded into a teardrop shape. In this shape, the third foldable screen portion 103 may include a bottom arc segment 1031 and a first transition segment 1032 and a second transition segment 1033 located on opposite sides of the bottom arc segment 1031. The first transition segment 1032 connects the bottom arc segment 1031 and the first foldable screen portion 101, and the second transition segment 1033 connects the bottom arc segment 1031 and the second foldable screen portion 102.

[0082] The distance between one end of the first transition segment 1032 connecting to the first folding screen portion 101 and the end of the second transition segment 1033 connecting to the second folding screen portion 102 is a first distance. The distance between one end of the first transition segment 1032 connecting to the bottom arc segment 1031 and the end of the second transition segment 1033 connecting to the bottom arc segment 1031 is a second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance. It is understood that when the folding screen 10 is in the folded state, the third folding screen portion 103 can also be folded into other shapes according to actual needs, and this application does not make specific limitations here.

[0083] Please continue reading. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The hinge assembly 30 and the housing 20 are used to support the foldable screen 10. The housing 20 includes a first housing 201 and a second housing 202. The first housing 201 and the second housing 202 are disposed opposite to each other, and the hinge assembly 30 is connected between the first housing 201 and the second housing 202. The hinge assembly 30 is used to enable rotation between the first housing 201 and the second housing 202.

[0084] The first housing 201 carries the first folding screen portion 101, the second housing 202 carries the second folding screen portion 102, and the hinge assembly 30 carries the third folding screen portion 103. The rotation of the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 via the hinge assembly 30 can cause the first folding screen portion 101 and the second folding screen portion 102 to rotate, and also cause the third folding screen portion 103 to unfold or fold, thereby enabling the foldable electronic device 100 to switch between unfolded and folded states.

[0085] When the foldable electronic device 100 is in the folded state, please continue reading. Figure 3 The foldable screen 10 is located between the first housing 201, the second housing 202 and the hinge assembly 30. The foldable screen 10 is not visible to the user. The first housing 201, the second housing 202 and the hinge assembly 30 can protect the foldable screen 10 from being scratched by hard objects. In addition, the size of the foldable screen 10 is reduced when it is folded, making it easy to carry.

[0086] It should be noted that this application uses an inward-folding foldable electronic device 100 with an inward-folding screen as an example for illustration. Of course, in other embodiments, the foldable electronic device 100 can also be an outward-folding foldable electronic device 100 with an outward-folding screen. When the outward-folding foldable electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 are stacked, the hinge assembly 30 is located on the same side of the first housing 201 and the second housing 202, the first folding screen portion 101 is located on the side of the first housing 201 opposite to the second housing 202, the second folding screen portion 102 is located on the side of the second housing 202 opposite to the first housing 201, and the third folding screen portion 103 is located on the side of the hinge assembly 30 opposite to the first housing 201 and the second housing 202. Thus, when the outward-folding foldable electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the folding screen 10 is exposed, allowing for small-screen display. Furthermore, the size of the foldable electronic device 100 is also reduced in the folded state, making it convenient to carry.

[0087] It should be noted that this application uses the foldable electronic device 100 as an example of a two-fold screen device with one hinge component 30. Of course, in other embodiments, the foldable electronic device 100 can also be a three-fold screen device with two hinge components 30, a four-fold screen device with three hinge components 30, a five-fold screen device with four hinge components, etc. This application does not make any specific limitation in this regard.

[0088] Since the third folding screen portion 103 of the folding screen 10 is supported by the hinge assembly 30, and the hinge assembly 30 usually has many protruding structures, groove structures and hole structures, the third folding screen portion 103 is easily subjected to local sharp point impacts from the hinge assembly 30 during use and cannot be well supported, thus affecting the impact resistance of the folding screen 10.

[0089] Based on this, the structure of the hinge assembly 30 will be described below.

[0090] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a front view of the hinge assembly 30 in the folded position of the foldable electronic device 100. Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a front view of the hinge assembly 30 in the unfolded position. The hinge assembly 30 includes a hinge cap 1, a first swing structure 2, and a second swing structure 3. The hinge cap 1 supports the first swing structure 2 and the second swing structure 3, and can also support a portion of the third folding screen 10.

[0091] In some examples, the shaft cover 1 can be a single structural component or an assembly of multiple parts. The material of the shaft cover 1 can be plastic, metal, or a combination of both. This application does not impose any specific limitations in this regard.

[0092] The shaft cover 1 is elongated. Therefore, for ease of description later, an XYZ coordinate system is established. Specifically, the width direction of the shaft cover 1 is defined as the X-axis, the length direction as the Y-axis, and the thickness direction as the Z-axis. It is understood that the coordinate system settings for the shaft cover 1 can be flexibly configured according to actual needs, and no specific limitations are made here.

[0093] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first swing structure 2 and the second swing structure 3 are arranged opposite each other along the width direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the cover 1, and can rotate relative to the cover 1 between the folded position and the unfolded position.

[0094] The first swing structure 2 can be connected to the first housing 201, and the second swing structure 3 can be connected to the second housing 202. The first swing structure 2 and the second swing structure 3, relative to the shaft cover 1, [are used to control the movement of the shaft cover 1]. Figure 4 The folding positions shown are Figure 5 Rotating the unfolded position as shown can cause the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 to rotate, thereby causing the foldable screen 10 to switch between the folded state and the unfolded state.

[0095] The hinge assembly 30 also includes a first door panel 4, a second door panel 5, and a support plate structure 6. (See also...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 and combined Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 6 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structural representation of the hinge assembly 30 in the folded position. Figure 7 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structural representation of the hinge assembly in the unfolded position.

[0096] The first swing structure 2 has a first surface 21, and the second swing structure 3 has a second surface 31. The first surface 21 is the surface of the first swing structure 2 facing the second swing structure 3 when both the first swing structure 2 and the second swing structure 3 are in the folded position. The second surface 31 is the surface of the second swing structure 3 facing the first swing structure 2 when both the first swing structure 2 and the second swing structure 3 are in the folded position.

[0097] In other words, the first surface 21 is the side surface of the first swing structure 2 facing the first folded screen portion 101 of the folded screen 10, and the second surface 31 is the side surface of the second swing structure 3 facing the second folded screen portion 102 of the folded screen 10.

[0098] The first door panel 4 covers a portion of the first surface 21 of the first swing structure 2, and the second door panel 5 covers a portion of the second surface 31 of the second swing structure 3.

[0099] In other words, the first surface 21 can be divided into a first part and a second part distributed along the arrangement direction of the first swing structure 2 and the shaft cover 1. The first door panel 4 covers the first part, that is, the first door panel 4 can cover the entire first part or cover a part of the first part. It can be understood that the first door panel 4 covering the first part means that at least a part of the first door panel 4 is in contact with the first part, or the first door panel 4 is not in contact with the first part, and the first door panel 4 can isolate at least a part of the first part from the first transition section 1032 of the third folding screen part 103.

[0100] The second surface 31 can be divided into a third part and a fourth part, distributed along the arrangement direction of the second swing structure 3 and the shaft cover 1. The second door panel 5 covers the third part, that is, the second door panel 5 can cover the entire third part or cover a part of the third part. It can be understood that the second door panel 5 covering the third part means that at least a part of the second door panel 5 is in contact with the third part, or the second door panel 5 is not in contact with the third part, and the second door panel 5 can isolate at least a part of the third part from the second transition section 1033 of the third folding screen part 103.

[0101] The support plate structure 6 covers at least a portion of the shaft cover 1. The support plate structure 6 includes a first plate portion 61 and a second plate portion 62. The first plate portion 61 covers another portion of the first surface 21, and the second plate portion 62 covers another portion of the second surface 31.

[0102] The first plate portion 61 covers another portion of the first surface 21, that is, a portion of the first plate portion 61 covers the second portion. The portion of the first plate portion 61 may cover the entire second portion or cover only a portion of the second portion. It is understood that the first plate portion 61 covering the second portion means that at least a portion of the first plate portion 61 is in contact with the second portion, or that the first plate portion 61 is not in contact with the second portion. The first plate portion 61 is able to isolate at least a portion of the second portion from the first transition segment 1032 of the third folding screen portion 103.

[0103] The second plate portion 62 covers another portion of the second surface 31, that is, a portion of the second plate portion 62 covers the fourth portion. The portion of the second plate portion 62 may cover the entire fourth portion or cover only a portion of the fourth portion. It is understood that the second plate portion 62 covering the fourth portion means that at least a portion of the second plate portion 62 is in contact with the fourth portion, or that the second plate portion 62 is not in contact with the fourth portion. The second plate portion 62 is able to isolate at least a portion of the fourth portion from the first transition segment 1032 of the third folding screen portion 103.

[0104] The support plate structure 6 covers at least a portion of the shaft cover 1. Specifically, the support plate structure 6 covers the surface of the shaft cover 1 facing the third folding screen portion 103. That is, the support plate structure 6 can cover the entire shaft cover 1 or a portion of the shaft cover 1. For example, the first plate portion 61 and the second plate portion 62 cover at least a portion of the shaft cover 1.

[0105] It is understood that the support plate structure 6 covers at least a portion of the shaft cover 1, or the support plate structure 6 is in contact with the shaft cover 1, or the support plate structure 6 is not in contact with the shaft cover 1, and the support plate structure 6 can isolate at least a portion of the shaft cover 1 from the bottom arc segment 1031 of the third folding screen portion 103.

[0106] The first door panel 4, the second door panel 5, and the support plate structure 6 are used to support the folding screen 10. Specifically, a portion of the first door panel 4 and the support plate structure 6 jointly support a portion of the first transition section 1032 of the third folding screen portion 103, another portion of the second door panel 5 and the support plate structure 6 jointly support a portion of the second transition section 1033 of the third folding screen portion 103, and the remaining portions of the support plate structure 6 support at least a portion of the bottom arc section 1031.

[0107] In this way, by having the first door panel 4 covering a portion of the first surface 21, the second door panel 5 covering a portion of the second surface 31, the support plate structure 6 covering at least a portion of the shaft cover 1, and the first plate portion 61 covering another portion of the first surface 21 and the second plate portion 62 covering another portion of the second surface 31, the first door panel 4, the second door panel 5, and the support plate structure 6 can shield at least a portion of the protruding structures, groove structures, and hole structures in the hinge assembly 30, thereby reducing the local sharp point impacts on the third folding screen portion 103 from the hinge assembly 30 and improving the impact resistance of the folding screen 10.

[0108] Furthermore, the first door panel 4, the second door panel 5, and the support plate structure 6 support the third folding screen portion 103 of the folding screen 10. The contact area between the hinge assembly 30 and the third folding screen portion 103 is also relatively large, which can further improve the support effect of the hinge assembly 30 on the third folding screen portion 103 and improve the impact resistance of the folding screen 10.

[0109] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 6 and Figure 7 The first plate portion 61 includes a first support plate 611, which is connected between the first swing structure 2 and the shaft cover 1. The first support plate 611 can cover the gap between the first swing structure 2 and the shaft cover 1. The second plate portion 62 includes a second support plate 621, which is spaced apart from the first support plate 611 and is connected between the second swing structure 3 and the shaft cover 1.

[0110] In this way, the first support plate 611 can cover at least a portion of the second part of the first swing structure 2 and the portion of the shaft cover 1 near the end of the first swing structure 2, thereby increasing the coverage area of ​​the first support plate 611, further improving the support effect of the hinge assembly 30 on the third folding screen part 103, and improving the impact resistance of the folding screen 10.

[0111] The second support plate 621 can cover at least a portion of the fourth part of the second swing structure 3 and also cover the portion of the shaft cover 1 near one end of the second swing structure 3, thereby increasing the coverage area of ​​the second support plate 621, further improving the support effect of the hinge assembly 30 on the third folding screen part 103, and improving the impact resistance of the folding screen 10.

[0112] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 , Figure 8 for Figure 4 A partial structural schematic diagram of the hinge assembly 30 shown. Figure 9 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at point AA. Figure 10 for Figure 9 The diagram shows the structure of the hinge assembly 30 in the unfolded state.

[0113] The first support plate 611 has a fourth sliding part 6111 at one end facing the shaft cover 1, and the fourth sliding part 6111 is slidably connected to the shaft cover 1. For example, the fourth sliding part 6111 can be a rod-shaped structure, block-shaped structure, plate-shaped structure, etc. connected to the first support plate 611.

[0114] As the first swing structure 2 moves from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fourth sliding part 6111 slides relative to the shaft cover 1 toward the second swing structure 3. In this way, as the first swing structure 2 moves from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fourth sliding part 6111 can drive the end of the first support plate 611 toward the shaft cover 1 to move in a direction opposite to the first swing structure 2, so as to avoid interference between the first support plate 611 and the first swing structure 2 and thus affect the normal operation of the hinge assembly 30.

[0115] As the first swing structure 2 moves from the unfolded position to the folded position, the fourth sliding part 6111 slides relative to the shaft cover 1 away from the second swing structure 3. In this way, when the first swing structure 2 moves to the folded position, the first door panel 4, the second door panel 5, the support plate structure 6, and the shaft cover 1 can form an accommodating space for the third folding screen part 103.

[0116] In some examples, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 9 and Figure 10 and combined Figure 11 , Figure 11 for Figure 9 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structural schematic of the hinge assembly. A third sliding groove 11 is provided on the shaft cover 1. The third sliding groove 11 is recessed from the side surface of the shaft cover 1 facing the folding screen 10 in the direction opposite to the folding screen 10, and extends along the width direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the shaft cover 1. A fourth sliding part 6111 is slidably connected within the third sliding groove 11.

[0117] Along the length direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the shaft cover 1, a limiting groove 111 is provided on the inner wall surface of the third slide groove 11, and the limiting groove 111 extends along the width direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the shaft cover 1.

[0118] The fourth sliding part 6111 includes a first sliding member 6111A connected to the side of the first support plate 611 facing the first swing structure 2 and a limiting member 6111B connected to the first sliding member 6111A. A portion of the first sliding member 6111A is located in the third sliding groove 11, and a portion of the limiting member 6111B is located in the limiting groove 111.

[0119] In this way, during the movement of the first swing structure 2 between the unfolded and folded positions, due to the limiting effect of the limiting groove 111 on the limiting member 6111B, the fourth sliding part 6111 can slide within the third sliding groove 11 along the extending direction of the third sliding groove 11. Thus, while the first support plate 611 rotates with the first swing structure 2, the end of the first support plate 611 facing the shaft cover 1 can move within a certain range relative to the shaft cover 1, thereby avoiding interference between the first support plate 611 and the first swing structure 2.

[0120] For example, the first sliding member 6111A can be a plate-like structure, a rod-like structure, a block-like structure, an irregular structure, etc. The limiting member 6111B can be a plate-like structure, a rod-like structure, a block-like structure, an irregular structure, etc.

[0121] It should be noted that when the folding screen 10 is in the folded state, the third folding screen portion 103 of the folding screen 10 will fold and cause its shape to change, for example, folding into a teardrop shape. The hinge assembly 30 is used to accommodate the third folding screen portion 103. Therefore, the first door panel 4, the second door panel 5 and the support plate structure 6 also need to define an accommodating space that matches the third folding screen portion 103.

[0122] Furthermore, when the foldable screen 10 is in the unfolded state, if the surfaces of the first door panel 4 facing the foldable screen 10, the second door panel 5 facing the foldable screen 10, and the support plate structure 6 facing the foldable screen 10 can be on the same plane, the foldable screen 10 can be better supported, making it easier for users to use the foldable electronic device 100.

[0123] Therefore, it is necessary to enable relative rotation between the first door panel 4 and the support plate structure 6, as well as between the second door panel 5 and the support plate structure 6, so that when the folding screen 10 is in the folded state, the first door panel 4, the second door panel 5, and the support plate structure 6 can define an accommodating space that matches the third folding screen portion 103, and when the folding screen 10 is in the unfolded state, the surfaces of the first door panel 4 facing the folding screen 10, the surfaces of the second door panel 5 facing the folding screen 10, and the surfaces of the support plate structure 6 facing the folding screen 10 can be on the same plane.

[0124] It should be noted that if the included angle between any two of the following surfaces is greater than or equal to 160° and less than or equal to 180°, it can be considered that the surfaces of the first door panel 4 facing the folding screen 10, the second door panel 5 facing the folding screen 10, and the support plate structure 6 facing the folding screen 10 are on the same plane.

[0125] Therefore, in some embodiments, please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The first swing structure also has a third surface opposite to the first surface. The first swing structure 2 is provided with a first sliding part 22, and the first plate part 61 is provided with a second sliding part 612 at one end near the first door panel 4. The first sliding part 22 and the second sliding part 612 are slidably connected.

[0126] In some examples, the first sliding part 22 can be a first slide groove, and the second sliding part 612 can be a pin, block structure, etc. connected to the first plate part 61. In other examples, the first sliding part 22 can be a first slide rail, and the second sliding part 612 can be a first slider connected to the first plate part 61.

[0127] During the rotation of the first swing structure 2 from the folded position to the unfolded position, the second sliding part 612 slides relative to the first sliding part 22 toward the shaft cover 1, and the second sliding part 612 moves along the direction from the third surface toward the first surface 21.

[0128] Since when the first swing structure 2 is in the folded position, a space must be formed between the first door panel 4, the support plate structure 6, and the second door panel 5 to accommodate the third folding screen portion 103, therefore, please continue reading Figure 4 The first door panel 4 is tilted relative to the first panel portion 61, that is, the end of the first door panel 4 facing away from the first panel portion 61 is closer to the second swing structure 3 than the end of the first door panel 4 facing the first panel portion 61.

[0129] During the movement of the first swing structure 2 from the folded position to the unfolded position, the first sliding part 22 and the second sliding part 612 slide relative to each other, causing the second sliding part 612 to move in the direction from the third surface to the first surface 21. This allows the second sliding part 612 to drive the end of the first plate part 61 near the first swing structure 2 to move in the direction from the third surface to the first surface 21. As a result, the angle between the surface of the first door panel 4 used to support the folded screen 10 and the surface of the first plate part 61 used to support the folded screen 10 is closer to 180°. That is, the surface of the first door panel 4 used to support the folded screen 10 and the surface of the first plate part 61 used to support the folded screen 10 are closer to a coplanar state. This improves the support effect of the first door panel 4 and the first plate part 61 on the folded screen 10 when the first swing structure 2 is in the unfolded position.

[0130] As the first swing structure 2 moves from the unfolded position to the folded position, the second sliding part 612 slides relative to the first sliding part 22 in a direction away from the shaft cover 1, and the second sliding part 612 moves along the first surface 21 toward the third surface. In this way, when the first swing structure 2 is in the folded position, the first door panel 4 can tilt relative to the first plate part 61, so that an accommodating space matching the third folding screen part 103 is formed between the first door panel 4, the support plate structure 6, and the second door panel 5.

[0131] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 9 The first sliding part 22 has a first end 221 and a second end 222 that are disposed opposite to each other. When the first swing structure 2 is in the folded position, the first end 221 is located on the side of the second end 222 facing the shaft cover 1, and is located on the side of the second end 222 facing the second swing structure 3.

[0132] That is, when the first swing structure 2 is in the folded position, the first sliding part 22 extends obliquely toward the second swing structure 3 in the direction of the first swing structure 2 toward the shaft cover 1. Alternatively, when the first swing structure 2 is in the unfolded position, the first sliding part 22 extends obliquely away from the first door panel 4 in the direction of the first plate part 61 toward the first door panel 4.

[0133] For example, the first sliding part 22 is a first sliding groove, which extends along the arrangement direction of the first end 221 and the second end 222.

[0134] During the rotation of the first swing structure 2 from the folded position to the unfolded position, the second sliding part 612 slides relative to the first sliding part 22 along the direction from the second end 222 toward the first end 221. During the movement of the first swing structure 2 from the unfolded position to the folded position, the second sliding part 612 slides relative to the first sliding part 22 along the direction from the first end 221 toward the second end 222.

[0135] In this way, as the second sliding part 612 slides relative to the first sliding part 22 in the direction from the second end 222 toward the first end 221, the first sliding part 22 can generate a thrust on the second sliding part 612 that is away from the first swing structure 2, thereby causing the end of the first plate part 61 toward the first door panel 4 to move away from the first swing structure 2, so that the angle between the surface of the first door panel 4 used to support the folding screen 10 and the surface of the first plate part 61 used to support the folding screen 10 is closer to 180°.

[0136] During the process of the second sliding part 612 sliding relative to the first sliding part 22 in the direction from the first end 221 toward the second end 222, the first sliding part 22 can generate a pushing force on the second sliding part 612 toward the first swing structure 2, thereby causing the end of the first plate part 61 toward the first door panel 4 to move toward the first swing structure 2, so that an accommodating space matching the third folding screen part 103 is formed between the first door panel 4, the support plate structure 6 and the second door panel 5.

[0137] By rotating the first swing structure 2, the first sliding part 22 and the second sliding part 612 can be moved relative to each other, which can make the structure of the hinge assembly 30 simpler and facilitate the setting of the hinge assembly 30.

[0138] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 8 and Figure 9 The first swing structure 2 includes a first swing member 23 and a first transmission member 24. One end of the first swing member 23 is rotatably connected to the shaft cover 1, and the other end of the first swing member 23 is connected to the first door panel 4. The first swing member 23 rotates relative to the shaft cover 1, which can drive the first door panel 4 to rotate with the first swing member 23, so as to realize the switching of the first swing structure 2 between the folded position and the unfolded position.

[0139] The first transmission member 24 is connected to the shaft cover 1 and is also connected between the first swing member 23 and the second sliding part 612, so that when the first swing member 23 rotates relative to the shaft cover 1, it drives the first sliding part 22 and the second sliding part 612 to slide relative to each other.

[0140] During the rotation of the first swing member 23 relative to the shaft cover 1, the first sliding part 22 and the second sliding part 612 can be driven to slide relative to each other by the first transmission member 24, so as to adjust the first plate part 61 to move toward the end of the first door panel 4.

[0141] In some examples, please refer to Figure 9 and combined Figure 12 and Figure 13 , Figure 12 for Figure 8 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point B. Figure 13 for Figure 8A cross-sectional view of the structure at point CC. The first swing member 23 is provided with a third sliding part 231. One end of the first transmission member 24 is slidably connected to the third sliding part 231, and the other end of the first transmission member 24 is rotatably connected to the shaft cover 1. For example, the first transmission member 24 is rotatably connected to a fixed shaft on the shaft cover 1, so that the first transmission member 24 rotates about the axis of the fixed shaft.

[0142] For example, please continue reading Figure 13 The third sliding part 231 can be a second slide groove, and a portion of the first transmission member 24 is disposed within the second slide groove and can slide within the second slide groove. For example, the first transmission member 24 includes a second swing arm 241A, the extension direction of the second swing arm 241A is consistent with the extension direction of the second slide groove, and a portion of the second swing arm 241A is located within the second slide groove. Alternatively, the first transmission member 24 can also be slidably connected to the second slide groove via a second sliding member, wherein the second sliding member can be a block structure, a rod structure, a plate structure, etc.

[0143] As another example, the third sliding part 231 can also be a second slide rail, and a second slider can be provided on the first transmission member 24, with the second slider slidably connected to the second slide rail.

[0144] For example, please continue reading Figure 12 The first transmission member 24 may include two second swing arms 241A spaced apart along the length direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the shaft cover 1. The first swing member 23 is provided with two third sliding parts 231 spaced apart along the length direction of the shaft cover 1, and one second swing arm 241A is slidably connected to one third sliding part 231.

[0145] Each of the two second swing arms 241A has a first sliding portion 22 on one side facing each other. The second sliding portion 612 includes a pin 6121 and a first fixing ring 6122 connected to the pin 6121. The first fixing ring 6122 is connected to the first plate portion 61 of the support plate structure 6. One end of the pin 6121 is slidably connected to one of the first sliding portions 22, and the other end of the pin 6121 is slidably connected to the other first sliding portion 22.

[0146] For example, please continue reading Figure 12 and Figure 13 The shaft cover 1 is provided with a first clearance groove 12, which is recessed from the side surface of the shaft cover 1 facing the folding screen 10 away from the folding screen 10. A first rotating shaft 121 is provided in the first clearance groove 12, and a first transmission member 24 is rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft 121. In this way, when the first swing structure 2 is in the unfolded position, the part of the first transmission member 24 connected to the shaft cover 1 is located in the first clearance groove 12, thereby reducing the thickness of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0147] During the rotation of the first swing structure 2 between the folded position and the unfolded position, the first transmission member 24 slides relative to the third sliding part 231 along the arrangement direction of the first swing structure 2 and the shaft cover 1. The first sliding part 22 is provided on the first transmission member 24.

[0148] In this way, during the rotation of the first swing structure 2 between the folded and unfolded positions, the first swing member 23 will rotate relative to the shaft cover 1. During this rotation, the first swing member 23 will drive the first transmission member 24 to slide relative to the third sliding part 231. Since the first sliding part 22 is located on the first transmission member 24, the first sliding part 22 will move synchronously with the first transmission member 24, thus sliding relative to the first sliding part 22 and generating a thrust on it, causing the first sliding part 22 to move away from or towards the first swing structure 2. Therefore, there is no need to separately provide a component to drive the first transmission member 24, making the cooperation structure between the first swing member 23 and the first transmission member 24 simpler and simplifying the structure of the hinge assembly 30.

[0149] For example, please continue reading Figure 9 and Figure 10 and combined Figure 14 , Figure 14 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a partial structural schematic of the hinge assembly 30 in the unfolded state. The first transmission member 24 is shown relative to the axis of rotation of the cover 1 (e.g., ...). Figure 14 The axis M1 shown is located on the rotation axis of the first swing member 23 relative to the shaft cover 1 (e.g., Figure 14 The axis M2 shown in the figure is on the side opposite to the second swing structure 3.

[0150] In this way, the position where the first swing member 23 and the first transmission member 24 overlap along the length direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the shaft cover 1 is named the first position. The distance of the first position from the rotation axis of the first swing member 23 relative to the shaft cover 1 is greater than the distance of the first position from the rotation axis of the first transmission member 24 relative to the shaft cover 1. Therefore, during the process of the first swing member 23 rotating from the folded position to the unfolded position relative to the shaft cover 1, the first transmission member 24 will slide relative to the first swing member 23 in the direction of the first swing member 23 facing away from the shaft cover 1, so as to ensure that the first transmission member 24 can rotate smoothly with the first swing member 23.

[0151] At this time, since the first plate portion 61 of the support plate structure 6 covers the second part of the first swing structure 2, the movable position of the end of the first plate portion 61 facing the shaft cover 1 relative to the shaft cover 1 is located on the side of the first swing member 23 facing the second swing structure 3. Therefore, the first transmission member 24 will slide relative to the first swing member 23 in the direction away from the shaft cover 1, causing the second sliding portion 612 to slide relative to the first sliding portion 22 towards the shaft cover 1.

[0152] Based on this, since the first end 221 of the first sliding part 22 is located on the side of the second end 222 facing the shaft cover 1 and on the side of the second end 222 facing the second swing structure 3, the first sliding part 22 can generate a thrust on the second sliding part 612 away from the first swing structure 2 during the sliding of the second sliding part 612 relative to the first sliding part 22 towards the shaft cover 1.

[0153] During the rotation of the first swing member 23 relative to the shaft cover 1 from the unfolded position to the folded position, the first transmission member 24 slides relative to the first swing member 23 in the direction of the first swing member 23 toward the shaft cover 1. At this time, the second sliding part 612 slides relative to the first sliding part 22 away from the shaft cover 1, and the first sliding part 22 can generate a thrust toward the second sliding part 612 toward the first swing structure 2.

[0154] In some other embodiments, the first transmission member 24 may also be a gear and rack structure. That is, the first transmission member 24 includes a gear and a rack. The gear is rotatably connected to the shaft cover 1 and connected to the first swing member 23, with the rotation axis of the gear coinciding with the rotation axis of the first swing member 23 relative to the shaft cover 1. The rack is slidably connected to the first swing member 23 and meshes with the gear. Rotation of the gear can cause the rack to slide on the first swing member 23.

[0155] The first sliding part 22 is provided on the rack, and the rack slides on the first swing member 23, so that the first sliding part 22 and the second sliding part 612 can slide relative to each other, so that the second sliding part 612 can move toward the first swing member 23 or move away from the first swing member 23.

[0156] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 8 and combined Figure 15 , Figure 15 for Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the structure at point DD. The first swing member 23 includes a first swing arm 232 and a connecting member 233. One end of the first swing arm 232 is rotatably connected to the shaft cover 1, and the other end of the first swing arm 232 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 233.

[0157] In some examples, connector 233 can be a plate-like structure, a block-like structure, an irregular structure, etc.

[0158] In some examples, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 15The shaft cover 1 has an arc-shaped groove 13 extending along its length (i.e., the Y-axis direction). The end of the first swing arm 232 facing the shaft cover 1 has an arc-shaped structure 2321 that matches the arc-shaped groove 13, and the arc-shaped structure 2321 is slidably connected within the arc-shaped groove 13. In this way, the sliding of the arc-shaped structure 2321 within the arc-shaped groove 13 allows the first swing arm 232 to rotate around the axis of the arc-shaped groove 13, thereby enabling the first swing structure 2 to rotate relative to the shaft cover 1.

[0159] In this way, it is possible to avoid setting a pivot on the side of the axle cover 1 facing the foldable screen 10 to support the rotation of the first swing arm 232, thereby avoiding affecting the support of the axle cover 1 for the foldable screen 10 and facilitating the thinning and lightening of the foldable electronic device 100. Furthermore, compared to opening a second clearance groove on the axle cover 1, placing the shaft supporting the rotation of the first swing arm 232 entirely within the second clearance groove can reduce the depth and volume of the groove on the axle cover 1, thereby ensuring the structural strength of the axle cover 1.

[0160] In some examples, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 8 The first swing arm 232 includes a connecting rod 2324 and a first arm portion 2322 and a second arm portion 2323 spaced apart along the length of the shaft cover 1. One end of the first arm portion 2322 and one end of the second arm portion 2323 are rotatably connected to the shaft cover 1, and the other end of the first arm portion 2322 and the other end of the second arm portion 2323 are connected to the connecting rod 2324. The connecting rod 2324 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 233.

[0161] In this way, both the first arm 2322 and the second arm 2323 can support the first swing member 23 to rotate relative to the shaft cover 1, thereby improving the stability of the first swing member 23 rotating relative to the shaft cover 1.

[0162] Furthermore, the first arm 2322 and the second arm 2323 can be connected into a whole by the connecting rod 2324, thereby ensuring the synchronicity of the rotation of the first arm 2322 and the second arm 2323, so as to ensure the smooth rotation of the first swing structure 2 relative to the shaft cover 1.

[0163] In some examples, the connector 233 has a first clearance notch 2331. The first swing arm 232 is disposed within the first clearance notch 2331. This allows for efficient use of space to arrange the first swing arm 232 and the connector 233, facilitating the thinning and lightening of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0164] In some examples, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 8The first swing arm 232 and the first transmission component 24 are arranged along the length direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the shaft cover 1. In this way, when the first swing arm 232 and the first transmission component 24 are installed, the first swing arm 232 and the first transmission component 24 will not interfere with each other, which facilitates the installation of the first swing arm 232 and the first transmission component 24.

[0165] In other examples, please refer to Figure 16 , Figure 16 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a partial structural schematic of the hinge assembly 30 with the first transmission member 24 located inside the first swing arm 232. The first swing arm 232 includes a first arm portion 2322 and a second arm portion 2323 spaced apart along the length direction of the shaft cover 1. The first transmission member 24 is located between the first arm portion 2322 and the second arm portion 2323. In this way, the space between the first arm portion 2322 and the second arm portion 2323 can be used to set the first transmission member 24, thereby reducing the size of the hinge assembly 30 along the length direction of the shaft cover 1 and reducing the space occupied by the hinge assembly 30.

[0166] The connector 233 may include a main body 2332 and a support 2333. A first clearance notch 2331 is provided in the main body 2332, and a first swing arm 232 is provided in the first clearance notch 2331 and connected to the main body 2332. The support 2333 is provided in the first clearance notch 2331 and connected to the main body 2332. The support 2333 is provided with a third sliding part 231.

[0167] For example, the first arm portion 2322 and the second arm portion 2323 may be located on the side of the support portion 2333 opposite to the first plate portion 61.

[0168] Please continue reading. Figure 8 and Figure 16 The third sliding part 231 is provided on the connector 233. In this way, since the first swing arm 232 and the connector 233 can rotate relative to each other, when the third sliding part 231 slides relative to the first transmission member 24, the connector 233 can swing relative to the first swing arm 232 to avoid jamming between the third sliding part 231 and the first transmission member 24, thus ensuring the smooth operation of the hinge assembly 30.

[0169] For example, the third connector 233 is provided with a second clearance notch 2334. The second clearance notch 2334 has a third sliding portion 231 on the inner wall surface in the length direction of the shaft cover 1. The first transmission member 24 is disposed in the second clearance notch 2334 and is slidably connected to the third sliding portion 231. In this way, the space can be reasonably utilized to arrange the first transmission member 24 and the first swing member 23, so as to facilitate the thinning and lightening of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0170] In some embodiments, the first door panel 4 is connected to the connector 233 and covers at least a portion of the connector 233 and a portion of the first swing arm 232. In this way, the first door panel 4 can isolate at least a portion of the connector 233 from the first folding screen portion 101, and a portion of the first swing arm 232 from the first folding screen portion 101, to prevent the first folding screen portion 101 from directly contacting the connector 233 and the first swing arm 232 and affecting the impact resistance of the first folding screen portion 101.

[0171] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 and combined Figure 9 , Figure 17 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at the middle EE section. Figure 18 for Figure 17 The diagram shows the structure of the hinge assembly 30 in the unfolded state. The end of the first door panel 4 facing away from the first plate portion 61 is rotatably connected to the first swing structure 2. For example, the end of the first door panel 4 facing away from the first plate portion 61 can be rotatably connected to the connector 233. The end of the first door panel 4 facing the first plate portion 61 is provided with a fifth sliding portion 41, which is slidably connected to the first sliding portion 22.

[0172] During the movement of the first swing structure 2 from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fifth sliding part 41 slides relative to the first sliding part 22 towards the shaft cover 1, and moves along the third surface toward the first surface 21. During the rotation of the first swing structure 2 from the unfolded position to the folded position, the fifth sliding part 41 slides relative to the first sliding part 22 away from the shaft cover 1, and moves along the first surface 21 toward the third surface.

[0173] In this way, as the first swing structure 2 moves from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fifth sliding part 41 moves along the direction from the third surface to the first surface 21. This allows the fifth sliding part 41 to drive the end of the first door panel 4 near the first plate part 61 to move along the direction from the third surface to the first surface 21. This makes the angle between the surface of the first door panel 4 that supports the folded screen 10 and the surface of the first plate part 61 that supports the folded screen 10 closer to 180°, further improving the support effect of the first door panel 4 and the first plate part 61 on the folded screen 10 when the first swing structure 2 is in the unfolded position. As the first swing structure 2 moves from the unfolded position to the folded position, the fifth sliding part 41 moves along the direction from the first surface 21 towards the third surface. This facilitates the formation of a receiving space between the first door panel 4, the support plate structure 6, and the second door panel 5 to accommodate the folded screen 10 when the first swing structure 2 is in the folded position.

[0174] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 17 and Figure 18 and combined Figure 9 The first sliding part has a first end and a second end that are disposed opposite to each other. When the first swing structure is in the folded position, the first end is located on the side of the second end facing the shaft cover, and on the side of the second end facing the second swing structure.

[0175] During the movement of the first swing structure 2 from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fifth sliding part 41 slides relative to the first sliding part 22 along the direction from the second end 222 toward the first end 221. During the movement of the first swing structure 2 from the unfolded position to the folded position, the fifth sliding part 41 slides relative to the first sliding part 22 along the direction from the first end 221 toward the second end 222.

[0176] In this way, when the first swing structure 2 is in the folded position, the first end 221 of the first sliding part 22 is located on the side of the second end 222 facing the shaft cover 1 and on the side of the second end 222 facing the second swing structure 3. During the rotation of the first swing structure 2 from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fifth sliding part 41 slides relative to the first sliding part 22 in the direction of the second end 222 towards the first end 221. Therefore, the first sliding part 22 can apply a thrust to the fifth sliding part 41 along the third surface towards the first surface 21, so that the end of the first door panel 4 facing the first plate part 61 moves along the third surface towards the first surface 21.

[0177] Thus, when the first swing structure 2 rotates to the unfolded position, the angle between the surface of the first door panel 4 used to support the folding screen 10 and the surface of the first plate part 61 used to support the folding screen 10 can be closer to 180°, that is, the surface of the first door panel 4 used to support the folding screen 10 and the surface of the first plate part 61 used to support the folding screen 10 are closer to being coplanar, thereby improving the support effect of the first door panel 4 and the first plate part 61 on the folding screen 10 when the first swing structure 2 is in the unfolded position.

[0178] Specifically, when the first swing structure 2 is in the unfolded position, the first door panel 4 and the first plate portion 61 are arranged along the width direction of the shaft cover 1, and the thickness direction of the first door panel 4 is consistent with the thickness direction of the first plate portion 61. For example, the side surface of the first door panel 4 facing the folding screen 10 and the side surface of the first plate portion 61 facing the folding screen 10 are located on the same plane.

[0179] Furthermore, during the process of the first swing structure 2 moving from the unfolded position to the folded position, the fifth sliding part 41 slides relative to the first sliding part 22 in the direction from the first end 221 toward the second end 222. Therefore, the first sliding part 22 can apply a thrust to the fifth sliding part 41 in the direction from the first surface 21 toward the third surface, so that the end of the first door panel 4 toward the first plate part 61 moves in the direction from the first surface 21 toward the third surface.

[0180] Thus, when the first swing structure 2 is in the folded position, the first door panel 4 can tilt relative to the first panel 61 so that an accommodating space matching the third folding screen portion 103 is formed between the first door panel 4, the support plate structure 6, and the second door panel 5.

[0181] Specifically, when the first swing structure 2 is in the folded position, the end of the first door panel 4 facing away from the first panel 61 is closer to the second swing structure 3 than the end of the first door panel 4 facing the first panel 61.

[0182] In some examples, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 9 and combined Figure 19 , Figure 19 for Figure 4 The schematic diagram shows the structure of the first door panel 4 in the hinge assembly 30. The fifth sliding part 41 includes a second fixing ring 411, which is connected to the first door panel 4 and to the pin 6121 of the second sliding part 612.

[0183] In this way, by sliding the pin 6121 relative to the first sliding part 22, the first fixing ring 6122 and the second fixing ring 411 can slide synchronously, so as to realize the synchronous movement of the end of the first plate part 61 facing the first door panel 4 and the end of the first door panel 4 facing the first plate part 61.

[0184] Thus, during the rotation of the first swing structure 2 from the folded position to the unfolded position, the end of the first plate 61 facing the first door panel 4 and the end of the first door panel 4 facing the first plate 61 move toward the second swing structure 3 simultaneously. When the first swing structure 2 rotates to the unfolded position, the angle between the surface of the first door panel 4 used to support the folded screen 10 and the surface of the first plate 61 used to support the folded screen 10 can be made close to 180°.

[0185] Furthermore, during the process of the first swing structure 2 moving from the unfolded position to the folded position, the end of the first plate 61 facing the first door panel 4 and the end of the first door panel 4 facing the first plate 61 move back to the second swing structure 3 simultaneously. This allows for the formation of a more rapid accommodating space between the first door panel 4, the support plate structure 6, and the second door panel 5 that matches the third folding screen portion 103 when the first swing structure 2 is in the folded position.

[0186] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 17 The first swing structure 2 has a clearance portion 2335 on the side facing the first door panel 4. For example, the clearance portion 2335 is provided on the connector 233.

[0187] When the first swing structure 2 is in the folded position, the end of the first door panel 4 facing the first plate portion 61 and the end of the first plate portion 61 facing the first door panel 4 are both located within the clearance portion 2335.

[0188] When the first swing structure 2 is in the folded position, the thickness of the first swing structure 2, the first door panel 4, and the second door panel 5 can be reduced as a whole by the fact that the end of the first door panel 4 facing the first plate portion 61 and the end of the first plate portion 61 facing the first door panel 4 are both located in the clearance portion 2335, thereby facilitating the thinning and lightening of foldable electronic devices.

[0189] In some examples, the clearance portion 2335 is a groove-shaped structure provided on the connector 233. The groove-shaped structure is recessed from the side surface of the connector 233 facing the first door panel 4 and the first plate portion 61 in a direction opposite to the first door panel 4 and the first plate portion 61, and extends through the connector 233 along the length direction of the shaft cover 1.

[0190] In some embodiments, the structure of the second swing structure 3 can be the same as that of the first swing structure 2. It is sufficient to arrange the first swing structure 2 and the second swing structure 3 symmetrically. The specific structure of the second swing structure 3 and its connection relationship with the shaft cover 1 will not be described in detail.

[0191] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 20 , Figure 20 for Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing another connection relationship between the first transmission member 24 and the first swing member 23 in the hinge assembly 30. Specifically, the first sliding part 22 is located on the first swing member 23, and more specifically, on the connecting member 233. When the first swing structure 2 is in the folded position, the first end 221 of the first sliding part 22 is located on the side of the second end 222 facing the shaft cover 1, and also on the side of the second end 222 facing the second swing structure 3.

[0192] Both the second sliding part 612 and the fifth sliding part 41 are slidably connected to the first sliding part 22. Furthermore, the second sliding part 612 is slidably connected to the first plate part 61, and the fifth sliding part 41 is slidably connected to the first door panel 4.

[0193] One end of the first transmission member 24 is rotatably connected to the shaft cover 1, and the other end of the first transmission member 24 is connected to the first sliding part 22 and the fifth sliding part 41. For example, the pin 6121 of the second sliding part 612 is slidably connected to the first sliding part 22, the first fixing ring 6122 of the second sliding part 612 is connected to the pin 6121, and the other ends of the fifth sliding part 41 and the first transmission member 24 are both connected to the pin 6121.

[0194] The first transmission component 24 includes a first segment 241 and a second segment 242 that are slidable relative to each other. The first segment 241 is rotatably connected to the shaft cover 1, and the second segment 242 is connected to the first sliding part 22, as well as to the second sliding part 612 and the fifth sliding part 41.

[0195] The rotation axis of the first transmission member 24 relative to the shaft cover 1 is located on the side of the first swing member 23 relative to the shaft cover 1 that is opposite to the second swing member.

[0196] In this way, since the distance between the first position and the first swing member 23 relative to the axis of rotation of the cover 1 is greater than the distance between the first position and the axis of rotation of the first transmission member 24 relative to the cover 1, during the process of the first swing member 23 rotating relative to the cover 1 from the folded position to the unfolded position, the first segment 241 and the second segment 242 of the first transmission member 24 will slide in the direction toward each other, that is, the length of the first transmission member 24 will become shorter.

[0197] Thus, the second segment 242 will slide towards the shaft cover 1, thereby causing the second sliding part 612 to slide relative to the first plate part 61 and the first sliding part 22 towards the shaft cover 1, and causing the fifth sliding part 41 to slide relative to the first door panel 4 and the first sliding part 22 towards the shaft cover 1. During this process, since the first end 221 of the first sliding part 22 is located on the side of the second end 222 of the first sliding part 22 facing the shaft cover 1, and on the side of the second end 222 facing the second swing structure 3, the first sliding part 22 will generate a thrust towards the second sliding part 612 and the fifth sliding part 41 towards the second swing structure 3, so that when the first swing structure 2 rotates to the unfolded position, the angle between the surface of the first door panel 4 used to support the folding screen 10 and the surface of the first plate part 61 used to support the folding screen 10 is closer to 180°.

[0198] During the process of the first swing structure 2 moving from the unfolded position to the folded position, the first segment 241 and the second segment 242 of the first transmission member 24 will move in the direction opposite to each other, that is, the length of the first transmission member 24 will become longer.

[0199] Thus, the second segment 242 slides away from the shaft cover 1, thereby causing the second sliding part 612 to slide away from the shaft cover 1 relative to the first plate part 61 and the first sliding part 22, and also causing the fifth sliding part 41 to slide away from the shaft cover 1 relative to the first door panel 4 and the first sliding part 22. During this process, the first sliding part 22 will generate a thrust on the second sliding part 612 and the fifth sliding part 41 away from the second swing structure 3, so that when the first swing structure 2 rotates to the folding position, an accommodating space matching the third folding screen part 103 is formed between the first door panel 4, the support plate structure 6, and the second door panel 5.

[0200] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 21 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 , Figure 21 for Figure 4 The schematic diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of the hinge assembly 30 when the support plate structure 6 is a flexible plate. Figure 22 for Figure 21 The diagram shows a front view of the hinge assembly 30 in its folded state. Figure 23 for Figure 21 The front view of the hinge assembly 30 in the unfolded state.

[0201] The support plate structure 6 includes a flexible plate 63, which comprises a first flexible portion 631, a second flexible portion 632, and a third flexible portion 633. The second flexible portion 632 is connected between the first flexible portion 631 and the third flexible portion 633. For example, the first flexible portion 631, the second flexible portion 632, and the third flexible portion 633 can be an integral structure. Alternatively, the first flexible portion 631, the second flexible portion 632, and the third flexible portion 633 can also be three separate plates, connected together by means of bonding, snap-fitting, screwing, or other methods to form the flexible plate 63.

[0202] The first flexible portion 631 forms the first plate portion 61, and the third flexible portion 633 forms the second plate portion 62. The connection method between the first flexible portion 631 and the first swing structure 2 can be the same as the connection method between the first support plate 611 and the first swing structure 2, and the connection method between the third flexible portion 633 and the second swing structure 3 can be the same as the connection method between the second support plate 621 and the second swing structure 3, which will not be described in detail here.

[0203] The flexible plate 63 can bend and flatten as the first swing structure 2 and the second swing structure 3 rotate. Specifically, when the first swing structure 2 and the second swing structure 3 are in the folded position, the first flexible portion 631 and the third flexible portion 633 are positioned opposite each other on the side of the second flexible portion 632 facing away from the shaft cover 1. At this time, the end of the first flexible portion 631 facing the second flexible portion 632 and the end of the third flexible portion 633 facing the second flexible portion 632 are bent into an arc shape, and the second flexible portion 632 is also bent into an arc shape, so that the shape of the flexible plate 63 matches the shape of the bottom arc segment 1031 of the third folding screen portion 103, so that the flexible plate 63 can support the bottom arc segment 1031.

[0204] With the first swing structure 2 and the second swing structure 3 in the unfolded position, the first flexible portion 631, the second flexible portion 632, and the third flexible portion 633 are arranged sequentially along the width direction of the shaft cover 1. At this time, the surfaces of the first flexible portion 631, the second flexible portion 632, and the third flexible portion 633 that support the folding screen 10 are coplanar, and can be coplanar with the surfaces of the first door panel 4 and the second door panel 5 that support the folding screen 10, thereby improving the load-bearing effect of the hinge assembly 30 on the third folding screen portion 103.

[0205] By providing the flexible plate 63, it can cover the entire shaft cover 1, thus avoiding a large height difference between the support plate structure 6 and the shaft cover 1, which could affect the performance of the folding screen 10. Furthermore, when the first swing structure 2 and the second swing structure 3 are in the folded position, the flexible plate 63 can more easily form a shape that matches the third folding screen portion 103, improving the load-bearing capacity of the third folding screen portion 103.

[0206] The end of the first flexible portion 631 that is away from the second flexible portion 632 can also support a portion of the first transition section 1032 of the third folding screen portion 103. The end of the third flexible portion 633 that is away from the second flexible portion 632 can also support a portion of the second transition section 1033 of the third folding screen portion 103.

[0207] In some examples, the flexible plate 63 also has a certain strength to support the folding screen 10. For example, the flexible plate 63 can be a steel plate, a polyester plate, a composite plate made using a metal-inorganic textile lamination process, etc.

[0208] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0209] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application 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 of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly, characterized in that, include: Shaft cover; A first swing structure and a second swing structure are arranged opposite each other along the width direction of the shaft cover and are capable of rotating relative to the shaft cover between a folded position and an unfolded position. When both the first swing structure and the second swing structure are in the folded position, the side surface of the first swing structure facing the second swing structure is the first surface, and the side surface of the second swing structure facing the first swing structure is the second surface. A first door panel and a second door panel, wherein the first door panel covers a portion of the first surface and the second door panel covers a portion of the second surface; A support plate structure covering at least a portion of the shaft cover, the support plate structure comprising a first plate portion and a second plate portion, the first plate portion covering another portion of the first surface, and the second plate portion covering another portion of the second surface; The first door panel, the second door panel, and the support plate structure are used to support the folding screen.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first oscillating structure also has a third surface opposite to the first surface; The first swing structure is provided with a first sliding part, and the first plate part is provided with a second sliding part at one end near the first door panel. The first sliding part and the second sliding part are slidably connected. During the rotation of the first swing structure from the folded position to the unfolded position, the second sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part toward the shaft cover, and the second sliding part moves along the direction from the third surface toward the first surface; During the rotation of the first swing structure from the unfolded position to the folded position, the second sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part in a direction away from the shaft cover, and causes the second sliding part to move along the first surface toward the third surface.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first sliding part has a first end and a second end that are disposed opposite to each other. When the first swing structure is in the folded position, the first end is located on the side of the second end facing the shaft cover and on the side of the second end facing the second swing structure. During the process of the first swing structure moving from the folded position to the unfolded position, the second sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part in the direction from the second end toward the first end; During the movement of the first swing structure from the unfolded position to the folded position, the second sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part in the direction from the first end toward the second end.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first swing structure includes: The first swing member has one end rotatably connected to the shaft cover and the other end connected to the first door panel; A first transmission member is connected to the shaft cover and is also connected between the first swing member and the second sliding part, so that when the first swing member rotates relative to the shaft cover, it drives the first sliding part and the second sliding part to slide relative to each other.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first swing member is provided with a third sliding part, one end of the first transmission member is slidably connected to the third sliding part, and the other end of the first transmission member is rotatably connected to the shaft cover; During the rotation of the first swing structure between the folded position and the unfolded position, the first transmission member slides relative to the third sliding part along the arrangement direction of the first swing structure and the shaft cover; The first sliding part is disposed on the first transmission member.

6. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 4-5, characterized in that, The first swing member includes: A first swing arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the shaft cover; A connector is provided, wherein the other end of the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the connector, and the third sliding part is provided on the connector.

7. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The end of the first door panel facing away from the first plate portion is rotatably connected to the first swing structure, and the end of the first door panel facing the first plate portion is provided with a fifth sliding portion, which is slidably connected to the first sliding portion. During the process of the first swing structure moving from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fifth sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part in a direction closer to the shaft cover, and the fifth sliding part moves along the direction from the third surface to the first surface; During the rotation of the first swing structure from the unfolded position to the folded position, the fifth sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part in a direction away from the shaft cover, and causes the fifth sliding part to move along the first surface toward the third surface.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first sliding part has a first end and a second end that are disposed opposite to each other. When the first swing structure is in the folded position, the first end is located on the side of the second end facing the shaft cover and on the side of the second end facing the second swing structure. During the process of the first swing structure moving from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fifth sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part in the direction from the second end toward the first end; During the movement of the first swing structure from the unfolded position to the folded position, the fifth sliding part slides relative to the first sliding part in the direction from the first end toward the second end.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first swing structure has a clearance portion on the side facing the first door panel. When the first swing structure is in the folded position, the end of the first door panel facing the first plate portion and the end of the first plate portion facing the first door panel are both located in the clearance portion.

10. The hinge assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first swing arm includes a connecting rod and a first arm portion and a second arm portion spaced apart along the length direction of the shaft cover; One end of the first arm and one end of the second arm are rotatably connected to the shaft cover, and the other end of the first arm and the other end of the second arm are connected to the connecting rod, which is rotatably connected to the connecting member.

11. The hinge assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first transmission component is located between the first arm and the second arm.

12. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The first swing arm and the first transmission component are arranged along the length of the shaft cover.

13. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The first plate includes a first support plate, which is connected between the first swing structure and the shaft cover; The second plate includes a second support plate, which is connected between the second swing structure and the shaft cover.

14. The hinge assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first support plate has a fourth sliding part at one end facing the shaft cover, and the fourth sliding part is slidably connected to the shaft cover; During the process of the first swing structure moving from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fourth sliding part slides relative to the shaft cover toward the second swing structure; During the process of the first swing structure moving from the unfolded position to the folded position, the fourth sliding part slides relative to the shaft cover away from the second swing structure.

15. The hinge assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The shaft cover is provided with a third sliding groove, which extends along the width direction of the shaft cover, and the fourth sliding part is slidably connected in the third sliding groove.

16. The hinge assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that, The third slide groove has a limiting groove on the inner wall surface of the shaft cover in the length direction, and the limiting groove extends along the width direction of the shaft cover. The fourth sliding part includes a first sliding member and a limiting member connected to the first sliding member. A portion of the first sliding member is located in the third sliding groove, and a portion of the limiting member is located in the limiting groove.

17. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The support plate structure includes a flexible plate, which includes a first flexible portion, a second flexible portion and a third flexible portion. The second flexible portion is connected between the first flexible portion and the third flexible portion. The first flexible portion forms the first plate portion and the second flexible portion forms the second plate portion. When the first swing structure and the second swing structure are in the folded position, the first flexible portion and the third flexible portion are disposed opposite to each other on the side of the second flexible portion that is away from the shaft cover; When the first swing structure and the second swing structure are in the unfolded position, the first flexible portion, the second flexible portion and the third flexible portion are arranged sequentially along the width direction of the shaft cover.

18. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, The invention includes a folding screen and a hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the folding screen is disposed on the side of the first door panel opposite to the first swing structure, the side of the second door panel opposite to the second swing structure, and the side of the support plate structure opposite to the first swing structure, the shaft cover, and the second swing structure.

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