Hinge mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310481760.8, entitled "HINGE MECHANISM AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE," filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on April 27, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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

[0003] The gradual maturation of flexible display technology will bring about major changes in the displays of electronic devices, and foldable mobile phones, tablet computers, or wearable electronic devices with flexible displays will be an important trend in the evolution of future intelligent electronic devices.

[0004] A key component of a foldable electronic device is a flexible display, which is characterized by continuity and foldability. A hinge mechanism, as a key component for folding a foldable electronic device, allows the flexible display to be flattened or bent during the unfolding and folding process of the foldable electronic device. Currently, with the improvement of the economy, users are placing higher requirements on foldable electronic devices, and the structural reliability of flexible displays is an important factor affecting user experience. Therefore, how to improve the structural reliability of flexible displays has become a topic of widespread research by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

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

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present application provides a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism may be used in a foldable electronic device, where the hinge mechanism is positioned to correspond to a bendable portion of a flexible display of the electronic device, and the electronic device is unfolded or folded via the hinge mechanism. In a specific configuration, the hinge mechanism may include a main shaft, a synchronizer assembly, a first housing mounting bracket, and a second housing mounting bracket. The synchronizer assembly includes a first gear assembly and a second gear assembly, the first gear assembly including a first gear connecting rod and a third gear connecting rod, the first gear connecting rod including a first gear and a first connecting rod, the first connecting rod being slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket, and the third gear connecting rod including a third gear and a third connecting rod, the third connecting rod being rotatably connected to the first gear connecting rod. the second gear assembly includes a second gear connecting rod and a fourth gear connecting rod, the second gear connecting rod includes a second gear and a second connecting rod, the second connecting rod is slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket, the fourth gear connecting rod includes a fourth gear and a fourth connecting rod, the fourth connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second gear connecting rod. In addition, the main shaft includes a rotation support member, the first gear connecting rod and the second gear connecting rod are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the rotation support member, a first gear surface is arranged on an end of the rotation support member facing the first gear, and a second gear surface is arranged on an end of the rotation support member facing the second gear, the first gear surface meshes with the gear surface of the first gear, the second gear surface meshes with the gear surface of the second gear, and the gear surface of the third gear meshes with the gear surface of the fourth gear.

[0007] According to the hinge mechanism provided in the present application, when the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing mounting bracket rotates clockwise around the main shaft, causing the first connecting rod to slide relative to the first housing mounting bracket toward the base and rotate the first gear connecting rod clockwise around the main shaft. The first gear connecting rod rotates clockwise around the main shaft and rotates the third gear connecting rod along the same direction. In addition, because the third gear connecting rod and the fourth gear connecting rod are meshed with each other via gear surfaces, the third gear connecting rod rotates clockwise and rotates the fourth gear connecting rod counterclockwise synchronously, and the fourth gear connecting rod rotates the second gear connecting rod along the same direction, causing the second connecting rod to slide relative to the second housing mounting bracket and rotate the second housing mounting bracket and the second gear connecting rod along the same direction. In this manner, the first and second housing mounting brackets rotate synchronously toward each other. Additionally, the direction of movement of each structure during the process of the electronic device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state is opposite to the direction of movement of each structure during the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state. Details will not be described here. In this case, the first and second housing mounting brackets rotate synchronously away from each other. In the hinge mechanism provided in the present application, the synchronous rotation of the first and second gear assemblies of the synchronizing assembly is achieved by using two-stage gear surfaces that mesh with each other, thereby achieving high-precision gear transmission. Additionally, by using this structural design, when the first and second gear assemblies are rotatably connected to the main shaft, the main shaft performs less avoidance movement relative to these two gear assemblies. This results in a relatively complete structure of the main shaft, which in turn improves the strength of the main shaft and helps improve the structural and movement reliability of the entire hinge mechanism.

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

[0009] Additionally, the third connecting rod may be rotatably connected to the first gear via a second rotating shaft, the axis of which is parallel to but not coincident with the axis of the second rotating shaft, resulting in a relatively compact structure for the first gear assembly. Similarly, the fourth connecting rod may be rotatably connected to the second gear connecting rod via a fourth rotating shaft, the axis of which is parallel to but not coincident with the axis of the fourth rotating shaft, resulting in a relatively compact structure for the second gear assembly. This helps reduce the size of the hinge mechanism.

[0010] In a possible implementation of the present application, the first housing mounting bracket is provided with a first sliding groove, an opening of the first sliding groove is positioned toward the main shaft, the first connecting rod is attached to the first sliding groove and is slidable within the first sliding groove in a direction toward or away from the main shaft relative to the first housing mounting bracket, thereby realizing a slidable connection between the first gear connecting rod and the first housing mounting bracket via the slidable connection between the first connecting rod and the first housing mounting bracket. In addition, the second housing mounting bracket is provided with a second sliding groove, an opening of the second sliding groove is positioned toward the main shaft, the second connecting rod is attached to the second sliding groove and is slidable within the second sliding groove in a direction toward or away from the main shaft relative to the second housing mounting bracket, thereby realizing a slidable connection between the second gear connecting rod and the second housing mounting bracket via the slidable connection between the second connecting rod and the second housing mounting bracket. In this way, in the process of the electronic device changing from an unfolded state to a folded state or from a folded state to an unfolded state, the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket can rotate synchronously towards or away from each other via the synchronization assembly.

[0011] In a possible implementation of the present application, the hinge mechanism further includes a rotation module, the rotation module including a first rotation assembly and a second rotation assembly, the first rotation assembly being located between the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket, and the second rotation assembly being located between the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket. The first rotation assembly may include a first swing arm, a first support arm, and a first connector, the first swing arm rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first swing arm slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket, the first support arm rotatably connected to the second housing mounting bracket, the first connector being located between the first swing arm and the first support arm, the first connector being rotatably connected to the first swing arm, and the first connector being rotatably connected to the first support arm. In addition, the main shaft may be provided with a first track slot, and the first connector may be movable along the first track slot to limit a movement track of the first connector, thereby limiting a movement track of the first swing arm when pulling the first support arm via the first connector. The second rotating assembly may include a second swing arm, a second support arm, and a second connector, the second swing arm rotatably connected to the main shaft, the second swing arm slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket, the second support arm rotatably connected to the first housing mounting bracket, the second connector located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, the second connector rotatably connected to the second swing arm, and the second connector rotatably connected to the second support arm. In addition, the main shaft may be provided with a second track slot, and the second connector may be movable along the second track slot to limit a movement track of the second connector, thereby limiting a movement track of the second connector, thereby limiting a movement track of the second swing arm when pulling the second support arm via the second connector.

[0012] Based on the hinge mechanism described above in this application, when the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket move toward each other. When the first housing mounting bracket rotates the first swing arm clockwise around the main shaft, the first swing arm may move the first connector toward the first swing arm within the first track slot of the main shaft, causing the first support arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft. When the second housing mounting bracket rotates the second swing arm counterclockwise around the main shaft, the second swing arm may move the second connector toward the second swing arm within the second track slot of the main shaft, causing the second support arm to rotate clockwise around the main shaft. When the electronic device changes from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket move away from each other. When the first housing mounting bracket rotates the first swing arm counterclockwise about the main shaft, the first swing arm may move the first connector within the first track slot of the main shaft toward the first support arm, causing the first support arm to rotate clockwise about the main shaft. When the second housing mounting bracket rotates the second swing arm clockwise about the main shaft, the second swing arm may move the second connector within the second track slot of the main shaft toward the second support arm, causing the second support arm to rotate counterclockwise about the main shaft. In this manner, the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism are achieved.

[0013] Some existing hinge mechanisms require a thick rotating assembly connected to the main shaft to ensure the stability of the mechanism. This method makes both the main shaft and the hinge mechanism very heavy. Forcibly thinning the main shaft and the hinge mechanism tends to weaken the strength of the rotating assembly, thereby significantly affecting the reliability of the hinge mechanism and shortening the lifespan of the electronic device. The hinge mechanism described above in this application has a simplified structure. According to the structural relationship described above, the first connector and the second connector slide within the main shaft to connect the left and right first swing arms, the second swing arms, the first support arms, and the second support arms. Therefore, the first connector and the second connector do not need to be manufactured with a very thick portion to move back and forth within the first track slot and the second track slot of the main shaft. In addition, since the first connector and the second connector are connected to the first swing arm (second swing arm) and the first support arm (second support arm), respectively, the first connector (second connector) has a sufficient extension length along the vertical axis and sufficient strength. This ensures the reliability of the hinge mechanism. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft and the entire electronic device can be reduced while maintaining the reliability of the hinge mechanism, making the entire hinge mechanism light, thin, and reliable.

[0014] In addition, because the first connector can move within the first track slot according to a designated track, and the second connector can move within the second track slot according to a designated track, uncontrolled movement of the first and second connectors can be avoided throughout the folding and unfolding process, random movement of the first and second housing mounting brackets can be further avoided, and the structural and movement stability of the entire hinge mechanism can be ensured. In some cases, the first and second track slots can be appropriately designed so that the circumferential line of the hinge mechanism can maintain a constant length throughout the folding and unfolding process, and the flexible display covering the surface of the hinge mechanism can also maintain an essentially constant length. In this way, compression or tension on the flexible display can be effectively avoided, improving the structural reliability of the flexible display and further improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0015] In a possible implementation of the present application, the main shaft includes a base and a cover, the cover covering the base, the base having a first arc-shaped slot, and the cover including a first protrusion disposed toward the first arc-shaped slot, and a gap between a surface of the first protrusion and a slot surface of the first arc-shaped slot can be used as a first track slot. Additionally, the first connector can include a first arc-shaped surface and a second arc-shaped surface, and when the electronic device is in the unfolded state and the folded state, the first arc-shaped surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and the second arc-shaped surface abuts against the slot surface of the first arc-shaped slot. In this way, the surface of the first protrusion and the slot surface of the first arc-shaped slot restrict the first connector to the first track slot, so that when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state and the folded state, the first connector is relatively stable without shaking due to the gap, improving the reliability of the hinge mechanism in the two states.

[0016] Additionally, the base may further include a third arc-shaped slot, and the cover may further include a third protrusion disposed toward the third arc-shaped slot. A gap between a surface of the third protrusion and a slot surface of the third arc-shaped slot is used as a second track slot, and the second connector includes a third arc-shaped surface and a fourth arc-shaped surface. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state or the folded state, the third arc-shaped surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and the fourth arc-shaped surface abuts against the slot surface of the third arc-shaped slot. In this way, the surface of the third protrusion and the slot surface of the third arc-shaped slot restrict the second connector to the second track slot. Therefore, when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state or the folded state, the second connector is relatively stable without shaking due to the gap, improving the reliability of the hinge mechanism in the two states.

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

[0018] Additionally, when the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third arc-shaped surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and a gap exists between the fourth arc-shaped surface and the slot surface of the third arc-shaped slot. When the electronic device changes from the folded state to the unfolded state, the fourth arc-shaped surface abuts against the slot surface of the third arc-shaped slot, and a gap exists between the third arc-shaped surface and the surface of the third protrusion. Therefore, the movement track of the second connector in the second track slot when the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state is different from the movement track of the second connector in the second track slot when the electronic device changes from the folded state to the unfolded state. This helps to improve the design flexibility of the hinge mechanism.

[0019] In the present application, the movement track of the first connector in the first track slot when the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state may be the same as the movement track of the first connector in the first track slot when the electronic device changes from the folded state to the unfolded state. Specifically, the surface of the first protrusion may be equidistant from the slot surface of the first arcuate slot, in which case the first track slot is an equal-width slot. When the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and the second arcuate surface abuts against the slot surface of the first arcuate slot. This can help improve the movement stability of the first connector in the first track slot. Similarly, the surface of the third protrusion may also be equidistant from the slot surface of the third arcuate slot, in which case the second track slot is an equal-width slot. In addition, when the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state, the third arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and the fourth arcuate surface abuts against the slot surface of the third arcuate slot. In this way, the movement track of the second connector in the second track slot when the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state is the same as the movement track of the second connector in the second track slot when the electronic device changes from the folded state to the unfolded state, thereby improving the movement stability of the second connector in the third track slot.

[0020] In a possible implementation of the present application, the first arcuate surface of the first connector may be a circular arcuate surface, and the second arcuate surface may also be a circular arcuate surface, in which case the sum of the radii of the first arcuate surface and the second arcuate surface may be equal to the distance between the surface of the first protrusion and the slot surface of the first arcuate slot, which may improve the smoothness of movement of the first connector in the first track slot.

[0021] Similarly, the third arcuate surface of the second connector may be a circular arcuate surface, and the fourth arcuate surface may also be a circular arcuate surface, in which case the sum of the radii of the third arcuate surface and the fourth arcuate surface may be equal to the distance between the surface of the third protrusion and the slot surface of the third arcuate slot, which may improve smooth movement of the second connector in the second track slot.

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

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

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

[0025] In order to improve the reliability of the connection between the first swing arm and the main shaft, in the present application, the cover further includes a second protrusion arranged toward the second arc-shaped slot, and at least a portion of the first arc-shaped rotation block is located between the second protrusion and the second arc-shaped slot, thereby restricting the first swing arm to the main shaft via the second protrusion and the second arc-shaped slot, and preventing the first swing arm from falling off the second arc-shaped slot.

[0026] In addition, the cover further includes a fourth protrusion arranged toward the fourth arc-shaped slot, and at least a portion of the second arc-shaped rotating block is located between the fourth protrusion and the fourth arc-shaped slot, thereby restricting the second swing arm to the main shaft via the fourth protrusion and the fourth arc-shaped slot, and preventing the second swing arm from falling out of the fourth arc-shaped slot.

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

[0028] The second connector includes a seventh rotating shaft and an eighth rotating shaft, the second connector is rotatably connected to the second swing arm via the seventh rotating shaft, the second connector is rotatably connected to the second support arm via the eighth rotating shaft, the axis of the seventh rotating shaft is parallel to but not coincident with the axis of the eighth rotating shaft, thereby allowing the second swing arm and the second support arm to perform a pulling motion via the second connector.

[0029] Specifically, when the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the first connector via the fifth rotating shaft, the first arcuate rotating block may be provided with a first mounting slot, with the slot opening of the first mounting slot facing the second arcuate slot. The fifth rotating shaft is mounted in the first mounting slot, with a portion of the surface of the fifth rotating shaft contacting the slot face of the first mounting slot and a portion of the surface of the fifth rotating shaft contacting the slot face of the second arcuate slot. The fifth rotating shaft is mounted in the first mounting slot of the first arcuate rotating block, thereby effectively reducing the size of the first arcuate rotating block and eliminating the need to increase the thickness of the first mounting slot due to the size of the first rotating shaft. This contributes to a compact design of the hinge mechanism.

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

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

[0032] Similarly, the second arc-shaped rotating block is provided with a second mounting slot, the slot opening of the second mounting slot being aligned toward the fourth arc-shaped slot. A seventh rotating shaft is mounted in the second mounting slot, with a portion of the seventh rotating shaft's surface contacting the slot face of the second mounting slot and a portion of the seventh rotating shaft's surface contacting the slot face of the fourth arc-shaped slot. The seventh rotating shaft is mounted in the second mounting slot of the second arc-shaped rotating block, thereby effectively reducing the size of the second arc-shaped rotating block and eliminating the need to increase the thickness of the second mounting slot due to the size of the third rotating shaft. This contributes to a compact design of the hinge mechanism.

[0033] The second mounting slot may include a fifth arcuate surface, the surface of the seventh rotating shaft that contacts the slot surface of the second mounting slot being a sixth arcuate surface, and the center of the fifth arcuate surface coinciding with the center of the sixth arcuate surface. Additionally, the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot may be a seventh arcuate surface, and the surface of the seventh rotating shaft that contacts the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot being an eighth arcuate surface. In this case, the center of the seventh arcuate surface coinciding with the center of the eighth arcuate surface. In this way, when the seventh rotating shaft slides along the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot together with the second arcuate rotating block, the seventh rotating shaft can further rotate relative to the second arcuate rotating block and the fourth arcuate slot to help implement movement of the second connector relative to the main shaft.

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

[0035] In addition, the second connector may include a plurality of second sub-connectors that are rotatably connected in sequence. In addition, the plurality of second sub-connectors may be located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, the second swing arm may be rotatably connected to adjacent second sub-connectors, and the second support arm may be rotatably connected to adjacent second sub-connectors. The second swing arm and the second support arm are connected via the plurality of second sub-connectors. This can effectively improve the speed uniformity in the process of the second swing arm and the second support arm rotating about the main shaft, thereby improving the smoothness of the pulling action of the second swing arm and the second support arm.

[0036] According to a second aspect, the present application further provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display, and the hinge mechanism of the first aspect. The first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the hinge mechanism, with a first housing mounting bracket fixed to the first housing and a second housing mounting bracket fixed to the second housing. The flexible display continuously covers the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge mechanism, and is fixed to the first and second housings. When the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the hinge mechanism, the first housing, and the second housing collectively support the flexible display flatly, thereby ensuring the integrity of the electronic device in the unfolded state. When the electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the two housings synchronously rotate toward each other to rotate the flexible display, and when the electronic device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the two housings synchronously rotate away from each other to rotate the flexible display. This can effectively prevent deformation of the flexible display and reduce the risk of damage to the flexible display. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram of a structure of an electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2a] 1 is a diagram of a structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2b] FIG. 10 is a diagram of another structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram of a structure of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 3 taken along line AA. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 5 when the electronic device is in a folded state. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 3 taken along the line BB. [Figure 8] 8 is a diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 7 when the electronic device is in a folded state. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first connector of a hinge mechanism when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a main shaft structure according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram of the structure of the base of the main shaft shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram of the structure of the cover of the main shaft shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first connector of a hinge mechanism when the electronic device is in a folded state, according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram of a structure of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram of an assembly structure of a first connector and a main shaft according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 3 taken along line CC. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first swing arm of the hinge mechanism when the electronic device is in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a structure of a first rotating assembly according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 19] 1 is a diagram of a first swing arm structure according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a principle diagram of a movement mechanism of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 21] 1 is a diagram of a partial structure of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a structure of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Reference Number: 1: hinge mechanism, 1a: seat, 1b: third exterior surface, 101: main shaft, 1011: base, 10111: rotation support member, 101111: first gear surface, 101112: second gear surface, 10112: first arc-shaped slot, 101121: slot surface of the first arc-shaped slot, 10113: second arc-shaped slot, 101131: third arc-shaped surface, 10114: third arc-shaped slot, 101141: slot surface of the third arc-shaped slot, 10115: fourth arc-shaped slot, 101151: seventh arc-shaped surface, 1012: cover, 10121: first protrusion, 101211: surface of first protrusion, 10122: second protrusion, 101221: surface of second protrusion, 10123: first insertion portion, 10124: third protrusion, 101241: surface of third protrusion, 10125: fourth protrusion, 101251: surface of fourth protrusion, 1013: first track slot, 1014: second track slot, 102: Synchronization assembly, 1021: First gear assembly, 10211: First gear connecting rod, 102111: First gear, 102112: 1st connecting rod, 10212: 3rd gear connecting rod, 102121: 3rd gear, 102122: 3rd connecting rod, 10213: First rotating shaft, 10214: Second rotating shaft, 1022: Second gear assembly, 10221: Second gear connecting rod, 102211: Second gear, 102212: Second connecting rod, 10222: 4th gear connecting rod, 102221: 4th gear, 102222: 4th connecting rod, 10223: 3rd rotating shaft, 10224: 4th rotating shaft, 103: First housing mounting bracket, 1031: First sliding groove, 1032: First mounting portion, 1033: Third sliding groove, 104: second housing mounting bracket, 1041: second sliding groove, 1042: second mounting portion, 1043: fourth sliding groove, 105: Rotation module, 1051: First rotation assembly, 10511: First swing arm, 105111: First arc-shaped rotation block, 1051111: first recess, 1051112: first mounting slot, 10511121: first arc surface, 10512: first support arm, 10513: first connector, 105131: fifth rotating shaft, 1051311: second arc surface, 1051312: fourth arc surface, 105132: sixth rotating shaft; 105133: first arcuate surface; 105134: second arcuate surface; 1052: second rotating assembly, 10521: second swing arm, 105211: second arcuate rotating block, 1052111: second recess, 1052112: second mounting slot, 10521121: fifth arc surface, 10522: second support arm, 10523: second connector, 105231: 7th rotating shaft, 1052311: 6th arc surface, 1052312: 8th arc surface, 105232: 8th rotating shaft, 105233: 3rd arcuate surface, 105234: 4th arcuate surface, 2: first housing, 2a: first support surface, 2b: first exterior surface, 3: Second housing, 3a: Second support surface, 3b: Second exterior surface, 4: Flexible display, 5: Display accommodating space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0040] References to "an embodiment," "some embodiments," etc. described herein indicate that one or more embodiments of the present application include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic described with reference to the embodiment. Thus, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in some other embodiments," and "in other embodiments" appearing in different places throughout this specification are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment. Instead, these phrases mean "one or more, but not all, of the embodiments," unless specifically emphasized otherwise. The terms "include," "have," and variations thereof all mean "including, but not limited to," unless specifically emphasized otherwise.

[0041] To facilitate understanding of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present application, the following first describes application scenarios of the hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism may be used in foldable electronic devices, such as, but not limited to, mobile phones, palmtop computers (personal digital assistants, PDAs), notebook computers, or tablet computers. In the present application, the electronic device may be a folding electronic device or a folding electronic device. In the process of changing the folding electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, the flexible display is always located on the outside of the electronic device. When the folding electronic device is in the folded state, the flexible display is located on the inside of the electronic device. In the embodiments of the present application, the application of the hinge mechanism in electronic devices is described using a folding electronic device as an example. FIG. 1 is a diagram of the structure of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present application. The electronic device may further include, in addition to the hinge mechanism 1, two housings and a flexible display. For ease of description, the two housings may be referred to as a first housing 2 and a second housing 3, respectively. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are located on either side of the hinge mechanism 1 and can rotate around the hinge mechanism 1. When the electronic device is used, the electronic device can be folded or unfolded in different usage scenarios.

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

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

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

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

[0046] The hinge mechanism 1, as an important functional component of a foldable electronic device, can be positioned corresponding to the foldable portion of the flexible display. In the process of the first and second housings 2 and 3 of the electronic device rotating around the hinge mechanism 1, if the forces applied to the flexible display by the first and second housings 2 and 3 are not synchronized, the stress on the flexible display is likely to be uneven, which may result in the flexible display being compressed or stretched, or even damaged.

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

[0048] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a structure of a hinge mechanism 1 according to one embodiment of the present application. In the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may include a main shaft 101 and a synchronizing assembly 102. In the present application, the number of synchronizing assemblies 102 in the hinge mechanism 1 is not limited. The hinge mechanism 1 may include only one synchronizing assembly 102, or may include multiple synchronizing assemblies 102. When the hinge mechanism 1 includes multiple synchronizing assemblies 102, the multiple synchronizing assemblies 102 may be spaced apart along the length of the hinge mechanism 1. In the present application, the length of the hinge mechanism 1 is the extension direction of the axis about which the first housing and the second housing rotate around the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 2b.

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

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

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

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

[0053] FIG. 7 is a B-B cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 3 and can be used to illustrate the transmission connection relationship between the third gear connecting rod 10212 and the fourth gear connecting rod 10222. The third gear connecting rod 10212 includes a third gear 102121 and a third connecting rod 102122, and the third gear 102121 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 101. Please refer to FIGS. 4 and 7 together. The third gear 102121 can be rotatably connected to the rotation support member 10111 via a first rotation shaft 10213, and the first rotation shaft 10213 can simultaneously pass through both the third gear 102121 and the rotation support member 10111. In addition, the third connecting rod 102122 can be rotatably connected to the first gear connecting rod 10211. In certain implementations, the third connecting rod 102122 can be rotatably connected to the first gear 102111 via a second rotating shaft 10214, which can simultaneously pass through both the third connecting rod 102122 and the first gear 102111. It can be understood that the axis of the second rotating shaft 10214 coincides with the axis of the first gear 102111, and the axis of the first rotating shaft 10213 is parallel to but not coincident with the axis of the second rotating shaft 10214.

[0054] Please continue to refer to FIG. 4 . In the present application, the first gear connecting rod 10211 may include two first gears 102111, which are spaced apart along the length of the hinge mechanism 1. A rotational support member 10111 may be disposed on the main shaft 101 corresponding to each first gear 102111, such that each first gear 102111 is rotatably connected to the corresponding rotational support member 10111 via meshing gear surfaces. This helps improve the stability of the rotation of the first gear connecting rod 10211 about the main shaft 101 and improves the stability of the rotatable connection between the first gear assembly 1021 and the main shaft 101. In addition, the third gear connecting rod 10212 may be disposed between the two first gears 102111, which makes the structure of the first gear assembly 1021 relatively compact and contributes to a compact design of the hinge mechanism 1.

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

[0056] Please continue to refer to FIG. 4 . In the present application, the second gear connecting rod 10221 may include two second gears 102211, which are spaced apart along the length of the hinge mechanism 1. A rotational support member 10111 may be disposed on the main shaft 101 corresponding to each second gear 102211, such that each second gear 102211 is rotatably connected to the corresponding rotational support member 10111 via meshing gear surfaces. This helps improve the stability of the rotation of the second gear connecting rod 10221 around the main shaft 101 and improves the stability of the rotatable connection between the second gear assembly 1022 and the main shaft 101. In addition, the fourth gear connecting rod 10222 may be disposed between the two second gears 102211, which makes the structure of the second gear assembly 1022 relatively compact and contributes to a compact design of the hinge mechanism 1.

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

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

[0059] In the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the synchronous rotation of the first gear assembly 1021 and the second gear assembly 1022 of the synchronizer assembly 102 is implemented by using two-stage gear surfaces that mesh with each other, thereby achieving high-precision gear transmission. In addition, by using this structural design, when the first gear assembly 1021 and the second gear assembly 1022 are rotatably connected to the main shaft 101, the main shaft 101 performs less avoidance movement relative to these two gear assemblies, which makes the structure of the main shaft 101 more complete and the strength of the main shaft 101 more favorable, helping to improve the structural reliability of the entire hinge mechanism 1.

[0060] Please continue to refer to Figures 4 and 5. In the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may further include a first housing mounting bracket 103 and a second housing mounting bracket 104. The first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the main shaft 101, and the synchronization assembly 102 is located between the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104. The first gear connecting rod 10211 and the first housing mounting bracket 103 are located on the same side of the main shaft 101, and the first connecting rod 102112 of the first gear connecting rod 10211 is slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket 103. In a specific implementation, the first housing mounting bracket 103 is provided with a first sliding groove 1031, and the first sliding groove 1031 has an opening arranged toward the main shaft 101. A first connecting rod 102112 may be attached to the first sliding groove 1031. When the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first connecting rod 102112 may slide within the first sliding groove 1031 toward or away from the main shaft 101 relative to the first housing mounting bracket 103, thereby realizing a slidable connection between the first gear connecting rod 10211 and the first housing mounting bracket 103 via the slidable connection between the first connecting rod 102112 and the first housing mounting bracket 103. The present application does not limit the specific arrangement of the first sliding groove 1031. For example, the first sliding groove 1031 may be a straight sliding groove. In this case, the first connecting rod 102112 may be provided with a straight sliding block structure, which effectively simplifies the connection structure between the first connecting rod 102112 and the first housing mounting bracket 103 and improves the smoothness of sliding of the first connecting rod 102112 relative to the first housing mounting bracket 103.

[0061] In addition, the second gear connecting rod 10221 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 are located on the same side of the main shaft 101, and the second connecting rod 102212 of the second gear connecting rod 10221 is slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket 104. In a specific implementation, the second housing mounting bracket 104 is provided with a second sliding groove 1041, to which the second connecting rod 102212 can be attached, and the second connecting rod 102212 can slide within the second sliding groove 1041 in a direction toward or away from the base 1011 relative to the second housing mounting bracket 104 during the process of changing the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state. The present application does not limit the specific arrangement of the second sliding groove 1041. For example, the second slide groove 1041 may be a straight slide groove. connecting rod A straight sliding block structure may be provided on the second connecting rod 102212, which effectively simplifies the connection structure between the second connecting rod 102212 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 and improves the smooth sliding of the second connecting rod 102212 relative to the second housing mounting bracket 104.

[0062] In the rotation mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing mounting bracket 103 rotates clockwise relative to the main shaft 101, causing the first gear connecting rod 10211 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 101, and the first gear connecting rod 10211 rotates the third gear connecting rod 10212 along the same direction. In addition, because the third gear connecting rod 10212 and the fourth gear connecting rod 10222 are meshed with each other via gears, the third gear connecting rod 10212 rotates clockwise, causing the fourth gear connecting rod 10222 to rotate counterclockwise synchronously, and the fourth gear connecting rod 10222 can rotate the second gear connecting rod 10221 in the same direction, causing the second gear connecting rod 10221 to slide relative to the second housing mounting bracket 104 and rotate the second housing mounting bracket 104 counterclockwise in the same direction. In this way, the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 rotate synchronously toward each other. In addition, in the process of changing the electronic device from the folded state to the unfolded state, the movement direction of each structure is opposite to the movement direction of each structure in the process of changing the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state. Details will not be described here. In this case, first housing mounting bracket 103 and second housing mounting bracket 104 move in synchronization in directions away from each other.

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

[0064] In addition, the flexible display of the electronic device may be fixed to the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, and the connection method may be, but is not limited to, bonding. In a specific implementation, the flexible display may be bonded to a portion of the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the flexible display may be bonded to a portion of the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3. In this way, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the support 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 collectively support the flexible display flatly. This ensures the integrity of the electronic device in the unfolded state. During the process of changing the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, the synchronous rotation of the two housings can drive the synchronous rotation of the portion of the flexible display fixed to the two housings, thereby applying a relatively uniform stress to the flexible display, effectively avoiding deformation of the flexible display and reducing the risk of damage to the flexible display.

[0065] In the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may further include a rotation module 105 to implement the rotation function of the hinge mechanism 1. In the present application, the number of rotation modules 105 in the hinge mechanism 1 is not limited. The hinge mechanism 1 may include only one rotation module 105 or multiple rotation modules 105. Please continue to refer to FIG. 3 . When the hinge mechanism 1 includes multiple rotation modules 105, the multiple rotation modules 105 may be spaced apart along the length of the hinge mechanism 1.

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

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

[0068] Continuing to refer to FIG. 4, the first rotating assembly 1051 may include a first swing arm 10511, a first support arm 10512, and a first connector 10513. The first connector 10513 is located between the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512, and the first connector 10513 is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 10511, and the first connector 10513 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10512, such that the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512 perform a pulling motion via the first connector 10513. In view of this, it can be understood that the movement track of the first connector 10513 plays an important role in the movement track of the first rotating assembly 1051.

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

[0070] FIG. 10 is a diagram of the structure of the main shaft 101 according to one embodiment of the present application. The main shaft 101 may further include a cover 1012. The cover 1012 covers the base 1011, and the outer surface of the cover 1012 may be used as the third exterior surface 1b of the hinge mechanism 1. FIG. 11 is a diagram of the structure of the base 1011 of the main shaft 101 shown in FIG. 10. The base 1011 may be provided with a first arc-shaped slot 10112. Please refer to FIGS. 9 and 11 together. The first connector 10513 is accommodated in the first arc-shaped slot 10112, and the first connector 10513 can slide along the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot. Additionally, please refer to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram of the structure of the cover 1012 of the main shaft 101 shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is used to show the structure of the side of the cover 1012 facing the base 1011. The cover 1012 includes a first protrusion 10121. As shown in FIG. 9 , the first protrusion 10121 may be disposed toward the first arc-shaped slot 10112. A gap exists between the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot, and this gap is used as the first track slot 1013.

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

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

[0073] 14 is a diagram of the structure of the first connector 10513 according to one embodiment of the present application. In the present application, the first connector 10513 may include a first arcuate surface 105133 and a second arcuate surface 105134. To facilitate rotation of the first connector 10513 relative to the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arcuate slot, the first arcuate surface 105133 and the second arcuate surface 105134 may be arcuate surfaces, and the center of the first arcuate surface 105133 coincides with the center of the second arcuate surface 105134. The radii of the first arcuate surface 105133 and the second arcuate surface 105134 may or may not be equal, which is not a limitation in the present application. In addition, taking into account design tolerances, the first arcuate surface 105133 and the second arcuate surface 105134 may be arcuate surfaces of other possible forms, such as elliptical arcuate surfaces, as long as the first connector 10513 can rotate relative to the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arcuate slot.

[0074] 9 and 13. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 9 and the folded state shown in FIG. 13, the first arcuate surface 105133 of the first connector 10513 may abut against the surface 101211 of the first protrusion, and the second arcuate surface 105134 abuts against the slot surface 101121 of the first arcuate slot. In this manner, the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arcuate slot restrict the first connector 10513 to the first track slot 1013, so that when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the unfolded state and the folded state, the first connector 10513 is relatively stable without any shaking due to a gap, improving the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 in the two states.

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

[0076] The present application does not limit the specific arrangement of the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot. For example, the surface 101211 of the first protrusion may be an arcuate surface, and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot may be an arcuate surface. In addition, the center of the surface 101211 of the first protrusion coincides with the center of the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot. In some other possible embodiments of the present application, the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot may both be configured as flat surfaces so that the first track slot 1013 is a straight slot. Alternatively, the surface 101211 of the first protrusion and the slot surface 101121 of the first arc-shaped slot may both be curved surfaces of other shapes so that the first track slot 1013 is a curved slot of any shape, which should be understood to fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

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

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

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

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

[0081] Note that in this application, the virtual shaft is the axial center of the arc-shaped structure. Two rotatably connected components can rotate relative to the virtual shaft, and the position of the virtual shaft is fixed when the two rotatably connected components rotate relative to each other. For example, FIG. 16 is a CC cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 3. A first arc-shaped rotation block 105111 may be disposed at the end of the first swing arm 10511 facing the base 1011. In addition, see FIG. 11. A second arc-shaped slot 10113 may be provided in the base 1011. The first arc-shaped rotation block 105111 may be received in the second arc-shaped slot 10113, and the first arc-shaped rotation block 105111 may slide along the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10113. In this way, rotation of the first swing arm 10511 around the main shaft 101 is achieved by the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 sliding along the arc-shaped surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10113. Additionally, in the present application, the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped rotating block, and the second arc-shaped slot 10113 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped slot. When the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 is a circular arc-shaped rotating block, the surface of the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 that contacts the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10113 may be an arc-shaped surface, and the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10113 is also an arc-shaped surface, and it can be understood that the centers of these two arc-shaped surfaces coincide with each other.

[0082] 12 and 16 together. The cover 1012 may include a second protrusion 10122 disposed toward the second arc-shaped slot 10113, and at least a portion of the first arc-shaped rotation block 105111 may be located between the second protrusion 10122 and the second arc-shaped slot 10113, such that the first arc-shaped rotation block 105111 may contact the surface 101221 of the second protrusion. In this manner, the first arc-shaped rotation block 105111 may be constrained between the cover 1012 and the base 1011, effectively improving the rotational stability of the first arc-shaped rotation block 105111 relative to the base 1011.

[0083] It should be noted that when the slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot 10113 is an arc-shaped surface, the portion of the surface 101221 of the second protrusion that contacts the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 may also be an arc-shaped surface, and the centers of these two arc-shaped surfaces are coincident with each other. In addition, the surface of the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 that faces the second protrusion 10122 may be a plane or an arc-shaped surface, as long as the first arc-shaped rotating block 105111 can rotate relative to the second protrusion 10122.

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

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

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

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

[0088] 19 is a diagram of a structure of a first swing arm 10511 according to one embodiment of the present application. A first mounting slot 1051112 is provided in a first arcuate rotation block 105111 of the first swing arm 10511. A slot opening of the first mounting slot 1051112 is disposed toward the second arcuate slot 10113, and a fifth rotation shaft 105131 can be mounted in the first mounting slot 1051112. A portion of the surface of the fifth rotation shaft 105131 can contact the slot surface of the first mounting slot 1051112, and a portion of the surface of the fifth rotation shaft 105131 contacts the slot surface of the second arcuate slot 10113, restricting the fifth rotation shaft 105131 to the first mounting slot 1051112.

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

[0090] 18 , when the first connector 10513 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10512, the sixth rotating shaft 105132 can pass through both the first connector 10513 and the first support arm 10512. In this case, the connection method between the first connector 10513 and the first support arm 10512 is relatively simple, which helps simplify the structure of the first rotating assembly 1051, and can therefore simplify the structure of the hinge mechanism 1. It should be noted that when both the first arcuate surface 105133 and the second arcuate surface 105134 are arcuate surfaces, the center of the first arcuate surface 105133, the center of the second arcuate surface 105134, and the axial center of the sixth rotating shaft 105132 coincide with one another.

[0091] It can be understood that in the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the first connector 10513 can include a plurality of first sub-connectors that are rotatably connected in sequence. In addition, the plurality of first sub-connectors can be located between the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512, and the first swing arm 10511 can be rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first swing arm 10511, and the first support arm 10512 can be rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first support arm 10512. For the manner in which the first swing arm 10511 is rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first swing arm 10511 and the manner in which the first support arm 10512 is rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first support arm 10512, please refer to the above description of the rotatable connection of the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512 to the first connector 10513. Details will not be described again here. In the present application, the first connector 10513 is configured as a plurality of first sub-connectors that are sequentially rotatably connected, and therefore the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512 are connected via the plurality of first sub-connectors. This can effectively improve the speed uniformity in the process of the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512 rotating around the main shaft 101, thereby improving the smoothness of the pulling action of the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512.

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

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

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

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

[0096] Some existing hinge mechanisms require thickening the rotating assembly connected to the main shaft to ensure the stability of the mechanism. This method makes both the main shaft and the hinge mechanism very heavy. Forcibly thinning the main shaft and the hinge mechanism can easily weaken the strength of the rotating assembly, thereby significantly affecting the reliability of the hinge mechanism and shortening the lifespan of the electronic device. The hinge mechanism 1 in the present application has a simplified structure. According to the aforementioned structural relationship, the first connector 10513 can be manufactured with a relatively small cross-section to move back and forth within the first track slot 1013 of the main shaft 101. In addition, the first connector 10513 has a sufficient extension length along the vertical axis and has separate connection relationships with the first swing arm 10511 and the first support arm 10512, thereby ensuring the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft 101 and the entire electronic device can be reduced while maintaining the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1, making the entire hinge mechanism 1 lighter, thinner, and more reliable.

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

[0098] Continuing to refer to FIG. 4 , a second rotating assembly 1052, structured similarly to the first rotating assembly 1051, is configured to be positioned between the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104. In addition, the second rotating assembly 1052 may include a second swing arm 10521, a second support arm 10522, and a second connector 10523. The second connector 10523 is positioned between the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522, the second connector 10523 being rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10521, and the second connector 10523 being rotatably connected to the second support arm 10522. In the present application, the second connector 10523 may be rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10521 and the first support arm 10512, referring to the way the first connector 10513 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522. See, for example, FIG. 14. FIG. 14 may also be used to illustrate the structure of the second connector 10523 according to this embodiment of the present application. The second connector 10523 may include a seventh rotatable shaft 105231 and an eighth rotatable shaft 105232, where the axis of the seventh rotatable shaft 105231 is parallel to but not coincident with the axis of the eighth rotatable shaft 105232. The second connector 10523 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10521 via the seventh rotating shaft 105231, and the second connector 10523 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10522 via the eighth rotating shaft 105232, thereby causing the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522 to perform a pulling action against each other via the second connector 10523.

[0099] Additionally, please refer to FIG. 10 . The main shaft 101 may be provided with a second track slot 1014, and the second connector 10523 may move along the second track slot 1014, thereby limiting the movement track of the second connector 10523. In practice, please refer to FIG. 11 . The base 1011 may be provided with a third arc-shaped slot 10114, and the second connector 10523 may be accommodated in the third arc-shaped slot 10114, and the second connector 10523 may slide along the slot surface 101141 of the third arc-shaped slot. Additionally, please refer to FIG. 12 . The cover 1012 includes a third protrusion 10124. The third protrusion 10124 may be arranged toward the third arc-shaped slot 10114 of the base 1011 of FIG. 11 . A gap exists between the surface 101241 of the third protrusion and the slot surface 101141 of the third arcuate slot, and this gap is used as the second track slot 1014.

[0100] 14 , the second connector 10523 may include a third arcuate surface 105233 and a fourth arcuate surface 105234. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state or the folded state, the third arcuate surface 105233 of the second connector 10523 may abut against the surface 101241 of the third protrusion, and the fourth arcuate surface 105234 abuts against the slot surface 101141 of the third arcuate slot. In this manner, the surface 101241 of the third protrusion and the slot surface 101141 of the third arcuate slot restrict the second connector 10523 to the second track slot 1014, so that when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the unfolded state or the folded state, the second connector 10523 is relatively stable without any shaking due to a gap, improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 in the two states.

[0101] In this embodiment of the present application, the third arcuate surface 105233 of the second connector 10523 may be positioned relative to the first arcuate surface 105133 of the first connector 10513, and the fourth arcuate surface 105234 may be positioned relative to the second arcuate surface 105134 of the first connector 10513. Details will not be described again here. In addition, the second track slot 1014 may be set relative to the first track slot 1013. Simply put, the spacing between the surface 101241 of the third protrusion and the slot surface 101141 of the third arcuate slot is equal, so the second track slot 1014 is an equal-width slot. In this case, when the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state, the surface 101241 of the third protrusion maintains contact with the third arcuate surface 105233, and the slot surface 101141 of the third arcuate slot maintains contact with the fourth arcuate surface 105234. Therefore, when the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state, the movement trajectory of the second connector 10523 in the second track slot 1014 remains the same. Alternatively, when the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third arcuate surface 105233 abuts against the surface 101241 of the third protrusion, and a gap exists between the fourth arcuate surface 105234 and the slot surface 101141 of the third arcuate slot. When the electronic device changes from the folded state to the unfolded state, the fourth arcuate surface 105234 abuts against the slot surface 101141 of the third arcuate slot, and a gap exists between the third arcuate surface 105233 and the surface 101241 of the third protrusion. Thus, the movement track of the second connector 10523 when the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state is different from the movement track of the second connector 10523 when the electronic device changes from the folded state to the unfolded state.

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

[0103] Additionally, in the present application, the second arc-shaped rotating block 105211 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped rotating block, and the fourth arc-shaped slot 10115 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped slot. When the second arc-shaped rotating block 105211 is a circular arc-shaped rotating block, the surface of the second arc-shaped rotating block 105211 that contacts the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot 10115 may be an arc-shaped surface, and the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot 10115 is also an arc-shaped surface, and it can be understood that the centers of these two arc-shaped surfaces coincide with each other.

[0104] In the present application, to improve the rotational stability of the second swing arm 10521 around the main shaft 101, as shown in FIG. 12 , the cover 1012 further includes a fourth protrusion 10125 disposed toward the fourth arc-shaped slot 10115, and at least a portion of the second arc-shaped rotation block 105211 is located between the fourth protrusion 10125 and the fourth arc-shaped slot 10115, such that the surface of the second arc-shaped rotation block 105211 facing the fourth protrusion 10125 can contact the surface 101251 of the fourth protrusion. In this way, the second arc-shaped rotation block 105211 can be constrained between the cover 1012 and the base 1011, effectively improving the rotational stability of the second arc-shaped rotation block 105211 relative to the base 1011. In addition, when the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot 10115 is an arc-shaped surface, the portion of the surface 101251 of the fourth protrusion that contacts the second arc-shaped rotating block 105211 may also be an arc-shaped surface, and the centers of these two arc-shaped surfaces are coincident with each other. In the present application, the surface of the second arc-shaped rotating block 105211 that faces the fourth protrusion 10125 may be a plane or an arc-shaped surface, as long as the second arc-shaped rotating block 105211 can rotate relative to the fourth protrusion 10125 in the process of sliding along the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot 10115.

[0105] To improve the reliability of the connection between the second swing arm 10521 and the base 1011, the second arcuate rotation block 105211 may further be provided with a second recess 1052111, with the opening of the second recess 1052111 facing the cover 1012. In addition, a second insertion portion (not shown in FIG. 4 ) may be disposed at the end of the cover 1012 facing the second housing mounting bracket 104. In this case, in the folded state, the second insertion portion may be inserted into the second recess 1052111, and the surface of the second insertion portion facing the fourth arcuate slot 10115 abuts at least a portion of the surface of the second recess 1052111. In this way, the rotation portion of the second arcuate rotation block 105211 may be limited, preventing the second arcuate rotation block 105211 from falling off the fourth arcuate slot 10115.

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

[0107] Specifically, when the second connector 10523 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10521 via the seventh rotating shaft 105231, please continue to refer to FIG. 19 . The second arc-shaped rotating block 105211 is provided with a second mounting slot 1052112, and the slot opening of the second mounting slot 1052112 is disposed toward the fourth arc-shaped slot 10115. In this case, the seventh rotating shaft 105231 can be mounted in the second mounting slot 1052112, and a portion of the surface of the seventh rotating shaft 105231 can contact the slot surface of the second mounting slot 1052112, and a portion of the surface of the seventh rotating shaft 105231 contacts the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot 10115, restricting the seventh rotating shaft 105231 to the second mounting slot 1052112.

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

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

[0110] It can be understood that in the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the second connector 10523 can include a plurality of second sub-connectors that are rotatably connected in sequence. In addition, the plurality of second sub-connectors can be located between the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522. In this case, the second swing arm 10521 can be rotatably connected to adjacent second sub-connectors, and the second support arm 10522 can be rotatably connected to adjacent second sub-connectors. For the manner in which the second swing arm 10521 is rotatably connected to adjacent second sub-connectors and the manner in which the second support arm 10522 is rotatably connected to adjacent second sub-connectors, please refer to the above description of the rotatable connection of the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522 to the second connector 10523. Details will not be described again here. In the present application, the second connector 10523 is configured as a plurality of second sub-connectors that are rotatably connected in sequence, so that the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522 are rotatably connected via the plurality of second sub-connectors. This effectively improves the speed uniformity in the process of the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522 rotating around the main shaft 101, thereby improving the smoothness of the pulling action of the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522.

[0111] In the present application, the second swing arm 10521 can be slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket 104. In a specific implementation, the second housing mounting bracket 104 is provided with a fourth sliding groove 1043. The fourth sliding groove 1043 and the second mounting portion 1042 are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the hinge mechanism 1. The fourth sliding groove 1043 extends along a second direction, and the second swing arm 10521 can be attached to the fourth sliding groove 1043 and can slide within the fourth sliding groove 1043 along the second direction. The second direction can be a direction in which the second housing mounting bracket 104 moves toward or away from the base 1011. In addition, to prevent the second swing arm 10521 from falling off the fourth slide groove 1043, a second slide rail may be disposed on the slide groove wall of the fourth slide groove 1043, and a second slide block may be disposed on the second swing arm 10521. In this manner, the second slide block may be clamped onto the second slide rail, and the second slide block may slide along the second slide rail, restricting the second swing arm 10521 to the fourth slide groove 1043. In addition, the second slide rail may be disposed on the slide groove wall of the fourth slide groove 1043, guiding the sliding of the second swing arm 10521 along the fourth slide groove 1043, and improving the movement stability of the second swing arm 10521.

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

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

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

[0115] Some existing hinge mechanisms require thickening the rotating assembly connected to the main shaft to ensure the stability of the mechanism. This method makes both the main shaft and the hinge mechanism very heavy. Forcibly thinning the main shaft and the hinge mechanism can easily weaken the strength of the rotating assembly, thereby significantly affecting the reliability of the hinge mechanism and shortening the lifespan of the electronic device. The hinge mechanism 1 in the present application has a simplified structure. According to the aforementioned structural relationship, the second connector 10523 can be manufactured with a relatively small cross-section to move back and forth within the second track slot 1014 of the main shaft 101. In addition, the second connector 10523 has a sufficient extension length along the vertical axis and has separate connection relationships with the second swing arm 10521 and the second support arm 10522, thereby ensuring the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft 101 and the entire electronic device can be reduced while maintaining the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1, making the entire hinge mechanism 1 lighter, thinner, and more reliable.

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

[0117] 21 is a diagram of a partial structure of the hinge mechanism 1, according to one embodiment of the present application. The main shaft 101 is omitted from FIG. 21 to help illustrate the pull-to-pull relationship between the first rotating assembly 1051 and the second rotating assembly 1052. In the present application, a first swing arm 10511 is slidably connected to a first housing mounting bracket 103, a first support arm 10512 is rotatably connected to a second housing mounting bracket 104, and the first swing arm 10511 can pull the first support arm 10512 via a first connector 10513 to move according to a designated track, and a second swing arm 10521 is slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket 104, and the second support arm 10522 is rotatably connected to the first housing mounting bracket 103, and the second swing arm 10521 can pull the second support arm 10522 via a second connector 10523 to move according to a designated track. This limits the distance that the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the second housing mounting bracket 104 can move toward or away from the main shaft 101, so that when the electronic device is in any folded state, the distance between the first housing mounting bracket 103 and the main shaft 101 is equal to the distance between the second housing mounting bracket 104 and the main shaft 101. In addition, in the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first housing mounting bracket 103 can move an equal distance relative to the main shaft 101, and the second housing mounting bracket 104 can move an equal distance relative to the main shaft 101.In this way, when the hinge mechanism 1 can be used in the electronic device shown in Figure 2b, the extension length of the support surface formed by the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge mechanism 1 in the unfolded state can match the flattened length of the flexible display, and when the electronic device is in a folded state, can meet the folding requirements of the foldable portion of the flexible display, thereby avoiding deformation of the flexible display and reducing the compressive or tensile stress applied to the flexible display, thereby extending the service life of the flexible display and improving the reliability of the electronic device.

[0118] According to the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the rotation function of the hinge mechanism 1 can be realized by the tension of the connecting rods. In addition, the two housing mounting brackets can be synchronously rotated toward or away from each other by disposing the synchronization assembly 102. In addition, the structure of the mechanism for realizing the rotation function and synchronization function of the hinge mechanism 1 is simple, which effectively simplifies the structure of the entire hinge mechanism 1, helping to realize a compact design of the hinge mechanism 1 and reduce the cost of the hinge mechanism 1. Furthermore, because the mechanisms for realizing the rotation function and synchronization function of the hinge mechanism 1 are two independent mechanisms, failure of one mechanism does not affect the function of the other mechanism, which effectively improves the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0119] It should be noted that the synchronization assembly 102 described in the previous embodiment of the present application can also be used in the hinge mechanism 1 of the self-folding electronic device. FIG. 22 is a diagram of a structure of a self-folding electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present application. During the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate synchronously toward each other, thereby allowing the portion of the flexible display fixed to the two housings to rotate synchronously. In this manner, stress on the flexible display can be made relatively uniform, effectively avoiding deformation of the flexible display and reducing the risk of damage to the flexible display. See FIGS. 8 and 22 together. When the electronic device is in the folded state, a display accommodating space 5 configured to accommodate a foldable portion of the flexible display 4 can be formed between the first gear assembly 1021, the second gear assembly 1022, and the main shaft 101. The display accommodating space can provide clearance for the foldable portion of the flexible display 4, thereby preventing pressure on the foldable portion of the flexible display 4 and effectively improving the structural reliability of the flexible display 4.

[0120] In addition, in the process of changing the electronic device from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate synchronously in directions away from each other, so that the portion of the flexible display 4 fixed to the two housings can also rotate synchronously. In addition, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the seat surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3 collectively support the flexible display 4 flatly, thereby ensuring the integrity of the electronic device in the unfolded state.

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

[0122] The above description is merely a specific implementation form of the present application and does not limit the protection scope of the present application. Any variations or replacements 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 be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

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

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

3. a first sliding groove is provided on the first housing mounting bracket, an opening of the first sliding groove is disposed toward the main shaft, the first connecting rod is attached to the first sliding groove and can slide within the first sliding groove in a direction toward or away from the main shaft relative to the first housing mounting bracket; a second sliding groove is provided on the second housing mounting bracket, an opening of the second sliding groove is disposed toward the main shaft, and the second connecting rod is attached to the second sliding groove and can slide within the second sliding groove in a direction toward or away from the main shaft relative to the second housing mounting bracket; The hinge mechanism of claim 1 .

4. the hinge mechanism further comprises a rotation module, the rotation module comprising a first rotation assembly and a second rotation assembly, the first rotation assembly being positioned between the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket, and the second rotation assembly being positioned between the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket; the first rotating assembly comprises a first swing arm, a first support arm, and a first connector, the first swing arm rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first swing arm slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket, the first support arm rotatably connected to the second housing mounting bracket, the first connector located between the first swing arm and the first support arm, the first connector rotatably connected to the first swing arm, the first connector rotatably connected to the first support arm, the main shaft is provided with a first track slot, the first connector can move along the first track slot, and a moving track of the first connector is limited; the second rotating assembly comprises a second swing arm, a second support arm, and a second connector, the second swing arm rotatably connected to the main shaft, the second swing arm slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket, the second support arm rotatably connected to the first housing mounting bracket, the second connector located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, the second connector rotatably connected to the second swing arm, the second connector rotatably connected to the second support arm, the main shaft is provided with a second track slot, the second connector can move along the second track slot, and a movement track of the second connector is limited; The hinge mechanism of claim 1 .

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

6. When the electronic device is in a process of changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and a gap exists between the second arcuate surface and the slot surface of the first arcuate slot; when the electronic device is in a process of changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the second arcuate surface abuts against the slot surface of the first arcuate slot, and a gap exists between the first arcuate surface and the surface of the first protrusion; When the electronic device is in a process of changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third arc-shaped surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and a gap exists between the fourth arc-shaped surface and the slot surface of the third arc-shaped slot; when the electronic device is in a process of changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the fourth arc-shaped surface abuts against the slot surface of the third arc-shaped slot, and a gap exists between the third arc-shaped surface and the surface of the third protrusion.

6. The hinge mechanism of claim 5.

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

8. the first arcuate surface is a circular arcuate surface, the second arcuate surface is a circular arcuate surface, and a sum of a radius of the first arcuate surface and a radius of the second arcuate surface is equal to a distance between the surface of the first protrusion and the slot surface of the first arcuate slot; the third arcuate surface is a circular arcuate surface, the fourth arcuate surface is a circular arcuate surface, and the sum of the radii of the third arcuate surface and the fourth arcuate surface is equal to the distance between the surface of the third protrusion and the slot surface of the third arcuate slot; 6. The hinge mechanism of claim 5.

9. the main shaft has a base, the base is provided with a second arc-shaped slot and a fourth arc-shaped slot; the first swing arm has a first arc-shaped rotating block, the first arc-shaped rotating block is received in the second arc-shaped slot, the first arc-shaped rotating block can slide along a slot surface of the second arc-shaped slot, and the first swing arm and the main shaft are rotatably connected; the second swing arm includes a second arcuate rotating block, the second arcuate rotating block is received in the fourth arcuate slot, the second arcuate rotating block can slide along a slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot, and rotatably connects the second swing arm and the main shaft; 5. The hinge mechanism of claim 4.

10. the main shaft further includes a cover, the cover covering the base, the cover including a second protrusion disposed toward the second arc-shaped slot, and at least a portion of the first arc-shaped rotation block being located between the second protrusion and the second arc-shaped slot; The cover further includes a fourth protrusion disposed toward the fourth arc-shaped slot, and at least a portion of the second arc-shaped rotation block is located between the fourth protrusion and the fourth arc-shaped slot.

10. The hinge mechanism of claim 9.

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

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

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

13. The hinge mechanism of claim 12.

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

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

16. The first connector includes a plurality of first sub-connectors that are rotatably connected in sequence, the plurality of first sub-connectors being located between the first swing arm and the first support arm, the first swing arm being rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first swing arm, and the first support arm being rotatably connected to a first sub-connector adjacent to the first support arm, The second connector includes a plurality of second sub-connectors that are rotatably connected in sequence, the plurality of second sub-connectors being located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, the second swing arm being rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector, and the second support arm being rotatably connected to an adjacent second sub-connector.

5. The hinge mechanism of claim 4.

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

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