Hinge structure and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a hinge structure and an electronic device, and belongs to the technical field of electronic devices. The hinge structure comprises: a first end of a swing arm is rotationally connected with a hinge base, and a second end of the swing arm is rotationally connected with a frame support; wherein the second end of the swing arm is provided with a first limiting structure, and the frame support is provided with a second limiting structure; in the case that the hinge structure is in an unfolded state, the first limiting structure and the second limiting structure are used for limiting cooperation, and error-proof positioning between the swing arm and the frame support is performed.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of communication technology, foldable screen devices are becoming increasingly popular among users. The reverse folding test is a crucial test for evaluating the durability and reliability of foldable screen devices under abnormal external forces (such as reverse folding, excessive bending, or compression). Its purpose is to simulate the extreme pressure on the screen or hinge structure under user error or accidental events, ensuring the device possesses sufficient mechanical strength and damage resistance. However, as foldable screen devices become increasingly thinner and lighter, and the thickness of hinge components decreases, hinge component breakage during reverse folding tests has become a pain point for the industry.

[0003] In existing hinge structures, when the virtual swing arm and the middle frame support work together to resist the reverse folding force, the part connecting the virtual swing arm and the middle frame support is prone to breakage in the stress area. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a hinge structure and electronic device to solve the problem that the hinge structure of existing electronic devices with foldable screens is prone to breakage when subjected to reverse folding force.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a hinge structure, including:

[0006] The system comprises a hinge base, a swing arm, and a frame support, wherein a first end of the swing arm is rotatably connected to the hinge base, and a second end of the swing arm is rotatably connected to the frame support; wherein...

[0007] The second end of the swing arm is provided with a first limiting structure, and the frame bracket is provided with a second limiting structure. When the hinge structure is in the unfolded state, the first limiting structure and the second limiting structure are used for limiting cooperation to perform error-proof positioning between the swing arm and the frame bracket.

[0008] In some embodiments, the hinge base is provided with an arc-shaped groove, and the first end of the swing arm is provided with an arc-shaped connecting part. The arc-shaped connecting part slides in conjunction with the arc-shaped groove so that the swing arm rotates relative to the hinge base.

[0009] In some embodiments, the swing arm further has an arcuate protrusion connected to the arcuate connecting portion, the opening direction of the arcuate protrusion being opposite to the opening direction of the arcuate connecting portion;

[0010] The first surface of the arc-shaped protrusion is provided with a boss, and the first surface is the arc surface of the arc-shaped protrusion facing the hinge base.

[0011] In some embodiments, the boss includes: a first boss disposed in a first region along a first direction and / or a second boss disposed in the first region along a second direction, the first region being the region where the first surface of the arcuate protrusion connects to the arcuate connecting portion, the first direction being the circumferential direction of the first surface, and the second direction being the radial direction of the first surface.

[0012] In some embodiments, a recess is provided in a second region of the hinge base for accommodating the first boss. The second region is the region of the hinge base outside the region used to support the swing arm when the hinge structure is in a folded state.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second end of the swing arm and the two sides of the first limiting structure are provided with columnar protrusions; the frame support is provided with columnar grooves;

[0014] The cylindrical protrusion extends into the cylindrical groove, and the cylindrical protrusion and the cylindrical groove are rotatably engaged so that the frame support and the swing arm rotate relative to each other.

[0015] In some embodiments, a plate-shaped connecting portion is provided between the cylindrical protrusion and the arc-shaped protrusion. The plate-shaped connecting portion includes a first arc surface, a second arc surface, and a third arc surface connected in sequence, wherein the fillet radii of the first arc surface, the second arc surface, and the third arc surface change linearly; or...

[0016] The fillet radii of the first and third arc surfaces change linearly, while the fillet radius of the second arc surface changes non-linearly.

[0017] In some embodiments, a first reinforcing rib is provided on the second side of the plate-shaped connecting portion near the third region of the cylindrical protrusion, wherein the second side is the side of the plate-shaped connecting portion facing away from the hinge base.

[0018] In some embodiments, the frame support is provided with a second reinforcing rib at the position where it mates with the third region.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first limiting structure is a first groove that opens in a direction away from the hinge base, and the second limiting structure is a first protrusion formed on the edge of the frame support and bent in a direction facing the hinge base, the first protrusion being located within the first groove.

[0020] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an electronic device, including a first housing, a second housing, and the hinge structure described in the first aspect above;

[0021] The first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected by the hinge structure, and the first housing and the second housing are respectively fixedly connected to the frame brackets on both sides of the hinge base.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first end of the swing arm is rotatably connected to the hinge base, and the second end of the swing arm is rotatably connected to the frame support. By providing a first limiting structure at the second end of the swing arm and a second limiting structure on the frame support, when the hinge structure is in the unfolded state, the first and second limiting structures are used for limiting and coordinating to prevent misalignment between the swing arm and the frame support. This prevents misalignment between the frame support and the swing arm when the hinge structure is in the unfolded state and subjected to a reverse folding force, reduces the stress on the second end of the swing arm, and avoids breakage between the second end of the swing arm and the frame support. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the hinge structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram corresponding to the dashed circle C in the middle;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the BB direction;

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram corresponding to the dashed coil J in the middle;

[0028] Figure 6 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the swing arm according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a second schematic diagram of the swing arm structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a second schematic diagram of the hinge structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view along the FF direction;

[0032] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 An enlarged schematic diagram corresponding to the dashed coil G in the middle;

[0033] Figure 11 yes Figure 1A magnified diagram corresponding to the black circle H in the middle;

[0034] Figure 12 This is the third schematic diagram of the hinge structure in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0037] The hinge structure provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 12 As shown, this application embodiment provides a hinge structure, which includes a hinge base 1, a swing arm 2, and a frame support 3. The first end of the swing arm 2 is rotatably connected to the hinge base 1, and the second end of the swing arm 2 is rotatably connected to the frame support 3; wherein, see... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The second end of the swing arm 2 is provided with a first limiting structure 5, and the frame support 3 is provided with a second limiting structure 6. When the hinge structure is in the unfolded state, the first limiting structure 5 and the second limiting structure 6 are used for limiting cooperation to prevent misalignment between the swing arm 2 and the frame support 3.

[0039] Optionally, swing arm 2 is a virtual swing arm.

[0040] It should be noted that when the hinge structure is in the unfolded state, and the virtual swing arm and the frame support work together to resist the reverse folding force, the first limiting structure 5 and the second limiting structure 6 cooperate in the preset direction (the lateral direction of the screen of the electronic device with the hinge structure installed after unfolding) to prevent misalignment between the swing arm 2 and the frame support 3. This can prevent misalignment between the frame support 3 and the swing arm 2, thereby reducing the stress on the second end of the swing arm 2 and avoiding breakage between the second end of the swing arm 2 and the frame support 3.

[0041] Optionally, the hinge base 1 is provided with an arc-shaped groove 11, and the first end of the swing arm 2 is provided with an arc-shaped connecting part 22. The arc-shaped connecting part 22 is slidably engaged with the arc-shaped groove 11, so that the swing arm 2 and the hinge base 1 can rotate relative to each other. That is, the arc-shaped connecting part 22 is slidably engaged with the arc-shaped groove 11. During the process of switching between the folded state and the unfolded state of the hinge structure, the arc-shaped connecting part 22 slides circumferentially relative to the arc-shaped groove 11, and at the same time, the contact area between the arc-shaped connecting part 22 and the arc-shaped groove 11 also changes.

[0042] Optionally, the arc-shaped connecting part 22 is a bearing bush, and the arc-shaped sliding groove 11 is a bearing bush groove, with the bearing bush and the bearing bush groove slidingly fitted together.

[0043] Optionally, the swing arm 2 also has an arcuate protrusion 21 connected to the arcuate connecting portion 22, the opening direction of the arcuate protrusion 21 being opposite to the opening direction of the arcuate connecting portion 22.

[0044] Specifically, the arc-shaped protrusion 21 bends away from the bottom of the hinge base 1. The opening direction of the arc-shaped protrusion 21 is away from the bottom of the hinge base 1.

[0045] The arc-shaped connecting part 22 bends towards the bottom of the hinge base 1. The opening of the arc-shaped connecting part 22 faces the bottom of the hinge base 1.

[0046] from Figure 2 As can be seen, the arc-shaped protrusion 21 (the area where it is located can be understood as the neck area of ​​the swing arm 2) detaches from the support of the hinge base 1, and the thickness of the arc-shaped protrusion 21 is small, making it prone to breakage under the action of reverse folding force. To solve the breakage problem in this case, in an optional embodiment, see... Figure 3 The first surface of the arc-shaped protrusion 21 is provided with a boss 4, and the first surface is the arc surface of the arc-shaped protrusion 21 facing the hinge base 1. This can enhance the stress on the arc-shaped protrusion and prevent breakage. Moreover, the added boss 4 not only avoids the hinge base 1, but also does not affect the unfolding and folding of the screen subsequently installed on the hinge structure of this application.

[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6As shown, the boss 4 includes: a first boss 41 disposed in a first region along a first direction and / or a second boss 42 disposed in a first region along a second direction. The first region is the region where the first surface of the arc-shaped protrusion 21 connects with the arc-shaped connecting portion 22. The first direction is the circumferential direction of the first surface, and the second direction is the radial direction of the first surface.

[0048] A boss is provided in the first region of the first surface of the arc-shaped protrusion 21 to strengthen the weakest point of the rocker arm 2. Optionally, the first boss 41 is a boss with at least two levels, which are stepped. Optionally, the second boss 42 is a boss with at least two levels, which are stepped.

[0049] In this embodiment, the swing arm 2 is reinforced with multiple (two or more) bosses in the first and / or second directions to strengthen the weakest part of the swing arm 2, so that the swing arm 2 can be prevented from breaking when subjected to reverse folding external force.

[0050] Further, see Figure 5 A recessed groove 12 is provided in the second region of the hinge base 1. The recessed groove 12 is used to accommodate the first boss 41. The second region is the region of the hinge base 1 other than the region used to support the swing arm 2 when the hinge structure is in a folded state.

[0051] Here, the recess 12 engages with the first boss 41. For example, if the first boss 41 is a secondary boss, then the recess 12 is a secondary recess. The recess 12 is provided in the second region of the hinge base to avoid affecting the area supporting the swing arm 2 when the hinge structure is in a folded state.

[0052] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 and Figure 12 The second end of the swing arm 2 and the two sides of the first limiting structure 5 are provided with columnar protrusions 23; the frame support 3 is provided with columnar grooves 31; wherein, the columnar protrusions 23 extend into the columnar grooves 31, and the columnar protrusions 213 and the columnar grooves 31 are rotatably engaged so that the frame support 3 and the swing arm 2 rotate relative to each other.

[0053] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, a plate-shaped connecting portion 24 is provided between the cylindrical protrusion 23 and the arc-shaped protrusion 21. The plate-shaped connecting portion 24 includes a first arc surface E1, a second arc surface E2, and a third arc surface E3 connected in sequence, and the fillet radii of the first arc surface E1, the second arc surface E2, and the third arc surface E3 change linearly; or, see Figure 6 The fillet radii of the first arc surface E1 and the third arc surface E3 change linearly, while the fillet radius of the second arc surface E2 changes non-linearly.

[0054] It should be noted that, see Figure 11The transition region K (i.e., the area formed by the first, second, and third arc surfaces) between the cylindrical protrusion 23 and the plate-shaped connecting portion 24 is a stress concentration point for the swing arm 2. When subjected to a reverse folding force and the swing arm 2 interacts with the frame support 3, this area is prone to fracture. To address this fracture problem, this application employs a linear rounded transition in the transition region between the cylindrical protrusion 23 and the plate-shaped connecting portion 24. Specifically, the rounded radii of the first, second, and third arc surfaces E1, E2, and E3 change linearly; or, the rounded radii of the first and third arc surfaces E1 and E3 change linearly, while the rounded radii of the second arc surface E2 change non-linearly. By increasing the transition region, stress concentration can be effectively reduced, thereby preventing fracture caused by stress concentration.

[0055] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 and Figure 12 As shown, a first reinforcing rib 7 is provided on the third region near the cylindrical protrusion 23 on the second surface of the plate-shaped connecting part 24. The second surface is the side of the plate-shaped connecting part 24 that is away from the hinge base 1.

[0056] Here, the second surface of the plate-shaped connecting part 24 is close to the third region of the cylindrical protrusion 23, which is also the stress concentration region of the swing arm 2. By adding reinforcing ribs to this stress concentration region, this application can strengthen the strength of this region and avoid fracture caused by stress concentration under reverse folding external force.

[0057] Optional, see Figure 12 A second reinforcing rib 8 is provided at the mating position between the frame support 3 and the third region. It should be noted that the addition of the second reinforcing rib 8 at the mating position of the frame support 3 in the third region can prevent the frame support 3 from breaking.

[0058] As an optional implementation, the first limiting structure 5 is a first groove opening in the direction away from the hinge base 1, and the second limiting structure 6 is a first protrusion formed on the edge of the frame support 3 and bent in the direction facing the hinge base 1, with the first protrusion located within the first groove. Through the limiting cooperation of the first protrusion and the first groove, misalignment between the frame support 3 and the swing arm 2 can be prevented, thereby reducing the stress on the second end stress area of ​​the swing arm 2 and avoiding breakage between the second end of the swing arm 2 and the frame support 3. This implementation method has a simple and easy-to-implement structural design.

[0059] It should be noted that, see Figure 12 The hinge structure of this application embodiment also includes a synchronous swing arm 9 rotatably connected to the hinge base 1. The synchronous swing arm 9 and the swing arm 2 are located on the same side of the hinge base 1, and the rotation axis of the swing arm 2 is parallel to the rotation axis of the synchronous swing arm 9.

[0060] It should be noted that the hinge base 1 may have a first pivot, and the synchronous swing arm 9 may have a first shaft hole. The first pivot passes through the first shaft hole, and the first pivot functions with the synchronous swing arm 9 to achieve a rotatable connection between the synchronous swing arm 9 and the hinge base 1. Of course, the hinge base 1 and the swing arm 2, and the hinge base 1 and the synchronous swing arm 9, can also achieve a rotatable connection through other means. The frame bracket 3 is slidably connected to the synchronous swing arm 9. The swing arm 2 and the synchronous swing arm 9 can slide and rotate relative to each other.

[0061] This application also provides an electronic device, including a first housing, a second housing, and the hinge structure described above; wherein the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected by the hinge structure, and the first housing and the second housing are respectively fixedly connected to the frame brackets on both sides of the hinge base.

[0062] Here, the hinge structure serves as the mechanism for folding and unfolding the electronic device. Specifically, the first housing and the second housing are connected to the frame support 3 of the hinge structure, and the first housing and the second housing can be connected to the frame support 3 of the hinge structure by welding, bonding, or other methods.

[0063] Specifically, the electronic device provided in this application, because it includes the hinge structure described in the above embodiments, has all the beneficial effects of the hinge structure described in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0064] It should be noted that the electronic devices disclosed in this application can be smartphones, tablets, e-book readers, wearable devices (such as smartwatches), video game consoles, and other electronic devices. This application does not impose specific limitations on the types of electronic devices.

[0065] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A hinge structure, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a hinge base, a swing arm, and a frame support, wherein a first end of the swing arm is rotatably connected to the hinge base, and a second end of the swing arm is rotatably connected to the frame support; wherein... The second end of the swing arm is provided with a first limiting structure, and the frame bracket is provided with a second limiting structure. When the hinge structure is in the unfolded state, the first limiting structure and the second limiting structure are used for limiting cooperation to perform error-proof positioning between the swing arm and the frame bracket.

2. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge base is provided with an arc-shaped sliding groove, and the first end of the swing arm is provided with an arc-shaped connecting part. The arc-shaped connecting part slides in conjunction with the arc-shaped sliding groove so that the swing arm rotates relative to the hinge base.

3. The hinge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The swing arm also has an arc-shaped protrusion connected to the arc-shaped connecting part, and the opening direction of the arc-shaped protrusion is opposite to the opening direction of the arc-shaped connecting part; The first surface of the arc-shaped protrusion is provided with a boss, and the first surface is the arc surface of the arc-shaped protrusion facing the hinge base.

4. The hinge structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protrusion includes: a first protrusion disposed in a first region along a first direction and / or a second protrusion disposed in the first region along a second direction, wherein the first region is the region where the first surface of the arcuate protrusion connects with the arcuate connecting portion, the first direction is the circumferential direction of the first surface, and the second direction is the radial direction of the first surface.

5. The hinge structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, A recess is provided in the second region of the hinge base to accommodate the first boss. The second region is the region of the hinge base other than the region that supports the swing arm when the hinge structure is in a folded state.

6. The hinge structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second end of the swing arm and on both sides of the first limiting structure are provided with columnar protrusions; the frame bracket is provided with columnar grooves; The cylindrical protrusion extends into the cylindrical groove, and the cylindrical protrusion and the cylindrical groove are rotatably engaged so that the frame support and the swing arm rotate relative to each other.

7. The hinge structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, A plate-shaped connecting portion is provided between the cylindrical protrusion and the arc-shaped protrusion. The plate-shaped connecting portion includes a first arc surface, a second arc surface, and a third arc surface connected in sequence. The fillet radii of the first arc surface, the second arc surface, and the third arc surface change linearly; or... The fillet radii of the first and third arc surfaces change linearly, while the fillet radius of the second arc surface changes non-linearly.

8. The hinge structure according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, A first reinforcing rib is provided on the second surface of the plate-shaped connecting portion near the third region of the cylindrical protrusion, wherein the second surface is the side of the plate-shaped connecting portion facing away from the hinge base; and / or, The frame support is provided with a second reinforcing rib at the position where it mates with the third region.

9. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first limiting structure is a first groove that opens in a direction away from the hinge base, and the second limiting structure is a first protrusion formed on the edge of the frame bracket and bent in a direction facing the hinge base, the first protrusion being located in the first groove.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; The first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected by the hinge structure, and the first housing and the second housing are respectively fixedly connected to the frame brackets on both sides of the hinge base.

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