Hinge assembly and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a hinge assembly and an electronic device, and belongs to the technical field of electronic products. The hinge assembly comprises a hinge support, a swing arm and a hinge cover. The hinge support comprises a support body and a shaft seat connected with each other. The shaft seat is provided with a rotating shaft hole. The swing arm is rotationally connected with the shaft seat through a first rotating shaft arranged in the rotating shaft hole, so that the hinge assembly can be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state. The connecting position of the support body and the shaft seat is located in a first area of the hinge support. The hinge cover has a second area facing the first area. At least one of the first area and the second area is provided with a supporting protrusion. In a falling state, the hinge cover can support the hinge support through the supporting protrusion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electronic product technology, specifically relating to a hinge assembly and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of electronic devices, foldable electronic devices have become the current trend. Foldable electronic devices generally include a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly rotatably connects the first and second housings, enabling the electronic device to have folding and unfolding functions.

[0003] As one of the core components of a hinge assembly, the hinge bracket plays a crucial role in connection and support. Through its rotational engagement with the hinge arm, the hinge bracket allows electronic devices to switch between folded and unfolded states. However, when an electronic device in its folded state is dropped, the hinge bracket is prone to deformation, which can easily lead to breakage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a hinge assembly and an electronic device that can solve the problem that the hinge support of the hinge assembly involved in the related technology is prone to breakage.

[0005] This application provides a hinge assembly, including a hinge bracket, a swing arm, and a hinge cover. The hinge bracket includes a connected bracket body and a bearing seat. The bearing seat has a pivot hole. The swing arm is rotatably connected to the bearing seat via a first pivot passing through the pivot hole, so that the hinge assembly can switch between an unfolded state and a folded state. The connection between the bracket body and the bearing seat is located in a first region of the hinge bracket. The hinge cover has a second region facing the first region. At least one of the first region and the second region has a support protrusion. In a drop state, the hinge cover can support the hinge bracket through the support protrusion.

[0006] This application provides an electronic device, including a first housing, a second housing, and the hinge assembly described above. The first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected by the hinge assembly. During the mutual rotation of the first housing and the second housing, the electronic device switches between an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0007] In this embodiment of the application, since at least one of the first region and the second region is provided with a support protrusion, the hinge cover can support the hinge bracket through the support protrusion when the electronic device is dropped. That is, when the electronic device is dropped and the hinge bracket is deformed, the support protrusion will support the hinge bracket, thereby resisting the deformation of the hinge bracket and preventing the hinge bracket from breaking. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the hinge cover with an elastic protrusion and the hinge assembly in a folded state, as disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figures 2 to 4 This is a schematic diagram of a partial structure with elastic protrusions on the hinge cover from different perspectives in the embodiments of this application. Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of a hinge cover with a rigid protrusion disclosed in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the hinge cover with a rigid protrusion and the hinge assembly in a folded state, as disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a hinge bracket with a rigid protrusion disclosed in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the hinge bracket with a rigid protrusion and the hinge assembly in a folded state as disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application.

[0009] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100-Hinge bracket, 110-Bracket body, 120-Shaft seat, 130-First region; 200 - Swing arm, 210 - First pivot; 300-Hinge cover, 310-Second area, 320-Groove, 321-First sidewall, 322-Second sidewall, 323-Third sidewall, 324-Fourth sidewall, 330-Limiting groove; 400-Supporting protrusion, 410-Supporting body, 420-Protrusion, 430-First protrusion, 440-Second protrusion; 510 - First housing, 520 - Second housing; 600 - Display screen. Detailed Implementation

[0010] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0011] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0012] The hinge assembly disclosed in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0013] Please refer to Figures 1-9 This application discloses a hinge assembly, which includes a hinge bracket 100, a swing arm 200, and a hinge cover 300.

[0014] The hinge assembly disclosed in this application is applied to an electronic device. The hinge assembly can be rotatably connected to the first housing 510 and the second housing 520 of the electronic device described below, so that the electronic device can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state via the hinge assembly.

[0015] The hinge bracket 100 is the basic component of the hinge assembly. The hinge bracket 100 may include a connected bracket body 110 and a bearing seat 120. Optionally, the bracket body 110 and the bearing seat 120 may be integrally formed. The bearing seat 120 may have a pivot hole. The swing arm 200 can be rotatably connected to the bearing seat 120 via a first pivot 210 passing through the pivot hole. That is, one end of the swing arm 200 can be rotatably mounted on the bearing seat 120 via the first pivot 210, allowing the hinge assembly to switch between an unfolded state and a folded state. The other end of the swing arm 200 can be connected to the first housing 510 or the second housing 520, thereby allowing the electronic device to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. Optionally, the swing arm 200 can slide with the first housing 510 or the second housing 520.

[0016] The hinge cover 300 is used to protect other components of the hinge assembly, and the hinge cover 300 can be provided on the side of the hinge bracket 100 away from the display screen 600 of the electronic device. The connection between the bracket body 110 and the bearing seat 120 is located in the first region 130 of the hinge bracket 100. The hinge cover 300 has a second region 310 facing the first region 130. At least one of the first region 130 and the second region 310 is provided with a support protrusion 400. The support protrusion 400 on the first region 130 can be arranged to protrude towards the second region 310, and the support protrusion 400 on the second region 310 can be arranged to protrude towards the first region 130.

[0017] In this embodiment, when the electronic device is dropped, the hinge cover 300 can support the hinge bracket 100 through the support protrusion 400. That is, when the electronic device is dropped, once the hinge bracket 100 shows a tendency to deform in the direction of the hinge cover 300 or has already deformed, the support protrusion 400 can support the hinge bracket 100, thereby resisting the deformation of the hinge bracket 100 and preventing the hinge bracket 100 from breaking.

[0018] Furthermore, when an electronic device in a folded state is dropped, the swing arm 200 tends to expand outward, which can easily pull the hinge bracket 100 and cause it to deform in the direction of the hinge cover 300. During this process, the support protrusion 400 can still support the hinge bracket 100, thereby resisting the deformation of the hinge bracket 100.

[0019] Optionally, when support protrusions 400 are provided on both the first region 130 and the second region 310, the support protrusions 400 on the first region 130 and the support protrusions 400 on the second region 310 can be arranged relative to each other or staggered. This application embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0020] Optionally, to ensure the stability of the hinge cover 300, in areas away from the first region 130 and the second region 310, the hinge cover 300 and the hinge bracket 100 can be assembled by dispensing adhesive.

[0021] Optionally, the support protrusion 400 can be a rigid protrusion, as shown in the following example. Figure 7 and Figure 8 There may be a first gap between the rigid protrusion on the first region 130 and the second region 310, that is, a certain gap is reserved between the rigid protrusion on the first region 130 and the second region 310 to prevent over-support between the support protrusion 400 on the first region 130 and the hinge cover 300, which would cause the adhesive assembly between the hinge cover 300 and the hinge bracket 100 at other positions to be incomplete, which would cause the hinge assembly to float and make a bulge mark on the display screen 600, affecting the appearance and reliability of the display screen 600.

[0022] And / or, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 There may be a second gap between the rigid protrusion on the second region 310 and the first region 130, that is, a certain gap is reserved between the rigid protrusion on the second region 310 and the first region 130 to prevent over-support between the support protrusion 400 on the second region 310 and the hinge bracket 100, which would cause the adhesive assembly between the hinge cover 300 and the hinge bracket 100 at other positions to be incomplete, which would cause the hinge assembly to float and make a bulge mark on the display screen 600, affecting the appearance and reliability of the display screen 600.

[0023] In this embodiment, the dimensions of the first gap and the second gap in the thickness direction of the hinge bracket 100 can both be smaller than a preset dimension. That is, the dimensions of the first gap and the second gap in the thickness direction of the hinge bracket 100 are relatively small. When the hinge bracket 100 deforms, the support protrusion 400 can quickly support the hinge bracket 100, thereby quickly resisting the deformation of the hinge bracket 100. Optionally, the preset dimension can be 0.05 mm, and the dimensions of the first gap and the second gap in the thickness direction of the hinge bracket 100 can both be between 0.03 mm and 0.05 mm. Of course, in other embodiments, the dimensions of the first gap and the second gap in the thickness direction of the hinge bracket 100 can both be greater than or equal to the preset dimension.

[0024] Optionally, the support protrusion 400 can be a metal structure, meaning the material of the support protrusion 400 can be metal, to improve the structural strength of the support protrusion 400. Since the hinge bracket 100 and hinge cover 300 are typically made of metal, the support protrusion 400 on the first region 130 can be integrally formed with the hinge bracket 100 to reduce the processing difficulty and cost of the hinge bracket 100; and / or, the support protrusion 400 on the second region 310 can be integrally formed with the hinge cover 300 to reduce the processing difficulty and cost of the hinge cover 300. Of course, in other embodiments, the support protrusion 400 on the first region 130 and the hinge bracket 100 can be separately formed; and / or, the support protrusion 400 on the second region 310 and the hinge cover 300 can be separately formed.

[0025] It should be noted that since the hinge bracket 100 is usually a powder metallurgy part, when using a pallet fixture to sinter the hinge bracket 100, it is necessary to set clearance holes on the pallet fixture to avoid the support protrusions 400 protruding on the hinge bracket 100, so as to ensure the size and flatness of the hinge bracket 100 after sintering.

[0026] Alternatively, please refer to Figures 1 to 4The support protrusion 400 can be an elastic protrusion, that is, the support protrusion 400 has a certain elasticity. The elastic protrusion on the first region 130 can abut against the second region 310, that is, the gap between the elastic protrusion on the first region 130 and the second region 310 can be zero; and / or, the elastic protrusion on the second region 310 abuts against the first region 130, that is, the gap between the elastic protrusion on the second region 310 and the first region 130 can be zero.

[0027] In this embodiment, since the support protrusion 400 has a certain elasticity, even if the elastic protrusion on the first region 130 abuts against the second region 310, and / or the elastic protrusion on the second region 310 abuts against the first region 130, by squeezing the support protrusion 400, it is still possible to avoid affecting the adhesive assembly between the hinge cover 300 and the hinge bracket 100 at other locations, thereby avoiding affecting the connection stability between the hinge bracket 100 and the hinge cover 300.

[0028] Furthermore, since the elastic protrusion on the first region 130 abuts against the second region 310, and / or the elastic protrusion on the second region 310 abuts against the first region 130, when the hinge bracket 100 deforms, the support protrusion 400 can more quickly support the hinge bracket 100, thereby more quickly resisting the deformation of the hinge bracket 100. That is, this arrangement provides better support between the hinge cover 300 and the hinge bracket 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the gap between the elastic protrusion on the first region 130 and the second region 310 can be greater than zero, and / or the gap between the elastic protrusion on the second region 310 and the first region 130 can be greater than zero.

[0029] Optionally, at least one of an elastic protrusion and a rigid protrusion may protrude from the first region 130. When both an elastic protrusion and a rigid protrusion protrude from the first region 130, the elastic protrusion and the rigid protrusion on the first region 130 may be spaced apart. And / or, at least one of an elastic protrusion and a rigid protrusion may protrude from the second region 310. When both an elastic protrusion and a rigid protrusion protrude from the second region 310, the elastic protrusion and the rigid protrusion on the second region 310 may be spaced apart.

[0030] Optionally, the support protrusion 400 can be a plastic structure, that is, the material of the support protrusion 400 can be plastic, such as TPU (Thermoplastic Urethane) or TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer).

[0031] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4At least one of the first region 130 and the second region 310 may be provided with a groove 320 and a support protrusion 400. A portion of the support protrusion 400 may be embedded in the groove 320 to increase the contact area between the support protrusion 400 and the hinge bracket 100 or the hinge cover 300, thereby strengthening the bonding force between the support protrusion 400 and the hinge bracket 100 or the hinge cover 300, i.e., improving the connection stability, and preventing the support protrusion 400 from separating from the hinge bracket 100 or the hinge cover 300. Of course, in other embodiments, the groove 320 may not be provided on the one of the first region 130 and the second region 310 that has the support protrusion 400.

[0032] Optionally, the sidewall of the groove 320 may be provided with a limiting groove 330, and the groove 320 and the limiting groove 330 are connected. The support protrusion 400 may include a connected support body 410 and a protrusion 420. Optionally, the support body 410 and the protrusion 420 may be integrally formed. A portion of the support body 410 may be embedded in the groove 320, and the protrusion 420 may be embedded in the limiting groove 330. In the thickness direction of the hinge assembly, the protrusion 420 and the limiting groove 330 are mutually limiting and engaging to prevent the support protrusion 400 from disengaging from the groove 320 along the thickness direction of the hinge assembly.

[0033] Therefore, this arrangement can further increase the contact area between the support protrusion 400 and the hinge bracket 100 or hinge cover 300, thereby further strengthening the bonding force between the support protrusion 400 and the hinge bracket 100 or hinge cover 300, that is, further improving the connection stability, so as to further prevent the support protrusion 400 from separating from the hinge bracket 100 or hinge cover 300. Of course, in other embodiments, the sidewall of the groove 320 may not have the limiting groove 330.

[0034] Optionally, the sidewall of the groove 320 may include a first sidewall 321, a second sidewall 322, a third sidewall 323, and a fourth sidewall 324 connected end to end in sequence. The first sidewall 321 and the third sidewall 323 may be arranged opposite each other along the length direction of the hinge assembly, and the second sidewall 322 and the fourth sidewall 324 may be arranged opposite each other along the width direction of the hinge assembly. The first sidewall 321, the second sidewall 322, and the third sidewall 323 may each be provided with a limiting groove 330. A protrusion 420 may be embedded in the limiting groove 330 of the first sidewall 321, the limiting groove 330 of the second sidewall 322, and the limiting groove 330 of the third sidewall 323 to further prevent the support protrusion 400 from separating from the hinge bracket 100 or the hinge cover 300.

[0035] In this embodiment, the fourth sidewall 324 is close to the bracket body 110, and the fourth sidewall 324 is a plane extending along the thickness direction of the hinge assembly. That is, the fourth sidewall 324 may not have a limiting groove 330, which can avoid affecting the structural strength of the hinge bracket 100 or the hinge cover 300 on the side close to the bracket body 110. Of course, in other embodiments, the fourth sidewall 324 may also have a limiting groove 330, or only one of the first sidewall 321, the second sidewall 322, and the third sidewall 323 may have a limiting groove 330.

[0036] Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the limiting groove 330 can be triangular, and the bottom wall of the limiting groove 330 can be flush with the bottom wall of the groove 320. The included angle between the side wall of the limiting groove 330 and the bottom wall of the limiting groove 330 can be 45°. Of course, the embodiments of this application do not impose specific limitations on this.

[0037] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The support protrusion 400 on the first region 130 can be defined as the first protrusion 430. The side of the first protrusion 430 facing the second region 310 can be a plane to increase the contact area between the support protrusion 400 and the second region 310, thereby stably resisting the deformation of the hinge bracket 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the side of the first protrusion 430 facing the second region 310 can be a curved surface.

[0038] Alternatively, please refer to Figures 1 to 6 The support protrusion 400 on the second region 310 can be defined as the second protrusion 440. The side of the second protrusion 440 facing the first region 130 can be a plane to increase the contact area between the support protrusion 400 and the first region 130, thereby stably resisting the deformation of the hinge bracket 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the side of the second protrusion 440 facing the first region 130 can be a curved surface.

[0039] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 7 The number of bearing seats 120 can be at least two. In the width direction of the hinge assembly, each bearing seat 120 can be located on opposite sides of the bracket body 110. Each bearing seat 120 can be provided with a pivot hole. The number of swing arms 200 can also be at least two. Each swing arm 200 can be rotatably engaged with the corresponding pivot hole through the corresponding first pivot 210. The first housing 510 and the second housing 520 can be connected to different swing arms 200.

[0040] In this embodiment, each first region 130 corresponding to each bearing 120 may be provided with a support protrusion 400, that is, the hinge bracket 100 is provided with at least two support protrusions 400. When the electronic device is dropped, this can further resist the deformation of the hinge bracket 100, so as to avoid the hinge bracket 100 from breaking. In other words, it can sufficiently resist the deformation of the hinge bracket 100, thereby further improving the drop resistance performance of the hinge bracket 100. Of course, in other embodiments, only one bearing 120 may be provided with a support protrusion 400 in its first region 130.

[0041] Optionally, in this embodiment, at least two support protrusions 400 may be provided at intervals on the second region 310 in the width direction of the hinge assembly. Each support protrusion 400 corresponds one-to-one with the first region 130 corresponding to each bearing 120. When the electronic device is dropped, each support protrusion 400 can support the first region 130 corresponding to each bearing 120 to further resist the deformation of the hinge bracket 100, thereby preventing the hinge bracket 100 from breaking. That is, it can sufficiently resist the deformation of the hinge bracket 100 to further improve the drop resistance performance of the hinge bracket 100. Of course, in other embodiments, only one support protrusion 400 may be provided on the second region 310.

[0042] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 9 This application also discloses an electronic device, including a first housing 510, a second housing 520 and the hinge assembly described above. The first housing 510 and the second housing 520 are rotatably connected by the hinge assembly. During the mutual rotation of the first housing 510 and the second housing 520, the electronic device can switch between an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0043] Optionally, the electronic device may also include a display screen 600, which has a display function. The display screen 600 may be disposed on the first housing 510 and the second housing 520. The first housing 510 and the second housing 520 can protect the display screen 600 to a certain extent. When the electronic device switches between an unfolded state and a folded state, the display screen 600 can be bent.

[0044] Optionally, the aforementioned swing arm 200 can be a synchronous swing arm of the hinge assembly. The swing arm 200 can be connected to the first housing 510 or the second housing 520 to ensure that the first housing 510 and the second housing 520 maintain strictly synchronous rotation during unfolding and folding, thus fulfilling the basic functions of the foldable electronic device. The hinge assembly may also include a virtual swing arm, which is used to expand the space for accommodating the display screen 600 and prevent the display screen 600 from being damaged by compression when the electronic device is folded.

[0045] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly, characterized in that, Includes hinge bracket, swing arm, and hinge cover. The hinge bracket includes a connected bracket body and a bearing seat. The bearing seat has a pivot hole. The swing arm is rotatably connected to the bearing seat via a first pivot passing through the pivot hole, so that the hinge assembly can switch between an unfolded state and a folded state. The connection between the bracket body and the bearing seat is located in a first region of the hinge bracket. The hinge cover has a second region facing the first region. At least one of the first region and the second region has a support protrusion. In a drop state, the hinge cover can support the hinge bracket through the support protrusion.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting protrusion is a rigid protrusion, wherein... The rigid protrusion on the first region has a first gap with the second region; and / or, the rigid protrusion on the second region has a second gap with the first region; The dimensions of both the first gap and the second gap in the thickness direction of the hinge bracket are smaller than the preset dimensions.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The supporting protrusion is a metal structure, wherein... The support protrusion on the first region is integrally formed with the hinge bracket; And / or, the support protrusion on the second region is integrally formed with the hinge cover.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting protrusion is an elastic protrusion, wherein... The elastic protrusion on the first region abuts against the second region; And / or, the elastic protrusion on the second region abuts against the first region.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support protrusion is a plastic structure, and at least one of the first region and the second region is provided with a groove and the support protrusion, with a portion of the support protrusion embedded in the groove.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sidewall of the groove is provided with a limiting groove. The support protrusion includes a connected support body and a protrusion. A portion of the support body is embedded in the groove, and the protrusion is embedded in the limiting groove. In the thickness direction of the hinge assembly, the protrusion and the limiting groove are mutually limiting and engaged.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sidewalls of the groove include a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall, and a fourth sidewall connected end to end in sequence. The first sidewall and the third sidewall are arranged opposite each other along the length direction of the hinge assembly, and the second sidewall and the fourth sidewall are arranged opposite each other along the width direction of the hinge assembly. The first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the third sidewall are all provided with the limiting groove. The fourth sidewall is close to the bracket body and is a plane extending along the thickness direction of the hinge assembly.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support protrusion on the first region is a first protrusion, and the side of the first protrusion facing the second region is a plane; and / or, The support protrusion on the second region is a second protrusion, and the side of the second protrusion facing the first region is a plane.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of bearing seats is at least two, and in the width direction of the hinge assembly, each bearing seat is located on opposite sides of the bracket body, wherein... Each of the aforementioned bearing seats has a supporting protrusion in its corresponding first region; and / or, In the width direction of the hinge assembly, at least two support protrusions are provided at intervals on the second region, and each support protrusion corresponds one-to-one with the first region corresponding to each of the bearing seats.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected by the hinge assembly, and the electronic device switches between an unfolded state and a folded state during the mutual rotation of the first housing and the second housing.

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