Hinge device and intelligent terminal

Abstract

The utility model provides a hinge device and an intelligent terminal. The hinge device comprises a middle plate, a swing arm mechanism, a floating plate and an elastic pushing assembly. The floating plate and the swing arm mechanism are movably arranged, and the floating plate is used for fixing the flexible display screen; the bullet pushing assembly is slidably arranged on the floating plate, and the sliding direction of the bullet pushing assembly points to the floating plate from the middle plate; when the hinge device is in an unfolded state, the two ends, in the sliding direction, of the pushing and ejecting assembly are in abutting fit with the middle plate and the floating plate correspondingly, and the pushing and ejecting assembly moves towards the floating plate under the thrust action of the middle plate and pushes the floating plate to move in the direction away from the middle plate. According to the technical scheme, when the hinge device is in the unfolded state, the push elastic assembly moves towards the floating plate under the thrust action of the middle plate and pushes the floating plate to move in the direction away from the middle plate, so that the distance between the floating plate and the middle plate is increased, and the flexible display screen is further stretched; the deformation degree of the flexible display screen corresponding to the position between the floating plates on the two sides of the middle plate is reduced, and creases of the flexible display screen are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic equipment technology, specifically to a hinge device and a smart terminal. Background Technology

[0002] Smart terminals with foldable screens include a hinge and a flexible display screen. The flexible display screen is mounted on the hinge, and the two folded parts of the flexible display screen are hinged together to facilitate unfolding or folding the flexible display screen.

[0003] In the process of conceiving and implementing this application, the inventors discovered at least the following problems: In some solutions, the flexible display screen is prone to deformation after multiple folds, resulting in severe creases when the flexible display screen is unfolded, which reduces the display effect of the flexible display screen.

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

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a hinge device and a smart terminal to solve the problem that flexible displays are prone to creases after unfolding.

[0006] This application provides a hinge device, comprising:

[0007] middle plate;

[0008] The swing arm mechanism is movable relative to the middle plate.

[0009] The floating plate, which is movably connected to the swing arm mechanism, is used to fix the flexible display screen.

[0010] The pusher assembly is slidably mounted on the float plate, and the sliding direction of the pusher assembly is from the middle plate to the float plate;

[0011] When the hinge device is in the extended state, the two ends of the pusher assembly along the sliding direction abut against the middle plate and the float plate respectively. Under the thrust of the middle plate, the pusher assembly moves toward the float plate and pushes the float plate to move away from the middle plate.

[0012] Optionally, the pusher assembly includes a slider, which is slidably disposed on the float at both ends along the length of the float;

[0013] When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, the two ends of the sliding member along the sliding direction abut against the middle plate and the float plate respectively.

[0014] Optionally, the pusher assembly also includes a roller, the axis of which extends along the length of the float, the roller is disposed at one end of the slider near the middle plate, and the roller's pivot is slidably disposed on the float;

[0015] When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, the two ends of the roller along the sliding direction abut against the middle plate and the sliding component, respectively.

[0016] Optionally, the side of the slider opposite to the middle plate and the float plate are spaced apart;

[0017] The pusher assembly also includes an elastic element, which is disposed between the sliding element and the float plate;

[0018] When the hinge device is in the extended state, the two ends of the elastic element are elastically engaged with the sliding element and the float plate, respectively.

[0019] Optionally, the elastic element includes a spring;

[0020] When the hinge device is in the extended state, the two ends of the spring along the axial direction are elastically engaged with the sliding member and the float, respectively.

[0021] Optionally, the slider has a first limiting part on the side facing the spring, and part of the spring is sleeved on the first limiting part.

[0022] Optionally, the float plate has a second limiting part on the side facing the spring. The end of the second limiting part near the slider is spaced apart from the slider, and part of the spring is sleeved on the second limiting part.

[0023] Optionally, the elastic element includes a torsion spring, which includes a body portion, a first elastic arm, and a second elastic arm, with the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm located at opposite ends of the body portion.

[0024] When the hinge device is in the extended state, the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm elastically abut against the sliding member and the float, respectively.

[0025] Optionally, the float plate has a third limiting part, which is disposed between the sliding member and the float plate; the main body is sleeved on the third limiting part.

[0026] Optionally, the float plate has a notch at one end near the center plate, and at least a portion of the pusher assembly is disposed within the notch;

[0027] The middle plate has a top protrusion at the end near the notch;

[0028] When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, at least a portion of the abutment protrusion is located within the notch, and the abutment protrusion and the push spring assembly abut against each other.

[0029] Optionally, the floating plate has a bearing surface for fixing the flexible display screen;

[0030] The hinge device also includes a connector, which is located on the side of the float away from the bearing surface. The connector is rotatably connected to the swing arm mechanism and slidably connected to the float.

[0031] Optionally, the side of the float away from the bearing surface is provided with a first sliding part, and the connector is provided with a first slide rail, with the first sliding part slidingly disposed in the first slide rail.

[0032] Optionally, the side of the float away from the bearing surface is provided with a second slide rail, and the connector is provided with a second sliding part, which is slidably disposed in the second slide rail.

[0033] This application also provides a smart terminal, including the hinge device described in any of the above claims.

[0034] The hinge device provided in this application includes a middle plate, a swing arm mechanism, a float plate, and a push-spring assembly; the swing arm mechanism is movably configured with respect to the middle plate; the float plate is movably configured with respect to the swing arm mechanism, and the float plate is used to fix the flexible display screen; the push-spring assembly is slidably configured on the float plate, and the sliding direction of the push-spring assembly is from the middle plate to the float plate; wherein, when the hinge device is in the unfolded state, the two ends of the push-spring assembly along the sliding direction respectively abut against the middle plate and the float plate, and the push-spring assembly moves toward the float plate under the pushing force of the middle plate and pushes the float plate to move away from the middle plate. By setting a push-spring assembly between the middle plate and the floating plate, the push-spring assembly is slidably set on the floating plate. When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, the two ends of the push-spring assembly along the sliding direction abut against the middle plate and the floating plate respectively. Under the pushing force of the middle plate, the push-spring assembly moves towards the floating plate and pushes the floating plate to move away from the middle plate, so as to increase the distance between the floating plate and the middle plate, thereby further stretching the flexible display screen, reducing the degree of deformation of the flexible display screen corresponding to the position between the floating plates on both sides of the middle plate, and improving the crease of the flexible display screen. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge device provided in the embodiment of this application when it is in the unfolded state. Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along the middle AA direction;

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along the BB direction;

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 1Enlarged view of point P in the middle;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge device provided in the embodiment of this application when partially folded;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge device provided in the embodiment of this application when it is in the unfolded state. Figure 2 ;

[0042] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the CC direction;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge device provided in the embodiment of this application when it is in the unfolded state. Figure 3 ;

[0044] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a mobile terminal that implements the various embodiments of this application.

[0045] Figure label:

[0046] 100-medium plate;

[0047] 101 - Top protrusion;

[0048] 200-Swing arm mechanism;

[0049] 300-Floating Plate;

[0050] 301 - Second limiting part; 302 - Third limiting part;

[0051] 303 - Notch; 304 - Bearing surface;

[0052] 305 - First sliding part; 306 - Second slide rail;

[0053] 307 - First sidewall; 308 - Second sidewall;

[0054] 309 - Third sidewall; 310 - Slide groove;

[0055] 400-Thrust assembly;

[0056] 410 - Sliding component; 411 - First limiting part;

[0057] 420-roller;

[0058] 421 - Wheel body; 422 - Axle;

[0059] 430 - Elastic component; 431 - Main body;

[0060] 432 - First elastic arm; 433 - Second elastic arm;

[0061] 500-Connector;

[0062] 501 - First slide rail; 502 - Second sliding section;

[0063] 600 - Mobile Terminal;

[0064] 601 - Radio Frequency Unit; 602 - WiFi Module;

[0065] 603 - Audio output unit; 604 - A / V input unit;

[0066] 6041 - Graphics Processor; 6042 - Microphone;

[0067] 605 - Sensor; 606 - Display unit;

[0068] 6061 - Display panel; 607 - User input unit;

[0069] 6071 - Touch panel; 6072 - Other input devices;

[0070] 608 - Interface unit; 609 - Memory;

[0071] 610 - Processor; 611 - Power supply.

[0072] The realization of the objectives, functional features, and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings have illustrated specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0073] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0074] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Optionally, components, features, and elements with the same names in different embodiments of this application may have the same meaning or different meanings, the specific meaning of which needs to be determined by its interpretation in that specific embodiment or further in conjunction with the context of that specific embodiment.

[0075] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this document, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if," as used herein, may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination." Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms "comprising," "including," indicate the presence of the stated feature, step, operation, element, component, item, kind, and / or group, but do not exclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or at least one other feature, step, operation, element, component, item, kind, and / or group. The terms "or," "and / or," "including at least one of the following," etc., as used in this application, may be interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination thereof. For example, "including at least one of the following: A, B, C" means "any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A and B and C." Similarly, "A, B, or C" or "A, B, and / or C" means "any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A and B and C." Exceptions to this definition only occur when the combination of elements, functions, steps, or operations is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0076] Depending on the context, the words “if” or “suppose” as used here can be interpreted as “when” or “in response to determination” or “in response to detection.” Similarly, depending on the context, the phrases “if determination” or “if detection (of the stated condition or event)” can be interpreted as “when determination” or “in response to determination” or “when detection (of the stated condition or event)” or “in response to detection (of the stated condition or event).”

[0077] In the following description, the use of suffixes such as "module," "part," or "unit" to denote elements is solely for the purpose of illustrative purposes and has no specific meaning in itself. Therefore, "module," "part," or "unit" may be used interchangeably.

[0078] As described in the background section, flexible displays in foldable smart terminals are prone to creases after unfolding. The inventors have discovered that this problem arises because the hinge mechanism includes a middle plate, swing arms, and floating plates. The swing arms are rotatably mounted on both sides of the middle plate, and the floating plates are slidably mounted on the swing arms. The flexible display is fixedly bonded to the bearing surface of the floating plates. The swing arms drive the floating plates to rotate relative to the middle plate, thus unfolding or folding the flexible display. After repeated folding, the folded position of the flexible display is prone to deformation, resulting in an unfolded length greater than the original unfolded length. However, after unfolding, the length between the floating plates on both sides of the middle plate along the width direction of the middle plate remains constant. When the flexible display at the position corresponding to the position between the floating plates deforms, the length between the floating plates along the width direction of the middle plate is less than the unfolded length of the corresponding flexible display. In other words, the length between the floating plates is insufficient to fully unfold the flexible display, leading to creases.

[0079] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a hinge device and a smart terminal. A push-spring assembly is disposed between a middle plate and a floating plate. The push-spring assembly is slidably disposed on the floating plate. When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, both ends of the push-spring assembly along the sliding direction abut against the middle plate and the floating plate respectively. Under the pushing force of the middle plate, the push-spring assembly moves towards the floating plate and pushes the floating plate away from the middle plate, thereby increasing the distance between the floating plate and the middle plate. This further stretches the flexible display screen, reduces the deformation degree of the flexible display screen corresponding to the position between the floating plates on both sides of the middle plate, and improves the creases of the flexible display screen.

[0080] The principles and features of the embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0081] The principles and features of the embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0082] The smart terminals provided in this application can be implemented in various forms. For example, the smart terminals described in this application may include mobile terminals such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, handheld computers, personal digital assistants (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.

[0083] The following description will use a mobile terminal as an example. Those skilled in the art will understand that, apart from elements specifically designed for mobile purposes, the construction according to the embodiments of this application can also be applied to fixed-type terminals.

[0084] The smart terminal provided in this application includes a housing structure and a flexible display screen.

[0085] The shell structure has at least two foldable parts, which can rotate relative to each other under the action of an external force to unfold or fold the shell structure.

[0086] Flexible displays are flexible; they can bend under external force, allowing them to be unfolded or folded.

[0087] Flexible displays are used to present information, which may include text, images, videos, notifications, application interfaces, etc., allowing users to intuitively obtain data and content provided by smart terminals.

[0088] The flexible display screen may have a display side that faces the user. The side of the flexible display screen facing away from the display side is disposed within a housing structure, which can rotate the flexible display screen. When the flexible display screen is unfolded, the housing structure supports it, allowing it to remain in the unfolded state. When the flexible display screen is folded, the housing structure at least partially covers it to protect it and reduce the likelihood of scratches or damage.

[0089] The smart terminal has an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0090] When the smart terminal is in the unfolded state, the flexible display screen is unfolded, which can provide a larger display area and operating area to improve the performance.

[0091] When the smart terminal is in a folded state, at least two parts of the shell structure are folded, making the structure of at least two parts of the shell structure more compact and improving the portability of the smart terminal.

[0092] The housing structure may include at least two housings and a hinge mechanism. The housings may house and assemble other components of the smart terminal. Two adjacent housings are rotatably connected to the hinge mechanism, allowing them to rotate towards or away from each other, thereby folding or unfolding the housing structure.

[0093] Please see Figure 1 The hinge device may include a middle plate 100, a swing arm mechanism 200, a connector 500, and a float plate 300.

[0094] The medium plate 100 can be roughly in the shape of a long strip.

[0095] There can be at least two swing arm mechanisms 200, and swing arm mechanisms 200 can be provided on both sides of the middle plate 100. The swing arm mechanisms 200 are rotatably connected to the middle plate 100.

[0096] There can be at least two connectors 500, and connectors 500 can be provided on both sides of the middle plate 100.

[0097] The connector 500 is rotatably mounted to the swing arm mechanism 200. Optionally, the connector 500 can be rotatably mounted at the end of the swing arm mechanism 200 away from the middle plate 100.

[0098] The connector 500 is connected to the housing. During the rotation of the swing arm mechanism 200 relative to the middle plate 100, the connector 500 drives the housing to rotate relative to the middle plate 100, so as to unfold or fold the housing structure.

[0099] There can be at least two float plates 300, and float plates 300 can be provided on both sides of the middle plate 100.

[0100] Please see Figure 2 The floating plate 300 has a bearing surface 304 to which the flexible display screen can be adhered. The side of the floating plate 300 facing away from the bearing surface 304 is slidably disposed with the swing arm mechanism 200 and the connecting member 500. As the swing arm mechanism 200 rotates relative to the middle plate 100, the floating plate 300 slides relative to the swing arm mechanism 200 and the connecting member 500, allowing the flexible display screen to remain extended.

[0101] For some implementation methods, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The side of the float 300 away from the bearing surface 304 may be provided with a first sliding part 305. The first sliding part 305 may be arc-shaped, and the axis of the first sliding part 305 (that is, the center line of the corresponding arc) may be parallel to the length direction X of the float 300.

[0102] The connector 500 may be constructed with a first slide rail 501, which may also be an arc-shaped slide rail. The shape of the first slide rail 501 is adapted to the shape of the first sliding part 305. The first sliding part 305 is slidably disposed in the first slide rail 501, so that the float 300 can slide relative to the connector 500 during the unfolding or folding of the hinge device.

[0103] For other implementations, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The float 300 has a second slide rail 306 on the side away from the bearing surface 304. The second slide rail 306 can be an arc-shaped slide rail, and the axis of the second slide rail 306 (that is, the center line of the corresponding arc) can be parallel to the length direction X of the float 300.

[0104] Optionally, the connector 500 may be configured with a second sliding part 502, which may also be arc-shaped. The shape of the second sliding part 502 may be adapted to the shape of the second slide rail 306. The second sliding part 502 is slidably disposed in the second slide rail 306, so that the float 300 may slide relative to the connector 500 during the unfolding or folding of the hinge device.

[0105] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 4 The hinge device in this embodiment may further include a push-spring assembly 400, which is slidably disposed on the float 300. The sliding direction of the push-spring assembly 400 relative to the float 300 may be along the direction from the middle plate 100 to the float 300. Optionally, the sliding direction may be the width direction Y of the float 300, or an angle with a small inclination relative to the width direction Y of the float 300.

[0106] Optionally, please refer to Figure 4The float plate 300 may have a notch 303 at one end near the middle plate 100. The notch 303 may have a first sidewall 307, a second sidewall 308, and a third sidewall 309. The first sidewall 307 may correspond to the opening of the notch 303. The second sidewall 308 and the third sidewall 309 may be located at opposite ends of the first sidewall 307 along the length direction X of the float plate 300. The second sidewall 308 and the third sidewall 309 may be arranged opposite each other. One end of the second sidewall 308 along the width direction Y of the float plate 300 may extend to the opening of the notch 303, and the other end of the second sidewall 308 along the width direction Y of the float plate 300 may be connected to one end of the first sidewall 307. One end of the third sidewall 309 along the width direction Y of the float plate 300 may extend to the opening of the notch 303, and the other end of the third sidewall 309 along the width direction Y of the float plate 300 may be connected to the end of the first sidewall 307 away from the second sidewall 308. The first sidewall 307, the second sidewall 308, and the third sidewall 309 enclose a notch 303. At least a portion of the pusher assembly 400 may be disposed within the notch 303, and the pusher assembly 400 is slidably disposed on the second sidewall 308 and the third sidewall 309 along the width direction Y of the float 300.

[0107] Please see Figure 5 When the hinge device is in the folded state, the push spring assembly 400 and the middle plate 100 do not come into contact, so there is no interaction force between the push spring assembly 400 and the middle plate 100.

[0108] Please see Figure 4 When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, the two ends of the push-spring assembly 400 along the sliding direction abut against the middle plate 100 and the float plate 300 respectively. Under the pushing force of the middle plate 100, the push-spring assembly 400 moves toward the float plate 300 and pushes the float plate 300 to move away from the middle plate 100, so as to increase the distance between the end of the float plate 300 close to the middle plate 100 and the middle plate 100 along the width direction Y of the middle plate 100. This further stretches the flexible display screen corresponding to the position between the float plates 300 on both sides of the middle plate 100, reduces the degree of deformation of the flexible display screen corresponding to the position between the float plates 300 on both sides of the middle plate 100, and improves the crease of the flexible display screen.

[0109] Optionally, please refer to Figure 4 The middle plate 100 may have a push-off protrusion 101 at one end near the notch 303, the push-off protrusion 101 protruding from the edge of the middle plate 100 in the width direction Y.

[0110] When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, at least a portion of the abutment protrusion 101 is located within the notch 303, and the abutment protrusion 101 and the pusher assembly 400 abut against each other and push the pusher assembly 400 in a direction away from the middle plate 100.

[0111] When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, the abutment protrusion 101 makes it easier for the middle plate 100 to abut against the pusher assembly 400, thereby improving the stability of the middle plate 100 and the pusher assembly 400 when they are in contact.

[0112] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 6 The pusher assembly 400 may include a slider 410, which may be a sliding plate, a sliding block, a sliding rod, or other shapes. The slider 410 is slidably disposed on the float 300 at both ends along the length direction X of the float 300.

[0113] In some possible implementations, both the second sidewall 308 and the third sidewall 309 may be provided with a groove 310. The groove 310 may extend along the width direction Y of the float 300, or be inclined at a small angle relative to the width direction Y of the float 300. The sliding member 410 is slidably disposed in the groove 310 at both ends along the length direction X of the float 300, so that the sliding member 410 can slide relative to the float 300.

[0114] In some other possible implementations, both the second sidewall 308 and the third sidewall 309 may be provided with sliding rods, which may extend along the length direction X of the float 300. Both ends of the sliding member 410 along the length direction X of the float 300 may be provided with sliding grooves, which may extend along the width direction Y of the float 300, or be inclined at a small angle relative to the width direction Y of the float 300. The sliding rods on the second sidewall 308 and the third sidewall 309 are respectively slidably disposed in their corresponding sliding grooves, so that the sliding member 410 can slide relative to the float 300.

[0115] When the hinge device is in the folded state, the slider 410 and the middle plate 100 do not come into contact, so there is no interaction force between the slider 410 and the middle plate 100.

[0116] When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, the two ends of the sliding member 410 abut against the middle plate 100 and the floating plate 300 respectively along the sliding direction. The middle plate 100 pushes the sliding member 410 to move away from the middle plate 100 along the sliding direction. During the movement, the sliding member 410 pushes the floating plate 300 away from the middle plate 100 along the sliding direction, and moves the floating plate 300 in the direction away from the middle plate 100, so as to increase the distance between the end of the floating plate 300 close to the middle plate 100 and the middle plate 100 along the width direction Y of the middle plate 100. This further stretches the flexible display screen corresponding to the position between the floating plates 300 on both sides of the middle plate 100, reduces the degree of deformation of the flexible display screen corresponding to the position between the floating plates 300 on both sides of the middle plate 100, and improves the crease of the flexible display screen.

[0117] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 6The pusher assembly 400 may further include a roller 420, the axis of which may extend along the length direction X of the float 300. The roller 420 is disposed at one end of the slider 410 near the middle plate 100, and the pivot 422 of the roller 420 is slidably disposed on the float 300. The roller 420 may include a wheel body 421 and a pivot 422, the wheel body 421 being disposed through the pivot 422.

[0118] Both the second sidewall 308 and the third sidewall 309 are provided with sliding grooves 310. In the implementation of the sliding member 410, both ends of the sliding member 410 along the length direction X of the float plate 300 are respectively slidably disposed in the sliding grooves 310. Both ends of the rotating shaft 422 of the roller 420 can be slidably disposed in the corresponding sliding grooves 310 so that the roller 420 can slide along the sliding grooves 310.

[0119] When the hinge device is in the folded state, the roller 420 and the middle plate 100 do not come into contact, so there is no interaction force between the roller 420 and the middle plate 100.

[0120] When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, the sliding member 410 indirectly cooperates with the middle plate 100 through the roller 420. The two ends of the roller 420 along the sliding direction respectively abut against the middle plate 100 and the sliding member 410. The middle plate 100 pushes the roller 420 to move away from the middle plate 100 along the sliding direction. The roller 420 further pushes the sliding member 410 to move away from the middle plate 100 along the sliding direction. During the movement, the sliding member 410 pushes the float plate 300 away from the middle plate 100 along the sliding direction and moves the float plate 300 in the direction away from the middle plate 100, so as to increase the distance between the end of the float plate 300 close to the middle plate 100 and the middle plate 100 along the width direction Y of the middle plate 100. This further stretches the flexible display screen corresponding to the position between the float plates 300 on both sides of the middle plate 100, reduces the deformation degree of the flexible display screen corresponding to the position between the float plates 300 on both sides of the middle plate 100, and improves the crease of the flexible display screen.

[0121] A roller 420 is provided at one end of the sliding plate near the middle plate 100. During the process of the roller 420 abutting and engaging with the middle plate 100, there is rolling friction between the roller 420 and the middle plate 100. Compared with the sliding engagement between the sliding member 410 and the middle plate 100, the rolling friction can reduce the friction and noise between the middle plate 100 and the push spring assembly 400, thereby reducing the resistance of the hinge device during the unfolding process and making the hinge device unfold more smoothly.

[0122] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The side of the sliding member 410 away from the middle plate 100 can be spaced apart from the first side wall 307 of the float plate 300.

[0123] Optionally, the pusher assembly 400 may also include an elastic element 430, which may be disposed between the slider 410 and the first sidewall 307 of the float 300.

[0124] When the hinge device is in the extended state, the sliding member 410 indirectly cooperates with the float plate 300 through the elastic member 430. The two ends of the elastic member 430 in the extension and retraction direction can respectively elastically abut against the sliding member 410 and the float plate 300. The middle plate 100 pushes the slider 410 to move away from the middle plate 100 along the sliding direction. During the movement, the slider 410 compresses the end of the elastic member 430 away from the first side wall 307 along the sliding direction away from the middle plate 100, causing the end of the elastic member 430 near the first side wall 307 to push the float 300 away from the middle plate 100 and move the float 300 away from the middle plate 100. This increases the distance between the end of the float 300 near the middle plate 100 and the middle plate 100 along the width direction Y of the middle plate 100, thereby further stretching the flexible display screen corresponding to the position between the floats 300 on both sides of the middle plate 100, reducing the degree of deformation of the flexible display screen corresponding to the position between the floats 300 on both sides of the middle plate 100, and improving the crease of the flexible display screen.

[0125] An elastic element 430 is provided between the sliding element 410 and the floating plate 300. During the process of the hinge device gradually folding from the unfolded state, the force between the sliding element 410 and the middle plate 100 is gradually released. Under the action of the elastic element 430, the sliding element 410 can be pushed away from the elastic element 430 and moved to the position before abutting with the middle plate 100. This makes it easier for the sliding element 410 to abut with the middle plate 100 when the hinge device is unfolded again, thereby improving the stability of the push spring assembly 400 when improving the crease of the flexible display screen.

[0126] Optionally, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7The elastic element 430 may include a spring. When the hinge device is in the extended state, the sliding element 410 is indirectly engaged with the float 300 through the spring. The two ends of the spring in the extension direction can respectively elastically abut against the sliding element 410 and the first side wall 307 of the float 300. The middle plate 100 pushes the slider 410 to move away from the middle plate 100 along the sliding direction. During the movement, the slider 410 compresses the end of the spring away from the first side wall 307 along the sliding direction away from the middle plate 100, causing the end of the spring near the first side wall 307 to push the float 300 away from the middle plate 100 and move the float 300 away from the middle plate 100. This increases the distance between the end of the float 300 near the middle plate 100 and the middle plate 100 along the width direction Y of the middle plate 100, thereby further stretching the flexible display screen corresponding to the position between the floats 300 on both sides of the middle plate 100, reducing the degree of deformation of the flexible display screen corresponding to the position between the floats 300 on both sides of the middle plate 100, and improving the crease of the flexible display screen.

[0127] As the hinge device gradually folds from the unfolded state, the force between the slider 410 and the middle plate 100 is gradually released. Under the action of the spring, the slider 410 can be pushed away from the spring and moved to the position before it abuts against the middle plate 100. This makes it easier for the slider 410 to abut against the middle plate 100 when the hinge device is unfolded again, thus improving the stability of the push spring assembly 400 when improving the crease of the flexible display screen.

[0128] The spring has a simple structure and can maintain its elastic properties during long-term use, which improves the durability and reliability of the hinge device.

[0129] Optionally, the side of the slider 410 facing the spring may be provided with a first limiting part 411, which may be rod-shaped, column-shaped, or other elongated structure. The first limiting part 411 may extend along the width direction Y of the float 300, and a portion of the spring may be fitted onto the first limiting part 411. The first limiting part 411 may restrict the radial degree of freedom of the end of the spring near the slider 410, thereby reducing the possibility of the spring disengaging from the slider 410 during the unfolding or folding of the hinge device and improving the stability when the spring and slider 410 are engaged.

[0130] Optionally, the first sidewall 307 of the float 300 may be provided with a second limiting part 301, which may be rod-shaped, column-shaped, or other elongated structure. The second limiting part 301 may extend along the width direction Y of the float 300.

[0131] The second limiting part 301 is spaced apart from the end of the sliding member 410 and the end of the first limiting part 411 away from the limiting member. A portion of the spring is sleeved on the second limiting part 301. The second limiting part 301 can restrict the radial degree of freedom of the end of the spring away from the sliding member 410, thereby reducing the possibility of the spring disengaging from the float 300 during the unfolding or folding of the hinge device, and improving the stability when the spring and the float 300 are engaged.

[0132] The second limiting part 301 is spaced apart from the end of the slider 410 and the end of the first limiting part 411 away from the limiting part, so that the slider 410 can push the float 300 to move through the elastic member 430.

[0133] Optionally, please refer to Figure 9 The elastic element 430 may include a torsion spring, which may have a body portion 431, a first elastic arm 432 and a second elastic arm 433, with the first elastic arm 432 and the second elastic arm 433 located at both ends of the body portion 431, respectively.

[0134] When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, the first elastic arm 432 and the second elastic arm 433 are elastically engaged with the sliding member 410 and the float 300 respectively. The sliding member 410 is indirectly engaged with the float 300 through a torsion spring. The two ends of the torsion spring in the torsional direction can elastically engage with the sliding member 410 and the float 300 respectively. The middle plate 100 pushes the slider 410 to move away from the middle plate 100 along the sliding direction. During the movement, the slider 410 squeezes the first elastic arm 432 away from the middle plate 100 along the sliding direction, causing the torsion spring to store force. The second elastic arm 433 of the torsion spring pushes the float plate 300 away from the middle plate 100 and moves the float plate 300 away from the middle plate 100, thereby increasing the distance between the end of the float plate 300 close to the middle plate 100 and the middle plate 100 along the width direction Y of the middle plate 100. This further stretches the flexible display screen corresponding to the position between the float plates 300 on both sides of the middle plate 100, reduces the degree of deformation of the flexible display screen corresponding to the position between the float plates 300 on both sides of the middle plate 100, and improves the crease of the flexible display screen.

[0135] As the hinge device gradually folds from its unfolded state, the force between the slider 410 and the middle plate 100 is gradually released. Under the elastic restoring force of the torsion spring, the slider 410 can be pushed to the position before it abuts against the middle plate 100, so that the slider 410 can abut against the middle plate 100 when the hinge device is unfolded again, thereby improving the stability of the push spring assembly 400 when improving the crease of the flexible display screen.

[0136] Torsion springs can store and release a large amount of energy with a small change in angle, thus improving energy efficiency. Torsion springs are typically made of durable materials that maintain their performance through repeated use, enhancing the durability and reliability of hinge mechanisms.

[0137] Optionally, the float 300 may be configured with a third limiting part 302, which may be rod-shaped, column-shaped, or other elongated structure. The third limiting part 302 may extend along the length direction X of the float 300, or be inclined at a small angle relative to the length direction X of the float 300. The third limiting part 302 is disposed between the sliding member 410 and the first sidewall 307 of the float 300. The body part 431 is sleeved on the third limiting part 302. The third limiting part 302 can reduce the possibility of the torsion spring disengaging from the float 300, and improve the stability of the cooperation between the torsion spring, the sliding member 410, and the float 300.

[0138] Please see Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a mobile terminal implementing various embodiments of this application. The mobile terminal 600 may include: an RF (Radio Frequency) unit 601, a WiFi module 602, an audio output unit 603, an A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 604, a sensor 605, a display unit 606, a user input unit 607, an interface unit 608, a memory 609, a processor 610, and a power supply 611, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 9 The mobile terminal structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0139] The following is combined Figure 9 A detailed introduction to each component of the mobile terminal 600:

[0140] The radio frequency (RF) unit 601 can be used for receiving and transmitting signals during information transmission or calls. Specifically, it receives downlink information from the base station and processes it with the processor 610; additionally, it transmits uplink data to the base station. Typically, the RF unit 601 includes, but is not limited to, an antenna, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low-noise amplifier, and a duplexer. Furthermore, the RF unit 601 can also communicate wirelessly with networks and other devices. The aforementioned wireless communications may use any communication standard or protocol, including but not limited to GSM (Global System of Mobile communication), GPRS (General 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), 5G, and 6G.

[0141] WiFi is a short-range wireless transmission technology. The mobile terminal 600, through the WiFi module 602, can help users send and receive emails, browse web pages, and access streaming media, providing users with wireless broadband internet access. Although Figure 9 WiFi module 602 is shown, but it is understood that it is not a necessary component of mobile terminal 600 and can be omitted as needed without changing the nature of this application.

[0142] The audio output unit 603 can convert audio data received by the radio frequency unit 601 or the WiFi module 602, or stored in the memory 609, into audio signals and output them as sound when the mobile terminal 600 is in call signal receiving mode, call mode, recording mode, voice recognition mode, broadcast receiving mode, etc. Furthermore, the audio output unit 603 can also provide audio output related to specific functions performed by the mobile terminal 600 (e.g., call signal receiving sound, message receiving sound, etc.). The audio output unit 603 may include a speaker, a buzzer, etc.

[0143] The A / V input unit 604 is used to receive audio or video signals. The A / V input unit 604 may include a graphics processing unit (GPU) 6041 and a microphone 6042. The GPU 6041 processes image data of still images or videos acquired by an image capture device (such as a camera) in video capture mode or image capture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the display unit 606. The image frames processed by the GPU 6041 can be stored in the memory 609 (or other storage medium) or transmitted via the radio frequency unit 601 or the WiFi module 602. The microphone 6042 can receive sound (audio data) in operating modes such as telephone call mode, recording mode, and voice recognition mode, and can process such sound into audio data. The processed audio (voice) data can be converted into a format that can be transmitted to a mobile communication base station via the radio frequency unit 601 in telephone call mode. The microphone 6042 can implement various types of noise cancellation (or suppression) algorithms to eliminate (or suppress) noise or interference generated during the reception and transmission of audio signals.

[0144] The mobile terminal 600 also includes at least one sensor 605, 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 6061 according to the ambient light level, and the proximity sensor can turn off the display panel 6061 and / or backlight when the mobile terminal 600 is moved to the ear. As a type of motion sensor, the accelerometer sensor can detect the magnitude of acceleration in various directions (generally three axes), and can detect the magnitude and direction of gravity when stationary. It can be used for applications that recognize the phone's posture (such as landscape / portrait switching, related games, magnetometer posture calibration), vibration recognition related functions (such as pedometer, tapping), etc. Other sensors that may be configured in the phone, such as fingerprint sensors, pressure sensors, iris sensors, molecular sensors, gyroscopes, barometers, hygrometers, thermometers, and infrared sensors, will not be described in detail here.

[0145] Display unit 606 is used to display information input by the user or information provided to the user. Display unit 606 may include display panel 6061, which may be configured as a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), or other similar devices. Optionally, display unit 606 may be a flexible display screen.

[0146] User input unit 607 can be used to receive input numerical or character information, and generate key signal inputs related to user settings and function control of mobile terminal 600. Optionally, user input unit 607 may include touch panel 6071 and other input devices 6072. Touch panel 6071, also known as touch screen, can collect touch operations on or near the user (such as operations performed by the user using a finger, stylus, or any suitable object or accessory on or near touch panel 6071), and drive corresponding connection devices according to a pre-set program. Touch panel 6071 may include two parts: touch detection device and touch controller. Optionally, touch detection device detects the user's touch position and the signal generated by the touch operation, and transmits the signal to touch controller; touch controller receives touch information from touch detection device, converts it into touch point coordinates, and sends it to processor 610, and can receive and execute commands from processor 610. In addition, touch panel 6071 can be implemented using various types such as resistive, capacitive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave. In addition to the touch panel 6071, the user input unit 607 may also include other input devices 6072. Optionally, other input devices 6072 may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: physical keyboard, function keys (such as volume control buttons, power buttons, etc.), trackball, mouse, joystick, etc., without being specifically limited here.

[0147] Optionally, the touch panel 6071 may cover the display panel 6061. When the touch panel 6071 detects a touch operation on or near it, it transmits the information to the processor 610 to determine the type of touch event. Subsequently, the processor 610 provides corresponding visual output on the display panel 6061 based on the type of touch event. Although in Figure 9 In this embodiment, the touch panel 6071 and the display panel 6061 are two independent components to realize the input and output functions of the mobile terminal 600. However, in some embodiments, the touch panel 6071 and the display panel 6061 can be integrated to realize the input and output functions of the mobile terminal 600. The specific implementation is not limited here.

[0148] Interface unit 608 serves as an interface through which at least one external device can connect to mobile terminal 600. 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, and so on. Interface unit 608 may be used to receive input (e.g., data, power, etc.) from the external device and transmit the received input to one or more elements within mobile terminal 600, or it may be used to transmit data between mobile terminal 600 and the external device.

[0149] The memory 609 can be used to store software programs and various data. The memory 609 may primarily include a program storage area and a data storage area. Optionally, the program storage area may store the operating system, applications required for at least one function (such as sound playback, image playback, etc.), etc.; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the mobile phone (such as audio data, phonebook, etc.). Furthermore, the memory 609 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device.

[0150] The processor 610 is the control center of the mobile terminal 600. It connects various parts of the mobile terminal 600 via various interfaces and lines. By running or executing software programs and / or modules stored in the memory 609, and by calling data stored in the memory 609, it performs various functions and processes data of the mobile terminal 600, thereby providing overall monitoring of the mobile terminal 600. The processor 610 may include one or more processing units; preferably, the processor 610 may integrate an application processor and a modem processor. Optionally, the application processor mainly handles the operating system, user interface, and applications, while the modem processor mainly handles wireless communication. It is understood that the modem processor may also not be integrated into the processor 610.

[0151] The mobile terminal 600 may also include a power supply 611 (such as a battery) that supplies power to various components. Preferably, the power supply 611 can be logically connected to the processor 610 through a power management system, thereby enabling functions such as charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system.

[0152] although Figure 9 As not shown, the mobile terminal 600 may also include a Bluetooth module, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0153] The units / modules in the terminal of this application embodiment can be merged, divided, and deleted according to actual needs.

[0154] In this application, the same or similar terms, concepts, technical solutions and / or application scenario descriptions are generally described in detail only when they appear for the first time. When they appear again, they are generally not repeated for the sake of brevity. When understanding the technical solutions and other contents of this application, the same or similar terms, concepts, technical solutions and / or application scenario descriptions that are not described in detail later can be referred to their previous relevant detailed descriptions.

[0155] In this application, the descriptions of the various embodiments have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail or recorded in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0156] The technical features of the present application can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the 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.

[0157] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A hinge device, characterized in that, include: midplate(100); The swing arm mechanism (200) is movably configured with respect to the middle plate (100); A floating plate (300) is movably configured with the swing arm mechanism (200), and the floating plate (300) is used to fix the flexible display screen; A pusher assembly (400) is slidably disposed on the float (300), and the sliding direction of the pusher assembly (400) is from the middle plate (100) to the float (300); When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, the pusher assembly (400) abuts against the middle plate (100) and the float plate (300) at both ends along the sliding direction, and the pusher assembly (400) moves toward the float plate (300) under the thrust of the middle plate (100) and pushes the float plate (300) to move away from the middle plate (100).

2. The hinge device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The pusher assembly (400) includes a slider (410), which is slidably disposed on the float (300) at both ends along the length direction of the float (300); When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, the two ends of the sliding member (410) along the sliding direction respectively abut against the middle plate (100) and the float plate (300).

3. The hinge device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The pusher assembly (400) further includes a roller (420), the axis of which extends along the length of the float (300), the roller (420) is disposed at one end of the slider (410) near the middle plate (100), and the pivot (422) of the roller (420) is slidably disposed on the float (300); When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, the two ends of the roller (420) along the sliding direction abut against the middle plate (100) and the sliding member (410), respectively.

4. The hinge device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The sliding member (410) is disposed at a distance from the side opposite to the middle plate (100) and the float plate (300); The pusher assembly (400) further includes an elastic element (430), which is disposed between the sliding element (410) and the float (300); When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, the two ends of the elastic member (430) are elastically engaged with the sliding member (410) and the float (300), respectively.

5. The hinge device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic element (430) includes a spring; the sliding element (410) has a first limiting portion (411) on the side facing the spring, and a portion of the spring is sleeved on the first limiting portion (411); and / or, The float (300) has a second limiting part (301) on the side facing the spring. The end of the second limiting part (301) near the slider (410) is spaced apart from the slider (410), and part of the spring is sleeved on the second limiting part (301).

6. The hinge device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic element (430) includes a torsion spring, which includes a body portion (431), a first elastic arm (432), and a second elastic arm (433). The first elastic arm (432) and the second elastic arm (433) are located at both ends of the body portion (431). When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, the first elastic arm (432) and the second elastic arm (433) elastically abut against the sliding element (410) and the float plate (300), respectively.

7. The hinge device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The float (300) is provided with a third limiting part (302), which is disposed between the sliding member (410) and the float (300); the body part (431) is sleeved on the third limiting part (302).

8. The hinge device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The float plate (300) has a notch (303) at one end near the middle plate (100), and at least a portion of the pusher assembly (400) is disposed in the notch (303); The middle plate (100) has a push-off protrusion (101) at one end near the notch (303); When the hinge device is in the unfolded state, at least a portion of the abutment protrusion (101) is located within the notch (303), and the abutment protrusion (101) and the pusher assembly (400) abut against each other.

9. The hinge device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Includes at least one of the following: The floating plate (300) has a bearing surface (304) for fixing the flexible display screen; The hinge device further includes a connector (500), which is disposed on the side of the float (300) away from the bearing surface (304). The connector (500) is rotatably disposed with the swing arm mechanism (200) and slidably disposed with the float (300). The float (300) has a first sliding part (305) on the side opposite to the bearing surface (304), and the connector (500) has a first slide rail (501), with the first sliding part (305) slidingly disposed in the first slide rail (501). The float (300) has a second slide rail (306) on the side opposite to the bearing surface (304), and the connector (500) has a second sliding part (502) which slides in the second slide rail (306).

10. A smart terminal, characterized in that, include: The hinge device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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