Hinge mechanism and foldable electronic device

Abstract

A hinge mechanism and a foldable electronic device are provided. The hinge mechanism is disposed within the foldable electronic device. When one rotating part of the foldable electronic device moves, the hinge mechanism drives the other rotating part to move. The hinge mechanism includes a fixed support, a transmission assembly, two first transmission shafts, a clamp assembly, and a first elastic part. The fixed support is configured to be fixed to the base of the foldable electronic device, and the fixed support is connected to the first transmission shaft to limit the relative position between the first transmission shaft and the fixed support. The first transmission shaft is connected to the clamp assembly and the first elastic part. The first elastic part provides an elastic force to the clamp assembly so that the friction between the clamp assembly and the transmission assembly forms attenuation. In this way, the foldable electronic device has an attenuation effect, improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202310319812.1, titled "HINGE MECHANISM AND FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on March 22, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Technical Field] This application relates to the field of foldable screen technology, and in particular, to a hinge mechanism and a foldable electronic device.

Background Art

[0003] As the flexible foldable screen technology becomes increasingly mature, foldable electronic devices are becoming a major trend. Foldable electronic devices (such as foldable mobile phones, foldable tablets, foldable computers, and other electronic devices) need to have high reliability, a good operating experience, and a good appearance so that they can be accepted by consumers.

[0004] As a core functional component of a foldable electronic device, a hinge mechanism is configured to drive parts of the foldable electronic device to rotate relative to each other. The stability of the hinge mechanism and the damping formed by the hinge mechanism are closely related to the user experience.

[0005] The portability of foldable electronic devices is improving, and the space for the hinge mechanism is further compressed. When the volume of the hinge mechanism is limited, usually, the stability of the hinge mechanism is sacrificed, and the damping formed by the hinge mechanism is reduced, resulting in a decline in the user experience.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a hinge mechanism and a foldable electronic device for improving the damping force of the hinge mechanism.

[0007] A first aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism includes a fixed support, a transmission assembly, two first transmission shafts, a clamp assembly, and a first elastic part. The fixed support has two limiting holes provided at intervals in a first direction. The transmission assembly includes two first connection members located on both sides of the fixed support in the first direction and a transmission gear group. Each first connection member has one end gear, and the transmission gear group is located between the two end gears and meshes with the two end gears. Each end gear is relatively fixed to one first connection member located on the same side, and each first connection member is configured to be connected to one rotating part located on the same side. The first transmission shaft extends in a second direction, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, the two first connection members each rotate relative to the fixed support by using one first transmission shaft, and each first transmission shaft passes through the corresponding end gear and the corresponding limiting hole to limit the movement of the transmission assembly relative to the fixed support. The first transmission shaft is disposed in the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly cooperates restrictively along the outer periphery of the first transmission shaft with respect to the fixed support. The clamp assembly includes a first clamp member and a second clamp member. Both the first clamp member and the second clamp member are sleeved on the two first transmission shafts and clamp the fixed support and the transmission assembly in the second direction. The first transmission shaft is restrictively connected to the second clamp member in the second direction, whereby the first transmission shaft can drive the second clamp member to approach the fixed support relatively in the second direction. One end of the first elastic part acts on the first clamp member, and the other end of the first elastic part acts on the first transmission shaft, whereby the first clamp member and the second clamp member clamp the fixed support and the transmission assembly in the second direction.

[0008] In this hinge mechanism, the two first connecting members are driven to synchronously move the two rotating parts through the cooperation between the transmission gear group and the two end gears. The fixed support can be directly arranged on the fixed part (base) so that the relative position between the fixed support and the fixed part is fixed. The translation of the end gear arranged on the first transmission shaft relative to the fixed support is restricted by the cooperation between the limiting hole on the fixed support and the first transmission shaft. The force applied to the end gear and the misalignment of the end gear relative to the fixed support are reduced. The fixed support is arranged in the clamp assembly, and the fixed support is arranged in a limited space to improve the stability of the hinge mechanism. The first elastic part acts on the first clamp member to apply a tightening force to the first clamp member for abutting the first clamp member toward the fixed support. In addition, since the second clamp member is restrictedly connected to the first transmission shaft, the first clamp member and the second clamp member can clamp the fixed support and the transmission assembly by elastic force. The first elastic part enables at least three contact areas to be formed in total between the contact position between the first clamp member and the end gear, the contact position between the end gear and the fixed support, and between the second clamp member and the fixed support. Thereby, the space of the hinge mechanism is fully utilized to form at least three contact areas. When the end gear has a tendency to rotate, the static friction generated in the three contact areas can form damping, the rotation of the end gear can be restricted, and thereby the end gear can rotate overcoming the static friction force only when receiving a driving force greater than the static friction force. The at least three contact areas expand the area where the static friction force is generated, thereby increasing the value of the static friction force, forming greater damping, and improving the user experience obtained when the user rotates the two rotating parts. When the two rotating parts stop at an arbitrary relative angle, the static friction force can restrict the two rotating parts from rotating relative to each other again, facilitating the hovering of the two rotating parts. In this way, a more stable damping module of the hinge mechanism can be implemented in a smaller space.

[0009] Based on the first aspect, in a possible implementation form, the first clamping member is located at the end of the transmission assembly facing away from the fixed support, and the end of the first clamping member facing the fixed support has two first cam surfaces. The end of each first connecting member facing the first clamping member has a second cam surface. The first elastic part enables the first clamping member and the second clamping member to clamp the fixed support and the transmission assembly in the second direction, and the second cam surface abuts against the first cam surface.

[0010] In this hinge mechanism, since the first cam surface abuts against the second cam surface, self-driving of the end gear at a preset position can be realized. For example, if the preset position is the position that exists when the two rotating parts are in the folded state, when the two rotating parts are in the folded state position, the protruding part of the first cam surface is completely inserted into the groove part of the second cam surface. When the two rotating parts approach the folded state position, due to the elastic force generated by the first elastic part, the protruding part of the first cam surface has a tendency to enter the groove part of the second cam surface. In this way, the first connecting member has a tendency to rotate relative to the first clamping member, and thereby, the two rotating parts are driven by the first connecting member to have a tendency to move towards the folded state.

[0011] Based on the first aspect, in a possible implementation form, the hinge mechanism further includes two second connecting members located on both sides of the fixed support in the first direction, and each second connecting member is configured to be connected to one rotating part located on the same side. The second clamping member is located at the end of the fixed support facing away from the transmission assembly, and the end of the second clamping member facing the fixed support has two third cam surfaces. Each second connecting member is disposed between the second clamping member and the fixed support. The end of each second connecting member facing the second clamping member has a fourth cam surface. The first clamping member and the second clamping member clamp the second connecting member, the fixed support, and the transmission assembly in the second direction, and the third cam surface abuts against the fourth cam surface.

[0012] In this hinge mechanism, by using two second connecting members, the stability of the connection between the rotating part and the hinge mechanism can be improved. When the first connecting member and the second connecting member are not directly fixed, the first connecting member and the second connecting member may independently tend to move in the second direction. When the rotating part drives the first connecting member and the second connecting member to rotate around the axis center of the first transmission shaft, a friction area is formed between the second connecting member and the fixed support, and a friction area is also formed between the fixed support and the first connecting member. The two friction areas can form a larger attenuation to enhance the stability of the end gear. When the two rotating parts stop at an arbitrary relative angle, the static friction forces formed in the two friction areas limit the two rotating parts from rotating relative to each other again, and the two rotating parts can be kept hovering. When the first connecting member and the second connecting member are directly fixed, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be connected together to the corresponding rotating part to facilitate the assembly of the rotating part and the hinge mechanism. In addition, the self-driving of the second connecting member at a preset position is realized by using the third cam surface and the fourth cam surface. For example, if the preset position exists when the two rotating parts are in the folded state, when the two rotating parts are in the folded state position, the protruding part of the third cam surface is completely inserted into the groove part of the fourth cam surface. When the two rotating parts approach the folded state position, due to the elastic force generated by the first elastic part, the protruding part of the third cam surface tends to enter the groove part of the fourth cam surface. In this way, the second connecting member has a tendency to rotate relative to the second clamping member, and thereby, the two rotating parts are driven by the second connecting member to tend to move towards the folded state.

[0013] Based on the first aspect, in a possible implementation form, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are fixed or integrated.

[0014] In this hinge mechanism, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be connected together to the corresponding rotating part to facilitate the assembly of the rotating part and the hinge mechanism.

[0015] Based on the first aspect, in a possible implementation form, the fixed support includes a first part and a second part in the second direction, and two limiting holes are provided in the first part. The second part is arranged between the two first transmission shafts and is configured to be fixed to the fixing part.

[0016] In this hinge mechanism, since the first part has a large size in the first direction, two limiting holes are conveniently provided, and the first part has a small size in the second direction. The limiting holes only need to limit the position of the first transmission shaft. By reducing the size of the first part in the second direction, the space occupied by the fixed support can be reduced. The second part has a small size in the first direction, so the space occupied by the fixed support is reduced.

[0017] Based on the first aspect, in a possible implementation form, the transmission gear group includes an intermediate gear. The hinge mechanism further includes a second transmission shaft that extends in the second direction. The fixed support further has a limiting slot, and the second transmission shaft passes through the intermediate gear and is inserted into the limiting slot to limit the movement of the intermediate gear relative to the fixed support.

[0018] In this hinge mechanism, the second transmission shaft is connected to the intermediate gear. The fixed support limits the position of the second transmission shaft by using the limiting slot to reduce the misalignment of the intermediate gear relative to the fixing part when the intermediate gear receives force.

[0019] Based on the first aspect, in a possible implementation form, the first elastic part includes a first elastic member and a first positioning member. The first positioning member is arranged on the first transmission shaft and is located on the side of the first clamping member facing away from the second clamping member. The first elastic member is clamped between the first clamping member and the first positioning member.

[0020] In this hinge mechanism, one end of the first elastic member acts on the first clamping member, and the other end indirectly acts on the second clamping member through the transmission of the first positioning member and the first transmission shaft. Therefore, the first clamping member and the second clamping member tend to approach each other relatively. In this way, the first clamping member and the second clamping member act on the fixed support and the transmission assembly to form a static frictional force. The first elastic member is disposed at a position on the first clamping member facing away from the second clamping member and does not occupy the space of the fixed support and the transmission assembly.

[0021] Based on the first aspect, in a possible implementation form, a first stop member and a second stop member are disposed on the first transmission shaft. The first stop member acts on the first positioning member to limit the first positioning member from disengaging from the first transmission shaft in the second direction. The second stop member acts on the second clamping member to limit the second clamping member from disengaging from the first transmission shaft in the second direction.

[0022] In this hinge mechanism, since the first stop member limits the position of the first positioning member and the second stop member limits the position of the second clamping member, the first elastic member indirectly acts on the second clamping member through the transmission of the first positioning member and the first transmission shaft.

[0023] Based on the first aspect, in a possible implementation form, the hinge mechanism further includes a second elastic part and a third clamping member. Both the second elastic part and the third clamping member are disposed on the second transmission shaft. The intermediate gear is clamped between the fixed support and the third clamping member. The second elastic part acts on the third clamping member to press the third clamping member in the second direction toward the intermediate gear.

[0024] In this hinge mechanism, the second elastic part acts on the third clamping member to press the third clamping member toward the intermediate gear. The third clamping member can also press the intermediate gear toward the fixed support. A friction area is formed between the intermediate gear and the fixed support, and a friction area is also formed between the third clamping member and the intermediate gear. The two friction areas can form a greater attenuation. The intermediate gear and the end gear drive cooperate with each other through transmission. By increasing the attenuation formed in the two friction areas, the stability of the end gear can also be enhanced.

[0025] Based on the first aspect, in a possible implementation form, the third clamping member is located at the end of the transmission assembly facing away from the fixed support, and the end of the third clamping member facing the fixed support has two fifth cam surfaces. The end of each intermediate gear facing the third clamping member has a sixth cam surface. The second elastic part enables the third clamping member to press the intermediate gear in the second direction, and the fifth cam surface abuts against the sixth cam surface.

[0026] In this hinge mechanism, the self-driving of the intermediate gear at a preset position is realized by using the fifth cam surface and the sixth cam surface to indirectly realize the self-driving of the end gear at the preset position. For example, if the preset position is the position that exists when the two rotating parts are in the folded state, when the two rotating parts are in the folded state position, the protruding part of the fifth cam surface is completely inserted into the groove part of the sixth cam surface. When the two rotating parts approach the folded state position, due to the elastic force generated by the second elastic part, the protruding part of the fifth cam surface has a tendency to enter the groove part of the sixth cam surface. In this way, the intermediate gear has a tendency to rotate relative to the third clamping member, whereby the two rotating parts are driven by the intermediate gear by using the end gear to have a tendency to move toward the folded state.

[0027] Based on the first aspect, in a possible implementation form, the third clamping member and the first clamping member are fixed or integrated.

[0028] In this hinge mechanism, the third clamping member and the first clamping member are pre-assembled and can then cooperate with the first transmission shaft and the second transmission shaft. When the third clamping member and the first clamping member are integrated, the manufacturing and forming of the third clamping member and the first clamping member can be made easier, and the number of parts of the hinge mechanism is reduced.

[0029] The second elastic part includes a second elastic member and a second positioning member. The second positioning member is disposed on the second transmission shaft and is located on the side of the third clamping member facing away from the intermediate gear. The second elastic member is clamped between the third clamping member and the second positioning member, and the second elastic member acts on the third clamping member and the second positioning member, whereby the third clamping member presses the intermediate gear toward the fixed support in the second direction.

[0030] In this hinge mechanism, since one end of the second elastic member in the second elastic part acts on the third clamping member and the other end acts on the second positioning member, the third clamping member and the second positioning member tend to move relatively away from each other, and the third clamping member acts on the intermediate gear to form a static frictional force.

[0031] Based on the first aspect, in a possible implementation form, the first positioning member and the second positioning member are fixed or integrated.

[0032] In this hinge mechanism, the first positioning member regulates the position in the second direction by using the first transmission shaft, and the second positioning member is fixed to the first positioning member, so the position of the second positioning member in the second direction can also be regulated. When the first positioning member and the second positioning member are integrated, the manufacturing and forming of the first positioning member and the second positioning member can be made easier, and the number of parts of the hinge mechanism is reduced.

[0033] Based on the first aspect, in a possible implementation form, the fixed support has bolt holes, and the bolt holes are used for passing bolts to connect the fixed support and the fixing part.

[0034] In this hinge mechanism, the fixed support is removably connected to the fixed part via bolts, facilitating the assembly and cooperation between the fixed part and the fixed support.

[0035] The second aspect of the present application provides a foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device includes a first housing and a second housing. The foldable electronic device further includes a hinge mechanism according to any one of the implementation forms of the first aspect. The first housing is connected to one of the first connecting members, and the second housing is connected to the other first connecting member. The first housing and the second housing rotate in a direction approaching or separating from each other by using the hinge mechanism.

[0036] In a foldable electronic device, a first housing is connected to a second housing via a hinge mechanism, such that the first housing and the second housing can rotate synchronously in a direction approaching each other or a direction moving away from each other. In this way, the foldable electronic device can be in a deployed state or a folded state. When the first housing and the second housing rotate in a direction approaching each other or a direction moving away from each other, the cooperation between the limiting hole on the fixed support and the first transmission shaft restricts the movement of the end gear disposed on the transmission shaft with respect to the fixed support, and reduces the misalignment of the end gear with respect to the fixed part when the end gear receives a force. Thereby, the first housing and the second housing rotate more smoothly. In addition, the first elastic part enables the first clamping member and the second clamping member to form two contact areas on both sides of the fixed support and the transmission assembly, whereby the space of the hinge mechanism is fully utilized to form two contact areas. When the end gear has a tendency to rotate, the static friction generated in the two contact areas can form attenuation, and the rotation of the end gear can be restricted. Thereby, the end gear can rotate overcoming the static friction force only when it receives a driving force greater than the static friction force. After the first housing and the second housing stop rotating, and before the first housing and the second housing are driven by an external force large enough to rotate relative to each other, the relative positions of the first housing and the second housing are maintained, realizing the hovering of the first housing and the second housing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037]

Figure 1

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Figure 10

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals of main components: Folding electronic device 001 First housing 010 Second housing 030 Base 050 Fixed part 051 Hinge mechanism 070 Snap ring 071 Four-link cam 073 Two-link gear 075 Rotating part 077 Fixed support 100 Limit hole 101 Limit slot 103 First part 110 Second part 130 Bolt hole 131 Transmission assembly 200 Transmission gear group 210 Intermediate gear 211 First transmission shaft 220 First stop member 221 Annular groove 223 Second stop member 225 First connecting member 230 End gear 231 First mounting hole 233 Clamp assembly 300 First clamp member 310 Second clamp member 330 First elastic part 400 First elastic member 410 First positioning member 430 Second cam surface 511 First cam surface 513 Fourth cam surface 531 Third cam surface 533 Sixth cam surface 551 Fifth cam surface 553 Second connecting member 610 Second transmission shaft 710 Third stop member 711 Second elastic part 800 Second elastic member 810 Second positioning member 830 Third clamp member 910 First direction X Second direction Y

[0039] In the following specific implementation forms, the present application will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0040] The implementation forms of this application will be described below by using specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application based on the content disclosed in this specification. This application is described with reference to exemplary embodiments, but it does not mean that the features of this application are limited to these implementation forms. On the contrary, the purpose of the description of this application with reference to the implementation forms is to cover other options or modifications that can be derived according to the scope of the claims of this application. To provide a deep understanding of this application, the following description includes many specific details. This application may alternatively be implemented without using these details. In addition, some specific details are omitted from the description to avoid confusion or obscurity of the focus of this application. It should be noted that the embodiments in this application and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other as long as there is no contradiction.

[0041] Terms such as "first" and "second" below are used only for the purpose of explanation and should not be understood as indicating the relative importance of the indicated technical features or as an indication or implication of an implied indication. Therefore, the features defined by "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of" means two or more. Terms indicating directions such as "up", "down", "left", and "right" are defined with respect to the directions of the components schematically arranged in the attached drawings. It should be understood that these terms indicating directions are relative concepts used for relative description and clarification and may change correspondingly based on the change in the direction in which the components are arranged in the attached drawings.

[0042] In this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" may indicate a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integral connection, or may indicate a direct mutual connection or an indirect mutual connection through an intermediate medium. The term "and / or" used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0043] When the following embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, for convenience of explanation, the drawings showing the structure of some components are not drawn to general scale, but some parts are enlarged. In addition, the drawings are merely examples and should not limit the protection scope of the present application in this specification.

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application more clear, the implementation forms of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the assembly of a foldable electronic device 001 according to an implementation form of the present application. FIG. 2 is a diagram of the structure of the foldable electronic device 001 according to an implementation form of the present application, and the foldable electronic device 001 is in an unfolded state. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the structure of the foldable electronic device 001 according to an implementation form of the present application, and the foldable electronic device 001 is in a folded state.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the foldable electronic device 001 includes a first housing 010, a second housing 030, and a base 050. The first housing 010 and the second housing 030 are respectively disposed on both sides of the base 050 in the first direction X. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 can rotate in a direction approaching each other or away from each other. The first housing 010 and the second housing 030 rotate in a direction away from each other, whereby the foldable electronic device 001 can move to an unfolded state. The first housing 010 and the second housing 030 rotate in a direction approaching each other, whereby the foldable electronic device 001 can move to a folded state.

[0047] A flexible display may be disposed in the first housing 010, the base 050, and the second housing 030. When the foldable electronic device 001 moves to an unfolded state, the flexible display is also unfolded, and the entire flexible display can be completely observed by the user, thereby expanding the visible area of the flexible display. When the foldable electronic device 001 moves to a folded state, the flexible display is also folded, thereby improving the portability of the foldable electronic device 001. When the flexible display is disposed inside the foldable electronic device 001, when the foldable electronic device 001 is in the folded state, the flexible display is shielded and protected by the first housing 010, the second housing 030, and the base 050, reducing the probability of damage to the flexible display. When the flexible display is disposed outside the foldable electronic device 001, when the foldable electronic device 001 is in the folded state, the flexible display is also divided into a first area located in the first housing 010 and a second area located in the second housing 030. The first area and the second area display different contents and can expand the functions of the foldable electronic device 001.

[0048] The foldable electronic device 001 further includes a hinge mechanism 070. The base 050 forms a fixed portion 051 connected to the hinge mechanism 070. The hinge mechanism 070 is disposed on the base 050. Two rotating portions 077 may be further disposed in the hinge mechanism 070. The first housing 010 is fixed to one rotating portion 077, and the second housing 030 is fixed to the other rotating portion 077. When the first housing 010 rotates with respect to the base 050, the hinge mechanism 070 can drive the second housing 030 to rotate synchronously with respect to the base 050.

[0049] It can be understood that the base 050 covering the gap between the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 is not arranged inside the foldable electronic device 001. For example, the foldable electronic device 001 includes a fixed plate. The fixed plate is located between the first housing 010 and the second housing 030, and both sides of the fixed plate are rotatably connected to the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 respectively. The fixed plate is connected to the hinge mechanism 070. The fixed plate covers only a part of the hinge mechanism 070, and a flexible housing is arranged on the side of the fixed plate facing away from the hinge mechanism 070 to cover the gap between the first housing 010 and the second housing 030. The flexible housing may be made of leather.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism 070 connected to the rotating part 077 according to an implementation form of the present application. FIG. 5 is a diagram of the assembly of the hinge mechanism 070 according to an implementation form of the present application. FIG. 6 is a diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism 070 according to an implementation form of the present application. FIG. 7 is a diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism 070 viewed from another angle according to an implementation form of the present application.

[0051] Please refer to FIGS. 4 and 5. The hinge mechanism 070 includes a fixed support 100. The fixed support 100 includes a first part 110 and a second part 130. The first part 110 and the second part 130 are integrated, so that the first part 110 and the second part 130 can be integrally formed and kept in a state where the relative positions of the first part 110 and the second part 130 are fixed. The fixed support 100 is provided with bolt holes 131. By passing bolts through the bolt holes 131 and cooperating with the threads of the base 050, the fixed support 100 is connected to the base 050, and the relative positions of the base 050 and the fixed support 100 are fixed. The bolt holes 131 are located completely or partially inside the second part 130. The second part 130 expands the space of the fixed support 100 and facilitates the arrangement of the bolt holes 131. In order to improve the connection strength between the fixed support 100 and the base 050, large-sized bolts can be passed through the bolt holes 131 and fixed to the base 050.

[0052] The first part 110 and the second part 130 are arranged in the second direction Y. The second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X. Optionally, the size of the second part 130 in the first direction X is smaller than the size of the first part 110 in the first direction X. Both ends of the first part 110 in the first direction X protrude with respect to the second part 130. One limiting hole 101 is provided in each of the two local regions of the first part 110 that protrude from the second part 130. The limiting hole 101 is a through hole penetrating in the second direction Y.

[0053] The hinge mechanism 070 further includes a transmission assembly 200. The transmission assembly 200 includes first connection members 230 located on both sides of the fixed support 100 in the first direction X. The transmission assembly 200 further includes a transmission gear group 210. Each first connection member 230 has one end gear 231, and the transmission gear group 210 is located between the two end gears 231. The two end gears 231 are respectively meshed on both sides of the transmission gear group 210 in the first direction X. One of the first connection members 230 is connected to the rotating part 077 on the side of the first housing 010, and the other first connection member 230 is connected to the rotating part 077 on the side of the second housing 030. In a possible embodiment, one of the first connection members 230 is slidably connected to the rotating part 077 on the side of the first housing 010, and the other first connection member 230 is slidably connected to the rotating part 077 on the side of the second housing 030. When the first housing 010 or the second housing 030 moves relative to the hinge mechanism 070, the corresponding first connection member 230 is driven to move, driving the corresponding end gear 231 to rotate. The transmission gear group 210 is configured to transmit the rotation amount of one end gear 231 to the other end gear 231. Preferably, the transmission gear group 210 includes two meshing intermediate gears 211. When one end gear 231 rotates in the first rotation direction, the other end gear 231 rotates in the second rotation direction through the transmission of the two intermediate gears 211. Since the first rotation direction is opposite to the second rotation direction, the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 can rotate in a direction approaching each other or a direction moving away from each other. Optionally, the end gear 231 is an incomplete gear. The end gear 231 drives the first housing member and the second housing member to move between the deployed state and the folded state. Correspondingly, the end gear 231 only needs to have gears arranged within the corresponding rotation range.

[0054] Please refer to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. The hinge mechanism 070 further includes two first transmission shafts 220. The two first transmission shafts 220 correspond one-to-one with two first connection members 230. The first transmission shaft 220 extends in the second direction Y. The first transmission shaft 220 passes through the first mounting hole 233 of the corresponding end gear 231 and the limiting hole 101 of the fixed support 100 to connect the first transmission shaft 220, the end gear 231, and the fixed support 100. Each first connection member 230 rotates with respect to the fixed support 100 by using the corresponding first transmission shaft 220. The fixed support 100 restricts the position of the first transmission shaft 220 such that it is difficult for the first transmission shaft 220 to translate in each direction perpendicular to the second direction Y with respect to the fixed support 100. The first transmission shaft 220 further restricts the position of the end gear 231, thereby making it difficult for the end gear 231 to translate in each direction perpendicular to the second direction Y with respect to the first transmission shaft 220. The fixed support 100, the first transmission shaft 220, and the end gear 231 cooperate such that the position of the end gear 231 with respect to the base 050 is stable. When the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 are driven to rotate relative to each other, the end gear 231 can rotate stably and is difficult to translate with respect to the base 050.

[0055] The hinge mechanism 070 further includes a clamp assembly 300. The clamp assembly 300 includes a first clamp member 310 and a second clamp member 330. Both the first clamp member 310 and the second clamp member 330 are sleeved on the first transmission shaft 220. In the second direction Y, the first clamp member 310 is located at an end of the transmission assembly 200 facing away from the fixed support 100. In the second direction Y, the second clamp member 330 is located at an end of the fixed support 100 facing away from the transmission assembly 200. The fixed support 100 and the transmission assembly 200 are clamped between the first clamp member 310 and the second clamp member 330. The first clamp member 310 cooperates restrictively along the outer periphery of the first transmission shaft 220 with respect to the fixed support 100, and the second clamp member 330 cooperates restrictively along the outer periphery of the first transmission shaft 220 with respect to the fixed support 100. When the end gear 231 rotates around the axis center of the first transmission shaft 220, none of the first clamp member 310, the second clamp member 330, and the fixed support 100 rotates around the axis center of the first transmission shaft 220. Thereby, the end gear 231 and the first clamp member 310 rotate relative to each other, forming attenuation between the end gear 231 and the first clamp member 310. The second clamp member 330 is further restrictively connected to the first transmission shaft 220 in the second direction Y. When the first transmission shaft 220 moves parallel to the second direction Y and along the direction from the second clamp member 330 to the fixed support 100, the second clamp member 330 can be driven to approach relatively to the fixed support 100.

[0056] Optionally, the first clamping member 310 is sleeved on two first transmission shafts 220. The second clamping member 330 is sleeved on two first transmission shafts 220. Two portions of the first clamping member 310 corresponding to the two first transmission shafts 220 can be fixed. For example, the first clamping member 310 is a part of two ends of a four-bar cam in the first direction X. The relative positions of the two first transmission shafts 220 are fixed by using the fixed support 100, whereby the four-bar cam cannot rotate around the axis center of any of the first transmission shafts 220. In this case, the first clamping member 310 cooperates limitedly along the outer periphery of the first transmission shaft 220 with respect to the fixed support 100. When the end gear 231 rotates around the axis center of the first transmission shaft 220, the end gear 231 and the first clamping member 310 rotate relative to each other, whereby attenuation is formed between the first clamping member 310 and the end gear 231. Two portions of the second clamping member 330 corresponding to the two first transmission shafts 220 can also be fixed. The second clamping member 330 is a part of two ends of a two-bar cam in the first direction X. The relative positions of the two first transmission shafts 220 are fixed by using the fixed support 100, whereby the two-bar cam cannot rotate around the axis center of any of the first transmission shafts 220. It can be understood that the first clamping member 310 and the second clamping member 330 may not rotate around the first transmission shaft 220 with respect to the fixed support 100. Therefore, the first clamping member 310 and the second clamping member 330 may alternatively be connected to the first transmission shaft 220 in another form. For example, each first transmission shaft 220 is restrictedly connected to the outer periphery of the fixed support 100, two portions of the two ends of the first clamping member 310 in the first direction X are separated, and both are restrictedly connected to the outer periphery of the corresponding first transmission shaft 220. Each first transmission shaft 220 is restrictedly connected to the outer periphery of the fixed support 100, two portions of the second clamping member 330 corresponding to the two first transmission shafts 220 are separated, and both are restrictedly connected to the outer periphery of the corresponding first transmission shaft 220.

[0057] The hinge mechanism 070 further includes a first elastic part 400. The first elastic part 400 is arranged on the first transmission shaft 220. The first elastic part 400 is in a force accumulation state. The first elastic part 400 provides an elastic force to the first clamping member 310 and the second clamping member 330, whereby the first clamping member 310 and the second clamping member 330 clamp the fixed support 100 and the transmission assembly 200 in the second direction Y. Optionally, the first elastic part 400 includes a first elastic member 410 and a first positioning member 430. One first elastic member 410 is sleeved on each first transmission shaft 220. The first positioning member 430 is arranged on the first transmission shaft 220 and is located on the side of the first clamping member 310 facing away from the second clamping member 330. The first positioning member 430 and the first clamping member 310 are arranged at an interval in the second direction Y, and the first elastic member 410 is clamped between the first positioning member 430 and the first clamping member 310. The first elastic member 410 is in a force accumulation state, and the first elastic member 410 generates an elastic force to relatively separate the first positioning member 430 and the first clamping member 310. When the relative movement of the first positioning member 430 and the first transmission shaft 220 in the second direction Y is restricted, the relative movement of the second clamping member 330 and the first transmission shaft 220 in the second direction Y is also restricted, so the first positioning member 430 and the second clamping member 330 cannot relatively separate. In this case, by using the first positioning member 430 and the first transmission shaft 220, the elastic force of the first elastic member 410 acts on the second clamping member 330, so the first clamping member 310 and the second clamping member 330 tend to approach relatively. In this way, the first clamping member 310 and the second clamping member 330 clamp the fixed support 100 and the end gear 231 in the second direction Y.

[0058] Optionally, the first elastic member 410 is a compression spring. When the compression spring is compressed, elastic potential energy is accumulated, and an elastic force can be generated. When the compression spring is further compressed, the compression spring can generate a greater elastic force. When the compression spring extends, the elastic potential energy is released, and the generated elastic force decreases. Optionally, when two ends of the four-link cam in the first direction X form the first clamping member 310, the two first elastic members 410 act on the four-link cam simultaneously, driving the four-link cam to approach the transmission assembly 200.

[0059] Optionally, a first stop member 221 is disposed on the first transmission shaft 220. The first stop member 221 is disposed at an end of the first positioning member 430 facing away from the second clamping member 330. The first positioning member 430 is provided with a first guide hole. The first transmission shaft 220 passes through the first guide hole to limit the relative movement between the first positioning member 430 and the first transmission shaft 220. Along a protruding surface perpendicular to the second direction Y, the protrusion of the first stop member 221 is at least partially located outside the first guide hole. Thereby, when the first positioning member 430 moves into contact with the first stop member 221, the first stop member 221 can limit the first positioning member 430 from passing through the first stop member 221 in the second direction Y, and limit the first positioning member 430 from separating from the first transmission shaft 220 in the second direction Y.

[0060] Optionally, the first stop member 221 includes a snap ring 071. An annular groove 223 is provided in the rod body of the first transmission shaft 220, and the snap ring 071 has a clamping groove. The shape of the clamping groove is equivalent to the shape of the annular groove 223, and an opening is provided on one side of the clamping groove. When the snap ring 071 and the rod body of the first transmission shaft 220 are assembled, the opening of the clamping groove is first aligned with the annular groove 223, and the snap ring 071 approaches the rod body in a direction perpendicular to the second direction Y. The portion of the rod body where the annular groove 223 is disposed enters the clamping groove from the opening. The size of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the portion of the rod body where the annular groove 223 is disposed. However, the snap ring 071 has a specific elasticity. The opening is enlarged by the deformation of the snap ring 071, whereby the portion of the rod body where the annular groove 223 is disposed enters the clamping groove through the opening. After the portion of the rod body where the annular groove 223 is disposed enters the clamping groove, the shape of the snap ring 071 returns to its original state, the opening becomes smaller, and the portion of the rod body where the annular groove 223 is disposed is prevented from slipping out of the opening. The end face of the annular groove 223 limits the movement of the snap ring 071 in the second direction Y with respect to the first transmission shaft 220. The snap ring 071 acts on the first positioning member 430 and further limits the movement of the first positioning member 430 in the second direction Y with respect to the first transmission shaft 220.

[0061] It is understood that the first positioning member 430 and the second clamping member may alternatively be fixed to the first transmission shaft 220. The end gear 231 is connected to the first transmission shaft 220 rotatably around the axis center of the first transmission shaft 220. The first positioning member 430 and the second clamping member can move in the second direction Y in synchronization with the first transmission shaft 220. The end gear 231 can rotate around the axis center of the first transmission shaft 220 with respect to the fixed support 100.

[0062] Optionally, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a second stop member 225 is disposed on the first transmission shaft 220. The second stop member 225 is disposed at an end of the second clamp member 330 facing away from the first positioning member 430. The second clamp member 330 is provided with a second guide hole. The first transmission shaft 220 passes through the second guide hole and restricts relative movement between the second clamp member 330 and the first transmission shaft 220. Along a protruding surface perpendicular to the second direction Y, the protrusion of the second stop member 225 is at least partially located outside the second guide hole. Thereby, when the second clamp member 330 moves into contact with the second stop member 225, the second stop member 225 restricts the second clamp member 330 from passing through the second stop member 225 in the second direction Y, and can restrict the second clamp member 330 from separating from the first transmission shaft 220 in the second direction Y. The second stop member 225 enables the second clamp member 330 to be further restrictedly connected to the first transmission shaft 220 in the second direction Y. When the first transmission shaft 220 moves parallel to the second direction Y and along the direction from the second clamp member 330 to the fixed support 100, the second clamp member 330 can be driven to approach relatively the fixed support 100.

[0063] When the first connecting member 230 drives the end gear 231 to rotate around the axis center of the first transmission shaft 220, the end gear 231 moves relative to the first clamp member 310. The first elastic part 400 enables the first clamp member 310 to firmly press the end gear 231, whereby damping is formed between the end gear 231 and the first clamp member 310.

[0064] It can be understood that when the first positioning member 430 is not provided on the hinge mechanism 070, the end of the first elastic part 400 facing away from the fixed support 100 may alternatively be fixed to the first transmission shaft 220. For example, the end of the first elastic member 410 facing away from the fixed support 100 is welded to the first transmission shaft 220.

[0065] Optionally, the end of the first clamping member 310 facing the fixed support 100 has two first cam surfaces 513. The end of each first connecting member 230 facing the first clamping member 310 has a second cam surface 511. The second cam surface 511 rotates as the end gear 231 rotates. Since the first clamping member 310 cooperates restrictively with the fixed support 100 along the outer periphery of the first transmission shaft 220, the first cam surface 513 does not rotate as the end gear 231 rotates. The second cam surface 511 has protrusions and grooves arranged along the outer periphery of the first transmission shaft 220, and the first cam surface 513 also has protrusions and grooves arranged along the outer periphery of the first transmission shaft 220. When the protrusion of the second cam surface 511 is inserted into the groove of the first cam surface 513, the protrusion of the first cam surface 513 is also inserted into the groove of the second cam surface 511. The first elastic part 400 acts on the first clamping member 310, whereby the first clamping member 310 has a tendency to move towards the end gear 231, and the first cam surface 513 firmly presses the second cam surface 511. When the protrusion of the first cam surface 513 is not completely inserted into the groove of the second cam surface 511, the elastic force provided by the first elastic part 400 enables the protrusion of the first cam surface 513 to have a tendency to be further inserted into the groove of the second cam surface 511. In addition, a frictional force is also generated by the contact between the second cam surface 511 and the first cam surface 513, and this frictional force can limit the further insertion of the protrusion of the first cam surface 513 into the groove of the second cam surface 511. Corresponding to the foldable electronic device 001 shown in FIG. 2, in the process of the foldable electronic device 001 moving from the unfolded state to the folded state, when the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 are in an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state, the frictional force between the second cam surface 511 and the first cam surface 513 helps the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 to maintain the intermediate state and can assist in realizing the hovering of the first housing 010 and the second housing 030.

[0066] When the foldable electronic device 001 is in the unfolded state, the protrusion of the second cam surface 511 is completely inserted into the groove of the first cam surface 513. In this case, when it is necessary to relatively rotate the second cam surface 511 and the first cam surface 513, it is necessary to overcome the static friction force between the second cam surface 511 and the first cam surface 513, and it is also necessary to overcome the elastic force that the first elastic part 400 prevents the second cam surface 511 and the first cam surface 513 from relatively separating in the second direction Y. The cooperation between the second cam surface 511 and the first cam surface 513 can more stably limit that the foldable electronic device 001 is in the unfolded state.

[0067] When the foldable electronic device 001 is in the folded state, the protrusion of the second cam surface 511 is completely inserted into the groove of the first cam surface 513. In this case, when it is necessary to relatively rotate the second cam surface 511 and the first cam surface 513, it is necessary to overcome the static friction force between the second cam surface 511 and the first cam surface 513, and it is also necessary to overcome the elastic force that the first elastic part 400 prevents the second cam surface 511 and the first cam surface 513 from relatively separating in the second direction Y. The cooperation between the second cam surface 511 and the first cam surface 513 can more stably limit that the foldable electronic device 001 is in the folded state. The complete insertion of the protrusion of the second cam surface 511 into the groove of the first cam surface 513 means that the rotation of the second cam surface 511 in any rotation direction with respect to the first cam surface 513 slides the protrusion of the second cam surface 511 along the groove of the first cam surface 513, whereby the second cam surface 511 and the first cam surface 513 are relatively separated. Therefore, in the second direction Y, if the size of the protrusion of the second cam surface 511 is larger than the size of the groove of the first cam surface 513, the protrusion of the second cam surface 511 cannot be completely accommodated in the groove of the first cam surface 513. However, the fact that the end of the protrusion of the second cam surface 511 contacts the bottom wall of the groove of the first cam surface 513 can also be understood as that the protrusion of the second cam surface 511 is completely inserted into the groove of the first cam surface 513.

[0068] Optionally, the end gear 231 is slidably connected to the first transmission shaft 220 in the second direction Y. The fixed support 100 is located at the end of the end gear 231 facing away from the first clamping member 310. The pressure with which the first clamping member 310 firmly presses the end gear 231 is further transmitted between the end gear 231 and the fixed support 100. When the rotating part 077 connected to the first connecting member 230 moves, the end gear 231 rotates around the first transmission shaft 220 with respect to the fixed support 100. The end gear 231 firmly presses the fixed support 100 in the second direction Y, whereby the end gear 231 and the fixed support 100 rub against each other. When the end gear 231 has a tendency to rotate around the first transmission shaft 220 with respect to the fixed support 100, a static frictional force is formed between the end gear 231 and the fixed support 100 to attenuate the rotation of the end gear 231 with respect to the fixed support 100. In this case, the rotating part 077 connected to the first connecting member 230 can be in a stable positional relationship with respect to the base 050 connected to the fixed support 100. Corresponding to the foldable electronic device 001 shown in FIG. 2, in the process of the foldable electronic device 001 moving from the unfolded state to the folded state, when the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 are in an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state, the static frictional force between the end gear 231 and the fixed support 100 helps the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 to maintain the intermediate state and can assist in realizing the hovering of the first housing 010 and the second housing 030.

[0069] Optionally, referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the hinge mechanism 070 further includes a second connecting member 610. A part of the second connecting member 610 is disposed between the second clamping member 330 and the fixed support 100. One second connecting member 610 is correspondingly disposed on each first transmission shaft 220. The second connecting member 610 is sleeved on the first transmission shaft 220, whereby the second connecting member 610 can rotate around the axis center of the first transmission shaft 220 with respect to the fixed support 100. The second connecting member 610 is configured to be connected to the rotating portion 077 on the side of the first housing 010 or the side of the second housing 030. The first connecting member 230 and the second connecting member 610 located on the same first transmission shaft 220 are connected to the same rotating portion 077.

[0070] Optionally, the second connecting member 610 and the first connecting member 230 can be separated such that the second connecting member 610 and the first connecting member 230 can be independently connected to the same rotating part 077. In this way, the second connecting member 610 and the first connecting member 230 located on the same first transmission shaft 220 can further have relative displacement in the second direction Y. When the first elastic part 400 acts on the second clamping member 330 by using the first transmission shaft 220, the second clamping member 330 can press the second connecting member 610, and the second connecting member 610 can press the first part 110 of the fixed support 100. In this way, a contact area is formed between the second clamping member 330 and the second connecting member 610, and a contact area is also formed between the second connecting member 610 and the fixed support 100. When the second connecting member 610 rotates around the first transmission shaft 220 relative to the fixed support 100, the two contact areas can each generate frictional force. When the rotating part 077 connected to the second connecting member 610 moves, the second connecting member 610 is driven to rotate around the first transmission shaft 220 relative to the fixed support 100. The second connecting member 610 also rotates around the first transmission shaft 220 relative to the second clamping member 330. The second clamping member 330 firmly presses the second connecting member 610 in the second direction Y, whereby the second clamping member 330 and the second connecting member 610 rub against each other. When the second connecting member 610 has a tendency to rotate around the first transmission shaft 220 relative to the second clamping member 330, a static frictional force is formed between the second clamping member 330 and the second connecting member 610 to attenuate the rotation tendency of the second connecting member 610 relative to the second clamping member 330. In this case, the rotating part 077 connected to the second connecting member 610 can be in a relatively stable positional relationship with respect to the base 050 connected to the fixed support 100. Corresponding to the foldable electronic device 001 shown in FIG. 2, in the process of the foldable electronic device 001 moving from the unfolded state to the folded state, when the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 are in an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state, the static frictional force between the second clamping member 330 and the second connecting member 610 can help the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 to maintain the intermediate state.

[0071] Optionally, the end of the second clamping member 330 facing the fixed support 100 has two third cam surfaces 533. The end of each second connecting member 610 facing the second clamping member 330 has a fourth cam surface 531. The third cam surface 533 rotates as the second connecting member 610 rotates. The fourth cam surface 531 rotates as the second connecting member 610 rotates. Since the second clamping member 330 cooperates restrictively with the fixed support 100 along the outer periphery of the first transmission shaft 220, the third cam surface 533 does not rotate as the end gear 231 rotates. The fourth cam surface 531 has protrusions and grooves arranged along the outer periphery of the first transmission shaft 220, and the third cam surface 533 also has protrusions and grooves arranged along the outer periphery of the first transmission shaft 220. When the protrusion of the fourth cam surface 531 is inserted into the groove of the third cam surface 533, the protrusion of the third cam surface 533 is also inserted into the groove of the fourth cam surface 531. The first elastic portion 400 acts on the second clamping member 330, whereby the second clamping member 330 has a tendency to move toward the second connecting member 610, and the third cam surface 533 firmly presses the fourth cam surface 531. When the protrusion of the third cam surface 533 is not completely inserted into the groove of the fourth cam surface 531, the elastic force provided by the first elastic portion 400 enables the protrusion of the third cam surface 533 to have a tendency to be further inserted into the groove of the fourth cam surface 531. In addition, a frictional force is also generated by the contact between the fourth cam surface 531 and the third cam surface 533, and this frictional force can limit the further insertion of the protrusion of the third cam surface 533 into the groove of the fourth cam surface 531. Corresponding to the folding electronic device 001 shown in FIG. 2, in the process of the folding electronic device 001 moving from the unfolded state to the folded state, when the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 are in an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state, the frictional force between the fourth cam surface 531 and the third cam surface 533 helps the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 to maintain the intermediate state and can assist in realizing the hovering of the first housing 010 and the second housing 030.

[0072] When the folding electronic device 001 is in the unfolded state, the protrusion of the fourth cam surface 531 is completely inserted into the groove portion of the third cam surface 533. In this case, when it is necessary to relatively rotate the fourth cam surface 531 and the third cam surface 533, it is necessary to overcome the static friction force between the fourth cam surface 531 and the third cam surface 533, and it is also necessary to overcome the elastic force that the first elastic portion 400 prevents the fourth cam surface 531 and the third cam surface 533 from relatively separating in the second direction Y. The cooperation between the fourth cam surface 531 and the third cam surface 533 can more stably limit the folding electronic device 001 to be in the unfolded state.

[0073] When the folding electronic device 001 is in the folded state, the protrusion of the fourth cam surface 531 is completely inserted into the groove portion of the third cam surface 533. In this case, when it is necessary to relatively rotate the fourth cam surface 531 and the third cam surface 533, it is necessary to overcome the static friction force between the fourth cam surface 531 and the third cam surface 533, and it is also necessary to overcome the elastic force that the first elastic portion 400 prevents the fourth cam surface 531 and the third cam surface 533 from relatively separating in the second direction Y. The cooperation between the fourth cam surface 531 and the third cam surface 533 can more stably limit the folding electronic device 001 to be in the folded state.

[0074] Optionally, the second connecting member 610 is slidably connected to the first transmission shaft 220 in the second direction Y. The fixed support 100 is located at an end of the second connecting member 610 facing away from the second clamping member 330. The pressure with which the second clamping member 330 firmly presses the second connecting member 610 is further transmitted between the second connecting member 610 and the fixed support 100. The second connecting member 610 firmly presses the fixed support 100 in the second direction Y, whereby the second connecting member 610 and the fixed support 100 rub against each other. When the second connecting member 610 has a tendency to rotate around the first transmission shaft 220 relative to the fixed support 100, a static frictional force is formed between the second connecting member 610 and the fixed support 100 to attenuate the rotation of the end gear 231 relative to the fixed support 100. In this case, the rotating part 077 connected to the second connecting member 610 can be in a stable positional relationship with respect to the base 050 connected to the fixed support 100. Corresponding to the folding electronic device 001 shown in FIG. 2, in the process of the folding electronic device 001 moving from the unfolded state to the folded state, when the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 are in an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state, the static frictional force between the second connecting member 610 and the fixed support 100 can help the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 to maintain the intermediate state.

[0075] The step of assembling the hinge mechanism 070 includes the steps of sequentially passing the first transmission shaft 220 through the second clamping member 330, the second connecting member 610, the fixed support 100, the end gear 231 of the first connecting member 230, the first clamping member 310, the first elastic member 410, and the first positioning member 430, and arranging the first stop member 221 on the rod body of the first transmission shaft 220.

[0076] FIG. 8 is a diagram of the assembly of the hinge mechanism 070 according to an implementation form of the present application. FIG. 9 is a diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism 070 according to an implementation form of the present application. FIG. 10 is a diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism 070 viewed from another angle according to an implementation form of the present application.

[0077] Refer to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10. The first connecting member 230 and the second connecting member 610 in the hinge mechanism 070 may alternatively be fixed. When the first connecting member 230 and the second connecting member 610 are fixed, the first connecting member 230 and the second connecting member 610 move synchronously in the second direction Y. The first connecting member 230 and the second connecting member 610 rotate synchronously with respect to the first transmission shaft 220, whereby the first connecting member 230 and the second connecting member 610 are simultaneously connected to the rotating portion 077.

[0078] Optionally, the first connecting member 230 and the second connecting member 610 are integrated to facilitate the manufacture of the first connecting member 230 and the second connecting member 610.

[0079] When the hinge mechanism 070 is assembled, the first portion 110 of the fixed support 100 may first extend between the second connecting member 610 and the end gear 231. Next, the first transmission shaft 220 passes sequentially through the second clamp member 330, the second connecting member 610, the fixed support 100, the end gear 231 of the first connecting member 230, the first clamp member 310, the first elastic member 410, and the first positioning member 430.

[0080] Please refer to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. The hinge mechanism 070 further includes a second transmission shaft 710. The second transmission shaft 710 extends in the second direction Y. The second transmission shaft 710 corresponds to the intermediate gear 211 on a one-to-one basis. The fixed support 100 has a limiting slot 103 that corresponds to the intermediate gear 211 on a one-to-one basis. Optionally, there are two intermediate gears 211, two limiting slots 103, and two second transmission shafts 710. The second transmission shaft 710 is inserted into the limiting slot 103, and the relative position between the second transmission shaft 710 and the base 050 can be limited by using the limiting slot 103. The second transmission shaft 710 passes through the second mounting hole of the intermediate gear 211 and is inserted into the limiting slot 103 of the fixed support 100 to connect the second transmission shaft 710, the fixed support 100, and the intermediate gear 211. The end of the second transmission shaft 710 is received within the limiting slot 103, reducing the space occupied by the second transmission shaft 710 within the hinge mechanism 070 and facilitating the placement of the second portion 130 of the fixed support 100. A receiving space is formed between the second clamping member 330, the two second connecting members 610, and the first portion 110 of the fixed support 100. The second portion 130 of the fixed support 100 is received within the receiving space, whereby the second portion 130 of the fixed support 100 is disposed in close contact with the base 050, facilitating the connection between the base 050 and the second portion 130 of the fixed support 100.

[0081] The hinge mechanism 070 further includes a second elastic part 800 and a third clamping member 910. The third clamping member 910 is sleeved on two second transmission shafts 710 and is located at the end of the intermediate gear 211 facing away from the fixed support 100. The second elastic part 800 is arranged on the second transmission shaft 710. The second elastic part 800 is in a force accumulation state to provide an elastic force to the third clamping member 910, whereby the third clamping member 910 presses the intermediate gear 211 toward the fixed support 100 in the second direction Y. Optionally, the second elastic part 800 includes a second elastic member 810 and a second positioning member 830. One second elastic member 810 is sleeved on each second transmission shaft 710. The second positioning member 830 is located on the side of the third clamping member 910 facing away from the intermediate gear 211. The second positioning member 830 and the third clamping member 910 are arranged at an interval in the second direction Y, and the second elastic member 810 is clamped between the third clamping member 910 and the second positioning member 830. The second elastic member 810 generates an elastic force to relatively separate the third clamping member 910 and the second positioning member 830. When the relative movement in the second direction Y between the second positioning member 830 and the second transmission shaft 710 is restricted, the elastic force of the second elastic member 810 acts on the third clamping member 910 to press the third clamping member 910 toward the intermediate gear 211. Optionally, the second elastic member 810 is a compression spring. When the compression spring is compressed, elastic potential energy is accumulated and an elastic force can be generated. When the compression spring is further compressed, the compression spring can generate a greater elastic force. When the compression spring extends, the elastic potential energy is released and the generated elastic force decreases.

[0082] Optionally, a third stop member 711 is disposed on the second transmission shaft 710. The third stop member 711 is disposed at an end of the second positioning member 830 facing away from the third clamping member 910. The second positioning member 830 is provided with a second guide hole. The second transmission shaft 710 passes through the second guide hole to limit relative movement between the second positioning member 830 and the second transmission shaft 710. Along a protruding surface perpendicular to the second direction Y, the protrusion of the third stop member 711 is at least partially located outside the second guide hole. Thereby, when the second positioning member 830 moves into contact with the third stop member 711, the third stop member 711 can limit the second positioning member 830 from passing through the third stop member 711 in the second direction Y and limit the second positioning member 830 from separating from the second transmission shaft 710 in the second direction Y.

[0083] Optionally, the second positioning member 830 is fixed to the first positioning member 430. Since the first positioning member 430 and the second positioning member 830 can be integrated, the first positioning member 430 and the second positioning member 830 are integrally formed to keep the first positioning member 430 and the second positioning member 830 in a fixed relative position. The first positioning member 430 and the second positioning member 830 include a clamp plate. The clamp plate is provided with four through holes spaced apart in the first direction X. Of the four through holes, two through holes located at two ends in the first direction X are used for the first transmission shaft 220 to pass through, and portions of two ends of the clamp plate in the first direction X form the first positioning member 430. Of the four through holes, the two central through holes are used for the second transmission shaft 710 to pass through, and the central portion of the clamp plate forms the second positioning member 830.

[0084] Optionally, the third stop member 711 is fixed to the first stop member 221. Since the relative position of the first stop member 221 with respect to the first transmission shaft 220 in the second direction Y is restricted, the relative position of the third stop member 711 with respect to the first transmission shaft 220 in the second direction Y is restricted. The first stop member 221 and the third stop member 711 may be integrated, and the first stop member 221 and the third stop member 711 include a snap ring 071. One first stop member 221 is formed at each end of the snap ring 071 in the first direction X. Each first stop member 221 has one clamping groove. Each clamping groove corresponds to and cooperates with one first transmission shaft 220 to restrict the relative movement between the snap ring 071 and the first transmission shaft 220 in the second direction Y. The central portion of the snap ring 071 forms two third stop members 711. When the relative movement between the first stop member 221 and the first transmission shaft 220 is restricted, the relative movement between the third stop member 711 and the first transmission shaft 220 is also restricted. Therefore, the third stop member 711 can apply pressure to the second elastic member 810.

[0085] When the second transmission shaft 710 is fixed to the fixed support 100 in the second direction Y, it can be understood that the second positioning member 830 can also be fixed on the second transmission shaft 710. The third clamping member 910 slidably cooperates with the second transmission shaft 710 in the second direction Y, whereby the second elastic member 810 is squeezed by the third clamping member 910 and the second positioning member 830, and the second elastic member 810 acts on the third clamping member 910, whereby the third clamping member 910 firmly presses the intermediate gear 211. When the second positioning member 830 is not provided on the hinge mechanism 070, the end portion of the second elastic member 810 facing away from the fixed support 100 may alternatively be fixed to the second transmission shaft 710. For example, the end portion of the second elastic member 810 facing away from the fixed support 100 is welded to the second transmission shaft 710.

[0086] The second elastic member 810 enables the third clamp member 910 to firmly press the intermediate gear 211, and the intermediate gear 211 also firmly presses the fixed support 100. When the end gear 231 drives the intermediate gear 211 to have a tendency to rotate, the intermediate gear 211 has a tendency to rotate with respect to the third clamp member 910, and a frictional force is generated between the third clamp member 910 and the intermediate gear 211 to attenuate this tendency. When the end gear 231 drives the intermediate gear 211 to have a tendency to rotate, the intermediate gear 211 has a tendency to rotate with respect to the fixed support 100, and a frictional force is generated between the fixed support 100 and the intermediate gear 211 to attenuate this tendency. Corresponding to the foldable electronic device 001 shown in FIG. 2, in the process of the foldable electronic device 001 moving from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 are in an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state, and both the frictional force between the intermediate gear 211 and the fixed support 100 and the frictional force between the intermediate gear 211 and the third clamp member 910 can help the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 maintain the intermediate state.

[0087] Optionally, the end of the third clamping member 910 facing the fixed support 100 has two fifth cam surfaces 553. The end of each intermediate gear 211 facing the third clamping member 910 has a sixth cam surface 551. The sixth cam surface 551 rotates as the intermediate gear 211 rotates. Since the third clamping member 910 cooperates restrictively with the fixed support 100 along the outer periphery of the second transmission shaft 710, the fifth cam surface 553 does not rotate as the intermediate gear 211 rotates. The sixth cam surface 551 has protrusions and grooves arranged along the outer periphery of the second transmission shaft 710, and the fifth cam surface 553 also has protrusions and grooves arranged along the outer periphery of the second transmission shaft 710. When the protrusion of the sixth cam surface 551 is inserted into the groove of the fifth cam surface 553, the protrusion of the fifth cam surface 553 is also inserted into the groove of the sixth cam surface 551. The second elastic member 800 acts on the third clamping member 910, whereby the third clamping member 910 has a tendency to move towards the intermediate gear 211, and the fifth cam surface 553 firmly presses the sixth cam surface 551. When the protrusion of the fifth cam surface 553 is not fully inserted into the groove of the sixth cam surface 551, the elastic force provided by the second elastic member 800 enables the protrusion of the fifth cam surface 553 to be further inserted into the groove of the sixth cam surface 551. In addition, a frictional force is also generated by the contact between the sixth cam surface 551 and the fifth cam surface 553, and this frictional force can limit the further insertion of the protrusion of the fifth cam surface 553 into the groove of the sixth cam surface 551. Corresponding to the foldable electronic device 001 shown in FIG. 2, in the process of the foldable electronic device 001 moving from the unfolded state to the folded state, when the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 are in an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state, the frictional force between the sixth cam surface 551 and the fifth cam surface 553 can help the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 maintain the intermediate state.

[0088] When the foldable electronic device 001 is in the unfolded state, the protrusion of the sixth cam surface 551 is completely inserted into the groove of the fifth cam surface 553. In this case, when it is necessary to relatively rotate the sixth cam surface 551 and the fifth cam surface 553, it is necessary to overcome the static frictional force between the sixth cam surface 551 and the fifth cam surface 553, and it is also necessary to overcome the elastic force that the second elastic part 800 prevents the sixth cam surface 551 and the fifth cam surface 553 from relatively separating in the second direction Y. The cooperation between the sixth cam surface 551 and the fifth cam surface 553 can more stably limit the foldable electronic device 001 to be in the unfolded state.

[0089] When the foldable electronic device 001 is in the folded state, the protrusion of the sixth cam surface 551 is completely inserted into the groove of the fifth cam surface 553. In this case, when it is necessary to relatively rotate the sixth cam surface 551 and the fifth cam surface 553, it is necessary to overcome the static frictional force between the sixth cam surface 551 and the fifth cam surface 553, and it is also necessary to overcome the elastic force that the second elastic part 800 prevents the sixth cam surface 551 and the fifth cam surface 553 from relatively separating in the second direction Y. The cooperation between the sixth cam surface 551 and the fifth cam surface 553 can more stably limit the foldable electronic device 001 to be in the folded state.

[0090] Optionally, the third clamp member 910 is fixed to the first clamp member 310. Since the third clamp member 910 and the first clamp member 310 can be integrated, the third clamp member 910 and the first clamp member 310 can be integrally formed to keep the third clamp member 910 and the first clamp member 310 in a fixed relative position. For example, the first clamp member 310 is a part of two ends of a four-bar linkage in the first direction X. The third clamp member 910 is a central portion of the four-bar linkage. The four-bar linkage is simultaneously connected to two first transmission shafts 220 and two second transmission shafts 710 to limit the rotation of the four-bar linkage relative to the fixed support 100 around any one of the first transmission shafts 220 or any one of the second transmission shafts 710. When the end gear 231 and the intermediate gear 211 rotate, the end gear 231 can rotate relative to the first clamp member 310, and the intermediate gear 211 can rotate relative to the third clamp member 910. A first cam surface and a fifth cam surface may be further formed on the four-bar linkage.

[0091] When the foldable electronic device 001 is used, the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 rotate in a direction approaching each other so that the foldable electronic device 001 can enter a folded state, or the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 rotate in a direction away from each other so that the foldable electronic device 001 can enter an unfolded state. When the first housing 010 rotates relative to the base 050, the first housing 010 moves relative to the base 050 and drives the end gear 231 corresponding to the first housing 010 to rotate. By the transmission of the transmission gear group 210, the end gear 231 corresponding to the second housing 030 rotates, driving the second housing 030 to rotate relative to the base 050. The fixed support 100 is fixed to the base 050. The first transmission shaft 220 passes through the limiting hole 101 of the fixed support 100, and the second transmission shaft 710 extends within the limiting slot 103 of the fixed support 100. The relative positions of the first transmission shaft 220, the second transmission shaft 710, and the base 050 can be limited by using the fixed support 100. When the first housing 010 rotates relative to the base 050, the offset of the first transmission shaft 220 and the second transmission shaft 710 relative to the base 050 can be reduced, and the stability of the relative rotation of the first housing 010 and the second housing 030 is improved. The fixed support 100 is disposed at a position between the first clamping member 310 and the second clamping member 330 to make full use of the space within the foldable electronic device 001. The space occupied by the hinge mechanism 070 within the foldable electronic device 001 is reduced. The first clamping member 310 and the second clamping member 330 clamp the second connecting member 610, the fixed support 100, and the end gear 231 to form damping between the first clamping member 310 and the end gear 231, and form damping between the second clamping member 330 and the second connecting member 610. Therefore, when the foldable electronic device 001 is in an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state, the stability of the foldable electronic device 001 in the intermediate state is improved. The second transmission shaft 710 can guide the second elastic part 800 to accumulate force.The second transmission shaft 710 is arranged such that the second elastic part 800 can be installed, provides greater attenuation, improves the stability of the foldable electronic device 001 in the intermediate state, and assists in realizing the hovering of the first housing 010 and the second housing 030. The second transmission shaft 710 is restricted by the restriction slot 103 of the fixed support 100. As a result, the second transmission shaft 710 does not extend outward from the first part 110 of the fixed support 100, and an accommodation space is formed between the second clamp member 330, the two second connection members 610, and the first part 110 of the fixed support 100. The second part 130 of the fixed support 100 is accommodated in the accommodation space. As a result, the second part 130 of the fixed support 100 is arranged in close contact with the base 050, facilitating the connection between the base 050 and the second part 130 of the fixed support 100.

[0092] The foregoing description is only a specific implementation form of the present application and does not limit the protection scope of the present application. Any deformation or substitution within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism comprising: a fixed support having two limiting holes spaced apart in a first direction; a transmission assembly including two first connecting members located on both sides of the fixed support in the first direction, and a transmission gear group, each first connecting member having one end gear, the transmission gear group being located between the two end gears and meshing with the two end gears, each end gear being fixed relatively to one first connecting member located on the same side, and each first connecting member being configured to be connected to one rotating portion located on the same side; two first transmission shafts, the first transmission shafts extending in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, the two first connecting members each rotating relative to the fixed support by using one first transmission shaft, each first transmission shaft passing through a corresponding end gear and a corresponding limiting hole; a clamp assembly restrictively cooperating with the fixed support along an outer circumference of the first transmission shaft, the clamp assembly comprising a first clamp member and a second clamp member, both of which are sleeved onto the two first transmission shafts to clamp the fixed support and the transmission assembly in the second direction, the first transmission shaft being restrictively connected to the second clamp member in the second direction, whereby the first transmission shaft can drive the second clamp member to move relatively closer to the fixed support in the second direction; a first elastic portion, one end of the first elastic portion acting on the first clamp member and the other end of the first elastic portion acting on the first transmission shaft, whereby the first clamp member and the second clamp member clamp the fixed support and the transmission assembly in the second direction; A hinge mechanism including:

2. the first clamp member is located at an end of the transmission assembly facing away from the fixed support, the end of the first clamp member facing the fixed support having two first cam surfaces; an end of each first connecting member facing the first clamping member having a second cam surface; the first resilient portion enables the first clamping member and the second clamping member to clamp the stationary support and the transmission assembly in the second direction, and the second cam surface abuts the first cam surface. The hinge mechanism of claim 1 .

3. the hinge mechanism further includes two second connection members located on both sides of the fixed support in the first direction, each second connection member being configured to be connected to one rotating portion located on the same side; the second clamp member is located at an end of the fixed support facing away from the transmission assembly, the end of the second clamp member facing the fixed support having a third cam surface; Each second connecting member is disposed between the second clamping member and the fixed support; an end of each second connecting member facing the second clamping member having a fourth cam surface; the first clamp member and the second clamp member clamp the second connecting member, the fixed support, and the transmission assembly in the second direction, and the third cam surface abuts against the fourth cam surface; The hinge mechanism of claim 1 .

4. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3 , wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member are fixed or integral.

5. The fixed support has a first portion and a second portion in the second direction, and the two limiting holes are provided in the first portion; the second part is arranged between the two first transmission shafts and configured to be fixed to a fixed part; The hinge mechanism of claim 1 .

6. The transmission gear group includes an intermediate gear, The hinge mechanism further includes a second transmission shaft, the second transmission shaft extending in the second direction; the fixed support further includes a limiting slot, and the second transmission shaft passes through the intermediate gear and is inserted into the limiting slot to limit the movement of the intermediate gear relative to the fixed support; A hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first elastic portion includes a first elastic member and a first positioning member, the first positioning member is disposed on the first transmission shaft and is located on a side of the first clamping member facing away from the second clamping member; the first elastic member is clamped between the first clamping member and the first positioning member; 7. The hinge mechanism of claim 6.

8. A first stop member and a second stop member are disposed on the first transmission shaft, the first stop member acts on the first positioning member to restrict the first positioning member from being disengaged from the first transmission shaft in the second direction; the second stop member acts on the second clamp member to restrict the second clamp member from disengaging from the first transmission shaft in the second direction.

8. The hinge mechanism of claim 7.

9. The hinge mechanism further includes a second elastic portion and a third clamp member. the second elastic portion and the third clamping member are both disposed on the second transmission shaft; the intermediate gear is clamped between the fixed support and the third clamp member; the second elastic portion acts on the third clamp member to press the third clamp member in the second direction toward the intermediate gear; 8. The hinge mechanism of claim 7.

10. the third clamp member is located at the end of the transmission assembly facing away from the fixed support, the end of the third clamp member facing the fixed support having two fifth cam surfaces; an end of each intermediate gear facing the third clamping member having a sixth cam surface; the second elastic portion enables the third clamp member to press the intermediate gear in the second direction, and the fifth cam surface abuts against the sixth cam surface; 10. The hinge mechanism of claim 9.

11. The hinge mechanism of claim 9 , wherein the third clamp member and the first clamp member are fixed or integral.

12. The second elastic portion includes a second elastic member and a second positioning member, the second positioning member is disposed on the second transmission shaft and is located on a side of the third clamping member facing away from the intermediate gear; the second positioning member is fixed to the first positioning member, the second elastic member is clamped between the third clamp member and the second positioning member, and the second elastic member acts on the third clamp member and the second positioning member, whereby the third clamp member presses the intermediate gear in the second direction toward the fixed support; 10. The hinge mechanism of claim 9.

13. The hinge mechanism of claim 12 , wherein the first positioning member and the second positioning member are fixed or integral.

14. A foldable electronic device comprising a first housing and a second housing, further comprising a hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the first housing is connected to one first connection member, and the second housing is connected to the other first connection member; The first housing and the second housing rotate toward or away from each other by using the hinge mechanism to perform relative folding or unfolding. Foldable electronic devices.

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