Hinge mechanism and intelligent terminal

Abstract

The utility model provides a hinge mechanism and an intelligent terminal. The hinge mechanism comprises a middle shaft assembly and two swing assemblies, and the two swing assemblies are connected to the two sides of the middle shaft assembly in a swing mode; the swinging assembly comprises a swinging piece and a linkage unit, the swinging piece is connected to the middle shaft assembly in a swinging mode, and the swinging piece is movably connected with the linkage unit; when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the arrangement direction of the swing part and the linkage unit is a first direction, and the swing part and the linkage unit abut against each other in the first direction. The problem that a hinge mechanism is poor in supporting performance in a folded state is solved, and the protection effect on the flexible screen is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a hinge mechanism and a smart terminal. Background Art

[0002] As flexible screen technology matures, the display mode of smart terminal products has also undergone tremendous changes. By utilizing the bendable characteristics of flexible screens and combining them with hinge mechanisms, smart terminals such as mobile phones and tablets can be flattened or folded, improving the flexibility of use.

[0003] In the process of conceiving and implementing this application, the inventors found that there are at least the following problems: In some schemes, the flexible screen is folded by bending toward the inside of the smart terminal, and the two relatively folded sides of the flexible screen are respectively fixed on the corresponding housings, and the middle part of the flexible screen corresponds to the hinge mechanism, and the middle part of the flexible screen is similar to a water drop shape. The existing hinge mechanism has the problem of poor rigid support performance in the folded state, which affects the protective effect of the flexible screen, especially when the smart terminal falls, it is easy to cause the problem of damage to the flexible screen.

[0004] The preceding description is intended to provide general background information and does not necessarily constitute prior art. Utility Model Content

[0005] In response to the above technical problems, the present application provides a hinge mechanism and a smart terminal to solve the problem of poor rigidity supporting performance of the hinge mechanism in a folded state, thereby improving the protective effect of the flexible screen.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a hinge mechanism, comprising: a central axis component and two swing components, wherein the two swing components are swingably connected to two sides of the central axis component;

[0007] The swing assembly comprises a swing member and a linkage unit, the swing member is swingably connected to the central shaft assembly, and the swing member is movably connected to the linkage unit;

[0008] When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the swing member and the linkage unit are arranged in a first direction, and along the first direction, the swing member and the linkage unit abut against each other.

[0009] The present application provides a hinge mechanism in which a swinging member and a linkage unit abut against each other along a first direction, so that the swinging member can provide a supporting force to the linkage unit along the first direction, thereby improving the rigid supporting performance of the hinge mechanism and providing better protection for the flexible screen. Even when the smart terminal falls, it can effectively reduce problems such as extrusion and impact on the flexible screen, reduce stress inside the flexible screen, and protect the flexible screen.

[0010] Optionally, the linkage unit comprises a linkage member and a support plate, the linkage member is slidably connected to the swing member, and the linkage member is rotatably connected to the support plate;

[0011] The swing member comprises a gear portion and a swing arm connected to each other, the gear portion is connected to the middle shaft assembly, and the swing arm is provided with a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion;

[0012] Along the first direction, the second limiting portion and the linkage member abut against each other, and the first limiting portion and the support plate abut against each other.

[0013] Optionally, the swing arm comprises a first section and a second section that are connected to each other and arranged at an angle, the first section is connected between the gear portion and the second section, and the first limiting portion is arranged at a connecting position between the first section and the second section; or,

[0014] A first spacing L1 is provided between the first limiting portion and the support plate facing one end of the central axis assembly, and L1 satisfies: 0.3 mm ≤ L1 ≤ 0.5 mm.

[0015] Optionally, a connecting groove is provided in the linkage member, a sliding groove and a third limiting portion are provided on a side wall of the connecting groove, and the third limiting portion is located on a side of the sliding groove away from the support plate;

[0016] The side wall of the second section is provided with a sliding block, and the sliding block is slidably arranged in the sliding groove;

[0017] In the folded state, the second limiting portion and the third limiting portion abut against each other.

[0018] Optionally, the hinge mechanism further comprises connecting members arranged on both sides of the central axis assembly, the connecting members comprising circular arc segments and hinge segments connected to each other, and the circular arc segments are movably connected to the central axis assembly;

[0019] One end of the hinged section close to the arc section is movably connected to the support plate, and one end of the hinged section away from the arc section is movably connected to the support plate and the linkage member.

[0020] Optionally, a fourth limiting portion is provided at one end of the support plate close to the central axis assembly;

[0021] In the folded state, the linkage member and the fourth limiting portion abut against each other.

[0022] The present application also provides a smart terminal, comprising a flexible screen and at least one of the above-mentioned hinge mechanisms.

[0023] Optionally, the intelligent terminal further comprises two shells, the shells are connected to the swinging assembly of the hinge mechanism, and the inner walls of the shells are provided with stoppers;

[0024] In the folded state, along the first direction, the stopper and the central axis component of the hinge mechanism abut against each other.

[0025] Optionally, a support groove is also provided in the shell, the central axis assembly includes a central axis and a middle plate connected to the central axis, the flexible screen has a bending section, the middle plate is located between the central axis and the bending section, and both ends of the middle plate extend into the support groove.

[0026] Optionally, the smart terminal further includes a protective member, which is arranged at both ends of the central axis assembly, the flexible screen has a bending section, the protective member includes a baffle abutting against an edge of the bending section, and the baffle abuts against the top of the baffle.

[0027] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and a smart terminal. When the smart terminal is in a folded state, the shell and the protective part form a rigid support, thereby avoiding the problem of the flexible screen being squeezed due to the movement of the shell along a first direction, and helping to better protect the flexible screen.

[0028] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and a smart terminal. When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the swinging member and the linkage member abut against each other along a first direction, thereby reducing the displacement of the flexible screen when held in the folded state, reducing the problem of the shell pulling the flexible screen, achieving an effective limiting effect, improving the rigid support performance of the hinge mechanism, and helping to protect the flexible screen.

[0029] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of the present application, the technical features that constitute the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions described above, other technical problems that can be solved by a hinge mechanism and a smart terminal provided by the embodiments of the present application, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further described in detail in the specific implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application, and are used together with the specification to explain the principles of the present application. In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments are briefly introduced below. Obviously, for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative labor.

[0031] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a partial three-dimensional structure of a hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application in a folded state;

[0032] Figure 2 A front view of the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application in a folded state;

[0033] Figure 3 for Figure 2 AA section view;

[0034] Figure 4 for Figure 2 BB cross-sectional view;

[0035] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application in a folded state;

[0036] Figure 6 Another partial cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application in a folded state;

[0037] Figure 7 Another partial cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application in a folded state;

[0038] Figure 8 for Figure 2 The CC section view;

[0039] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a swinging member of a hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the smart terminal in the unfolded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of the smart terminal in a folded state provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Fig.12 for Fig.11 A magnified view of the structure at D;

[0043] Fig.13 Another partial cross-sectional view of the smart terminal provided by an embodiment of the present application in a folded state;

[0044] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a mobile terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] Description of reference numerals:

[0046] 10-middle shaft assembly; 11-middle shaft; 12-middle plate; 13-protective member; 131-baffle;

[0047] 20-swinging member; 21-gear portion; 22-swinging arm; 221-first section; 222-second section; 223-first limiting portion; 224-second limiting portion; 225-slider;

[0048] 30- linkage unit;

[0049] 40-linkage member; 41-connection groove; 411-slide groove; 42-third limiting portion;

[0050] 50-support plate; 51-fourth limiting portion; 52-fitting surface;

[0051] 60-connecting piece; 61-arc segment; 62-hinged segment;

[0052] 70-housing; 71-stopper; 72-supporting groove;

[0053] 80-synchronous drive assembly; 81-connecting shaft; 82-transmission gear set; 821-first transmission gear; 822-second transmission gear;

[0054] 90-flexible screen; 91-bending section;

[0055] 500-intelligent terminal; 501-radio unit; 502-WiFi module; 503-audio output unit; 504-A / V input unit; 5041-graphics processor; 5042-microphone; 505-sensor; 506-display unit; 5061-display panel; 507-user input unit; 5071-touch panel; 5072-other input devices; 508-interface unit; 509-memory; 510-processor; 511-power supply.

[0056] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further described in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The above-mentioned drawings have shown clear embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail later. These drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept of this application in any way, but to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The implementations described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementations consistent with the present application. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0058] It should be noted that, in this article, the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "includes a ..." does not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the element. Optionally, components, features, and elements with the same name in different embodiments of the present application may have the same meaning or different meanings, and their specific meanings need to be determined by their explanation in the specific embodiment or further combined with the context in the specific embodiment.

[0059] It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used to describe various information in this article, these information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the same type of information from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of this article, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determination". Furthermore, as used in this article, the singular forms "one", "one" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms, unless there is an opposite indication in the context. It should be further understood that the terms "comprising", "including" indicate that there are the above-mentioned features, steps, operations, elements, components, projects, kinds, and / or groups, but do not exclude the existence, occurrence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, projects, kinds, and / or groups. The terms "or", "and / or", "including at least one of the following" etc. used in this application may be interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination. For example, “comprising at least one of the following: A, B, C” means “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A and B and C”, and for another example, “A, B or C” or “A, B and / or C” means “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A and B and C”. An exception to this definition will only occur when a combination of elements, functions, steps or operations are inherently mutually exclusive in some manner.

[0060] It should be understood that, although the various steps in the flowchart in the embodiment of the present application are displayed in sequence according to the indication of the arrows, these steps are not necessarily performed in sequence according to the order indicated by the arrows. Unless there is a clear explanation in this article, the execution of these steps does not have a strict order restriction, and it can be performed in other orders. Moreover, at least a portion of the steps in the figure may include a plurality of sub-steps or a plurality of stages, and these sub-steps or stages are not necessarily performed at the same time, but can be performed at different times, and their execution order is not necessarily performed in sequence, but can be performed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least a portion of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0061] As used herein, the words "if" and "if" may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting", depending on the context. Similarly, the phrases "if it is determined" or "if (stated condition or event) is detected" may be interpreted as "when it is determined" or "in response to determining" or "when detecting (stated condition or event)" or "in response to detecting (stated condition or event)", depending on the context.

[0062] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0063] In the subsequent description, the suffixes such as "module", "component" or "unit" used to represent elements are only used to facilitate the description of the present application, and have no specific meanings. Therefore, "module", "component" or "unit" can be used in a mixed manner.

[0064] The intelligent terminal may be implemented in various forms. For example, the intelligent terminal described in the present application may include intelligent terminals such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, portable media players (PMPs), navigation devices, wearable devices, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc., as well as fixed terminals such as digital TVs and desktop computers.

[0065] The following description will be made by taking a mobile terminal as an example, and those skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to components specifically used for mobile purposes, the construction according to the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to fixed-type terminals.

[0066] When smart terminals such as mobile phones and tablets fall in a folded state, the shell usually drives the swing component to move under the impact of inertia, causing the hinge mechanism to fail or squeezing the flexible screen, which can easily damage the flexible screen.

[0067] In view of this, the present application provides a hinge mechanism and a smart terminal, in which a swinging member and a linkage unit abut against each other along a first direction, so that the swinging member can provide a supporting force along the first direction to the linkage unit, thereby improving the rigid supporting performance of the hinge mechanism, and providing better protection for the flexible screen. Even if the smart terminal falls, it can effectively reduce the extrusion and impact problems caused to the flexible screen, reduce the stress inside the flexible screen, and protect the flexible screen.

[0068] A hinge mechanism and a smart terminal provided by an embodiment of the present application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the present application provides a hinge mechanism for connecting a flexible screen 90, and the hinge mechanism includes: a central axis assembly 10 and two swing assemblies, and the two swing assemblies are swingably connected to both sides of the central axis assembly 10; the swing assembly includes a swing member 20 and a linkage unit 30, and the swing member 20 is swingably connected to the central axis assembly 10, and the swing member 20 is movably connected to the linkage unit 30; when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the arrangement direction of the swing member 20 and the linkage unit 30 is a first direction, and along the first direction, the swing member 20 and the linkage unit 30 abut against each other.

[0070] The present application provides a hinge mechanism, in which a swinging member 20 and a linkage unit 30 abut against each other along a first direction, so that the swinging member 20 can provide a supporting force along the first direction to the linkage unit 30, thereby improving the rigid supporting performance of the hinge mechanism, and providing better protection for the flexible screen 90. Even when the smart terminal falls, it can effectively reduce problems such as extrusion and impact on the flexible screen 90, reduce the internal stress of the flexible screen 90, and protect the flexible screen 90.

[0071] Optionally, the first direction reference Figure 3 The direction indicated by the arrow X.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the two swing components can be swingably connected to the opposite sides of the central axis component 10 respectively, and the two swing components swing relative to each other with the central axis component 10 as the center, so that the above-mentioned hinge mechanism switches between the unfolded state and the folded state, and the flexible screen 90 unfolds and folds along with the hinge mechanism.

[0073] In one possible implementation, reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the linkage unit 30 includes a linkage member 40 and a support plate 50, the linkage member 40 is slidably connected to the swing member 20, the linkage member 40 is rotatably connected to the support plate 50, the swing member 20 includes a gear portion 21 and a swing arm 22 connected to each other, the gear portion 21 is connected to the middle shaft assembly 10, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the swing arm 22 is provided with a first limiting portion 223 and a second limiting portion 224 ; along the first direction, the second limiting portion 224 abuts against the linkage member 40 , and the first limiting portion 223 abuts against the support plate 50 .

[0074] Optionally, along the first direction, the second limiting portion 224 abuts against the linkage member 40, so that when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the linkage member 40 remains stable along the first direction relative to the swing member 20, limiting the movement of the support plate 50 along the first direction, thereby improving the rigid support performance of the hinge mechanism.

[0075] Optionally, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first limiting portion 223 is used to abut against the support plate 50, so that when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the support plate 50 remains stable along the first direction relative to the swinging member 20, limiting the movement of the support plate 50 along the first direction, thereby improving the rigid support performance of the hinge mechanism.

[0076] Optionally, the middle shaft assembly 10 includes a middle shaft 11 and a middle plate 12 connected to the middle shaft 11 , and the gear portion 21 may be located between the middle shaft 11 and the middle plate 12 .

[0077] In one possible implementation, reference Figure 7 As shown, the middle shaft assembly 10 also includes a synchronous drive assembly 80, which includes two connecting shafts 81 and a transmission gear set 82. The two connecting shafts 81 are arranged in parallel, and the gear portion 21 of one swinging member 20 is rotatably arranged on one connecting shaft 81, and the gear portion 21 of the other swinging member 20 is rotatably arranged on the other connecting shaft 81.

[0078] Optionally, the transmission gear set 82 includes a first transmission gear 821 and a second transmission gear 822 that are meshed with each other, and the number of teeth and the outer diameter of the first transmission gear 821 and the second transmission gear 822 are consistent, wherein the first transmission gear 821 is meshed with the gear portion 21 of one swinging member 20, and the second transmission gear 822 is meshed with the gear portion 21 of another swinging member 20, so that the gear portions 21 of the two swinging members 20 maintain opposite rotation directions and consistent rotation speeds, thereby causing the two swinging members 20 to swing relative to each other.

[0079] Optionally, refer to Figure 8 and Fig.10 As shown, a hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application is applied to a smart terminal, and the support plate 50 is used to carry the flexible screen 90. Figure 6 and Fig.10As shown, the middle plate 12 is used to support the bending center position of the bending section 91 of the flexible screen 90. When the two swinging members 20 swing relative to each other, the swinging member 20 drives the linkage member 40 to rotate relative to the central axis assembly 10, thereby causing the support plate 50 to move as a whole.

[0080] Optionally, the support plate 50 has a fitting surface 52 for fixing the flexible screen 90 , and the flexible screen 90 may be connected to the fitting surface 52 via an adhesive such as a double-sided tape.

[0081] In one possible implementation, reference Figure 3 and Fig. 9 As shown, the swing arm 22 includes a first section 221 and a second section 222 that are interconnected and arranged at an angle, the first section 221 is connected between the gear portion 21 and the second section 222, and the first limiting portion 223 is arranged at the connecting position of the first section 221 and the second section 222; there is a first spacing L1 between the first limiting portion 223 and one end of the support plate 50 facing the middle shaft assembly 10, wherein L1 satisfies: 0.3mm≤L1≤0.5mm.

[0082] In this embodiment, the existence of the first spacing L1 can prevent the swing member 20 from interfering with or getting stuck on the support plate 50 during the switching process between the folded state and the unfolded state of the hinge mechanism, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the hinge mechanism. Optionally, when the smart terminal falls, the swing member 20 and the support plate 50 can move toward each other along the first direction until they abut against each other, thereby improving the rigid support performance of the hinge mechanism and helping to protect the flexible screen 90.

[0083] In a possible implementation, the first distance L1 may be, for example, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, or 0.5 mm.

[0084] In one possible implementation, reference Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the first limiting portion 223 can be a limiting step or a limiting boss formed between the first section 221 and the second section 222, so that the end of the support plate 50 facing the central axis assembly 10 can abut against the first limiting portion 223, providing a supporting force for the support plate 50 along the first direction.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the angle between the extension direction of the first section 221 and the extension direction of the second section 222 can be a right angle or an obtuse angle. The angle between the extension direction of the first section 221 and the extension direction of the second section 222 is not specifically limited here and can be flexibly selected according to usage requirements.

[0086] In one possible implementation, reference Figure 6As shown, a connecting groove 41 is opened in the linkage member 40, and the side wall of the connecting groove 41 is provided with a sliding groove 411 and a third limiting portion 42, and the third limiting portion 42 is located on the side of the sliding groove 411 away from the support plate 50; the side wall of the second section 222 is provided with a slider 225, and the slider 225 is slidably set in the sliding groove 411; in the folded state, the second limiting portion 224 and the third limiting portion 42 abut against each other.

[0087] In a possible implementation, the slide groove 411 may be a rectangular groove, that is, the cross section of the slide groove 411 is rectangular, and the slider 225 may be a rectangular block extending into the slide groove 411. The sliding of the slider 225 in the slide groove 411 realizes the sliding connection between the swing arm 22 and the linkage 40. Optionally, the slide groove 411 also guides the movement of the slider 225, which is conducive to improving the matching effect between the swing arm 22 and the linkage 40.

[0088] Optionally, the cross-section of the slide groove 411 may also be semicircular, and the cross-section shape of the slider 225 is consistent with the cross-section shape of the slide groove 411 .

[0089] In one possible implementation, the two side walls of the connecting groove 41 are both provided with a sliding groove 411 and a third limiting portion 42, the third limiting portion 42 is located on the side of the sliding groove 411 away from the support plate 50, and the two side walls of the second section 222 are both provided with a sliding block 225, and the sliding block 225 is slidably set in the connecting groove 41 along the first direction.

[0090] When the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the second limiting portion 224 abuts against the third limiting portion 42. With such a structure, when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the swing member 20 abuts against the linkage member 40 along the first direction, reducing the displacement of the flexible screen 90 when held in the folded state, reducing the problem of the housing 70 pulling the flexible screen 90, achieving the limiting effect, improving the rigid support performance of the hinge mechanism, and helping to protect the flexible screen 90.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the third limiting portion 42 may be a limiting step, and the second limiting portion 224 may also be a limiting step. The second limiting portion 224 and the third limiting portion 42 abut against each other, which not only has a limiting effect on the sliding of the slider 225 in the connecting groove 41 along the first direction, but also can improve the rigid support performance of the hinge mechanism in the first direction, which helps to protect the flexible screen 90.

[0092] Optionally, when the hinge mechanism switches between the folded state and the unfolded state, the slider 225 slides in the connecting groove 41 along the first direction.

[0093] In one possible implementation, reference Figure 5As shown, the hinge mechanism provided in this embodiment also includes a connecting member 60 arranged on both sides of the central axis assembly 10, and the connecting member 60 includes an arc segment 61 and a hinge segment 62 that are connected to each other, and the arc segment 61 is movably connected to the central axis assembly 10; one end of the hinge segment 62 close to the arc segment 61 is movably connected to the support plate 50, and one end of the hinge segment 62 away from the arc segment 61 is movably connected to the support plate 50 and the linkage member 40.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the arc segment 61 and the hinged segment 62 can be an integral structure formed in one piece, the arc segment 61 is rotatably connected to the central axis assembly 10, one end of the hinged segment 62 close to the arc segment 61 is hinged to the support plate 50, and the end of the hinged segment 62 away from the arc segment 61 is hinged to the support plate 50 and the linkage 40.

[0095] Optionally, in order to facilitate the installation of the connecting member 60, a guide track is provided in the central axis 11, and the arc segment 61 is rotatably matched with the guide track.

[0096] Optionally, the guide track can be a slide groove, and the arc segment 61 is rotatably arranged in the guide track, and the center of the arc segment 61 coincides with the center of the guide track, so that the arc segment 61 rotates around its own center. The guide track is in an arc shape, which is adapted to the shape of the arc segment 61, thereby playing a better guiding role in the movement of the arc segment 61.

[0097] Optionally, a first hinge shaft is provided at one end of the hinge section 62 close to the arc section 61, and the first hinge shaft is passed through the support plate 50 so that the connecting member 60 is rotatably connected to the support plate 50. The end of the hinge section 62 away from the arc section 61 is hinged to the support plate 50 and the linkage member 40 through a second hinge shaft. When the hinge mechanism switches between the folded state and the unfolded state, the linkage unit 30 drives the connecting member 60 to swing, which helps to improve the stability of the hinge mechanism movement and improve the support effect on the flexible screen 90.

[0098] In one possible implementation, reference Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, a fourth limiting portion 51 is provided at one end of the support plate 50 close to the central axis assembly 10 , and when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the linkage member 40 and the fourth limiting portion 51 abut against each other.

[0099] Such a structure can improve the limiting effect of the support plate 50 on the linkage member 40, which is conducive to preventing the support plate 50 from moving close to the central axis assembly 10 along the first direction, and improves the stability of the support for the flexible screen 90. When the smart terminal falls, the extrusion and impact force caused by the hinge mechanism on the flexible screen 90 can be reduced, and the flexible screen 90 can be better protected.

[0100] In one possible implementation, the fourth limiting portion 51 may be a protrusion that protrudes from the surface of the support plate 50 toward the linkage member 40, and one end of the linkage member 40 close to the central axis assembly 10 abuts against the fourth limiting portion 51, thereby limiting the movement of the linkage member 40 along the first direction.

[0101] refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the present application also provides a smart terminal, including a flexible screen 90 and at least one of the above-mentioned hinge mechanisms.

[0102] The smart terminal provided in this embodiment also includes two shells 70, which are connected to the swinging assembly of the hinge mechanism, and the inner wall of the shell 70 is provided with a stopper 71; in the folded state, along the first direction, the stopper 71 and the central axis assembly 10 of the hinge mechanism abut against each other. Such a structure can improve the support effect of the hinge mechanism on the shell 70, prevent the shell 70 from moving along the first direction and causing the flexible screen 90 to be squeezed and injured, and help improve the protection effect of the flexible screen 90.

[0103] In a possible implementation, the two shells 70 are respectively connected to the two swing components of the hinge mechanism, thereby providing a balanced support effect for the two shells 70 and improving the smart terminal's ability to resist falling and breaking.

[0104] Optionally, the shell 70 can be connected to the linkage part 40 of the hinge mechanism through fasteners such as screws or bolts. When the smart terminal falls, the shell 70 will drive the hinge mechanism as a whole to move through the linkage part 40. The present application provides a stopper 71 on the inner wall of the shell 70, and the stopper 71 abuts against the central axis assembly 10, which can provide a rigid support effect for the shell 70, thereby reducing the problem of damage to the flexible screen 90 caused by the inertial impact of the shell 70 falling.

[0105] In one possible implementation, Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the central axis assembly 10 further includes a protective member 13, which is disposed at both ends of the central axis assembly 10. The flexible screen 90 has a bending section 91. The protective member 13 includes a baffle 131 abutting against the edge of the bending section 91 of the flexible screen 90, and the stopper 71 abuts against the top of the baffle 131. The baffle 131 protects the edge of the bending section 91 of the flexible screen 90, preventing the edge of the bending section 91 of the flexible screen 90 from being easily hit and damaged.

[0106] Optionally, the baffle 131 abuts against the edge of the bending section 91 of the flexible screen 90 to protect the edge of the bending section 91 .

[0107] Optionally, considering that both ends of the central axis assembly 10 have protective parts 13, blocks 71 are provided on the inner walls of both ends of the shell 70. The block 71 abuts against the top of the baffle 131, thereby providing a rigid support effect for both ends of the shell 70, which helps to reduce the problem of damage to the flexible screen 90 caused by the inertial impact of the shell 70 falling, thereby improving the smart terminal's ability to resist falling and damage.

[0108] In this embodiment, in the thickness direction of the smart terminal, the end of the baffle 131 away from the central axis 11 is the top of the baffle 131 .

[0109] In one possible implementation, the protective member 13 also includes a pressure block interconnected with the baffle 131, and the pressure block is located on the side of the bending section 91 that is away from the central axis 11. Along the thickness direction of the smart terminal, the pressure block can be pressed against part of the bending section 91. During the unfolding and folding of the smart terminal, the pressure block can prevent the bending section 91 from arching toward the side away from the central axis 11, which helps the bending section 91 of the flexible screen 90 to be similar to a water drop shape, thereby improving the protection effect of the flexible screen 90.

[0110] In a possible implementation, both ends of the central axis 11 may be connected to the protective member 13 via an adhesive such as a colloid.

[0111] In one possible implementation, the block 71 may be integrally formed on the inner wall of the shell 70. When the smart terminal is in the unfolded state, the block 71 is located on both sides of the protective member 13. When the smart terminal is in the folded state, the block 71 rotates to the top of the protective member 13 along with the shell 70, and the block 71 and the top of the baffle 131 abut against each other, so that when the smart terminal is in the folded state, the shell 70 and the protective member 13 form a rigid support, avoiding the problem of the flexible screen 90 being squeezed due to the movement of the shell 70 along the first direction, which helps to better protect the flexible screen 90.

[0112] In one possible implementation, reference Fig.13 As shown, a support groove 72 is also provided in the shell 70, the central axis assembly 10 includes a central axis 11 and a middle plate 12 connected to the central axis 11, the flexible screen 90 has a bending section 91, the middle plate 12 is located between the central axis 11 and the bending section 91 of the flexible screen 90, and both ends of the middle plate 12 extend into the support groove 72.

[0113] With such a structure, when the smart terminal is in a folded state, the shell 70 and the middle plate 12 form a rigid support. When the smart terminal falls accidentally, the shell 70 can be prevented from moving relative to the middle plate 12 in the first direction due to inertia, thereby avoiding the problem of the flexible screen 90 being squeezed, and helping to better protect the flexible screen 90.

[0114] Optionally, the support groove 72 may be a rectangular groove so that both ends of the middle plate 12 can enter smoothly.

[0115] In the thickness direction of the smart terminal, the middle plate 12 is located between the central axis 11 and the bending section 91 of the flexible screen 90. In the width direction of the middle plate 12, both ends of the middle plate 12 extend into the support groove 72, effectively improving the rigid support effect between the shell 70 and the middle plate 12.

[0116] Optionally, the flexible screen 90 also includes non-bending sections connected to both sides of the bending section 91. During the unfolding and folding of the smart terminal, the non-bending sections do not need to perform bending movements, and part of the non-bending sections are connected to the side of the support plate 50 facing away from the linkage 40.

[0117] The flexible screen 90, i.e., a flexible display screen, is used to display images. Exemplarily, the flexible screen can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode or an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode (Mini Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (Micro Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MicroOrganicLight-EmittingDiode) display screen, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (Quantum Dot Light EmittingDiodes, QLED) display screen.

[0118] In the present application, by adding multiple limit stops, the adverse effects on the hinge mechanism when the smart terminal falls in a folded state are reduced, and the pulling effect on the flexible screen 90 caused by the misalignment of the shell 70 is reduced, thereby better protecting the flexible screen 90 and improving the drop resistance of the smart terminal.

[0119] The following description will be made by taking a mobile terminal as an example, and those skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to components specifically used for mobile purposes, the construction according to the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to fixed-type terminals.

[0120] Please refer to Fig.14As shown, it is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a mobile terminal for implementing various embodiments of the present application. The mobile terminal 500 may include: an RF (Radio Frequency) unit 501, a WiFi module 502, an audio output unit 503, an A / V (audio / video) input unit 504, a sensor 505, a display unit 506, a user input unit 507, an interface unit 508, a memory 509, a processor 510, and a power supply 511. Those skilled in the art can understand that Fig.14 The structure of the mobile terminal shown in the figure does not constitute a limitation on the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0121] Combine the following Fig.14 The following is a detailed introduction to the various components of the mobile terminal:

[0122] The radio frequency unit 501 can be used to receive and send signals during information transmission or communication. Optionally, after receiving the downlink information of the base station, it is sent to the processor 510 for processing; in addition, the uplink data is sent to the base station. Generally, the radio frequency unit 501 includes but is not limited to an antenna, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low noise amplifier, a duplexer, etc. In addition, the radio frequency unit 501 can also communicate with the network and other devices through wireless communication. The above-mentioned wireless communication may use any communication standard or protocol, including but not limited to GSM (Global System of Mobile Communications), GPRS (Generic Packet Radio Service), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), TD-SCDMA (Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access), FDD-LTE (Frequency Division Duplexing-Long Term Evolution), TDD-LTE (Time Division Duplexing-Long Term Evolution) and 5G, etc.

[0123] WiFi is a short-range wireless transmission technology. The mobile terminal can help users send and receive emails, browse web pages, and access streaming media through the WiFi module 502. It provides users with wireless broadband Internet access. Fig.14 A WiFi module 502 is shown, but it is understandable that it is not an essential component of the mobile terminal and can be omitted as needed without changing the essence of the application.

[0124] The audio output unit 503 can convert the audio data received by the RF unit 501 or the WiFi module 502 or stored in the memory 509 into an audio signal and output it as sound when the mobile terminal 500 is in a call signal reception mode, a talk mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, etc. Moreover, the audio output unit 503 can also provide audio output related to a specific function performed by the mobile terminal 500 (for example, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.). The audio output unit 503 may include a speaker, a buzzer, etc.

[0125] The A / V input unit 504 is used to receive audio or video signals. The A / V input unit 504 may include a graphics processor (GPU) 5041 and a microphone 5042, and the graphics processor 5041 processes the image data of a static picture or video obtained by an image capture device (such as a camera) in a video capture mode or an image capture mode. The processed image frame can be displayed on the display unit 506. The image frame processed by the graphics processor 5041 can be stored in the memory 509 (or other storage medium) or sent via the radio frequency unit 501 or the WiFi module 502. The microphone 5042 can receive sound (audio data) via the microphone 5042 in a telephone call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, and other operating modes, and can process such sound into audio data. The processed audio (voice) data can be converted into a format output that can be sent to a mobile communication base station via the radio frequency unit 501 in the case of a telephone call mode. The microphone 5042 can implement various types of noise elimination (or suppression) algorithms to eliminate (or suppress) noise or interference generated in the process of receiving and sending audio signals.

[0126] The mobile terminal 500 also includes at least one sensor 505, such as a light sensor, a motion sensor, and other sensors. Optionally, the light sensor includes an ambient light sensor and a proximity sensor. Optionally, the ambient light sensor can adjust the brightness of the display panel 5061 according to the brightness of the ambient light, and the proximity sensor can turn off the display panel 5061 and / or the backlight when the mobile terminal 500 is moved to the ear. As a type of motion sensor, the accelerometer sensor can detect the magnitude of acceleration in all directions (generally three axes), and can detect the magnitude and direction of gravity when stationary. It can be used for applications that identify the posture of the mobile phone (such as horizontal and vertical screen switching, related games, magnetometer posture calibration), vibration recognition related functions (such as pedometer, tapping), etc.; as for other sensors that can also be configured on the mobile phone, such as fingerprint sensors, pressure sensors, iris sensors, molecular sensors, gyroscopes, barometers, hygrometers, thermometers, infrared sensors, etc., they will not be repeated here.

[0127] The display unit 506 is used to display information input by the user or information provided to the user. The display unit 506 may include a display panel 5061, which may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), or the like.

[0128] The user input unit 507 can be used to receive input digital or character information, and to generate key signal input related to the user settings and function control of the mobile terminal. Optionally, the user input unit 507 may include a touch panel 5071 and other input devices 5072. The touch panel 5071, also known as a touch screen, can collect the user's touch operation on or near it (such as the user's operation on the touch panel 5071 or near the touch panel 5071 using any suitable object or accessory such as a finger, stylus, etc.), and drive the corresponding connection device according to a pre-set program. The touch panel 5071 may include two parts: a touch detection device and a touch controller. Optionally, the touch detection device detects the user's touch orientation, detects the signal brought by the touch operation, and transmits the signal to the touch controller; the touch controller receives the touch information from the touch detection device, converts it into the touch point coordinates, and then sends it to the processor 510, and can receive and execute the command sent by the processor 510. In addition, the touch panel 5071 can be implemented in various types such as resistive, capacitive, infrared, and surface acoustic waves. In addition to the touch panel 5071, the user input unit 507 may also include other input devices 5072. Optionally, the other input devices 5072 may include, but are not limited to, one or more of a physical keyboard, a function key (such as a volume control key, a switch key, etc.), a trackball, a mouse, a joystick, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0129] Optionally, the touch panel 5071 may cover the display panel 5061. When the touch panel 5071 detects a touch operation on or near it, it transmits the information to the processor 510 to determine the type of the touch event. Then, the processor 510 provides a corresponding visual output on the display panel 5061 according to the type of the touch event. Fig.14 In the figure, the touch panel 5071 and the display panel 5061 are used as two independent components to realize the input and output functions of the mobile terminal. However, in some embodiments, the touch panel 5071 and the display panel 5061 can be integrated to realize the input and output functions of the mobile terminal, which is not limited here.

[0130] The interface unit 508 serves as an interface through which at least one external device can be connected to the mobile terminal 500. For example, the external device may include a wired or wireless headset port, an external power supply (or battery charger) port, a wired or wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device with an identification module, an audio input / output (I / O) port, a video I / O port, a headphone port, etc. The interface unit 508 may be used to receive input (e.g., data information, power, etc.) from an external device and transmit the received input to one or at least one element within the mobile terminal 500 or may be used to transmit data between the mobile terminal 500 and an external device.

[0131] The memory 509 can be used to store software programs and various data. The memory 509 can mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. Optionally, the program storage area can store an operating system, an application required for at least one function (such as a sound playback function, an image playback function, etc.), etc.; the data storage area can store data created according to the use of the mobile phone (such as audio data, a phone book, etc.), etc. In addition, the memory 509 can include a high-speed random access memory, and can also include a non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage devices.

[0132] The processor 510 is the control center of the mobile terminal. It uses various interfaces and lines to connect various parts of the entire mobile terminal. It executes various functions of the mobile terminal and processes data by running or executing software programs and / or modules stored in the memory 509, and calling data stored in the memory 509, so as to monitor the mobile terminal as a whole. The processor 510 may include one or at least one processing unit; preferably, the processor 510 may integrate an application processor and a modem processor. Optionally, the application processor mainly processes the operating system, user interface, and application programs, and the modem processor mainly processes wireless communications. It is understandable that the above-mentioned modem processor may not be integrated into the processor 510.

[0133] The mobile terminal 500 may also include a power supply 511 (such as a battery) for supplying power to various components. Preferably, the power supply 511 may be logically connected to the processor 510 via a power management system, thereby implementing functions such as charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system.

[0134] although Fig.14 Not shown, the mobile terminal 500 may also include a Bluetooth module, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0135] The various technical features of the technical solution of the present application can be arbitrarily combined. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the various technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of the present application.

[0136] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the patent scope of the present application. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made using the contents of the present application specification and drawings, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism, characterized in that: include: A central axis component (10) and two swing components, wherein the two swing components are swingably connected to two sides of the central axis component (10); The swing assembly comprises a swing member (20) and a linkage unit (30); the swing member (20) is swingably connected to the central shaft assembly (10); and the swing member (20) is movably connected to the linkage unit (30); When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the arrangement direction of the swing member (20) and the linkage unit (30) is a first direction, and along the first direction, the swing member (20) and the linkage unit (30) abut against each other; The linkage unit (30) comprises a linkage member (40) and a support plate (50), wherein the linkage member (40) is slidably connected to the swing member (20), and the linkage member (40) is rotationally connected to the support plate (50); A fourth limiting portion (51) is provided at one end of the support plate (50) close to the central axis assembly (10); in the folded state, the linkage member (40) and the fourth limiting portion (51) abut against each other.

2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The swing member (20) comprises a gear portion (21) and a swing arm (22) which are connected to each other, the gear portion (21) being connected to the middle shaft assembly (10), and the swing arm (22) being provided with a first limiting portion (223) and a second limiting portion (224); Along the first direction, the second limiting portion (224) and the linkage member (40) abut against each other, and the first limiting portion (223) and the support plate (50) abut against each other.

3. The hinge mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The swing arm (22) comprises a first section (221) and a second section (222) which are connected to each other and arranged at an angle, the first section (221) is connected between the gear portion (21) and the second section (222), and the first limiting portion (223) is arranged at a connecting position between the first section (221) and the second section (222); or, A first spacing L1 is provided between the first limiting portion (223) and an end of the support plate (50) facing the middle shaft assembly (10), and L1 satisfies: 0.3 mm ≤ L1 ≤ 0.5 mm.

4. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: A connecting groove (41) is provided in the linkage member (40), a sliding groove (411) and a third limiting portion (42) are provided on a side wall of the connecting groove (41), and the third limiting portion (42) is located on a side of the sliding groove (411) away from the support plate (50); The side wall of the second section (222) is provided with a sliding block (225), and the sliding block (225) is slidably disposed in the sliding groove (411); In the folded state, the second limiting portion (224) and the third limiting portion (42) abut against each other.

5. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The hinge mechanism further comprises connecting members (60) arranged on both sides of the central axis assembly (10), the connecting members (60) comprising circular arc segments (61) and hinge segments (62) connected to each other, the circular arc segments (61) being movably connected to the central axis assembly (10); An end of the hinged section (62) close to the circular arc section (61) is movably connected to the support plate (50), and an end of the hinged section (62) away from the circular arc section (61) is movably connected to the support plate (50) and the linkage member (40).

6. An intelligent terminal, characterized in that: It comprises a flexible screen (90) and at least one hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The intelligent terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that: The intelligent terminal further comprises two housings (70), wherein the housings (70) are connected to the swinging assembly of the hinge mechanism, and the inner wall of the housings (70) is provided with a stopper (71); In the folded state, along a first direction, the stopper (71) and the middle axis assembly (10) of the hinge mechanism abut against each other.

8. The intelligent terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that: A support groove (72) is also provided in the shell (70); the central axis assembly (10) comprises a central axis (11) and a central plate (12) connected to the central axis (11); the flexible screen (90) has a bending section (91); the central plate (12) is located between the central axis (11) and the bending section (91); and both ends of the central plate (12) extend into the support groove (72).

9. The intelligent terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that: The smart terminal further comprises a protective member (13), wherein the protective member (13) is arranged at both ends of the central axis assembly (10), the flexible screen (90) has a bending section (91), the protective member (13) comprises a baffle (131) abutting against an edge of the bending section (91), and the baffle (71) abuts against a top of the baffle (131).

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