Hinge mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

The present application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device. The hinge mechanism includes a main shaft, a rotation module, a first door plate, and a second door plate. The rotation module has a first rotating component, a second rotating component, a first housing fixing bracket, and a second housing fixing bracket. The first rotating component includes a first support arm, a first connecting member, and a first door plate fixing bracket. The first connecting member is separately and rotatably connected to the first support arm and the first door plate fixing bracket, and the first connecting member is rotatably or slidably connected to the main shaft. The second rotating component includes a second support arm, a second connecting member, and a second door plate fixing bracket. The second connecting member is separately and rotatably connected to the second support arm and the second door plate fixing bracket, and the second connecting member is rotatably or slidably connected to the main shaft. The first door plate is fixed to the first door plate fixing bracket, and the second door plate is fixed to the second door plate fixing bracket. The size of the hinge mechanism is small, and in the process of folding and unfolding the hinge mechanism, extrusion or pulling of the flexible display can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310539481.2, titled "HINGE MECHANISM AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on May 12, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to the field of electronic device technology, and in particular, to hinge mechanisms and electronic devices.

Background Art

[0003] As flexible display technology matures step by step, the display format of electronic devices has changed significantly. Mobile phones with foldable flexible displays, tablet computers with foldable flexible displays, wearable electronic devices with foldable flexible displays, and the like are important evolutionary directions for future intelligent electronic devices.

[0004] As an important component of foldable electronic devices, a flexible display has the characteristic of being continuously foldable. A hinge mechanism is used as an important component for implementing the folding function of a foldable electronic device. In the process of unfolding and folding a foldable electronic device, the hinge mechanism can drive the flexible display to flatten or bend.

[0005] In current foldable electronic devices, as the size of the hinge mechanism continuously shrinks, when the electronic device is in a folded state, it becomes increasingly difficult for the screen accommodation space formed by the hinge mechanism to meet the folding requirements of the foldable part of the flexible display, thereby easily causing the extrusion of the flexible display. As a result, it is difficult to ensure the structural strength of the flexible display. Based on this, how to ensure the structural reliability of the flexible display while implementing the miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism has become an urgent issue to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device for implementing the miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism and improving the structural reliability of the flexible display in the rotation process of the hinge mechanism. Thereby, the structural reliability of the electronic device is improved.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present application provides a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism can be used in a foldable electronic device. The hinge mechanism is disposed opposite to a foldable portion of a flexible display of the electronic device. The electronic device can be deployed or folded by using the hinge mechanism. Specifically, the hinge mechanism may include a main shaft, a rotation module, a first door plate, and a second door plate. The rotation module has a first rotating component, a second rotating component, a first housing fixing bracket, and a second housing fixing bracket. The first housing fixing bracket and the second housing fixing bracket are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the main shaft. The first rotating component is located between the first housing fixing bracket and the second housing fixing bracket. The second rotating component is located between the first housing fixing bracket and the second housing fixing bracket. The first rotating component may include a first support arm, a first door plate fixing bracket, and a first connecting member. The first support arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The first support arm is slidably connected to the first housing fixing bracket. The first door plate fixing bracket is rotatably connected to the second housing fixing bracket. The first connecting member is located between the first support arm and the first door plate fixing bracket. The first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first door plate fixing bracket. The first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first support arm. In addition, the movement trajectory of the first connecting member can be restricted by rotatably connecting the first connecting member to the main shaft or slidably connecting the first connecting member to the main shaft, thereby restricting the movement trajectory of the first door plate fixing bracket pulling the first support arm through the first connecting member. The second rotating component may include a second support arm, a second door plate fixing bracket, and a second connecting member.The second support arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The second support arm is slidably connected to the second housing fixing bracket. The second door plate fixing bracket is rotatably connected to the first housing fixing bracket. The second connecting member is located between the second support arm and the second door plate fixing bracket. The second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second door plate fixing bracket. The second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second support arm. In addition, the movement track of the second connecting member is restricted by the second connecting member being rotatably connected to the main shaft or the second connecting member being slidably connected to the main shaft, whereby the movement track of the second support arm pulled by the second door plate fixing bracket through the second connecting member can be restricted. In the hinge mechanism provided in the present application, the first door plate may be located on the side of the first door plate fixing bracket facing the flexible display, and the first door plate is fixed to the first door plate fixing bracket. The second door plate may be located on the side of the second door plate fixing bracket facing the flexible display, and the second door plate is fixed to the second door plate fixing bracket.

[0008] Based on the above-described hinge mechanism in the present application, in the process of the electronic device changing from the deployed state to the folded state, the first housing fixing bracket and the second housing fixing bracket move towards each other. When the first housing fixing bracket drives the first support arm to rotate clockwise around the main shaft, the first support arm can drive the first connecting member to move towards the first door plate fixing bracket with respect to the main shaft, whereby the first door plate fixing bracket can be driven to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft. When the second housing fixing bracket drives the second support arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft, the second support arm can drive the second connecting member to move towards the second door plate fixing bracket with respect to the main shaft, whereby the second door plate fixing bracket can be driven to rotate clockwise around the main shaft. In the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the deployed state, the first housing fixing bracket and the second housing fixing bracket move in the opposite direction. When the first housing fixing bracket drives the first support arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft, the first support arm can drive the first connecting member to move towards the first support arm with respect to the main shaft, whereby the first housing fixing bracket can be driven to rotate clockwise around the main shaft. When the second housing fixing bracket drives the second support arm to rotate clockwise around the main shaft, the second support arm can drive the second connecting member to move towards the second housing fixing bracket with respect to the main shaft, whereby the second housing fixing bracket can be driven to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft. Thereby, the folding function and the deployment function of the hinge mechanism can be implemented.

[0009] In the case of some existing hinge mechanisms, in order to ensure the stability of the mechanism, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the rotating parts connected to the main shaft. In this way, both the main shaft and the hinge mechanism become very thick. If the main shaft and the hinge mechanism are unreasonably thinned, the strength of the rotating parts will easily weaken. In addition, when the electronic device drops, there is a risk that the rotating parts will fall off from the main shaft, which will have a great impact on the reliability of the hinge mechanism. As a result, the service life of the electronic device is shortened. The above-mentioned hinge mechanism in the present application has a simplified structure. According to the above-mentioned structural relationship, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are slidably or rotatably connected to the main shaft, whereby the first support arms on the left and right sides, the second support arms, the first door plate fixing brackets, and the second door plate fixing brackets can be connected. Therefore, it is not necessary to make the cross-sectional thickness of the first connecting member and the second connecting member so large that the first connecting member and the second connecting member can move through the main shaft. In addition, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are respectively connected to the first support arm (the second support arm) and the first door plate fixing bracket (the second door plate fixing bracket). Therefore, the first connecting member (the second connecting member) extends sufficiently in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and has sufficient strength to ensure the reliability of the hinge mechanism. Thereby, not only the thickness of the main shaft and the thickness of the whole machine are reduced, but also the reliability of the hinge mechanism is maintained, so that the whole hinge mechanism becomes lightweight, thin and highly reliable.

[0010] In the present application, the rotational connection between the first connection member and the first support arm can be classified into a direct rotational connection and an indirect rotational connection. The direct rotational connection means that the first connection member and the first support arm are directly connected via a rotating shaft, and no other structure is included between the first connection member and the first support arm. The indirect connection means that another possible connection structure can be further arranged between the first connection member and the first support arm, and the first connection member and the first support arm are rotatably connected to the connection structure to implement the rotational connection. For example, the first rotating component further includes a first connection rod, the first connection rod is located between the first support arm and the first connection member, the first support arm is rotatably connected to the first connection rod, the first connection member is rotatably connected to the first connection rod, and the axis along which the first support arm rotates with respect to the first connection rod is parallel but not coincident with the axis along which the first connection member rotates with respect to the first connection rod. According to the hinge mechanism provided in the present application, the first connection member is indirectly and rotatably connected to the first support plate via the first connection rod, whereby the folding function and the unfolding function of the hinge mechanism can be implemented, and the size of the hinge mechanism can be reduced.

[0011] In addition, the second rotating component further includes a second connection rod, the second connection rod is located between the second support arm and the second connection member, the second support arm is rotatably connected to the second connection rod, the second connection member is rotatably connected to the second connection rod, and the axis along which the second support arm rotates with respect to the second connection rod is parallel but not coincident with the axis along which the second connection member rotates with respect to the second connection rod, whereby the second connection member can be indirectly and rotatably connected to the second support arm. Thereby, the folding function and the unfolding function of the hinge mechanism can be implemented, which is helpful for reducing the size of the hinge mechanism.

[0012] In the present application, the first door plate fixing bracket can be rotatably connected to the second housing fixing bracket via a virtual axis. Specifically, the first arc-shaped groove can be arranged at an end of the first door plate fixing bracket facing the second housing fixing bracket, the second arc-shaped rotating block can be arranged on the second housing fixing bracket, the second arc-shaped rotating block is mounted in the first arc-shaped groove, and the second arc-shaped rotating block is slidable along the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove. The first door plate fixing bracket is rotatably connected to the second housing fixing bracket via a virtual axis, thereby ensuring the structural reliability of the first door plate fixing bracket and the second housing fixing bracket, and the sizes of the first door plate fixing bracket and the second housing fixing bracket can be reduced. Thereby, the miniaturized design of the hinge mechanism becomes easy. In addition, the risk that the flexible display is pushed out or pulled during the process of folding the electronic device can be further reduced.

[0013] In the case of an electronic device that can be folded inwardly, when the first door plate fixing bracket is rotatably connected to the second housing fixing bracket via a virtual axis, it can be understood that the axis center around which the second housing fixing bracket rotates with respect to the first door plate fixing bracket is located on the side of the first door plate fixing bracket facing the flexible display.

[0014] In addition, the second arcuate groove may be disposed at an end of the second door plate fixing bracket facing the first housing fixing bracket. The first arcuate rotating block is disposed on the first housing fixing bracket. The first arcuate rotating block is mounted in the second arcuate groove and can slide along the groove surface of the second arcuate groove. Thereby, the second door plate fixing bracket can be rotatably connected to the first housing fixing bracket via a virtual axis. In this way, the structural reliability of the second door plate fixing bracket and the first housing fixing bracket can be ensured, and the sizes of the second door plate fixing bracket and the first housing fixing bracket can be reduced. This facilitates the miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism. In addition, the risk that the flexible display is pushed out or pulled during the process of folding the electronic device can be further reduced.

[0015] In the case of an electronic device that can be folded inwardly, when the second door plate fixing bracket is rotatably connected to the first housing fixing bracket via a virtual axis, it can be understood that the axis center about which the first housing fixing bracket rotates with respect to the second door plate fixing bracket is located on the side of the second door plate fixing bracket facing the flexible display.

[0016] From the above description, it can be seen that the first connecting member can be slidably connected to the main shaft, and the second connecting member can also be slidably connected to the main shaft. Specifically, the main shaft is provided with a first track slot and a second track slot. The first connecting member includes a first slide block, and the first slide block is mounted in the first track slot. The first slide block is slidable relative to the main shaft along the first track slot, restricting the movement trajectory of the first connecting member. The second connecting member includes a second slide block, and the second slide block is mounted in the second track slot. The second slide block is slidable relative to the main shaft along the second track slot, restricting the movement trajectory of the second connecting member.

[0017] In addition, the first connecting member can be rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second connecting member can also be rotatably connected to the main shaft. In a specific implementation form, the main shaft is provided with a first track slot and a second track slot. The first track slot is an arc-shaped slot. The first connecting member includes a first slide block, and the first slide block is an arc-shaped slide block. The first slide block is mounted in the first track slot. The first slide block is rotatable relative to the main shaft along the first track slot, restricting the movement trajectory of the first connecting member. The second track slot is an arc-shaped slot. The second connecting member includes a second slide block, and the second slide block is an arc-shaped slide block. The second slide block is mounted in the second track slot. The second slide block is rotatable relative to the main shaft along the second track slot, restricting the movement trajectory of the second connecting member.

[0018] Regardless of whether the first connecting member and the second connecting member are slidably or rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first connecting member can move within the first track slot according to a specified track, and the second connecting member can move within the second track slot according to a specified track. Therefore, uncontrolled movement of the first connecting member and the second connecting member throughout the folding and unfolding process can be avoided, random movement of the first housing fixing bracket and the second housing fixing bracket is further avoided, and the structural and movement stability of the entire hinge mechanism is ensured. In some cases, the first track slot and the second track slot are appropriately designed, so that the outer tangent of the hinge mechanism can maintain a constant length throughout the folding and unfolding process, and the length of the flexible display covering the surface of the hinge mechanism can basically remain unchanged. In this way, extrusion or pulling of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display and further improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0019] When the first slide block is an arc-shaped slide block, the first connecting member may include two first slide blocks, and the two first slide blocks are respectively arranged at two ends of the first connecting member in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. The two first slide blocks are separately mounted in one first track slot and can implement the rotation of the first connecting member with respect to the main shaft. This can help improve the reliability of the rotational connection between the first connecting member and the main shaft. In addition, in the present application, the specific forms of the two first slide blocks of the first connecting member can be the same or different as long as the axial centers of rotation of the two first slide blocks with respect to the main shaft coincide. Thereby, the rotational stability of the first connecting member centered on the main shaft can be improved.

[0020] When the second slide block is an arc-shaped slide block, the second connecting member includes two second slide blocks, and the two second slide blocks are respectively arranged at two ends of the second connecting member in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. The two second slide blocks are separately mounted in one second track slot, and can implement the rotation of the second connecting member with respect to the main shaft. This can help improve the reliability of the rotational connection between the second connecting member and the main shaft. In addition, in the present application, the specific forms of the two second slide blocks of the second connecting member can be the same or different as long as the axial centers of rotation of the two second slide blocks with respect to the main shaft coincide. Thereby, the rotational stability of the second connecting member centered on the main shaft can be improved.

[0021] In a possible implementation form of the present application, the hinge mechanism includes a plurality of rotation modules, the first door plate is fixed to each first door plate fixing bracket, and the second door plate is fixed to each second door plate fixing bracket. This can help improve the integrity of the bearing surface provided by the hinge mechanism for the flexible display, and facilitate smooth support for the flexible display.

[0022] In a possible implementation form of the present application, the hinge mechanism further includes a synchronization component. The synchronization component has a synchronization gear, and the synchronization gear is located between the first connection member and the second connection member in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. In addition, the first gear surface is disposed at the end of the first connection member facing the synchronization gear, and the second gear surface is disposed at the end of the second connection member facing the synchronization gear. The first gear surface engages with the gear surface of the synchronization gear, and the second gear surface engages with the gear surface of the synchronization gear. In this way, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state, the synchronous reverse movement of the first housing fixing bracket and the second housing fixing bracket can be implemented, which helps to improve the movement stability of the hinge mechanism, effectively reduces the risk of instantaneous extrusion or tensile stress on the flexible display of the electronic device, and can improve the structural reliability of the flexible display. In addition, the synchronization component provided in the present application has a simple structure and occupies a small space within the hinge mechanism. This facilitates the implementation of the miniaturized design of the hinge mechanism.

[0023] In a possible implementation form of the present application, the first connection member includes two first slide blocks. The two first slide blocks are respectively disposed at the two ends of the first connection member in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. The first track slots corresponding to the first slide blocks are disposed on the main shaft. Each first slide block is mounted in the corresponding first track slot, and each first slide block is slidable or rotatable relative to the main shaft along the corresponding first track slot. This can help improve the reliability of the rotational connection between the first connection member and the main shaft. In addition, the first gear surface can be disposed on the first slide block facing the synchronization gear, which helps to improve the integrated design of the hinge mechanism and helps to reduce the size of the hinge mechanism.

[0024] Similarly, the second connecting member includes two second slide blocks, the two second slide blocks are respectively arranged at two ends of the second connecting member in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the second track slots corresponding to the respective second slide blocks are arranged on the main shaft, each second slide block is mounted in the corresponding second track slot, and the second slide block is slidable or rotatable relative to the main shaft along the second track slot. This can help improve the reliability of the rotational connection between the second connecting member and the main shaft. In addition, the second gear surface can be arranged on the second slide block facing the synchronous gear, which helps improve the integrated design of the hinge mechanism and helps reduce the size of the hinge mechanism.

[0025] In a possible implementation form of the present application, the hinge mechanism further includes a damping module, and the damping module has a first swing rod component, a second swing rod component, an elastic component, and a first coupling cam. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the first swing rod component is located between the elastic component and the first coupling cam, and the second swing rod component is located between the elastic component and the first coupling cam. The first swing rod component may include a first swing rod, a second swing rod, and a first guide rod. The first swing rod and the second swing rod are rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the first swing rod and the second swing rod are connected via the first guide rod. The third track slot is arranged on the first housing fixing bracket, the first guide rod is inserted into the third track slot, and the first guide rod is slidable along the third track slot. The second swing rod component may include a third swing rod, a fourth swing rod, and a second guide rod. The third swing rod and the fourth swing rod are rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod are connected via the second guide rod. The fourth track slot is arranged on the second housing fixing bracket, the second guide rod is inserted into the fourth track slot, and the second guide rod is slidable along the fourth track slot. In addition, the first cam surface is arranged on the end surface of the first swing rod facing the first coupling cam, the third cam surface is arranged on the end surface of the third swing rod facing the first coupling cam, and the first coupling cam includes a fifth cam surface arranged towards the first swing rod and a sixth cam surface arranged towards the third swing rod. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the first cam surface is in contact with the fifth cam surface, and the third cam surface is in contact with the sixth cam surface. In this way, when the inclined surfaces of the two mutually contacting cam surfaces come into contact during the process of the first housing fixing bracket and the second housing fixing bracket rotating relative to the hinge mechanism, corresponding damping forces can be generated.Due to the existence of the damping force, the self-unfolding function of the electronic device at the final stage of the unfolded state and the self-folding function of the electronic device at the final stage of the folded state can be implemented. Under the action of the damping force, the user can obtain an obvious sense of reflection in the process of opening and closing the electronic device, and the user experience is improved.

[0026] In addition, the damping module may further have a second coupling cam. The first swing rod component is located between the first coupling cam and the second coupling cam, and the second swing rod component is located between the first coupling cam and the second coupling cam. The second cam surface is disposed on the end surface of the second swing rod facing the second coupling cam, and the fourth cam surface is disposed on the end surface of the fourth swing rod facing the second coupling cam. The second coupling cam includes a seventh cam surface disposed toward the second swing rod and an eighth cam surface disposed toward the fourth swing rod. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the second cam surface is in contact with the seventh cam surface, and the fourth cam surface is in contact with the eighth cam surface. In this way, the hinge mechanism provides a greater damping force, and the hinge mechanism can improve the stability of the electronic device used in the unfolded state, the folded state, or the intermediate state. In addition, the user's tactile sensation in the process of opening and closing the electronic device can be further effectively improved, and the user experience can be improved.

[0027] In order to rotatably connect the damping module to the main shaft, in a possible implementation form of the present application, the main shaft further has a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the first mounting portion is located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod, and the first swing rod and the second swing rod are rotatably connected to the first mounting portion via the first shaft. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the second mounting portion is located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod, and the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod are rotatably connected to the second mounting portion via the second shaft.

[0028] In addition, the damping module further has a plurality of gaskets. At least one gasket is located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the first swing rod and the second swing rod push at least one gasket located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod toward the first mounting portion. In addition, at least one gasket is located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod push at least one gasket located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod toward the second mounting portion. In the process of the first swing rod component and the second swing rod component rotating around the main shaft, relative rotation may occur between the contacting swing rod and the gasket, generating frictional resistance. The frictional resistance is used as a damping force to prevent the first swing rod component and the second swing rod component from rotating relative to the main shaft, and can increase the damping force provided by the damping module.

[0029] In a possible implementation form of the present application, in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the first slot is arranged on at least one side surface of the first mounting portion, and at least one gasket located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod is clamped in the first slot. In the direction in which the first swing rod component rotates relative to the main shaft, at least one gasket located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod is relatively fixed to the first mounting portion. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the second slot is arranged on at least one side surface of the second mounting portion, and at least one gasket located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod is clamped in the second slot. In the direction in which the second swing rod component rotates relative to the main shaft, at least one gasket located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod is relatively fixed to the second mounting portion. In this way, it is possible to prevent the gasket from rotating relative to the main shaft together with the swing rod, thereby generating stable friction between the swing rod and the gasket and improving the stability of the damping force provided by the damping module.

[0030] In the present application, in addition to the above design pattern, in a possible implementation form, the damping module further has a plurality of gaskets, each gasket is covered on the first shaft and the second shaft, and at least a part of at least one gasket is located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the first swing rod and the second swing rod push at least a part of at least one gasket located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod toward the first mounting portion. In addition, at least a part of at least one gasket is located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod push at least a part of at least one gasket located between the third swing rod and the second mounting portion toward the second mounting portion. In this way, the rotation of each gasket with respect to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion can be restricted by using the first shaft and the second shaft arranged in parallel, thereby generating stable friction between the swing rod and the gasket and improving the stability of the damping force provided by the damping module.

[0031] According to a second aspect, the present application further provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display, and a hinge mechanism as in the first aspect. The first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the hinge mechanism. The first housing fixing bracket is fixed to the first housing, and the second housing fixing bracket is fixed to the second housing. The flexible display continuously covers the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge mechanism, and the flexible display is fixed to the first housing and the second housing. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the hinge mechanism, the first housing, and the second housing jointly provide a flat support for the flexible display to ensure that the form of the unfolded electronic device is complete. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the two housings rotate towards each other and drive the flexible display to rotate. Thereby, the deformation of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, and the risk of damage to the flexible display can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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[0054] Reference numerals 1: Hinge mechanism; 1a: Bearing surface; 1b: Third outer surface; 101: Rotation module; 1011: First rotating part; 10111: First support arm; 101111: First avoidance opening; 101112: First guide part; 10112: First door plate fixing bracket; 101121: First protruding part; 101122: First arc-shaped groove; 10113: First connecting member; 101131: First sliding block; 101132: Second bearing alignment surface; 101133: Second avoidance opening; 101134: Third avoidance opening; 101135: First gear surface; 10114: First connecting rod; 10115: First rotating shaft; 10116: Second rotating shaft; 10117: Third rotating shaft; 10118: Fourth rotating shaft; 1012: Second rotating part; 10121: Second support arm; 101211: Second guide part; 10122: Second door plate fixing bracket; 101221: Second arc-shaped groove; 10123: Second connecting member; 101231: Second sliding block; 101232: Third bearing alignment surface; 101233: Second gear surface; 10124: Second connecting rod; 1013: First housing fixing bracket; 10131: First sliding groove; 101311: First slide rail; 10132: First arc-shaped rotating block; 10133: Third track slot; 1014: Second housing fixing bracket; 10141: Second sliding groove; 101411: Second slide rail; 10142: Second arc-shaped rotating block; 10143: Fourth track slot; 102: Main shaft; 1021: First track slot; 1022: First mounting groove; 1023: Second track slot; 1024: Second mounting groove; 1025: First bearing alignment surface; 1026: First mounting part; 10261: First slot; 10262: First mounting hole; 102621: First opening; 1027: Second mounting part; 10271: Second slot; 10272: Second mounting hole; 102721: Second opening; 103: Rotating shaft rear cover; 104: First door plate; 1041: First plate surface; 105: Second door plate; 1051: Second plate surface; 106: Connecting beam; 107: Synchronization component; 1071 Synchronization gear; 108: Damping module; 1081: First swing rod component; 10811: First swing rod; 108111: First cam surface; 10812: Second swing rod; 108121: Second cam surface; 10813: First guide rod; 1082: Second swing rod component; 10821: Third swing rod; 108211: Third cam surface; 10822: Fourth swing rod; 108221: Fourth cam surface; 10823: Second guide rod; 1083: First shaft; 1084: Second shaft; 1085: Gasket; 1086: Elastic component; 1087: First coupling cam; 10871: Fifth cam surface; 10872: Sixth cam surface; 1088: Second coupling cam; 10881: Seventh cam surface; 10882: Eighth cam surface; 1089: First limit part; 10810: Second limit part; 2: First housing; 2a: First support surface; 2b: First outer surface; 201: First accommodation groove; 3: Second housing; 3a: Second support surface; 3b: Second outer surface; 301: Second accommodation groove; and, 4: Flexible display.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0055] To make the object, technical solution, and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms used in the following embodiments of the present application are only intended to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. The singular terms "a", "an", and "the" used in the specification and appended claims of the present application are also intended to include expressions such as "one or more" unless clearly specified otherwise in the context.

[0056] References to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," or the like described in this specification indicate that one or more embodiments of the present application include the specific features, structures, or characteristics described with reference to that embodiment. Accordingly, descriptions such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in some other embodiments," and "in other embodiments" that appear in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Instead, such descriptions mean "one or more, but not all, of the embodiments" unless specifically emphasized otherwise in another manner. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and their variations all mean "including, but not limited to" unless specifically emphasized otherwise in another manner.

[0057] In order to facilitate the understanding of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present application, first, the application scenarios of the hinge mechanism will be described below. The hinge mechanism can be used in foldable electronic devices such as, but not limited to, mobile phones, palmtop computers (personal digital assistants (PDAs (registered trademarks))), notebook computers, or tablet computers. When the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present application is used in an electronic device, please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram of the structure of an electronic device in a deployed state according to one embodiment of the present application. In addition to the hinge mechanism 1, the electronic device may further include two housings and a flexible display (not shown in FIG. 1). For ease of explanation, the two housings may be referred to as the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, respectively. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are located on two opposite sides of the hinge mechanism 1 and can rotate separately around the hinge mechanism 1. When the electronic device is used, the electronic device can be folded and deployed in various usage scenarios.

[0058] FIG. 1 shows the structure of the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface of the first housing 2, and the first surface of the second housing 3. In the unfolded state, the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface of the first housing 2, and the first surface of the second housing 3 can be connected to form a flat support surface. The first surface of the hinge mechanism 1 is the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 facing the flexible display, the first surface of the first housing 2 is the surface of the first housing 2 facing the flexible display, and the first surface of the second housing 3 is the surface of the second housing 3 facing the flexible display. For ease of explanation, in the present application, the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can be defined as the bearing surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface of the first housing 2 can be defined as the first support surface 2a, and the first surface of the second housing 3 can be defined as the second support surface 3a.

[0059] Based on this, the flexible display can continuously cover the bearing surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3. The hinge mechanism 1 is disposed opposite to the foldable portion of the flexible display. In addition, the flexible display can be fixed to the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2 and the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3, and the connection mode can be, but is not limited to, adhesion. In this way, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state as shown in FIG. 1, the hinge mechanism 1, the first housing 2, and the second housing 3 can support the flexible display flatly.

[0060] In the present application, the electronic device can be an electronic device foldable inward. When the electronic device foldable inward is in a folded state, the flexible display is located inside the electronic device. FIG. 2 shows the relative positional relationship between the hinge mechanism 1 and the two housings when the electronic device is in a folded state. FIG. 2 shows the structures of the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the second surface of the first housing 2, and the second surface of the second housing 3. The second surface of the hinge mechanism 1 is the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 that is away from the flexible display, the second surface of the first housing 2 is the surface of the first housing 2 that is away from the flexible display, and the second surface of the second housing 3 is the surface of the second housing 3 that is away from the flexible display. In this case, the first surface and the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1 are arranged opposite to each other, the first surface and the second surface of the first housing 2 are arranged opposite to each other, and the first surface and the second surface of the second housing 3 are arranged opposite to each other. In the present application, the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the second surface of the first housing 2, and the second surface of the second housing 3 can be used as the appearance surfaces of the electronic device. For the sake of easy explanation, the second surface of the first housing 2 can be defined as the first appearance surface 2b, the second surface of the second housing 3 can be defined as the second appearance surface 3b, and the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can be defined as the third appearance surface 1b. It can be understood that the appearance surfaces of the electronic device foldable inward are exposed on the outside of the electronic device when the electronic device is in an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0061] In the present application, in the process where the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate relative to each other from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 1 to the folded state shown in FIG. 2, or from the folded state shown in FIG. 2 to the unfolded state shown in FIG. 1, the flexible display can be bent or flattened together with the first housing 2 and the second housing 3. In addition, it can be understood that the process in which the electronic device changes from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 1 to the folded state shown in FIG. 2, or from the folded state shown in FIG. 2 to the unfolded state shown in FIG. 1, is a process in which the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate about the hinge mechanism 1. As an important functional component of the foldable electronic device, the hinge mechanism 1 can be disposed opposite to the foldable portion of the flexible display. Therefore, the hinge mechanism 1 supports the foldable portion of the flexible display in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 1 and accommodates the foldable portion of the flexible display in the folded state shown in FIG. 2.

[0062] When the hinge mechanism is specifically arranged, in order to implement the rotation function of the hinge mechanism and avoid extrusion or pulling of the flexible display during the process of folding the electronic device, the movable parts of the hinge mechanism generally may include a plurality of interconnected connecting members, whereby the movable parts move along a specified trajectory through mutual pulling movement between the connecting members. However, as the size of the hinge mechanism continuously decreases, when the electronic device is in the folded state, it becomes increasingly difficult for the screen accommodation space formed by the hinge mechanism to meet the bending requirements of the foldable portion of the flexible display, thereby easily causing extrusion of the flexible display. As a result, it is difficult to ensure the structural strength of the flexible display. In addition, the reduction in the size of the hinge mechanism can also easily lead to insufficient structural strength of the movable parts, which may affect the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism.

[0063] The hinge mechanism provided in the present application solves the above-mentioned problems, and by optimizing the design of the rotation module configured to implement the rotation function within the hinge mechanism, while meeting the design requirements for miniaturization of the hinge mechanism, it is intended to improve the structural strength of the hinge mechanism. In addition, the movement trajectory of the rotation module configured to implement the rotation function within the hinge mechanism is appropriately designed, so that when the electronic device is in the folded state, the screen accommodation space formed by the hinge mechanism meets the bending requirements of the foldable part of the flexible display and can avoid the extrusion of the flexible display. Thereby, the structural reliability of the flexible display is improved and the service life of the flexible display is extended. To facilitate the understanding of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present application, hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the specific structure of the hinge mechanism will be described in detail.

[0064] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the electronic device shown in Figure 1. The first accommodation groove 201 can be arranged at the end of the first housing 2 facing the hinge mechanism 1, and the second accommodation groove 301 can be arranged at the end of the second housing 3 facing the hinge mechanism 1. At least a part of the hinge mechanism 1 is accommodated in the first accommodation groove 201 and connected to the first housing 2, and at least a part of the hinge mechanism 1 is accommodated in the second accommodation groove 301 and connected to the second housing 3. In this way, the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 move in a direction facing each other or in opposite directions through the rotation of the hinge mechanism 1. Thereby, the folding function of the electronic device is implemented.

[0065] In the present application, in order to implement the rotation function of the hinge mechanism 1, the hinge mechanism 1 may include a rotation module 101. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application. The number of rotation modules 101 in the hinge mechanism 1 is not limited in the present application. The hinge mechanism 1 may include only one rotation module 101, or may include a plurality of rotation modules 101. The hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 4 includes three rotation modules 101, and the three rotation modules 101 may be arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1. In the present application, the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1 is the extending direction of the axis along which the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 shown in FIG. 1 rotate around the hinge mechanism 1. In the present application, a plurality of rotation modules 101 are arranged in the hinge mechanism 1, whereby it can be understood that the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are rotatably connected via the plurality of rotation modules 101. Thereby, the rotation 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.

[0066] Please further refer to FIG. 4. The hinge mechanism 1 may further include a main shaft 102 and a rotation shaft rear cover 103. The rotation shaft rear cover 103 is located on the side of the main shaft 102 away from the flexible display. In addition, the rotation shaft rear cover 103 is fixed to the main shaft 102, and the connection mode may be welding, screw connection, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The rotation shaft rear cover 103 may be used as an appearance member of the hinge mechanism 1 and can protect each component within the hinge mechanism 1. In addition, it can be understood that the appearance surface of the rotation shaft rear cover 103 can be used as the third appearance surface 1b of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0067] To facilitate understanding of the structure of the rotation module 101, refer to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a partial structure of the hinge mechanism 1 according to an embodiment of the present application for showing a manner of arranging the rotation module 101 within the hinge mechanism 1. In the present application, the rotation module 101 may have a first rotating part 1011 and a second rotating part 1012. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the main shaft 102 may be used as a bearing part for the first rotating part 1011 and the second rotating part 1012.

[0068] In this embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 4, when there are a plurality of rotation modules 101, one main shaft 102 corresponding to each rotation module 101 may be separately provided in the hinge mechanism 1, whereby the first rotating part 1011 and the second rotating part 1012 of each rotation module 101 use the corresponding main shaft 102 as a bearing part, and it should be noted that the rotation modules 101 are arranged more flexibly. In some other possible embodiments of the present application, when there are a plurality of rotation modules 101, the first rotating part 1011 and the second rotating part 1012 of the plurality of rotation modules 101 may use the same main shaft 102 as a bearing part to improve the integration of the hinge mechanism 1, thereby improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0069] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the structure shown in Figure 5. In the present application, the first rotating component 1011 may include a first support arm 10111, a first door plate fixing bracket 10112, and a first connecting member 10113. The first connecting member 10113 is located between the first support arm 10111 and the first door plate fixing bracket 10112. The first connecting member 10113 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10111, and the first connecting member 10113 is rotatably connected to the first door plate fixing bracket 10112. Thereby, the first support arm 10111 and the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 are pulled toward each other via the first connecting member 10113. Based on this, it can be understood that the movement trajectory of the first connecting member 10113 plays an important role in the movement trajectory of the first rotating component 1011.

[0070] In the present application, the first connecting member 10113 can move relative to the main shaft 102. In a specific implementation form, please refer to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram of the correspondence between the first connecting member 10113 and the main shaft 102 according to an embodiment of the present application. The first track slot 1021 is disposed on the main shaft 102. The first connecting member 10113 can move relative to the main shaft 102 along the first track slot 1021, and the movement trajectory of the first connecting member 10113 can be restricted. In the present application, in order to implement the movement of the first connecting member 10113 along the first track slot 1021, the first connecting member 10113 may include a first slide block 101131. The first slide block 101131 can be installed in the first track slot 1021 and can move along the first track slot 1021. In this way, the first track slot 1021 restricts the movement trajectory of the first connecting member 10113. Thereby, in the process of the deployed state and the folded state of the hinge mechanism 1, the position of the first connecting member 10113 is stable and there is virtually no positional fluctuation. Thereby, the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 in the above two states is improved.

[0071] In this application, the form of the first track slot 1021 is not specifically limited. For example, the first track slot 1021 can be an arc-shaped slot as shown in FIG. 7, and the arc-shaped slot can be a circular arc-shaped slot, an elliptical arc-shaped slot, or an arc-shaped slot in another possible form. The first slide block 101131 can be an arc-shaped slide block, and the arc-shaped slide block can be a circular arc-shaped slide block, an elliptical arc-shaped slide block, or an arc-shaped slide block in another possible form. In this case, the first slide block 101131 can rotate relative to the main shaft 102 along the first track slot 1021. Thereby, the rotational connection between the first connecting member 10113 and the main shaft 102 is implemented, and the movement track of the first connecting member 10113 is restricted.

[0072] In some other possible embodiments of this application, alternatively, the first slide block 101131 can slide relative to the main shaft 102 along the first track slot 1021. Thereby, the sliding connection between the first connecting member 10113 and the main shaft 102 is implemented, and the movement track of the first connecting member 10113 is restricted. In a specific implementation form, the first track slot 1021 can alternatively be a straight slot, and the first slide block 101131 can be adaptively arranged as a straight slide block. In this application, in order to improve the smoothness of the slide of the first slide block 101131 along the first track slot 1021, it can be understood that the shape of the first slide block 101131 is consistent with the shape of the first track slot 1021.

[0073] Please further refer to FIG. 7. The main shaft 102 may be further provided with a first mounting groove 1022, and the first connecting member 10113 is mounted in the first mounting groove 1022. In this way, the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 becomes compact, and the miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism 1 can be facilitated. The first track slot 1021 may be disposed on the groove wall of the first mounting groove 1022 that is disposed in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, and the first slide block 101131 may be disposed at the end of the first connecting member 10113 in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0074] Please refer to both FIGS. 5 and 7. The main shaft 102 has a first bearing alignment surface 1025, and the first bearing alignment surface 1025 is disposed facing the flexible display. In addition, the first connecting member 10113 may include a second bearing alignment surface 101132. When the electronic device is in the deployed state, the first bearing alignment surface 1025 and the second bearing alignment surface 101132 may be jointly configured to flatly support the flexible display. This helps to improve the reliability of the support of the flexible display by the hinge mechanism 1 when the electronic device is in the deployed state.

[0075] It should be noted that in a possible embodiment of the present application, the entire first connecting member 10113 may be used as the first slide block 101131. In this case, the first track slot 1021 can be adjusted accordingly, so that the entire first connecting member 10113 can be mounted in the first track slot 1021 and can rotate or slide relative to the main shaft 102 along the first track slot 1021.

[0076] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting member 10113 of the hinge mechanism 1 in a case where the electronic device is in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the present application. The cross-sectional view can be used to show the correspondence between the first slide block 101131 of the first connecting member 10113 and the first track slot 1021. In addition, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting member 10113 of the hinge mechanism 1 in a case where the electronic device is in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. From FIGS. 8 and 9, it can be seen that in the process of the electronic device changing from the deployed state to the folded state, the first slide block 101131 of the first connecting member 10113 can move in the first track slot 1021 in the direction facing the first door plate fixing bracket 10112. In the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the deployed state, the first slide block 101131 of the first connecting member 10113 can move in the first track slot 1021 in the direction facing the first support arm 10111. Therefore, the first connecting member 10113 can move relative to the main shaft 102 along a specified track.

[0077] From FIGS. 8 and 9, it can be seen that in the process of the electronic device changing from the deployed state to the folded state or from the folded state to the deployed state, the first support arm 10111 and the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 are pulled against each other via the first connecting member 10113, whereby the first support arm 10111 and the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 rotate about the main shaft 102.

[0078] In the present application, specifically, for the case where the first support arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the first connection member 10113, please refer to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a partial structure of the hinge mechanism 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The exploded view can be used to show the relative positional relationship among the first support arm 10111, the first connection member 10113, and the first door plate fixing bracket 10112. As shown in FIG. 10, the first rotating part 1011 may further include a first connection rod 10114. The first connection rod 10114 is located between the first support arm 10111 and the first connection member 10113. The first support arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the first connection rod 10114, and the first connection member 10113 is rotatably connected to the first connection rod 10114. The axis along which the first support arm 10111 rotates with respect to the first connection rod 10114 is parallel to, but does not coincide with, the axis along which the first connection member 10113 rotates with respect to the first connection rod 10114. In a specific implementation form, the first connection rod 10114 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10111 via a first rotating shaft 10115, and the axis of the first rotating shaft 10115 extends in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1. In addition, please refer to both FIGS. 6 and 10. A first avoidance opening 101111 may be provided in the first support arm 10111, and at least a part of the first connection rod 10114 may be accommodated in the first avoidance opening 101111, whereby the structure of the first rotating part 1011 can be made compact and helpful for reducing the size of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0079] In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the first support arm 10111 may be rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a second rotating shaft 10116. The axis of the first rotating shaft 10115 is parallel to, but does not coincide with, the axis of the second rotating shaft 10116. Please refer to both FIGS. 8 and 10. The second rotating shaft 10116 is located on the side of the first rotating shaft 10115 away from the flexible display.

[0080] Please further refer to FIG. 10. The first connecting rod 10114 is rotatably connected to the first connecting member 10113 via the third rotating shaft 10117, and the axis of the first rotating shaft 10115 is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis of the third rotating shaft 10117. In addition, the second avoidance opening 101133 can be arranged at the end of the first connecting member 10113 facing the first connecting rod 10114, and at least a part of the first connecting member 10113 can be accommodated in the second avoidance opening 101133, whereby the structure of the first rotating part 1011 becomes compact.

[0081] In the present application, the first connecting member 10113 can be rotatably connected to the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 via the fourth rotating shaft 10118, and the axis of the fourth rotating shaft 10118 is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis of the third rotating shaft 10117. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the third avoidance opening 101134 can be arranged at the end of the first connecting member 10113 facing the first door plate fixing bracket 10112, the first protrusion 101121 can be arranged at the end of the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 facing the first connecting member 10113, and the first protrusion 101121 can be accommodated in the third avoidance opening 101134. In this way, the first protrusion 101121 can be rotatably connected to the first connecting member 10113 via the fourth rotating shaft 10118 to implement the rotational connection between the first connecting member 10113 and the first door plate fixing bracket 10112, whereby the structure of the first rotating part 1011 becomes compact.

[0082] Please further refer to FIG. 10. In the present application, the rotation module 101 may further include a first housing fixing bracket 1013 and a second housing fixing bracket 1014. The first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the main shaft 102. The first rotating component 1011 is located between the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014. The first support arm 10111 is slidably connected to the first housing fixing bracket 1013. In a specific implementation form, please refer to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the first support arm 10111 and the first housing fixing bracket 1013 according to an embodiment of the present application. The first slide groove 10131 is disposed on the first housing fixing bracket 1013, and the first slide groove 10131 extends in the first direction. The first support arm 10111 can be mounted in the first slide groove 10131 and can slide in the first direction within the first slide groove 10131. The first direction may be the direction in which the first housing fixing bracket 1013 moves towards or away from the main shaft 102. In addition, in order to prevent the first support arm 10111 from falling out of the first slide groove 10131, the first slide rail 101311 may be disposed on the groove wall of the first slide groove 10131, and the first guide portion 101112 is disposed on the first support arm 10111. In this way, the first guide portion 101112 can be clamped on the first slide rail 101311, the first guide portion 101112 can slide along the first slide rail 101311, and the position of the first support arm 10111 within the first slide groove 10131 is restricted. In addition, the first slide rail 101311 is disposed on the groove wall of the first slide groove 10131 to provide guidance for the first support arm 10111 to slide along the first slide groove 10131. Thereby, the movement stability of the first support arm 10111 is improved.

[0083] In the present application, the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 can be rotatably connected to the second housing fixing bracket 1014. The first door plate fixing bracket 10112 can be rotatably connected to the second housing fixing bracket 1014 via a virtual axis. In the present application, it should be noted that the virtual axis is the axis center of an arc-shaped structure, and the two rotatably connected components can rotate with respect to the virtual axis. As the two rotatably connected components rotate relative to each other, the position of the virtual axis is fixed. For the case where the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 is rotatably connected to the second housing fixing bracket 1014 via the virtual axis, please refer to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 according to an embodiment of the present application. The first arc-shaped groove 101122 is arranged at the end of the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 facing the second housing fixing bracket 1014, and the second arc-shaped rotating block 10142 is arranged on the second housing fixing bracket 1014. Please refer to FIGS. 8 and 12 together. The second arc-shaped rotating block 10142 is mounted on the first arc-shaped groove 101122, and the second arc-shaped rotating block 10142 is slidable along the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove 101122, whereby the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 rotate relative to each other.

[0084] In a possible embodiment of the present application, it can be understood that the second arc-shaped rotating block 10142 can be further arranged at the end of the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 facing the second housing fixing bracket 1014, and the first arc-shaped groove 101122 is arranged on the second housing fixing bracket 1014. Similarly, the second arc-shaped rotating block 10142 is slidable along the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove 101122 to implement the relative rotation of the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014.

[0085] In the case of an electronic device foldable inward, the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 is rotatably connected to the second housing fixing bracket 1014 via a virtual axis, and it should be noted that the axis center about which the second housing fixing bracket 1014 rotates with respect to the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 is located on the side of the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 facing the flexible display.

[0086] In the present application, the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 can be rotatably connected to the second housing fixing bracket 1014 via a virtual axis and a solid shaft, whereby the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 are securely connected.

[0087] Based on the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the above-described embodiment of the present application, referring to both FIGS. 8 and 9, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 move towards each other. When the first housing fixing bracket 1013 drives the first support arm 10111 to rotate counterclockwise about the main shaft 102, the first support arm 10111 can slide in the first slide groove 10131 of the first housing fixing bracket 1013 in a direction facing the main shaft 102. The first support arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the first connecting member 10113 via the first connecting rod 10114, and the first support arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via the second rotating shaft 10116. Therefore, in the process of the first support arm 10111 rotating counterclockwise about the main shaft 102, the first support arm 10111 can press the first connecting member 10113 to move towards the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 in the first track slot 1021 based on the lever principle by using the first connecting rod 10114. In this way, the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 is pressed to rotate counterclockwise about the main shaft 102. In addition, since the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 is rotatably connected to the second housing fixing bracket 1014, the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 rotates counterclockwise about the main shaft 102 and drives the second housing fixing bracket 1014 to rotate counterclockwise about the main shaft 102.However, in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 move in opposite directions. When the first housing fixing bracket 1013 drives the first support arm 10111 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102, the first support arm 10111 can pull the first connecting member 10113 to move in the first track slot 1021 towards the first support arm 10111 by using the first connecting rod 10114. Therefore, the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 can be driven to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102, whereby the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 drives the second housing fixing bracket 1014 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102. Thereby, the folding function and the unfolding function of the hinge mechanism 1 can be implemented.

[0088] In the case of some existing hinge mechanisms 1, in order to ensure the stability of the mechanism, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the rotating parts connected to the main shaft 102. In this way, both the main shaft 102 and the hinge mechanism 1 become very thick. If the main shaft 102 and the hinge mechanism 1 are forced to be thin, the strength of the rotating parts will easily weaken. In addition, when the electronic device drops, there is a risk that the rotating parts will fall off from the main shaft 102, which will have a great impact on the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1. As a result, the service life of the electronic device is shortened. The hinge mechanism 1 in the present application has a simplified structure. According to the above structural relationship, the cross-section of the first slide block 101131 of the first connecting member 10113 can be made small so that the first slide block 101131 can slide through the first track slot 1021 of the main shaft 102. In addition, the first connecting member 10113 can extend sufficiently in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and since the first connecting member 10113 is separately connected to the first support arm 10111 and the first door plate fixing bracket 10112, the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be ensured. Thereby, not only the thickness of the main shaft 102 and the thickness of the whole machine are reduced, but also the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 is maintained, so that the whole hinge mechanism 1 is lightweight, thin and highly reliable.

[0089] In addition, since the first connection member 10113 can move within the first track slot 1021 according to a specified track, uncontrolled movement of the first connection member 10113 throughout the folding and unfolding process can be avoided, and random movement of the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 is further avoided. Thereby, the structural and movement stability of the entire hinge mechanism 1 is ensured. In some cases, the first track slot 1021 is appropriately designed so that the inner tangent of the hinge mechanism 1 can maintain a constant length throughout the folding and unfolding process, and the length of the flexible display covering the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can basically remain unchanged. In this way, extrusion or tension of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display and further improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0090] Please further refer to FIG. 6. The structure of the second rotating component 1012 is the same as that of the first rotating component 1011. When the second rotating component 1012 is specifically arranged, the second rotating component 1012 is located between the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014. In addition, the second rotating component 1012 may include a second support arm 10121, a second door plate fixing bracket 10122, and a second connecting member 10123. The second connecting member 10123 is located between the second support arm 10121 and the second door plate fixing bracket 10122. The second connecting member 10123 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10121, and the second connecting member 10123 is rotatably connected to the second door plate fixing bracket 10122. In the present application, for the manner in which the second connecting member 10123 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10121 and the second door plate fixing bracket 10122, please refer to the manner in which the first connecting member 10113 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10121 and the second door plate fixing bracket 10122. For example, FIG. 7 may also be used to show the correspondence between the second connecting member 10123 and the main shaft 102 according to an embodiment of the present application. The second track slot 1023 is arranged on the main shaft 102. The second connecting member 10123 is mounted in the second track slot 1023 and can move along the second track slot 1023 relative to the main shaft 102. Thereby, the second track slot 1023 restricts the movement track of the second connecting member 10123. When the second connecting member 10123 is specifically arranged, the second connecting member 10123 may include a second slide block 101231. The second slide block 101231 can be mounted in the second track slot 1023 and can move along the second track slot 1023. In this way, the second track slot 1023 restricts the movement track of the second connecting member 10123, so that in the process of the deployed state and the folded state of the hinge mechanism 1, the position of the second connecting member 10123 is stable and there is virtually no position fluctuation. Thereby, the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 in the above two states is improved.

[0091] In the present application, the form of the second track slot 1023 is not specifically limited. For example, the second track slot 1023 can be an arc-shaped slot shown in FIG. 7, and the arc-shaped slot can be a circular arc-shaped slot, an elliptical arc-shaped slot, or an arc-shaped slot in another possible form. The second slide block 101231 can be an arc-shaped slide block, and the arc-shaped slide block can be a circular arc-shaped slide block, an elliptical arc-shaped slide block, an arc-shaped slide block in another possible form, or the like. In this case, the second slide block 101231 can rotate relative to the main shaft 102 along the second track slot 1023. Thereby, the rotational connection between the second connecting member 10123 and the main shaft 102 is implemented, and the movement track of the second connecting member 10123 is restricted.

[0092] In some other possible embodiments of the present application, the second slide block 101231 can further slide relative to the main shaft 102 along the second track slot 1023. Thereby, the sliding connection between the second connecting member 10123 and the main shaft 102 is implemented, and the movement track of the second connecting member 10123 is restricted. In a specific implementation form, the second track slot 1023 can also be a linear slot, and the second slide block 101231 can be adaptively arranged as a linear slide block. In the present application, in order to improve the smoothness of the slide of the second slide block 101231 along the second track slot 1023, it can be understood that the shape of the second slide block 101231 coincides with the shape of the second track slot 1023.

[0093] Please further refer to FIG. 7. The main shaft 102 may be further provided with a second mounting groove 1024, and the second connecting member 10123 is mounted in the second mounting groove 1024. In this way, the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 becomes compact, and the miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism 1 can be facilitated. The second track slot 1023 may be arranged on the groove wall of the second mounting groove 1024 that is arranged in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, and the second slide block 101231 may be arranged at the end of the second connecting member 10123 in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0094] Please refer to both FIGS. 5 and 7. The second connecting member 10123 may include a third bearing reference surface 101232. When the electronic device is in the deployed state, the first bearing reference surface 1025, the second bearing reference surface 101132, and the third bearing reference surface 101232 may be jointly configured to flatly support the flexible display. This helps to improve the reliability of the support of the flexible display by the hinge mechanism 1 when the electronic device is in the deployed state.

[0095] It should be noted that in a possible embodiment of the present application, the entire second connecting member 10123 may be used as the second slide block 101231. In this case, the second track slot 1023 can be adjusted accordingly, so that the entire second connecting member 10123 can be mounted in the second track slot 1023 and can move relative to the main shaft 102 along the second track slot 1023.

[0096] In the present application, in the process in which the electronic device changes from the deployed state to the folded state or from the folded state to the deployed state, the second support arm 10121 and the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 are pulled toward each other via the second connecting member 10123, whereby the second support arm 10121 and the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 rotate about the main shaft 102. Specifically, with regard to the case where the second support arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the second connecting member 10123, reference may further be made to FIG. 6. The second rotating component 1012 may further include a second connecting rod 10124. The second connecting rod 10124 is located between the second support arm 10121 and the second connecting member 10123. The second support arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod 10124, and the second connecting member 10123 is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod 10124. The axis along which the second support arm 10121 rotates with respect to the second connecting rod 10124 is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis along which the second connecting member 10123 rotates with respect to the second connecting rod 10124. In a specific implementation form, the second connecting rod 10124 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10121 via a fifth rotating shaft, and the axis of the fifth rotating shaft extends in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1. In addition, refer to FIG. 6. A fourth avoidance opening may be provided in the second support arm 10121, and at least a part of the second connecting rod 10124 may be accommodated in the fourth avoidance opening, whereby the structure of the second rotating component 1012 can be made compact, which is helpful for reducing the size of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0097] In addition, the second support arm 10121 may be rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a sixth rotating shaft. The axis of the fifth rotating shaft is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis of the sixth rotating shaft. The sixth rotating shaft is located on the side of the fifth rotating shaft away from the flexible display.

[0098] In the present application, the second connecting rod 10124 is rotatably connected to the second connecting member 10123 via a seventh rotating shaft, and the axis of the seventh rotating shaft is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis of the fifth rotating shaft. In addition, the fifth avoidance opening may be disposed at an end of the second connecting member 10123 facing the second connecting rod 10124, and at least a part of the second connecting member 10123 may be accommodated within the fifth avoidance opening, whereby the structure of the second rotating component 1012 becomes compact.

[0099] In the present application, the second connecting member 10123 may be rotatably connected to the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 via an eighth rotating shaft, and the axis of the eighth rotating shaft is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis of the seventh rotating shaft. In addition, the sixth avoidance opening may be disposed at an end of the second connecting member 10123 facing the second door plate fixing bracket 10122, the second protruding portion may be disposed at an end of the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 facing the second connecting member 10123, and the second protruding portion may be accommodated within the sixth avoidance opening, whereby the second protruding portion may be rotatably connected to the second connecting member 10123 via the eighth rotating shaft, implementing a rotational connection between the second connecting member 10123 and the second door plate fixing bracket 10122. In this way, the structure of the second rotating component 1012 becomes compact.

[0100] In the present application, the second support arm 10121 is slidably connected to the second housing fixing bracket 1014. For a specific implementation form, please refer to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 can also be used to show the correspondence between the second support arm 10121 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014. The second slide groove 10141 is disposed on the second housing fixing bracket 1014, and the second slide groove 10141 extends in the second direction. The second support arm 10121 can be mounted in the second slide groove 10141 and can slide in the second slide groove 10141 in the second direction. The second direction can be the direction in which the second housing fixing bracket 1014 moves towards or away from the main shaft 102. In addition, in order to prevent the second support arm 10121 from falling out of the second slide groove 10141, the second slide rail 101411 can be disposed on the groove wall of the second slide groove 10141, and the second guide portion 101211 is disposed on the second support arm 10121. In this way, the second guide portion 101211 can be clamped on the second slide rail 101411, the second guide portion 101211 can slide along the second slide rail 101411, and the position of the second support arm 10121 in the second slide groove 10141 is restricted. In addition, the second slide rail 101411 is disposed on the groove wall of the second slide groove 10141 to provide guidance for the second support arm 10121 to slide along the second slide groove 10141. Thereby, the movement stability of the second support arm 10121 is improved.

[0101] In addition, the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 can be rotatably connected to the first housing fixing bracket 1013. The second door plate fixing bracket 10122 can be rotatably connected to the first housing fixing bracket 1013 via a virtual axis. For a specific implementation form, please further refer to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 can also be used to show the correspondence between the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 and the first housing fixing bracket 1013. The second arc-shaped groove is arranged at an end of the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 facing the first housing fixing bracket 1013, and the first arc-shaped rotating block 10132 is arranged on the first housing fixing bracket 1013. In this case, the first arc-shaped rotating block 10132 is mounted in the second arc-shaped groove, and the first arc-shaped rotating block 10132 can slide along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove, whereby the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 rotates relative to the first housing fixing bracket 1013.

[0102] In a possible embodiment of the present application, it can be understood that the first arc-shaped rotating block 10132 can be further arranged at an end of the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 facing the first housing fixing bracket 1013, and the second arc-shaped groove 101221 is arranged on the first housing fixing bracket 1013. Similarly, the first arc-shaped rotating block 10132 can slide along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 101221 to implement the relative rotation between the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 and the first housing fixing bracket 1013.

[0103] For an electronic device that can be folded inward, it should be noted that the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 is rotatably connected to the first housing fixing bracket 1013 via a virtual axis, and the axis center around which the first housing fixing bracket 1013 rotates relative to the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 is located on the side of the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 facing the flexible display.

[0104] In the present application, the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 can be rotatably connected to the first housing fixing bracket 1013 via a virtual axis and a solid shaft, whereby the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 and the first housing fixing bracket 1013 are securely connected.

[0105] Based on the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the above-described embodiment of the present application, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 move towards each other. When the second housing fixing bracket 1014 drives the second support arm 10121 to rotate counterclockwise about the main shaft 102, the second support arm 10121 can slide in the second slide groove 10141 of the second housing fixing bracket 1014 in the direction facing the main shaft 102. The second support arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the second connecting member 10123 via the second connecting rod 10124, and the second support arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via the sixth rotating shaft. Therefore, in the process of the second support arm 10121 rotating clockwise about the main shaft 102, the second support arm 10121 can press the second connecting member 10123 to move towards the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 in the second track slot 1023 based on the lever principle by using the second connecting rod 10124. In this way, the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 is pressed to rotate clockwise about the main shaft 102. In addition, since the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 is rotatably connected to the first housing fixing bracket 1013, the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 rotates clockwise about the main shaft 102 and drives the first housing fixing bracket 1013 to rotate clockwise about the main shaft 102.However, in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 move in opposite directions. When the second housing fixing bracket 1014 drives the second support arm 10121 to rotate counterclockwise about the main shaft 102, the second support arm 10121 can pull the second connecting member 10123 to move within the second track slot 1023 toward the second support arm 10121 by using the second connecting rod 10124. Therefore, the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 can be driven to rotate counterclockwise about the main shaft 102, whereby the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 drives the first housing fixing bracket 1013 to rotate counterclockwise about the main shaft 102. Thereby, the folding function and the unfolding function of the hinge mechanism 1 can be implemented.

[0106] In the case of some existing hinge mechanisms 1, in order to ensure the stability of the mechanism, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the rotating parts connected to the main shaft 102. In this way, both the main shaft 102 and the hinge mechanism 1 become very thick. If the main shaft 102 and the hinge mechanism 1 are unreasonably thinned, the strength of the rotating parts will easily weaken. In addition, when the electronic device drops, there is a risk that the rotating parts will fall off from the main shaft 102, which has a great impact on the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1. As a result, the service life of the electronic device is shortened. The hinge mechanism 1 in the present application has a simplified structure. According to the above structural relationship, the cross section of the second slide block 101231 of the second connecting member 10123 can be made small so that the second slide block 101231 can slide through the second track slot 1023 of the main shaft 102. In addition, the second connecting member 10123 can extend sufficiently in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second connecting member 10123 is separately connected to the first support arm and the second support arm, and to the second door plate fixing bracket 10122, so the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be ensured. Thereby, not only the thickness of the main shaft 102 and the thickness of the whole machine are reduced, but also the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 is maintained, so that the whole hinge mechanism 1 is lightweight, thin and highly reliable.

[0107] In addition, since the second connection member 10123 can move within the second track slot 1023 according to a specified track, uncontrolled movement of the second connection member 10123 throughout the folding and unfolding process can be avoided, and random movement of the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 is further avoided. Thereby, the structural and motion stability of the entire hinge mechanism 1 is ensured. In some cases, the second track slot 1023 is appropriately designed, whereby the inner tangent of the hinge mechanism 1 can maintain a constant length throughout the folding and unfolding process, and the length of the flexible display covering the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can basically remain unchanged. In this way, extrusion or tension of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display and further improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0108] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a partial structure of the hinge mechanism 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. To explain the mutual tensile movement relationship between the first rotating part 1011 and the second rotating part 1012, the main shaft 102 is omitted in FIG. 13. In the present application, the first support arm 10111 is slidably connected to the first housing fixing bracket 1013, the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 is rotatably connected to the second housing fixing bracket 1014, and the first support arm 10111 can pull the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 through the first connecting member 10113 to move along a specified track. In addition, the second support arm 10121 is slidably connected to the second housing fixing bracket 1014, the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 is rotatably connected to the first housing fixing bracket 1013, and the second support arm 10121 can pull the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 through the second connecting member 10123 to move along a specified track. In this way, the moving distance of the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 toward or away from the main shaft 102 can be limited. Thus, when the electronic device is in any folded state, the distance between the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the main shaft 102 is equal to the distance between the second housing fixing bracket 1014 and the main shaft 102. In addition, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state, the moving distances of the first housing fixing bracket 1013 relative to the main shaft 102 can be equal, and the moving distances of the second housing fixing bracket 1014 relative to the main shaft 102 can be equal. Therefore, when the hinge mechanism 1 is used in the electronic device shown in FIG. 1, during the implementation of the folding function of the electronic device, the extrusion or pulling of the flexible display can be avoided, so that the service life of the flexible display is extended and the reliability of the electronic device is improved.

[0109] FIG. 14 is another exploded view of the hinge mechanism 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The hinge mechanism 1 further includes a first door plate 104 and a second door plate 105. The first door plate 104 is located on the side of the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 facing the flexible display. The first door plate 104 is fixed to the first door plate fixing bracket 10112, and the first door plate 104 has a first plate surface 1041 disposed facing the flexible display. The second door plate 105 is located on the side of the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 facing the flexible display, the second door plate 105 is fixed to the second door plate fixing bracket 10122, and the second door plate 105 has a second plate surface 1051 disposed facing the flexible display. The manner of connecting the first door plate 104 and the second door plate 105 of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the present application to the corresponding rotating parts is simple. In addition, the motion driving mechanism of the first door plate 104 and the second door plate 105 is a mechanism configured to implement the folding function and the unfolding function of the hinge mechanism 1, and this mechanism improves the integration of the hinge mechanism 1, whereby the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 can be simplified. Thereby, the miniaturized design of the hinge mechanism 1 becomes easy.

[0110] In a possible embodiment of the present application, in order to simplify the structure of the hinge mechanism 1, the first door plate 104 and the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 may be of an integral structure, and the second door plate 105 and the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 may be of an integral structure.

[0111] From the above description of the hinge mechanism 1, it can be seen that when the hinge mechanism 1 includes a plurality of rotation modules 101, the main shaft 102 can be separately arranged for each rotation module 101. In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, two adjacent main shafts 102 can be connected via a connection beam 106, and the specific connection mode can be welding, joining, adhesion, or the like, but is not limited thereto. FIG. 15 is a diagram of the assembled structure of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 14. In the present application, both the first door plate 104 and the second door plate 105 can be arranged as an integral structure. The first door plate 104 is fixed to the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 of the plurality of rotation modules 101, and the second door plate 105 is fixed to the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 of the plurality of rotation modules 101. In this way, when the electronic device is in the deployed state, the first door plate 104, the main shaft 102, and the second door plate 105 are jointly configured to support the flexible display, which helps to improve the integrity of the support surface provided by the hinge mechanism 1 for the flexible display in this state, so that the hinge mechanism 1 supports the flexible display flatly.

[0112] In addition, FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 15 in a case where the electronic device is in a folded state. This cross-sectional view can be used to show cross-sections of the first door plate 104 and the second door plate 105 in this state. As shown in FIG. 16, according to the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the present application, the movement trajectories of the first rotating part 1011 and the second rotating part 1012 are appropriately designed, and each rotating part is rotatably connected to one housing fixing bracket via a fixed axis center, and is slidably connected to another housing fixing bracket. In this way, the screen accommodating space formed by the hinge mechanism 1 when the electronic device is in a folded state can better conform to the bending shape of the foldable part of the flexible display 4. Thereby, extrusion of the flexible display 4 can be avoided, which is helpful for improving the structural reliability of the flexible display 4. In addition, by using the structural design of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the present application, the structural strength of each component of the hinge mechanism 1 can be further increased, which is helpful for improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0113] In the process of deploying and folding an electronic device, it can be understood that the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 move synchronously, thereby effectively reducing the risk of instantaneous extrusion or tensile stress being applied to the flexible display. Based on this, the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiments of the present application may further include a synchronization component 107. For a specific implementation form, please further refer to FIG. 13. The synchronization component 107 has a synchronization gear 1071. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, the synchronization gear 1071 is located between the first connection member 10113 and the second connection member 10123. In addition, the first gear surface 101135 is disposed at an end of the first connection member 10113 facing the synchronization gear 1071, and the second gear surface 101233 is disposed at an end of the second connection member 10123 facing the synchronization gear 1071. In this case, the first gear surface 101135 is transmission-connected to the second gear surface 101233 via the synchronization gear 1071. Thereby, when the first connection member 10113 rotates with respect to the synchronization gear 1071, the second connection member 10123 can be driven to move in the opposite direction and synchronously with respect to the synchronization gear 1071. The quantity of the synchronization gears 1071 is not limited in the present application. For example, the synchronization gear 1071 may be as shown in FIG. 13. In this case, the first gear surface 101135 can engage with the gear surface of the synchronization gear 1071, and the second gear surface 101233 can engage with the gear surface of the synchronization gear 1071.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 13, the first connection member 10113 may include two first slide blocks 101131. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, the two first slide blocks 101131 are respectively arranged at two ends of the first connection member 10113. In this case, the first gear surface 101135 may be arranged on the first slide block 101131 of the first connection member 10113 facing the synchronous gear 1071. In the present application, when the first connection member 10113 includes two first slide blocks 101131, the first track slot 1021 may be arranged on the main shaft 102 corresponding to each first slide block 101131. Thereby, each first slide block 101131 is mounted in the corresponding first track slot 1021, and each first slide block 101131 can slide or rotate relative to the main shaft along the corresponding first track slot 1021. Thereby, the stability of the movement of the first connection member 10113 relative to the main shaft 102 can be improved. When the two first slide blocks 101131 of the first connection member 10113 are arc-shaped slide blocks, the forms of the two first slide blocks 101131 may be the same or different, but it can be understood that the axis centers of the two first slide blocks 101131 rotating relative to the main shaft 102 coincide. For example, the two first slide blocks 101131 are arc-shaped slide blocks. While the radii of the circles where the two first slide blocks 101131 are located are the same or different, the axis centers of the two first slide blocks 101131 rotating relative to the main shaft 102 coincide. Thereby, the rotational stability of the first connection member 10113 relative to the main shaft 102 is improved.

[0115] In the present application, the second connecting member 10123 may include two second slide blocks 101231. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, the two second slide blocks 101231 are respectively arranged at two ends of the second connecting member 10123. In this case, the second gear surface 101233 may be arranged on the second slide block 101231 of the second connecting member 10123 facing the synchronous gear 1071. In the present application, when the second connecting member 10123 includes two second slide blocks 101231, one second track slot 1023 corresponding to each second slide block 101231 may be arranged on the main shaft 102. Thereby, each second slide block 101231 is mounted in the corresponding second track slot 1023, and each second slide block 101231 may slide or rotate relative to the main shaft along the corresponding second track slot 1023. Thereby, the stability of the movement of the second connecting member 10123 relative to the main shaft 102 may be improved. When the two second slide blocks 101231 of the second connecting member 10123 are arc-shaped slide blocks, the forms of the two second slide blocks 101231 may be the same or different, but it can be understood that the axis centers of the two second slide blocks 101231 rotating relative to the main shaft 102 coincide. For example, the two second slide blocks 101231 are arc-shaped slide blocks. While the radii of the circles where the two second slide blocks 101231 are located are the same or different, the axis centers of the two second slide blocks 101231 rotating relative to the main shaft 102 coincide. Thereby, the stability of the movement of the second connecting member 10123 relative to the main shaft 102 is improved.

[0116] In the present application, the first gear surface 101135 of the first connection member 10113 is disposed on one first slide block 101131 of the first connection member 10113, and the second gear surface 101233 of the second connection member 10123 is disposed on one second slide block 101231 of the second connection member 10123, whereby synchronous rotation of the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 can be implemented, the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 becomes compact, and miniaturized design of the hinge mechanism 1 is facilitated.

[0117] Based on the above description of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in this embodiment of the present application, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing fixing bracket 1013 rotates clockwise around the main shaft 102, driving the first support arm 10111 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102. Thereby, the first support arm 10111 presses the first connecting member 10113 to move towards the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 in the first track slot 1021 by using the first connecting rod 10114. In addition, since the first connecting member 10113 is transmission-connected to the second connecting member 10123 via the synchronous gear 1071, the first connecting member 10113 moves towards the first door plate fixing bracket 10112 in the first track slot 1021, driving the second connecting member 10123 to move towards the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 in the second track slot 1023. Thereby, the second door plate fixing bracket 10122 pulls the second connecting member 10123 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102 by using the second connecting rod 10124. Furthermore, the second housing fixing bracket 1014 is driven to rotate synchronously counterclockwise around the main shaft 102. Therefore, the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 can rotate towards each other synchronously. In addition, in the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the moving direction of each structure is opposite to the moving direction in the above-described process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, and the details are not described in this specification. In this way, the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 rotate in opposite directions synchronously.

[0118] According to the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the present application, the folding function and the unfolding function of the hinge mechanism 1 can be implemented by the mutual pulling between the structures connected through rotation. In addition, due to the arrangement of the synchronization component 107, the two housing fixing brackets can rotate synchronously towards each other or in the opposite direction, whereby the rotation of the hinge mechanism 1 becomes highly reliable. In addition, since the structures of both the mechanism for implementing the rotation function of the hinge mechanism 1 and the mechanism for implementing the synchronization function are simple, the overall structure of the hinge mechanism 1 can be effectively simplified. Thereby, the miniaturized design of the hinge mechanism 1 becomes easy, and the cost of the hinge mechanism 1 is reduced.

[0119] FIG. 17 is another exploded view of the structure shown in FIG. 5. The hinge mechanism 1 provided in this embodiment of the present application may further include a damping module 108. The damping module 108 has a first swing rod component 1081 and a second swing rod component 1082. The first swing rod component 1081 and the second swing rod component 1082 are rotatably connected to the main shaft 102, the first swing rod component 1081 and the first housing fixing bracket 1013 are located on the same side of the main shaft 102, and the second swing rod component 1082 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 are located on the same side of the main shaft 102.

[0120] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the attenuation module 108 and the main shaft 102 according to an embodiment of the present application. The main shaft 102 further has a first attachment portion 1026 and a second attachment portion 1027. The first swing rod component 1081 is rotatably connected to the first attachment portion 1026 via the first shaft 1083, and the second swing rod component 1082 is rotatably connected to the second attachment portion 1027 via the second shaft 1084. The first shaft 1083 is parallel to but does not coincide with the second shaft 1084. In a specific implementation form, the first swing rod component 1081 includes a first swing rod 10811 and a second swing rod 10812. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, the first attachment portion 1026 is located between the first swing rod 10811 and the second swing rod 10812, and the first shaft 1083 can penetrate through the first swing rod 10811, the first attachment portion 1026, and the second swing rod 10812 at the same time. Therefore, the first swing rod 10811 and the second swing rod 10812 are rotatably connected to the first attachment portion 1026 via the first shaft 1083. In this way, the first swing rod component 1081 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102.

[0121] Similarly, the second swing rod component 1082 includes a third swing rod 10821 and a fourth swing rod 10822. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, the second attachment portion 1027 is located between the third swing rod 10821 and the fourth swing rod 10822, and the second shaft 1084 can penetrate through the third swing rod 10821, the second attachment portion 1027, and the fourth swing rod 10822 at the same time. Therefore, the third swing rod 10821 and the fourth swing rod 10822 are rotatably connected to the second attachment portion 1027 via the second shaft 1084. In this way, the second swing rod component 1082 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 18, in the present application, the damping module 108 further has a gasket 1085. In this embodiment of the present application, the damping module 108 has a plurality of gaskets 1085, and at least one gasket 1085 is located between the first swing rod 10811 and the second swing rod 10812, and at least one gasket 1085 is located between the third swing rod 10821 and the fourth swing rod 10822. For example, at least one gasket 1085 is located between the first swing rod 10811 and the first attachment portion 1026 and is sleeved on the first shaft 1083, at least one gasket 1085 is located between the second swing rod 10812 and the first attachment portion 1026 and is sleeved on the first shaft 1083, at least one gasket 1085 is located between the third swing rod 10821 and the second attachment portion 1027 and is sleeved on the second shaft 1084, and at least one gasket 1085 is located between the fourth swing rod 10822 and the second attachment portion 1027 and is sleeved on the second shaft 1084.

[0123] The damping module 108 further has an elastic component 1086. The specific arrangement form of the elastic component 1086 is not limited in the present application. For example, the elastic component 1086 includes a plurality of springs, at least one spring is sleeved on the first shaft 1083, and at least one spring is sleeved on the second shaft 1084, which improves the movement reliability of the elastic component 1086 and enables the elastic component 1086 to generate an elastic force in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0124] In this case, in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component 1086, the first swing rod 10811 and the second swing rod 10812 push the gasket 1085 located between the first swing rod 10811 and the second swing rod 10812 toward the first mounting portion 1026, and the third swing rod 10821 and the fourth swing rod 10822 push the gasket 1085 located between the third swing rod 10821 and the fourth swing rod 10822 toward the second mounting portion 1027.

[0125] See further FIG. 18. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, the first slot 10261 is arranged on at least one side surface of the first mounting portion 1026, and at least one gasket 1085 located between the first swing rod 10811 and the second swing rod 10812 is clamped in the first slot 10261. In the direction in which the first swing rod component 1081 rotates with respect to the main shaft 102, the gasket 1085 located between the first swing rod 10811 and the second swing rod 10812 is relatively fixed to the first mounting portion 1026. In this way, in the process of the first swing rod component 1081 rotating around the main shaft 102, the gasket 1085 can be prevented from rotating around the main shaft 102 together with the first swing rod component 1081. In addition, since the first swing rod component 1081 and the gasket 1085 are in extrusion contact under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component 1086, when the first swing rod component 1081 rotates with respect to the main shaft 102, frictional resistance can be generated between the first swing rod component 1081 and the gasket 1085, and the frictional resistance can be used as a damping force to prevent the first swing rod component 1081 from rotating with respect to the main shaft 102.

[0126] In the present application, when at least one gasket 1085 is disposed between the first swing rod 10811 and the first attachment portion 1026 and at least one gasket 1085 is disposed between the second swing rod 10812 and the first attachment portion 1026, it can be understood that the first slot 10261 can be disposed on both the side surface of the first attachment portion 1026 facing the first swing rod 10811 and the side surface of the first attachment portion 1026 facing the second swing rod 10812. In this case, the gaskets 1085 located between the first swing rod 10811 and the second swing rod 10812 can be respectively clamped in the corresponding first slots 10261.

[0127] FIG. 19 is a view of a partial structure of a main shaft according to an embodiment of the present application. The first attachment portion 1026 is provided with a first attachment hole 10262, and the first attachment hole 10262 includes a first opening 102621 which is provided in a direction away from the flexible display. Therefore, when the damping module 108 is assembled with the main shaft 102, the first shaft 1083 can be attached into the first attachment hole 10262 through the first opening 102621. In addition, by clamping the gasket 1085 between the first swing rod 10811 and the second swing rod 10812 in the first slot 10261 of the first attachment portion 1026, the movement of the gasket 1085 in the direction of the first opening 102621 can be restricted. Thereby, not only the assembly process of the damping module 108 and the main shaft 102 is simplified, but also the damping module 108 can be prevented from falling off the main shaft 102, which is helpful for improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0128] Similarly, refer further to FIGS. 18 and 19. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, the second slot 10271 is disposed on at least one side surface of the second attachment portion 1027, and the gasket 1085 located between the third swing rod 10821 and the fourth swing rod 10822 is clamped in the second slot 10271. In the direction in which the second swing rod component 1082 rotates with respect to the main shaft 102, the gasket 1085 located between the third swing rod 10821 and the fourth swing rod 10822 is relatively fixed to the second attachment portion 1027. In this way, in the process of the second swing rod component 1082 rotating around the main shaft 102, the gasket 1085 can be prevented from rotating around the main shaft 102 together with the second swing rod component 1082. In addition, since the second swing rod component 1082 and the gasket 1085 are in extrusion contact under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component 1086, when the second swing rod component 1082 rotates with respect to the main shaft 102, frictional resistance can be generated between the second swing rod component 1082 and the gasket 1085, and the frictional resistance can be used as a damping force to prevent the second swing rod component 1082 from rotating with respect to the main shaft 102.

[0129] In the present application, it can be understood that when at least one gasket 1085 is disposed between the third swing rod 10821 and the second attachment portion 1027, and at least one gasket 1085 is disposed between the fourth swing rod 10822 and the second attachment portion 1027, the second slot 10271 can be disposed on the side surface of the second attachment portion 1027 facing the third swing rod 10821 and the side surface of the second attachment portion 1027 facing the fourth swing rod 10822. In this case, the gasket 1085 located between the third swing rod 10821 and the fourth swing rod 10822 can be separately clamped in the corresponding second slot 10271.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 19, the second attachment portion 1027 is provided with a second attachment hole 10272. The second attachment hole 10272 includes a second opening 102721, and the second opening 102721 is provided in a direction away from the flexible display. Therefore, when the damping module 108 is assembled together with the main shaft 102, the second shaft 1084 can be attached into the second attachment hole 10272 through the second opening 102721. In addition, by clamping the gasket 1085 between the first swing rod 10811 and the second swing rod 10812 in the second slot 10271 of the second attachment portion 1027, the movement of the gasket 1085 in the direction of the second opening 102721 can be restricted. Thereby, not only is the assembly process of the damping module 108 and the main shaft 102 simplified, but also the damping module 108 can be prevented from falling off the main shaft 102, which is helpful for improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0131] In this embodiment of the present application, the specific shape of the gasket 1085 is not limited. For example, the gasket 1085 can be a regular shape such as a polygon or some possible irregular shape as long as the gasket 1085 can be relatively fixed to the corresponding attachment portion in the rotational direction by clamping the gasket 1085 in the corresponding slot.

[0132] Please further refer to FIG. 18. The damping module 108 may further include a first coupling cam 1087, and the first coupling cam 1087 is sleeved on the first shaft 1083 and the second shaft 1084. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, the first swing rod component 1081 is located between the elastic component 1086 and the first coupling cam 1087, and the second swing rod component 1082 is located between the elastic component 1086 and the first coupling cam 1087. The first cam surface 108111 is disposed on the end surface of the first swing rod 10811 facing the first coupling cam 1087, and the third cam surface 108211 is disposed on the end surface of the third swing rod 10821 facing the first coupling cam 1087. In addition, the first coupling cam 1087 includes a fifth cam surface 10871 disposed toward the first swing rod 10811 and a sixth cam surface 10872 disposed toward the third swing rod 10821. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component 1086, the first cam surface 108111 is in contact with the fifth cam surface 10871, and the third cam surface 108211 is in contact with the sixth cam surface 10872.

[0133] In the present application, in the axial direction of each corresponding shaft, the cam surface may include protrusions and recesses, and there is an inclined surface in the process of transitioning from the protrusion to the recess or from the recess to the protrusion. Therefore, in the process of the first swing rod component 1081 and the second swing rod component 1082 rotating around the corresponding rotating shaft, when the inclined surfaces of the two cam surfaces in contact with each other come into contact, corresponding damping forces may be generated. Due to the existence of the damping force, the self-unfolding function of the electronic device in the final stage of the unfolded state and the self-folding function of the electronic device in the final stage of the folded state can be implemented. Under the action of the damping force, the user can obtain an obvious sense of reflection in the process of opening and closing the electronic device, and the user experience is improved.

[0134] It can be understood that the damping force provided by the hinge mechanism 1 can be increased by increasing the number of cam surfaces in the damping module 108 that abut against each other. Based on this, please further refer to FIG. 18. The damping module 108 may further include a second coupling cam 1088, and the second coupling cam 1088 is sleeved on the first shaft 1083 and the second shaft 1084. The second coupling cam 1088 is located between the elastic component 1086 and the first swing rod component 1081, and the second coupling cam 1088 is located between the elastic component 1086 and the second swing rod component 1082. Therefore, the first swing rod component 1081 is located between the first coupling cam 1087 and the second coupling cam 1088, and the second swing rod component 1082 is located between the first coupling cam 1087 and the second coupling cam 1088.

[0135] In addition, the second cam surface 108121 is disposed on the end face of the second swing rod 10812 facing the second coupling cam 1088, and the fourth cam surface 108221 is disposed on the end face of the fourth swing rod 10822 facing the second coupling cam 1088. In addition, the second coupling cam 1088 includes a seventh cam surface 10881 disposed toward the second swing rod 10812 and an eighth cam surface 10882 disposed toward the fourth swing rod 10822. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component 1086, the second cam surface 108121 abuts against the seventh cam surface 10881, and the fourth cam surface 108221 abuts against the eighth cam surface 10882. In this way, the hinge mechanism 1 provides a greater damping force and can improve the stability of the electronic device when the hinge mechanism 1 is used in the deployed state, the folded state, or the intermediate state. In addition, the user's tactile sensation during the process of opening and closing the electronic device can be further effectively improved, and the user experience can be enhanced.

[0136] In the present application, in order for the elastic component 1086 to tightly press the first coupling cam 1087, the first swing rod component 1081, and the second coupling cam 1088, and to be able to tightly press the first coupling cam 1087, the second swing rod component 1082, and the second coupling cam 1088, the damping module 108 may further have a first limit portion 1089. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, the first coupling cam 1087 is located between the first limit portion 1089 and the first swing rod component 1081, and the first coupling cam 1087 is located between the first limit portion 1089 and the second swing rod component 1082. In addition, the end of the first limit portion 1089 may be clamped to the first shaft 1083 by a limit, and the other end of the first limit portion 1089 may be clamped to the second shaft 1084 by a limit. In addition, in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component 1086, the first coupling cam 1087 abuts against the first limit portion 1089 in order to prevent the structures arranged on the first shaft 1083 and the second shaft 1084 from falling off the corresponding shafts. Thereby, the structural reliability of the damping module 108 is improved.

[0137] Please further refer to FIG. 18. The damping module 108 may further have a second limit portion 10810, and the elastic component 1086 may be located between the second coupling cam 1088 and the second limit portion 10810. The end of the second limit portion 10810 may be clamped to the first shaft 1083 by a limit, and the other end of the second limit portion 10810 may be clamped to the second shaft 1084 by a limit. In addition, in the axial direction of the first shaft 1083, the elastic module may abut against the second limit portion 10810 so that the structures arranged on the first shaft 1083 and the second shaft 1084 will not fall off the corresponding shafts, improving the structural reliability of the damping module 108.

[0138] Please further refer to FIG. 17. The third track slot 10133 is further disposed on the first housing fixing bracket 1013. In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, the first swing rod component 1081 is provided with a first guide rod 10813. The first swing rod 10811 is connected to the second swing rod 10812 via the first guide rod 10813. The first guide rod 10813 is inserted into the third track slot 10133, and the first guide rod 10813 can slide along the third track slot 10133.

[0139] Similarly, the fourth track slot 10143 is further disposed on the second housing fixing bracket 1014. The second swing rod component 1082 is provided with a second guide rod 10823. The second guide rod 10823 is inserted into the fourth track slot 10143, and the second guide rod 10823 can slide along the fourth track slot 10143.

[0140] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 in a case where an electronic device is in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the present application. This cross-sectional view can be used to show the relative positions of the first guide rod 10813 in the third track slot 10133 and the relative position of the second guide rod 10823 in the fourth track slot 10143 in this state. In addition, FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 in a case where an electronic device is in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. This cross-sectional view can be used to show the relative positions of the first guide rod 10813 in the third track slot 10133 and the relative position of the second guide rod 10823 in the fourth track slot 10143 in this state. Please refer to both FIGS. 20 and 21. When the electronic device is in the deployed state shown in FIG. 20, the first guide rod 10813 is located at the end of the third track slot 10133 that is farthest from the main shaft 102, and the second guide rod 10823 is located at the end of the fourth track slot 10143 that is farthest from the main shaft 102. In the process of the electronic device changing from the deployed state shown in FIG. 20 to the folded state shown in FIG. 21, the first guide rod 10813 slides in the third track slot 10133 in a direction approaching the main shaft 102 with respect to the first housing fixing bracket 1013, and the second guide rod 10823 slides in the fourth track slot 10143 in a direction approaching the main shaft 102 with respect to the second housing fixing bracket 1014. In the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state shown in FIG. 21 to the deployed state shown in FIG. 20, the first guide rod 10813 slides in the third track slot 10133 in a direction away from the main shaft 102 with respect to the first housing fixing bracket 1013, and the second guide rod 10823 slides in the fourth track slot 10143 in a direction away from the main shaft 102 with respect to the second housing fixing bracket 1014.When the electronic device is in the folded state shown in FIG. 21, the first guide rod 10813 is located at the end of the third track slot 10133 closest to the main shaft 102, and the second guide rod 10823 is located at the end of the fourth track slot 10143 closest to the main shaft 102.

[0141] It should be noted that the forms of the third track slot 10133 and the fourth track slot 10143 are not specifically limited in this application. The third track slot 10133 and the fourth track slot 10143 can be obtained by adapting the movement tracks of the first rotating part 1011 and the second rotating part 1012 in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state. In this way, the folding function and the unfolding function of the hinge mechanism 1 can be implemented. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first door plate 104, the second door plate 105, and the main shaft 102 can provide a flat support surface for the flexible display. And when the electronic device is in the folded state, the first door plate 104, the second door plate 105, and the main shaft 102 can form a screen accommodation space that conforms to the bending shape of the foldable part of the flexible display.

[0142] From the above description of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the present application, it can be seen that the damping module 108 within the hinge mechanism 1 can provide a large damping force, and the damping force can be transmitted to the corresponding side housing fixing bracket via the first swing rod component 1081 and the second swing rod component 1082. When the hinge mechanism 1 is used within an electronic device, the housing fixing bracket can transmit the damping force provided by the damping module 108 to the corresponding housing of the electronic device, whereby the electronic device can stably remain in the deployed state or the folded state, or stably remain in an intermediate state between the deployed state and the folded state. This helps to improve the user experience. In addition, due to the presence of the damping force generated by the cam surfaces that abut against each other within the hinge mechanism 1, the self-deployment function of the electronic device in the final stage of the deployed state and the self-folding function in the final stage of the folded state can be implemented. In addition, under the action of the damping force, the user can obtain an obvious sense of reflection during the process of opening and closing the electronic device, improving the user experience.

[0143] FIG. 22 is a diagram of another structure of the damping module 108 according to an embodiment of the present application. Different from the above-described embodiment, in FIG. 22, each of the plurality of gaskets 1085 of the damping module 108 can be covered on both the first shaft 1083 and the second shaft 1084. In this way, the rotation of each gasket 1085 with respect to the first attachment portion 1026 and the second attachment portion 1027 can be restricted by the first shaft 1083 and the second shaft 1084 arranged in parallel.

[0144] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, it should be noted that at least a part of at least one gasket 1085 is located between the first swing rod 10811 and the second swing rod 10812, and at least a part of at least one gasket 1085 is located between the third swing rod 10821 and the fourth swing rod 10822. For example, at least a part of at least one gasket 1085 is located between the first swing rod 10811 and the first attachment part 1026, at least a part of at least one gasket 1085 is located between the second swing rod 10812 and the first attachment part 1026, at least a part of at least one gasket 1085 is located between the third swing rod 10821 and the second attachment part 1027, and at least a part of at least one gasket 1085 is located between the fourth swing rod 10822 and the second attachment part 1027.

[0145] In addition, in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component 1086, the first swing rod 10811 and the second swing rod 10812 push at least a part of at least one gasket 1085 located between the first swing rod 10811 and the second swing rod 10812 toward the first attachment part 1026, and the third swing rod 10821 and the fourth swing rod 10822 push at least a part of at least one gasket 1085 located between the third swing rod 10821 and the fourth swing rod 10822 toward the second attachment part 1027.

[0146] In the present application, the number of gaskets 1085 located between the first swing rod 10811 and the second swing rod 10812 is not limited, and one or more gaskets 1085 may exist. Similarly, one or more gaskets 1085 may be located between the third swing rod 10821 and the fourth swing rod 10822. For another structure of the damping module 108 shown in FIG. 22 and the manner of connecting the damping module 108 to the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014, refer to the above-described embodiments. Details will not be described again here.

[0147] The hinge mechanism 1 provided in the above-described embodiment of the present application can be used, for example, in the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. The first housing fixing bracket 1013 can be fixed to the housing located on the same side of the main shaft 102, and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 can be fixed to another housing. For example, the first housing fixing bracket 1013 can be configured to be fixed to the first housing 2 of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1, and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 can be configured to be fixed to the second housing 3 of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1. Based on this, it can be understood that the process in which the first housing fixing bracket 1013 and the second housing fixing bracket 1014 rotate in a direction facing each other or in opposite directions is the process in which the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate in a direction facing each other or in opposite directions.

[0148] In addition, the flexible display of the electronic device can be fixed to the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, and the connection mode can be, but is not limited to, adhesion. In a specific implementation form, the flexible display can be adhered to a partial area of the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the flexible display can be adhered to a partial area of the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3. Thereby, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the bearing surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3 can jointly provide a flat support for the flexible display. Therefore, the morphological integrity of the electronic device in the unfolded state can be ensured. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the two housings rotate towards each other and drive the flexible display to rotate. Thereby, the deformation of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, and the risk of damage to the flexible display can be reduced.

[0149] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments of the hinge mechanism 1 as long as the hinge mechanism 1 in the following state can be implemented for implementing the form of the electronic device.

[0150] When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the bearing surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first support surface 2a of the first housing, and the second support surface 3a of the second housing can jointly provide a flat support for the flexible display. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the two housings of the electronic device rotate in the direction facing each other and can drive the flexible display to bend. In the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the two housings of the electronic device rotate in opposite directions and can drive the flexible display to unfold.

[0151] The above description is only a specific implementation form of the present application and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any modifications or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall fall within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall comply with the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A hinge mechanism used in a foldable electronic device, which is disposed opposite to a foldable portion of a flexible display of the electronic device, and the electronic device is deployed or folded by using the hinge mechanism; the hinge mechanism includes a main shaft, a rotation module, a first door plate, and a second door plate; the rotation module has a first rotating component, a second rotating component, a first housing fixing bracket, and a second housing fixing bracket, where the first housing fixing bracket and the second housing fixing bracket are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the main shaft, the first rotating component is located between the first housing fixing bracket and the second housing fixing bracket, and the second rotating component is located between the first housing fixing bracket and the second housing fixing bracket, where the first rotating component includes a first support arm, a first connecting member, and a first door plate fixing bracket; the first support arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first support arm is slidably connected to the first housing fixing bracket, the first door plate fixing bracket is rotatably connected to the second housing fixing bracket, the first connecting member is located between the first support arm and the first door plate fixing bracket, the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first support arm, and the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first door plate fixing bracket; the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the main shaft, or the first connecting member is slidably connected to the main shaft; The second rotating part includes a second support arm, a second connecting member, and a second door plate fixing bracket; the second support arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the second support arm is slidably connected to the second housing fixing bracket, the second door plate fixing bracket is rotatably connected to the first housing fixing bracket, the second connecting member is located between the second support arm and the second door plate fixing bracket, the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second support arm, the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second door plate fixing bracket; the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the main shaft, or the second connecting member is slidably connected to the main shaft; and The first door plate is located on the side of the first door plate fixing bracket facing the flexible display, and the first door plate is fixed to the first door plate fixing bracket; the second door plate is located on the side of the second door plate fixing bracket facing the flexible display, and the second door plate is fixed to the second door plate fixing bracket Hinge mechanism.

2. The first rotating part further includes a first connecting rod, the first connecting rod is located between the first support arm and the first connecting member, the first support arm is rotatably connected to the first connecting rod, the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first connecting rod, the axis along which the first support arm rotates relative to the first connecting rod is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis along which the first connecting member rotates relative to the first connecting rod; and The second rotating component further includes a second connecting rod. The second connecting rod is located between the second support arm and the second connecting member. The second support arm is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod, and the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod. The axis along which the second support arm rotates with respect to the second connecting rod is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis along which the second connecting member rotates with respect to the second connecting rod. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1.

3. The first arc-shaped groove is disposed at an end of the first door plate fixing bracket facing the second housing fixing bracket. The second arc-shaped rotating block is disposed on the second housing fixing bracket. The second arc-shaped rotating block is mounted in the first arc-shaped groove, and the second arc-shaped rotating block is slidable along the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove; and The second arc-shaped groove is disposed at an end of the second door plate fixing bracket facing the first housing fixing bracket. The first arc-shaped rotating block is disposed on the first housing fixing bracket. The first arc-shaped rotating block is mounted in the second arc-shaped groove, and the first arc-shaped rotating block is slidable along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The axis center about which the second housing fixing bracket rotates with respect to the first door plate fixing bracket is located on the side of the first door plate fixing bracket facing the flexible display. The axis center about which the first housing fixing bracket rotates with respect to the second door plate fixing bracket is located on the side of the second door plate fixing bracket facing the flexible display. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3.

5. The main shaft is provided with a first track slot and a second track slot. The first connecting member includes a first slide block. The first slide block is mounted in the first track slot, and the first slide block is slidable along the first track slot with respect to the main shaft to limit the movement track of the first connecting member; and The second connecting member includes a second slide block, the second slide block is mounted in the second track slot, the second slide block is slidable relative to the main shaft along the second track slot, and restricts the movement track of the second connecting member The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4

6. The main shaft is provided with a first track slot and a second track slot, the first track slot is an arc-shaped slot, the first connecting member includes a first slide block, the first slide block is an arc-shaped slide block, the first slide block is mounted in the first track slot, the first slide block is rotatable relative to the main shaft along the first track slot, and restricts the movement track of the first connecting member; and The second track slot is an arc-shaped slot, the second connecting member includes a second slide block, the second slide block is an arc-shaped slide block, the second slide block is mounted in the second track slot, the second slide block is rotatable relative to the main shaft along the second track slot, and restricts the movement track of the second connecting member The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4

7. The first connecting member includes two first slide blocks, the two first slide blocks are respectively arranged at two ends of the first connecting member in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, and the axis centers around which the two first slide blocks rotate relative to the main shaft coincide; and The second connecting member includes two second slide blocks, the two second slide blocks are respectively arranged at two ends of the second connecting member in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, and the axis centers around which the two first slide blocks rotate relative to the main shaft coincide The hinge mechanism according to claim 6

8. The hinge mechanism includes a plurality of rotation modules, the first door plate is fixed to each first door plate fixing bracket, and the second door plate is fixed to each second door plate fixing bracket. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The hinge mechanism further includes a synchronization component, the synchronization component has a synchronization gear, and the synchronization gear is located between the first connection member and the second connection member in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism; and A first gear surface is disposed at an end of the first connection member facing the synchronization gear, a second gear surface is disposed at an end of the second connection member facing the synchronization gear, the first gear surface is engaged with the gear surface of the synchronization gear, and the second gear surface is engaged with the gear surface of the synchronization gear The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The first connection member includes the two first slide blocks, the two first slide blocks are respectively disposed at the two ends of the first connection member in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, a first track slot corresponding to each first slide block is disposed on the main shaft, each first slide block is mounted in the corresponding first track slot, and each first slide block is slidable or rotatable with respect to the main shaft along the corresponding first track slot; the first gear surface is disposed on the first slide block facing the synchronization gear; and The second connection member includes the two second slide blocks, the two second slide blocks are respectively disposed at the two ends of the second connection member in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, a second track slot corresponding to each second slide block is disposed on the main shaft, each second slide block is mounted in the corresponding second track slot, the second slide block is slidable or rotatable with respect to the main shaft along the second track slot; the second gear surface is disposed on the second slide block facing the synchronization gear The hinge mechanism according to claim 9.

11. The hinge mechanism further includes a damping module, and the damping module has a first swing rod component, a second swing rod component, an elastic component, and a first coupling cam; in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the first swing rod component is located between the elastic component and the first coupling cam, and the second swing rod component is located between the elastic component and the first coupling cam; The first swing rod component includes a first swing rod, a second swing rod, and a first guide rod. The first swing rod and the second swing rod are rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the first swing rod and the second swing rod are connected via the first guide rod; a third track slot is disposed on the first housing fixing bracket, the first guide rod is inserted into the third track slot, and the first guide rod is slidable along the third track slot; The second swing rod component includes a third swing rod, a fourth swing rod, and a second guide rod. The third swing rod and the fourth swing rod are rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod are connected via the second guide rod; a fourth track slot is disposed on the second housing fixing bracket, the second guide rod is inserted into the fourth track slot, and the second guide rod is slidable along the fourth track slot; and A first cam surface is disposed on an end surface of the first swing rod facing the first coupling cam, and a third cam surface is disposed on an end surface of the third swing rod facing the first coupling cam. The first coupling cam includes a fifth cam surface disposed toward the first swing rod and a sixth cam surface disposed toward the third swing rod; in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the first cam surface is in contact with the fifth cam surface, and the third cam surface is in contact with the sixth cam surface. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10. Claim 12 The damping module further has a second coupling cam, the first swing rod component is located between the first coupling cam and the second coupling cam, and the second swing rod component is located between the first coupling cam and the second coupling cam; and The second cam surface is disposed on an end surface of the second swing rod facing the second coupling cam, the fourth cam surface is disposed on an end surface of the fourth swing rod facing the second coupling cam, and the second coupling cam includes a seventh cam surface disposed toward the second swing rod and an eighth cam surface disposed toward the fourth swing rod; in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the second cam surface is in contact with the seventh cam surface, and the fourth cam surface is in contact with the eighth cam surface The hinge mechanism according to claim 11.

13. The main shaft further has a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion; in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the first mounting portion is located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod, and the first swing rod and the second swing rod are rotatably connected to the first mounting portion via a first shaft; and In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the second mounting portion is located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod, and the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod are rotatably connected to the second mounting portion via a second shaft The hinge mechanism according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The damping module further has a plurality of gaskets, at least one gasket is located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod; in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the first swing rod and the second swing rod push the at least one gasket located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod toward the first mounting portion; and At least one gasket is located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod; in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod push the at least one gasket located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod toward the second mounting portion. The hinge mechanism according to claim 13.

15. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the first slot is disposed on at least one side surface of the first mounting portion, and the at least one gasket located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod is clamped in the first slot; in the direction in which the first swing rod component rotates with respect to the main shaft, the at least one gasket located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod is relatively fixed to the first mounting portion; and In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the second slot is disposed on at least one side surface of the second mounting portion, and the at least one gasket located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod is clamped in the second slot; in the direction in which the second swing rod component rotates with respect to the main shaft, the at least one gasket located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod is relatively fixed to the second mounting portion The hinge mechanism according to claim 14.

16. The damping module further has a plurality of gaskets, each gasket covers the first shaft and the second shaft, and at least a part of at least one gasket is located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod; in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the first swing rod and the second swing rod push at least a part of the at least one gasket located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod toward the first mounting portion; and At least a part of the at least one gasket is located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod; in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod push at least a part of the at least one gasket located between the third swing rod and the second mounting part towards the second mounting part. The hinge mechanism according to claim 13.

17. An electronic device comprising a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display, and the hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first housing and the second housing are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the hinge mechanism, the first housing fixing bracket is fixed to the first housing, and the second housing fixing bracket is fixed to the second housing; and 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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