Hinge structure and folding electronic equipment thereof

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of folding electronic equipment, in particular to a hinge structure and folding electronic equipment thereof. The hinge structure comprises a body, a screen supporting piece and a four-bar mechanism. The screen supporting piece is used for installing and supporting a flexible screen; the screen supporting piece comprises a first plate body arranged close to the folded portion of the flexible screen and a second plate body arranged away from the folded portion. The second plate body is arranged on the body in a swinging and rotating mode through a four-connecting-rod mechanism. The four-connecting-rod mechanism comprises a first connecting rod piece and a second connecting rod piece. The first plate body is fixedly arranged on the first connecting rod piece and swings along with the first connecting rod piece; when the flexible screen is completely folded, the first plate body is obliquely arranged, and then a deformation space is constructed for the folded part of the flexible screen. The flexible screen is exquisite in design and convenient to implement, and different requirements of folding electronic products are met by changing the size of the space needed by folding deformation of the flexible screen.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to folding electronic equipment technical field, especially hinge structure and its folding electronic equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] Folding electronic equipment, such as folding screen mobile phone, tablet computer etc., realizes the folding and unfolding of screen through hinge structure. Hinge structure not only needs to support the weight of screen, but also needs to keep the flatness and stability of screen in the process of folding and unfolding. At the same time, due to the high frequency of use of folding electronic equipment, the durability of hinge structure also becomes an important consideration factor. However, there are still some improvements in the hinge structure of the applicant's previous application, especially how to form a water drop type folding structure, so that the folded part of the flexible screen is bent in the shape of a water drop, so as to avoid the damage of the flexible screen. The present application discloses a hinge structure with a water drop type folding structure. SUMMARY

[0003] The utility model discloses a hinge structure and folding electronic equipment, to solve at least one technical problem existing in prior art.

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, the utility model provides a hinge structure, which comprises a body, a screen support and a four-bar linkage mechanism.

[0005] The screen support is used for mounting and supporting the flexible screen. The screen support comprises a first plate body (small door plate) arranged close to the folded part of the flexible screen and a second plate body (large door plate) arranged away from the folded part.

[0006] The second plate body is pivotally arranged on the body through the four-bar linkage mechanism.

[0007] The four-bar linkage mechanism comprises a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod.

[0008] The first plate body is fixedly arranged on the first connecting rod and swings together with the first connecting rod. In the completely folded state of the flexible screen, the first plate body is arranged obliquely, thereby constructing a deformation space for the folded part of the flexible screen.

[0009] In the present application, the two ends of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are respectively pivoted to the body and the second plate body, thereby forming a four-bar linkage mechanism. The present application has a simple structure, and realizes the unfolding and folding of the screen support and the flexible screen above the screen support through the four-bar linkage mechanism. At the same time, a reverse horn-shaped deformation space is formed in the folded part in the folding process, so that the flexible screen is in the shape of a water drop in the space, thereby avoiding the complete folding of the folded part and the damage caused thereby.

[0010] The two ends of the first and second connecting rods are pivotally connected to the body and the second plate body, respectively; specifically, the second plate body is arranged on the body through a four-bar linkage mechanism, and the process of turning from a horizontal state to a vertical state is a composite motion of circumferential movement, rotation and translation.

[0011] Further, in the horizontal expansion state of the flexible screen, the first screen mounting surface on the first plate body is arranged flush with the second screen mounting surface on the second plate body.

[0012] Further, in the projection plane perpendicular to the virtual pivot center line of the first plate body, the horizontal direction is the X coordinate axis, and the vertical direction is the Y coordinate axis; in the horizontal expansion state of the flexible screen, the second screen mounting surface on the second plate body is arranged horizontally along the positive direction of the X coordinate axis, and in the completely folded state of the flexible screen, the second screen mounting surface of the second plate body is arranged vertically along the positive direction of the Y coordinate axis; the virtual intersection point of the horizontally arranged second screen mounting surface and the vertically arranged second screen mounting surface is the origin of the coordinate system; the virtual pivot center of the first plate body, i.e. the virtual pivot center of the first connecting rod on the body, is arranged in the positive and negative quadrants (i.e. the fourth quadrant).

[0013] When the virtual pivot center of the first plate body, i.e. the virtual pivot center of the first connecting rod on the body, is arranged in the fourth quadrant of the above-mentioned coordinate system, the pivot structure of the first plate body and the first connecting rod on the body can be arranged below the horizontal X coordinate axis, i.e. below the second screen mounting surface on the second plate body, which provides a basis for arranging the first screen mounting surface on the first plate body flush with the second screen mounting surface on the second plate body, and provides a basis for the inclination of the first plate body when the flexible screen is completely folded.

[0014] Further, the virtual pivot center of the second connecting rod on the body is arranged in the positive and negative quadrants (i.e. the fourth quadrant).

[0015] Similarly, the second connecting rod is arranged in the fourth quadrant to avoid the pivot structure of the second connecting rod on the body being higher than the first screen mounting surface and the second screen mounting surface.

[0016] Further, the second connecting rod is arranged with a whole bend to avoid the whole second connecting rod protruding (or being higher than) the first screen mounting surface on the first plate body during the whole process from the horizontal expansion of the flexible screen to the complete folding of the flexible screen.

[0017] That is, the second connecting rod needs to be processed to avoid protruding the first screen mounting surface in any pivot position, and the second connecting rod needs to be processed to sink and bend in any pivot position that may protrude the first screen mounting surface, so as to prevent the second connecting rod from protruding the first screen mounting surface in any position and touching and damaging the flexible screen.

[0018] Furthermore, the screen support includes a left screen support and a right screen support arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides; the left screen support and the right screen support are respectively rotatably mounted on the main body through two sets of the four-bar linkage mechanism;

[0019] When the flexible screen is fully folded, the two second screen mounting surfaces on the second plates on the left and right sides are arranged in parallel and spaced apart (the flexible screens on the two second screen mounting surfaces can contact each other), and the gap between the two first screen mounting surfaces on the first plates on the left and right sides is arranged in a funnel shape (or wedge shape) with a smaller top and a larger bottom.

[0020] Furthermore, when the flexible screen is fully folded, the included angle between the two first screen mounting surfaces on the first plate on the left and right sides is 1-80°.

[0021] Typically, the width of the first plate is relatively small, such as 1-10mm, and it only needs to meet the requirement that the folded part of the flexible screen is not damaged or deformed. The width of the second plate is wider, which meets the support needs of other parts of the flexible screen except for the folded part.

[0022] Furthermore, the second plate on the left screen support is designated as the left plate; the second plate on the right screen support is designated as the right plate; a synchronization component is provided between the left and right plates to enable the left and right plates to rotate synchronously in opposite directions; the left and right plates are respectively rotatably connected to the main body via two sets of left and right arranged first and second connecting rods.

[0023] Furthermore, the synchronization component includes a first gear and a second gear rotatably disposed on the main body for mutual meshing and transmission; the left plate and the right plate are respectively provided with tooth structures that mesh with the first gear and the second gear.

[0024] Furthermore, an arc-shaped rotating part is provided at one end of the second or first connecting rod (more preferably the second connecting rod) that is rotatably connected to the body;

[0025] The synchronization component includes a synchronization transmission element;

[0026] The synchronous transmission component can only be reciprocated along the virtual pivot center line of the second link on the main body and is disposed on the main body;

[0027] The rotating part includes a left rotating part disposed on the second link or the first link on the left side, and a right rotating part disposed on the second link or the first link on the right side.

[0028] A helical transmission pair is provided between the rotating part and the synchronous transmission member to realize the conversion and transmission between the swing motion of the second plate and the rotating part and the linear motion of the synchronous transmission member.

[0029] The left helical transmission pair between the left rotating part and the synchronous transmission member has the opposite helical direction to the right helical transmission pair between the right rotating part and the synchronous transmission member. This is used to realize the synchronous rotation of the left plate and the right plate in opposite directions (such as realizing the synchronous rotation of the left plate and the right plate in counterclockwise and clockwise directions respectively, and the synchronous rotation during the opening and closing process).

[0030] Furthermore, the helical transmission pair includes a helical groove provided on the rotating part or the synchronous transmission member, and a slider structure (i.e. a protruding limiting and transmission structure) provided on the synchronous transmission member or the rotating part. The slider structure can be slidably inserted into the helical groove to realize the transmission between the rotating part and the synchronous transmission member.

[0031] When the rotating part of the first or second link on one side rotates, the synchronous transmission member is forced to move along the axial direction of the virtual rotation axis of the rotating part through the helical transmission pair on that side. Then, through the helical transmission pair on the other side, the rotating part on the other side rotates synchronously in opposite directions, realizing the synchronous swing of the rotating parts on both sides and the entire first and second links; that is, the left and right rotating parts on both sides swing synchronously in opposite directions or in opposite directions through the middle synchronous transmission member, realizing the synchronous opening and closing action.

[0032] Furthermore, the left helical drive pair and the right helical drive pair are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides.

[0033] Alternatively, the left-hand helical drive pair and the right-hand helical drive pair can also be arranged asymmetrically. The synchronization assembly may include one or more of the left-hand helical drive pairs and the right-hand helical drive pairs.

[0034] Furthermore, within the same synchronization component, there are several pairs of the left helical drive pairs and / or the right helical drive pairs; in the direction of the swing center line, the left helical drive pairs and the right helical drive pairs are arranged alternately.

[0035] Furthermore, the synchronous transmission component includes a main body;

[0036] The main body includes a central torso and two sides with outstretched arms.

[0037] The helical transmission pair is provided between the arm span and the rotating part.

[0038] Furthermore, the synchronous transmission component includes a long tail, which is rod-shaped and relatively fixedly disposed at the tail (or one end) of the body; the body and the long tail are arranged along the direction of the swing center line.

[0039] A temporary locking structure is provided between the long tail and the main body to temporarily limit the left plate and the right plate, as well as the left rotating part and the right rotating part, to one or more set opening and closing angles.

[0040] Furthermore, the temporary locking structure includes: a limiting protrusion provided on the long tail or the body, and a locking groove provided on the body or the long tail to engage with the limiting protrusion.

[0041] Preferably, the limiting protrusion is made of an elastic material. When the left and right rotating parts swing relative to each other, the long tail is forced to move along the swing center line by the helical transmission pair, and the limiting protrusion is squeezed into or squeezed out of the slot by forcing the elastic material to deform. When the limiting protrusion is squeezed into the slot, the left and right rotating parts are temporarily limited to a set opening and closing angle.

[0042] Furthermore, it also includes a locking plate and an actuation spring;

[0043] The card slot plate can be slidably mounted on the main body;

[0044] The card slot plate is provided with the limiting protrusion or the card slot;

[0045] The actuation spring is disposed between the locking plate and the body, tending to force the locking plate to abut against the long tail, thereby maintaining the locking state of the limiting protrusion and the slot (i.e., the limiting protrusion is locked in the slot, so that the hinge structure is temporarily held at a set opening and closing angle).

[0046] Preferably, the temporary card slot structure is arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides.

[0047] Preferably, the limiting protrusions or the slots are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the long tail portion;

[0048] The two sets of positioning plates and actuating springs are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the long tail. Under the action of the actuating springs, the two positioning plates on the left and right sides tend to move towards the middle, thereby clamping the long tail and maintaining the positioning state of the limiting protrusion and the slot.

[0049] Alternatively, the temporary locking structure can also be provided on one side only, that is, the limiting protrusion or the locking groove is provided only on the left or right side of the long tail, and only one set of the locking plate and the actuating spring is provided on the left or right side of the long tail; the locking plate tends to move towards the middle under the action of the actuating spring, clamping the long tail between the locking plate and the body.

[0050] The right or left side of the long tail and the working surface on the main body that abuts against it are vertical planes set along the swing center line.

[0051] Furthermore, the limiting protrusion and the slot are provided with smooth transition structures such as chamfers, rounded edges or arc-shaped bevels at both ends in the direction of the swing center line, which are used to guide the limiting protrusion into the slot.

[0052] Furthermore, it also includes a reset spring, which is disposed between the synchronous transmission member and the body, and tends to force the synchronous transmission member to move and reset along the direction of the swing center line.

[0053] The setting of the return spring can tend to force the slider structure in the helical transmission pair to abut against the fixed side of the helical groove, thereby reducing or eliminating the positioning error caused by the gap between the slider structure and the helical groove.

[0054] Furthermore, in the direction of the swing center line, the length of the slot is greater than the width of the limiting protrusion, the slot is provided with a movable allowance, and the limiting protrusion can move along the slot within the movable allowance range.

[0055] Preferably, the opening and closing angles of the left and right rotating parts corresponding to the size of the movable margin are 1-10°.

[0056] Furthermore, it also includes a limiting structure disposed on the body to limit the synchronous transmission member to reciprocating only along the virtual pivot center line of the second link on the body.

[0057] Furthermore, the limiting structure includes a limiting groove or limiting track provided on the main body or the synchronous transmission member along the swing center line, and a limiting block provided on the synchronous transmission member or the main body that slides into the limiting groove, or a slot that slides into the limiting track.

[0058] The body described in this application can be a single component or a component, providing an installation basis for the installation or interconnection of components such as the first plate, the second plate, and the synchronization component.

[0059] Preferably, the limiting structure can also be a receiving groove formed by the main body or multiple components constituting the main body. The receiving groove is an elongated groove arranged along the swing center line, and the synchronous transmission member can be slidably arranged on the main body along the receiving groove. Optionally, the receiving groove has an inlet / outlet at one end in the direction of the swing center line, and one end of the synchronous transmission member is inserted into the receiving groove through the inlet / outlet.

[0060] Furthermore, the body includes a first base and a second base, and in the thickness direction, the second base, the rotating part, the main body of the synchronous transmission member, and the first base are arranged sequentially.

[0061] Furthermore, the second base is provided with a half-shaft rod portion, and the half-shaft rod portion is provided with an arc-shaped working surface on one side of the rotating part. The arc-shaped working surface is adapted to the inner arc surface of the rotating part and is used to limit the rotation of the rotating part.

[0062] Furthermore, the half-shaft rods on the second base are arranged symmetrically from left to right. That is, the left half-shaft rod and the right half-shaft rod are respectively adapted to the left rotating part and the right rotating part.

[0063] Furthermore, the bottom of the arm span of the main body is provided with an upper arc surface; the upper arc surface is adapted to the outer arc surface of the rotating part, and the upper arc surface and the arc working surface of the half shaft part enclose an arc-shaped limiting cavity for limiting the rotation of the rotating part.

[0064] Furthermore, the top surface of the main body is generally shaped like an inverted V, and a long strip-shaped lower protrusion is provided at the bottom of the torso. The long strip-shaped lower protrusion is inserted between the left rotating part and the right rotating part. The two outer arc surfaces of the left rotating part and the right rotating part enclose a limiting guide groove set along the swing center line. The upper arc surfaces on the left and right sides of the long strip-shaped lower protrusion cooperate with the two outer arc surfaces to limit the synchronous transmission member to reciprocate only along the swing center line.

[0065] Preferably, a guide strip is provided on the back of the torso along the swing center line, and a limiting groove adapted to the guide strip is provided on the first base to limit the synchronous transmission member to reciprocate only along the swing center line.

[0066] Preferably, the cross-section of the guide strip is rectangular or dovetail-shaped.

[0067] Furthermore, the first base includes a left rod and a right rod arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides, and the left rod and the right rod are respectively provided with assembly slots for accommodating the two arm extensions of the synchronous transmission member.

[0068] More preferably, the bottom surface of the assembly groove abuts against the back of the arm extension, serving as a limiting element.

[0069] Preferably, the lengths of the second base, the left rod, and the right rod are the same as those of the entire hinge structure.

[0070] Furthermore, the left and right rods are arranged at intervals, forming the limiting groove in the middle.

[0071] More preferably, the left and right rods are machined from round or square rods.

[0072] Furthermore, the long tail portion is disposed within the intermediate interval between the left and right rods; the left and right rods are provided with grooves for accommodating the locking plate, and the grooves are provided with insertion holes for inserting the actuating spring.

[0073] Preferably, guide posts are provided on both sides of the card plate, and guide holes that cooperate with the guide posts are provided in the grooves of the left and right rods.

[0074] Alternatively, the slider structure in the helical transmission pair abuts against the bottom surface of the helical groove, thereby also abutting against the rotating part in the thickness direction, cooperating with the arc working surface on the second base half shaft part above, clamping the rotating part in the middle, thereby playing a role in limiting the rotation of the rotating part.

[0075] Preferably, in the direction of the swing center line, one or more sets of the synchronization components are included.

[0076] Furthermore, it also includes a connecting arm integrally formed with the rotating part, one end of which is fixedly connected to the rotating part, and the other end is pivotally connected to the second plate.

[0077] Furthermore, the first or second connecting rod includes: a swinging part with an arc plate shape at one end that is swiveled and connected to the main body, and a connecting part integrally formed with the swinging part;

[0078] An arc-shaped guide groove is provided between the first base and the second base. One end of the swinging part is slidably inserted into the arc-shaped guide groove, and the other end of the swinging part is pivotally connected to the second plate through a connecting part.

[0079] Furthermore, it also includes a connecting seat; the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are respectively pivotally connected to the connecting seat; the second plate is fixedly connected to the connecting seat.

[0080] It should be noted that the first or second connecting rod can be connected to both the synchronization component and the first plate simultaneously. More preferably, the first plate is fixedly connected to the first connecting rod, while the second connecting rod is connected to the synchronization component, which simplifies the structure.

[0081] The second aspect of this application discloses a foldable electronic device with the aforementioned hinge structure.

[0082] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0083] This application provides a hinge structure and its foldable electronic device, which is ingeniously designed and easy to implement. By adjusting the position of the first pivot center, the tilt angle of the first plate in the folded state can be adjusted, thereby changing the size of the space required for the flexible screen to fold and deform, and meeting the different needs of foldable electronic products. Attached Figure Description

[0084] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0085] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the hinge structure;

[0086] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the linkage mechanism in this application;

[0087] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial view of point C in the middle connecting rod structure;

[0088] Figure 4 This is a front view of the hinge structure in the embodiment;

[0089] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Exploded view of the hinge mechanism;

[0090] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the synchronization components and connecting rods in the embodiment;

[0091] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the synchronization component and connecting rod in the embodiment;

[0092] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A three-dimensional image;

[0093] Figure 9 for Figure 7 Sectional view of AA;

[0094] Figure 10 for Figure 7 BB section view;

[0095] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the synchronization component and linkage in the embodiment;

[0096] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the decomposition of the main body;

[0097] Figure 13 A 3D view of the synchronization components;

[0098] Figure 14 for Figure 10 Exploded view;

[0099] Figure 15 for Figure 13 The front view of the synchronization component shown;

[0100] Figure 16 A three-dimensional view of the synchronous transmission components;

[0101] Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional view of the second connecting rod.

[0102] Figure 18 This is a three-dimensional view of the first connecting rod.

[0103] Figure label:

[0104] 10-Main body; 11-Second base; 12-Half shaft rod; 15-First base; 15a-Left rod; 15b-Right rod; 15c-Assembly slot; 16-Insertion hole; 17-Rear cover; 20-Second plate; 20a-Left plate; 20b-Right plate; 25-First plate; 27-Second screen mounting surface; 30-First connecting rod; 31-Swinging part; 32-Connecting part; 40-Second connecting rod; 41-Rotating part; 41a-Left rotating part; 41b-Right rotating part; 42-Helical groove; 45-Connecting arm; 50-Synchronous transmission component; 51-Slider structure; 52-Main body; 53-Tortoise; 54-Arm extension part; 55-Long tail; 55a-Limiting protrusion; 56-Lower protrusion; 60-Card slot plate; 61-Card slot; 70-Actuating spring; 71-Reset spring. Detailed Implementation

[0105] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0106] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0107] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0108] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment discloses a hinge structure, including a body 10, a screen support, and a four-bar linkage. The screen support is used to install and support a flexible screen (not shown). The screen support includes a first plate 25 (small door panel) located near the folded portion of the flexible screen and a second plate 20 (large door panel) located away from the folded portion. The second plate 20 is rotatably mounted on the body 10 via the four-bar linkage. The four-bar linkage includes a first link 30 and a second link 40. The first plate 25 is fixedly mounted on the first link 30 and swings together with the first link 30. When the flexible screen is fully folded, the first plate 25 is tilted, thereby creating a deformation space for the folded portion of the flexible screen.

[0109] In this application, the two ends of the first link 30 and the second link 40 are pivotally connected to the main body 10 and the second plate 20, respectively, thereby forming a four-bar linkage. This application has a simple structure, achieving the unfolding and folding of the screen support and the flexible screen above it through the four-bar linkage. During the folding process, an inverted trumpet-shaped deformation space is formed in the folded portion, causing the flexible screen to form a teardrop shape within this space, preventing the folded portion from being completely folded and damaged.

[0110] Specifically, the two ends of the first link 30 and the second link 40 are pivotally connected to the body 10 and the second plate 20, respectively. The second plate 20 is mounted on the body 10 via a four-bar linkage, and its process of flipping from a horizontal to a vertical state is a composite motion of circumferential movement, rotation, and translation around the body 10.

[0111] Preferably, when the flexible screen is horizontally unfolded, the first screen mounting surface 26 on the first plate 25 and the second screen mounting surface 27 on the second plate 20 are flush. More preferably, as the flexible screen unfolds and is fully folded, the second plate 20 is initially positioned horizontally at 0 degrees and eventually flipped to a vertical position at 90 degrees.

[0112] In the projection plane perpendicular to the virtual pivot center line of the first plate 25, let the horizontal direction be the X-axis and the vertical direction be the Y-axis. In the horizontally unfolded state of the flexible screen, the second screen mounting surface 27 on the second plate 20 is horizontally unfolded along the positive direction of the X-axis. In the fully folded state of the flexible screen, the second screen mounting surface 27 of the second plate 20 is vertically positioned along the positive direction of the Y-axis. The virtual intersection of the horizontally and vertically positioned second screen mounting surfaces 27 is the origin O of the coordinate system. The first virtual pivot center A1 of the first plate 25, i.e., the virtual pivot center of the first connecting rod 30 on the body 10, is located within the positive and negative quadrants (i.e., the fourth quadrant). The position of the first virtual pivot center A1 also determines the tilt angle of the first plate 25 after the flexible screen is folded. With the length of the first connecting rod 30 remaining constant, the larger the absolute coordinate value of the first virtual pivot center A1 on the X-axis, the larger the angle between the first plate 25 and the vertical plane.

[0113] When the first virtual pivot center A1 of the first plate 25, i.e. the virtual pivot center of the first connecting rod 30 on the body 10, is set in the fourth quadrant of the above coordinate system, the pivot structure of the first plate 25 and the first connecting rod 30 with the body 10 can be set below the second screen mounting surface 27 on the horizontal X coordinate axis, i.e., the second screen mounting surface 27 on the second plate 20. At the same time, it provides a basis for the first screen mounting surface 26 on the first plate 25 and the second screen mounting surface 27 on the second plate 20 to be flush, and provides a basis for the first plate 25 to tilt when the flexible screen is fully folded.

[0114] Furthermore, the second virtual pivot center A2 of the second link 40 on the body 10 is located in the positive and negative quadrants (i.e., the fourth quadrant). Similarly, the second virtual pivot center A2 of the second link 40 is located in the fourth quadrant to prevent its pivot structure on the body 10 from being higher than the first screen mounting surface 26 and the second screen mounting surface 27.

[0115] Furthermore, the second link 40 is bent as a whole to prevent the entire second link 40 from protruding (or not higher than) the first screen mounting surface 26 on the first plate 25 during the entire process from the horizontal unfolding of the flexible screen to its complete folding (i.e., at any swing angle and position).

[0116] That is, the second link 40 needs to be designed to avoid any protrusion from the first screen mounting surface 26 at any swing position. This is to prevent the second link 40 from protruding from the first screen mounting surface 26 at any position and touching or damaging the flexible screen.

[0117] Furthermore, the screen support includes a left screen support and a right screen support arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides; the left screen support and the right screen support are respectively rotatably mounted on the body 10 through two sets of the four-bar linkage mechanism;

[0118] When the flexible screen is fully folded, the two second screen mounting surfaces 27 on the second plate 20 on the left and right sides are arranged in parallel and spaced apart (the flexible screens on the two second screen mounting surfaces 27 can contact each other), and the gap between the two first screen mounting surfaces 26 on the first plate 25 on the left and right sides is arranged in a funnel shape (or wedge shape) with a smaller top and a larger bottom.

[0119] Preferably, when the flexible screen is fully folded, the included angle between the two first screen mounting surfaces 26 on the first plate 25 on the left and right sides is 1-80°, and more preferably 2-30°.

[0120] The hinge structure disclosed in this application is ingeniously designed, easy to implement, and the size of the accommodating space can be adjusted according to design needs. Specifically, by adjusting the position of the first pivot center, the tilt angle of the first plate 25 in the folded state can be adjusted, thereby meeting the different needs of foldable electronic products.

[0121] Typically, the width of the first plate 25 is relatively small, such as 1-10mm, and it only needs to meet the requirement that the folded part of the flexible screen is not damaged or deformed. The width of the second plate 20 is relatively large, which meets the support needs of other parts of the flexible screen except for the folded part.

[0122] It should be noted that the first link 30 and the second link 40 are defined according to mechanical principles, but their actual physical shapes vary.

[0123] See Figures 1-2 and Figure 4 As shown, the second plate 20 includes a left plate 20a and a right plate 20b arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides; that is, the second plate on the left screen support is the left plate 20a; and the second plate on the right screen support is the right plate 20b.

[0124] See Figure 5As shown, a synchronization component is provided between the left plate 20a and the right plate 20b to enable the left plate 20a and the right plate 20b to rotate synchronously in opposite directions; the left plate 20a and the right plate 20b are respectively rotatably connected to the main body 10 through two sets of left and right arranged first connecting rods 30 or second connecting rods 40.

[0125] One embodiment disclosed in the applicant's prior patent is as follows: the synchronization component includes a first gear and a second gear rotatably disposed on the body 10, which mesh with each other; the left plate 20a and the right plate 20b are respectively provided with tooth structures that mesh with the first gear and the second gear. The left plate 20a and the right plate 20b can rotate synchronously in opposite directions through the above-mentioned gear transmission pair.

[0126] See Figures 6-17 Another implementation of the synchronization component is shown. In this embodiment, the second link 40 is connected to the synchronization component to achieve synchronized movement of the left plate 20a and the right plate 20b. Similarly, alternatively, the first link 30 can also be connected to the synchronization component to achieve synchronized movement of the mechanisms on both sides.

[0127] See Figure 9 As shown, the second connecting rod 40 has an arc-shaped rotating part 41 at one end that is rotatably connected to the body 10; the rotating part 41 is integrally formed with the connecting arm 45; one end of the connecting arm 45 is fixedly connected to the rotating part 41, and the other end is hinged to the second plate 20.

[0128] The synchronization component includes a synchronization transmission element 50; the synchronization transmission element 50 is disposed on the body 10 and can only reciprocate along the virtual swing center line of the first plate 25.

[0129] The rotating part 41 includes a left rotating part 41a disposed on the left second connecting rod 40 and a right rotating part 41b disposed on the right second connecting rod 40. A helical transmission pair is disposed between the rotating part 41 and the synchronous transmission member 50 to realize the conversion and transmission between the swing motion of the second plate 20 and the rotating part 41 and the linear motion of the synchronous transmission member 50. The left helical transmission pair between the left rotating part 41a and the synchronous transmission member 50 has the opposite helical direction to the right helical transmission pair between the right rotating part 41b and the synchronous transmission member 50, so as to realize the synchronous swing of the left plate 20a and the right plate 20b in opposite directions (such as realizing the synchronous swing of the left plate 20a and the right plate 20b in counterclockwise and clockwise directions respectively, and the synchronous swing during the opening and closing process).

[0130] See Figure 16 and 17As shown, in this embodiment, the helical transmission pair includes a helical groove 42 provided on the rotating part 41 or the synchronous transmission member 50, and a helical slider structure 51 (i.e. a protruding limiting and transmission structure) provided on the synchronous transmission member 50 or the rotating part 41. The slider structure 51 can be relatively slidably inserted into the helical groove 42 to realize the transmission between the rotating part 41 and the synchronous transmission member 50.

[0131] When the rotating part 41 of the second link 40 on one side rotates, the synchronous transmission member 50 is forced to move in the axial direction of the virtual rotation axis of the rotating part 41 through the helical transmission pair on that side. Then, the rotating part 41 on the other side is made to rotate synchronously in opposite directions through the helical transmission pair on the other side, so as to realize the synchronous swing of the rotating parts 41 on both sides and the entire second link 40. That is, the left rotating part 41a and the right rotating part 41b on both sides (as well as the first link 30 and the second link 40 on both sides) realize synchronous reverse or opposite swing through the synchronous transmission member 50 in the middle, so as to realize the synchronous opening and closing action.

[0132] See Figure 16 As shown, the synchronous transmission component 50 includes a main body 52; the main body 52 includes a middle torso 53 and two arm spans 54 on both sides; a helical transmission pair is provided between the arm spans 54 and the rotating part 41.

[0133] More preferably, the synchronous transmission component 50 includes a long tail 55, which is rod-shaped and relatively fixedly disposed at the tail (or one end) of the body 53; the body 53 and the long tail 55 are arranged along the swing center line.

[0134] A temporary locking structure is provided between the long tail 55 and the main body 10 to temporarily limit the left plate 20a and the right plate 20b, as well as the left rotating part 41a and the right rotating part 41b, to one or more set opening and closing angles.

[0135] Furthermore, the temporary locking structure includes: a limiting protrusion 55a provided on the long tail 55 or the body 10, and a locking groove 61 provided on the body 10 or the long tail 55 that engages with the limiting protrusion 55a.

[0136] More preferably, see Figures 13-15 As shown, the main body 10 is also provided with a locking plate 60 and an actuating spring 70; the locking plate 60 is slidably mounted on the main body 10; the locking plate 60 is provided with a locking groove 61.

[0137] The spring 70 is positioned between the locking plate 60 and the body 10, tending to force the locking plate 60 to abut against the long tail 55, thereby maintaining the locking state of the limiting protrusion 55a and the locking groove 61. The limiting protrusion 55a is locked in the locking groove 61, so that the hinge structure is temporarily maintained at a set opening and closing angle.

[0138] Preferably, the long tail 55 is provided with symmetrical limit protrusions 55a or slots 61 on the left and right sides; two sets of locking plates 60 and actuating springs 70 are respectively arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides of the long tail 55; the two locking plates 60 on the left and right sides tend to move towards the middle under the action of the actuating springs 70, thereby clamping the long tail 55 and maintaining the locking state of the limit protrusions 55a and slots 61.

[0139] Furthermore, the limiting protrusion 55a and the slot 61 are provided with smooth transition structures such as chamfers, rounded edges or curved slopes at both ends in the direction of the swing center line, which are used to guide the limiting protrusion 55a into the slot 61.

[0140] Due to the smooth transition structure, the limiting protrusion 55a and the slot 61 are generally trapezoidal in shape. When the electronic device unfolds to near commonly used opening and closing angles such as 120 degrees, 180 degrees, or 360 degrees, the transition structure, under the elasticity of the spring actuation spring 70 or the limiting protrusion 55a itself, can guide the limiting protrusion 55a into the slot 61, allowing the hinge structure to continue to slowly swing to the set opening and closing angles of 120 degrees, 180 degrees, or 360 degrees. When external force is used to overcome the elastic force of the spring actuation spring 70 or the material, the temporary locking structure can be released, allowing the electronic device to continue opening and closing.

[0141] More preferably, this embodiment also includes a reset spring 71, which is disposed between the synchronous transmission member 50 and the body 10, and tends to force the synchronous transmission member 50 to move and reset along the swing center line.

[0142] The reset spring 71 can tend to force the slider structure 51 in the helical transmission pair to abut against the fixed side of the helical groove 42, thereby reducing or eliminating the positioning error caused by the gap between the slider structure 51 and the helical groove 42.

[0143] Furthermore, in the direction of the pivot center line of the second connecting rod 40, the length of the slot 61 is greater than the width of the limiting protrusion 55a, and the slot 61 is provided with a movable allowance, allowing the limiting protrusion 55a to move along the slot 61 within the movable allowance range. Preferably, the opening and closing angles of the left rotating part 41a and the right rotating part 41b corresponding to the size of the movable allowance are 1-10°.

[0144] With the allowable movement combined with the reset spring 71, users can fold electronic devices to a wider range of opening and closing angles when folding them. The hinge structure, through the reset spring 71, can automatically restore the opening and closing angle to the nearest set opening and closing angle. For example, if the opening and closing angle is between 0-10°, the hinge structure can automatically reset to the set 0°, greatly improving the user experience.

[0145] In this embodiment, a limiting structure is also included, which is disposed on the body 10 to limit the synchronous transmission member 50 to reciprocating only along the swing center line of the second connecting rod 40. This limiting structure is prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0146] In this application, the body 10 can be a single component or a component, providing an installation basis for the installation or interconnection of components such as the second plate 20 and the synchronization component.

[0147] See Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the body 10 includes a first base 15 and a second base 11. In the thickness direction, the second base 11, the rotating part 41, the main body 52 of the synchronous transmission member 50 and the first base 15 are arranged in sequence.

[0148] Furthermore, a half-shaft rod portion 12 is provided on the second base 11. The half-shaft rod portion 12 has an arc-shaped working surface on one side of the rotating part 41. This arc-shaped working surface is adapted to the inner arc-shaped surface of the rotating part 41 and serves to limit the rotation of the rotating part 41. In a cross-section perpendicular to the half-shaft rod portion 12, the curvature of the arc-shaped working surface is π / 4 to π. More preferably, the curvature of the arc-shaped working surface is π / 3 to 2π / 3. Correspondingly, the curvature of the rotating part 41 as a whole is π / 4 to π, preferably π / 3 to 2π / 3. Thus, the cross-sections of the half-shaft rod portion 12 and the rotating part 41 are small semicircles, resulting in a thinner and lighter structure.

[0149] Furthermore, the half-shaft rods 12 on the second base 11 are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides. That is, the left half-shaft rod and the right half-shaft rod are respectively adapted to the left rotating part 41a and the right rotating part 41b.

[0150] Additionally, the arm span 54 of the main body 52 is provided with an upper arc surface; the upper arc surface is adapted to the outer arc surface of the rotating part 41, and the upper arc surface and the arc working surface of the half shaft part 12 enclose an arc-shaped limiting cavity for limiting the rotation of the rotating part 41.

[0151] Alternatively, the top surface of the main body 52 is shaped like an inverted V, and a long, downward protruding part 56 is provided at the bottom of the torso 53.

[0152] The first base 15 includes a left rod 15a and a right rod 15b arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides. The left rod 15a and right rod 15b are each provided with a mounting groove 15c for accommodating the two arm extensions 54 of the synchronous transmission member 50. More preferably, the bottom surface of the mounting groove 15c abuts against the back of the arm extension 54, serving a limiting function.

[0153] Preferably, the lengths of the second base 11, the left rod 15a, and the right rod 15b are the same as the entire hinge structure. Further, the left rod 15a and the right rod 15b are spaced apart on the left and right sides, forming a limiting groove in the middle. The elongated lower protrusion 56 is inserted into the limiting groove, serving as a limiting structure to restrict the synchronous transmission member 50 to move only along the virtual swing centerline of the second connecting rod 40.

[0154] More preferably, the left rod 15a and the right rod 15b are machined from round or square rods.

[0155] Furthermore, the long tail portion 55 is positioned within the intermediate gap between the left rod 15a and the right rod 15b; the left rod 15a and the right rod 15b are provided with grooves for accommodating the locking plate 60, and the grooves are provided with insertion holes 16 for inserting the actuating spring 70. Preferably, guide posts are provided on both sides of the locking plate 60, and guide holes that cooperate with the guide posts are provided in the grooves of the left rod 15a and the right rod 15b.

[0156] Alternatively, the slider structure 51 in the helical drive pair abuts against the bottom surface of the helical groove 42, thereby also abutting the rotating part 41 in the thickness direction, and cooperating with the arc working surface on the half shaft part 12 of the upper second base 11 to clamp the rotating part 41 in the middle, thereby playing a role in limiting the rotation of the rotating part 41.

[0157] See Figure 18 As shown, the first connecting rod 30 includes: a swinging part 31 with an arc-shaped plate at one end that is rotatably connected to the main body 10, and a connecting part 32 integrally formed with the swinging part 31. See also Figure 10 As shown, an arc-shaped guide groove is provided between the first base 15 and the second base 11. One end of the swinging part 31 is slidably inserted into the arc-shaped guide groove, and the other end of the swinging part 31 is hinged to the second plate 20 through the connecting part 32. The arc-shaped guide groove, being arc-shaped, serves as a slide for the swinging part 31, limiting and guiding it during its swinging process. Thus, the first connecting rod 30 is pivotally connected to the body 10 through the engagement of the arc-shaped guide groove and the swinging part 31.

[0158] Similarly, the arc of the arc-shaped guide groove is π / 4 to π. More preferably, it is π / 3 to 2π / 3. Correspondingly, the arc of the swing part 31 as a whole is π / 4 to π, preferably π / 3 to 2π / 3. This effectively reduces the thickness of the pivot part, achieving a thinner and lighter hinge structure.

[0159] Furthermore, it includes a connecting seat 21, with the first connecting rod 30 and the second connecting rod 40 respectively pivotally connected to the connecting seat 21; the second plate 20 is fixedly mounted on the connecting seat 21.

[0160] Specifically, the other ends of the swing part 31 and the rotating part 41 are pivotally connected to the connecting seat 21 via the connecting part 32 and the connecting arm 45, respectively. Preferably, the body 10 is also provided with a rear cover 17 for covering the back of the hinge structure.

[0161] The second aspect of this application discloses a foldable electronic device with the aforementioned hinge structure.

[0162] The hinge structure disclosed in this application is ingeniously designed, easy to implement, and the size of the accommodating space can be adjusted according to design needs. Specifically, by adjusting the position of the first pivot center A1, the tilt angle of the first plate 25 in the folded state can be adjusted, thereby meeting the different needs of foldable electronic products.

[0163] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A hinge structure, characterized in that, Includes the main body, screen support components, and a four-bar linkage mechanism; The screen support is used to install and support the flexible screen; the screen support includes a first plate disposed near the folded part of the flexible screen and a second plate disposed away from the folded part. The second plate is rotatably mounted on the main body via a four-bar linkage; The four-bar linkage includes a first link and a second link; The first plate is fixedly mounted on the first connecting rod and swings together with the first connecting rod; when the flexible screen is fully folded, the first plate is tilted, thereby creating a deformation space for the folded part of the flexible screen.

2. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the flexible screen is horizontally unfolded, the first screen mounting surface on the first plate is flush with the second screen mounting surface on the second plate.

3. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the projection plane perpendicular to the virtual swing center line of the first plate, the horizontal direction is set as the X-axis and the vertical direction as the Y-axis. When the flexible screen is horizontally unfolded, the second screen mounting surface on the second plate is horizontally unfolded along the positive direction of the X-axis. When the flexible screen is completely folded, the second screen mounting surface of the second plate is vertically set along the positive direction of the Y-axis. The virtual intersection of the horizontally set second screen mounting surface and the vertically set second screen mounting surface is the origin of the coordinate system. The virtual swing center of the first plate, that is, the virtual pivot center of the first connecting rod on the main body, is set in the positive and negative quadrant regions.

4. The hinge structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The virtual pivot center of the second link member on the main body is set in the positive and negative quadrant regions.

5. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second link is bent as a whole to prevent the entire second link from protruding from the first screen mounting surface on the first plate during the entire process from the horizontal unfolding of the flexible screen to its complete folding.

6. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The screen support includes a left screen support and a right screen support arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides; the left screen support and the right screen support are respectively rotatably mounted on the body through two sets of the four-bar linkage mechanism; When the flexible screen is fully folded, the two second screen mounting surfaces on the second plates on the left and right sides are arranged in parallel and spaced apart, and the gap between the two first screen mounting surfaces on the first plates on the left and right sides is arranged in a funnel shape with a smaller gap at the top and a larger gap at the bottom.

7. The hinge structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the flexible screen is fully folded, the included angle between the two first screen mounting surfaces on the first plate on the left and right sides is 1-80°.

8. The hinge structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, Let the second plate on the left screen support be the left plate; let the second plate on the right screen support be the right plate; a synchronization component is provided between the left plate and the right plate to realize the left plate and the right plate rotating synchronously in opposite directions; the left plate and the right plate are respectively rotatably connected to the main body through two sets of left and right arranged first and second connecting rods.

9. The hinge structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second or first connecting rod has an arc-shaped rotating part at one end that is swiveled to the body. The synchronization component includes a synchronization transmission element; The synchronous transmission component can only be reciprocated along the virtual pivot center line of the second link on the main body and is disposed on the main body; The rotating part includes a left rotating part disposed on the second link or the first link on the left side, and a right rotating part disposed on the second link or the first link on the right side. A helical transmission pair is provided between the rotating part and the synchronous transmission member to realize the conversion and transmission between the swing motion of the second plate and the rotating part and the linear motion of the synchronous transmission member. The left helical transmission pair between the left rotating part and the synchronous transmission member has the opposite helical direction to the right helical transmission pair between the right rotating part and the synchronous transmission member, which is used to realize the synchronous rotation of the left plate and the right plate towards each other or synchronously in opposite directions.

10. The hinge structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The main body includes a first base and a second base. In the thickness direction, the second base, the rotating part, the main body of the synchronous transmission member, and the first base are arranged sequentially.

11. The hinge structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes a connecting arm integrally formed with the rotating part, one end of which is fixedly connected to the rotating part, and the other end is pivotally connected to the second plate.

12. The hinge structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first or second link includes: a swinging part with an arc plate shape at one end that is swiveled and connected to the main body, and a connecting part integrally formed with the swinging part; An arc-shaped guide groove is provided between the first base and the second base. One end of the swinging part is slidably inserted into the arc-shaped guide groove, and the other end of the swinging part is pivotally connected to the second plate through a connecting part.

13. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a connecting seat; the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are respectively pivotally connected to the connecting seat; the second plate is fixedly connected to the connecting seat.

14. A foldable electronic device having the hinge structure according to any one of claims 1-13.

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