Hinge mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

This application discloses a hinge mechanism and an electronic device for improving the reliability of the operation of the hinge mechanism and reducing the size of the hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism includes a base, a first rotating component, a second rotating component, and a synchronizing component. The first rotating component includes a first swing arm, and the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the base. The second rotating component includes a second swing arm, and the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the base. The synchronizing component includes a first driving arm, a second driving arm, a first sliding block, and a second sliding block. One end of the first driving arm is rotatably connected to an end of the first swing arm close to the base, the other end of the first driving arm is rotatably connected to the first sliding block, and the first sliding block is arranged on the base to be slidable in a first direction. One end of the second driving arm is rotatably connected to an end of the second swing arm close to the base, the other end of the second driving arm is rotatably connected to the second sliding block, and the second sliding block is arranged on the base to be slidable in the first direction. The first sliding block and the second sliding block are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, and the first sliding block is communicatively connected to the second sliding block. The first sliding block and the second sliding block are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, and the first sliding block is communicatively connected to the second sliding block.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202310482978.5, titled "HINGE MECHANISM AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on April 28, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

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

Background Art

[0003] As flexible display technology gradually matures, the display method of electronic devices has to change significantly. Mobile phones with foldable flexible displays, tablet computers with foldable flexible displays, wearable electronic devices with foldable flexible displays, etc. are important evolutionary directions for future intelligent electronic devices.

[0004] As an important component for implementing the folding and unfolding functions of foldable electronic devices, the hinge mechanism can be configured to change the folding state of the electronic device. Furthermore, using a specific structural design, it can enable the two housings of the electronic device to rotate synchronously, thereby improving the reliability of the operation of the hinge mechanism and reducing the instantaneous acting force applied to the flexible display by the two housings. However, as the electronic device becomes lighter and thinner, the hinge mechanism also needs to be correspondingly thinned to fit the thin electronic device. However, the mechanical components configured to implement the synchronization function in the current hinge mechanism are usually large in size and can hardly adapt to the development trend of the lightweight and thin design of the hinge mechanism and even the electronic device.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device for improving the reliability of the operation of the hinge mechanism and reducing the size of the hinge mechanism.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present application provides a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism includes a base, a first rotating component, a second rotating component, and a synchronization component. The first rotating component and the second rotating component can be respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the base. The first rotating component includes a first swing arm, and the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the base. The second rotating component includes a second swing arm, and the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the base. The synchronization component includes a first driving arm, a second driving arm, a first sliding block, and a second sliding block. One end of the first driving arm is rotatably connected to an end of the first swing arm close to the base, the other end of the first driving arm is rotatably connected to the first sliding block, and the first sliding block is arranged on the base to be slidable in a first direction. One end of the second driving arm is rotatably connected to an end of the second swing arm close to the base, the other end of the second driving arm is rotatably connected to the second sliding block, and the second sliding block is arranged on the base to be slidable in the first direction. The first sliding block and the second sliding block are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, and the first sliding block is communicatively connected to the second sliding block.

[0007] In this application, in the process of deploying or folding the hinge mechanism, based on the transmission connection relationship between the first sliding block and the second sliding block, the first sliding block and the second sliding block can slide synchronously. Therefore, the first driving arm and the second driving arm can also rotate synchronously. Furthermore, the first swinging arm connected to the first driving arm and the second swinging arm connected to the second driving arm can rotate synchronously in a direction towards each other or away from each other, and the rotation angles of the two swinging arms can be the same. In this way, in the process of the two swinging arms rotating synchronously, the first rotating component and the second rotating component can also rotate synchronously in a direction towards each other or away from each other with respect to the base. Thereby, not only the reliability of the operation of the hinge mechanism is improved, but also the instantaneous acting force applied to the flexible display is reduced. This helps to improve the reliability of the flexible display. In addition, compared with the conventional method in which synchronization is achieved by using a plurality of transmission gears, in this application, the space occupied by the synchronization components in the thickness direction of the hinge mechanism can be significantly reduced, thereby helping to achieve the lightweight and thin design of the electronic device.

[0008] In some implementation solutions, the first direction can be perpendicular to the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, that is, the first direction can be the width direction of the hinge mechanism. This design helps to further reduce the size of the synchronization components and reduce the difficulty of the layout of the synchronization components on the hinge mechanism.

[0009] In some implementation solutions, a first guide groove and a second guide groove can be arranged on the base. The first guide groove and the second guide groove are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. The first sliding block can be slidably arranged in the first guide groove, and the second sliding block can be slidably arranged in the second guide groove, improving the reliability of the operations of the first sliding block and the second sliding block.

[0010] In some implementation solutions, the synchronization component may further include a connecting rod. A first elongated hole and a second elongated hole are respectively arranged at two ends of the connecting rod. The first elongated hole and the second elongated hole may respectively extend in the length direction of the connecting rod. A first hinge shaft is arranged on the first sliding block, the first hinge shaft is arranged in the first elongated hole, a second hinge shaft is arranged on the second sliding block, and the second hinge shaft is arranged in the second elongated hole. By sliding the first sliding block and the second sliding block, the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft can jointly drive the connecting rod to rotate. The first hinge shaft slides in the first elongated hole, and the second hinge shaft slides in the second elongated hole. In this way, the first sliding block and the second sliding block can slide synchronously toward each other or away from each other via the connecting rod, thereby realizing the synchronous rotation of the first rotating component and the second rotating component.

[0011] In some implementation solutions, a third hinge hole may be further arranged on the connecting rod. The third hinge hole is located between the first elongated hole and the second elongated hole. The distance between the center of the third hinge hole and the center of the first elongated hole is equal to the distance between the center of the third hinge hole and the center of the second elongated hole. A third hinge shaft is arranged on the base, and the third hinge shaft may be rotatably arranged in the third hinge hole. Thereby, the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the base, improving the stability of the operation of the connecting rod and further improving the reliability of the transmission connection between the first sliding block and the second sliding block.

[0012] In some implementation solutions, the synchronization component may further include an intermediate gear. A first rack is arranged on the side of the first sliding block facing the second sliding block, and a second rack is arranged on the side of the second sliding block facing the first sliding block. The intermediate gear is located between the first sliding block and the second sliding block, and the intermediate gear meshes with the first rack and the second rack separately. In this way, the first sliding block and the second sliding block can slide synchronously toward each other or away from each other via the intermediate gear.

[0013] In some implementation solutions, in addition to the first swing arm, the first rotating component may further include a first support arm, a first housing support portion, and a first door plate. The first door plate has a first support surface used to support the flexible display. The first swing arm and the first support arm are disposed on a surface of the first door plate away from the first support surface. The first swing arm is fixed to the first door plate. The first support arm is rotatably connected to the base. The rotation axis of the first support arm is parallel to but does not coincide with the rotation axis of the first swing arm. The first housing support portion is rotatably connected to the first swing arm and the first door plate separately. The first housing support portion is slidably connected to the first support arm. Similarly, in addition to the second swing arm, the second rotating component may further include a second support arm, a second housing support portion, and a second door plate. The second door plate has a second support surface used to support the flexible display. The second swing arm and the second support arm are disposed on a surface of the second door plate away from the second support surface. The second swing arm is fixed to the second door plate. The second support arm is rotatably connected to the base. The rotation axis of the second support arm is parallel to but does not coincide with the rotation axis of the second swing arm. The second housing support portion is rotatably connected to the second swing arm and the second door plate separately. The 2 housing support portion is the 2 slidably connected to the support arm.

[0014] When the first housing support part and the second housing support part rotate towards each other, the first housing support part drives the first swing arm, the first support arm, and the first door plate to rotate around the base. As a result, the side of the first door plate closer to the base can move away from the base. The second housing support part drives the second swing arm, the second support arm, and the second door plate to rotate around the base. As a result, the side of the second door plate closer to the base can move away from the base. When the first door plate rotates to the first position and the second door plate rotates to the second position, the first door plate and the second door plate form an included angle, and the first door plate, the second door plate, and the base jointly enclose a display accommodation space used to accommodate the flexible display. Compared with the solutions of three door plates or multiple door plates, in this application, the hinge mechanism can effectively reduce the bending transition area within the formed display accommodation space, thereby reducing the compression on the flexible display and improving the reliability of the flexible display.

[0015] In some implementation solutions, the base has a first surface arranged on the same side as the first support surface and the second support surface. On the first surface of the base, a groove arranged in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism is arranged. When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the first door plate and the second door plate can each cover at least a part of the groove area. However, when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the first door plate and the second door plate can expose the groove, and the groove forms a part of the display accommodation space. According to this design, the groove effectively avoids the bending area of the flexible display, reduces the risk of the flexible display being compressed, and can extend the service life of the flexible display.

[0016] For example, the bottom surface of the groove may be an arcuate surface, and the arcuate surface protrudes in a direction away from the display accommodation space. In this way, the display accommodation space formed by the hinge mechanism can better conform to the shape of the flexible display in the bent state, thereby further reducing the risk of the flexible display being compressed.

[0017] In some implementation solutions, a first arcuate groove and a second arcuate groove may be respectively arranged on two sides of the base. A first arcuate rotating block is arranged on the side of the first swing arm close to the base. The first arcuate rotating block is arranged in the first arcuate groove and can slide along the first arcuate groove to realize a rotatable connection between the first swing arm and the base. A second arcuate rotating block is arranged on the side of the second swing arm close to the base. The second arcuate rotating block is arranged in the second arcuate groove and can slide along the second arcuate groove to realize a rotatable connection between the second swing arm and the base.

[0018] In some implementation solutions, the two ends of the first arcuate groove and the two ends of the second arcuate groove may penetrate the base separately. When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the end face of the end of the first arcuate rotating block close to the base may extend out of the first arcuate groove and be flush with the first support surface. The end face of the end of the second arcuate rotating block close to the base may extend out of the second arcuate groove and be flush with the second support surface, jointly providing a flat support for the flexible display together with the first door plate and the second door plate.

[0019] In some implementation solutions, a third arc-shaped groove is arranged on the first housing support portion, a third arc-shaped rotating block is arranged at an end of the first swing arm away from the base, the third arc-shaped rotating block is arranged in the third arc-shaped groove, and slides along the third arc-shaped groove, so as to realize a rotatable connection between the first swing arm and the first housing support portion. Similarly, a fourth arc-shaped groove is arranged on the second housing support portion, a fourth arc-shaped rotating block is arranged at an end of the second swing arm away from the base, the fourth arc-shaped rotating block is arranged in the fourth arc-shaped groove, and slides along the fourth arc-shaped groove, so as to realize a rotatable connection between the second swing arm and the second housing support portion.

[0020] In some implementation solutions, a first sliding groove is arranged on the first housing support portion in a direction away from the base, the groove bottom of the first sliding groove may gradually incline in a direction approaching the first support surface, the first support arm is arranged in the first sliding groove, and slides along the first sliding groove, so as to realize a slidable connection between the first support arm and the first housing support portion. Similarly, a second sliding groove is provided on the second housing support portion in a direction away from the base, the groove bottom of the second sliding groove may gradually incline in a direction approaching the second support surface, the second support arm is arranged in the second sliding groove, and slides along the groove bottom of the second sliding groove, so as to realize a slidable connection between the second support arm and the second housing support portion.

[0021] In some implementation solutions, a fifth arc-shaped groove is arranged on the first housing support portion, a fifth arc-shaped rotating block is arranged on a surface of the first door plate away from the first support surface, the fifth arc-shaped rotating block is arranged in the fifth arc-shaped groove, and rotates along the fifth arc-shaped groove, so as to realize a rotatable connection between the first door plate and the first housing support portion. Similarly, a sixth arc-shaped groove is arranged on the second housing support portion, a sixth arc-shaped rotating block is arranged on a surface of the second door plate away from the second support surface, the sixth arc-shaped rotating block is arranged in the sixth arc-shaped groove, and rotates along the sixth arc-shaped groove, so as to realize a rotatable connection between the second door plate and the second housing support portion.

[0022] In some implementation solutions, a first limiting wall is arranged on the first housing support part. The first limiting wall and the first support arm are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism further includes a first damping component, and the first damping component can be arranged between the first support arm and the first limiting wall. The first damping component includes a first cam, a second cam, and a first elastic member. The first cam is arranged on the side of the first support arm facing the first limiting wall, the second cam is arranged on the side of the first cam away from the first support arm, the cam surface of the second cam presses the cam surface of the first cam, the first elastic member is arranged on the side of the second cam away from the first cam, and the first elastic member is restricted between the second cam and the first limiting wall. In the process of deploying or folding the hinge mechanism, the first damping component can apply a specific damping force to the first rotating component and the second rotating component, so that the first rotating component and the second rotating component can rotate stably under the action of the damping force. This prevents the electronic device from being accidentally deployed or folded, thereby improving the user experience.

[0023] In some implementation solutions, a first limiting groove arranged in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism is arranged on the first housing support part. The first limiting groove has a first opening arranged towards the first support arm. The bottom wall arranged on the opposite side of the first opening in the first limiting groove can form the first limiting wall. The first elastic member is arranged in the first limiting groove, and at least a part of the second cam is arranged in the first limiting groove. The cam surface of the second cam presses the cam surface of the first cam through the first opening. This design improves the structural stability and reliability of the first damping component and helps to improve the structural compactness of the hinge mechanism.

[0024] In some implementation solutions, the first cam can be fixed to the side surface of the first support arm by methods such as adhesion and welding.

[0025] In some other implementation solutions, the first cam and the first support arm can be of an integral structure. This helps to simplify the manufacturing and assembly process of the hinge mechanism.

[0026] In some implementation solutions, the first resilient member can be a spring. The first damping component can further include a first guide post. The first guide post can be fixed to the side of the second cam away from the first cam and extend in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. The spring can be sleeved on the corresponding first guide post to reduce the risk of the spring displacement when elastic deformation occurs.

[0027] According to a second aspect, the present application further provides an electronic device. The electronic device can include a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display, and a hinge mechanism according to any implementation solution of the first aspect. The first housing and the second housing can be respectively disposed on two sides of the hinge mechanism. The first housing can be fixed to a first housing support portion, and the second housing can be fixed to a second housing support portion. The flexible display can continuously cover the first door plate, the second door plate, and the hinge mechanism, and the flexible display can be fixed to the first door plate and the second door plate.

[0028] According to the electronic device provided in the present application, in the process of deploying or folding the electronic device, the first rotating component and the second rotating component can rotate synchronously towards each other or away from each other with respect to the base, whereby the first housing and the second housing can also rotate synchronously towards each other or away from each other. This not only improves the reliability of the deployment and folding of the electronic device, but also reduces the instantaneous acting force applied to the flexible display. This helps to improve the reliability of the flexible display.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

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[0030] Reference signs: 1: Hinge, 1a: Outer surface of the hinge mechanism, 1b: Support surface of the hinge mechanism, 11: Main hinge module, 111: First rotating component 1111: First swing arm, 11111: First arcuate rotating block, 11112: First extension arm, 11113: Third arcuate rotating block, 11114: Protrusion, 1112: First support arm, 11121: First sliding plate, 1113: First housing support part, 11131: Third arcuate groove, 11132: First sliding groove, 111321: First sliding Rail 、11133: Fifth arcuate groove, 11134: First limiting wall, 11135: First limiting groove, 111351: First opening, 1114: First door plate, 11141: First support surface, 11142: Hole, 11143: Fifth arcuate rotating block, 112: Second rotating part, 1121: Second swing arm, 11211: Second arcuate rotating block, 11213: Fourth arcuate rotating block, 1122: First support arm, 1123: Second housing support part, 11232: Second sliding groove, 11231: Fourth arcuate groove, 1124: Second door plate, 11241: Second support surface, 11243: Sixth arcuate rotating block, 113: Synchronization part, 1131: First drive arm, 1132: Second drive arm, 1133: First sliding block, 11331: First hinge shaft, 11332: First rack, 1134: Second sliding block, 11341: Second hinge shaft, 11342: Second rack, 1135: Connecting rod, 11351: First hinge hole, 11352: Second hinge hole, 11353: Third hinge hole, 1136: Intermediate gear, 114: First damping part, 1141: First cam, 11411: First cam surface, 1142: Second cam, 11421: Second cam surface, 1143: First elastic member, 115: Second damping part, 12: Base, 121: Positioning hole, 122: First arcuate groove, 123: Second arcuate groove, 124: Groove, 125: First avoidance groove, 126: Second avoidance groove, 127: First guide groove, 128: Second guide groove, 129: Third hinge shaft, 13: Cover plate, 131: Accommodation groove, 132: Positioning pin, 2: First housing, 2a: Outer surface of the first housing, 2b: Support surface of the first housing, 201: First mounting groove, 3: Second housing, 3a: Outer surface of the second housing, 3b: Support surface of the second housing, 301: Second mounting groove.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] To make the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of the present application clearer, in the following, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the exemplary implementation forms can be implemented in multiple forms and should not be construed as being limited to the implementation forms described in this specification. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate the same or similar structures, and therefore, their repeated description is omitted. The words used to express the position and direction in the embodiments of the present application are described by using the accompanying drawings as an example. However, changes can be made as necessary, and all changes are intended to fall within the protection scope of the present application. The accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application are only used to show the relative positional relationship and do not indicate an exact scale.

[0032] It should be noted that specific details are described in the following description to facilitate the understanding of the present application. However, the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in a plurality of other ways different from those described in this specification, and those skilled in the art can perform similar promotions without going against the spirit of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific implementation forms disclosed below.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application. The electronic device can be a mobile phone, a palm top computer (personal digital assistant, PDA), a notebook computer, a tablet computer, or another device having a foldable function. The electronic device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is described by using a mobile phone as an example. The electronic device may include a hinge mechanism 1, a flexible display (not shown), and two housings. For ease of explanation, the two housings may be referred to as a first housing 2 and a second housing 3, respectively. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are located on two sides of the hinge mechanism 1 and can rotate about the hinge mechanism 1. When the electronic device is used, the electronic device can be folded or unfolded according to the usage scenario. The electronic device provided in this embodiment of the present application can be an inwardly foldable electronic device. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device is in a folded state, showing the relative positional relationship between the hinge mechanism and the two housings when the electronic device is folded. In this case, the outer surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first outer surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the second outer surface 3a of the second housing 3 can be jointly used as the outer surface of the electronic device. The outer surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1 is the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 that is away from the flexible display, the first outer surface 2a of the first housing 2 is the surface of the first housing 2 that is away from the flexible display, and the second outer surface 3a of the second housing 3 is the surface of the second housing 3 that is away from the flexible display.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the structure of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 in the unfolded state. FIG. 2 shows the configurations of the support surface 1b of the hinge mechanism 1, the support surface 2b of the first housing 2, and the support surface 3b of the second housing 3. Here, the support surface 1b of the hinge mechanism 1 is the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 that is used to support the flexible display, the support surface 2b of the first housing 2 is the surface of the first housing 2 that is used to support the flexible display, and the support surface 3b of the second housing 3 is the surface of the second housing 3 that is used to support the flexible display. The flexible display continuously covers the support surface 2b of the first housing 2, the support surface 1b of the hinge mechanism, and the support surface 3b of the second housing 3, and the flexible display can be fixed to the support surface 2b of the first housing 2 and the support surface 3b of the second housing 3. The connection method may be adhesion, but is not limited thereto. In this way, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the hinge mechanism 1, the first housing 2, and the second housing 3 can support the flexible display. In the process in which the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate relative to each other from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2 to the folded state shown in FIG. 1 or from the folded state shown in FIG. 1 to the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2, the flexible display may be folded or unfolded together with the first housing 2 and the second housing 3.

[0035] In the process in which the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate relative to each other from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2 to the folded state shown in FIG. 1 or from the folded state shown in FIG. 1 to the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2, the flexible display may be folded or unfolded together with the first housing 2 and the second housing 3.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a partial exploded structure of the electronic device shown in FIG. 2. Refer to FIG. 3. In this embodiment of the present application, a first mounting groove 201 is arranged on the side of the first housing 2 close to the hinge mechanism 1, and a second mounting groove 301 is arranged on the side of the second housing 3 close to the hinge mechanism 1. One side of the hinge mechanism 1 can be partially accommodated in the first mounting groove 201, and the other side of the hinge mechanism 1 can be partially accommodated in the second mounting groove 301. The hinge mechanism may include one or more main hinge modules 11. FIG. 3 shows the case where the hinge mechanism 1 includes three main hinge modules 11, and the three main hinge modules 11 can be arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1. The axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1 can be understood as the extending direction of the axis around which the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate with the hinge mechanism 1 as the center. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 can be rotatably connected via one or more main hinge modules 11. 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.

[0037] In some possible implementation solutions, the hinge mechanism 1 may further include an axially arranged base 12, and the base 12 may be configured to support one or more main hinge modules 11. When there are multiple main hinge modules 11, in one implementation form, one base 12 can be used as the bearing component for each of the multiple main hinge modules 11 to improve the integrity of the hinge mechanism 1. In another implementation form, in the hinge mechanism 1, one base 12 may be correspondingly arranged for each main hinge module 11, whereby each main hinge module 11 uses the corresponding base 12 as a bearing component. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is described using the example where the hinge mechanism 1 includes three bases 12.

[0038] The hinge mechanism 1 may further include a cover plate 13, and the cover plate 13 may be disposed on the side of the base 12 away from the flexible display. In a specific implementation form, on the side of the cover plate 13 facing the flexible display, accommodating grooves 131 corresponding one-to-one to the base 12 may be disposed, and the base 12 may be disposed in the corresponding accommodating grooves 131. For example, the base 12 may be adhesively fixed in the corresponding accommodating grooves 131 using an adhesive, but is not limited thereto. Optionally, several positioning pins 132 may be further disposed at the bottom of the accommodating grooves 131. Correspondingly, positioning holes 121 corresponding one-to-one to the several positioning pins 132 may be disposed on the base 12. When the base 12 is attached to the accommodating grooves 131, the positioning pins 132 at the bottom of the accommodating grooves 131 may be disposed in the corresponding positioning holes 121, whereby the base 12 is positioned in the accommodating grooves 131 through the mutual alignment between the positioning pins 132 and the positioning holes 121. In addition, the surface of the base 12 on the side facing the flexible display is defined as the first surface of the base 12. In a specific implementation form, the end face of the positioning pin 132 may not exceed the first surface of the base 12 in order to avoid pressing against the flexible display.

[0039] Please refer to FIGS. 1 to 3. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the surface of the cover plate 13 away from the flexible display can be hidden in the first mounting groove 201 of the first housing 2 and the second mounting groove 301 of the second housing 3. In this case, the outer surface 2a of the first housing 2 and the outer surface 3a of the second housing 3 can jointly constitute the outer surface of the electronic device. When the electronic device is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, as the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate, the surface of the cover plate 13 away from the flexible display is gradually exposed from the first mounting groove 201 of the first housing 2 and the second mounting groove 301 of the second housing 3. After the electronic device is switched to the folded state, the outer surface 2a of the first housing 2, the outer surface 3a of the second housing 3, and the surface of the cover plate 13 away from the flexible display jointly form the outer surface of the electronic device, that is, the surface of the cover plate 13 on the side away from the base 12 is the surface that forms the outer surface of the electronic device of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0040] Please continue to refer to FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the main hinge module 11 may include two rotating parts, and these two rotating parts are the first rotating part 111 and the second rotating part 112 respectively, and the first rotating part 111 and the second rotating part 112 can be respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the base 12. For the sake of easy explanation, in the following embodiments of the present application, the specific method of arranging the first rotating part 111 and the connection relationship between the first rotating part 111 and the base 12 are mainly used as examples for explaining the main hinge module 11, and the side surface of the second rotating part 112 can be arranged with reference to the side surface of the first rotating part 111. It should be noted that the design of the second rotating part 112 can completely coincide with the design of the first rotating part 111. Alternatively, only the parts and connection relationships included in the first rotating part 111 may be referred to, and other parameters may be adaptively adjusted, and it is not necessary to be completely consistent.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a diagram of the structure of the main hinge module 11 according to this embodiment of the present application, and FIG. 5 is a diagram of the exploded structure of the main hinge module 11 shown in FIG. 4. Refer to FIGS. 4 and 5. In this embodiment of the present application, the first rotating part 111 may include a first swing arm 1111, a first support arm 1112, a first housing support part 1113, and a first door plate 1114. The first door plate 1114 may have a first support surface 11141 configured to support a flexible display, and the flexible display may be fixed to the first support surface 11141. The first swing arm 1111 and the first support arm 1112 may be disposed on a surface of the first door plate 1114 away from the flexible display, and the first swing arm 1111 and the first support arm 1112 are dispersed in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism and are separately rotatably connected to the base 12. The rotation axis of the first swing arm 1111 is parallel to but does not coincide with the rotation axis of the first support arm 1112. The first housing support part 1113 may be disposed on a surface of the first swing arm 1111 and the first support arm 1112 away from the first door plate 1114. The first housing support part 1113 may be fixed to the first housing, and the first housing support part 1113 may be rotatably connected to the first swing arm 1111 and slidably connected to the first support arm 1112. In addition, the first door plate 1114 is fixed to the first swing arm 1111 and rotatably connected to the first housing support part 1113. Based on the above connection relationship, a slider-crank mechanism may be formed between the first swing arm 1111, the first support arm 1112, and the first housing support part 1113. In the process of deploying and folding the hinge mechanism, the first housing support part 1113 rotates synchronously with the first housing, and further drives the first swing arm 1111 and the first support arm 1112 to rotate synchronously about the base 12.In addition, the first door plate 1114 also rotates based on a specific trajectory under the drive of the first housing support portion 1113 and the first swing arm 1111, to provide flat support for the flexible display when the hinge mechanism is in the deployed state, and to jointly provide a specific display accommodation space for the flexible display together with the second rotating component 112 and the base 12 when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a diagram of the structure of the first swing arm 1111 according to this embodiment of the present application. Please refer to FIGS. 5 and 6. In this embodiment, a first arc-shaped rotating block 11111 may be disposed on the side of the first swing arm 1111 close to the base 12. Correspondingly, a first arc-shaped groove 122 may be disposed on the base 12. Two ends of the first arc-shaped groove 122 may penetrate the base 12 separately. The first arc-shaped rotating block 11111 of the first swing arm 1111 may be received in the first arc-shaped groove 122 and may rotate along the arc-shaped surface of the first arc-shaped groove 122. Thereby, the first swing arm 1111 rotates about the base 12, and the rotation center of the first swing arm 1111 is disposed in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. Such a manner in which the arc-shaped groove coincides with the arc-shaped rotating block so as to rotate about the axis center determined by the virtual position may be called a rotatable connection manner of the virtual shaft. In other words, instead of directly implementing relative rotation between two rotating entities using a solid pin shaft, a rotatable connection is implemented using a matching structure. This connection manner helps to reduce the volume of the main hinge unit and facilitates the miniaturized design of the hinge mechanism. The first arc-shaped rotating block 11111 may be an arc-shaped rotating block, but is not limited thereto. The first arc-shaped groove 122 may be an arc-shaped groove, but is not limited thereto.

[0043] In a specific embodiment, a first extension arm 11112 may be disposed on the side of the first swing arm 1111 close to the base 12, and a first arc-shaped rotating block 11111 may be disposed at the end of the first extension arm 11112 in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. For example, there may be one or more first extension arms 11112. For example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is such that the first swing arm 1111 includes two first extension arms 11112, the two first extension arms 11112 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, and one first arc-shaped rotating block 11111 may be disposed at the two ends of each first extension arm 11112, that is, in this embodiment, when four first arc-shaped rotating blocks 11111 are disposed on the first swing arm 1111. Correspondingly, four first arc-shaped grooves 122 may exist on the base 12, and the first arc-shaped rotating blocks 11111 are respectively slidably disposed in the corresponding first arc-shaped grooves 122. By the rotational matching of multiple groups of arc-shaped rotating blocks and arc-shaped grooves, the stability of the operation of the first swing arm 1111 relative to the base 12 can be effectively improved.

[0044] Of course, in some other embodiments, the first swing arm 1111 may alternatively be rotatably connected to the base 12 using a pin shaft. In this case, hinge holes may be separately disposed on the first swing arm 1111 and the base 12, and a pin shaft is rotatably disposed in the hinge holes of the first swing arm 1111 and the base 12.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a diagram of the structure of the first housing support portion 1113 according to this embodiment of the present application. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7. In this embodiment, a third arc-shaped rotating block 11113 may be disposed at the end of the first swing arm 1111 away from the base 12, a third arc-shaped groove 11131 may be disposed on the first housing support portion 1113, and the third arc-shaped rotating block 11113 of the first swing arm 1111 may be received in the third arc-shaped groove 11131 and rotate along the arc-shaped surface of the third arc-shaped groove 11131 to realize a rotatable connection between the first swing arm 1111 and the first housing support portion 1113.

[0046] To improve the stability of the relative movement between the first swing arm 1111 and the first housing support portion 1113, one or more third arc-shaped rotating blocks 11113 may exist. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 shows the case where the first swing arm 1111 includes two third arc-shaped rotating blocks 11113, and the third arc-shaped rotating blocks 11113 can be separately arranged at two ends of the first swing arm 1111 in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. Correspondingly, two third arc-shaped grooves 11131 may be arranged on the first housing support portion 1113, and the third arc-shaped rotating blocks 11113 are rotatably arranged in the corresponding third arc-shaped grooves 11131 respectively.

[0047] In addition, in some other implementation forms, the first swing arm 1111 may alternatively be rotatably connected to the first housing support portion 1113 using a pin shaft. Details are not described here.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a diagram of the structure of the first support arm 1112 according to this embodiment of the present application. Refer to FIGS. 5 and 8. In this embodiment of the present application, a hinge hole a may be arranged at an end of the first support arm 1112 close to the base 12, and correspondingly, a hinge hole (not shown) may also be arranged on the base. The first support arm 1112 can be rotatably connected to the base 12 using a pin shaft rotatably arranged in the hinge hole a of the first support arm 1112 and the hinge hole of the base 12.

[0049] Please refer to FIGS. 7 and 8. On the surface of the first housing support portion 1113 facing the first support arm 1112, a first sliding groove 11132 may be arranged in a direction away from the base 12. The groove bottom of the first sliding groove 11132 gradually slopes in a direction approaching the first support surface 11141 of the first door plate 1114. The side of the first support arm 1112 away from the base can be attached to the first sliding groove 11132 and slide within the first sliding groove 11132. In this way, a slidable connection between the first support arm 1112 and the first housing support portion 1113 is realized, and the inclination angle of the groove bottom of the first sliding groove 11132 is appropriately designed. Thereby, the motion coordination of the slider-crank mechanism formed by the first support arm 1112, the first swing arm 1111, and the first housing support portion 1113 can be ensured, and furthermore, the reliability of the operation of the first rotating component can be improved. In addition, in order to reduce the risk of the first support arm 1112 slipping out of the first sliding groove 11132, a first sliding rail 111321 may be arranged on the groove wall of the first sliding groove 11132. Correspondingly, a first sliding plate 11121 may be arranged on the side surface of the first support arm 1112, and the first sliding plate 11121 can be slidably arranged on the first sliding rail 111321. In this way, the first support arm 1112 can be restricted within the first sliding groove 11132, and the first sliding rail 111321 can also be used to guide the sliding of the first support arm 1112 within the first sliding groove 11132 in order to improve the stability of the operation of the first support arm 1112.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a diagram of the partial structure of the first door plate according to this embodiment of the present application. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 9. As described above, the first door plate 1114 is fixed to the first swing arm 1111. In a specific implementation form, the first door plate 1114 is relatively fixed to the first swing arm 1111 by a method including but not limited to welding, adhesion, etc. In addition, several protrusions 11114 may be arranged on the surface of the first swing arm 1111 facing the first door plate 1114. Correspondingly, several holes 11142 corresponding one-to-one to the several protrusions 11114 may be arranged on the first door plate 1114. When the first swing arm 1111 is fixed to the first door plate 1114, the protrusions 11114 of the first swing arm 1111 may be arranged in the corresponding holes 11142 of the first door plate 1114. In this way, the assembly and positioning of the first swing arm 1111 and the first door plate 1114 can be realized through the mutual coincidence between the protrusions 11114 and the holes 11142. In addition, the end surface of the protrusion 11114 of the first swing arm 1111 does not exceed the first support surface of the first door plate 1114, and the effect of supporting the flexible display by the first door plate 1114 can be avoided from being affected. Optionally, the end surface of the protrusion 11114 of the first swing arm 1111 and the first support surface 11141 of the first door plate 1114 may be arranged on the same plane.

[0051] Next, refer to FIGS. 7 and 9. A fifth arc-shaped rotating block 11143 may be arranged on the surface of the first door plate 1114 away from the first support surface 11141, and the fifth arc-shaped rotating block 11143 may be located on the side of the first door plate 1114 away from the base. Correspondingly, a fifth arc-shaped groove 11133 may be arranged on the side of the first housing support portion 1113 away from the base. The fifth arc-shaped rotating block 11143 of the first door plate 1114 may be received in the fifth arc-shaped groove 11133 and rotate along the arc-shaped surface of the fifth arc-shaped groove 11133 to realize a rotatable connection between the first door plate 1114 and the first housing support portion 1113.

[0052] In addition, in this embodiment of the present application, the first door plates 1114 of the plurality of main hinge modules may be arranged separately or may be an overall structure. This is not limited in the present application. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the first door plates 1114 of the plurality of main hinge modules are integrated. This design helps improve the integration of the hinge mechanism and simplifies the difficulty of assembling the hinge mechanism.

[0053] As described above, the first rotating component 111 and the second rotating component 112 can be respectively arranged on two sides of the base. In a specific implementation form, please refer to FIG. 5 again. The second rotating component 112 may include a second swing arm 1121, a second support arm 1122, a second housing support part 1123, and a second door plate 1124. The second door plate 1124 may have a second support surface 11241 configured to support a flexible display. The second swing arm 1121 and the second support arm 1122 are arranged on the surface of the second door plate 1124 away from the flexible display, and the second swing arm 1121 and the second support arm 1122 are separately rotatably connected to the base 12. The rotation axis of the second swing arm 1121 is parallel to but does not coincide with the rotation axis of the second support arm 1122. The second housing support part 1123 may be arranged on the surface of the second swing arm 1121 and the second support arm 1122 away from the second door plate 1124, and the second housing support part 1123 may be fixed to the second housing.

[0054] On the side of the second swing arm 1121 close to the base 12, a second arcuate rotating block 11211 may be arranged. Correspondingly, a second arcuate groove 123 may be arranged on the base 12. The second arcuate rotating block 11211 may be rotatably arranged in the second arcuate groove 123, whereby the second swing arm 1121 is rotatably connected to the base 12. On the side of the second swing arm 1121 away from the base 12, a fourth arcuate rotating block 11213 may be arranged. Correspondingly, a fourth arcuate groove 11231 may be arranged in the second housing support 1123. The fourth arcuate rotating block 11213 may be rotatably arranged in the fourth arcuate groove 11231, whereby the second swing arm 1121 is rotatably connected to the second housing support 1123. In addition, on the surface of the second housing support 1123 facing the second swing arm 1121 and the second support arm 1122, a second sliding groove 11232 may be further arranged in the direction away from the base 12. The bottom of the second sliding groove 11232 is gradually inclined in the direction approaching the second support surface 11241 of the second door plate 1124. The side of the second support arm 1122 away from the base 12 may be slidably arranged in the second sliding groove 11232, and the side of the second support arm 1122 close to the base 12 may be rotatably connected to the base 12 using a pin shaft.

[0055] On the surface of the second door plate 1124 away from the second support surface 11241, a sixth arcuate rotating block 11243 may be arranged. The sixth arcuate rotating block 11243 may be located on the side of the second door plate 1124 away from the base 12. Correspondingly, a sixth arcuate groove (not shown) may be arranged on the side of the second housing support 1123 away from the base 12. The sixth arcuate rotating block 11243 of the second door plate 1124 may be slidably arranged in the sixth arcuate groove, whereby the second door plate 1124 is rotatably connected to the second housing support 1123. In addition, the second door plates 1124 of the plurality of main hinge modules 11 may be arranged separately or as an overall structure. This is not limited in this application.

[0056] The first rotation provided in the foregoing embodiments of the present applicationPart 111 and the second rotation Part the structure of 112, and the first rotation Part between 111 and the base 12 and the second rotation Part After understanding the connection relationship between 112 and the base 12, the operation process of the hinge mechanism will be described below.

[0057] First, FIG. 10 is a diagram of a partial structure of the hinge mechanism 1 in the deployed state according to this embodiment of the present application. When the hinge mechanism 1 is in the deployed state, the first rotating part 111 and the second rotating part 112 are located on two sides of the base 12, and the included angle between the first rotating part 111 and the second rotating part 112 is about 180 degrees. In this case, the first supporting surface 11141 of the first door plate 1114 and the second supporting surface 11241 of the second door plate 1124 are arranged on the same plane, and the first door plate 1114 and the second door plate 1124 respectively cover at least a part of the area of the base 12. In addition, the end face of the first arc-shaped rotating block of the first swing arm 1111, which is close to the base 12, may extend from the first arc-shaped groove of the base 12 and be flush with the first supporting surface 11141. The end face of the second arc-shaped rotating block of the second swing arm 1121, which is close to the base 12, may extend from the second arc-shaped groove of the base 12 and be flush with the second supporting surface 11241, and jointly provide flat support for the flexible display together with the first door plate 1114 and the second door plate 1124.

[0058] FIG. 11 is a diagram of the partial structure of the hinge mechanism 1 in an intermediate state according to this embodiment of the present application. In the process of switching the hinge mechanism 1 from the deployed state to the folded state, the first housing support portion 1113 rotates clockwise, driving the first swing arm 1111 and the first support arm to rotate synchronously clockwise. Based on the rotatable connection relationship between the first housing support portion 1113 and the first door plate 1114 and the fixed connection relationship between the first swing arm 1111 and the first door plate 1114, the first door plate 1114 can also rotate clockwise under the drive of the first housing support portion 1113 and the first swing arm 1111. As a result, the side of the first door plate 1114 close to the base 12 rotates away from the base 12, exposing a part of the area of the base 12 covered under the first door plate 1114. Correspondingly, the second housing support portion 1123 rotates counterclockwise, driving the second swing arm 1121 and the second support arm to rotate synchronously counterclockwise. Based on the rotatable connection relationship between the second housing support portion 1123 and the second door plate 1124 and the fixed connection relationship between the second swing arm 1121 and the second door plate 1124, the second door plate 1124 can also rotate counterclockwise under the drive of the second housing support portion 1123 and the second swing arm 1121. As a result, the side of the second door plate 1124 close to the base 12 rotates away from the base 12, exposing a part of the area of the base 12 covered under the second door plate 1124.

[0059] FIG. 12 is a diagram of a partial structure of the hinge mechanism 1 in a folded state according to this embodiment of the present application. In the process of the hinge mechanism 1 changing from the intermediate state shown in FIG. 11 to the folded state shown in FIG. 12, until the first door plate 1114 rotates to the first position and the second door plate 1124 rotates to the second position, the first housing support portion 1113 continues to rotate clockwise, and together with the first swing arm 1111, drives the first door plate 1114 to rotate clockwise. The second housing support portion 1123 continues to rotate counterclockwise, and together with the second swing arm 1121, drives the second door plate 1124 to rotate counterclockwise. The approximate positions of the first housing support portion 1113 and the second housing support portion 1123 are opposite. In this case, the hinge mechanism 1 is switched to the folded state. When the hinge mechanism 1 is in the folded state, the first door plate 1114 and the second door plate 1124 form an included angle (which may be an acute angle), and together with the base 12, can jointly enclose the display accommodation space in a substantially water droplet shape.

[0060] Please continue to refer to FIG. 12. In this embodiment of the present application, a groove 124 may be further arranged on the first surface of the base 12 facing the flexible display, and the groove 124 may extend in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1. When the hinge mechanism 1 is in the folded state, the first surface of the base 12 is exposed from the cover ranges of the first door plate 1114 and the second door plate 1124. In this case, the groove 124 forms a part of the display accommodation space, effectively avoids the bending region of the flexible display, reduces the risk of the flexible display being compressed, and can extend the service life of the flexible display. Optionally, the bottom surface of the groove 124 may be an arc-shaped surface, and the arc-shaped surface protrudes in a direction away from the display accommodation space. According to this design, the display accommodation space formed by the hinge mechanism 1 better conforms to the form of the flexible display in the bent state, thereby further reducing the risk of the flexible display being compressed.

[0061] When the hinge mechanism 1 includes a plurality of bases 12 and the plurality of bases 12 are respectively arranged in corresponding accommodation grooves of the cover plate, grooves having the same depth and shape may also be arranged in the area between adjacent accommodation grooves on the cover plate, connecting the grooves on the adjacent bases 12 and improving the shape consistency of the display accommodation space in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1. It should be noted that in this way, the hinge mechanism 1 can effectively avoid the bending area of the flexible display in the entire axial direction.

[0062] In addition, a first avoidance groove 125 and a second avoidance groove 126 may be respectively arranged on two sides of the groove 124, and the first avoidance groove 125 and the second avoidance groove 126 extend separately in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1. The first avoidance groove 125 may be located on the side of the groove 124 close to the first rotating part. Thereby, when the first door plate 1114 rotates, a specific avoidance space is provided on the side of the first door plate 1114 close to the base 12, reducing the risk of interference between the first door plate 1114 and the base 12. The second avoidance groove 126 may be located on the side of the groove 124 close to the second rotating part. Thereby, when the second door plate 1124 rotates, a specific avoidance space is provided on the side of the second door plate 1124 close to the base 12, reducing the risk of interference between the second door plate 1124 and the base 12.

[0063] Similarly, when the hinge mechanism 1 includes a plurality of bases 12 and the plurality of bases 12 are respectively arranged in corresponding accommodation grooves of the cover plate, first avoidance grooves and second avoidance grooves having the same depth and shape may also be arranged in the area between adjacent accommodation grooves on the cover plate, reducing the risk of interference between the first door plate 1114 and the cover plate and between the second door plate 1124 and the cover plate.

[0064] In addition to the foregoing structure, in some embodiments of the present application, another possible structure may be further arranged in the hinge mechanism. For example, refer to FIG. 5. In order to better realize the deployment and folding of the hinge mechanism, a synchronization component 113 may be further arranged in the hinge mechanism to enable the first rotating component 111 and the second rotating component 112 to rotate synchronously. The hinge mechanism may include the synchronization component 113. In this case, the synchronization component 113 may be arranged in one main hinge module 11 and is transmission-connected to the first rotating component 111 and the second rotating component 112 of the main hinge module 11. Alternatively, the hinge mechanism may include a plurality of synchronization components 113. In this case, the plurality of synchronization components 113 may be respectively arranged in different main hinge modules 11, and each synchronization component 113 is transmission-connected to the first rotating component 111 and the second rotating component 112 of the corresponding main hinge module 11.

[0065] Please refer to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a diagram of the structure of the synchronization component 113 according to this embodiment of the present application, and FIG. 14 is a diagram of the exploded structure of the synchronization component 113 shown in FIG. 13. In this embodiment of the present application, the synchronization component 113 may include a first drive arm 1131, a second drive arm 1132, a first sliding block 1133, and a second sliding block 1134. One end of the first drive arm 1131 may be rotatably connected to an end of the first swing arm 1111 close to the base 12, and the other end of the first drive arm 1131 may be slidably connected to the first sliding block 1133. One end of the second drive arm 1132 may be rotatably connected to an end of the second swing arm 1121 close to the base 12, and the other end of the second drive arm 1132 may be slidably connected to the second sliding block 1134. The first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134 are separately arranged on the base 12 so as to be slidable in the first direction. The first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134 may be dispersed in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. The first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134 are connected in a transmission manner and can slide toward each other or away from each other. An included angle may be formed between the first direction and the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. For example, the included angle may be about 90 degrees, that is, the first direction may be perpendicular to the axial direction of the hinge mechanism.

[0066] In the process of deploying or folding the hinge mechanism, the first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134 can slide synchronously in a direction towards each other or away from each other. Therefore, the first driving arm 1131 and the second driving arm 1132 can also rotate synchronously. Furthermore, the first swing arm 1111 connected to the first driving arm 1131 and the second swing arm 1121 connected to the second driving arm 1132 can rotate synchronously in a direction towards each other or away from each other, and the rotation angles of the two swing arms can be the same. In this way, in the process where the two swing arms rotate synchronously, the first housing and the second housing of the electronic device can be driven to rotate synchronously, thereby avoiding the instantaneous acting force applied to the flexible display fixed to the two housings. This helps to improve the reliability of the flexible display. In addition, compared with the conventional method in which synchronization is achieved using a plurality of transmission gears, in this embodiment, the space occupied by the synchronization component 113 in the thickness direction of the hinge mechanism can be significantly reduced, thereby helping to achieve a lightweight and thin design of the electronic device.

[0067] In this embodiment of the present application, the first guide groove 127 and the second guide groove 128 may be arranged on the first surface of the base 12. The first guide groove 127 and the second guide groove 128 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. The first sliding block 1133 may be slidably arranged in the first guide groove 127, and the second sliding block 1134 may be slidably arranged in the second guide groove 128. The first driving arm 1131 may be rotatably connected to the first sliding block 1133 using a pin shaft, and the second driving arm 1132 may also be rotatably connected to the second sliding block 1134 using a pin shaft.

[0068] In addition, the first drive arm 1131 can rotate with respect to the first swing arm 1111 by being rotatably connected to the first extension arm 11112 of the first swing arm 1111, and the second drive arm 1132 can rotate with respect to the second swing arm 1121 by being rotatably connected to the second extension arm 11212 of the second swing arm 1121. In addition, the rotation axis of the first drive arm 1131 and the rotation axis of the second drive arm 1132 are separately arranged in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, and the rotation axis of the first drive arm 1131 may or may not coincide with the rotation axis of the first swing arm 1111. Similarly, the rotation axis of the second drive arm 1132 may or may not coincide with the rotation axis of the second swing arm 1121. For example, the first drive arm 1131 can be rotatably connected to the first extension arm 11112 using a pin shaft, and the second drive arm 1132 can also be rotatably connected to the second extension arm 11212 using a pin shaft.

[0069] Please continue to refer to FIGS. 13 and 14. The synchronizing component may further include a connecting rod 1135. One end of the connecting rod 1135 may be rotatably connected to the first sliding block 1133, and the other end of the connecting rod 1135 may be rotatably connected to the second sliding block 1134, whereby the transmission connection between the first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134 is realized via the connecting rod 1135. In a specific implementation form, the connecting rod 1135 may be located on the side of the first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134 facing the flexible display. First elongated holes 11351 and second elongated holes 11352 may be respectively arranged at two ends of the connecting rod 1135, and the first elongated holes 11351 and the second elongated holes 11352 extend separately in the length direction of the connecting rod. A first hinge shaft 11331 may be arranged on the side of the first sliding block 1133 facing the flexible display, and a second hinge shaft 11341 may be arranged on the side of the second sliding block 1134 facing the flexible display. The first hinge shaft 11331 may be arranged in the first elongated hole 11351 of the connecting rod 1135, and the second hinge shaft 11341 may be arranged in the second elongated hole 11352 of the connecting rod 1135. When the first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134 slide, the first hinge shaft 11331 and the second hinge shaft 11341 may jointly drive the connecting rod 1135 to rotate. When the connecting rod 1135 rotates, the positions of the first hinge shaft 11331 in the first elongated hole 11351 and the second hinge shaft 11341 in the second elongated hole 11352 also change. Alternatively, this may be understood as the first hinge shaft 11331 sliding in the first elongated hole 11351 and the second hinge shaft 11341 sliding in the second elongated hole 11352. In this way, the first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134 can slide synchronously in a direction towards each other or away from each other via the connecting rod 1135, thereby realizing the synchronous rotation of the first housing and the second housing.

[0070] For example, when the first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134 slide towards each other, the first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134 can jointly drive the connecting rod 1135 to rotate clockwise. The first hinge shaft 11331 slides towards the end close to the second long hole 11352 within the first long hole 11351, and the second hinge shaft 11341 slides towards the end close to the first long hole 11351 within the second long hole 11352. When the first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134 slide away from each other, the first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134 can jointly drive the connecting rod 1135 to rotate counterclockwise. The first hinge shaft 11331 slides towards the end away from the second long hole 11352 within the first long hole 11351, and the second hinge shaft 11341 slides towards the end away from the first long hole 11351 within the second long hole 11352.

[0071] In addition, in some possible embodiments, a hinge hole 11353 may be further arranged on the connecting rod 1135. Correspondingly, a third hinge shaft 129 may be arranged on the first surface of the base. The third hinge shaft 129 may be rotatably arranged in the hinge hole 11353 of the connecting rod 1135. Thereby, the connecting rod 1135 is rotatably connected to the base 12, improving the operating stability of the connecting rod 1135 and further improving the reliability of the transmission connection between the first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134. In a specific arrangement, the hinge hole 11353 may be located between the first long hole 11351 and the second long hole 11352, and the distance between the center of the hinge hole 11353 and the center of the first long hole 11351 may be equal to the distance between the center of the hinge hole 11353 and the center of the second long hole 11352. In this way, the rotation amplitudes at the two ends of the connecting rod 1135 can be made substantially equal, and further, the sliding distances of the first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134 can also be made substantially equal, thereby improving the rotational synchronization of the first housing and the second housing.

[0072] In some other embodiments, in addition to being in transmission connection via the connecting rod 1135, the first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134 may also be in transmission connection via gear meshing. For example, FIG. 15 is a plan view of another synchronization component 113 according to an embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, the synchronization component 113 further includes an intermediate gear 1136. In this case, a first rack 11332 may be disposed on the side of the first sliding block 1133 facing the second sliding block 1134, a second rack 11342 may be disposed on the side of the second sliding block 1134 facing the first sliding block 1133, the intermediate gear 1136 is located between the first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134, and the intermediate gear 1136 meshes with the first rack 11332 and the second rack 11342 separately. In this way, the first sliding block 1133 and the second sliding block 1134 can slide synchronously in a direction towards or away from each other via the intermediate gear 1136.

[0073] Please refer to FIG. 5 again. In this embodiment of the present application, in order to better realize the deployment and folding of the hinge mechanism, a damping component capable of applying a damping force to the first rotating component 111 and the second rotating component 112 may be further arranged in the hinge mechanism. Thereby, the first rotating component 111 and the second rotating component 112 can rotate stably under the action of the damping force. This prevents the electronic device from being accidentally deployed or folded, and suspends the two housings at the designated positions. The hinge mechanism may include a damping component. In this case, the damping component may be arranged corresponding to the first rotating component 111 or the second rotating component 112 of one main hinge module. Alternatively, the hinge mechanism may include a plurality of damping components. In this case, the plurality of damping components may be arranged corresponding to the first rotating component 111 and the second rotating component 112 of at least one main hinge module 11. For example, FIG. 5 shows the case where each main hinge module 11 includes two damping components. For the sake of easy distinction, hereinafter, the damping component arranged corresponding to the first rotating component 111 is referred to as the first damping component 114, and the damping component arranged corresponding to the second rotating component 112 is referred to as the second damping component 115. Hereinafter, as an example for explaining the first damping component 114, the method of arranging the first damping component 114 and the connection relationship between the first damping component 114 and the first rotating component 111 are mainly used. The second damping component 115 may be arranged relative to the first damping component 114.

[0074] Please refer to FIGS. 16 to 18. FIG. 16 is a diagram of the structure of the first damping component 114 from a certain perspective according to this embodiment of the present application. FIG. 17 is a diagram of the structure of the first damping component 114 from another perspective according to this embodiment of the present application. FIG. 18 is a diagram of the exploded structure of the first damping component 114 shown in FIG. 16. In this embodiment of the present application, a first limiting wall 11134 may be arranged on the first housing support portion 1113. The first limiting wall 11134 and the first support arm 1112 may be arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. The first damping component 114 may be arranged between the first limiting wall 11134 and the first support arm 1112. In a specific implementation form, when the first limiting wall 11134 is formed, a first limiting groove 11135 arranged in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism may be arranged on the first housing support portion 1113. The first limiting groove 11135 has a first opening 111351 arranged towards the first support arm. In this case, the bottom wall arranged on the opposite side of the first limiting groove 11135 from the side where the first opening 111351 is located may form the first limiting wall 11134.

[0075] The first damping component 114 may include a first cam 1141, a second cam 1142, and a first elastic member 1143. The first cam 1141 may be arranged on the side of the first support arm 1112 facing the first limiting wall 11134. The first cam surface 11411 is arranged on the side of the first cam 1141 facing the first limiting wall 11134. The second cam 1142 may be arranged on the side of the first cam 1141 facing the first support arm 1112. The second cam surface 11421 is arranged on the side of the second cam 1142 facing the first cam 1141. The first elastic member 1143 may be restricted between the second cam 1142 and the first limiting wall 11134 to apply an elastic force to the second cam 1142, whereby the second cam surface 11421 of the second cam 1142 presses the first cam surface 11411 of the first cam 1141.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first cam 1141 can be fixed to the side surface of the first support arm 1112 by means such as adhesion or welding. In some other embodiments, the first cam 1141 and the first support arm 1112 may alternatively be an integrally formed structure, and it may be understood that the first cam surface 11411 may be directly formed on the side surface of the first support arm 1112 facing the first limiting wall 11134. This helps simplify the manufacturing and assembly processes of the hinge mechanism. Additionally, when the first limiting groove 11135 is disposed on the first housing support portion 1113, the first elastic member 1143 can be disposed in the first limiting groove 11135, and at least a part of the second cam 1142 can be disposed in the first limiting groove 11135. Thereby, the first limiting groove 11135 restricts the operating direction of the second cam 1142 driven by the first elastic member 1143, thereby improving the structural stability and reliability of the first damping component 114. In this case, the second cam surface 11421 of the second cam 1142 can press the first cam surface 11411 of the first cam 1141 through the first opening 111351.

[0077] Optionally, the first elastic member 1143 may be a spring as shown in FIG. 18. The number of springs can be set based on, for example, the magnitude of the damping force required to be provided by the first damping component 114, the space of the hinge mechanism, etc. FIG. 18 shows the case of two springs, and the two springs can be arranged in parallel between the second cam 1142 and the first limiting wall 11134. Additionally, the first damping component 114 may further include a first guide post 1144 corresponding to each spring. The first guide post 1144 is fixed to the side of the second cam 1142 away from the first cam 1141 and can extend in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. The spring can be sleeved on the corresponding first guide post 1144 to reduce the risk of the spring displacement when elastic deformation occurs. For example, the first guide post 1144 and the second cam 1142 may be of an integral structure to simplify the manufacturing and assembly processes of the first damping component 114.

[0078] Of course, in some other implementation forms, the first elastic member 1143 may alternatively be a spring plate, there may be a plurality of spring plates, and the plurality of spring plates may be stacked between the second cam 1142 and the first limiting wall 11134.

[0079] Continue to refer to FIGS. 16-18. In this embodiment of the present application, both the first cam surface 11411 and the second cam surface 11421 may include a plurality of protrusions and recesses. When the inclined surfaces of the protrusions of the two cam surfaces come into contact, a damping force that prevents the two cam surfaces from continuing to rotate relative to each other may be generated between the two cam surfaces. By appropriately designing the curved surface contours of the first cam surface 11411 and the second cam surface 11421, in the process of folding the hinge mechanism, as the first support arm 1112 rotates, the first cam 1141 can push the second cam 1142 in the direction approaching the first limiting wall 11134 to compress the first elastic member 1143. Thereby, the user can obtain an obvious tactile sensation when operating. This helps to improve the user experience. In the process of deploying the hinge mechanism, the first elastic member 1143 gradually rebounds from the compressed state, releases the accumulated elastic potential energy, and pushes the second cam 1142 to slide in the direction approaching the first cam 1141. In this way, the second cam 1142 applies a torque force to assist the rotation of the first cam 1141 and the first support arm 1112 to provide specific deployment assistance to the hinge mechanism, thereby reducing the difficulty of the deployment operation of the hinge mechanism.

[0080] In addition, in this embodiment of the present application, the first cam surface 11411 and the second cam surface 11421 are appropriately designed so that the first cam 1141 can be suspended at a specified angle, that is, the first support arm 1112 can be suspended. When the hinge mechanism is used in an electronic device, the electronic device can be positioned in several intermediate states by using the suspendable design of the first support arm 1112, thereby further improving the user experience.

[0081] This description only represents specific implementations 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, comprising a base, a first rotating component, a second rotating component, and a synchronization component, wherein the first rotating component and the second rotating component are respectively arranged on two sides of the base, the first rotating component includes a first swing arm, and the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the base, the second rotating component includes a second swing arm, and the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the base, the synchronization component includes a first driving arm, a second driving arm, a first sliding block, and a second sliding block. One end of the first driving arm is rotatably connected to an end of the first swing arm close to the base, the other end of the first driving arm is rotatably connected to the first sliding block, the first sliding block is arranged on the base to be slidable in a first direction, one end of the second driving arm is rotatably connected to an end of the second swing arm close to the base, the other end of the second driving arm is rotatably connected to the second sliding block, the second sliding block is arranged on the base to be slidable in the first direction, the first sliding block and the second sliding block are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the first sliding block is communicatively connected to the second sliding block, and an included angle is formed between the first direction and the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. Hinge mechanism.

2. The synchronization component further includes a connecting rod, and a first long hole and a second long hole are respectively arranged at two ends of the connecting rod, and the first long hole and the second long hole respectively extend in the length direction of the connecting rod. A first hinge shaft is arranged on the first sliding block, and the first hinge shaft is arranged in the first long hole. A second hinge shaft is arranged on the second sliding block, and the second hinge shaft is arranged in the second long hole. When the first sliding block and the second sliding block slide, the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft jointly drive the connecting rod to rotate, the first hinge shaft slides in the first long hole, and the second hinge shaft slides in the second long hole. The hinge mechanism according to Claim 1.

3. A hinge hole is further arranged on the connecting rod, the hinge hole is located between the first long hole and the second long hole, and the distance between the hinge hole and the center of the first long hole is equal to the distance between the hinge hole and the center of the second long hole. A third hinge shaft is arranged on the base, and the third hinge shaft is rotatably arranged in the hinge hole. The hinge mechanism according to claim 2.

4. The synchronization component further includes an intermediate gear. A first rack is arranged on the side of the first sliding block facing the second sliding block, and a second rack is arranged on the side of the second sliding block facing the first sliding block. The intermediate gear is located between the first sliding block and the second sliding block, and the intermediate gear meshes with the first rack and the second rack separately. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1.

5. The first rotating component further includes a first support arm, a first housing support part, and a first door plate. The first door plate has a first support surface used for supporting a flexible display. The first swing arm and the first support arm are arranged on the surface of the first door plate away from the first support surface. The first swing arm is fixed to the first door plate. The first support arm is rotatably connected to the base. The rotation axis of the first support arm is parallel to but does not coincide with the rotation axis of the first swing arm. The first housing support part is rotatably connected to the first swing arm and the first door plate separately, and the first housing support part is slidably connected to the first support arm. The second rotating component includes a second support arm, a second housing support portion, and a second door plate. The second door plate has a second support surface used for supporting the flexible display. The second swing arm and the second support arm are disposed on a surface of the second door plate that is away from the second support surface. The second swing arm is fixed to the second door plate. The second support arm is rotatably connected to the base. A rotation axis of the second support arm is parallel to but does not coincide with a rotation axis of the second swing arm. The second housing support portion is rotatably connected to the second swing arm and the second door plate separately, and the second housing support portion is slidably connected to the second support arm. When the first housing support portion and the second housing support portion rotate towards each other, the first housing support portion drives the first swing arm, the first support arm, and the first door plate to rotate about the base. As a result, a side of the first door plate close to the base moves in a direction away from the base. When the second housing support portion drives the second swing arm, the second support arm, and the second door plate to rotate about the base, a side of the second door plate close to the base moves in a direction away from the base. When the first door plate rotates to a first position and the second door plate rotates to a second position, the first door plate and the second door plate form an included angle, and the first door plate, the second door plate, and the base jointly enclose a display accommodation space used for accommodating the flexible display. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The base has a first surface disposed on the same side as the first support surface and the second support surface. On the first surface of the base, a groove disposed in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism is arranged. When the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state, the first door plate and the second door plate each cover at least a part of the region of the groove, or When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the first door plate and the second door plate expose the groove, and the groove forms a part of the display accommodation space. The hinge mechanism according to claim 5.

7. The bottom surface of the groove is an arcuate surface, and the arcuate surface protrudes in a direction away from the display accommodation space. The hinge mechanism according to claim 6.

8. A first arcuate groove and a second arcuate groove are respectively arranged on two sides of the base. A first arcuate rotating block is arranged on the side of the first swing arm close to the base. The first arcuate rotating block is arranged in the first arcuate groove and is configured to realize a rotatable connection between the first swing arm and the base. A second arcuate rotating block is arranged on the side of the second swing arm close to the base. The second arcuate rotating block is arranged in the second arcuate groove and is configured to realize a rotatable connection between the second swing arm and the base. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. Two ends of the first arcuate groove and two ends of the second arcuate groove penetrate the base separately. When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the end face of the end of the first arcuate rotating block close to the base extends from the first arcuate groove and is flush with the first support surface. The end face of the end of the second arcuate rotating block close to the base extends from the second arcuate groove and is flush with the second support surface. The hinge mechanism according to claim 8.

10. A third arcuate groove is arranged on the first housing support part. A third arcuate rotating block is arranged at the end of the first swing arm away from the base. The third arcuate rotating block is arranged in the third arcuate groove and is configured to realize a rotatable connection between the first swing arm and the first housing support part. A fourth arcuate groove is arranged on the second housing support part. A fourth arcuate rotating block is arranged at the end of the second swing arm away from the base. The fourth arcuate rotating block is arranged in the fourth arcuate groove and is configured to realize a rotatable connection between the second swing arm and the second housing support part. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 5 to 9.

11. A first sliding groove is arranged on the first housing support part in a direction away from the base. The bottom of the first sliding groove gradually inclines in a direction approaching the first support surface. The first support arm is slidably arranged in the first sliding groove. On the second housing support portion, a second sliding groove is provided in a direction away from the base, and the groove bottom of the second sliding groove is gradually inclined in a direction approaching the second support surface. The second support arm is slidably disposed in the second sliding groove. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 5 to 10.

12. A fifth arc-shaped groove is disposed on the first housing support portion, and a fifth arc-shaped rotating block is disposed on the surface of the first door plate away from the first support surface. The fifth arc-shaped rotating block is disposed in the fifth arc-shaped groove and is configured to realize a rotatable connection between the first door plate and the first housing support portion. A sixth arc-shaped groove is disposed on the second housing support portion, and a sixth arc-shaped rotating block is disposed on the surface of the second door plate away from the second support surface. The sixth arc-shaped rotating block is disposed in the sixth arc-shaped groove and is configured to realize a rotatable connection between the second door plate and the second housing support portion. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 5 to 11.

13. A first limiting wall is disposed on the first housing support portion, and the first limiting wall and the first support arm are spaced apart in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism further includes a first damping component, which is disposed between the first support arm and the first limiting wall and includes a first cam, a second cam, and a first elastic member. The first cam is disposed on the side of the first support arm facing the first limiting wall, the second cam is disposed on the side of the first cam away from the first support arm, the cam surface of the second cam presses the cam surface of the first cam, and the first elastic member is disposed on the side of the second cam away from the first cam and is restricted between the second cam and the first limiting wall. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The first housing support portion is provided with a first limiting groove disposed in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. The first limiting groove has a first opening disposed toward the first support arm. The bottom wall disposed on the opposite side of the first opening in the first limiting groove forms the first limiting wall. The first elastic member is disposed in the first limiting groove, at least a part of the second cam is disposed in the first limiting groove, and the cam surface of the second cam presses the cam surface of the first cam through the first opening. The hinge mechanism according to claim 13.

15. The hinge mechanism according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first cam and the first support arm are of an integral structure.

16. 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 15, wherein the first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on two sides of the hinge mechanism, the first housing is connected to the first rotating component, and the second housing is connected to the second rotating component. 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 device.

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