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 rotation module. The rotation module includes a first rotation assembly, a second rotation assembly, a first housing mounting bracket, and a second housing mounting bracket. The first rotation assembly includes a first swing arm, a first support arm, and a first connector. The first connector is rotatably connected to the first swing arm and the first support plate separately, and the first connector can move along the first track slot of the main shaft to limit the movement track of the first connector. The second rotation assembly includes a second swing arm, a second support arm, and a second connector. The second connector is rotatably connected to the second swing arm and the second support arm separately, and the second connector can move along the second track slot of the main shaft to limit the movement track of the second connector. The design of the hinge mechanism can limit the movement distance of the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket relative to the main shaft to avoid compression or tension on the flexible display of the electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310480902.9, 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 significant 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 in the process of unfolding and folding the foldable electronic device.

[0005] In current foldable electronic devices, the hinge mechanism uses a complex moving assembly to avoid compressing or stretching the flexible display during the folding process while realizing the folding function. Generally, the size of the hinge mechanism becomes too large to meet the compact setting of the entire foldable electronic device. Considering this, how to ensure the structural reliability of the flexible display while realizing a compact design of the hinge mechanism has become a major problem that needs to be urgently solved by those skilled in the art.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device, reduces the size of the hinge mechanism of the electronic device, ensures the structural reliability of the flexible display in the rotation process of the hinge mechanism, and thereby improves the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present application provides a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism can be used in a foldable electronic device. The hinge mechanism is disposed opposite to a foldable portion of a flexible display of the electronic device, and the electronic device is deployed or folded via the hinge mechanism. Specifically, the hinge mechanism includes a main shaft and a rotation module. The rotation module includes a first rotation assembly, a second rotation assembly, a first housing mounting bracket, and a second housing mounting bracket. The first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the main shaft. The first rotation assembly is located between the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket. 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. The first connector is rotatably connected to the first support arm. In addition, a first track slot is provided on the main shaft, and the first connector can move along the first track slot to limit the movement track of the first connector. Thereby, the track for the first swing arm to pull and move the first support arm via the first connector can be limited. 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. The second connector is rotatably connected to the second support arm.In addition, a second track slot is provided on the main shaft, and the second connector can move along the second track slot, restricting the movement track of the second connector, whereby the track for the second swing arm to pull and move the second support arm via the second connector can be restricted.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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 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, so that the entire hinge mechanism becomes light, thin, and reliable.

[0010] 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.

[0011] In a possible implementation form 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. 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 shaking due to the gap, and the reliability of the hinge mechanism in the above two states is improved.

[0012] 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.

[0013] In a possible implementation form 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. Thereby, the degree of freedom in the design of the hinge mechanism can be improved.

[0014] 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. Thereby, the degree of freedom in the design of the hinge mechanism can be improved.

[0015] 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 equal-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 equal-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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] In the case of a foldable electronic device, when the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft via a virtual shaft or a solid shaft, it can be understood that the 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. In addition, when the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft via a virtual shaft or a solid shaft, the axis about which the second swing arm rotates around the main shaft is located on the side of the main shaft away from the flexible display.

[0021] 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 falling out of the second arcuate slot.

[0022] 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 falling out of the fourth arcuate slot.

[0023] In a possible implementation form of the present application, the first connector includes a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft. The first connector is rotatably connected to the first swing arm via the first rotating shaft, and the first connector is rotatably connected to the first support arm via the second rotating shaft. The axis of the first rotating shaft is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis of the second rotating shaft. Thereby, the first swing arm and the first support arm can perform a mutual pulling movement via the first connector.

[0024] The second connector includes a third rotating shaft and a fourth rotating shaft. The second connector is rotatably connected to the second swing arm via the third rotating shaft, and the second connector is rotatably connected to the second support arm via the fourth rotating shaft. The axis of the third rotating shaft is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis of the fourth rotating shaft. Thus, the second swing arm and the second support arm can perform a pulling operation via the second connector.

[0025] Specifically, when the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the first connector via the first 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 toward the second arc-shaped slot. The first rotating shaft is attached to the first mounting slot, a part of the surface of the first rotating shaft contacts the slot surface of the first mounting slot, and a part of the surface of the first rotating shaft contacts the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot. The first rotating shaft is attached to the open first mounting slot of the first arc-shaped rotating block so as to contact the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot. Thereby, 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 a compact design of the hinge mechanism.

[0026] In addition, the slot surface of the first mounting slot includes a first arc surface, the surface of the first 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, in the process of the first arc-shaped rotating block sliding along the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot, the first rotating shaft rotates relative to the first arc-shaped rotating block, and rotatably connects the first swing arm and the first rotating shaft.

[0027] The slot surface of the second arcuate slot is a third arcuate surface, and the surface of the first rotating shaft that contacts the slot surface of the second arcuate slot is a fourth arcuate surface. The center of the third arcuate surface coincides with the center of the fourth arcuate surface. In this way, when the first rotating shaft slides along the slot surface of the second arcuate slot together with the first arcuate rotating block, the first rotating shaft can further rotate with respect to the first arcuate rotating block and the second arcuate slot to assist in the implementation of the movement of the first connector with respect to the main shaft.

[0028] Similarly, the second arcuate rotating block is provided with a second mounting slot. The slot opening of the second mounting slot is arranged toward the fourth arcuate slot. The third rotating shaft is mounted in the open second mounting slot so as to contact the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot. A part of the surface of the third rotating shaft contacts the slot surface of the second mounting slot, and a part of the surface of the third rotating shaft contacts the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot. The third rotating shaft is mounted in the second mounting slot of the second arcuate rotating block, whereby the size of the second arcuate rotating block can be effectively reduced, and there is no need to increase the thickness of the second mounting slot due to the size of the third rotating shaft. This is useful for the compact design of the hinge mechanism.

[0029] The second mounting slot may include a fifth arcuate surface. The surface of the third rotating shaft that contacts the slot surface of the second mounting slot is a sixth arcuate surface. The center of the fifth arcuate surface coincides with the center of the sixth arcuate surface. In addition, the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot is a seventh arcuate surface, and the surface of the third rotating shaft that contacts the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot may be an eighth arcuate surface. In this case, the center of the seventh arcuate surface coincides with the center of the eighth arcuate surface. In this way, when the third rotating shaft slides along the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot together with the second arcuate rotating block, the third rotating shaft can further rotate with respect to the second arcuate rotating block and the fourth arcuate slot to assist in the implementation of the movement of the second connector with respect to the main shaft.

[0030] In a possible implementation of the present application, the first connector 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 and the first support arm. The first swing arm may be rotatably connected to the first sub-connector adjacent to the first swing arm, and the first support arm may be rotatably connected to the first sub-connector adjacent to the first support arm. The first swing arm and the first support arm are connected via the 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, and thereby, the smoothness of the pulling operation of the first swing arm and the first support arm is improved.

[0031] 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 the adjacent second sub-connector, and the second support arm may be rotatably connected to the adjacent second sub-connector. The second swing arm and the second support arm are connected via the 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.

[0032] In a possible implementation of the present application, the hinge mechanism further includes a synchronization assembly, the synchronization assembly includes a first gear connecting rod and a second gear connecting rod, the first gear connecting rod includes a first gear and a first connecting rod, the first gear is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the first connecting rod is slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket. The second gear connecting rod includes a second gear and a second connecting rod, the second gear is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the second connecting rod is slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket, and the first gear is connected to the second gear in a transmission manner. 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 synchronous movement of the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket that are separated from each other can be implemented, which helps to improve the movement stability of the hinge mechanism. In addition, the risk of instantaneous compressive or tensile stress on the flexible display of the electronic device can be effectively reduced, and the structural reliability of the flexible display can be improved.

[0033] In the present application, the first gear may be rotatably connected to the main shaft via a fifth rotating shaft, and the second gear may be rotatably connected to the main shaft via a sixth rotating shaft, improving the rotation stability of the first gear connecting rod and the second gear connecting rod centered on the main shaft.

[0034] In addition, in order to implement a slidable connection between the first connecting rod and the first housing mounting bracket, a third sliding groove may be further provided in the first housing mounting bracket, the first connecting rod is mounted in the third sliding groove, and can slide in the third sliding groove in a direction towards the base or away from the base with respect to the first housing mounting bracket.

[0035] When the second connecting rod is slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket, the second housing mounting bracket is further provided with a fourth sliding groove, and the second connecting rod is attached to the fourth sliding groove and can slide in the fourth sliding groove toward the base or away from the base with respect to the second housing mounting bracket.

[0036] According to a second aspect, the present application further provides an electronic device. The 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 toward each other and 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]

Figure 1

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

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[0038] Reference numerals: 1: Hinge mechanism, 1a: Seat surface, 1b: Third outer surface, 101: Rotation module, 1011: First rotation assembly, 10111: First swing arm, 101111: First arc-shaped rotating block, 1011111: First recess, 1011112: First mounting slot, 10111121: First arc surface, 10112: First support arm, 10113: First connector, 101131: First rotating shaft, 1011311: Second arc surface, 1011312: Fourth arc surface, 101132: Second rotating shaft, 101133: First arc surface, 101134: Second arc surface, 1012: Second rotation assembly, 10121: Second swing arm, 101211: Second arc-shaped rotating block, 1012111: Second recess, 1012112: Second mounting slot, 10121121: Fifth arc surface, 10122: Second support arm, 10123: Second connector, 101231: Third rotating shaft, 1012311: Sixth arc surface, 1012312: Eighth arc surface, 101232: Fourth rotating shaft, 101233: Third arc surface, 101234: Fourth arc surface, 1013: First housing mounting bracket, 10131: First sliding groove, 10132: First mounting part, 10133: Third sliding groove, 1014: Second housing mounting bracket, 10141: Second sliding groove, 10142: Second mounting part, 10143: Fourth sliding groove, 102: Main shaft, 1021: Base, 10211: First arc slot, 102111: Slot surface of the first arc slot, 10212: Second arc slot, 102121: Third arc surface, 10213: Third arc slot, 102131: Slot surface of the third arc slot, 10214: Fourth arc slot, 102141: Seventh arc surface, 1022: Cover, 10221: First protrusion, 102211: Surface of the first protrusion, 10222: Second protrusion, 102221: Surface of the second protrusion, 10223: First insertion part, 10224: Third protrusion, 102241: Surface of the third protrusion, 10225: Fourth protrusion, 102251: Surface of the fourth protrusion, 1023: First track slot, 1024: Second track slot, 103: Synchronization assembly, 1031: First gear connecting rod, 10311: First gear, 10312: First connecting rod, 10313: Fifth rotating shaft, 1032: Second gear connecting rod, 10321: Second gear, 10322: Second connecting rod, 10323: Sixth rotating shaft, 2: First housing, 2a: First support surface, 2b: First outer surface, 3: Second housing, 3a: Second support surface, 3b: Second outer surface.

Mode 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 specified clearly in the context.

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

[0041] To facilitate understanding of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application, first, the application scenarios of the hinge mechanism will be described below. The hinge mechanism can be used in, but is not limited to, foldable electronic devices such as mobile phones, palmtop computers (personal digital assistants, PDAs), notebook computers, or tablet computers. When the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application is used in an electronic device, please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram of the structure of an electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of this application. In addition to the hinge mechanism 1, the electronic device may further include two housings and a flexible display (not shown in FIG. 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 usage scenarios.

[0042] In this application, the electronic device can be a foldable electronic device. In the process of the foldable electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the flexible display is always located on the outside of the electronic device. 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 the support surface for the flexible display. 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 this application, the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can be defined as the seating surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface of the first housing 2 can be defined as the first support surface 2a, and the first surface of the second housing 3 can 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 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 disposed opposite to the foldable portion of the flexible display, and the flexible display can be fixed 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 may be bonding, but is not limited thereto. 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 ease of 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 a foldable 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 on the inside of the electronic device. In the present application, in the process of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotating 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 of the electronic device changing 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. The hinge mechanism 1 is used as an important functional component in the foldable electronic device and can be arranged corresponding to the foldable part of the flexible display.Therefore, in both the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b and the folded state shown in FIG. 1, the hinge mechanism 1 plays an important role in supporting the foldable portion of the flexible display.

[0046] To achieve the rotation function and avoid compressing or stretching the flexible display during the folding process of the electronic device, the hinge mechanism tends to be configured to include a plurality of interconnected connectors as a moving assembly that moves within a specified track through the pulling action of the connectors. However, existing hinge mechanisms generally have a complex structure, high cost, and large size.

[0047] The hinge mechanism provided in the present application is intended to solve the above problems. By optimizing the rotation module within the hinge mechanism and configured to achieve the rotation function, the size of the hinge mechanism is reduced, the structure of the hinge mechanism is simplified, and the weight of the hinge mechanism is reduced. In this way, the space occupied by the hinge mechanism in the entire electronic device is reduced, more space is secured for arranging other components, which helps to improve the performance of the electronic device. In addition, the movement track of the rotation module within the hinge mechanism and configured to achieve the rotation function is appropriately designed to avoid compressing or stretching the flexible display during the folding process of the electronic device, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display and extending the service life of the flexible display. 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] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a partial structure of the hinge mechanism 1 of the electronic device in FIG. 2b. In the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may include a rotation module 101. In the present application, the number of rotation modules 101 in the hinge mechanism 1 is not limited. The hinge mechanism 1 may include only one rotation module 101 or may include a plurality of rotation modules 101. When the hinge mechanism 1 includes a plurality of rotation modules 101, the plurality of rotation modules 101 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 about which the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate with the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 2b as the center. It can be understood that the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are rotatably connected via a plurality of rotation modules 101. Thereby, the rotational stability of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 of the electronic device with respect to the hinge mechanism 1 can be effectively improved.

[0049] To facilitate the understanding of the structure of the rotation module 101, refer to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 3. The rotation module 101 may include a first rotation assembly 1011 and a second rotation assembly 1012. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the hinge mechanism 1 may further include a main shaft 102. The main shaft 102 may be used as a bearing component of the first rotation assembly 1011 and the second rotation assembly 1012.

[0050] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, when there are a plurality of rotation modules 101, the first rotation assemblies 1011 and the second rotation assemblies 1012 of the plurality of rotation modules 101 can all use the same main shaft 102 as a bearing component to improve the integration degree of the hinge mechanism 1. In some other possible embodiments of the present application, one main shaft 102 is arranged corresponding to each rotation module 101 of the hinge mechanism 1, and the corresponding main shaft 102 is used as a bearing component for the first rotation assembly 1011 and the second rotation assembly 1012 of each rotation module 101.

[0051] Please continue to refer to FIG. 4. The first rotation assembly 1011 may include a first swing arm 10111, a first support arm 10112, and a first connector 10113. The first connector 10113 is located between the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112. The first connector 10113 is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 10111, and the first connector 10113 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10112. Thereby, the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 perform a pulling operation via the first connector 10113. Considering this, it can be understood that the movement track of the first connector 10113 plays an important role in the movement track of the first rotation assembly 1011.

[0052] In the present application, the first connector 10113 can move relative to the main shaft 102. In fact, please refer to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector 10113 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 102 may be provided with a first track slot 1023, and the first connector 10113 can move along the first track slot 1023, restricting the movement track of the first connector 10113.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram of the structure of the main shaft 102 according to an embodiment of the present application. The main shaft 102 may further include a base 1021 and a cover 1022. The cover 1022 covers the base 1021, and the outer surface of the cover 1022 can be used as the third outer surface 1b of the hinge mechanism 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram of the structure of the base 1021 of the main shaft 102 shown in FIG. 6. A first arcuate slot 10211 may be provided in the base 1021. Refer to FIGS. 5 and 7 together. The first connector 10113 is received in the first arcuate slot 10211, and the first connector 10113 can slide along the slot surface 102111 of the first arcuate slot. In addition, FIG. 8 is a diagram of the structure of the cover 1022 of the main shaft 102 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is used to show the structure of the side of the cover 1022 facing the base 1021. The cover 1022 includes a first protrusion 10221. As shown in FIG. 5, the first protrusion 10221 can be arranged toward the first arcuate slot 10211. There is a gap between the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 102111 of the first arcuate slot, and this gap is used as the first track slot 1023.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector 10113 of the hinge mechanism 1 when the electronic device is in the folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. Refer to FIGS. 5 and 9 together. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first connector 10113 can move toward the first swing arm 10111 within the first track slot 1023. In the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first connector 10113 can move toward the first support arm 10112 within the first track slot 1023. In this way, the first connector 10113 can move relative to the main shaft 102 according to the specified track.

[0055] Please refer to FIGS. 5 and 9 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 10111 and the first support arm 10112 can rotate around the main shaft 102. In addition, since the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 perform a pulling operation via the first connector 10113, in the process of the first connector 10113 moving within the first track slot 1023, the first connector 10113 can further rotate with respect to the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped slot, improving the smoothness of the movement of the first rotation assembly 1011.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a diagram of the structure of the first connector 10113 according to an embodiment of the present application. In the present application, the first connector 10113 may include a first arc-shaped surface 101133 and a second arc-shaped surface 101134. In order to perform the rotation of the first connector 10113 with respect to the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped slot, the first arc-shaped surface 101133 and the second arc-shaped surface 101134 may be arc-shaped surfaces, and the center of the first arc-shaped surface 101133 may coincide with the center of the second arc-shaped surface 101134. The radii of the first arc-shaped surface 101133 and the second arc-shaped surface 101134 may or may not be equal, which is not limited in the present application. In addition, considering the design tolerance, as long as the first connector 10113 can rotate with respect to the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped slot, the first arc-shaped surface 101133 and the second arc-shaped surface 101134 may be arc-shaped surfaces of other possible forms such as elliptical arc surfaces.

[0057] Please continue to refer to FIGS. 5 and 9. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 5 and the folded state shown in FIG. 9, the first arc-shaped surface 101133 of the first connector 10113 can abut against the surface 102211 of the first protrusion, and the second arc-shaped surface 101134 can abut against the slot surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped slot. In this way, the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped slot restrict the first connector 10113 in the first track slot 1023. As a result, when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the unfolded state and the folded state, the first connector 10113 is relatively stable without shaking due to the gap, and the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 in the above two states is improved.

[0058] In the present application, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 5, the distance between the point where the surface 102211 of the first protrusion abuts against the first arc-shaped surface 101133 and the point where the slot surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped slot abuts against the second arc-shaped surface 101134 is denoted as d1. When the electronic device is in the folded state shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the point where the surface 102211 of the first protrusion abuts against the first arc-shaped surface 101133 and the point where the slot surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped slot abuts against the second arc-shaped surface 101134 is denoted as d2. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state and the folded state, the first arc-shaped surface 101133 of the first connector 10113 can abut against the surface 102211 of the first protrusion, and the second arc-shaped surface 101134 can abut against the slot surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped slot. Therefore, when both the first arc-shaped surface 101133 and the second arc-shaped surface 101134 are arc surfaces, d1 = d2 can be obtained.

[0059] In this application, the specific arrangement of the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped slot is not limited. For example, the surface 102211 of the first protrusion can be an arc surface, and the slot surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped slot can be an arc surface. In addition, the center of the surface 102211 of the first protrusion coincides with the center of the slot surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped slot. In some other possible embodiments of this application, the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped slot may both be configured as flat surfaces so that the first track slot 1023 becomes a straight slot. Alternatively, the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped slot may both be other forms of curved surfaces so that the first track slot 1023 becomes an arbitrary form of curved slot, which should be understood to fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0060] Please continue to refer to FIG. 5. In this application, the surface 102211 of the first protrusion can be equidistant from the slot surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped slot. In this case, the first track slot 1023 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 102211 of the first protrusion maintains a contacting state with the first arc surface 101133, and the slot surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped slot maintains a contacting state with the second arc surface 101134. 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 10113 may be the same. This helps to improve the movement stability of the first connector 10113 and improve the movement stability of the first rotation assembly 1011.

[0061] FIG. 11 is a diagram of the assembly structure of the first connector 10113 and the main shaft 102 according to an embodiment of the present application. In the present application, when the first track slot 1023 is an equal-width slot and the first arcuate surface 101133 and the second arcuate surface 101134 are arcuate surfaces, the sum of the radius R1 of the first arcuate surface 101133 and the radius R1 of the second arcuate surface 101134 is equal to the distance D between the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 102111 of the first arcuate slot. In addition, considering the smoothness of the movement of the first connector 10113 within the first track slot 1023, a specific design gap can be ensured between the first arcuate surface 101133 and the surface 102211 of the first protrusion, and / or between the second arcuate surface 101134 and the slot surface 102111 of the first arcuate slot.

[0062] In some other possible embodiments of the present application, the movement track of the first connector 10113 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 10113 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 arcuate surface 101133 abuts against the surface 102211 of the first protrusion, and there is a gap between the second arcuate surface 101134 and the slot surface 102111 of the first arcuate slot. In addition, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second arcuate surface 101134 abuts against the slot surface 102111 of the first arcuate slot, and there is a gap between the first arcuate surface 101133 and the surface 102211 of the first protrusion. In this embodiment, the surface 102211 of the first protrusion does not have to be equidistant from the slot surface 102111 of the first arcuate slot. In this case, the first track slot 1023 can be an unequal-width slot.

[0063] From the above description, it can be understood that in the present application, the first swing arm 10111 may be rotatably connected to the main shaft 102, and the first swing arm 10111 may be rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 in a virtual shaft manner. This helps to reduce the space occupied by the first swing arm 10111 on the main shaft 102, helps to reduce the volume of the rotation module 101, 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 10111 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 in a virtual shaft manner, it can be understood that the axis around which the first swing arm 10111 rotates about the main shaft 102 is located on one side of the main shaft 102 away from the flexible display.

[0064] 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. 12 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of the structure shown in FIG. 3. A first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be arranged at the end of the first swing arm 10111 facing the base 1021. In addition, please refer to FIG. 7. The base 1021 may be provided with a second arc-shaped slot 10212. The first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be accommodated in the second arc-shaped slot 10212, and the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can slide along the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10212. In this way, the rotation of the first swing arm 10111 around the main shaft 102 is realized by the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 sliding along the arc-shaped surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10212. In addition, in this application, the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 may be an arc-shaped rotating block, but is not limited thereto, and the second arc-shaped slot 10212 may be an arc-shaped slot, but is not limited thereto. When the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 is an arc-shaped rotating block, the surface of the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 that contacts the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10212 may be an arc surface, and the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10212 is also an arc surface, and it can be understood that the centers of these two arc surfaces coincide with each other.

[0065] Please refer to FIGS. 8 and 12 together. The cover 1022 may include a second protrusion 10222 arranged towards the second arc-shaped slot 10212, and at least a part of the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 is located between the second protrusion 10222 and the second arc-shaped slot 10212, and the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can contact the surface 102221 of the second protrusion. In this way, the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be restricted between the cover 1022 and the base 1021, and the rotational stability of the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 with respect to the base 1021 can be effectively improved.

[0066] When the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10212 is an arc surface, the portion of the surface 102221 of the second protrusion that contacts the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 may also be an arc surface, and it should be noted that the centers of these two arc surfaces coincide with each other. In addition, the surface of the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 facing the second protrusion 10222 may be a flat surface or an arc surface as long as the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can rotate with respect to the second protrusion 10222.

[0067] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the first swing arm 10111 of the hinge mechanism 1 when the electronic device is in the folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. In the present application, the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 may be further provided with a first recess 1011111, and the opening of the first recess 1011111 is arranged toward the cover 1022. In addition, a first insertion portion 10223 is arranged at the end of the cover 1022 facing the first swing arm 10111. In this case, in the folded state, the first insertion portion 10223 can be inserted into the first recess 1011111, and the surface of the first insertion portion 10223 facing the second arc-shaped slot 10212 abuts against at least a part of the surface of the first recess 1011111. In this way, the rotating portion of the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be restricted, preventing the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 from falling out of the second arc-shaped slot 10212, improving the reliability of the connection between the first swing arm 10111 and the base 1021, and improving the structural reliability of the entire hinge mechanism 1.

[0068] In the present application, in addition to being rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 in a virtual shaft manner, the first swing arm 10111 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 in a solid shaft manner. It should be noted that the first swing arm 10111 can be connected to the main shaft 102 relatively reliably. When the first swing arm 10111 is connected to the main shaft 102 in a solid shaft manner, it can be understood that the axis about which the first swing arm 10111 rotates around the main shaft 102 is also located on one side of the main shaft 102 away from the flexible display.

[0069] In the present application, when the first swing arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the first connector 10113, please continue to refer to FIG. 10. The first connector 10113 may include a first rotating shaft 101131 and a second rotating shaft 101132, and the axis of the first rotating shaft 101131 is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis of the second rotating shaft 101132.

[0070] In addition, FIG. 14 is a diagram of the structure of the first rotating assembly 1011 according to an embodiment of the present application. The first connector 10113 is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 10111 via the first rotating shaft 101131, and the first connector 10113 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10112 via the second rotating shaft 101132. In this way, the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 can perform a pulling operation via the first connector 10113.

[0071] FIG. 15 is a diagram of the structure of the first swing arm 10111 according to an embodiment of the present application. A first mounting slot 1011112 is provided in the first arcuate rotating block 101111 of the first swing arm 10111. Please refer to FIGS. 12 and 15 together. The slot opening of the first mounting slot 1011112 is arranged towards the second arcuate slot 10212, and the first rotating shaft 101131 can be attached to the first mounting slot 1011112. A part of the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 can contact the slot surface of the first mounting slot 1011112, and a part of the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 contacts the slot surface of the second arcuate slot 10212 to limit the first rotating shaft 101131 in the first mounting slot 1011112.

[0072] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 12 and 15, the slot surface of the first mounting slot 1011112 may include a first arc surface 10111121, and the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 that contacts the slot surface of the first mounting slot 1011112 is a second arc surface 1011311, and the center of the first arc surface 10111121 coincides with the center of the second arc surface 1011311. In addition, please refer to FIG. 7. The slot surface of the second arcuate slot 10212 may be a third arc surface 102121. However, as shown in FIG. 12, the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 that contacts the slot surface of the second arcuate slot 10212 may be a fourth arc surface 1011312, and the center of the third arc surface 102121 coincides with the center of the fourth arc surface 1011312. Thus, please refer to FIGS. 12 and 13 together. When the first rotating shaft 101131 slides along the slot surface of the second arcuate slot 10212 together with the first arcuate rotating block 101111, the first rotating shaft 101131 can rotate further with respect to the first arcuate rotating block 101111 to assist in the implementation of the movement of the first connector 10113 with respect to the main shaft 102.

[0073] In the present application, when the first connector 10113 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10112, as shown in FIG. 14, the second rotation shaft 101132 can penetrate both the first connector 10113 and the first support arm 10112. In this case, the connection method between the first connector 10113 and the first support arm 10112 is relatively simple, which helps to simplify the structure of the first rotation assembly 1011, so that the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 can be simplified. It should be noted that when both the first arc-shaped surface 101133 and the second arc-shaped surface 101134 of the first connector 10113 are arc surfaces, the centers of the first arc-shaped surface 101133, the centers of the second arc-shaped surface 101134, and the axis center of the second rotation shaft 101132 coincide with each other.

[0074] In the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, it can be understood that the first connector 10113 may include a plurality of first sub-connectors connected in a sequentially rotatable manner. In addition, the plurality of first sub-connectors may be located between the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112. The first swing arm 10111 may be rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first swing arm 10111, and the first support arm 10112 may be rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first support arm 10112. For the manner in which the first swing arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the first sub-connector adjacent to the first swing arm 10111 and the manner in which the first support arm 10112 is rotatably connected to the first sub-connector adjacent to the first support arm 10112, refer to the above description of the rotatable connection of the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 to the first connector 10113. Details will not be described again here. In the present application, since the first connector 10113 is set as a plurality of first sub-connectors connected in a sequentially rotatable manner, the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 are connected via the plurality of first sub-connectors. Thereby, the speed uniformity in the process of the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 rotating around the main shaft 102 can be effectively improved, and thereby, the smoothness of the pulling operation of the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 is improved.

[0075] Please continue to refer to FIG. 4. In the present application, the rotation module 101 may further include a first housing mounting bracket 1013 and a second housing mounting bracket 1014. The first housing mounting bracket 1013 and the second housing mounting bracket 1014 are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the main shaft 102, and the first rotation assembly 1011 is located between the first housing mounting bracket 1013 and the second housing mounting bracket 1014. The first swing arm 10111 is slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket 1013. In a specific implementation form, the first housing mounting bracket 1013 is provided with a first sliding groove 10131. The first sliding groove 10131 extends along a first direction, and the first swing arm 10111 can be attached to the first sliding groove 10131 and slide along the first direction within the first sliding groove 10131. The first direction may be a direction in which the first housing mounting bracket 1013 moves toward or away from the base 1021. In addition, in order to prevent the first swing arm 10111 from falling out of the first sliding groove 10131, a first sliding rail may be disposed on the sliding groove wall of the first sliding groove 10131, and a first sliding block may be disposed on the first swing arm 10111. 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 10111 is restricted in the first sliding groove 10131. In addition, the first sliding rail is disposed on the sliding groove wall of the first sliding groove 10131, guides the sliding of the first swing arm 10111 along the first sliding groove 10131, and can improve the movement stability of the first swing arm 10111.

[0076] In the present application, the first support arm 10112 may be rotatably connected to the second housing mounting bracket 1014. For a specific implementation form, please continue to refer to FIG. 4. The second housing mounting bracket 1014 is provided with a second mounting portion 10142. The end of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing mounting bracket 1014 is attached to the second mounting portion 10142, and the end of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing mounting bracket 1014 is rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 10142.

[0077] In the embodiments of the present application, the specific manner in which the end of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing mounting bracket 1014 is rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 10142 is not limited. For example, please continue to refer to FIG. 4. The second mounting portion 10142 may be provided with a first mounting hole, and a second mounting hole is disposed at the end of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing mounting bracket 1014. In this case, the end of the first support arm 10112 facing the first housing mounting bracket 1013 may be rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 10142 via a rotating shaft passing through both the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

[0078] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the principle of the moving mechanism of the hinge mechanism 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 1013 and the second housing mounting bracket 1014 move towards each other. When the first housing mounting bracket 1013 rotates the first swing arm 10111 clockwise around the main shaft 102, the first swing arm 10111 can slide along the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10212. Thereby, the first connector 10113 can be driven to move towards the first swing arm 10111 within the first track slot 1023 of the main shaft 102. In addition, since the first connector 10113 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10112, in the process of the first connector 10113 moving towards the first swing arm 10111 within the first track slot 1023 of the main shaft 102, the first support arm 10112 can be driven to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102. Thereby, the first support arm 10112 rotates the second housing mounting bracket 1014 counterclockwise around the main shaft 102. In the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first housing mounting bracket 1013 and the second housing mounting bracket 1014 move away from each other. When the first housing mounting bracket 1013 rotates the first swing arm 10111 counterclockwise around the main shaft 102, the first swing arm 10111 can move the first connector 10113 towards the first support arm 10112 within the first track slot 1023 of the main shaft 102, and the first support arm 10112 can be driven to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102. Thereby, the first support arm 10112 rotates the second housing mounting bracket 1014 clockwise around the main shaft 102. In this way, the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism 1 are realized.

[0079] 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 10113 can be manufactured with a relatively small cross-section to move back and forth within the first track slot 1023 of the main shaft 102. In addition, the first connector 10113 has an extension of sufficient length along the vertical axis direction and has a separate connection relationship with the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112, so the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be ensured. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft 102 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.

[0080] In addition, since the first connector 10113 can move within the first track slot 1023 according to a specified track, uncontrolled movement of the first connector 10113 throughout the folding and unfolding process can be avoided, and random movement of the first housing mounting bracket 1013 and the second housing mounting bracket 1014 can be further avoided, ensuring the structural stability and movement stability of the entire hinge mechanism 1. In some cases, the first track slot 1023 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.

[0081] Please continue to refer to FIG. 4. The second rotating assembly 1012, which is structured in the same way as the first rotating assembly 1011, is set to be positioned between the first housing mounting bracket 1013 and the second housing mounting bracket 1014. In addition, the second rotating assembly 1012 may include a second swing arm 10121, a second support arm 10122, and a second connector 10123. The second connector 10123 is positioned between the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122. The second connector 10123 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10121, and the second connector 10123 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10122. In this application, the second connector 10123 may be rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10121 and the first support arm 10112 with reference to the way the first connector 10113 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122. For example, please refer to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 may also be used to show the structure of the second connector 10123 according to this embodiment of this application. The second connector 10123 may include a third rotating shaft 101231 and a fourth rotating shaft 101232. The axis of the third rotating shaft 101231 is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis of the fourth rotating shaft 101232. The second connector 10123 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10121 via the third rotating shaft 101231, and the second connector 10123 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10122 via the fourth rotating shaft 101232. Thereby, the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 perform a pulling operation via the second connector 10123.

[0082] In addition, please refer to FIG. 6. The main shaft 102 may be provided with a second track slot 1024, and the second connector 10123 can move along the second track slot to limit the movement track of the second connector 10123. Actually, please refer to FIG. 7. The base 1021 may be provided with a third arc-shaped slot 10213, and the second connector 10123 is received in the third arc-shaped slot 10213, and the second connector 10123 can slide along the slot surface of the third arc-shaped slot 10213. In addition, please refer to FIG. 8. The cover 1022 includes a third protrusion 10224. The third protrusion 10224 can be arranged towards the third arc-shaped slot 10213 of the base 1021 in FIG. 7. There is a gap between the surface 102241 of the third protrusion and the slot surface 102131 of the third arc-shaped slot, and this gap is used as the second track slot 1024.

[0083] In the present application, as shown in FIG. 10, the second connector 10123 may include a third arc-shaped surface 101233 and a fourth arc-shaped surface 101234. When the electronic device is in the deployed state and the folded state, the third arc-shaped surface 101233 of the second connector 10123 can abut against the surface 102241 of the third protrusion, and the fourth arc-shaped surface 101234 can abut against the slot surface 102131 of the third arc-shaped slot. In this way, the surface 102241 of the third protrusion and the slot surface 102131 of the third arc-shaped slot limit the second connector 10123 to the second track slot 1024. Thereby, when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the deployed state and the folded state, the second connector 10123 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.

[0084] In this embodiment of the present application, the third arcuate surface 101233 of the second connector 10123 can be arranged with reference to the first arcuate surface 101133 of the first connector 10113, and the fourth arcuate surface 101234 can be arranged with reference to the second arcuate surface 101134 of the first connector 10113. Details will not be described again here. In addition, the second track slot 1024 can be set with reference to the first track slot 1023. Briefly speaking, since the distance between the surface 102241 of the third protrusion and the slot surface 102131 of the third arcuate slot is equal, the second track slot 1024 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 102241 of the third protrusion maintains a contact state with the third arcuate surface 101233, and the slot surface 102131 of the third arcuate slot maintains a contact state with the fourth arcuate surface 101234. 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 10123 in the second track slot 1024 is the same. Alternatively, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third arcuate surface 101233 abuts against the surface 102241 of the third protrusion, and there is a gap between the fourth arcuate surface 101234 and the slot surface 102131 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 101234 abuts against the slot surface 102131 of the third arcuate slot, and there is a gap between the third arcuate surface 101233 and the surface 102241 of the third protrusion. Thus, the movement track of the second connector 10123 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 10123 in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0085] In this application, the second swing arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102. The second swing arm 10121 and the main shaft 102 are rotatably connected in a virtual shaft manner. In a specific implementation form, as shown in FIG. 7, a fourth arc-shaped slot 10214 may be provided in the base 1021. In addition, refer to FIGS. 4 and 15. FIG. 15 also shows the structure of the second swing arm 10121. The second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 is disposed at an end of the second swing arm 10121 facing the base 1021. The second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 may be an arc-shaped rotating block, but is not limited thereto. The fourth arc-shaped slot 10214 may be an arc-shaped slot, but is not limited thereto. The second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 can be received in the fourth arc-shaped slot 10214 and can slide along the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot 10214. In this way, the rotation of the second swing arm 10121 around the base 1021 is realized by the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 sliding along the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot 10214. This helps to reduce the space occupied by the second swing arm 10121 on the main shaft 102, helps to reduce the volume of the rotation module 101, and can realize a compact design of the hinge mechanism 1. In the case of a foldable electronic device, when the second swing arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 in a virtual shaft manner, it can be understood that the axis center around which the second swing arm 10121 rotates with the main shaft 102 as the center is located on one side of the hinge mechanism away from the flexible display.

[0086] In addition, in the present application, the second arcuate rotating block 101211 may be an arcuate rotating block, but is not limited thereto, and the fourth arcuate slot 10214 may be an arcuate slot, but is not limited thereto. When the second arcuate rotating block 101211 is an arcuate rotating block, the surface of the second arcuate rotating block 101211 that contacts the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot 10214 may be an arcuate surface, the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot 10214 is also an arcuate surface, and it can be understood that the centers of these two arcuate surfaces coincide with each other.

[0087] In the present application, in order to improve the rotational stability of the second swing arm 10121 centered on the main shaft 102, as shown in FIG. 8, the cover 1022 further includes a fourth protrusion 10225 arranged toward the fourth arcuate slot 10214, and at least a part of the second arcuate rotating block 101211 is located between the fourth protrusion 10225 and the fourth arcuate slot 10214, and the surface of the second arcuate rotating block 101211 facing the fourth protrusion 10225 can contact the surface 102251 of the fourth protrusion. In this way, the second arcuate rotating block 101211 can be restricted between the cover 1022 and the base 1021, and the rotational stability of the second arcuate rotating block 101211 with respect to the base 1021 can be effectively improved. In addition, when the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot 10214 is an arcuate surface, the portion of the surface 102251 of the fourth protrusion that contacts the second arcuate rotating block 101211 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 101211 facing the fourth protrusion 10225 may be a flat surface or an arcuate surface as long as the second arcuate rotating block 101211 can rotate with respect to the fourth protrusion 10225 in the process of the second arcuate rotating block 101211 sliding along the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot 10214.

[0088] In order to improve the reliability of the connection between the second swing arm 10121 and the base 1021, a second concave portion 1012111 may be further provided in the second arcuate rotation block 101211, and the opening of the second concave portion 1012111 is arranged toward the cover 1022. In addition, a second insertion portion may be arranged at an end of the cover 1022 facing the second housing mounting bracket 1014. In this case, in the folded state, the second insertion portion may be inserted into the second concave portion 1012111, and a surface of the second insertion portion facing the fourth arcuate slot 10214 abuts at least a part of the surface of the second concave portion 1012111. In this way, the rotation part of the second arcuate rotation block 101211 can be restricted, and the second arcuate rotation block 101211 can be prevented from falling off from the fourth arcuate slot 10214.

[0089] In the present application, in addition to being rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 in a virtual shaft manner, the second swing arm 10121 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 in a solid shaft manner, so it should be noted that the first swing arm 10111 can be connected to the main shaft 102 relatively reliably. In the case of a foldable electronic device, when the second swing arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 in a solid shaft manner, the axis center about which the second swing arm 10121 rotates with the main shaft 102 as the center is also located on one side of the hinge mechanism away from the flexible display.

[0090] Specifically, when the second connector 10123 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10121 via the third rotating shaft 101231, please continue to refer to FIG. 15. The second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 is provided with a second mounting slot 1012112, and the slot opening of the second mounting slot 1012112 is arranged toward the fourth arc-shaped slot 10214. In this case, the third rotating shaft 101231 can be attached to the second mounting slot 1012112, a part of the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 can contact the slot surface of the second mounting slot 1012112, and a part of the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 contacts the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot 10214 to limit the third rotating shaft 101231 to the second mounting slot 1012112.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 15, in the present application, the slot surface of the second mounting slot 1012112 may include a fifth arc surface 10121121. As shown in FIG. 10, the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 that contacts the slot surface of the second mounting slot 1012112 is the sixth arc surface 1012311, and the center of the fifth arc surface 10121121 coincides with the center of the sixth arc surface 1012311. In addition, the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot 10214 is the seventh arc surface 102141, and the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 that contacts the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot 10214 may be the eighth arc surface 1012312, and the center of the seventh arc surface 102141 coincides with the center of the eighth arc surface 1012312. In this way, when the third rotating shaft 101231 slides along the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot 10214 together with the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211, the third rotating shaft 101231 can rotate further with respect to the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 to assist in implementing the movement of the second connector 10123 with respect to the main shaft 102.

[0092] In an embodiment of the present application, specifically, when the second connector 10123 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10122 via the fourth rotating shaft 101232, the fourth rotating shaft 101232 can penetrate the second connector 10123 and the second support arm 10122 simultaneously. In this case, the connection method between the second connector 10123 and the second support arm 10122 is relatively simple, which helps to simplify the structure of the second rotating assembly 1012, so that the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 can be simplified.

[0093] In the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, it can be understood that the second connector 10123 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 10121 and the second support arm 10122. In this case, the second swing arm 10121 can be rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector, and the second support arm 10122 can be rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector. For the method in which the second swing arm 10121 is rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector and the method in which the second support arm 10122 is rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector, refer to the above description of the rotatable connection of the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 to the second connector 10123. Details will not be described again here. In the present application, since the second connector 10123 is set as a plurality of second sub-connectors that are sequentially rotatably connected, the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 are rotatably connected via the plurality of second sub-connectors. Thereby, the speed uniformity in the process of the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 rotating around the main shaft 102 can be effectively improved, whereby the smoothness of the pulling operation of the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 is improved.

[0094] In this application, the second swing arm 10121 can be slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket 1014. In a specific implementation, the second housing mounting bracket 1014 is provided with a second sliding groove 10141. The second sliding groove 10141 and the second mounting portion 10142 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the hinge mechanism 1. The second sliding groove 10141 extends along the second direction, and the second swing arm 10121 can be attached to the second sliding groove 10141 and can slide along the second direction within the second sliding groove 10141. The second direction can be the direction in which the second housing mounting bracket 1014 moves towards or away from the base 1021. In addition, in order to prevent the second swing arm 10121 from falling out of the second sliding groove 10141, a second sliding rail can be arranged on the sliding groove wall of the second sliding groove 10141, and a second sliding block can be arranged on the second swing arm 10121. 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 10121 is restricted in the second sliding groove 10141. In addition, the second sliding rail is arranged on the sliding groove wall of the second sliding groove 10141, guides the sliding of the second swing arm 10121 along the second sliding groove 10141, and can improve the movement stability of the second swing arm 10121.

[0095] In addition, the second support arm 10122 can be rotatably connected to the first housing mounting bracket 1013. In a specific implementation, the first housing mounting bracket 1013 is provided with a first mounting portion 10132. The first mounting portion 10132 and the first sliding groove 10131 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the hinge mechanism 1. The end portion of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing mounting bracket 1013 is attached to the first mounting portion 10132, and the end portion of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing mounting bracket 1013 is rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 10132.

[0096] In the embodiments of the present application, the specific manner in which the end of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing mounting bracket 1013 is rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 10132 is not limited. For example, please continue to refer to FIG. 4. A third mounting hole may be provided in the first mounting portion 10132, and a fourth mounting hole is disposed at the end of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing mounting bracket 1013. In this case, the end of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing mounting bracket 1013 may be rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 10132 via a rotating shaft passing through both the third mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole.

[0097] 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 1013 and the second housing mounting bracket 1014 move towards each other. When the second housing mounting bracket 1014 rotates the second swing arm 10121 counterclockwise about the main shaft 102, the second swing arm 10121 can move the second connector 10123 towards the second swing arm 10121 within the second track slot 1024 of the main shaft 102. In addition, since the second connector 10123 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10122, in the process of the second connector 10123 moving towards the second swing arm 10121 within the second track slot 1024 of the main shaft 102, the second support arm 10122 can be driven to rotate clockwise about the main shaft 102, whereby the second support arm 10122 rotates the first housing mounting bracket 1013 clockwise about the main shaft 102. In the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first housing mounting bracket 1013 and the second housing mounting bracket 1014 move away from each other. When the second housing mounting bracket 1014 rotates the second swing arm 10121 clockwise about the main shaft 102, the second swing arm 10121 can move the second connector 10123 towards the second support arm 10122 within the second track slot 1024 of the main shaft 102, and the second support arm 10122 can be driven to rotate counterclockwise about the main shaft 102, whereby the second support arm 10122 rotates the first housing mounting bracket 1013 counterclockwise about the main shaft 102. In this way, the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism 1 are realized.

[0098] 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 10123 can be manufactured with a relatively small cross-section to move back and forth within the second track slot 1024 of the main shaft 102. In addition, the second connector 10123 has an extension of sufficient length along the vertical axis direction and has a separate connection relationship with the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122, so the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be ensured. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft 102 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.

[0099] Since the second connector 10123 can move according to a specified track, uncontrolled movement of the second connector 10123 throughout the folding and unfolding process can be avoided, and random movement of the first housing mounting bracket 1013 and the second housing mounting bracket 1014 can be further avoided, ensuring the structural stability and movement stability of the entire hinge mechanism 1. In some cases, the second track slot 1024 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.

[0100] FIG. 17 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 1011 and the second rotating assembly 1012, the main shaft 102 is omitted in FIG. 17. In the present application, the first swing arm 10111 is slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket 1013, the first support arm 10112 is rotatably connected to the second housing mounting bracket 1014, the first swing arm 10111 pulls the first support arm 10112 via the first connector 10113 and can move along a specified track. The second swing arm 10121 is slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket 1014, the second support arm 10122 is rotatably connected to the first housing mounting bracket 1013, the second swing arm 10121 pulls the second support arm 10122 via the second connector 10123 and can move along a specified track. Thereby, the moving distances of the first housing mounting bracket 1013 and the second housing mounting bracket 1014 in the direction towards or away from the main shaft 102 can be restricted. When the electronic device is in an arbitrary folded state, the distance between the first housing mounting bracket 1013 and the main shaft 102 is equal to the distance between the second housing mounting bracket 1014 and the main shaft 102. 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 1013 can move at an equal distance with respect to the main shaft 102, and the second housing mounting bracket 1014 can move at an equal distance with respect to the main shaft 102.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 2, the second housing 3, 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.

[0101] In the deployment and folding process of the electronic device, it can be understood that the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 move synchronously, thereby effectively reducing the risk of instantaneous compressive or tensile stress on the flexible display. Considering this, the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiments of the present application may further include a synchronization assembly 103. In fact, please refer to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the synchronization assembly 103 of the hinge mechanism 1 when the electronic device is in the deployed state according to an embodiment of the present application. The synchronization assembly 103 may include a first gear connecting rod 1031 and a second gear connecting rod 1032. The first gear connecting rod 1031 and the second gear connecting rod 1032 are rotatably connected to the main shaft 102. In a specific implementation form, the first gear connecting rod 1031 includes a first gear 10311 and a first connecting rod 10312. The first gear 10311 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a fifth rotating shaft 10313, which can improve the stability of the rotation of the first gear connecting rod 1031 centered on the main shaft 102. The extending direction of the axis of the fifth rotating shaft 10313 is the same as the length direction of the hinge mechanism 1. In addition, a third sliding groove 10133 is further provided in the first housing mounting bracket 1013. The third sliding groove 10133 and the first sliding groove 10131 are arranged at intervals. The first connecting rod 10312 is mounted in the third sliding groove 10133 and can slide in the third sliding groove 10133 toward the base 1021 or away from the base 1021 with respect to the first housing mounting bracket 1013, implementing a slidable connection between the first connecting rod 10312 and the first housing mounting bracket 1013.

[0102] Similarly, the second gear connecting rod 1032 may include a second gear 10321 and a second connecting rod 10322. The second gear 10321 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a sixth rotating shaft 10323, which can improve the rotational stability of the second gear connecting rod 1032 centered on the main shaft 102. The axis of the sixth rotating shaft 10323 is parallel to the axis of the fifth rotating shaft 10313. In addition, in the present application, the second gear 10321 is connected to the first gear 10311 in a transmission manner. In the present application, the transmission connection between the second gear 10321 and the first gear 10311 may be implemented through the meshing between the second gear 10321 and the first gear 10311. Alternatively, an intermediate gear may be arranged between the first gear 10311 and the second gear 10321, whereby the first gear 10311 and the second gear 10321 are meshed with the adjacent intermediate gear separately to implement the transmission connection between the first gear 10311 and the second gear 10321.

[0103] In addition, a fourth sliding groove 10143 is further provided in the second housing mounting bracket 1014. The fourth sliding groove 10143 and the second sliding groove 10141 are arranged at intervals. The second connecting rod 10322 is attached to the fourth sliding groove 10143 and can slide in the fourth sliding groove 10143 toward the base 1021 or away from the base 1021 with respect to the second housing mounting bracket 1014, implementing a slidable connection between the second connecting rod 10322 and the second housing mounting bracket 1014.

[0104] Based on the foregoing description of the structure of the synchronization assembly 103, please refer to FIGS. 18 and 19 together. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the synchronization assembly 103 of the hinge mechanism 1 when the electronic device is in the 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, the first housing mounting bracket 1013 rotates to rotate the first gear connecting rod 1031 around the base 1021. In addition, since the first gear 10311 of the first gear connecting rod 1031 is connected to the second gear 10321 of the second gear connecting rod 1032 in a transmission manner, the first gear connecting rod 1031 rotates to rotate the second gear connecting rod 1032 towards the first gear connecting rod, and the second gear connecting rod 1032 slides along the fourth sliding groove 10143 of the second housing mounting bracket 1014 to rotate the second housing mounting bracket 1014 in the same direction. In this way, the first housing mounting bracket 1013 and the second housing mounting bracket 1014 rotate synchronously towards 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 foregoing 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 1013 and the second housing mounting bracket 1014 move synchronously in a direction away from each other.

[0105] According to the hinge mechanism 1 provided in 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 103. 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, even if one mechanism fails, it will not affect the realization of the function of the other mechanism, and the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be effectively improved.

[0106] The hinge mechanism 1 provided in the foregoing embodiment of the present application can be used, for example, in the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2a. The first housing mounting bracket 1013 can be fixed to the housing located on the same side of the main shaft 102, and the second housing mounting bracket 1014 can be fixed to another housing. For example, the first housing mounting bracket 1013 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 1014 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 1013 and the second housing mounting bracket 1014 rotate synchronously in a direction towards each other or away from each other is the process in which the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate synchronously in a direction towards each other or away from each other.

[0107] 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 and flatly support the flexible display. 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 two housings rotate towards 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.

[0108] It should be understood that in order to implement the form of the electronic device, this application is not limited to the above-described embodiment of the hinge mechanism 1 as long as the hinge mechanism 1 in the following state can be implemented.

[0109] 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 and flatly support the flexible display. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the two housings of the electronic device can rotate towards each other to bend the flexible display. However, in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the two housings of the electronic device rotate away from each other to unfold the flexible display.

[0110] The foregoing description is only a specific implementation form of this application and does not limit the protection scope of this application. Any modifications or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application shall fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism for use in a foldable electronic device, the hinge mechanism being disposed facing 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 and a rotation module, the rotation module comprising a first rotation assembly, a second rotation 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, the first rotation assembly being located between the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket, and the second rotation assembly being located 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; Hinge mechanism.

2. The main shaft includes a base and a cover, the base is provided with a first arc-shaped slot and a third arc-shaped slot, the cover covers the base, and the cover includes a first protrusion disposed toward the first arc-shaped slot and a third protrusion disposed toward the third arc-shaped 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 against the surface of the first protrusion and the second arcuate surface abuts against 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; The hinge mechanism of claim 1 .

3. In a process of the electronic device changing 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 the electronic device changing 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; During the process of changing the electronic device 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; during the process of changing the electronic device 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 2 .

4. 3. The hinge mechanism of claim 2, wherein the surface of the first protrusion is equidistant from the slot surface of the first arcuate slot, and 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, 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, and the surface of the third protrusion is equidistant from the slot surface of the third arcuate slot, and 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, 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.

5. 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. The hinge mechanism of claim 2 .

6. 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 1 to 5.

7. 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.

7. The hinge mechanism of claim 6.

8. the first connector comprises a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft, the first connector is rotatably connected to the first swing arm via the first rotating shaft, the first connector is rotatably connected to the first support arm via the second rotating shaft, an axis of the first rotating shaft is parallel to but not coincident with an axis of the second rotating shaft, the second connector comprises a third rotating shaft and a fourth rotating shaft, the second connector is rotatably connected to the second swing arm via the third rotating shaft, the second connector is rotatably connected to the second support arm via the fourth rotating shaft, and an axis of the third rotating shaft is parallel to but not coincident with an axis of the fourth rotating shaft; 8. A hinge mechanism according to claim 6 or 7.

9. 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 first rotating shaft is mounted in the first mounting slot, a portion of a surface of the first rotating shaft contacts a slot face of the first mounting slot, and a portion of the surface of the first 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 third rotating shaft is mounted in the second mounting slot, a portion of a surface of the third rotating shaft contacts a slot face of the second mounting slot, and a portion of the surface of the third rotating shaft contacts the slot face of the fourth arcuate slot. The hinge mechanism of claim 8.

10. the slot surface of the first mounting slot includes a first arcuate surface, the surface of the first rotatable shaft in contact with the slot surface of the first mounting slot is a second arcuate surface, the center of the first arcuate surface coincides with the center of the second arcuate surface; the slot surface of the second mounting slot includes a fifth arcuate surface, the surface of the third rotatable shaft that contacts the slot surface of the second mounting slot is a sixth arcuate surface, and a center of the fifth arcuate surface coincides with a center of the sixth arcuate surface.

10. The hinge mechanism of claim 9.

11. the slot surface of the second arcuate slot is a third arcuate surface, the surface of the first rotatable 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 third 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; The hinge mechanism of claim 10.

12. 12. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, 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.

13. The first connector includes a plurality of first sub-connectors that are rotatably connected to one another, the plurality of first sub-connectors being located between the first swing arm and the first support arm, the first swing arm being rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first swing arm, and the first support arm being rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first support arm, The second connector includes a plurality of second sub-connectors that are rotatably connected to one another, the plurality of second sub-connectors being located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, the second swing arm being rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector, and the second support arm being rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector. A hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The hinge mechanism further comprises a synchronizing assembly, the synchronizing assembly comprising a first gear connecting rod and a second gear connecting rod, the first gear connecting rod comprising a first gear and a first connecting rod, the first gear being rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the first connecting rod being slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket; The second gear connecting rod comprises a second gear and a second connecting rod, the second gear is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the second connecting rod is slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket, and the first gear is transmissibly connected to the second gear. A hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. 15. The hinge mechanism of claim 14, wherein the first gear is rotatably connected to the main shaft via a fifth rotatable shaft, and the second gear is rotatably connected to the main shaft via a sixth rotatable shaft.

16. a third sliding groove is provided in the first housing mounting bracket, the first connecting rod is attached to the third sliding groove, and can slide within the third 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 fourth sliding groove, the second connecting rod is attached to the fourth sliding groove, and can slide within the fourth sliding groove in a direction toward or away from the main shaft relative to the second housing mounting bracket; 16. A hinge mechanism according to claim 14 or 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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