Hinge base, hinge assembly, and foldable electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a hinge base, a hinge assembly and a foldable electronic device. The hinge base comprises a first support, the first support comprises a plurality of sub-supports arranged separately, and the plurality of sub-supports are distributed along the length direction of the hinge base. One of the two adjacent sub-supports is provided with a connecting plate with an overhanging edge, and the end of the other sub-support is arranged in a stack with the connecting plate and connected by a fastener. Compared with the welding mode of the two adjacent sub-supports in the related art, the sub-supports connected by the fastener in the application will not be affected by the change of the weld width, so that the connection strength between the sub-supports will not be affected. Therefore, while the width of the first support is reduced, the overall impact resistance of the hinge base can be guaranteed, so that the hinge base can meet the use requirements of the hinge assembly in a miniaturized scene.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of hinge assemblies, and more specifically, to a hinge base, a hinge assembly, and a foldable electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Foldable electronic devices typically have two housings connected by a hinge assembly, allowing relative rotation and enabling the device to switch between a folded and unfolded state. The hinge assembly mainly consists of a hinge base and, mounted on the hinge base, a swing arm, a damping mechanism, and a synchronization mechanism. The hinge base itself mainly comprises a first support, a second support, and a hinge cover.

[0003] In related technologies, to better control the dimensional tolerances of the first and second supports along their length, they are typically divided into multiple segments, designed as segmented support units, and manufactured separately. The support units used to form the first support are welded together to form the finished first support, while the support units used to form the second support remain segmented. During the assembly process, the support units of the second support are assembled onto the finished first support.

[0004] As foldable electronic devices become increasingly thinner and smaller, the width of the first and second supports will be strictly limited. A smaller first support will result in shorter welds between support units, reducing the impact resistance of the first support and hinge base, ultimately affecting the reliability of the hinge assembly and the foldable electronic device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a hinge base, a hinge assembly, and a foldable electronic device. The first support of the hinge base is composed of multiple sub-supports that are separated from each other. Adjacent sub-supports are connected by fasteners, so that the first support can reduce its width while ensuring the reliability of the hinge base.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a hinge assembly, including a first bracket, the first bracket including multiple sub-brackets that are separated from each other, the multiple sub-brackets being distributed along the length direction of the hinge base; one of two adjacent sub-brackets is provided with a connecting plate extending outward, and the end of the other is stacked with the connecting plate and connected by fasteners.

[0007] The hinge base of this application includes a first support, which comprises multiple separately arranged sub-supports. One of two adjacent sub-supports is provided with a connecting plate extending outwards, and the end of the other sub-support is stacked with the connecting plate and connected by fasteners. Compared with the method of welding adjacent sub-supports in related technologies, the sub-supports connected by fasteners are not affected by changes in weld width, thus ensuring the overall impact resistance of the hinge base while reducing the width of the first support. This allows the hinge base to meet the requirements of hinge components in miniaturized applications.

[0008] Furthermore, welding permanently connects the sub-supports together. If disassembly is required, a cutting process must be used to damage the welded areas, which not only damages the sub-supports but may also affect their reuse. In contrast, in this application, fasteners such as screws are used to connect the sub-supports, making them detachable and facilitating repair and reuse of components such as the sub-supports.

[0009] In addition, compared to molding the first bracket as a whole, manufacturing the sub-bracket separately can better control the uniformity of the filler and the shrinkage rate during cooling. Therefore, it is possible to better control the processing tolerance. During assembly, it is also easier to control the assembly tolerance by clamping and splicing with a jig. Overall, it can improve the precision of the first bracket, ensure the yield rate, reduce material loss, and thus reduce the production and manufacturing cost.

[0010] In one possible design, adjacent support segments are also connected by welding.

[0011] In addition to being connected by fasteners, adjacent sub-supports are further connected by welding at their joints. This design can further enhance the impact resistance of the first support and the hinge base, ensuring the reliability of the hinge assembly and the foldable electronic device.

[0012] In one possible design, adjacent bracket segments are welded together and then connected by fasteners.

[0013] After welding the sub-bracket, fasteners such as screws are then tightened. This allows for adjustment of the flatness of the surface of the first bracket facing the screen, achieving a flatness of 0.12mm to 0.38mm, thus providing better screen support. Compared to tightening the fasteners first and then welding, this method eliminates the need for post-welding shaping while maintaining roughly the same flatness requirements. It also eliminates the need for customized shaping fixtures, offering advantages such as higher processing efficiency and lower cost.

[0014] In one possible design, the first bracket is used to support the screen and faces one side of the screen. The end surface of the sub-bracket has a recessed area. After two adjacent sub-bracket sections are connected, the recessed areas are spliced ​​to form a recessed groove, and the weld formed after the two adjacent sub-bracket sections are welded is located in the recessed groove.

[0015] The first bracket and the door panel jointly support the bendable area of ​​the screen. Assuming the weld is formed on the side of the first bracket facing the screen, and no groove is designed so that the weld protrudes from the surface of the first bracket, this design prevents effective surface contact between the first bracket and the screen. When the screen is under pressure, it will first come into contact with the weld, causing excessive localized pressure and potentially damaging the screen. However, by designing a groove, the weld is placed within the groove, allowing effective surface contact between the first bracket and the screen. When the screen is under pressure, the pressure can be evenly distributed to the surface of the first bracket, preventing excessive localized pressure on the screen.

[0016] In one possible design, a filler is also provided in the settling tank.

[0017] Adding filler to the groove makes the surface of the first bracket have a larger area of ​​flatness, which can provide better support for the screen.

[0018] In one possible design, the filler includes a gasket that is bonded to the settling tank.

[0019] The filler uses gaskets, which are easier and cheaper to install than other types of fillers such as filler adhesive. The gaskets can be directly glued into the settling tank without the need for dispensing equipment.

[0020] In one possible design, the connecting plate is provided with a through hole, and the end of the sub-bracket stacked with the connecting plate is provided with a mounting hole, through which fasteners pass and are fixed in the mounting hole.

[0021] One sub-bracket has a threaded mounting hole or a plain mounting hole at one end, and the connecting plate of the other sub-bracket has a through hole. If the fastener is a screw, it is screwed directly into the threaded mounting hole after passing through the through hole. If the fastener is a rivet, it is directly glued or snapped into the plain mounting hole after passing through the through hole. In either case, no nut is needed. Therefore, it has the advantages of simple structure and convenient assembly.

[0022] In one possible design, the connecting plate has a groove with a through hole at the bottom, and the end of the sub-support stacked with the connecting plate has a boss that conforms to the groove and is inserted into it. The boss has a mounting hole inside.

[0023] The boss and the groove are shaped and inserted into each other and then locked with fasteners. The outer wall of the boss and the inner wall of the groove can abut against each other, thereby further increasing the contact area between the sub-supports and further enhancing the connection strength between the sub-supports.

[0024] In one possible design, a groove is provided in the center of the connecting plate along the width direction of the hinge base, and a boss is provided in the center of the end of the sub-support that is stacked with the connecting plate.

[0025] First, it facilitates a stable connection between sub-supports in areas with limited width; second, the centrally located groove and boss ensure a balanced force at the connection point of the sub-supports after insertion, guaranteeing connection reliability.

[0026] In one possible design, the mounting hole is a through hole and located at the bottom of the settling tank.

[0027] Since the boss is centered, the mounting hole is also centered at the end of the sub-bracket. The end of the sub-bracket also has a recessed area. In order to ensure the axial length of the mounting hole, so that after the fastener is connected to the mounting hole, the molded base (i.e., the boss) of the fastener and the mounting hole will have more connection area, the mounting hole is designed as a through hole.

[0028] Furthermore, due to the presence of the recess, assuming a screw is used as the fastener, the screw shank can slightly protrude from the mounting hole without bulging out of the surface. This ensures the screw shank won't contact the screen, thus not affecting the first bracket's support effect on the screen. By allowing the screw a certain amount of screw-in clearance while ensuring it doesn't touch the screen, the tightness of the screw on the sub-bracket can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the flatness of the first bracket.

[0029] In one possible design, along the width direction of the hinge base, the connecting plate is provided with two grooves at intervals, and the end of the sub-support stacked with the connecting plate is provided with two bosses at intervals. The bottom of the two grooves is provided with through holes, and the two bosses are provided with mounting holes.

[0030] By securing the sub-supports with two fasteners, the connection strength of the sub-supports can be improved. Furthermore, the two sets of grooves and bosses, after insertion, further increase the contact area between the sub-supports. Under the combined effect of these two factors, the connection strength of the sub-supports is significantly enhanced, thereby increasing the overall strength of the assembled first support.

[0031] In one possible design, the projection of the mounting hole onto the plane of the bottom of the settling tank falls outside the bottom of the settling tank; the mounting hole is a blind hole.

[0032] The bottom of the recessed slot is typically a thinner area on the sub-support compared to other parts. In this embodiment, the projection of the mounting hole onto the plane of the recessed slot bottom falls outside the slot bottom, meaning the mounting hole is located in the non-recessed slot bottom area. In this case, the sub-support has sufficient base thickness to accommodate the mounting hole, ensuring its axial length. As mentioned earlier, increasing the axial length of the mounting hole provides more connection area between the fastener and the mounting hole, thus ensuring the fastener's fixing strength within the mounting hole. After ensuring the fastener's fixing strength within the mounting hole, the mounting hole can be designed as a blind hole, meaning it does not penetrate the sub-support. This avoids compromising the sub-support's structural strength and also ensures the sub-support's support effect on the screen.

[0033] In one possible design, the first bracket includes three mutually separated sub-brackets: a first sub-bracket, a second sub-bracket, and a third sub-bracket. The second sub-bracket has a connecting plate with a centrally located groove along the width of the hinge base, and the first sub-bracket has a centrally located boss at its end facing the second sub-bracket. The third sub-bracket has a connecting plate with two spaced grooves along the width of the hinge base, and the second sub-bracket has two spaced bosses at its end facing the third sub-bracket. The bottom of each of the three grooves has a through hole, and each of the three bosses has a mounting hole.

[0034] In one possible design, the connecting plate and / or boss are provided with weight-reducing grooves.

[0035] By incorporating weight-reducing grooves in the connecting plates and bosses of the sub-support, excess material can be removed, thereby reducing the weight of the sub-support. Furthermore, the weight-reducing grooves alter the force flow lines of the sub-support, resulting in a more uniform stress distribution and preventing stress concentration caused by abrupt changes in structural shape and size.

[0036] In one possible design, the bottom of the settling tank is provided with a connecting hole for fixing the connecting parts, and the connecting hole is a through hole.

[0037] After the sub-supports are assembled to form the first support, the first support also needs to be assembled with the second support. Specifically, the second support has through holes through which screws, rivets, and other connectors pass and are fixed in connecting holes, thus achieving the assembly and fixation of the first and second supports. These connecting holes are also located at the bottom of the settling tank and are through holes, allowing for a larger contact area between the connectors and the molded substrate of the connecting hole, thereby ensuring the fixing strength of the connectors within the connecting hole.

[0038] In one possible design, the hinge base also includes a second bracket and a shaft cover. The first bracket, the second bracket, and the shaft cover are stacked in sequence. The sub-bracket has a convex arc surface, and the second bracket has a concave arc surface. The convex and concave arc surfaces surround and form an arc-shaped groove for mounting the swing arm.

[0039] In one possible design, the hinge base also includes a bearing cap, a first bracket and the bearing cap stacked together, and a sub-bracket having an integrally formed arcuate groove for mounting the swing arm.

[0040] There is no need to add a second bracket or form an arc-shaped groove by using a second bracket. The arc-shaped groove is integrally formed when processing the sub-bracket. This can save the cost of components such as the second bracket. Furthermore, since the second bracket is eliminated, it is beneficial to reduce the size in the thickness direction of the hinge base, which makes it easier to achieve a thinner and lighter design of the hinge assembly.

[0041] In one possible design, the hinge base also includes a bearing cap, a first bracket and a bearing cap stacked together, the sub-bracket having a convex arc surface and the bearing cap having a concave arc surface, the convex and concave arc surfaces enclosing each other to form an arc-shaped groove for mounting the swing arm.

[0042] Instead of adding a second bracket and using it to enclose and form the arc-shaped groove, the concave arc surface originally designed on the second bracket is transferred to the shaft cover. The arc-shaped groove is formed by the concave arc surface on the shaft cover and the convex arc surface on the sub-bracket. This also saves the cost of components such as the second bracket. Furthermore, by eliminating the second bracket, it is possible to reduce the size of the hinge base in the thickness direction, thus making it easier to achieve a thinner and lighter design for the hinge assembly.

[0043] Secondly, this application also provides a hinge assembly, including a door panel, a swing arm, and a hinge base of any one of the above, wherein the swing arm is rotatably connected to the hinge base, and two door panels are distributed on both sides of the hinge base along the width direction of the hinge base.

[0044] The hinge assembly in this application includes the aforementioned hinge base, which comprises a first bracket formed by splicing multiple sub-brackets. One of two adjacent sub-brackets is provided with a connecting plate extending from its edge, and the end of the other is stacked with the connecting plate and connected by fasteners. Compared to the method of welding adjacent sub-brackets in related technologies, the sub-brackets connected by fasteners are not affected by changes in weld width, thus maintaining the connection strength between the sub-brackets. Therefore, while reducing the width of the first bracket, the overall impact resistance of the hinge base can be guaranteed, enabling the hinge base to meet the requirements for use in miniaturized hinge assemblies. Furthermore, welding permanently connects the sub-brackets together. If disassembly is required, a cutting process must be used to damage the welded area, which not only damages the sub-brackets but may also affect their reuse. In contrast, in this application, fasteners such as screws are used to connect the sub-brackets, making the sub-brackets detachable and facilitating repair and reuse of sub-brackets and other components. In addition, compared to molding the first bracket as a whole, manufacturing the sub-bracket separately can better control the uniformity of the filler and the shrinkage rate during cooling. Therefore, it is possible to better control the processing tolerance. During assembly, it is also easier to control the assembly tolerance by clamping and splicing with a jig. Overall, it can improve the precision of the first bracket, ensure the yield rate, reduce material loss, and thus reduce the production and manufacturing cost.

[0045] Thirdly, this application also provides a foldable electronic device, including a housing, a screen, and a hinge assembly of any of the above, wherein the hinge assembly is connected between two housings, and the screen is disposed on one side of the hinge assembly and the two housings.

[0046] The foldable electronic device of this application includes the aforementioned hinge assembly. The hinge base of the hinge assembly includes a first bracket formed by splicing multiple sub-brackets. One of two adjacent sub-brackets is provided with a connecting plate extending outwards, and the end of the other is stacked with the connecting plate and connected by fasteners. Compared with the welding method of adjacent sub-brackets in related technologies, the sub-brackets connected by fasteners are not affected by changes in weld width, thus the connection strength between the sub-brackets is not affected. Therefore, while the width of the first bracket is reduced, the overall impact resistance of the hinge base can still be guaranteed, enabling the hinge base to meet the requirements of the hinge assembly in miniaturization scenarios and adapt to the development trend of foldable electronic devices towards thinner and smaller designs. In addition, using fasteners such as screws to connect the sub-brackets makes the sub-brackets detachable, facilitating rework and reuse of sub-brackets and other components. It also allows for better control of processing tolerances. During assembly, the splicing can be controlled by jigs, making it easier to control assembly tolerances. Overall, it can improve the precision of the first bracket, ensure yield rate, reduce material loss, and thus reduce the overall manufacturing cost of foldable electronic devices. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the foldable phone provided in this application embodiment in a flattened state;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the foldable phone provided in the embodiment of this application in the folded state;

[0049] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the screen and casing of the foldable phone provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Exploded view of the hinge assembly in the image;

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge base provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Exploded view of the hinge base in the image;

[0054] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Sectional view of AA;

[0055] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the first bracket provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the first support structure from another perspective;

[0057] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Exploded view of the first support structure;

[0058] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 An exploded view of the first support structure from another perspective;

[0059] Figure 13 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of point B1 in the image;

[0060] Figure 14 yes Figure 10 Enlarged view at point B2;

[0061] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 A schematic diagram showing the filling material placed in the settling tank;

[0062] Figure 16 yes Figure 11 Enlarged view at B3;

[0063] Figure 17 yes Figure 12 Enlarged view at B4 in the middle;

[0064] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 Sectional view of DD;

[0065] Figure 19 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of point C1;

[0066] Figure 20 yes Figure 10 Enlarged view of point C2 in the middle;

[0067] Figure 21 yes Figure 11 Enlarged view of point C3 in the middle;

[0068] Figure 22 yes Figure 12 Enlarged view of point C4 in the middle;

[0069] Figure 23 yes Figure 21 A top-down perspective view of the first support;

[0070] Figure 24 yes Figure 21 Sectional view of EE;

[0071] Figure 25 yes Figure 19 A schematic diagram showing the filling material placed in the settling tank;

[0072] Figure 26 This is an exploded view of another example of the first support provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0073] Figure 27 This is an exploded view of another example of the first support provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0074] Figure 28 This is an exploded view of another example of the first support provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0075] Figure 29 This is an exploded view of another example of the first support provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0076] Figure 30 This is an exploded view of another example of the hinge base provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0077] Figure 31 yes Figure 30 Enlarged view at point F;

[0078] Figure 32 This is an exploded view of another example of the hinge base provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0079] Figure 33 yes Figure 32 Enlarged view of point G in the middle;

[0080] Figure 34 This is an exploded view of another example of the hinge base provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0081] Figure 35 This is a schematic flowchart of the manufacturing method of the first bracket provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0082] Figure label:

[0083] 10. First bracket; 11. Sub-bracket; 111. Connecting plate; 112. Through hole; 113. Mounting hole; 114. Groove; 115. Boss; 116. Sunken area; 117. Sink; 118. Weld; 119. Weight reduction groove; 12. Fastener; 13. Filler; 14. Arc-shaped groove; 141. Convex arc surface; 142. Concave arc surface; 15. Connecting hole;

[0084] 11a. First sub-support; 11b. Second sub-support; 11c. Third sub-support;

[0085] 20. Second support;

[0086] 30. Shaft cover;

[0087] 100. Hinge base; 200. Door panel; 300. Swing arm;

[0088] 1000, Hinge assembly; 2000, Housing; 3000, Screen. Detailed Implementation

[0089] The following are exemplary descriptions of relevant content that may be involved in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0090] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0091] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "side", "inner", "outer", "top", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the installation orientation or positional relationship, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0092] It should also be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same component or part. For the same part in the embodiments of this application, the reference numerals may only be used to mark one part or part as an example in the figure. It should be understood that the reference numerals are also applicable to other identical parts or parts.

[0093] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0094] Flexible screens, with their bendable properties, are currently used in foldable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, game consoles, and wearable devices. These devices can increase display size without increasing overall volume, while also maintaining a high screen-to-body ratio and high resolution. For example, a foldable phone can be folded to the size of a traditional phone, making it easy to carry and store, while unfolding it can have the display size of a tablet, providing a larger screen area and improving the user's viewing and operating experience. These features make foldable electronic devices very popular with consumers.

[0095] The following description uses a foldable mobile phone as an example to illustrate the technical solution. It should be understood that in other embodiments provided in this application, the foldable electronic device can also be a foldable tablet computer, a foldable handheld game console, a foldable e-reader, a foldable wearable device, etc., and can also be other foldable electronic devices with foldable functionality that require optimized hinge component design.

[0096] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the foldable mobile phone provided in the embodiment of this application in a flattened state. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the foldable mobile phone provided in the embodiment of this application in the folded state. Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the screen 3000 and the housing 2000 of the foldable mobile phone provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0097] Furthermore, for the convenience of describing the embodiments below, an XYZ coordinate system is established for the foldable phone. Specifically, the extension direction of the rotation axis of the foldable phone is defined as the Y direction, the thickness direction of the foldable phone is defined as the Z direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the Y and Z directions is defined as the X direction. In addition, the Y direction can also be represented as the length direction of the hinge base 100 mentioned in the later embodiments, while the Z direction is the thickness direction of the hinge base 100, and the X direction is the width direction of the hinge base 100.

[0098] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the foldable phone in this embodiment includes a housing 2000, a screen 3000, and a hinge assembly 1000. The hinge assembly 1000 connects two housings 2000, and the screen 3000 is disposed above the hinge assembly 1000 and the two housings 2000. The two side edges of the screen 3000 are fixedly connected to the two housings 2000, for example, by adhesive bonding. The screen 3000 can be a flexible screen that is entirely foldable, or it can be a combination of a flexible screen and a rigid screen. Specifically, the central area of ​​the screen 3000 is a foldable flexible screen, and the side areas are rigid screens. This application does not limit this aspect.

[0099] The housing 2000 includes a mid-frame and a back cover (or battery cover). The back cover, mid-frame, and screen 3000 together form an inner cavity for housing functional components. The housing 2000 supports the screen 3000 and protects the internal components of the foldable phone. The housing 2000 can be made of resin or metal and has high rigidity, allowing it to stably support the screen 3000.

[0100] In addition, foldable phones may also include: a processor, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a charging management module, a power management module, a battery, a microphone, a mobile communication module, an antenna, a wireless communication module, an audio module, a headphone jack, a sensor module, buttons, and a subscriber identification module (SIM) card interface, among other functional components. These functional components can be housed within the cavity formed by the back cover, the mid-frame, and the screen.

[0101] A processor may include one or more processing units. For example, a processor may include an application processor (AP), a modem processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, memory, a video codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), a baseband processor, a neural network processing unit (NPU), etc. Different processing units may be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors.

[0102] A USB port is an interface that conforms to the USB standard specification, specifically including Mini USB, Micro USB, and USB Type-C ports. A USB port can be used to connect a charger to charge a foldable phone, and also for transferring data between the foldable phone and peripheral devices. It can also be used to connect headphones for audio playback. This port can also be used to connect other electronic devices, such as projectors and game controllers.

[0103] Mobile communication modules can provide wireless communication solutions, including 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G, for use in foldable phones. Wireless communication modules can provide solutions for foldable phones, including wireless local area networks (WLAN), Bluetooth (BT), global navigation satellite system (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), near field communication (NFC), and infrared (IR) technologies.

[0104] These functional components can be modified according to user needs. It is understood that the specific embodiments described above are only one specific implementation of this application. Other ways to implement the solution of this application are also within the scope of protection of this application, and will not be elaborated here.

[0105] The hinge assembly 1000 and the housing 2000 cooperate to support the screen 3000, and the hinge assembly 1000 can deform as the two housings 2000 are folded or flattened, and prevent the two housings 2000 from detaching.

[0106] The two housings 2000 can be folded or unfolded, giving the foldable phone provided in this embodiment multiple modes to meet user needs in different scenarios. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the two shells 2000 can be folded together so that the screens 3000 can fit together, allowing the foldable phone to switch to a closed mode. At this time, the foldable phone has a smaller volume, making it easier for users to store and carry it.

[0107] Each of the two housings 2000 has a magnet located away from the hinge assembly 1000. When the two housings 2000 are in the folded state, the magnets on the two housings 2000 attract each other, which can prevent the two housings 2000 from opening accidentally and ensure that the foldable phone remains closed during storage and carrying.

[0108] The two housings 2000 can be in a state between folding and unfolding, for example, forming an angle of 90 to 120 degrees between them, so that the foldable phone can be switched to a usage mode that allows it to be placed on a table. In this case, one housing 2000 and its screen 3000 can face the user, while the other housing 2000 is placed on a shelf, desk, or other surface, and the other housing 2000 acts like a counterweight base to ensure the stability of the foldable phone.

[0109] The two housings 2000 can also be flattened relative to each other, for example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the two housings form a 180-degree angle between them, enabling a large-screen display that provides users with richer information and a better user experience.

[0110] It is understandable that when a user holds a foldable phone, the position of the earpiece module can be defined as the top of the foldable phone, the position of the microphone module can be defined as the bottom of the foldable phone, and the two sides of the foldable phone held by the user's left and right hands can be defined as the left and right sides of the foldable phone.

[0111] In some embodiments provided in this application, the two housings 2000 are arranged vertically, enabling the foldable phone to fold vertically. In other embodiments provided in this application, the two housings 2000 are arranged horizontally, enabling the foldable phone to fold horizontally, for example, as... Figure 2 The situation is shown below.

[0112] In the foldable phone provided in this application embodiment, taking a two-fold structure as an example, the foldable phone includes two housings 2000 and a hinge assembly 1000 connecting the two housings 2000; the two housings 2000 can rotate towards each other and stack on top of each other with the screens 3000 touching each other, so that the foldable phone presents a two-layer shape, i.e. Figure 2 The situation is shown below.

[0113] In another embodiment of this application, the foldable phone may also have a structure of three or more folds, i.e., the foldable phone includes three or more housings 2000, and two adjacent housings 2000 are connected by a hinge assembly 1000. Two adjacent housings 2000 can rotate relative to each other to stack on top of each other or rotate back to back to flatten out. When the foldable phone has a structure of three or more folds, the hinge assembly 1000 used in the foldable phone can be adapted to the description of the two-fold structure in this embodiment, and will not be described again in this application.

[0114] The hinge assembly 1000 used in the foldable mobile phone in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge assembly 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Exploded view of hinge assembly 1000 in the image.

[0115] like Figures 4-5 As shown, the hinge assembly 1000 in this embodiment includes a door panel 200 and a hinge base 100. Furthermore, the hinge assembly 1000 may also include a swing arm, a connecting block, a damping mechanism, a synchronization mechanism, etc. It should be noted that since the swing arm, connecting block, damping mechanism, synchronization mechanism, etc., are not the focus of this application, these components are not the main technical content. Figure 5 It was omitted and not drawn.

[0116] Continue as Figure 5 As shown, there are two door panels 200, located on either side of the hinge base 100 in the width direction and arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the hinge base 100. The door panels 200 and the hinge base 100 together support the central area of ​​the screen 3000, or the bendable area of ​​the screen 3000.

[0117] Each door panel 200 is connected to one or more connecting blocks. The connecting blocks, as intermediate components, are mainly used to connect the door panel 200, the swing arm, the mobile phone housing 2000, etc. There are multiple swing arms, which are arranged in pairs on both sides of the hinge base 100. The swing arms are rotatably connected to the hinge base 100. When the swing arm rotates around the hinge base 100, it can synchronously drive the door panel 200, the connecting block, and the mobile phone housing 2000 connected to the swing arm on the same side to rotate around the hinge base 100.

[0118] The synchronization mechanism, for example, mainly consists of two synchronizing gears and two idler gears. The two synchronizing gears mesh with the two idler gears. The swing arms on both sides of the hinge base 100 are connected to the two synchronizing gears for transmission. When either swing arm rotates relative to the hinge base 100, it drives the corresponding synchronizing gear to rotate. This synchronizing gear then transmits torque through the two idler gears, driving the other synchronizing gear to rotate, thus causing the other swing arm to rotate synchronously. This achieves synchronous rotation of the two swing arms, thereby enabling the synchronous folding or unfolding of the two side shells 2000. The synchronization mechanism can also be implemented in other ways, such as using a synchronizing slider and a helical groove. This application does not limit the specific form of the synchronization mechanism.

[0119] The damping mechanism mainly consists of two damping cams, a cam support, and an elastic element. The cam support compresses the elastic element onto the hinge base 100 or other support. The cam support has two driven cams, which mesh with the two damping cams respectively. The swing arms on both sides of the hinge base 100 are fixedly connected to the two damping cams respectively. When the swing arms on both sides rotate relative to the hinge base 100, the swing arms drive the corresponding damping cams to rotate. The protrusions of the damping cams press against the protrusions of the driven cams, and the cam support presses against the elastic element. When the protrusions of the damping cams slide past the protrusions of the driven cams and enter the next groove, the cam support, under the elastic force of the elastic element, causes the driven cams and damping cams to re-mesh. This process continues, and by continuously rotating the swing arms, the damping cams and driven cams can be continuously separated and meshed, thereby achieving the damping and hovering effect of the swing arms, and thus achieving the damping and hovering effect of the two side housings 2000. Similarly, the damping mechanism can also be implemented in other forms, such as an external damping mechanism mounted on the swing arm. This application does not limit the specific form of the damping mechanism.

[0120] The hinge base 100 mainly provides direct or indirect support for components such as the door panel 200, swing arm, connecting block, damping mechanism, and synchronization mechanism, and also provides installation positions for some components. The hinge base 100 used in the hinge assembly 1000 of this application embodiment will be described in detail below. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge base 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Exploded view of hinge base 100 in the diagram. Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Sectional view of AA.

[0121] like Figures 6-8 As shown, the hinge base 100 in this embodiment may include a first bracket 10, a second bracket 20, and a shaft cover 30 that are spliced ​​together, with the first bracket 10, the second bracket 20, and the shaft cover 30 stacked sequentially. As mentioned earlier, the door panel 200 and the hinge base 100 jointly support the bendable area of ​​the screen 3000, specifically by the door panel 200 and the first bracket 10 jointly supporting the bendable area of ​​the screen 3000.

[0122] The first bracket 10 has a convex arc surface 141, and the second bracket 20 has a concave arc surface 142. After the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 20 are assembled together, for example, by bolts and screw holes, the convex arc surface 141 of the first bracket 10 and the concave arc surface 142 of the second bracket 20 form an arc-shaped sliding groove 14. The swing arm 300 has an arc-shaped slider, which is slidably connected in the arc-shaped sliding groove 14, thereby realizing the rotational connection between the swing arm 300 and the hinge base 100. The shaft cover 30 is the outermost component of the hinge assembly 1000, which can protect, shield, and decorate the internal components of the hinge assembly 1000.

[0123] As described above, the hinge assembly 1000 also includes a synchronization mechanism and a damping mechanism. The hinge base 100 can provide an installation position for the damping mechanism and the synchronization mechanism. The specific design scheme is as follows: the first bracket 10 and / or the second bracket 20 are provided with installation slots or notches. After the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 20 are spliced ​​and assembled, these installation slots or notches form an installation position or installation space for installing the synchronization gear and idler wheel of the synchronization mechanism, as well as the cam bracket and elastic element of the damping mechanism.

[0124] Therefore, after the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 20 are assembled, they need to provide installation positions for the swing arm 300, the damping mechanism, and the synchronization mechanism. This places high demands on the dimensional tolerances of the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 20. Furthermore, since the swing arm 300, the damping mechanism, and the synchronization mechanism are usually arranged along the length of the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 20, the dimensional tolerances of the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 20 in the length direction are particularly important.

[0125] In related technologies, the first and second supports are usually manufactured as a single piece by die casting. However, due to the uniformity of the filler material of the frame and the difficulty in controlling the shrinkage rate of the finished support during cooling, the shape stability and finished size of the first and second supports are affected, making it difficult for the first and second supports to meet the dimensional tolerance requirements in the length direction.

[0126] To address the aforementioned issues, some technical solutions typically involve dividing the first and second supports into multiple segments along their length, designing them as segmented support units for separate processing. The support units constituting the first support are welded together to form the finished first support, while the support units constituting the second support remain segmented. During the assembly process, the support units of the second support are assembled onto the finished first support. Compared to integrally molding the first and second supports, processing the support units separately allows for better control over the uniformity of the filler and the shrinkage rate during cooling, thus enabling better control of dimensional tolerances and resulting in a more precise hinge base.

[0127] However, as foldable phones become increasingly thinner and smaller, the hinge components need to be more compact, especially the first and second brackets that form the hinge base. The width of these brackets is severely limited. A smaller width for the first bracket results in shorter welds between the bracket units, weakening the connection strength between them. This reduces the impact resistance of the hinge base, ultimately affecting the reliability of the hinge assembly and the foldable phone.

[0128] In view of this, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a hinge base, a hinge assembly, and a foldable electronic device. The first support of the hinge base is composed of multiple sub-supports that are separated from each other. Adjacent sub-supports are connected by fasteners, so that the first support can reduce its width while ensuring the reliability of the hinge base.

[0129] The hinge base and the first bracket in the embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0130] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the first support 10 provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the first support 10 from another perspective. Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Exploded view of the first support 10 in the middle. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 An exploded view of the first support 10 from another perspective.

[0131] like Figures 9-10As shown, the hinge base 100 in this embodiment includes a first support 10, which includes multiple segments of mutually separated sub-supports 11. The multiple segments of sub-supports 11 are distributed along the length direction of the hinge base 100, and adjacent segments of sub-supports 11 are connected by fasteners 12.

[0132] In this application, the number of segments of the first support 10 is not limited; the first support 10 can be divided into two, three, four, or other segments along its length. For ease of explanation, the following description will take the first support 10 divided into three sub-supports 11 as an example.

[0133] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, the first support 10 includes three mutually separated sub-supports 11, respectively named the first sub-support 11a, the second sub-support 11b, and the third sub-support 11c. The first sub-support 11a, the second sub-support 11b, and the third sub-support 11c are distributed along the length direction of the hinge base 100. The length direction of the hinge base 100 can be understood as... Figure 11 in the Y direction.

[0134] Figure 13 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of point B1 in the image. Figure 14 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of section B2. (See image below.) Figures 13-14 As shown, taking the adjacent first sub-bracket 11a and second sub-bracket 11b as an example, the second sub-bracket 11b is provided with a connecting plate 111 extending outwards. The end of the first sub-bracket 11a and the connecting plate 111 of the second sub-bracket 11b are stacked and fixedly connected by fasteners 12.

[0135] When connecting the first sub-bracket 11a and the second sub-bracket 11b using fasteners 12, several technical solutions are available. For example, the end of the first sub-bracket 11a and the connecting plate 111 of the second sub-bracket 11b can each have through holes 112. The fasteners 12 can be bolts and nuts. After the bolts pass through the through holes 112 on both sides, the nuts are tightened, thereby locking the end of the first sub-bracket 11a to the connecting plate 111 of the second sub-bracket 11b. Alternatively, the connecting plate 111 of the second sub-bracket 11b can have through holes 112, and the end of the first sub-bracket 11a can be connected to the connecting plate 111 of the second sub-bracket 11b. The end has a threaded mounting hole 113. The fastener 12 is a screw. The screw passes through the through hole 112 of the connecting plate 111 and is screwed into the threaded mounting hole 113 of the first sub-bracket 11a. Alternatively, the connecting plate 111 of the second sub-bracket 11b has a through hole 112, and the end of the first sub-bracket 11a has a plain mounting hole 113. The fastener 12 is a rivet. The rivet passes through the through hole 112 of the connecting plate 111 and is fixed in the mounting hole 113 of the first sub-bracket 11a by adhesive bonding or interference fit.

[0136] When the second sub-bracket 11b and the third sub-bracket 11c are connected by fasteners 12, the connection technology can be the same as or different from that between the first sub-bracket 11a and the second sub-bracket 11b. For details, please refer to the embodiments described later.

[0137] The hinge base 100 in this embodiment includes a first support 10, which comprises multiple separately arranged sub-supports 11. One of two adjacent sub-supports 11 is provided with a connecting plate 111 extending outward, and the end of the other sub-support is stacked with the connecting plate 111 and connected by a fastener 12. Compared with the method of welding adjacent sub-supports 11 in related technologies, the sub-supports 11 connected by the fastener 12 are not affected by changes in the weld width, thus ensuring the overall impact resistance of the hinge base 100 while reducing the width of the first support 10. This allows the hinge base 100 to meet the requirements of the hinge assembly 1000 in miniaturized applications.

[0138] Furthermore, welding permanently connects the sub-supports 11 together. If disassembly is required, a cutting process must be used to damage the welded parts, which will not only damage the sub-supports 11 but may also affect its reuse. In contrast, in this application, if fasteners 12 such as screws are used to connect the sub-supports 11, the sub-supports 11 are detachable, which allows for easy repair and reuse of components such as the sub-supports 11.

[0139] In addition, compared with the first bracket 10 being integrally molded, the separately manufactured sub-bracket 11 can better control the uniformity of the filler and the shrinkage rate during cooling. Therefore, the processing tolerance can be better controlled. During assembly, it is also easier to control the assembly tolerance by clamping and splicing with a jig. Overall, it can improve the precision of the first bracket 10, ensure the yield rate, reduce material loss, and thus reduce the production and manufacturing cost.

[0140] To further improve the connection strength between two adjacent support segments 11, continue as follows: Figure 13 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, the adjacent first sub-support 11a and second sub-support 11b are also connected by welding. Similarly, the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c are also connected by welding.

[0141] In this embodiment, in addition to being connected by fasteners 12, adjacent sub-supports 11 are further connected by welding at the splice points. This design can further enhance the impact resistance of the first support 10 and the hinge base 100, and ensure the reliability of the hinge assembly 1000 and the foldable phone.

[0142] Continue as Figure 13 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, on the side facing the screen 3000, the end surfaces of the first sub-support 11a and the second sub-support 11b are respectively provided with recessed areas 116. The recessed areas 116 can be understood as areas below the surface, or as inwardly recessed areas. After the first sub-support 11a and the second sub-support 11b are connected, their respective recessed areas 116 are joined to form a recessed groove 117, and the weld 118 formed after the first sub-support 11a and the second sub-support 11b are welded is located in the recessed groove 117.

[0143] In this embodiment, a recessed area 116 is provided on the end surface of the sub-support 11, so that two adjacent sub-support sections 11 can be spliced ​​to form a recessed groove 117, and the weld 118 formed after welding two adjacent sub-support sections 11 is located in the recessed groove 117, thereby preventing the weld 118 from protruding outward from the surface of the first support 10, thus preventing adverse support effect on the screen 3000. To understand this advantage, a specific scenario will be used as an example, as follows.

[0144] As mentioned earlier, the first bracket 10 and the door panel 200 jointly support the bendable area of ​​the screen 3000. Assuming the weld 118 is formed on the side of the first bracket 10 facing the screen 3000, and without a recess 117, the weld 118 protrudes beyond the surface of the first bracket 10, the first bracket 10 and the screen 3000 will not achieve effective surface contact. When the screen 3000 is under pressure, it will first come into contact with the weld 118, causing excessive local pressure and potentially damaging the screen 3000. However, by designing the recess 117, the weld 118 is placed within the recess 117, allowing effective surface contact between the first bracket 10 and the screen 3000. When the screen 3000 is under pressure, the pressure can be evenly distributed to the surface of the first bracket 10, preventing excessive local pressure on the screen 3000.

[0145] The first sub-support 11a and the second sub-support 11b have a groove 117 on one side for supporting the screen 3000. In order to avoid the groove 117 from forming a sharp "blade" structure, and thus to avoid the groove 117 from cutting or piercing the screen 3000, the groove 117 is optionally designed with a rounded chamfer.

[0146] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a filler 13 installed in a settling tank 117.

[0147] like Figure 15 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, a filler 13 is also provided in the settling tank 117. Optionally, the filler 13 may be a filler adhesive, a gasket, etc.

[0148] In this embodiment, a filler 13 is added to the sink 117 so that the surface of the first bracket 10 has a larger area of ​​flatness, and the larger area of ​​flatness can provide better support for the screen 3000.

[0149] In one embodiment provided in this application, the filler 13 includes a gasket that is bonded to the sink 117.

[0150] In this embodiment, the selection of filler 13 is further specified. The filler 13 is a gasket. Compared with other types of fillers 13 such as filler glue, it is more convenient to install the gasket and the cost is lower. The gasket can be directly glued into the sink 117 without the need for dispensing equipment.

[0151] Alternatively, the gasket material used may be polyethylene glycol terephthalate (PET), and sheets made of this material, also known as Mylar sheets, have superior surface smoothness, transparency and mechanical flexibility.

[0152] Alternatively, the gasket material can also be a polymer material such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer (EVA), polycarbonate (PC), paraformaldehyde (POM), and polyurethane (PU).

[0153] The following section will focus on the specific technical solution for connecting two adjacent bracket segments 11 using fasteners 12.

[0154] Continue as Figures 13-14 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, the connecting plate 111 of the second sub-bracket 11b is provided with a through hole 112, and the end of the first sub-bracket 11a is provided with a mounting hole 113. The fastener 12 passes through the through hole 112 and is fixed in the mounting hole 113.

[0155] As mentioned earlier, when connecting the two sub-brackets 11 using fasteners 12, through holes 112 can be made on the first sub-bracket 11a and the second sub-bracket 11b respectively. The fasteners 12 are bolts and nuts. After the bolts pass through the through holes 112 on both sides, the nuts are tightened to lock the first sub-bracket 11a and the second sub-bracket 11b. However, this assembly method is not very convenient. In contrast, in this embodiment, the end of the first sub-bracket 11a is provided with a threaded mounting hole 113 or a plain mounting hole 113. The connecting plate 111 of the second sub-bracket 11b is provided with through holes 112. If the fasteners 12 are screws, they pass through the through holes 112 and are directly screwed into the threaded mounting holes 113. If the fasteners 12 are rivets, they pass through the through holes 112 and are directly glued or snapped into the plain mounting holes 113. In either case, nuts are not required. Therefore, it has the advantages of simple structure and convenient assembly.

[0156] Figure 16 yes Figure 11 Enlarged view of section B3. Figure 17 yes Figure 12 Enlarged view of section B4 in the middle.

[0157] like Figures 16-17 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, the connecting plate 111 of the second sub-bracket 11b is provided with a groove 114, the bottom of the groove 114 is provided with a through hole 112, the end of the first sub-bracket 11a is provided with a boss 115, the boss 115 conforms to the groove 114 and is inserted into it, and the boss 115 is provided with a mounting hole 113.

[0158] In this embodiment, a boss 115 is added to the end of the first sub-support 11a, and a groove 114 is opened in the connecting plate 111 of the second sub-support 11b. The boss 115 and the groove 114 are shaped and inserted into each other and then locked by fasteners 12. The outer wall of the boss 115 and the inner wall of the groove 114 can abut against each other, thereby further increasing the contact area between the first sub-support 11a and the connecting plate 111, so as to further enhance the connection strength between the first sub-support 11a and the second sub-support 11b.

[0159] Furthermore, the mounting hole 113 is located on the boss 115, which increases the axial length of the mounting hole 113. As a result, after the fastener 12 is connected to the mounting hole 113, the molded base (i.e., the boss 115) of the fastener 12 and the mounting hole 113 will have more connection area, thereby ensuring the fixing strength of the fastener 12 on the first sub-support 11a, and thus ensuring the connection strength between the first sub-support 11a and the second sub-support 11b.

[0160] Optionally, the number of bosses 115 on the sub-bracket 11 and the number of grooves 114 on the connecting plate 111 are not limited, as long as the bosses 115 and grooves 114 are compatible. For example, the number of bosses 115 and grooves 114 can be one, two, or three, etc. Correspondingly, the number of fasteners 12 is also not limited, as long as the number of fasteners 12 is consistent with the number of bosses 115 or grooves 114.

[0161] When there is only one boss 115 and one groove 114, there are requirements for the specific positions of the boss 115 and the groove 114, as shown in the following embodiments.

[0162] Continue as Figure 17 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, along the width direction of the hinge base 100, a groove 114 is centrally provided on the connecting plate 111 of the second sub-support 11b, and a boss 115 is centrally provided at the end of the first sub-support 11a. The width direction of the hinge base 100 is... Figure 17 The X direction in the equation.

[0163] In this embodiment, the groove 114 and the boss 115 are centrally located. This can be understood as follows: in the Y direction, the center lines of the groove 114, the boss 115, and the hinge base 100 overlap, or approximately overlap, allowing for an error within ±1mm in the X direction. This design serves two purposes: first, it facilitates a stable connection between the sub-supports 11 in areas with limited width; second, the centrally located groove 114 and boss 115, after insertion, ensure force balance at the connection point between the first sub-support 11a and the second sub-support 11b, guaranteeing connection reliability.

[0164] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 A sectional view of DD.

[0165] like Figure 18 As shown, and in combination Figure 13 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, the mounting hole 113 is a through hole and is located at the bottom of the settling tank 117.

[0166] In this embodiment, since the boss 115 is centrally located, the mounting hole 113 is also centrally located at the end of the first sub-bracket 11a. The end of the first sub-bracket 11a also has a recessed area 116. In order to ensure the axial length of the mounting hole 113, so that after the fastener 12 is connected to the mounting hole 113, the molded base (i.e., the boss 115) of the fastener 12 and the mounting hole 113 will have more connection area, the mounting hole 113 is designed as a through hole.

[0167] In addition, such as Figure 18 As shown, assuming a screw is used as the fastener 12, when the shank of the fastener 12 is screwed into the mounting hole 113, due to the presence of the countersunk groove 117, the shank can slightly protrude from the mounting hole 113 without protruding from the surfaces of the first sub-bracket 11a and the second sub-bracket 11b. Therefore, the screw shank will not contact the screen 3000, thus not affecting the support effect of the first bracket 10 on the screen 3000. This design, while ensuring that the fastener 12 does not touch the screen 3000, allows for a certain screw-in allowance, thereby enabling adjustment of the tightness of the fastener 12 on the first sub-bracket 11a and the second sub-bracket 11b, and thus adjusting the flatness of the first bracket 10.

[0168] As mentioned earlier, the technical solution for connecting the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c via fasteners 12 can be the same as or different from the technical solution for connecting the first sub-support 11a and the second sub-support 11b. If they are different, the main difference lies in the number of bosses 115, grooves 114, and fasteners 12, as detailed in the following embodiments.

[0169] Figure 19 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of point C1. Figure 20 yes Figure 10 Enlarged view of point C2 in the middle. Figure 21 yes Figure 11 Enlarged view of point C3 in the middle. Figure 22 yes Figure 12 Enlarged view of point C4 in the middle.

[0170] like Figures 19-22 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, the third sub-support 11c is provided with a connecting plate 111. Along the width direction of the hinge base 100, the connecting plate 111 of the third sub-support 11c is provided with two grooves 114 spaced apart. The end of the second sub-support 11b facing the third sub-support 11c is provided with two bosses 115 spaced apart. The bottom of each groove 114 is provided with a through hole 112, and each of the two bosses 115 is provided with a mounting hole 113. Two fasteners 12 pass through the corresponding through holes 112 and are fixed in the corresponding mounting holes 113. The width direction of the hinge base 100 is... Figure 22 The X direction in the equation.

[0171] In this embodiment, the connection strength between the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c is improved by securing them together with two fasteners 12. Furthermore, the two sets of grooves 114 and bosses 115, after insertion, further increase the contact area between the connecting plates 111 of the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c. Under this dual effect, the connection strength between the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c is sufficiently enhanced, thereby increasing the overall strength of the assembled first support 10.

[0172] Continue as Figures 19-20 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c are also respectively provided with a sunken area 116. When the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c are connected, the sunken areas 116 are spliced ​​to form a sinkhole 117. The second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c are also welded together and the weld 118 is located in the sinkhole 117.

[0173] Continue as Figures 21-22 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, the bottom of the sink 117 is provided with a connecting hole 15 for fixing the connector, and the connecting hole 15 is a through hole.

[0174] In this embodiment, after the first sub-support 11a, the second sub-support 11b, and the third sub-support 11c are assembled to form the first support 10, the first support 10 also needs to be assembled with the second support 20. Specifically, the second support 20 is provided with a through hole 112. After screws, rivets, and other connecting parts pass through the through hole 112 of the second support 20, they are fixed in the connecting hole 15, thereby realizing the assembly and fixation of the first support 10 and the second support 20.

[0175] The connecting hole 15 is also located at the bottom of the sink 117 and is a through hole, which allows the connecting part and the molding base of the connecting hole 15 to have more connection area, thereby ensuring the fixing strength of the connecting part in the connecting hole 15.

[0176] Continue as Figure 22 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, the connecting plate 111 of the third sub-support 11c and the boss 115 of the second sub-support 11b are provided with weight reduction grooves 119.

[0177] In this embodiment, by providing weight-reducing grooves 119 on the connecting plate 111 of the third sub-support 11c and the boss 115 of the second sub-support 11b, excess material can be removed, thereby reducing the weight of the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c. Furthermore, the weight-reducing grooves 119 can alter the force flow lines of the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c, resulting in a more uniform stress distribution and avoiding stress concentration caused by abrupt changes in structural shape and size.

[0178] Optionally, the connecting plate 111 of the second sub-support 11b and / or the boss 115 of the first sub-support 11a are provided with weight-reducing grooves 119.

[0179] Figure 23 yes Figure 21 A top-view perspective view of the first support 10. It should be noted that, for ease of interpretation, Figure 23 Fastener 12 is hidden inside, and also Figure 23 The dotted lines in the diagram represent the projection effect of the mounting hole 113 and the projection effect of the bottom of the sinkhole 117. Figure 24 yes Figure 21 A sectional view of EE.

[0180] like Figures 23-24 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, the projection of the mounting hole 113 onto the plane where the bottom of the settling tank 117 is located falls outside the bottom of the settling tank 117; the mounting hole 113 is a blind hole.

[0181] The bottom of the countersink 117 is typically a thinner area on the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c compared to other parts. In this embodiment, the projection of the mounting hole 113 onto the plane of the bottom of the countersink 117 falls outside the bottom of the countersink 117, meaning the mounting hole 113 is located outside the bottom area of ​​the countersink 117. In this case, the second sub-support 11b has sufficient base thickness to accommodate the mounting hole 113, ensuring its axial length. As mentioned earlier, increasing the axial length of the mounting hole 113 provides more connection area between the fastener 12 and the mounting hole 113, thereby ensuring the fastening strength of the fastener 12 within the mounting hole 113. After ensuring the fixing strength of the fastener 12 in the mounting hole 113, the mounting hole 113 can be designed as a blind hole, that is, the mounting hole 113 does not penetrate the second sub-bracket 11b, which can avoid damaging the structural strength of the second sub-bracket 11b. Furthermore, the fact that the mounting hole 113 does not penetrate the second sub-bracket 11b can also ensure the support effect of the second sub-bracket 11b on the screen 3000.

[0182] Of course, in another embodiment provided in this application... Figure 24 The two mounting holes 113 can also be through holes, or the two mounting holes 113 can be a blind hole and a through hole respectively.

[0183] Figure 25 yes Figure 19 A schematic diagram of a filler 13 installed in a settling tank 117.

[0184] like Figure 25 As shown, and in combination Figure 19 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, a filler 13 may also be provided in the sink 117 formed after the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c are connected.

[0185] Figure 26 This is an exploded view of another example of the first support 10 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0186] like Figure 26 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, the first support 10 includes two sub-supports 11 that are separated from each other, and the two sub-supports 11 are connected in the same way as the first sub-support 11a and the second sub-support 11b in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0187] Figure 27 This is an exploded view of another example of the first support 10 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0188] like Figure 27As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, the first support 10 includes three mutually separated sub-supports 11, and the connection between each pair of the three sub-supports 11 is the same as that between the first sub-support 11a and the second sub-support 11b in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0189] Figure 28 This is an exploded view of another example of the first support 10 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0190] like Figure 28 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, the first support 10 includes two sub-supports 11 that are separated from each other, and the two sub-supports 11 are connected in the same way as the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0191] Figure 29 This is an exploded view of another example of the first support 10 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0192] like Figure 29 As shown, in one embodiment provided in this application, the first support 10 includes three mutually separated sub-supports 11, and the connection between each pair of the three sub-supports 11 is the same as that between the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0193] Figure 30 This is an exploded view of another example of the hinge base 100 provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 31 yes Figure 30 Enlarged view of point F in the middle.

[0194] Unlike the previous embodiments, the hinge base 100 is composed of a first bracket 10, a second bracket 20, and a shaft cover 30, assembled together. Figures 30-31 As shown, in another embodiment provided in this application, the hinge base 100 is formed by splicing the first bracket 10 and the shaft cover 30. The first bracket 10 and the shaft cover 30 are stacked. The sub-bracket 11 has an integrally formed arc-shaped groove 14 for mounting the swing arm 300.

[0195] In this embodiment, there is no need to add a second bracket 20 and form an arc-shaped groove 14 by using the second bracket 20. The arc-shaped groove 14 is integrally formed when processing the sub-bracket 11. This can save the cost of components such as the second bracket 20. Furthermore, since the second bracket 20 is eliminated, it is beneficial to reduce the size in the thickness direction of the hinge base 100, which is more conducive to realizing the thin and light design of the hinge assembly 1000.

[0196] Optionally, when integrally forming the arc-shaped groove 14 on the sub-support 11, the sub-support 11 blank can be processed by die casting first, and then the arc-shaped groove 14 can be processed by grinding, cutting, drilling, turning, milling or other methods using a CNC machine tool system. Alternatively, the arc-shaped groove 14 can be processed by laser etching.

[0197] Figure 32 This is an exploded view of another example of the hinge base 100 provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 33 yes Figure 32 A magnified view of point G in the middle.

[0198] like Figures 32-33 As shown, in another embodiment provided in this application, the hinge base 100 is also spliced ​​from the first bracket 10 and the shaft cover 30. The first bracket 10 and the shaft cover 30 are stacked. The sub-bracket 11 has a convex arc surface 141, and the shaft cover 30 has a concave arc surface 142. The convex arc surface 141 and the concave arc surface 142 surround and form an arc-shaped sliding groove 14 for mounting the swing arm 300.

[0199] In this embodiment, there is no need to add a second bracket 20 and to form the arc-shaped groove 14 by using the second bracket 20. Instead, the concave arc surface 142 originally designed on the second bracket 20 is transferred to the shaft cover 30, and the arc-shaped groove 14 is formed by the concave arc surface 142 on the shaft cover 30 and the convex arc surface 141 on the sub-bracket 11. This can also save the cost of components such as the second bracket 20, and since the second bracket 20 is eliminated, it is beneficial to reduce the size in the thickness direction of the hinge base 100, thereby making it easier to achieve a thinner and lighter design of the hinge assembly 1000.

[0200] Furthermore, compared to the aforementioned embodiments, since the arc-shaped groove 14 does not need to be integrally formed on the sub-support 11, the processing difficulty and manufacturing cost of the sub-support 11 can be reduced.

[0201] Figure 34 This is an exploded view of another example of the hinge base 100 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0202] Unlike the previous embodiments, the first bracket 10, the second bracket 20, and the shaft cover 30 are stacked sequentially. The sub-bracket 11 has a convex arc surface 141, and the second bracket 20 has a concave arc surface 142, as shown below. Figure 34 As shown, in another embodiment provided in this application, the hinge base 100 is composed of a second bracket 20, a first bracket 10 and a shaft cover 30 arranged in sequence. The second bracket 20 is provided with a convex arc surface 141 and the sub-bracket 11 is provided with a concave arc surface 142.

[0203] Figure 35This is a schematic flowchart of the manufacturing method of the first support 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. Wherein, Figure 35 (a) is an exploded view of the first sub-support 11a, the second sub-support 11b, and the third sub-support 11c. Figure 35 (b) is a schematic diagram of the first sub-support 11a, the second sub-support 11b, and the third sub-support 11c being welded together;

[0204] Figure 35 (c) is a schematic diagram of the first sub-bracket 11a, the second sub-bracket 11b, and the third sub-bracket 11c when the fastener 12 is locked. Figure 35 (d) is a schematic diagram of the filling material 13 being pasted in the settling tank 117.

[0205] like Figure 35 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a method for manufacturing a first support 10 is also provided, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0206] Step 1, as follows Figure 35 As shown in (a) and (b), after the end of the first sub-support 11a and the connecting plate 111 of the second sub-support 11b are connected, the first sub-support 11a and the second sub-support 11b are welded together. After the end of the second sub-support 11b and the connecting plate 111 of the third sub-support 11c are connected, the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c are welded together.

[0207] Step two, as Figure 35 As shown in (c), fastener 12 is locked between the first sub-support 11a and the second sub-support 11b, and between the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c. During this process, by adjusting the degree of locking of the fastener 12 to the first sub-support 11a and the second sub-support 11b, and to the second sub-support 11b and the third sub-support 11c, the flatness of the side of the first support 10 facing the screen 3000 is adjusted.

[0208] Step 3, as Figure 35 As shown in (d), filler 13 is pasted into the sink 117 of the first bracket 10 after assembly.

[0209] In this embodiment, the manufacturing method involves fastening the sub-bracket 11 with fasteners such as screws after welding. This allows adjustment of the flatness of the surface of the first bracket 10 facing the screen 3000, achieving a flatness of 0.12mm to 0.38mm, thus providing better support for the screen 3000. It should be noted that the weld 118 has a slight deformability; therefore, adjusting the tightness of the fasteners 12 will not damage the structure of the weld 118.

[0210] If the sub-bracket 11 is welded after being secured with fasteners such as screws 12, the flatness of the surface of the first bracket 10 facing the screen 3000 can reach 0.46mm to 0.57mm. Through the shaping process after welding, the flatness can be controlled to 0.1mm to 0.15mm, which is roughly the same as the flatness mentioned above.

[0211] The welding shaping process refers to the process of adjusting and repairing the shape of the welded parts during or after welding. Its purpose is to ensure the dimensional accuracy, appearance quality, and structural strength of the welded parts. In this application, welding shaping fixtures can be used for shaping. Specially designed fixtures are used to shape the welded sub-support 11, ultimately forming the finished first support 10.

[0212] It can be seen that, compared to the method of first locking the fastener 12 and then welding, if the sub-bracket 11 is welded first and then the fastener 12 such as screws is locked, the first bracket 10 can save the shaping process after welding while meeting roughly the same flatness requirements. At the same time, it does not require the customization of special shaping fixtures, thus having the advantages of high processing efficiency and low cost.

[0213] When the hinge base 100 is assembled, the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 20 are spliced ​​together, and the swing arm 300, damping mechanism, synchronization mechanism and other components need to be assembled at the installation position formed between the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 20. Therefore, the assembly of the overall hinge base 100 will be carried out synchronously with the assembly of the hinge assembly 1000, and the assembly of the shaft cover 30 will be completed at the end.

[0214] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hinge base for use in foldable electronic devices, characterized in that, The hinge base (100) includes a first bracket (10), which includes multiple sub-brackets (11) that are separated from each other. The multiple sub-brackets (11) are distributed along the length of the hinge base (100). One of two adjacent sub-brackets (11) is provided with a connecting plate (111) with an extended edge, and the end of the other is stacked with the connecting plate (111) and connected by a fastener (12).

2. The hinge base according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two adjacent sub-support sections (11) are also connected by welding.

3. The hinge base according to claim 2, characterized in that, After being welded together, the two adjacent sub-brackets (11) are then connected by the fasteners (12).

4. The hinge base according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first bracket (10) is used to support the screen (3000). On the side facing the screen (3000), the end surface of the sub-bracket (11) is provided with a sunken area (116). After two adjacent sub-brackets (11) are connected, the sunken area (116) is spliced ​​to form a sinkhole (117), and the weld (118) formed after two adjacent sub-brackets (11) are welded is located in the sinkhole (117).

5. The hinge base according to claim 4, characterized in that, The settling tank (117) is also provided with a filler (13).

6. The hinge base according to claim 5, characterized in that, The filler (13) includes a gasket that is bonded to the sink (117).

7. The hinge base according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The connecting plate (111) is provided with a through hole (112), and the end of the sub-support (11) which is stacked with the connecting plate (111) is provided with a mounting hole (113). The fastener (12) passes through the through hole (112) and is fixed in the mounting hole (113).

8. The hinge base according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connecting plate (111) is provided with a groove (114), and the bottom of the groove (114) is provided with the through hole (112). The end of the sub-support (11) stacked with the connecting plate (111) is provided with a boss (115). The boss (115) conforms to the groove (114) and is inserted into it. The boss (115) is provided with the mounting hole (113).

9. The hinge base according to claim 8, characterized in that, Along the width direction of the hinge base (100), the connecting plate (111) is provided with a groove (114) in the center, and the end of the sub-support (11) which is stacked with the connecting plate (111) is provided with a boss (115) in the center.

10. The hinge base according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mounting hole (113) is a through hole and is located at the bottom of the settling tank (117).

11. The hinge base according to claim 8, characterized in that, Along the width direction of the hinge base (100), the connecting plate (111) is provided with two grooves (114) at intervals, and the end of the sub-support (11) which is stacked with the connecting plate (111) is provided with two bosses (115) at intervals. The bottom of the two grooves (114) is provided with the through hole (112), and the two bosses (115) are provided with the mounting hole (113).

12. The hinge base according to claim 11, characterized in that, The projection of the mounting hole (113) onto the plane of the bottom of the settling tank (117) falls outside the bottom of the settling tank (117); the mounting hole (113) is a blind hole.

13. The hinge base according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first support (10) includes three sub-supports (11) that are separated from each other, namely the first sub-support (11a), the second sub-support (11b) and the third sub-support (11c); The second sub-bracket (11b) is provided with the connecting plate (111). Along the width direction of the hinge base (100), the connecting plate (111) of the second sub-bracket (11b) is provided with a groove (114) in the center. The first sub-bracket (11a) is provided with a boss (115) in the center at the end facing the second sub-bracket (11b). The third sub-bracket (11c) is provided with the connecting plate (111). Along the width direction of the hinge base (100), the connecting plate (111) of the third sub-bracket (11c) is provided with two grooves (114) at intervals. The second sub-bracket (11b) is provided with two bosses (115) at intervals at the end facing the third sub-bracket (11c). The bottom of each of the three grooves (114) is provided with a through hole (112), and each of the three bosses (115) is provided with a mounting hole (113).

14. The hinge base according to any one of claims 8-13, characterized in that, The connecting plate (111) and / or the boss (115) are provided with a weight-reducing groove (119).

15. The hinge base according to any one of claims 4-14, characterized in that, The bottom of the settling tank (117) is provided with a connecting hole (15) for fixing the connecting parts, and the connecting hole (15) is a through hole.

16. The hinge base according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The hinge base (100) further includes a second bracket (20) and a shaft cover (30). The first bracket (10), the second bracket (20) and the shaft cover (30) are stacked in sequence. The sub-bracket (11) has a convex arc surface (141) and the second bracket (20) has a concave arc surface (142). The convex arc surface (141) and the concave arc surface (142) surround and form an arc-shaped groove (14) for mounting the swing arm (300).

17. The hinge base according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The hinge base (100) also includes a shaft cover (30), the first bracket (10) and the shaft cover (30) are stacked, and the sub-bracket (11) has an integrally formed arc-shaped groove (14) for mounting the swing arm (300).

18. The hinge base according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The hinge base (100) also includes a shaft cover (30). The first bracket (10) and the shaft cover (30) are stacked. The sub-bracket (11) has a convex arc surface (141), and the shaft cover (30) has a concave arc surface (142). The convex arc surface (141) and the concave arc surface (142) surround and form an arc-shaped groove (14) for mounting the swing arm (300).

19. A hinge assembly, characterized in that, The device includes a door panel (200), a swing arm (300), and a hinge base (100) as described in any one of claims 1-18. The swing arm (300) is rotatably connected to the hinge base (100), and the two door panels (200) are distributed on both sides of the hinge base (100) along the width direction of the hinge base (100).

20. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes a housing (2000), a screen (3000), and a hinge assembly (1000) as described in claim 19, the hinge assembly (1000) being connected between two of the housings (2000), and the screen (3000) being disposed on one side of the hinge assembly (1000) and the two housings (2000).

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