Hinge mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

This application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device. The hinge mechanism includes a main shaft and a synchronization assembly. The synchronization assembly includes a first gear assembly and a second gear assembly. The first gear assembly includes a first gear connecting rod and a third gear connecting rod that are rotatably connected. The second gear assembly includes a second gear connecting rod and a fourth gear connecting rod that are rotatably connected. The main shaft includes a rotation support member, and the first gear connecting rod and the second gear connecting rod are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the rotation support member. The first gear connecting rod and the rotation support member are rotatably connected via meshing gear surfaces. The second gear connecting rod and the rotation support member are rotatably connected via meshing gear surfaces. The third gear connecting rod and the fourth gear connecting rod are rotatably connected via meshing gear surfaces. The synchronization assembly is arranged in the hinge mechanism, whereby the two housings of the electronic device can rotate synchronously in a direction away from each other. In the folding process of the electronic device, the stress on the flexible display becomes relatively uniform, helping to improve the structural reliability of the flexible display.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310481760.8, titled "HINGE MECHANISM AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on April 27, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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

Background Art

[0003] The gradual maturity of flexible display technology has brought about great changes to the displays of electronic devices. Foldable mobile phones, tablet computers, or wearable electronic devices with flexible displays are an important trend in the evolution of future intelligent electronic devices.

[0004] An important component of a foldable electronic device is a flexible display characterized by continuity and foldability. The hinge mechanism, as an important component for folding a foldable electronic device, can flatten or bend the flexible display during the unfolding and folding processes of the foldable electronic device. Currently, with the improvement of the economy, users have imposed higher requirements on foldable electronic devices, and the structural reliability of the flexible display is an important factor affecting the user experience. Therefore, how to improve the structural reliability of the flexible display has currently become a topic widely studied by those skilled in the art.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device, which improve the structural reliability of the flexible display of the electronic device, thereby improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0006] According to a first aspect, this application provides a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism can be used in a foldable electronic device. The hinge mechanism is disposed corresponding to the bendable portion of the flexible display of the electronic device, and the electronic device is deployed or folded via the hinge mechanism. In a specific arrangement, the hinge mechanism may include a main shaft, a synchronization assembly, a first housing mounting bracket, and a second housing mounting bracket. The synchronization assembly includes a first gear assembly and a second gear assembly. The first gear assembly includes a first gear connecting rod and a third gear connecting rod. The first gear connecting rod includes a first gear and a first connecting rod. The first connecting rod is slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket. The third gear connecting rod includes a third gear and a third connecting rod. The third connecting rod is rotatably connected to the first gear connecting rod. The second gear assembly includes a second gear connecting rod and a fourth gear connecting rod. The second gear connecting rod includes a second gear and a second connecting rod. The second connecting rod is slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket. The fourth gear connecting rod includes a fourth gear and a fourth connecting rod. The fourth connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second gear connecting rod. In addition, the main shaft includes a rotation support member. The first gear connecting rod and the second gear connecting rod are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the rotation support member. A first gear surface is disposed at an end of the rotation support member facing the first gear, and a second gear surface is disposed at an end of the rotation support member facing the second gear. The first gear surface meshes with the gear surface of the first gear, the second gear surface meshes with the gear surface of the second gear, and the gear surface of the third gear meshes with the gear surface of the fourth gear.

[0007] According to the hinge mechanism provided in the present application, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing mounting bracket rotates clockwise around the main shaft, slides the first connecting rod toward the base relative to the first housing mounting bracket, and rotates the first gear connecting rod clockwise around the main shaft. The first gear connecting rod rotates clockwise around the main shaft and rotates the third gear connecting rod along the same direction. In addition, since the third gear connecting rod and the fourth gear connecting rod are engaged via the gear surface, the third gear connecting rod rotates clockwise, synchronously rotates the fourth gear connecting rod counterclockwise, and the fourth gear connecting rod can rotate the second gear connecting rod along the same direction. As a result, the second connecting rod slides relative to the second housing mounting bracket, and rotates the second housing mounting bracket and the second gear connecting rod along the same direction. In this way, the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket rotate synchronously toward each other. In addition, the moving direction of each structure in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state is opposite to the moving direction of each structure in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state. Details are not described here. In this case, the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket rotate synchronously in a direction away from each other. In the hinge mechanism provided in the present application, the synchronous rotation of the first gear assembly and the second gear assembly of the synchronous assembly is realized by using two-stage gear surfaces that mesh with each other, so that high-precision gear transmission can be realized. In addition, by using this structural design, when the first gear assembly and the second gear assembly are rotatably connected to the main shaft, the avoidance operation performed by the main shaft on these two gear assemblies is reduced, thereby making the structure of the main shaft relatively complete, the strength of the main shaft relatively good, and helping to improve the structural reliability and movement reliability of the entire hinge mechanism.

[0008] In a possible implementation of the present application, the third gear is rotatably connected to the rotary support member via the first rotating shaft, and the fourth gear is rotatably connected to the rotary support member via the third rotating shaft. This helps to improve the reliability of the connections between the third gear connecting rod and the main shaft and between the fourth gear connecting rod and the main shaft, helps to improve the reliability of the connections between the first gear assembly and the main shaft and between the second gear assembly and the main shaft, and helps to improve the structural reliability of the entire hinge mechanism.

[0009] In addition, the third connecting rod can be rotatably connected to the first gear via the second rotating shaft. Since the axis of the first rotating shaft is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis of the second rotating shaft, the structure of the first gear assembly is relatively compact. Similarly, the fourth connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second gear connecting rod via the fourth rotating shaft, and the axis of the third rotating shaft is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis of the fourth rotating shaft, and the structure of the second gear assembly is relatively compact. This helps to reduce the size of the hinge mechanism.

[0010] In a possible implementation of the present application, the first housing mounting bracket is provided with a first sliding groove, and the opening of the first sliding groove is arranged towards the main shaft. The first connecting rod is mounted in the first sliding groove and can slide in the first sliding groove towards the main shaft or away from the main shaft with respect to the first housing mounting bracket. Thereby, the slidable connection between the first gear connecting rod and the first housing mounting bracket is realized through the slidable connection between the first connecting rod and the first housing mounting bracket. In addition, the second housing mounting bracket is provided with a second sliding groove, and the opening of the second sliding groove is arranged towards the main shaft. The second connecting rod is mounted in the second sliding groove and can slide in the second sliding groove towards the main shaft or away from the main shaft with respect to the second housing mounting bracket. Thereby, the slidable connection between the second gear connecting rod and the second housing mounting bracket is realized through the slidable connection between the second connecting rod and the second housing mounting bracket. In this way, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket can rotate synchronously towards or away from each other through the synchronous assembly.

[0011] In a possible implementation of the present application, the hinge mechanism further includes a rotation module, the rotation module includes a first rotation assembly and a second rotation assembly, the first rotation assembly is located between a first housing mounting bracket and a second housing mounting bracket, and the second rotation assembly is located between the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket. The first rotation assembly may include a first swing arm, a first support arm, and a first connector. The first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket, the first support arm is rotatably connected to the second housing mounting bracket, the first connector is located between the first swing arm and the first support arm, the first connector is rotatably connected to the first swing arm, and the first connector is rotatably connected to the first support arm. In addition, a first track slot is provided on the main shaft, the first connector can move along the first track slot, and the movement track of the first connector is restricted, whereby the track for the first swing arm to pull and move the first support arm through the first connector can be restricted. The second rotation assembly may include a second swing arm, a second support arm, and a second connector. The second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the second swing arm is slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket, the second support arm is rotatably connected to the first housing mounting bracket, the second connector is located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, the second connector is rotatably connected to the second swing arm, and the second connector is rotatably connected to the second support arm. In addition, a second track slot is provided on the main shaft, the second connector can move along the second track slot, and the movement track of the second connector is restricted, whereby the track for the second swing arm to pull and move the second support arm through the second connector can be restricted.

[0012] Based on the aforementioned hinge mechanism in this application, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket move towards each other. When the first housing mounting bracket rotates the first swing arm clockwise around the main shaft, the first swing arm moves the first connector towards the first swing arm within the first track slot of the main shaft, enabling the first support arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft. When the second housing mounting bracket rotates the second swing arm counterclockwise around the main shaft, the second swing arm moves the second connector towards the second swing arm within the second track slot of the main shaft, enabling the second support arm to rotate clockwise around the main shaft. In the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket move away from each other. When the first housing mounting bracket rotates the first swing arm counterclockwise around the main shaft, the first swing arm moves the first connector towards the first support arm within the first track slot of the main shaft, enabling the first support arm to rotate clockwise around the main shaft. When the second housing mounting bracket rotates the second swing arm clockwise around the main shaft, the second swing arm moves the second connector towards the second support arm within the second track slot of the main shaft, enabling the second support arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft. In this way, the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism are realized.

[0013] Among existing hinge mechanisms, in order to ensure the stability of the mechanism, it is necessary to thicken the rotating assembly connected to the main shaft in some cases. In this method, both the main shaft and the hinge mechanism become very heavy. If the main shaft and the hinge mechanism are unreasonably thinned, the strength of the rotating assembly is likely to decrease, thereby greatly affecting the reliability of the hinge mechanism and shortening the lifespan of the electronic device. The aforementioned hinge mechanism in the present application has a simplified structure. According to the aforementioned structural relationship, the first connector and the second connector slide within the main shaft to connect the first swing arm, the second swing arm, the first support arm, and the second support arm on the left and right. Therefore, the first connector and the second connector do not need to be manufactured to have a very thick thickness portion for moving back and forth within the first track slot and the second track slot of the main shaft. In addition, since the first connector and the second connector are respectively connected to the first swing arm (the second swing arm) and the first support arm (the second support arm), the first connector (the second connector) has an extension portion with a sufficient length along the vertical axis direction and has sufficient strength. Thereby, the reliability of the hinge mechanism can be ensured. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft and the thickness of the entire electronic device can be reduced, and the reliability of the hinge mechanism can be maintained. Therefore, the entire hinge mechanism becomes light, thin, and reliable.

[0014] In addition, since the first connector can move within the first track slot according to a specified track and the second connector can move within the second track slot according to a specified track, uncontrolled movement of the first and second connectors throughout the folding and unfolding process can be avoided, random movement of the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket can be further avoided, and structural stability and movement stability of the entire hinge mechanism can be ensured. In some cases, the first track slot and the second track slot are appropriately designed such that the circumscribed line of the hinge mechanism can maintain a constant length throughout the folding and unfolding process, and the flexible display covering the surface of the hinge mechanism can also basically maintain a constant length. In this way, compression or tension on the flexible display can be effectively avoided, the structural reliability of the flexible display can be improved, and the structural reliability of the electronic device can be further improved.

[0015] In a possible implementation of the present application, the main shaft includes a base and a cover. The cover covers the base. The base is provided with a first arc-shaped slot, and the cover includes a first protrusion disposed toward the first arc-shaped slot. The gap between the surface of the first protrusion and the slot surface of the first arc-shaped slot can be used as the first track slot. In addition, the first connector may include a first arc-shaped surface and a second arc-shaped surface. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state and the folded state, the first arc-shaped surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and the second arc-shaped surface abuts against the slot surface of the first arc-shaped slot. In this way, the surface of the first protrusion and the slot surface of the first arc-shaped slot limit the first connector to the first track slot. Thereby, when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state and the folded state, the first connector is relatively stable without swaying due to the gap, and the reliability of the hinge mechanism in the above two states is improved.

[0016] In addition, the base may be further provided with a third arcuate slot, and the cover further includes a third protrusion disposed toward the third arcuate slot. The gap between the surface of the third protrusion and the slot surface of the third arcuate slot is used as a second track slot, and the second connector includes a third arcuate surface and a fourth arcuate surface. When the electronic device is in the deployed state and the folded state, the third arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and the fourth arcuate surface abuts against the slot surface of the third arcuate slot. In this way, the surface of the third protrusion and the slot surface of the third arcuate slot limit the second connector to the second track slot, so that when the hinge mechanism is in the deployed state and the folded state, the second connector is relatively stable without shaking due to the gap, and the reliability of the hinge mechanism in the above two states is improved.

[0017] In a possible implementation of the present application, in the process of the electronic device changing from the deployed state to the folded state, the first arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and there is a gap between the second arcuate surface and the slot surface of the first arcuate slot. However, in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the deployed state, the second arcuate surface abuts against the slot surface of the first arcuate slot, and there is a gap between the first arcuate surface and the surface of the first protrusion. Therefore, the movement track of the first connector in the first track slot in the process of the electronic device changing from the deployed state to the folded state is different from the movement track of the first connector in the first track slot in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the deployed state. This helps to improve the design freedom of the hinge mechanism.

[0018] In addition, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and there is a gap between the fourth arcuate surface and the slot surface of the third arcuate slot. In the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the fourth arcuate surface abuts against the slot surface of the third arcuate slot, and there is a gap between the third arcuate surface and the surface of the third protrusion. Therefore, the movement track of the second connector in the second track slot in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state is different from the movement track of the second connector in the second track slot in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state. This helps to improve the design freedom of the hinge mechanism.

[0019] In this application, the movement track of the first connector in the first track slot in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state can possibly be the same as the movement track of the first connector in the first track slot in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state. Specifically, the surface of the first protrusion may be equidistant from the slot surface of the first arc-shaped slot. In this case, the first track slot is an equi-width slot. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first arc-shaped surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and the second arc-shaped surface abuts against the slot surface of the first arc-shaped slot. This can help improve the movement stability of the first connector in the first track slot. Similarly, the surface of the third protrusion may also be equidistant from the slot surface of the third arc-shaped slot. In this case, the second track slot is an equi-width slot. In addition, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state, the third arc-shaped surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and the fourth arc-shaped surface abuts against the slot surface of the third arc-shaped slot. In this way, the movement track of the second connector in the second track slot in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state is the same as the movement track of the second connector in the second track slot in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, improving the movement stability of the second connector in the third track slot.

[0020] In a possible implementation form of this application, the first arc-shaped surface of the first connector can be an arc surface, and the second arc-shaped surface can also be an arc surface. In this case, the sum of the radius of the first arc-shaped surface and the radius of the second arc-shaped surface may be equal to the distance between the surface of the first protrusion and the slot surface of the first arc-shaped slot, and can improve the smoothness of the movement of the first connector in the first track slot.

[0021] Similarly, the third arcuate surface of the second connector may be an arcuate surface, and the fourth arcuate surface may also be an arcuate surface. In this case, the sum of the radius of the third arcuate surface and the radius of the fourth arcuate surface may be equal to the distance between the surface of the third protrusion and the slot surface of the third arcuate slot, which can improve the smoothness of the movement of the second connector in the second track slot.

[0022] In the present application, the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The base is provided with a second arcuate slot. The first swing arm includes a first arcuate rotating block. The first arcuate rotating block is received in the second arcuate slot. The first arcuate rotating block can slide along the slot surface of the second arcuate slot, and rotatably connects the first swing arm and the main shaft. Therefore, the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft in a virtual shaft manner. This helps to reduce the space occupied by the first swing arm on the main shaft and helps to achieve a compact design of the hinge mechanism.

[0023] In addition, the second swing arm is also rotatably connected to the main shaft. The base is further provided with a fourth arcuate slot. The second swing arm includes a second arcuate rotating block. The second arcuate rotating block is received in the fourth arcuate slot. The second arcuate rotating block can slide along the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot, and rotatably connects the second swing arm and the main shaft. Therefore, the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft in a virtual shaft manner. This helps to reduce the space occupied by the second swing arm on the main shaft and helps to achieve a compact design of the hinge mechanism.

[0024] In the case of a foldable electronic device, the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft via a virtual shaft or a solid shaft, and it can be understood that the axis around which the first swing arm rotates about the main shaft is located on one side of the main shaft away from the flexible display. When the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft via a virtual shaft or a solid shaft, the axis around which the second swing arm rotates about the main shaft is located on the side of the main shaft away from the flexible display.

[0025] In order to improve the reliability of the connection between the first swing arm and the main shaft, in the present application, the cover further includes a second protrusion disposed toward the second arcuate slot, and at least a part of the first arcuate rotating block is located between the second protrusion and the second arcuate slot, whereby the first swing arm is restricted to the main shaft via the second protrusion and the second arcuate slot, and the first swing arm can be prevented from dropping out of the second arcuate slot.

[0026] In addition, the cover further includes a fourth protrusion disposed toward the fourth arcuate slot, and at least a part of the second arcuate rotating block is located between the fourth protrusion and the fourth arcuate slot, whereby the second swing arm is restricted to the main shaft via the fourth protrusion and the fourth arcuate slot, and the second swing arm can be prevented from dropping out of the fourth arcuate slot.

[0027] In a possible implementation form of the present application, the first connector includes a fifth rotating shaft and a sixth rotating shaft. The first connector is rotatably connected to the first swing arm via the 5 rotating shaft, and the first connector is the 6It is rotatably connected to the first support arm via a rotating shaft, and the axis of the fifth rotating shaft is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis of the sixth rotating shaft. Thus, the first swing arm and the first support arm can perform a mutual pulling movement via the first connector.

[0028] The second connector includes a seventh rotating shaft and an eighth rotating shaft. The second connector is rotatably connected to the second swing arm via the seventh rotating shaft, and the second connector is rotatably connected to the second support arm via the eighth rotating shaft. The axis of the seventh rotating shaft is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis of the eighth rotating shaft. Thus, the second swing arm and the second support arm can perform a pulling movement via the second connector.

[0029] Specifically, when the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the first connector via the fifth rotating shaft, a first mounting slot may be provided in the first arc-shaped rotating block, and the slot opening of the first mounting slot is arranged towards the second arc-shaped slot. The fifth rotating shaft is mounted in the first mounting slot, a part of the surface of the fifth rotating shaft contacts the slot surface of the first mounting slot, and a part of the surface of the fifth rotating shaft contacts the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot. The fifth rotating shaft is mounted in the first mounting slot of the first arc-shaped rotating block, whereby the size of the first arc-shaped rotating block can be effectively reduced, and it is not necessary to increase the thickness of the first mounting slot due to the size of the first rotating shaft. This is useful for the compact design of the hinge mechanism.

[0030] In addition, the slot surface of the first mounting slot includes a first arc surface, the surface of the fifth rotating shaft that contacts the slot surface of the first mounting slot is a second arc surface, and the center of the first arc surface coincides with the center of the second arc surface. In this way, when the first arc-shaped rotating block slides along the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot, the fifth rotating shaft rotates relative to the first arc-shaped rotating block, rotatably connecting the first swing arm and the fifth rotating shaft.

[0031] The slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot is a third arc surface, the surface of the fifth rotating shaft that contacts the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot is a fourth arc surface, and the center of the third arc surface coincides with the center of the fourth arc surface. In this way, when the fifth rotating shaft slides along the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot together with the first arc-shaped rotating block, the fifth rotating shaft further rotates relative to the first arc-shaped rotating block and the second arc-shaped slot, which can assist in implementing the movement of the first connector relative to the main shaft.

[0032] Similarly, the second arc-shaped rotating block is provided with a second mounting slot. The slot opening of the second mounting slot is arranged towards the fourth arc-shaped slot. The seventh rotating shaft is mounted in the second mounting slot. A part of the surface of the seventh rotating shaft contacts the slot surface of the second mounting slot, and a part of the surface of the seventh rotating shaft contacts the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot. The seventh rotating shaft is mounted in the second mounting slot of the second arc-shaped rotating block, which can effectively reduce the size of the second arc-shaped rotating block and does not require increasing the thickness of the second mounting slot due to the size of the third rotating shaft. This is helpful for the compact design of the hinge mechanism.

[0033] The second mounting slot may include a fifth arc surface, the surface of the seventh rotating shaft that contacts the slot surface of the second mounting slot is a sixth arc surface, and the center of the fifth arc surface coincides with the center of the sixth arc surface. Additionally, the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot is a seventh arc surface, and the surface of the seventh rotating shaft that contacts the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot may be an eighth arc surface. In this case, the center of the seventh arc surface coincides with the center of the eighth arc surface. In this way, when the seventh rotating shaft slides along the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot together with the second arc-shaped rotating block, the seventh rotating shaft can rotate further with respect to the second arc-shaped rotating block and the fourth arc-shaped slot, helping to implement the movement of the second connector with respect to the main shaft.

[0034] In a possible implementation of the present application, the first connector may include a plurality of first sub-connectors that are sequentially rotatably connected. Additionally, the plurality of first sub-connectors may be located between the first swing arm and the first support arm. The first swing arm may be rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first swing arm, and the first support arm may be rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first support arm. The first swing arm and the first support arm are connected via a plurality of first sub-connectors. Thereby, the speed uniformity in the process of the first swing arm and the first support arm rotating around the main shaft can be effectively improved, thereby improving the smoothness of the tensile movement of the first swing arm and the first support arm.

[0035] In addition, the second connector may include a plurality of second sub-connectors that are sequentially rotatably connected. In addition, the plurality of second sub-connectors may be located between the second swing arm and the second support arm. The second swing arm may be rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector, and the second support arm may be rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector. The second swing arm and the second support arm are connected via a plurality of second sub-connectors. Thereby, the speed uniformity in the process of the second swing arm and the second support arm rotating around the main shaft can be effectively improved, and thereby, the smoothness of the pulling operation of the second swing arm and the second support arm is improved.

[0036] According to a second aspect, the present application further provides an electronic device. This electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display, and the hinge mechanism of the first aspect. The first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the hinge mechanism. A first housing mounting bracket is fixed to the first housing, and a second housing mounting bracket is fixed to the second housing. The flexible display continuously covers the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge mechanism, and the flexible display is fixed to the first housing and the second housing. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the hinge mechanism, the first housing, and the second housing jointly support the flexible display flatly. Thereby, the complete form of the electronic device in the unfolded state can be ensured. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the two housings rotate synchronously towards each other to rotate the flexible display. In the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the two housings rotate synchronously in a direction away from each other to rotate the flexible display. Thereby, the deformation of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, and the risk of damage to the flexible display can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037]

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Figure 2b

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[0038] Reference numerals: 1: Hinge mechanism, 1a: Seat surface, 1b: Third outer surface, 101: Main shaft, 1011: Base, 10111: Rotation support member, 101111: First gear surface, 101112: Second gear surface, 10112: First arc-shaped slot, 101121: Slot surface of the first arc-shaped slot, 10113: Second arc-shaped slot, 101131: Third arc surface, 10114: Third arc-shaped slot, 101141: Slot surface of the third arc-shaped slot, 10115: Fourth arc-shaped slot, 101151: Seventh arc surface, 1012: Cover, 10121: First protrusion, 101211: Surface of the first protrusion, 10122: Second protrusion, 101221: Surface of the second protrusion, 10123: First insertion part, 10124: Third protrusion, 101241: Surface of the third protrusion, 10125: Fourth protrusion, 101251: Surface of the fourth protrusion, 1013: First track slot, 1014: Second track slot, 102: Synchronization assembly, 1021: First gear assembly, 10211: First gear connecting rod, 102111: First gear, 102112: First connecting rod, 10212: Third gear connecting rod, 102121: Third gear, 102122: Third connecting rod, 10213: First rotating shaft, 10214: Second rotating shaft, 1022: Second gear assembly, 10221: Second gear connecting rod, 102211: Second gear, 102212: Second connecting rod, 10222: Fourth gear connecting rod, 102221: Fourth gear, 102222: Fourth connecting rod, 10223: Third rotating shaft, 10224: Fourth rotating shaft, 103: First housing mounting bracket, 1031: First sliding groove, 1032: First mounting part, 1033: Third sliding groove, 104: Second housing mounting bracket, 1041: Second sliding groove, 1042: Second mounting part, 1043: Fourth sliding groove, 105: Rotation module, 1051: First rotation assembly, 10511: First swing arm, 105111: First arc-shaped rotating block, 1051111: First recess, 1051112: First mounting slot, 10511121: First arc surface, 10512: First support arm, 10513: First connector, 105131: Fifth rotating shaft, 1051311: Second arc surface, 1051312: Fourth arc surface, 105132: Sixth rotating shaft, 105133: First arc surface, 105134: Second arc surface, 1052: Second rotation assembly, 10521: Second swing arm, 105211: Second arc-shaped rotating block, 1052111: Second recess, 1052112: Second mounting slot, 10521121: Fifth arc surface, 10522: Second support arm, 10523: Second connector, 105231: Seventh rotating shaft, 1052311: Sixth arc surface, 1052312: Eighth arc surface, 105232: Eighth rotating shaft, 105233: Third arc surface, 105234: Fourth arc surface, 2: First housing, 2a: First support surface, 2b: First outer surface, 3: Second housing, 3a: Second support surface, 3b: Second outer surface, 4: Flexible display, 5: Display accommodation space.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms used in the following embodiments of the present application are merely intended to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. The singular terms "one", "a", and "this" used in the description and appended claims of the present application are also intended to include expressions such as "one or more" unless otherwise clearly specified in the context.

[0040] References to "an embodiment", "some embodiments", etc. described in this specification indicate that one or more embodiments of the present application include the specific features, structures, or characteristics described with reference to the embodiments. Therefore, descriptions such as "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in some other embodiments", and "in other embodiments" that appear in different parts of this specification do not necessarily mean referring to the same embodiment. Instead, these descriptions mean "one or more but not all of the embodiments" unless otherwise particularly emphasized in another way. The terms "include", "have", and their variants all mean "include but are not limited to" unless otherwise particularly emphasized in another way.

[0041] To facilitate the understanding of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present application, first, the application scenario of the hinge mechanism will be described below. The hinge mechanism can be used in a foldable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a palmtop computer (personal digital assistant, PDA), a notebook computer, or a tablet computer, but is not limited thereto. In the present application, the electronic device may be an outward foldable electronic device or an inward foldable electronic device. In the process of the outward foldable electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the flexible display is always located outside the electronic device. When the inward foldable electronic device is in the folded state, the flexible display is located inside the electronic device. In the embodiments of the present application, the application of the hinge mechanism in the electronic device will be described by taking the outward foldable electronic device as an example. FIG. 1 is a diagram of the structure of an electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. The electronic device may further include two housings and a flexible display in addition to the hinge mechanism 1. For ease of explanation, the two housings may be referred to as the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, respectively. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are located on both sides of the hinge mechanism 1 and can rotate around the hinge mechanism 1. When the electronic device is used, the electronic device can be folded or unfolded in different use scenarios.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows the relative positional relationship between the hinge mechanism 1 and the two housings when the electronic device is in the folded state. In this case, the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface of the first housing, and the first surface of the second housing can be jointly used as a support surface for a flexible display (not shown in FIG. 1). In FIG. 1, the flexible display is omitted. The first surface of the hinge mechanism 1 is the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 facing the flexible display. The first surface of the first housing 2 is the surface of the first housing 2 facing the flexible display. The first surface of the second housing 3 is the surface of the second housing 3 facing the flexible display. For ease of explanation, in the present application, the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1 may be defined as the seating surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface of the first housing 2 may be defined as the first support surface 2a, and the first surface of the second housing 3 may be defined as the second support surface 3a.

[0043] FIG. 2a is a diagram of the structure of the electronic device in the unfolded state, and FIG. 2a shows the structure of the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2 and the structure of the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3. In the unfolded state, the seating surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3 are connected so as to form a flat support surface.

[0044] Considering this, the flexible display can continuously cover the seating surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3. The hinge mechanism 1 is arranged corresponding to the bendable portion of the flexible display, and the flexible display can be fixedly connected to the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2 and the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3. The connection method of the flexible display may be, but is not limited to, bonding. In this way, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2a, the hinge mechanism 1, the first housing 2, and the second housing 3 can support the flexible display flatly.

[0045] In addition, FIG. 2b is a diagram of another structure of the electronic device in the unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2b shows the structures of the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the second surface of the first housing 2, and the second surface of the second housing 3. The second surface of the hinge mechanism 1 is the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 that is away from the flexible display, the second surface of the first housing 2 is the surface of the first housing 2 that is away from the flexible display, and the second surface of the second housing 3 is the surface of the second housing 3 that is away from the flexible display. In this case, the first surface and the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1 are arranged opposite to each other, the first surface and the second surface of the first housing 2 are arranged opposite to each other, and the first surface and the second surface of the second housing 3 are arranged opposite to each other. In the present application, the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the second surface of the first housing 2, and the second surface of the second housing 3 can be used as the appearance surfaces of the electronic device. For the sake of easy explanation, the second surface of the first housing 2 can be defined as the first appearance surface 2b, the second surface of the second housing 3 can be defined as the second appearance surface 3b, and the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can be defined as the third appearance surface 1b. In the case of the outward folding type electronic device, it can be understood that when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the appearance surface of the electronic device is exposed on the outside of the electronic device, and when the electronic device is in the folded state, the appearance surface of the electronic device is located inside the electronic device. In the present application, in the process in which the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate relative to each other from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b to the folded state shown in FIG. 1, or from the folded state shown in FIG. 1 to the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b, the flexible display can be bent or flattened together with the first housing 2 and the second housing 3. In addition, it can be understood that the process in which the electronic device changes from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b to the folded state shown in FIG. 1 or from the folded state shown in FIG. 1 to the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b is a process in which the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate around the hinge mechanism 1.

[0046] As an important functional component in a foldable electronic device, the hinge mechanism 1 can be arranged corresponding to the foldable part of the flexible display. In the process of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 of the electronic device rotating around the hinge mechanism 1, if the forces applied to the flexible display by the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are not synchronized, the stress applied to the flexible display is likely to be non-uniform. As a result, the flexible display may be compressed or stretched, and furthermore, the flexible display may be damaged.

[0047] Considering this, in the present application, a synchronization assembly is arranged in the hinge mechanism to assist the first housing and the second housing of the electronic device to move synchronously towards each other or away from each other around the hinge mechanism, so that the part of the flexible display connected to the first housing and the part of the flexible display connected to the second housing can move synchronously towards each other or away from each other. This can improve the uniformity of the stress applied to the flexible display and effectively reduce the risk of the flexible display being compressed or stretched, thereby extending the service life of the flexible display and further improving the structural reliability of the electronic device. To facilitate the understanding of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present application, the specific structure of the hinge mechanism will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 3 is a diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. In the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may include a main shaft 101 and a synchronization assembly 102. In the present application, the number of synchronization assemblies 102 in the hinge mechanism 1 is not limited. The hinge mechanism 1 may include only one synchronization assembly 102, or may include a plurality of synchronization assemblies 102. When the hinge mechanism 1 includes a plurality of synchronization assemblies 102, the plurality of synchronization assemblies 102 may be arranged at intervals along the length direction of the hinge mechanism 1. In the present application, the length direction of the hinge mechanism 1 is the extending direction of the axis around which the first housing and the second housing rotate with the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 2b as the center.

[0049] In the present application, please refer to FIG. 4 for the setting method of the synchronization assembly 102. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 3. The synchronization assembly 102 may include a first gear assembly 1021 and a second gear assembly 1022. The first gear assembly 1021 and the second gear assembly 1022 are respectively located on two opposite sides of the main shaft 101, and the first gear assembly 1021 and the second gear assembly 1022 are rotatably connected to the main shaft 101. In a specific implementation form, the first gear assembly 1021 includes a first gear connecting rod 10211 and a third gear connecting rod 10212. The first gear connecting rod 10211 is rotatably connected to the third gear connecting rod 10212. The second gear assembly 1022 includes a second gear connecting rod 10221 and a fourth gear connecting rod 10222. The second gear connecting rod 10221 is rotatably connected to the fourth gear connecting rod 10222.

[0050] In addition, please refer to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 3, and can be used to show the rotatable connection method between the first gear connecting rod 10211 and the main shaft 101 and the rotatable connection method between the second gear connecting rod 10221 and the main shaft 101 when the electronic device is in the deployed state. The first gear connecting rod 10211 includes a first gear 102111 and a first connecting rod 102112, and the second gear connecting rod 10221 includes a second gear 102211 and a second connecting rod 102212. In addition, a rotation support member 10111 is provided on the main shaft 101, and the first gear connecting rod 10211 and the second gear connecting rod 10221 are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the rotation support member 10111. A first gear surface 101111 is arranged at an end of the rotation support member 10111 facing the first gear 102111, and a second gear surface 101112 is arranged at an end of the rotation support member 10111 facing the second gear 102211. The gear surface of the first gear 102111 meshes with the first gear surface 101111, and the gear surface of the second gear 102211 meshes with the second gear surface 101112.

[0051] Please refer to FIGS. 4 and 5 together. In the present application, the main shaft 101 may include a base 1011, the rotation support member 10111 may be arranged on the base 1011, and the rotation support member 10111 is fixed to the base 1011. The rotation support member 10111 and the base 1011 may be of an integral structure, or the rotation support member 10111 may be a part of the base 1011, whereby the structural reliability of the main shaft 101 can be improved and the size of the main shaft 101 can be reduced. In some other possible embodiments of the present application, the rotation support member 10111 and the base 1011 may alternatively be two independent structures, and the two may be fixed to each other by methods such as welding, riveting, screw connection, etc. so that the position of the rotation support member 10111 on the base 1011 is relatively flexible.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 5 when the electronic device is in the folded state. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first gear 102111 can rotate clockwise around the rotation support member 10111, and the second gear 102211 can rotate counterclockwise around the rotation support member 10111. In addition, the moving direction of each structure in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state is opposite to the moving direction of each structure in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state. Details are not described here.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 3 and can be used to show the transmission connection relationship between the third gear connecting rod 10212 and the fourth gear connecting rod 10222. The third gear connecting rod 10212 includes a third gear 102121 and a third connecting rod 102122, and the third gear 102121 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 101. Please refer to FIGS. 4 and 7 together. The third gear 102121 can be rotatably connected to the rotation support member 10111 via the first rotation shaft 10213, and the first rotation shaft 10213 can penetrate both the third gear 102121 and the rotation support member 10111 at the same time. In addition, the third connecting rod 102122 can be rotatably connected to the first gear connecting rod 10211. In a specific implementation form, the third connecting rod 102122 can be rotatably connected to the first gear 102111 via the second rotation shaft 10214, and the second rotation shaft 10214 can penetrate both the third connecting rod 102122 and the first gear 102111 at the same time. It can be understood that the axis of the second rotation shaft 10214 coincides with the axis of the first gear 102111, and the axis of the first rotation shaft 10213 is parallel to the axis of the second rotation shaft 10214 but does not coincide.

[0054] Please continue to refer to FIG. 4. In the present application, the first gear connecting rod 10211 may include two first gears 102111, and the two first gears 102111 are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the hinge mechanism 1. A rotation support member 10111 may be arranged on the main shaft 101 corresponding to each first gear 102111, whereby each first gear 102111 is rotatably connected to the corresponding rotation support member 10111 via a gear surface meshing with each other. This helps to improve the rotational stability of the first gear connecting rod 10211 centered on the main shaft 101 and improves the rotational connection stability between the first gear assembly 1021 and the main shaft 101. In addition, the third gear connecting rod 10212 may be arranged between the two first gears 102111, whereby the structure of the first gear assembly 1021 becomes relatively compact, which is helpful for the compact design of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0055] Please continue to refer to FIG. 7. The fourth gear connecting rod 10222 includes a fourth gear 102221 and a fourth connecting rod 102222, and the gear surface of the fourth gear 102221 meshes with the gear surface of the third gear 102121. In the present application, the fourth gear 102221 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 101. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the fourth gear 102221 may be rotatably connected to the rotation support member 10111 via the third rotation shaft 10223, and the third rotation shaft 10223 may penetrate both the fourth gear 102221 and the rotation support member 10111 at the same time. In addition, the fourth connecting rod 102222 may be rotatably connected to the second gear connecting rod 10221 via the fourth rotation shaft 10224, and the fourth rotation shaft 10224 may penetrate both the fourth connecting rod 102222 and the second gear 102211 at the same time. In addition, the axis of the fourth rotation shaft 10224 coincides with the axis of the second gear 102211. It should be noted that in the present application, the axis of the third rotation shaft 10223 is parallel to the axis of the fourth rotation shaft 10224 but does not coincide.

[0056] Please continue to refer to FIG. 4. In the present application, the second gear connecting rod 10221 may include two second gears 102211, and the two second gears 102211 are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the hinge mechanism 1. A rotation support member 10111 may be arranged on the main shaft 101 corresponding to each second gear 102211, whereby each second gear 102211 is rotatably connected to the corresponding rotation support member 10111 via a gear surface meshing with each other. This helps to improve the rotational stability of the second gear connecting rod 10221 centered on the main shaft 101 and improves the rotational connection stability between the second gear assembly 1022 and the main shaft 101. In addition, the fourth gear connecting rod 10222 may be arranged between the two second gears 102211, whereby the structure of the second gear assembly 1022 becomes relatively compact, which is helpful for the compact design of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 7 when the electronic device is in the folded state. Please refer to FIGS. 7 and 8 together. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third gear 102121 may rotate clockwise around the main shaft 101. Since the gear surfaces of the third gear 102121 and the fourth gear 102221 mesh with each other, the third gear 102121 rotates clockwise around the main shaft 101 to synchronously rotate the fourth gear 102221 counterclockwise toward the third gear, whereby the third gear connecting rod 10212 and the fourth gear connecting rod 10222 rotate synchronously toward each other. In addition, the moving direction of each structure in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state is opposite to the moving direction of each structure in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state. Details are not described here. In this case, the third gear connecting rod 10212 and the fourth gear connecting rod 10222 rotate synchronously in a direction away from each other.

[0058] Based on the foregoing description of the structure of the synchronization assembly 102 provided in the embodiments of the present application, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first gear connecting rod 10211 rotates clockwise around the main shaft 101 to rotate the third gear connecting rod 10212 along the same direction. In addition, since the third gear connecting rod 10212 meshes with the fourth gear connecting rod 10222 through a gear, the third gear connecting rod 10212 rotates clockwise to synchronously rotate the fourth gear connecting rod 10222 counterclockwise, and the fourth gear connecting rod 10222 can rotate the second gear connecting rod 10221 along the same direction. Thereby, the first gear assembly 1021 and the second gear assembly 1022 rotate synchronously towards each other. In addition, the moving direction of each structure in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state is opposite to the moving direction of each structure in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state. Details are not described here. In this case, the first gear assembly 1021 and the second gear assembly 1022 rotate synchronously in a direction away from each other.

[0059] In the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiments of the present application, the synchronous rotation of the first gear assembly 1021 and the second gear assembly 1022 of the synchronization assembly 102 is implemented by using two-stage gear surfaces that mesh with each other, so that high-precision gear transmission can be realized. In addition, by using this structural design, when the first gear assembly 1021 and the second gear assembly 1022 are rotatably connected to the main shaft 101, the avoidance operation performed by the main shaft 101 on these two gear assemblies is reduced, thereby making the structure of the main shaft 101 relatively complete, the strength of the main shaft 101 relatively good, and helping to improve the structural reliability of the entire hinge mechanism 1.

[0060] Please continue to refer to FIGS. 4 and 5. In the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may further include a first housing mounting bracket 103 and a second housing mounting bracket 104. The first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the main shaft 101, and the synchronization assembly 102 is located between the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104. The first gear connecting rod 10211 and the first housing mounting bracket 103 are located on the same side of the main shaft 101, and the first connecting rod 102112 of the first gear connecting rod 10211 is slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket 103. In a specific implementation form, the first housing mounting bracket 103 is provided with a first sliding groove 1031, and the first sliding groove 1031 has an opening disposed toward the main shaft 101. The first connecting rod 102112 can be attached to the first sliding groove 1031, and in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first connecting rod 102112 can slide in the first sliding groove 1031 toward the main shaft 101 or away from the main shaft 101 with respect to the first housing mounting bracket 103, whereby the slidable connection between the first gear connecting rod 10211 and the first housing mounting bracket 103 is realized through the slidable connection between the first connecting rod 102112 and the first housing mounting bracket 103. In the present application, the specific arrangement form of the first sliding groove 1031 is not limited. For example, the first sliding groove 1031 may be a straight sliding groove. In this case, the first connecting rod 102112 may be provided with a straight sliding block structure, whereby the connection structure between the first connecting rod 102112 and the first housing mounting bracket 103 is effectively simplified, and the smoothness of the sliding of the first connecting rod 102112 with respect to the first housing mounting bracket 103 can be improved.

[0061] In addition, the second gear connecting rod 10221 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 are located on the same side of the main shaft 101, and the second connecting rod 102212 of the second gear connecting rod 10221 is slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket 104. In a specific implementation form, the second housing mounting bracket 104 is provided with a second sliding groove 1041, and the second connecting rod 102212 can be mounted in the second sliding groove 1041. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state, the second connecting rod 102212 can slide in the second sliding groove 1041 in a direction towards the base 1011 or away from the base 1011 with respect to the second housing mounting bracket 104. In this application, the specific arrangement form of the second sliding groove 1041 is not limited. For example, the second sliding groove 1041 may be a straight sliding groove. In this case, the second Connecting rod may be provided with a straight sliding block structure, whereby the connection structure between the second connecting rod 102212 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 is effectively simplified, and the smoothness of the sliding of the second connecting rod 102212 with respect to the second housing mounting bracket 104 can be improved.

[0062] In the rotating mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing mounting bracket 103 rotates clockwise with respect to the main shaft 101, rotates the first gear connecting rod 10211 clockwise around the main shaft 101, and the first gear connecting rod 10211 rotates the third gear connecting rod 10212 along the same direction. In addition, since the third gear connecting rod 10212 and the fourth gear connecting rod 10222 are engaged with each other through gears, the third gear connecting rod 10212 rotates clockwise to synchronously rotate the fourth gear connecting rod 10222 counterclockwise, and the fourth gear connecting rod 10222 can rotate the second gear connecting rod 10221 along the same direction. As a result, the second gear connecting rod 10221 slides with respect to the second housing mounting bracket 104, and rotates the second housing mounting bracket 104 counterclockwise along the same direction. In this way, the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 rotate synchronously toward each other. In addition, in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the moving direction of each structure is opposite to the moving direction of each structure in the above-mentioned process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state. Details are not described here. In this case, the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 move synchronously in a direction away from each other.

[0063] The hinge mechanism 1 provided in the foregoing embodiment of the present application can be used, for example, in the foldable electronic device shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2a. The first housing mounting bracket 103 can be fixed to the housing located on the same side of the main shaft 101, and the second housing mounting bracket 104 can be fixed to another housing. For example, the first housing mounting bracket 103 can be configured to be fixed to the first housing 2 of the electronic device shown in FIG. 2a, and the second housing mounting bracket 104 can be configured to be fixed to the second housing 3 of the electronic device shown in FIG. 2a. Considering this, it can be understood that the process in which the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 rotate synchronously towards each other or away from each other is the process in which the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate synchronously towards each other or away from each other.

[0064] In addition, the flexible display of the electronic device can be fixed to the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, and the connection method may be, but is not limited to, bonding. In a specific implementation form, the flexible display can be bonded to a part of the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the flexible display can be bonded to a part of the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3. In this way, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the seat surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3 can jointly support the flexible display flatly. Therefore, the complete form of the electronic device in the unfolded state can be ensured. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the synchronous rotation of the two housings can drive the synchronous rotation of the parts of the flexible display fixed to the two housings, thereby making the stress applied to the flexible display relatively uniform, effectively avoiding the deformation of the flexible display, and reducing the risk of damage to the flexible display.

[0065] In this application, in order to implement the rotation function of the hinge mechanism 1, the hinge mechanism 1 may further include a rotation module 105. In this application, the number of rotation modules 105 in the hinge mechanism 1 is not limited. The hinge mechanism 1 may include only one rotation module 105 or may include a plurality of rotation modules 105. Please continue to refer to FIG. 3. When the hinge mechanism 1 includes a plurality of rotation modules 105, the plurality of rotation modules 105 may be arranged at intervals along the length direction of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0066] To facilitate the understanding of the structure of the rotation module 105, please continue to refer to FIG. 4. The rotation module 105 may include a first rotation assembly 1051 and a second rotation assembly 1052. The first rotation assembly 1051 is located between the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104, and the second rotation assembly 1052 is located between the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the main shaft 101 of the hinge mechanism 1 may be used as the bearing component of the first rotation assembly 1051 and the second rotation assembly 1052.

[0067] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, when there are a plurality of rotation modules 105, the first rotation assemblies 1051 and the second rotation assemblies 1052 of the plurality of rotation modules 105 may all use the same main shaft 101 as the bearing component to improve the integration degree of the hinge mechanism 1. In some other possible embodiments of this application, one main shaft 101 is arranged corresponding to each rotation module 105 of the hinge mechanism 1, and the corresponding main shaft 101 is used as the bearing component for the first rotation assembly 1051 and the second rotation assembly 1052 of each rotation module 105.

[0068] Please continue to refer to FIG. 4. The first rotation assembly 1051 may include a first swing arm 10511, a first support arm 10512, and a first connector 10513. The first connector 10513 is located between the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512. The first connector 10513 is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 10511, and the first connector 10513 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10512. Thereby, the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512 perform a pulling operation via the first connector 10513. Considering this, it can be understood that the movement track of the first connector 10513 plays an important role in the movement track of the first rotation assembly 1051.

[0069] In the present application, the first connector 10513 can move relative to the main shaft 101. Actually, please refer to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector 10513 of the hinge mechanism 1 when the electronic device is in the deployed state according to an embodiment of the present application. The main shaft 101 may be provided with a first track slot 1013, and the first connector 10513 can move along the first track slot 1013, restricting the movement track of the first connector 10513.

[0070] FIG. 10 is a diagram of the structure of the main shaft 101 according to an embodiment of the present application. The main shaft 101 may further include a cover 1012. The cover 1012 covers the base 1011, and the outer surface of the cover 1012 can be used as the third outer surface 1b of the hinge mechanism 1. FIG. 11 is a diagram of the structure of the base 1011 of the main shaft 101 shown in FIG. 10. A first arcuate slot 10112 may be provided in the base 1011. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 11 together. The first connector 10513 is received in the first arcuate slot 10112, and the first connector 10513 can slide along the slot surface 101121 of the first arcuate slot. In addition, referring to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram of the structure of the cover 1012 of the main shaft 101 shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is used to show the structure of the side of the cover 1012 facing the base 1011. The cover 1012 includes a first protrusion 10121. As shown in FIG. 9, the first protrusion 10121 can be arranged toward the first arcuate slot 10112. There is a gap between the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arcuate slot, and this gap is used as the first track slot 1013.

[0071] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector 10513 of the hinge mechanism 1 when the electronic device is in the folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 13 together. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first connector 10513 can move toward the first swing arm 10511 within the first track slot 1013. In the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first connector 10513 can move toward the first support arm 10512 within the first track slot 1013. In this way, the first connector 10513 can move relative to the main shaft 101 according to the specified track.

[0072] Please refer to FIGS. 9 and 13 together. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state, it can be seen that the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512 can rotate around the main shaft 101. In addition, since the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512 perform a pulling operation via the first connector 10513, in the process of the first connector 10513 moving within the first track slot 1013, the first connector 10513 can further rotate with respect to the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot, improving the smoothness of the movement of the first rotation assembly 1051.

[0073] FIG. 14 is a diagram of the structure of the first connector 10513 according to an embodiment of the present application. In the present application, the first connector 10513 may include a first arc-shaped surface 105133 and a second arc-shaped surface 105134. In order to perform the rotation of the first connector 10513 with respect to the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot, the first arc-shaped surface 105133 and the second arc-shaped surface 105134 may be arc-shaped surfaces, and the center of the first arc-shaped surface 105133 may coincide with the center of the second arc-shaped surface 105134. The radii of the first arc-shaped surface 105133 and the second arc-shaped surface 105134 may or may not be equal, which is not limited in the present application. In addition, considering the design tolerance, the first arc-shaped surface 105133 and the second arc-shaped surface 105134 may be arc-shaped surfaces of other possible forms, such as elliptical arc surfaces, as long as the first connector 10513 can rotate with respect to the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot.

[0074] Please continue to refer to FIGS. 9 and 13. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 9 and the folded state shown in FIG. 13, the first arcuate surface 105133 of the first connector 10513 can abut against the surface 101211 of the first protrusion, and the second arcuate surface 105134 can abut against the slot surface 101121 of the first arcuate slot. In this way, the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arcuate slot limit the first connector 10513 in the first track slot 1013. As a result, when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the unfolded state and the folded state, the first connector 10513 is relatively stable without shaking due to the gap, and the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 in the above two states is improved.

[0075] In the present application, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the point where the surface 101211 of the first protrusion abuts against the first arcuate surface 105133 and the point where the slot surface 101121 of the first arcuate slot abuts against the second arcuate surface 105134 is denoted as d1. When the electronic device is in the folded state shown in FIG. 13, the distance between the point where the surface 101211 of the first protrusion abuts against the first arcuate surface 105133 and the point where the slot surface 101121 of the first arcuate slot abuts against the second arcuate surface 105134 is denoted as d2. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state and the folded state, the first arcuate surface 105133 of the first connector 10513 can abut against the surface 101211 of the first protrusion, and the second arcuate surface 105134 can abut against the slot surface 101121 of the first arcuate slot. Therefore, when both the first arcuate surface 105133 and the second arcuate surface 105134 are arcuate surfaces, d1 = d2 can be obtained.

[0076] In this application, the specific arrangement forms of the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot are not limited. For example, the surface 101211 of the first protrusion can be an arc surface, and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot can be an arc surface. In addition, the center of the surface 101211 of the first protrusion coincides with the center of the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot. In some other possible embodiments of this application, the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot may both be configured as flat surfaces so that the first track slot 1013 becomes a straight slot. Alternatively, the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot may both be other forms of curved surfaces so that the first track slot 1013 becomes an arbitrary form of curved slot, which should be understood as falling within the protection scope of this application.

[0077] Continue to refer to FIG. 9. In this application, the surface 101211 of the first protrusion can be equidistant from the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot. In this case, the first track slot 1013 is an equi-width slot. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state, the surface 101211 of the first protrusion maintains a contact state with the first arc surface 105133, and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot maintains a contact state with the second arc surface 105134. Therefore, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state, the movement track of the first connector 10513 may be the same. This helps to improve the movement stability of the first connector 10513 and improve the movement stability of the first rotating assembly 1051.

[0078] FIG. 15 is a diagram of the assembly structure of the first connector 10513 and the main shaft 101 according to an embodiment of the present application. In the present application, when the first track slot 1013 is an equal-width slot and the first arc surface 105133 and the second arc surface 105134 are arc surfaces, the sum of the radius R1 of the first arc surface 105133 and the radius R2 of the second arc surface 105134 is equal to the distance D between the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc slot. In addition, considering the smoothness of the movement of the first connector 10513 within the first track slot 1013, a specific design gap can be ensured between the first arc surface 105133 and the surface 101211 of the first protrusion, and / or between the second arc surface 105134 and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc slot.

[0079] In some other possible embodiments of the present application, the movement track of the first connector 10513 in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state may be different from the movement track of the first connector 10513 in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state. In a specific implementation form, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first arc surface 105133 abuts against the surface 101211 of the first protrusion, and there is a gap between the second arc surface 105134 and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc slot. In addition, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second arc surface 105134 abuts against the slot surface 101121 of the first arc slot, and there is a gap between the first arc surface 105133 and the surface 101211 of the first protrusion. In this embodiment, the surface 101211 of the first protrusion does not have to be equidistant from the slot surface 101121 of the first arc slot. In this case, the first track slot 1013 may be an unequal-width slot.

[0080] From the above description, in the present application, it can be understood that the first swing arm 10511 may be rotatably connected to the main shaft 101, and the first swing arm 10511 may be rotatably connected to the main shaft 101 in a virtual shaft manner. This helps to reduce the space occupied by the first swing arm 10511 on the main shaft 101, helps to reduce the volume of the rotation module 105, and can realize a compact design of the hinge mechanism 1. In addition, in the case of a foldable electronic device, when the first swing arm 10511 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 101 in a virtual shaft manner, it can be understood that the axis center around which the first swing arm 10511 rotates with the main shaft 101 as the center is located on one side of the main shaft 101 away from the flexible display.

[0081] In this application, it should be noted that the virtual shaft is the axis center of the arc-shaped structure. Two components connected rotatably can rotate with respect to the virtual shaft, and when the two rotatably connected components rotate with respect to each other, the position of the virtual shaft is fixed. For example, FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 3. A first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 can be arranged at an end of the first swing arm 10511 facing the base 1011. In addition, refer to FIG. 11. The base 1011 may be provided with a second arc-shaped slot 10113. The first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 can be accommodated in the second arc-shaped slot 10113, and the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 can slide along the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10113. In this way, the rotation of the first swing arm 10511 around the main shaft 101 is realized by the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 sliding along the arc-shaped surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10113. In addition, in this application, the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 may be an arc-shaped rotating block, but is not limited thereto, and the second arc-shaped slot 10113 may be an arc-shaped slot, but is not limited thereto. When the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 is an arc-shaped rotating block, the surface of the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 in contact with the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10113 can be an arc surface, and the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10113 is also an arc surface, and it can be understood that the centers of these two arc surfaces coincide with each other.

[0082] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 12 and 16 together. The cover 1012 may include a second protrusion 10122 arranged towards the second arc-shaped slot 10113, and at least a part of the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 is located between the second protrusion 10122 and the second arc-shaped slot 10113, and the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 can contact the surface 101221 of the second protrusion. In this way, the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 can be restricted between the cover 1012 and the base 1011, and the rotational stability of the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 with respect to the base 1011 can be effectively improved.

[0083] When the slot surface of the second arcuate slot 10113 is an arcuate surface, the portion of the surface 101221 of the second protrusion that contacts the first arcuate rotary block 105111 may also be an arcuate surface, and it should be noted that the centers of these two arcuate surfaces coincide with each other. In addition, the surface of the first arcuate rotary block 105111 facing the second protrusion 10122 may be a flat surface or an arcuate surface as long as the first arcuate rotary block 105111 can rotate with respect to the second protrusion 10122.

[0084] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the first swing arm 10511 of the hinge mechanism 1 when the electronic device is in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. In the present application, the first arcuate rotary block 105111 may be further provided with a first recess 1051111, and the opening of the first recess 1051111 is arranged toward the cover 1012. In addition, a first insertion portion 10123 is arranged at the end of the cover 1012 facing the first swing arm 10511. In this case, in the folded state, the first insertion portion 10123 can be inserted into the first recess 1051111, and the surface of the first insertion portion 10123 facing the second arcuate slot 10113 abuts against at least a part of the surface of the first recess 1051111. In this way, the rotating portion of the first arcuate rotary block 105111 can be restricted, preventing the first arcuate rotary block 105111 from falling out of the second arcuate slot 10113, improving the reliability of the connection between the first swing arm 10511 and the main shaft 101, and improving the structural reliability of the entire hinge mechanism 1.

[0085] In the present application, in addition to being rotatably connected to the main shaft 101 in a virtual shaft manner, the first swing arm 10511 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 101 in a solid shaft manner. It should be noted that the first swing arm 10511 can be connected to the main shaft 101 relatively reliably. When the first swing arm 10511 is connected to the main shaft 101 in a solid shaft manner, it can be understood that the axis about which the first swing arm 10511 rotates around the main shaft 101 is also located on one side of the main shaft 101 away from the flexible display.

[0086] In the present application, when the first swing arm 10511 is rotatably connected to the first connector 10513, please continue to refer to FIG. 14. The first connector 10513 may include a fifth rotating shaft 105131 and a sixth rotating shaft 105132. The axis of the fifth rotating shaft 105131 is parallel to the axis of the sixth rotating shaft 105132 but does not coincide.

[0087] In addition, FIG. 18 is a diagram of the structure of the first rotating assembly 1051 according to an embodiment of the present application. The first connector 10513 is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 10511 via the fifth rotating shaft 105131, and the first connector 10513 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10512 via the sixth rotating shaft 105132. In this way, the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512 can perform a tensile operation via the first connector 10513.

[0088] FIG. 19 is a diagram of the structure of the first swing arm 10511 according to an embodiment of the present application. A first mounting slot 1051112 is provided in the first arcuate rotating block 105111 of the first swing arm 10511. The slot opening of the first mounting slot 1051112 is arranged towards the second arcuate slot 10113, and the fifth rotating shaft 105131 can be mounted in the first mounting slot 1051112. A part of the surface of the fifth rotating shaft 105131 can contact the slot surface of the first mounting slot 1051112, and a part of the surface of the fifth rotating shaft 105131 contacts the slot surface of the second arcuate slot 10113 to restrict the fifth rotating shaft 105131 in the first mounting slot 1051112.

[0089] Continue to refer to FIGS. 16 and 19. The slot surface of the first mounting slot 1051112 may include a first arc surface 10511121, and the surface of the fifth rotating shaft 105131 that contacts the slot surface of the first mounting slot 1051112 is the second arc surface 1051311, and the center of the first arc surface 10511121 coincides with the center of the second arc surface 1051311. In addition, refer to FIG. 11. The slot surface of the second arcuate slot 10113 may be the third arc surface 101131. However, as shown in FIG. 14, the surface of the fifth rotating shaft 105131 that contacts the slot surface of the second arcuate slot 10113 may be the fourth arc surface 1051312, and the center of the third arc surface 101131 coincides with the center of the fourth arc surface 1051312. Thus, refer to FIGS. 16 and 17 together. When the fifth rotating shaft 105131 slides along the slot surface of the second arcuate slot 10113 together with the first arcuate rotating block 105111, the fifth rotating shaft 105131 can rotate further with respect to the first arcuate rotating block 105111 to assist in implementing the movement of the first connector 10513 with respect to the main shaft 101.

[0090] In the present application, when the first connector 10513 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10512, as shown in FIG. 18, the sixth rotation shaft 105132 can penetrate both the first connector 10513 and the first support arm 10512. In this case, the connection method between the first connector 10513 and the first support arm 10512 is relatively simple, which helps to simplify the structure of the first rotation assembly 1051, so that the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 can be simplified. It should be noted that when both the first arcuate surface 105133 and the second arcuate surface 105134 are arcuate surfaces, the center of the first arcuate surface 105133, the center of the second arcuate surface 105134, and the axial center of the sixth rotation shaft 105132 coincide with each other.

[0091] In the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, it can be understood that the first connector 10513 may include a plurality of first sub-connectors that are sequentially rotatably connected. In addition, the plurality of first sub-connectors may be located between the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512. The first swing arm 10511 may be rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first swing arm 10511, and the first support arm 10512 may be rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first support arm 10512. For the manner in which the first swing arm 10511 is rotatably connected to the first sub-connector adjacent to the first swing arm 10511 and the manner in which the first support arm 10512 is rotatably connected to the first sub-connector adjacent to the first support arm 10512, refer to the foregoing description of the rotatable connection of the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512 to the first connector 10513. Details are not described again here. In the present application, since the first connector 10513 is set as a plurality of first sub-connectors that are sequentially rotatably connected, the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512 are connected via the plurality of first sub-connectors. Thereby, the speed uniformity in the process of the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512 rotating around the main shaft 101 can be effectively improved, thereby improving the smoothness of the pulling operation of the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512.

[0092] Please continue to refer to FIG. 4. In the present application, the first swing arm 10511 can be further slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket 103. In a specific implementation form, the first housing mounting bracket 103 is provided with a third sliding groove 1033. The third sliding groove 1033 extends along the first direction, and the first swing arm 10511 can be attached to the third sliding groove 1033 and can slide along the first direction within the third sliding groove 1033. The first direction can be the direction in which the first housing mounting bracket 103 moves toward or away from the base 1011. In addition, in order to prevent the first swing arm 10511 from falling out of the third sliding groove 1033, a first sliding rail can be arranged on the sliding groove wall of the third sliding groove 1033, and a first sliding block can be arranged on the first swing arm 10511. In this way, the first sliding block can be clamped on the first sliding rail, the first sliding block can slide along the first sliding rail, and the first swing arm 10511 is restricted to the third sliding groove 1033. In addition, the first sliding rail is arranged on the sliding groove wall of the third sliding groove 1033, guides the sliding of the first swing arm 10511 along the third sliding groove 1033, and can improve the movement stability of the first swing arm 10511.

[0093] In the present application, the first support arm 10512 can be rotatably connected to the second housing mounting bracket 104. In a specific implementation form, please continue to refer to FIG. 4. The second housing mounting bracket 104 is provided with a second mounting portion 1042. The end of the first support arm 10512 facing the second housing mounting bracket 104 is attached to the second mounting portion 1042, and the end of the first support arm 10512 facing the second housing mounting bracket 104 is rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 1042.

[0094] In the embodiments of the present application, the specific manner in which the end of the first support arm 10512 facing the second housing mounting bracket 104 is rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 1042 is not limited. For example, please continue to refer to FIG. 4. A first mounting hole may be provided in the second mounting portion 1042, and the second mounting hole is disposed at the end of the first support arm 10512 facing the second housing mounting bracket 104. In this case, the end of the first support arm 10512 facing the first housing mounting bracket 103 may be rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 1042 via a rotating shaft that penetrates both the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

[0095] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of the principle of the movement mechanism of the hinge mechanism 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. Based on the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the foregoing embodiment of the present application, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 move toward each other. When the first housing mounting bracket 103 rotates the first swing arm 10511 clockwise around the main shaft 101, the first swing arm 10511 can slide along the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10113, whereby the first connector 10513 can be driven to move toward the first swing arm 10511 within the first track slot 1013 of the main shaft 101. In addition, since the first connector 10513 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10512, in the process of the first connector 10513 moving toward the first swing arm 10511 within the first track slot 1013 of the main shaft 101, the first support arm 10512 can be driven to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 101, whereby the first support arm 10512 rotates the second housing mounting bracket 104 counterclockwise around the main shaft 101. In the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 move away from each other. When the first housing mounting bracket 103 rotates the first swing arm 10511 counterclockwise around the main shaft 101, the first swing arm 10511 can move the first connector 10513 toward the first support arm 10512 within the first track slot 1013 of the main shaft 101, and the first support arm 10512 can be driven to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 101, whereby the first support arm 10512 rotates the second housing mounting bracket 104 clockwise around the main shaft 101. In this way, the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism 1 are realized.

[0096] Among existing hinge mechanisms, in order to ensure the stability of the mechanism, there are some that require thickening the rotating assembly connected to the main shaft. In this method, both the main shaft and the hinge mechanism become very heavy. If the main shaft and the hinge mechanism are unreasonably thinned, the strength of the rotating assembly is likely to decrease, thereby greatly affecting the reliability of the hinge mechanism and shortening the lifespan of the electronic device. The hinge mechanism 1 in the present application has a simplified structure. According to the aforementioned structural relationship, the first connector 10513 can be manufactured with a relatively small cross-section to move back and forth within the first track slot 1013 of the main shaft 101. In addition, the first connector 10513 has an extension of sufficient length along the vertical axis direction and has a separate connection relationship with the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512, so the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be ensured. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft 101 and the overall thickness of the electronic device can be reduced, and the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be maintained, so that the entire hinge mechanism 1 becomes light, thin, and reliable.

[0097] In addition, since the first connector 10513 can move within the first track slot 1013 according to a specified track, uncontrolled movement of the first connector 10513 throughout the folding and unfolding process can be avoided, and random movement of the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 can be further avoided, ensuring the structural stability and movement stability of the entire hinge mechanism 1. In some cases, the first track slot 1013 is appropriately designed so that the circumscribed line of the hinge mechanism 1 can maintain a certain length throughout the folding and unfolding process, and the flexible display covering the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can also basically maintain a constant length. In this way, compression or tension on the flexible display can be effectively avoided, improving the structural reliability of the flexible display and further improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0098] Please continue to refer to FIG. 4. The second rotating assembly 1052, which is structured similarly to the first rotating assembly 1051, is set to be positioned between the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104. In addition, the second rotating assembly 1052 may include a second swing arm 10521, a second support arm 10522, and a second connector 10523. The second connector 10523 is located between the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522. The second connector 10523 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10521, and the second connector 10523 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10522. In this application, the second connector 10523 may be rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10521 and the first support arm 10512 with reference to the way the first connector 10513 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522. For example, please refer to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 may also be used to show the structure of the second connector 10523 according to this embodiment of this application. The second connector 10523 may include a seventh rotating shaft 105231 and an eighth rotating shaft 105232. The axis of the seventh rotating shaft 105231 is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis of the eighth rotating shaft 105232. The second connector 10523 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10521 via the seventh rotating shaft 105231, and the second connector 10523 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10522 via the eighth rotating shaft 105232. Thereby, the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522 perform a pulling operation via the second connector 10523.

[0099] In addition, please refer to FIG. 10. The main shaft 101 may be provided with a second track slot 1014, and the second connector 10523 can move along the second track slot 1014, restricting the movement track of the second connector 10523. Actually, please refer to FIG. 11. The base 1011 may be provided with a third arc-shaped slot 10114, and the second connector 10523 is received in the third arc-shaped slot 10114, and the second connector 10523 can slide along the slot surface 101141 of the third arc-shaped slot. In addition, please refer to FIG. 12. The cover 1012 includes a third protrusion 10124. The third protrusion 10124 may be arranged towards the third arc-shaped slot 10114 of the base 1011 in FIG. 11. There is a gap between the surface 101241 of the third protrusion and the slot surface 101141 of the third arc-shaped slot, and this gap is used as the second track slot 1014.

[0100] In the present application, as shown in FIG. 14, the second connector 10523 may include a third arc-shaped surface 105233 and a fourth arc-shaped surface 105234. When the electronic device is in the deployed state and the folded state, the third arc-shaped surface 105233 of the second connector 10523 may abut against the surface 101241 of the third protrusion, and the fourth arc-shaped surface 105234 may abut against the slot surface 101141 of the third arc-shaped slot. In this way, the surface 101241 of the third protrusion and the slot surface 101141 of the third arc-shaped slot restrict the second connector 10523 to the second track slot 1014. Thereby, when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the deployed state and the folded state, the second connector 10523 is relatively stable without shaking due to the gap, and the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 in the above two states is improved.

[0101] In this embodiment of the present application, the third arcuate surface 105233 of the second connector 10523 can be arranged with reference to the first arcuate surface 105133 of the first connector 10513, and the fourth arcuate surface 105234 can be arranged with reference to the second arcuate surface 105134 of the first connector 10513. Details will not be described again here. In addition, the second track slot 1014 can be set with reference to the first track slot 1013. Briefly speaking, since the distance between the surface 101241 of the third protrusion and the slot surface 101141 of the third arcuate slot is equal, the second track slot 1014 is an equal-width slot. In this case, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state, the surface 101241 of the third protrusion maintains a contact state with the third arcuate surface 105233, and the slot surface 101141 of the third arcuate slot maintains a contact state with the fourth arcuate surface 105234. Therefore, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state, the movement track of the second connector 10523 in the second track slot 1014 is the same. Alternatively, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third arcuate surface 105233 abuts against the surface 101241 of the third protrusion, and there is a gap between the fourth arcuate surface 105234 and the slot surface 101141 of the third arcuate slot. In the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the fourth arcuate surface 105234 abuts against the slot surface 101141 of the third arcuate slot, and there is a gap between the third arcuate surface 105233 and the surface 101241 of the third protrusion. Thus, the movement track of the second connector 10523 in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state is different from the movement track of the second connector 10523 in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0102] In this application, the second swing arm 10521 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 101. The second swing arm 10521 and the main shaft 101 are rotatably connected in a virtual shaft manner. In fact, please refer to FIG. 11. The base 1011 may be provided with a fourth arc-shaped slot 10115. In addition, please refer to FIGS. 4 and 19. FIG. 19 also shows the structure of the second swing arm 10521. The second arc-shaped rotating block 105211 is disposed at an end of the second swing arm 10521 facing the base 1011. The second arc-shaped rotating block 105211 may be an arc-shaped rotating block, but is not limited thereto. The fourth arc-shaped slot 10115 may be an arc-shaped slot, but is not limited thereto. The second arc-shaped rotating block 105211 can be received in the fourth arc-shaped slot 10115 and can slide along the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot 10115. In this way, the rotation of the second swing arm 10521 about the base 1011 is realized by the second arc-shaped rotating block 105211 sliding along the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot 10115. This helps to reduce the space occupied by the second swing arm 10521 on the main shaft 101, helps to reduce the volume of the rotation module 105, and can realize a compact design of the hinge mechanism 1. In the case of a foldable electronic device, when the second swing arm 10521 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 101 in a virtual shaft manner, it can be understood that the axis center about which the second swing arm 10521 rotates around the main shaft 101 is located on one side of the hinge mechanism 1 away from the flexible display.

[0103] In addition, in the present application, the second arcuate rotating block 105211 may be an arcuate rotating block, but is not limited thereto, and the fourth arcuate slot 10115 may be an arcuate slot, but is not limited thereto. When the second arcuate rotating block 105211 is an arcuate rotating block, the surface of the second arcuate rotating block 105211 that contacts the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot 10115 may be an arcuate surface, and the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot 10115 is also an arcuate surface, and it can be understood that the centers of these two arcuate surfaces coincide with each other.

[0104] In the present application, in order to improve the rotational stability of the second swing arm 10521 centered on the main shaft 101, as shown in FIG. 12, the cover 1012 further includes a fourth protrusion 10125 disposed toward the fourth arcuate slot 10115, and at least a part of the second arcuate rotating block 105211 is located between the fourth protrusion 10125 and the fourth arcuate slot 10115, and the surface of the second arcuate rotating block 105211 facing the fourth protrusion 10125 may contact the surface 101251 of the fourth protrusion. In this way, the second arcuate rotating block 105211 can be restricted between the cover 1012 and the base 1011, and the rotational stability of the second arcuate rotating block 105211 with respect to the base 1011 can be effectively improved. In addition, when the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot 10115 is an arcuate surface, the portion of the surface 101251 of the fourth protrusion that contacts the second arcuate rotating block 105211 may also be an arcuate surface, and the centers of these two arcuate surfaces coincide with each other. In the present application, the surface of the second arcuate rotating block 105211 facing the fourth protrusion 10125 may be a flat surface or an arcuate surface as long as the second arcuate rotating block 105211 can rotate with respect to the fourth protrusion 10125 in the process of the second arcuate rotating block 105211 sliding along the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot 10115.

[0105] In order to improve the reliability of the connection between the second swing arm 10521 and the base 1011, a second concave portion 1052111 may be further provided in the second arcuate rotating block 105211, and the opening of the second concave portion 1052111 is arranged facing the cover 1012. In addition, a second insertion portion (not shown in FIG. 4) may be arranged at an end of the cover 1012 facing the second housing mounting bracket 104. In this case, in the folded state, the second insertion portion may be inserted into the second concave portion 1052111, and the surface of the second insertion portion facing the fourth arcuate slot 10115 abuts at least a part of the surface of the second concave portion 1052111. In this way, the rotating portion of the second arcuate rotating block 105211 can be restricted, and the second arcuate rotating block 105211 can be prevented from falling off from the fourth arcuate slot 10115.

[0106] In the present application, in addition to being rotatably connected to the main shaft 101 by the virtual shaft method, the second swing arm 10521 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 101 by the solid shaft method. It should be noted that the first swing arm 10511 can be connected to the main shaft 101 relatively reliably. In the case of the foldable electronic device, when the second swing arm 10521 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 101 by the solid shaft method, the axis about which the second swing arm 10521 rotates around the main shaft 101 is also located on one side of the hinge mechanism away from the flexible display.

[0107] Specifically, when the second connector 10523 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10521 via the seventh rotating shaft 105231, please continue to refer to FIG. 19. A second mounting slot 1052112 is provided in the second arcuate rotating block 105211, and the slot opening of the second mounting slot 1052112 is arranged towards the fourth arcuate slot 10115. In this case, the seventh rotating shaft 105231 can be attached to the second mounting slot 1052112, a part of the surface of the seventh rotating shaft 105231 can contact the slot surface of the second mounting slot 1052112, and a part of the surface of the seventh rotating shaft 105231 contacts the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot 10115 to limit the seventh rotating shaft 105231 in the second mounting slot 1052112.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 19, in the present application, the slot surface of the second mounting slot 1052112 may include a fifth arcuate surface 10521121. As shown in FIG. 14, the surface of the seventh rotating shaft 105231 that contacts the slot surface of the second mounting slot 1052112 is the sixth arcuate surface 1052311, and the center of the fifth arcuate surface 10521121 coincides with the center of the sixth arcuate surface 1052311. In addition, the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot 10115 is the seventh arcuate surface 101151, and the surface of the seventh rotating shaft 105231 that contacts the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot 10115 may be the eighth arcuate surface 1052312, and the center of the seventh arcuate surface 101151 coincides with the center of the eighth arcuate surface 1052312. In this way, when the seventh rotating shaft 105231 slides along the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot 10115 together with the second arcuate rotating block 105211, the seventh rotating shaft 105231 can rotate further with respect to the second arcuate rotating block 105211 to assist in implementing the movement of the second connector 10523 with respect to the main shaft 101.

[0109] In an embodiment of the present application, specifically, when the second connector 10523 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10522 via the eighth rotating shaft 105232, the eighth rotating shaft 105232 can penetrate through the second connector 10523 and the second support arm 10522 simultaneously. In this case, the connection method between the second connector 10523 and the second support arm 10522 is relatively simple, which helps to simplify the structure of the second rotating assembly 1052, so that the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 can be simplified.

[0110] In the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, it can be understood that the second connector 10523 may include a plurality of second sub-connectors that are sequentially rotatably connected. In addition, the plurality of second sub-connectors may be located between the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522. In this case, the second swing arm 10521 may be rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector, and the second support arm 10522 may be rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector. For the method in which the second swing arm 10521 is rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector and the method in which the second support arm 10522 is rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector, refer to the above description of the rotatable connection of the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522 to the second connector 10523. Details will not be described again here. In the present application, since the second connector 10523 is set as a plurality of second sub-connectors that are sequentially rotatably connected, the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522 are rotatably connected via the plurality of second sub-connectors. Thereby, the speed uniformity in the process of the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522 rotating around the main shaft 101 can be effectively improved, whereby the smoothness of the pulling operation of the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522 is improved.

[0111] In the present application, the second swing arm 10521 can be slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket 104. In a specific implementation form, a fourth sliding groove 1043 is provided in the second housing mounting bracket 104. The fourth sliding groove 1043 and the second mounting portion 1042 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the hinge mechanism 1. The fourth sliding groove 1043 extends along the second direction, and the second swing arm 10521 can be attached to the fourth sliding groove 1043 and can slide along the second direction within the fourth sliding groove 1043. The second direction can be the direction in which the second housing mounting bracket 104 moves toward or away from the base 1011. In addition, in order to prevent the second swing arm 10521 from falling out of the fourth sliding groove 1043, a second sliding rail can be arranged on the sliding groove wall of the fourth sliding groove 1043, and a second sliding block can be arranged on the second swing arm 10521. In this way, the second sliding block can be clamped on the second sliding rail, the second sliding block can slide along the second sliding rail, and the second swing arm 10521 is restricted in the fourth sliding groove 1043. In addition, the second sliding rail is arranged on the sliding groove wall of the fourth sliding groove 1043, guides the sliding of the second swing arm 10521 along the fourth sliding groove 1043, and can improve the movement stability of the second swing arm 10521.

[0112] In addition, the second support arm 10522 can be rotatably connected to the first housing mounting bracket 103. In a specific implementation form, a first mounting portion 1032 is provided in the first housing mounting bracket 103. The first mounting portion 1032 and the third sliding groove 1033 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the hinge mechanism 1. The end portion of the second support arm 10522 facing the first housing mounting bracket 103 is attached to the first mounting portion 1032, and the end portion of the second support arm 10522 facing the first housing mounting bracket 103 is rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 1032.

[0113] In the embodiments of the present application, the specific manner in which the end of the second support arm 10522 facing the first housing mounting bracket 103 is rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 1032 is not limited. For example, please continue to refer to FIG. 4. A third mounting hole may be provided in the first mounting portion 1032, and the fourth mounting hole is disposed at the end of the second support arm 10522 facing the first housing mounting bracket 103. In this case, the end of the second support arm 10522 facing the first housing mounting bracket 103 may be rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 1032 via a rotating shaft passing through both the third mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole.

[0114] Based on the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the foregoing embodiments of the present application, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 move towards each other. When the second housing mounting bracket 104 rotates the second swing arm 10521 counterclockwise around the main shaft 101, the second swing arm 10521 can move the second connector 10523 towards the second swing arm 10521 within the second track slot 1014 of the main shaft 101. In addition, since the second connector 10523 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10522, in the process of the second connector 10523 moving towards the second swing arm 10521 within the second track slot 1014 of the main shaft 101, the second support arm 10522 can be driven to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 101, whereby the second support arm 10522 rotates the first housing mounting bracket 103 clockwise around the main shaft 101. In the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 move away from each other. When the second housing mounting bracket 104 rotates the second swing arm 10521 clockwise around the main shaft 101, the second swing arm 10521 can move the second connector 10523 towards the second support arm 10522 within the second track slot 1014 of the main shaft 101, and the second support arm 10522 can be driven to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 101, whereby the second support arm 10522 rotates the first housing mounting bracket 103 counterclockwise around the main shaft 101. In this way, the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism 1 are realized.

[0115] Among existing hinge mechanisms, in order to ensure the stability of the mechanism, there are some that require thickening the rotating assembly connected to the main shaft. In this method, both the main shaft and the hinge mechanism become very heavy. If the main shaft and the hinge mechanism are unreasonably thinned, the strength of the rotating assembly is likely to decrease, thereby greatly affecting the reliability of the hinge mechanism and shortening the lifespan of the electronic device. The hinge mechanism 1 in the present application has a simplified structure. According to the aforementioned structural relationship, the second connector 10523 can be manufactured with a relatively small cross-section to move back and forth within the second track slot 1014 of the main shaft 101. In addition, the second connector 10523 has an extension of sufficient length along the vertical axis direction and has a separate connection relationship with the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522, so the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be ensured. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft 101 and the overall thickness of the electronic device can be reduced, and the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be maintained, so the entire hinge mechanism 1 becomes light, thin, and reliable.

[0116] Since the second connector 10523 can move according to a specified track, uncontrolled movement of the second connector 10523 during the entire folding and unfolding process can be avoided, and random movement of the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 can be further avoided, ensuring the structural stability and movement stability of the entire hinge mechanism 1. In some cases, the second track slot 1014 is appropriately designed so that the circumscribed line of the hinge mechanism 1 can maintain a certain length during the entire folding and unfolding process, and the flexible display covering the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can also basically maintain an unchanged length. In this way, compression or tension on the flexible display can be effectively avoided, improving the structural reliability of the flexible display and further improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0117] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a partial structure of the hinge mechanism 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. To assist in explaining the tensile operating relationship between the first rotating assembly 1051 and the second rotating assembly 1052, the main shaft 101 is omitted in FIG. 21. In the present application, the first swing arm 10511 is slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket 103, the first support arm 10512 is rotatably connected to the second housing mounting bracket 104, the first swing arm 10511 pulls the first support arm 10512 via the first connector 10513 and can move along a specified track. The second swing arm 10521 is slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket 104, the second support arm 10522 is rotatably connected to the first housing mounting bracket 103, the second swing arm 10521 pulls the second support arm 10522 via the second connector 10523 and can move along a specified track. Thereby, the moving distances of the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 in the direction towards or away from the main shaft 101 can be limited. When the electronic device is in an arbitrary folded state, the distance between the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the main shaft 101 is equal to the distance between the second housing mounting bracket 104 and the main shaft 101. In addition, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first housing mounting bracket 103 can move at an equal distance with respect to the main shaft 101, and the second housing mounting bracket 104 can move at an equal distance with respect to the main shaft 101.In this way, when the hinge mechanism 1 can be used in the electronic device shown in FIG. 2b, the extension length of the support surface formed by the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge mechanism 1 in the unfolded state can be adapted to the flattening length of the flexible display. When the electronic device is in the folded state, the folding requirements of the foldable portion of the flexible display can be satisfied. Therefore, deformation of the flexible display can be avoided, and the compressive stress or tensile stress applied to the flexible display can be reduced. As a result, the service life of the flexible display is extended, and the reliability of the electronic device is improved.

[0118] According to the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiments of the present application, the rotation function of the hinge mechanism 1 can be realized by the pulling force of the connecting rod. In addition, the two housing mounting brackets can rotate synchronously in a direction towards each other or away from each other by arranging the synchronous assembly 102. In addition, since the structure of the mechanism for realizing the rotation function and the synchronous function of the hinge mechanism 1 is simple, the overall structure of the hinge mechanism 1 can be effectively simplified, which helps to realize the compact design of the hinge mechanism 1 and reduce the cost of the hinge mechanism 1. Furthermore, since the mechanisms for realizing the rotation function and the synchronous function of the hinge mechanism 1 are two independent mechanisms, the realization of the function of the other mechanism is not affected even if one mechanism fails, and the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be effectively improved.

[0119] It should be noted that the synchronous assembly 102 described in the foregoing embodiments of the present application can further be used in the hinge mechanism 1 of the foldable electronic device. FIG. 22 is a diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, since the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate synchronously towards each other, the portions of the flexible display fixed to the two housings can be rotated synchronously. In this way, the stress on the flexible display can be made relatively uniform, effectively avoiding the deformation of the flexible display and reducing the risk of damage to the flexible display. Please refer to FIGS. 8 and 22 together. When the electronic device is in the folded state, a display accommodation space 5 configured to accommodate the foldable portion of the flexible display 4 can be formed between the first gear assembly 1021, the second gear assembly 1022, and the main shaft 101. Since the display accommodation space can avoid the foldable portion of the flexible display 4, it is possible to avoid compressing the foldable portion of the flexible display 4 and effectively improve the structural reliability of the flexible display 4.

[0120] In addition, in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, since the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate synchronously in a direction away from each other, the portions of the flexible display 4 fixed to the two housings can be rotated synchronously. In addition, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the seat surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3 jointly and flatly support the flexible display 4. Thereby, the complete form of the electronic device in the unfolded state can be ensured.

[0121] In the case of a folding electronic device, when the first swing arm 10511 and the second swing arm 10521 are rotatably connected to the main shaft 101 via a virtual shaft, it can be understood that the axis centers around which the first swing arm 10511 and the second swing arm 10521 rotate with the main shaft 101 as the center are located on one side of the main shaft 101 facing the flexible display 4. In addition, when the synchronization assembly 102 is used in the hinge mechanism 1 of the folding electronic device, the first gear connecting rod 10211 and the third gear connecting rod 10212 can be slidably connected to the corresponding housing mounting brackets, and it should be noted that each of these two gear connecting rods can also be rotatably connected to the corresponding housing mounting brackets via a rotating shaft. Alternatively, each of these two gear connecting rods can also be fixedly connected to the corresponding housing mounting brackets, and the fixed connection method can be welding, riveting, screw connection, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0122] 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 that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall fall within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall follow the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism for use in a foldable electronic device, the hinge mechanism being disposed opposite a foldable portion of a flexible display of the electronic device, the electronic device being unfolded or folded via the hinge mechanism, the hinge mechanism comprising a main shaft, a synchronization assembly, a first housing mounting bracket, and a second housing mounting bracket, the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket being disposed on two opposite sides of the main shaft, respectively, and the synchronization assembly being located between the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket; the synchronizing assembly comprises a first gear assembly and a second gear assembly, the first gear assembly comprises a first gear connecting rod and a third gear connecting rod, the first gear connecting rod comprises a first gear and a first connecting rod, the first connecting rod is slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket, the third gear connecting rod comprises a third gear and a third connecting rod, the third connecting rod is rotatably connected to the first gear connecting rod, the second gear assembly includes a second gear connecting rod and a fourth gear connecting rod, the second gear connecting rod includes a second gear and a second connecting rod, the second connecting rod is slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket, the fourth gear connecting rod includes a fourth gear and a fourth connecting rod, the fourth connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second gear connecting rod, the main shaft comprises a rotation support member, the first gear connecting rod and the second gear connecting rod are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the rotation support member, a first gear surface is arranged on an end of the rotation support member facing the first gear, and a second gear surface is arranged on an end of the rotation support member facing the second gear, the first gear surface meshes with the gear surface of the first gear, the second gear surface meshes with the gear surface of the second gear, and the gear surface of the third gear meshes with the gear surface of the fourth gear; Hinge mechanism.

2. the third gear is rotatably connected to the rotary support member via a first rotating shaft, the third connecting rod is rotatably connected to the first gear via a second rotating shaft, the axis of the first rotating shaft is parallel to but not coincident with the axis of the second rotating shaft; the fourth gear is rotatably connected to the rotary support member via a third rotating shaft, the fourth connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second gear via a fourth rotating shaft, and the axis of the third rotating shaft is parallel to but not coincident with the axis of the fourth rotating shaft; The hinge mechanism of claim 1 .

3. a first sliding groove is provided on the first housing mounting bracket, an opening of the first sliding groove is disposed toward the main shaft, the first connecting rod is attached to the first sliding groove and can slide within the first sliding groove in a direction toward or away from the main shaft relative to the first housing mounting bracket; The second housing mounting bracket is provided with a second sliding groove, an opening of the second sliding groove is disposed toward the main shaft, and the second connecting rod is attached to the second sliding groove and can slide within the second sliding groove in a direction toward or away from the main shaft relative to the second housing mounting bracket.

3. A hinge mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the hinge mechanism further comprises a rotation module, the rotation module comprising a first rotation assembly and a second rotation assembly, the first rotation assembly being positioned between the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket, and the second rotation assembly being positioned between the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket; the first rotating assembly comprises a first swing arm, a first support arm, and a first connector, the first swing arm being rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first swing arm being slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket, the first support arm being rotatably connected to the second housing mounting bracket, the first connector being located between the first swing arm and the first support arm, the first connector being rotatably connected to the first swing arm, the first connector being rotatably connected to the first support arm, the main shaft being provided with a first track slot, the first connector being movable along the first track slot, limiting the movement track of the first connector, the second rotating assembly comprises a second swing arm, a second support arm, and a second connector, the second swing arm being rotatably connected to the main shaft, the second swing arm being slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket, the second support arm being rotatably connected to the first housing mounting bracket, the second connector being located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, the second connector being rotatably connected to the second swing arm, the second connector being rotatably connected to the second support arm, the main shaft being provided with a second track slot, the second connector being able to move along the second track slot, and limiting the movement track of the second connector; A hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the main shaft includes a base and a cover, the base is provided with a first arcuate slot and a third arcuate slot, the cover covers the base, the cover includes a first protrusion disposed toward the first arcuate slot and a third protrusion disposed toward the third arcuate slot, a gap between a surface of the first protrusion and a slot surface of the first arcuate slot is used as the first track slot, the first connector has a first arcuate surface and a second arcuate surface, and when the electronic device is in an unfolded state and a folded state, the first arcuate surface abuts the surface of the first protrusion and the second arcuate surface abuts the slot surface of the first arcuate slot; a gap between a surface of the third protrusion and a slot surface of the third arcuate slot is used as the second track slot, the second connector has a third arcuate surface and a fourth arcuate surface, and when the electronic device is in the unfolded state and the folded state, the third arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion and the fourth arcuate surface abuts against the slot surface of the third arcuate slot; 5. The hinge mechanism of claim 4.

6. In a process of changing the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and a gap exists between the second arcuate surface and the slot surface of the first arcuate slot; in a process of changing the electronic device from the folded state to the unfolded state, the second arcuate surface abuts against the slot surface of the first arcuate slot, and a gap exists between the first arcuate surface and the surface of the first protrusion; In a process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and a gap exists between the fourth arcuate surface and the slot surface of the third arcuate slot; and in a process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the fourth arcuate surface abuts against the slot surface of the third arcuate slot, and a gap exists between the third arcuate surface and the surface of the third protrusion. The hinge mechanism of claim 5.

7. 6. The hinge mechanism of claim 5, wherein the surface of the first protrusion is equidistant from the slot surface of the first arcuate slot, and the first arcuate surface abuts the surface of the first protrusion and the second arcuate surface abuts the slot surface of the first arcuate slot during a process in which the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state, and the surface of the third protrusion is equidistant from the slot surface of the third arcuate slot, and the third arcuate surface abuts the surface of the third protrusion and the fourth arcuate surface abuts the slot surface of the third arcuate slot during a process in which the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state.

8. the first arcuate surface is a circular arcuate surface, the second arcuate surface is a circular arcuate surface, and a sum of a radius of the first arcuate surface and a radius of the second arcuate surface is equal to a distance between the surface of the first projection and the slot surface of the first arcuate slot; the third arcuate surface is a circular arcuate surface, the fourth arcuate surface is a circular arcuate surface, and a sum of a radius of the third arcuate surface and a radius of the fourth arcuate surface is equal to a distance between the surface of the third projection and the slot surface of the third arcuate slot.

6. The hinge mechanism of claim 5.

9. The main shaft includes the base, and the base is provided with a second arc-shaped slot and a fourth arc-shaped slot. The first swing arm includes a first arc-shaped rotating block, and the first arc-shaped rotating block is received in the second arc-shaped slot. The first arc-shaped rotating block can slide along a slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot, and rotatably connects the first swing arm and the main shaft. The second swing arm includes a second arcuate rotating block, the second arcuate rotating block is received in the fourth arcuate slot, and the second arcuate rotating block can slide along a slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot, and rotatably connects the second swing arm and the main shaft. A hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

10. The main shaft further includes a cover, the cover covers the base, the cover includes a second protrusion disposed toward the second arcuate slot, and at least a portion of the first arcuate rotation block is located between the second protrusion and the second arcuate slot; The cover further includes a fourth protrusion disposed toward the fourth arcuate slot, and at least a portion of the second arcuate rotation block is located between the fourth protrusion and the fourth arcuate slot.

10. The hinge mechanism of claim 9.

11. the first connector comprises a fifth rotatable shaft and a sixth rotatable shaft, the first connector is rotatably connected to the first swing arm via the fifth rotatable shaft, the first connector is rotatably connected to the first support arm via the sixth rotatable shaft, an axis of the fifth rotatable shaft is parallel to but not coincident with an axis of the sixth rotatable shaft, the second connector comprises a seventh rotatable shaft and an eighth rotatable shaft, the second connector is rotatably connected to the second swing arm via the seventh rotatable shaft, the second connector is rotatably connected to the second support arm via the eighth rotatable shaft, and the axis of the seventh rotatable shaft is parallel to but not coincident with the axis of the eighth rotatable shaft; 11. A hinge mechanism according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The first arcuate rotating block is provided with a first mounting slot, a slot opening of the first mounting slot is disposed toward the second arcuate slot, the fifth rotating shaft is mounted in the first mounting slot, a portion of a surface of the fifth rotating shaft contacts a slot face of the first mounting slot, and a portion of the surface of the fifth rotating shaft contacts the slot face of the second arcuate slot; The second arcuate rotating block is provided with a second mounting slot, a slot opening of the second mounting slot is disposed toward the fourth arcuate slot, the seventh rotating shaft is mounted in the second mounting slot, a portion of a surface of the seventh rotating shaft contacts a slot face of the second mounting slot, and a portion of the surface of the seventh rotating shaft contacts the slot face of the fourth arcuate slot. The hinge mechanism of claim 11.

13. the slot surface of the first mounting slot includes a first arcuate surface, the surface of the fifth rotating shaft that contacts the slot surface of the first mounting slot is a second arcuate surface, and a center of the first arcuate surface coincides with a center of the second arcuate surface; the slot surface of the second mounting slot includes a fifth arcuate surface, the surface of the seventh rotating shaft that contacts the slot surface of the second mounting slot is a sixth arcuate surface, and the center of the fifth arcuate surface coincides with the center of the sixth arcuate surface. The hinge mechanism of claim 12.

14. the slot surface of the second arcuate slot is a third arcuate surface, the surface of the fifth rotating shaft that contacts the slot surface of the second arcuate slot is a fourth arcuate surface, and a center of the third arcuate surface coincides with a center of the fourth arcuate surface; the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot is a seventh arcuate surface, the surface of the seventh rotating shaft that contacts the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot is an eighth arcuate surface, and the center of the seventh arcuate surface coincides with the center of the eighth arcuate surface; 14. The hinge mechanism of claim 13.

15. 15. The hinge mechanism according to claim 4, wherein an axis about which the first swing arm rotates around the main shaft is located on one side of the main shaft away from the flexible display, and an axis about which the second swing arm rotates around the main shaft is located on one side of the main shaft away from the flexible display.

16. The first connector comprises a plurality of first connectors which are rotatably connected in sequence, the plurality of first sub-connectors are located between the first swing arm and the first support arm, the first swing arm is rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first swing arm, and the first support arm is rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first support arm, The second connector includes a plurality of second connectors that are rotatably connected in sequence, the plurality of second sub-connectors are located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, the second swing arm is rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector, and the second support arm is rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector. A hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 15.

17. An electronic device comprising a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display, and the hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the first housing and the second housing are disposed on two opposing sides of the hinge mechanism, a first housing mounting bracket is fixed to the first housing, and a second housing mounting bracket is fixed to the second housing; the flexible display continuously covers the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge mechanism, and the flexible display is fixed to the first housing and the second housing. Electronic devices.

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