Hinge mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

A hinge mechanism and an electronic device are disclosed. The hinge mechanism (1) includes a base (106) and a main hinge module (101). The main hinge module (101) includes two rotating components (101a, 101b), each of which includes a support arm (1012, 1020), a swing arm (1013, 1021), and a housing mounting bracket (1015, 1019). The two support arms (1012, 1020) are disposed on either side of the base (106) and rotatably connected to the base (106). The two swing arms (1013, 1021) are disposed on either side of the base (106) and rotatably connected to the base (106). The rotation axes of the support arms (1012, 1020) and the swing arms (1013, 1021) located on the same side of the base (106) are parallel and do not coincide. Two housing mounting brackets (1015, 1019) are disposed on both sides of the base (106), respectively, and each housing mounting bracket (1015, 1019) is provided with two sliding grooves (10151, 10152, 10191, 10192). For the support arm (1012, 1020), the swing arm (1013, 1021), and the housing mounting bracket (1015, 1019) located on the same side of the base (106), the support arm (1012, 1020) and the swing arm (1013, 1021) may slide separately in the sliding grooves (10151, 10152, 10191, 10192), and the projection of the sliding direction of the support arm (1012, 1020) and the swing arm (1013, 1021) is not parallel in a reference plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support arm (1012, 1020) and the swing arm (1013, 1021). The hinge mechanism is used to ensure the reliability of the structure of the electronic device. In addition, a display accommodating space that meets the bending requirements of the flexible display is formed, which can reduce the risk of damaging the flexible display.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to the field of electronic device technology, and in particular to hinge mechanisms and electronic devices. [Background technology]

[0002] With the gradual maturation of flexible display technology, the display modes of electronic devices are driven to undergo significant changes, such as mobile phones with foldable flexible displays, tablet computers with foldable flexible displays, and wearable electronic devices with foldable flexible displays, which are important development directions for intelligent electronic devices in the future.

[0003] A flexible display is a key component of a foldable electronic device and has the characteristics of continuity and foldability. A hinge mechanism is a key component for realizing the folding function of a foldable electronic device. To prevent the hinge mechanism from pulling or compressing the flexible display during the rotation process, avoidance treatment is usually required for the hinge mechanism and components that hinder the rotation of the hinge mechanism in the electronic device. This results in the existence of thin-walled components in the hinge mechanism and the electronic device. Therefore, the reliability of the entire structure of the electronic device is affected.

[0004] Therefore, providing a hinge mechanism that can meet the folding requirements of a flexible display while ensuring the reliability of the overall structure of the electronic device has become a major problem that those skilled in the art urgently need to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device for improving the reliability of the overall structure of the electronic device, reducing the risk of damaging the flexible display, and extending the lifespan of the flexible display. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present application provides a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism may be used in a foldable electronic device, and the hinge mechanism is arranged to correspond to a flexible display of the electronic device. When the hinge mechanism is specifically arranged, the hinge mechanism may include a base and a main hinge module. The main hinge module may include a first rotating component and a second rotating component, the first rotating component and the second rotating component being respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the base. The first rotating component includes a first support arm, a first swing arm, and a first housing mounting bracket. The second rotating component includes a second support arm, a second swing arm, and a second housing mounting bracket. The first support arm and the second support arm are separately rotatably coupled to the base, and the first swing arm and the second swing arm are separately rotatably coupled to the base. The rotation axis of the first support arm is parallel to but not coincident with the rotation axis of the first swing arm, and the rotation axis of the second support arm is parallel to but not coincident with the rotation axis of the second swing arm. Additionally, a first sliding groove extending in a first direction and a second sliding groove extending in a second direction are disposed on the first housing mounting bracket. Thus, the first support arm is slidable within the first sliding groove along the first direction, and the first swing arm is slidable within the second sliding groove. Additionally, a projection of the first direction on the first cross section is not parallel to a projection of the second direction on the first cross section. The first cross section is a reference plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first support arm and the rotation axis of the first swing arm. Similarly, a third sliding groove extending in a third direction and a fourth sliding groove extending in a fourth direction are disposed on the second housing mounting bracket. Thus, the second support arm can slide in the third sliding groove, and the third swing arm can slide in the fourth sliding groove. In addition, the projection of the third direction on the second cross section is not parallel to the projection of the fourth direction on the second cross section. The second cross section is a reference plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the second support arm and the rotation axis of the second swing arm.

[0007] The hinge mechanism provided herein allows the rotation axis of the first support arm to be offset from the rotation axis of the first swing arm, and the rotation axis of the second support arm to be offset from the rotation axis of the second swing arm. This allows for a phase difference between the support arm and the swing arm, both located on the same side, during the rotation of the hinge mechanism, thereby enabling the extension and contraction of the two rotating components. In this way, the hinge mechanism can stably support the flexible display of an electronic device when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, and can form a teardrop-shaped display accommodating space that meets the bending requirements of the flexible display when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state. Additionally, the orientation of the first and second sliding grooves of the first housing mounting bracket and the orientation of the third and fourth sliding grooves of the second housing mounting bracket are appropriately designed, thereby reducing the angle of rotation of the first and second swing arms relative to the base. In this way, the wall thickness design of the local structures of the first and second swing arms can meet strength requirements, thereby improving the reliability of the structures of the first and second swing arms. When used in an electronic device, the hinge mechanism can effectively prevent components in the electronic device from being thinned and prevent the first and second swing arms from rotating. This improves the reliability of the overall structure of the electronic device, reduces the risk of the flexible display of the electronic device being compressed by the rotation of the first and second swing arms, and reduces the risk of damaging the flexible display, thereby extending the life of the flexible display.

[0008] From the above description of the rotation principle of the hinge mechanism provided in the present application, it can be seen that in the present application, the arrangement direction of the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove of the first housing mounting bracket can be appropriately designed, so that the angle by which the first support arm and the first swing arm rotate relative to the base can be adjusted. For example, neither of the angles by which the first support arm and the first swing arm rotate relative to the base need be greater than 90°. Similarly, the arrangement direction of the third sliding groove and the fourth sliding groove of the second housing mounting bracket can be appropriately designed, so that the angle by which the second support arm and the second swing arm rotate relative to the base can be adjusted. For example, neither of the angles by which the second support arm and the second swing arm rotate relative to the base need be greater than 90°. In this way, the angle by which the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate relative to the base can be reduced, so that another structure of the hinge mechanism can avoid rotation of the first swing arm and the second swing arm. This can help increase the wall thickness of the local structure of the first swing arm and the second swing arm, thus improving the reliability of the structure of the first swing arm and the second swing arm.

[0009] In the present application, there are several ways to rotatably connect the first and second swing arms to the base. For example, a first arc-shaped slot and a second arc-shaped slot may be disposed in the base, and a first arc-shaped rotation block may be disposed at the end of the first swing arm used for rotatably connecting to the base. The first arc-shaped rotation block may be accommodated in the first arc-shaped slot and be rotatable along the arc-shaped surface of the first arc-shaped slot. In addition, a second arc-shaped block may be disposed at the end of the second swing arm used for rotatably connecting to the base. The second arc-shaped rotation block may be accommodated in the second arc-shaped slot and be rotatable along the arc-shaped surface of the second arc-shaped slot. In this way, the first and second swing arms can be rotatably connected to the base by accommodating the arc-shaped rotation block in the arc-shaped slot and rotating the arc-shaped rotation block along the arc-shaped surface of the arc-shaped slot. Therefore, the first and second swing arms are rotatably connected to the base using a virtual shaft, which can effectively reduce the space occupied by the first and second swing arms on the base, thereby helping to achieve a compact design of the hinge mechanism.

[0010] The main hinge module may further include a cover plate, which covers the base and defines an accommodation space between the base and the cover plate. A first arc-shaped protrusion may be disposed on a surface of the cover plate facing the first arc-shaped slot, and a first arc-shaped rotating block of the first swing arm may be inserted between the first arc-shaped protrusion and the first arc-shaped slot to restrict the first arc-shaped rotating block on the base, thereby preventing the first arc-shaped rotating block from falling off the base and improving the reliability of the connection between the first swing arm and the base. Similarly, a second arc-shaped protrusion may be disposed on a surface of the cover plate facing the second arc-shaped slot, and a second arc-shaped rotating block of the second swing arm may be inserted between the second arc-shaped protrusion and the second arc-shaped slot to restrict the second arc-shaped rotating block on the base, thereby preventing the second arc-shaped rotating block from falling off the base and improving the reliability of the connection between the second swing arm and the base.

[0011] In one possible embodiment of the present application, the first arc-shaped slot and the second arc-shaped slot may alternatively be integral channel structures disposed directly on the base, which effectively simplifies the structure of the base while ensuring reliable connections between the first arc-shaped rotation block and the first arc-shaped slot and between the second arc-shaped rotation block and the second arc-shaped slot.

[0012] In one possible embodiment of the present application, the first slide rail may be disposed on a groove wall of the first slide groove of the first housing mounting bracket, and the first slide block may be disposed on the first support arm. The first slide block may be clamped to the first slide rail and be slidable along the first slide rail. This prevents the first support arm from falling off the first housing mounting bracket. The first slide rail may provide a guide for the sliding of the first support arm, thereby improving the reliability of sliding the first support arm along the first housing mounting bracket.

[0013] Additionally, a second slide rail may be disposed on the groove wall of the second slide groove of the first housing mounting bracket, and a second slide block may be disposed on the first swing arm. The second slide block may be clamped to the second slide rail and be slidable along the second slide rail. This prevents the first swing arm from falling off the first housing mounting bracket. The second slide rail may provide a guide for the sliding of the first support arm, thereby improving the reliability of sliding the first swing arm along the first housing mounting bracket.

[0014] Similarly, a third slide rail is disposed on the groove wall of the third slide groove of the second housing mounting bracket, and a third slide block is disposed on the second support arm. The third slide block may be clamped to the third slide rail and be slidable along the third slide rail. This prevents the second support arm from falling off the second housing mounting bracket. The third slide rail can provide a guide for the sliding of the second support arm, thereby improving the reliability of sliding the second support arm along the second housing mounting bracket.

[0015] Additionally, a fourth slide rail may be disposed on the groove wall of the fourth slide groove of the second housing mounting bracket, and a fourth slide block may be disposed on the second swing arm. The fourth slide block may be clamped to the fourth slide rail and be slidable along the fourth slide rail. This prevents the second swing arm from falling off the second housing mounting bracket. The fourth slide rail may provide a guide for the sliding of the second swing arm, thereby improving the reliability of sliding the second swing arm along the second housing mounting bracket.

[0016] In the present application, when the second slide block is specifically arranged, the second slide block may be a linear slide block. In this case, the second slide rail may be adaptively arranged as a linear slide rail. This can effectively simplify the processing process of the second slide block and the second slide rail. Similarly, when the fourth slide block is specifically arranged, the fourth slide block may be a linear slide block. In this case, the fourth slide rail may be adaptively arranged as a linear slide rail. This can effectively simplify the processing process of the fourth slide block and the fourth slide rail. It will be understood that the second slide block in this specification may alternatively have another shape that fits into a linear slide rail, for example, a slide block with an overall linear shape having a hollow and spaced design in the middle, or a slide block with some special shape, as long as the slide block can fit into the linear slide rail for sliding.

[0017] In one possible embodiment of the present application, the first housing mounting bracket includes a first surface, the first surface being a surface of the first housing mounting bracket facing the flexible display. The second sliding block may be a linear sliding block. In this case, the second sliding rail may be adaptively arranged as a linear sliding rail. The linear sliding rail has an opening located on the first surface. In this case, when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the linear sliding rail may extend from the opening to the base. This helps to improve the smoothness of the second sliding block's sliding along the second sliding rail and effectively reduces interference of other structures of the hinge mechanism with the movement of the first swing arm. Therefore, the wall thickness of the first swing arm is increased. In another possible embodiment of the present application, the linear sliding rail may alternatively extend from the opening in a direction away from the base. Alternatively, when the first housing mounting bracket further includes a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, the linear slide rail may alternatively extend from the opening in a direction perpendicular to the second surface. In this manner, the second slide rail is flexibly positioned. As used herein, the unfolded state of the hinge mechanism refers to a state corresponding to the hinge mechanism when the electronic device is in the unfolded state.

[0018] Additionally, the second housing mounting bracket has a third surface, which is the surface of the second housing mounting bracket facing the flexible display. The fourth sliding block may be a linear sliding block. In this case, the fourth sliding rail may be adaptively arranged as a linear sliding rail. The linear sliding rail has an opening located on the third surface. In this case, when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the linear sliding rail may extend from the opening to the base. This helps to improve the smoothness of the fourth sliding block's sliding along the fourth sliding rail and effectively reduces interference of other structures of the hinge mechanism with the movement of the second swing arm. Therefore, the wall thickness of the second swing arm is increased. In another possible embodiment of the present application, the linear sliding rail may alternatively extend from the opening in a direction away from the base. Alternatively, when the second housing mounting bracket further includes a fourth surface disposed opposite the third surface, the linear slide rail may alternatively extend from the opening in a direction perpendicular to the fourth surface. In this manner, the fourth slide rail is flexibly positioned.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the second sliding block may alternatively be arranged as an arc-shaped sliding block, and the second sliding rail may be adaptively arranged as an arc-shaped sliding rail. This may reduce the risk of the second sliding block coming off the second sliding rail, thereby helping to improve the reliability of cooperation between the second sliding block and the second sliding rail. In addition, the fourth sliding block may also be arranged as an arc-shaped sliding block, and the fourth sliding rail may be adaptively arranged as an arc-shaped sliding rail. This may reduce the risk of the fourth sliding block coming off the fourth sliding rail, thereby helping to improve the reliability of cooperation between the fourth sliding block and the fourth sliding rail. It will be understood that the second sliding block herein may alternatively be of another shape that fits the arc-shaped sliding rail, for example, may be a sliding block of an overall arc-shaped form with a hollow and spaced design in the middle portion, or may be a sliding block of some special shape, as long as the sliding block can fit the arc-shaped sliding rail for sliding.

[0020] In addition, when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the axis of the arc-shaped slide rail may be located on the side of the arc-shaped slide rail away from the base. This helps to improve the smoothness of sliding the second slide block along the second slide rail and the smoothness of sliding the fourth slide block along the fourth slide rail, and can effectively reduce interference of other structures of the hinge mechanism with the movement of the first swing arm and the second swing arm. Therefore, the wall thickness of the first swing arm and the second swing arm can be increased. In another possible embodiment of the present application, the axis of the arc-shaped slide rail may alternatively be located on the side of the arc-shaped slide rail facing the base so that the second slide rail and the fourth slide rail can be flexibly positioned when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state.

[0021] In the present application, the main hinge module may further include a first drive connecting rod and a second drive connecting rod. The first drive connecting rod is disposed between the first support arm and the first swing arm. The first drive connecting rod includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, where the first connecting portion is rotatably connected to the first support arm via the first connecting rod, and the second connecting portion is rotatably connected to the first swing arm via the second connecting rod. The axes of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod do not coincide. In addition, the second drive connecting rod includes a third connecting portion and a fourth connecting portion, where the third connecting portion is rotatably connected to the second support arm via the third connecting rod, and the fourth connecting portion is rotatably connected to the second swing arm via the fourth connecting rod. The axes of the third connecting rod and the fourth connecting rod do not coincide.

[0022] This effectively improves the degree of coupling between the first support arm and the first swing arm and the corresponding sliding groove, and between the second support arm and the second swing arm and the corresponding sliding groove. This improves the consistency of movement between the first support arm and the first swing arm and the consistency of movement between the second support arm and the second swing arm, making the movement of the first support arm and the first swing arm and the movement of the second support arm and the second swing arm smoother. Additionally, when an electronic device using the hinge mechanism is dropped in a folded state, the first support arm and the first swing arm can support the corresponding housing within the electronic device together, and the second support arm and the second swing arm can support the corresponding housing within the electronic device together. This prevents the two housings from moving relative to the hinge mechanism, improving the reliability of the overall structure of the electronic device.

[0023] In addition to the above-described arrangement of the first and second drive connecting rods, in another possible embodiment, the first drive connecting rod is located between the first support arm and the first swing arm, and the first drive connecting rod includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion being slidably connected to the first swing arm via the first connecting rod and the second connecting portion being fixed to the first support arm. Additionally, the second drive connecting rod is located between the second support arm and the second swing arm, and the second drive connecting rod includes a third connecting portion and a fourth connecting portion, the third connecting portion being slidably connected to the second swing arm via the third connecting rod and the fourth connecting portion being fixed to the second support arm.

[0024] To achieve a slidable connection between the first connecting rod and the first swing arm, a first guide slot may be disposed at an end of the first swing arm facing the first support arm, such that the first connecting rod can be inserted into the first guide slot and slide along the slot surface of the first guide slot. Additionally, to simplify the structure of the main hinge module, the first drive connecting rod and the first support arm may be integrally formed. Similarly, to achieve a slidable connection between the second connecting rod and the second swing arm, a second guide slot may be disposed at an end of the second swing arm facing the second support arm, such that the second connecting rod can be inserted into the second guide slot and slide along the slot surface of the second guide slot. Additionally, to simplify the structure of the main hinge module, the second drive connecting rod and the second support arm may be integrally formed.

[0025] The first and second drive connecting rods are arranged in the manner provided in this embodiment. The first and second guide slots may be appropriately designed to improve the degree of coupling between the first support arm and the first swing arm and the corresponding sliding groove, and between the second support arm and the second swing arm and the corresponding sliding groove. This improves the consistency of movement between the first support arm and the first swing arm and the consistency of movement between the second support arm and the second swing arm, making the movement of the first support arm and the first swing arm and the second support arm and the second swing arm smoother. Additionally, when an electronic device using the hinge mechanism is dropped in a folded state, the first support arm, the first swing arm, and the first drive connecting rod may together support the corresponding housing in the electronic device, and the second support arm, the second swing arm, and the second drive connecting rod may together support the corresponding housing in the electronic device. Therefore, large instantaneous displacement of the two housings relative to the hinge mechanism can be avoided, thereby improving the reliability of the overall structure of the electronic device.

[0026] Additionally, to avoid excessive constraints on the movement of the first support arm and the first swing arm and the movement of the second support arm and the second swing arm, in one possible embodiment of the present application, when a second slide rail is disposed in the second slide groove of the first housing mounting bracket and a second slide block slidable along the second slide rail is disposed on the first swing arm, the second slide block has a clearance fit with the second slide rail, increasing the degree of freedom of movement of the first swing arm. Similarly, when a fourth slide rail is disposed in the fourth slide groove of the second housing mounting bracket and a fourth slide block slidable along the fourth slide rail is disposed on the second swing arm, the fourth slide block has a clearance fit with the fourth slide rail, increasing the degree of freedom of movement of the second swing arm.

[0027] When the second sliding block is clearance-fitted with the second sliding rail, the shape of the second sliding block may match the shape of the second sliding rail. For example, when the second sliding rail is a rectangular sliding rail, the second sliding block may be arranged as a rectangular sliding block. Alternatively, the second sliding block may be arranged as a pin shaft to simplify the structure of the second sliding block. Similarly, when the fourth sliding block is clearance-fitted with the fourth sliding rail, the shape of the fourth sliding block may match the shape of the fourth sliding rail. For example, when the fourth sliding rail is a rectangular sliding rail, the fourth sliding block may be arranged as a rectangular sliding block. Alternatively, the fourth sliding block may be arranged as a pin shaft to simplify the structure of the fourth sliding block.

[0028] In one possible embodiment of the present application, the hinge mechanism may further include a first support plate and a second support plate. The first support plate and the second support plate are disposed on opposite sides of the base. The first support plate is rotatably coupled to the first housing mounting bracket, and the first support plate is slidably coupled to the first support arm and / or the first swing arm. The second support plate is rotatably coupled to the second housing mounting bracket, and the second support plate is slidably coupled to the second support arm and / or the second swing arm. In addition, when the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket rotate toward each other, an end of the first support plate closer to the base moves away from the base, and an end of the second support plate closer to the base moves away from the base, thereby forming a triangular display accommodating space between the two support plates and the base. In this way, when the hinge mechanism is used in an electronic device and the electronic device is in a folded state, the bent portion of the flexible display can be accommodated within the display accommodation space and can exist in a kind of droplet shape, which can prevent the flexible display from being pulled or compressed, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the flexible display.

[0029] To achieve rotation of the first support plate around the first housing mounting bracket, a first rotation slot may be disposed in the first housing mounting bracket, and a first rotating portion may be disposed on the first support plate. In this manner, the first rotating portion may be attached to the first rotation slot, and the first rotating portion may be rotatable along the slot surface of the first rotation slot. Similarly, to achieve rotation of the second support plate around the second housing mounting bracket, a second rotation slot may be disposed in the second housing mounting bracket, and a second rotating portion may be disposed on the second support plate. In this manner, the second rotating portion may be attached to the second rotation slot, and the second rotating portion may be rotatable along the slot surface of the second rotation slot.

[0030] From the above description of the hinge mechanism, it can be seen that when the two housing mounting brackets rotate toward each other, the two support plates rotate around the corresponding housing mounting brackets, thereby forming a display accommodating space. The motion tracks of the support plates can be appropriately designed to form a display accommodating space between the two support plates that meets the bending requirements of the flexible display. In one possible embodiment of the present application, a first guide portion may be disposed on the first support plate, and a first track slot may be disposed on the first guide portion. Additionally, a first guide structure may be disposed on the first support arm, and the first guide structure may be inserted into the first track slot and slidable along the first track slot, and / or the first guide structure may be disposed on the first support arm, and the first guide structure may be inserted into the first track slot and slidable along the first track slot. Therefore, in the process of the first swing arm and / or the first support arm rotating around the base, the first support plate may be driven to rotate around the first housing mounting bracket, and the motion track of the first support plate can be adjusted by sliding the first guide structure within the first track slot.

[0031] Similarly, a second guide portion may be disposed on the second support plate, and a second track slot may be disposed on the second guide portion. Additionally, a second guide structure may be disposed on the second support arm, and the second guide structure may be inserted into the second track slot and slidable along the second track slot; and / or the second guide structure may be disposed on the second support arm, and the second guide structure may be inserted into the second track slot and slidable along the second track slot. Therefore, during the process of the second swing arm and / or the second support arm rotating around the base, the second support plate may be driven to rotate around the second housing mounting bracket, and the motion track of the second support plate may be adjusted by sliding the second guide structure in the second track slot. Furthermore, a display accommodating space that meets display accommodating requirements may be formed between the two support plates.

[0032] When specifically describing the first guide structure, an example in which the first guide structure is disposed on a first swing arm is used. The first protrusion may be disposed on an end of the first guide structure. The first swing arm may have a first insertion hole, and a first groove may be disposed on the hole wall of the first insertion hole. The first guide structure may be inserted into the first insertion hole, and the first protrusion may be clamped to the first groove. When the first guide structure needs to be removed from the first swing arm, a large pulling force may be applied to the first guide structure. This allows for detachable connection between the first guide structure and the first swing arm, ensuring the reliability of the connection between the first guide structure and the first swing arm while effectively reducing the number of connecting components between the first guide structure and the first swing arm. This simplifies the structure of the hinge mechanism and improves the convenience of maintenance of the hinge mechanism. In the present application, the first guide structure may alternatively be disposed on the first support arm, and the first protrusion may be disposed on an end of the first guide structure. The first support arm may have a first insertion hole, and a first groove may be disposed on the hole wall of the first insertion hole. The first guide structure may be inserted into the first insertion hole, and the first protrusion may be clamped to the first groove. This realizes a detachable connection between the first guide structure and the first swing arm, ensuring the reliability of the connection between the first guide structure and the first swing arm while effectively reducing the number of components connecting the first guide structure and the first swing arm. This simplifies the structure of the hinge mechanism and improves the convenience of maintenance of the hinge mechanism.

[0033] Similarly, the second guide structure may be disposed on the second swing arm, and the second protrusion may be disposed on an end of the second guide structure. The second swing arm may have a second insertion hole, and a second groove may be disposed on the hole wall of the second insertion hole. The second guide structure may be inserted into the second insertion hole, and the second protrusion may be clamped in the second groove. When the second guide structure needs to be removed from the second swing arm, a large pulling force may be applied to the second guide structure. This allows for detachable connection between the second guide structure and the second swing arm, ensuring the reliability of the connection between the second guide structure and the second swing arm while effectively reducing the number of connecting components between the second guide structure and the second swing arm. This simplifies the structure of the hinge mechanism and improves the convenience of maintenance of the hinge mechanism. Alternatively, the second guide structure is disposed on the second support arm, and the second protrusion is disposed on an end of the second guide structure. The second support arm has a second insertion hole, and a second groove is disposed on the hole wall of the second insertion hole. The second guide structure is inserted into the second insertion hole, and the second protrusion is clamped to the second groove. This realizes a detachable connection between the second guide structure and the second support arm, ensuring the reliability of the connection between the second guide structure and the second support arm while effectively reducing the number of connecting components between the second guide structure and the second support arm. This simplifies the structure of the hinge mechanism and improves the convenience of maintenance of the hinge mechanism.

[0034] In another possible embodiment of the present application, when the first guide structure is specifically arranged, the first guide structure may be rotatably connected to the first swing arm and / or the first guide structure may be rotatably connected to the first support arm. Similarly, the second guide structure may be rotatably connected to the second swing arm and / or the second guide structure may be rotatably connected to the second support arm. Since the first guide structure is rotatably connected to the first swing arm and / or the first support arm and the first guide structure slides along the first track slot of the first support plate, the stability of the first swing arm and / or the first support arm moving the first support plate can be effectively improved. Similarly, the second guide structure is rotatably coupled to the second swing arm and / or the second support arm, and the second guide structure slides along the second track slot of the second support plate, thereby effectively improving the stability of the second swing arm and / or the second support arm moving the second support plate. Additionally, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the flatness of the first support plate and the second support plate for supporting the flexible display can be further effectively improved. Additionally, when the electronic device is in the folded state, the risk of the flexible display being crushed by the first support plate and the second support plate in the process of dropping the entire device can be reduced, thereby improving the structural reliability of the entire device.

[0035] When the first guide structure is rotatably coupled to the first swing arm and / or the first support arm, the first track slot may have a first opening to facilitate sliding of the first guide structure within the first track slot. When the hinge mechanism is in the deployed state, the first opening is disposed toward the base, such that the first guide structure can be inserted into the first track slot through the first opening.

[0036] Similarly, the second track slot may have a second opening to facilitate sliding of the second guide structure within the second track slot when the second guide structure is rotatably coupled to the second swing arm and / or the second support arm. When the hinge mechanism is in the deployed state, the second opening is disposed toward the base, such that the second guide structure can be inserted into the second track slot through the second opening.

[0037] In one possible embodiment of the present application, the main hinge module may further include a synchronizing component, which may include a first drive gear disposed at an end of the first support arm and a second drive gear disposed at an end of the second support arm, the two drive gears meshing with each other. In this way, when one support arm rotates around the base, the other support arm can be driven to rotate synchronously at the same angle in the same direction or in the opposite direction.

[0038] In addition, because the two support arms are each slidably coupled to a housing mounting bracket located on the same side of the base, synchronous rotation of the two housing mounting brackets can be achieved by synchronous rotation of the two support arms. In addition, when the hinge mechanism is used in an electronic device, each of the two housing mounting brackets can be fixed to one housing of the electronic device, thereby achieving synchronous rotation of the two housings of the electronic device and preventing momentary force from being applied to the flexible display fixed to the two housings. This helps to improve the reliability of the flexible display.

[0039] In addition, the synchronizing component may further include an even number of driven gears, which may be disposed between the two drive gears, so that the two drive gears achieve synchronous rotation through the even number of driven gears, which helps to improve the stability of the movement of the synchronizing component and improves the reliability of the synchronous rotation of the two support arms.

[0040] In addition to the above-described structure, a damping component may be further disposed within the primary hinge module. The damping component may include a first elastic member and a first coupling cam, and the first coupling cam may be located between the first elastic member and the first support arm. Additionally, a first cam surface may be disposed on an end of the first support arm opposite the first coupling cam, a second cam surface may be disposed on an end of the second support arm opposite the first coupling cam, a third cam surface may be disposed on an end of the first coupling cam opposite the first support arm, and a fourth cam surface may be disposed on an end of the first coupling cam opposite the second support arm. Under the action of the elastic force of the first elastic member, the corresponding first cam surface cooperates with the third cam surface, and the second cam surface cooperates with the fourth cam surface. In this way, as the two support arms rotate around the base, a damping force is generated between the cooperating cam surfaces, preventing the corresponding support arm from rotating. The damping force may be transmitted to the corresponding housing mounting bracket via the two support arms so that the housing mounting bracket acts on the housing of the electronic device. This prevents the electronic device from accidentally unfolding or folding and allows the two housings to hover in a set position. In addition, the user may have a clear sensation during the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device, which helps to improve the user experience.

[0041] According to a second aspect, the present application further provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display, and a hinge mechanism according to 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. In addition, a flexible display may continuously cover the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge mechanism, and the flexible display is fixed to the first housing and the second housing.

[0042] According to the electronic device provided in the present application, when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the hinge mechanism can support the flexible display flat. This can ensure the integrity of the shape of the electronic device in the unfolded state and help improve the light and shadow of the flexible display. When the electronic device rotates around the hinge mechanism from the unfolded state to the folded state, the two housings of the electronic device can rotate around the base by driving the corresponding housing mounting brackets. Thus, the housing mounting brackets can drive the support arm and swing arm arranged on the same side to rotate around the base. In addition, the orientations of the first and second sliding grooves of the first housing mounting bracket and the third and fourth sliding grooves of the second housing mounting bracket can be appropriately designed, thereby adjusting the angle at which the corresponding support arm and swing arm rotate relative to the base. This can avoid the need to thin the components of the electronic device, avoid the rotation of the two swing arms, and improve the reliability of the overall structure of the electronic device. In addition, when the electronic device is in a folded state, the distance between the two swing arms and the flexible display is long, preventing the two swing arms from squeezing or pulling the flexible display, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the flexible display and extending its service life.

[0043] Additionally, in the present application, when the hinge mechanism further includes a first support plate and a second support plate, the first support plate and the second support plate are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the base, the first support plate is rotatably coupled to the first housing mounting bracket, and the second support plate is rotatably coupled to the second housing mounting bracket. In this case, the flexible display may be coupled to the first support plate and the second support plate.

[0044] Specifically, a flexible display may be bonded to a portion of the first support plate, and a flexible display may be bonded to a portion of the second support plate. Therefore, when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the first housing, the second housing, the first support plate, and the second support plate stably support the flexible display together. When the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, the two support plates can drive the flexible display to rotate. This effectively prevents deformation of the flexible display and reduces the risk of damaging the flexible display. Additionally, when the electronic device is in a folded state, the flexible display can be attached to the two support plates. This can help improve the light and shadow of the flexible display.

[0045] In addition, the track slots of the first support plate and the second support plate can be appropriately designed so that when the electronic device is in a folded state, a display-accommodating space sufficient to accommodate the bent portion of the flexible display is formed between the two support plates and the cover plate. This can avoid gaps in the hinge mechanism of the electronic device and ensure the integrity of the shape of the electronic device in the folded state. In this way, damage to the flexible display caused by foreign objects inserted into the electronic device at the hinge mechanism can be avoided, and the overall thickness of the electronic device can be reduced.

[0046] In one possible embodiment of the present application, the electronic device may further include an end cover. The end cover may be located on a side of the base away from the flexible display, and the end cover and the base may be integrally formed. In this manner, the end cover can protect the hinge mechanism and effectively improve the aesthetic appearance of the electronic device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure of an electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the motion principle of a hinge mechanism in the prior art according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 5a] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5b] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a partial structure of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a swing arm according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a hinge mechanism according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a housing mounting bracket according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 10a] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hinge mechanism in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10b] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first cross section according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10c] 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a hinge mechanism in an intermediate state according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 10d] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hinge mechanism in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the principle of the mechanism by which the support arm and the swing arm slide relative to the housing mounting bracket according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a swing arm according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13a] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hinge mechanism in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13b] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first cross section according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13c] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first cross section according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13d] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first cross section according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a hinge mechanism in an intermediate state according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hinge mechanism in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16a] 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which a support arm is connected to a swing arm according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 16b] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first driving connecting rod according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 16c] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first support arm according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 17] FIG. 16b is a cross-sectional view taken at position BB in FIG. 16a. [Figure 18] FIG. 16b is a cross-sectional view taken at position CC in FIG. 16a. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a swing arm according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 20a] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which a first support arm is connected to a first swing arm according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 20b] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first swing arm according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 20c] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which a first driving connecting rod is connected to a first support arm according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a support plate according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 22]1 is a schematic diagram of a structure for supporting a flexible display by a support plate according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge mechanism in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a hinge mechanism according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge mechanism according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first support plate according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a hinge mechanism according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 29. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a hinge mechanism according to another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] To facilitate understanding of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present application, the application scenario of the hinge mechanism will be described below first. The hinge mechanism may be used in foldable electronic devices, such as, but not limited to, mobile phones, palmtop computers (personal digital assistants, or PDAs), notebook computers, or tablet computers. When the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present application is used in an electronic device, please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application. In addition to the hinge mechanism 1, the electronic device may further include two housings and a flexible display. For ease of explanation, the two housings may be named a first housing 2 and a second housing 3, respectively. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are located on both sides of the hinge mechanism 1 and are rotatable around the hinge mechanism 1. When the electronic device is used, the electronic device can be folded and unfolded in different usage scenarios. The electronic device provided in the present application may be an inward-folding electronic device. 1, the electronic device is in a folded state, and FIG. 1 illustrates the relative positional relationship between the hinge mechanism 1 and the two housings when the electronic device is in the folded state. In this case, the surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the first exterior surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the second exterior surface 3a of the second housing 3 may be used together as the exterior surface of the electronic device. The first exterior surface 2a of the first housing 2 is the surface of the first housing 2 that is away from the flexible display, and the second exterior surface 3a of the second housing 3 is the surface of the second housing 3 that is away from the flexible display 4.

[0050] Additionally, please refer to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device in an unfolded state. Note that FIG. 2 shows the structure of the first support surface 2b of the first housing 2 and the second support surface 3b of the second housing 3. The first support surface 2b of the first housing 2 is a surface of the first housing 2 used to support the flexible display 4, and the second support surface 3b of the second housing 3 is a surface of the second housing 3 used to support the flexible display 4. The flexible display 4 may continuously cover the first support surface 2b of the first housing 2, the second support surface 3b of the second housing 3, and the hinge mechanism 1, and the flexible display 4 may be fixed to the first support surface 2b of the first housing 2 and the second support surface 3b of the second housing 3. The coupling mode may be, but is not limited to, a bonded mode. In this way, when the electronic device is in an unfolded state as shown in FIG. 2, the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 can support the flexible display 4.

[0051] In the process of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotating relatively from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2 to the folded state shown in FIG. 1, or from the folded state shown in FIG. 1 to the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2, the flexible display 4 may be bent or flattened together with the first housing 2 and the second housing 3.

[0052] It will be understood that the process by which the electronic device changes from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2 to the folded state shown in FIG. 1 or from the folded state shown in FIG. 1 to the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2 is a process by which the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 rotate around the hinge mechanism 1. As an important functional component in a foldable electronic device, the hinge mechanism 1 may be disposed corresponding to the foldable portion of the flexible display 4, such that the hinge mechanism 1 plays an important role in supporting the foldable portion of the flexible display 4 in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2 and accommodating the foldable portion of the flexible display 4 in the folded state shown in FIG. 1.

[0053] For example, when the electronic device is in the folded state shown in Fig. 1, if the space formed between the first housing 2, the hinge mechanism 1, and the second housing 3 cannot meet the bending requirements of the flexible display 4, the flexible display 4 may be compressed or pulled. Thus, after the electronic device performs multiple folding operations, the flexible display 4 may be easily damaged.

[0054] Currently, several existing hinge mechanisms may each include a base and two rotating components in a specific configuration, and each rotating component may include a support arm, a swing arm, and a housing mounting bracket. Both the support arm and the swing arm may be rotatably connected to the base, the support arm may be slidably connected to the housing mounting bracket, the swing arm may be rotatably connected to the housing mounting bracket, and the housing mounting bracket may be fixed to the housing of the electronic device. For each rotating component, please refer to FIG. 3 when the support arm and the swing arm rotate around the base. FIG. 3 illustrates the mechanism principle behind the rotation of the support arm and the swing arm. Because the axes of the support arm and the swing arm do not coincide, there is a phase difference when the support arm and the swing arm rotate around the base. Thus, when the hinge mechanism changes from the folded state shown in FIG. 1 to the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2 by the electronic device, the extension length of the housing mounting bracket relative to the base increases under the pressure of the swing arm, and the length of the hinge mechanism increases. 2 to the folded state shown in Fig. 1, the extension length of the housing mounting bracket relative to the base is shortened under the driving of the swing arm, thereby shortening the length of the hinge mechanism. As the hinge mechanism rotates, the housing mounting bracket expands and contracts relative to the base, allowing the hinge mechanism to adapt to the length of the portion of the flexible display that is positioned corresponding to the hinge mechanism, thereby avoiding pulling or compressing the flexible display.

[0055] From the above description of the motion principle of existing hinge mechanisms, it can be understood that the phase difference between the support arm and the swing arm plays an important role in ensuring the reliability of the flexible display. The phase difference effect between the support arm and the swing arm can be achieved by designing the rotation angle of the swing arm. During the process of the swing arm rotating around the base, the wall thickness of the swing arm or other components of the hinge mechanism generally needs to be thin to avoid interference with the rotation angle of the swing arm. In addition, for a hinge mechanism with the same volume, the wall thickness of each component is required to meet the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism. Based on this, it is very important to ensure the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism while realizing the extension and contraction movement during the process of the hinge mechanism rotation, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the flexible display.

[0056] The hinge mechanism provided in the present application aims to solve the above-mentioned problems by realizing expansion and contraction movement during the rotation process of the hinge mechanism while ensuring the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism, so that the flexible display can be stably supported when the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state, and a display accommodating space can be formed to meet the bending requirements of the flexible display when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state. This avoids deformation of the flexible display and reduces compressive or tensile stress on the flexible display, thereby extending the life of the flexible display and improving the reliability of electronic devices. 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.

[0057] It should be noted that the terms used in the following embodiments are intended merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. As used in this specification and the appended claims of this application, the singular terms "one," "a," and "this" are intended to include expressions such as "one or more," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0058] References herein to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," and the like indicate that one or more embodiments of the present application include the specific 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 herein are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment. Instead, these phrases mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless specifically emphasized otherwise. The terms "including," "having," and variations thereof all mean "including, but not limited to," unless specifically emphasized otherwise.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of the electronic device shown in FIG. 2. The flexible display is omitted from FIG. 4. Additionally, it can be seen from FIG. 4 that the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are located on two opposite sides of the hinge mechanism 1. In the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may include one main hinge module 101 or multiple main hinge modules 101. See, for example, FIG. 5a. FIG. 5a is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 4. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5a, the hinge mechanism 1 includes three main hinge modules 101, which 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 rotation axes of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 around the hinge mechanism 1. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 may be rotatably coupled via multiple main hinge modules 101. In this way, the stability of the rotation of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 of the electronic device relative to the hinge mechanism 1 can be effectively improved.

[0060] For a specific arrangement of the primary hinge module 101, please refer to Fig. 5b. Fig. 5b is an exploded view of a partial structure of the hinge mechanism 1 according to a possible embodiment of the present application. Please refer to Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b. In the present application, the primary hinge module 101 may include a first rotating component 101a and a second rotating component 101b.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a hinge mechanism 1 according to a possible embodiment of the present application. In the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may further include a base 106. In addition, please refer to FIGS. 5b and 6. The base 106 may be used as a support component for the first rotating component 101a and the second rotating component 101b, and the first rotating component 101a and the second rotating component 101b may be disposed on both sides of the base 106, respectively. In addition, the first rotating component 101a and the second rotating component 101b may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the base 106. For ease of explanation, the following embodiments of the present application mainly use the specific arrangement manner of the first rotating component 101a and the connection relationship between the first rotating component 101a and the base 106 as an example to describe the main hinge module 101. The second rotating component 101b may be disposed with reference to the first rotating component 101a.

[0062] It should be noted that in one possible embodiment of the present application, when there are multiple main hinge modules 101, the first rotating components 101a and the second rotating components 101b of the multiple main hinge modules 101 may all use the same base 106 as a bearing component, in order to improve the integration degree of the hinge mechanism 1. In some other possible embodiments of the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may be provided with one base 106 corresponding to each main hinge module 101, so that the first rotating component 101a and the second rotating component 101b of each main hinge module 101 use the corresponding base 106 as a bearing component.

[0063] Please continue to refer to FIG. 6 . In the present application, the first rotating component 101a may include a first support arm 1012, which may be rotatably coupled to the base 106. For example, the first support arm 1012 may be rotatably coupled to the base 106 via a pin shaft 1061. In a specific embodiment, the base 106 may be provided with a damping bracket 1062, and the pin shaft 1061 may pass through both the damping bracket 1062 and the first support arm 1012, such that the first support arm 1012 is rotatably coupled to the damping bracket 1062 via the pin shaft 1061. This realizes a rotatable coupling between the first support arm 1012 and the base 106.

[0064] It should be noted that in the present application, the first support arm 1012 may be rotatably coupled to the damping bracket 1062 via the pin shaft 1061. In some possible embodiments, the first support arm 1012 may alternatively be rotatably coupled to the damping bracket 1062 in the manner of a virtual shaft. The virtual shaft is the axis of an arc-shaped structure. The two rotatably coupled components are rotatable about the virtual shaft, and the position of the virtual shaft is determined by the rotation of the two rotatably coupled components relative to each other. For example, an arc-shaped slot may be disposed in the damping bracket 1062, and an arc-shaped rotation block may be disposed in the first support arm 1012. In this manner, rotation of the first support arm 1012 and the damping bracket 1062 is achieved by sliding the arc-shaped rotation block along the slot surface of the arc-shaped slot.

[0065] In the present application, the first rotating component 101a may further include a first swing arm 1013, which is rotatably connected to the base 106. In a possible embodiment of the present application, the first swing arm 1013 and the base 106 may be rotatably connected in the manner of a virtual shaft. For example, see FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first swing arm 1013 according to a possible embodiment of the present application. A first arc-shaped rotating block 10131 may be disposed at the end of the first swing arm 1013 that is used for connecting to the base 106.

[0066] Additionally, please refer to FIG. 8 . FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the hinge mechanism. The base 106 may be provided with a first arc-shaped slot 1063, and the first arc-shaped rotation block 10131 of the first swing arm 1013 shown in FIG. 7 may be accommodated in the first arc-shaped slot 1063 and be rotatable along the arc-shaped surface of the first arc-shaped slot 1063. In this manner, the first swing arm 1013 rotates around the base 106. The first swing arm 1013 is rotatably connected to the base 106 in the manner of a virtual shaft. This helps to reduce the space occupied by the first swing arm 1013 on the base 106, thereby helping to reduce the volume of the main hinge module 101. In this way, a compact design of the hinge mechanism 1 is realized. It should be noted that in the present application, the first arc-shaped rotation block 10131 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped rotation block, and the first arc-shaped slot 1063 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped slot.

[0067] Please continue to refer to FIG. 8 . The hinge mechanism 1 may further include a cover plate 1014, which may cover the base 106 and form an accommodation space between the cover plate 1014 and the base 106. It should be noted that in the present application, one cover plate 1014 may be disposed for each main hinge module 101 so as to provide a flexible structure. Alternatively, to simplify the structure of the hinge mechanism 1, multiple main hinge modules 101 may share one cover plate 1014. In addition, it can be seen from FIG. 8 that the first arc-shaped protrusion 10141 may be disposed on a surface of the cover plate 1014 facing the first arc-shaped slot 1063. In this case, the first arc-shaped rotation block 10131 of the first swing arm 1013 shown in FIG. 7 may be inserted between the first arc-shaped protrusion 10141 and the first arc-shaped slot 1063. Therefore, the first arcuate protrusion 10141 restricts the first arcuate rotation block 10131 of the first swing arm 1013 to the first arcuate slot 1063 of the base 106, reducing the risk of the first swing arm 1013 falling off the base 106. This improves the reliability of the movement of the first swing arm 1013.

[0068] In another possible embodiment of the present application, the first arc-shaped slot 1063 may alternatively be an integral channel structure disposed directly on the base 106. This allows for an integrated design of the base 106 and improves the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism. In addition, the number of first arc-shaped slots 1063 may be at least two, but is not limited thereto. The at least two first arc-shaped slots 1063 may be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base 106, and the at least two first arc-shaped slots 1063 may restrict the first arc-shaped rotation block 10131. This improves the reliability of the connection between the first arc-shaped rotation block 10131 and the base 106.

[0069] In other embodiments of the present application, the first swing arm 1013 may alternatively be rotatably coupled to the base 106 in the manner of a physical shaft. For example, the first swing arm 1013 may be rotatably coupled to the base 106 via a pin shaft. In this manner, when the hinge mechanism includes a plurality of primary hinge modules 101, the first swing arm 1013 of at least one primary hinge module 101 among the plurality of primary hinge modules 101 may be rotatably coupled to the base 106 in the manner of a virtual shaft, and the first swing arm 1013 of the at least one primary hinge module 101 is rotatably coupled to the base 106 in the manner of a physical shaft. In this case, the first swing arm 1013 of the main hinge module 101 located on the opposite side of the flexible display of the electronic device may be rotatably connected to the base 106 in the manner of a virtual shaft, and the first swing arms 1013 of the main hinge modules 101 located at both ends of the length of the hinge mechanism are rotatably connected to the base 106 in the manner of a physical shaft.

[0070] Continue to refer to Figure 6. In the present application, the first rotating component may further include a first housing mounting bracket 1015, which may be coupled to the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013.

[0071] When the first housing mounting bracket 1015 is specifically arranged, please refer to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first housing mounting bracket 1015 according to a possible embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, a first sliding groove 10151 may be arranged in the first housing mounting bracket 1015, and the first sliding groove 10151 extends in a first direction. Please refer to FIGS. 6 and 9. The first support arm 1012 may be attached in the first sliding groove 10151 and be slidable within the first sliding groove 10151. The first direction may be a direction in which the first housing mounting bracket 1015 approaches or moves away from the base 106. In addition, to prevent the first support arm 1012 from falling off the first sliding groove 10151, a first sliding rail 101511 may be arranged on the groove wall of the first sliding groove 10151, and a first sliding block 10121 may be arranged on the first support arm 1012 (see FIG. 5b). In this manner, the first sliding block 10121 may be clamped within the first sliding rail 101511, and the first sliding block 10121 is slidable along the first sliding rail 101511, restricting the first support arm 1012 within the first sliding groove 10151. In addition, the first sliding rail 101511 is arranged on the groove wall of the first sliding groove 10151. This provides a guide for the sliding of the first support arm 1012 along the first sliding groove 10151, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the first support arm 1012.

[0072] Continue to refer to FIG. 9 . A second sliding groove 10152 may be further disposed in the first housing mounting bracket 1015. The second sliding groove 10152 may extend in a second direction, with the first sliding groove 10151 and the second sliding groove 10152 being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first housing mounting bracket 1015. See FIGS. 7 and 9 . An end of the first swing arm 1013 facing the first housing mounting bracket 1015 may be attached to the second sliding groove 10152, and the first swing arm 1013 may slide within the second sliding groove 10152. It should be noted that in the present application, the first housing mounting bracket 1015 may include a first surface 1015 a and a second surface 1015 b disposed opposite each other. When the hinge mechanism 1 is used in an electronic device, the first surface 1015a may be a surface of the first housing mounting bracket 1015 that faces the flexible display. The second direction may be a direction from the first surface 1015a to the second surface 1015b, or a direction from the second surface 1015b to the first surface 1015a. In addition, the projection of the second direction on the first cross section and the projection of the first direction on the first cross section may not be parallel to each other. The first cross section may be a reference plane that is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first support arm 1012 and the rotation axis of the first swing arm 1013.

[0073] In addition, please continue to refer to FIG. 9 . In the present application, a second slide rail 101521 may be disposed in the second slide groove 10152, and a second slide block 10132 may be disposed in the first swing arm 1013 shown in FIG. 7 . In this manner, the second slide block 10132 may be clamped within the second slide rail 101521, and the second slide block 10132 may slide within the second slide rail 101521 in the second direction, restricting the first swing arm 1013 within the second slide groove 10152. Therefore, the first swing arm 1013 can be prevented from falling off the second slide groove 10152. In addition, the second slide rail 101521 is disposed on the groove wall of the second slide groove 10152. This provides a guide for the sliding of the first swing arm 1013 along the second sliding groove 10152, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the first swing arm 1013.

[0074] As can be seen from the above description, in the present application, the second rotating component 101b and the first rotating component 101a may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the base 106. For specific embodiments, see FIGS. 5b and 6. The second rotating component 101b may include a second housing mounting bracket 1019, a second support arm 1020, and a second swing arm 1021. The second housing mounting bracket 1019 has a third surface 1019a and a fourth surface 1019b arranged opposite each other. When the hinge mechanism is used in an electronic device, the third surface 1019a is the surface of the second housing mounting bracket 1019 facing the flexible display. In addition, the second housing mounting bracket 1019 may include a third sliding groove 10191 extending in a third direction and a fourth sliding groove 10192 extending in a fourth direction. The second support arm 1020 is slidable in the third sliding groove 10191, and the second swing arm 1021 is slidable in the fourth sliding groove 10192. The projection of the third direction on the second cross section is not parallel to the projection of the fourth direction on the second cross section. The second cross section is a reference plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the second support arm 1020 and the rotation axis of the second swing arm 1021.

[0075] In addition, please continue to refer to Figure 5b. The third slide rail 101911 may be disposed in the third slide groove 10191, the third slide block 102001 may be disposed in the second support arm 1020, the fourth slide rail 101921 may be disposed in the fourth slide groove 10192, and the fourth slide block 102102 may be disposed in the second swing arm 1021. For the arrangement manner of the third slide rail 101911, please refer to the first slide rail 101511. For the arrangement manner of the third slide block 102001, please refer to the first slide block 10121. For the arrangement manner of the fourth slide rail 101921, please refer to the second slide rail 101521. For the arrangement manner of the fourth sliding block 102102, please refer to the second sliding block 10132. The details will not be described again in this specification.

[0076] In the present application, the second swing arm 1021 may be arranged with reference to the first swing arm 1013 shown in Fig. 7. To realize a rotatable connection between the second swing arm 1021 and the base 106, please refer to Fig. 8. The base 106 includes a second arc-shaped slot 1064, and the second swing arm 1021 is provided with a second arc-shaped rotation block 102101 (see Fig. 5b). In addition, please continue to refer to Fig. 8. A second arc-shaped protrusion 10142 may further be arranged on a surface of the cover plate 1014 facing the second arc-shaped slot 1064. The second arcuate slot 1064 may be positioned with reference to the first arcuate slot 1063, the second arcuate rotation block 102101 may be positioned with reference to the first arcuate rotation block 10131, and the second arcuate protrusion 10142 may be positioned with reference to the first arcuate protrusion 10141. Details will not be described again herein.

[0077] After understanding the coupling relationship between the first rotating component 101 a and the second rotating component 101 b and the base 106 provided in the above-described embodiment of the present application, the operation of the hinge mechanism will be described below. First, please refer to FIG. 10 a. FIG. 10 a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism in the unfolded state. In this case, the distance between the base 106 and the edge of the first housing mounting bracket 1015 facing the base 106 is closest, and the distance between the second sliding block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 and the first surface 1015 a of the first housing mounting bracket 1015 is closest.

[0078] From the description of the above embodiment, it can be seen that when the hinge mechanism rotates from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first support arm 1012 can slide in the first sliding groove 10151 in a first direction, and the first swing arm 1013 can slide in the second sliding groove 10152 in a second direction. Similarly, the second support arm 1020 can slide in the third sliding groove 10191 in a third direction, and the second swing arm 1021 can slide in the fourth sliding groove 10192 in a fourth direction. In FIG. 10a, the first and third directions are indicated by solid lines with arrows, and the second and fourth directions are indicated by dotted lines with arrows. In addition, please refer to FIG. 10b. FIG. 10b is a schematic diagram of a first cross section according to a possible embodiment. In the first cross section, the first direction and the second direction intersect, and the angle at which the first direction and the second direction intersect may be an acute angle as shown in the figure, or may be another possible angle, such as a right angle or an obtuse angle. In addition, in the second cross section, the positional relationship between the third direction and the fourth direction may be symmetrical to the positional relationship between the first direction and the second direction shown in Figure 10b. Details will not be described again in this specification.

[0079] 10c is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism in an intermediate state. Comparing FIG. 10c with FIG. 10a, it can be seen that in this process, the first housing mounting bracket 1015 moves relative to the first support arm 1012 in a direction away from the base 106, driving the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 to rotate around the base 106. As the first arc-shaped rotation block 10131 of the first swing arm 1013 moves in a direction sliding out of the corresponding first arc-shaped slot 1063, the portion of the first arc-shaped rotation block 10131 accommodated in the corresponding first arc-shaped slot 1063 is reduced. At the same time, the second sliding block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 slides within the second sliding rail 101521 from the first surface 1015a to the second surface 1015b of the first housing mounting bracket 1015. Similarly, the second housing mounting bracket 1019 may drive the second support arm 1020 and the second swing arm 1021 to rotate around the base 106. The specific movement process is similar to the movement process in which the first housing mounting bracket 1015 drives the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 to rotate around the base 106. The details will not be described again in this specification.

[0080] Additionally, please refer to FIG. 10d. FIG. 10d is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism in a folded state. In the process from FIG. 10c to FIG. 10d, the first housing mounting bracket 1015 continues to move relative to the first support arm 1012 in a direction away from the base 106, driving the first support arm 1012 to rotate around the base 106. As the first arc-shaped rotation block 10131 of the first swing arm 1013 continues to move in a direction sliding out of the corresponding first arc-shaped slot 1063, the portion of the first arc-shaped rotation block 10131 accommodated in the corresponding first arc-shaped slot 1063 is further reduced. At the same time, the second sliding block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 continues to slide in the second sliding groove 10152 toward the second surface 1015b of the first housing mounting bracket 1015. Similarly, the second housing mounting bracket 1019 may continue to drive the second support arm 1020 and the second swing arm 1021 to rotate around the base. The specific movement process is similar to the movement process in which the first housing mounting bracket 1015 drives the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 to rotate around the base 106. Details will not be described again in this specification.

[0081] It will be understood that when the electronic device is rotated from the folded state shown in Fig. 10d to the unfolded state shown in Fig. 10a, the first housing mounting bracket 1015, the first support arm 1012, the first swing arm 1013, the second housing mounting bracket 1019, the second support arm 1020, and the second swing arm 1021 may move separately in directions opposite to the rotation process described above from Fig. 10a to Fig. 10d, and the details will not be described again herein.

[0082] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a mechanism by which the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 slide relative to the first housing mounting bracket 1015 according to an embodiment of the present application. It can be seen from FIG. 11 that by using the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the present application, the rotation axes of the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 do not coincide when the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 rotate around the base 106. In this way, an axis phase difference between the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 can be realized. In addition, the arrangement directions of the first sliding groove 10151 and the second sliding groove 10152 are appropriately designed so that the angles by which the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 rotate relative to the base 106 cannot both be greater than 90°. Compared with existing solutions, the rotation angle of the first swing arm 1013 can be effectively reduced. In this way, the wall thickness design of the local structure of the first swing arm 1013 (for example, the structure of position A of the first swing arm 1013 shown in FIG. 7 ) can meet the strength requirements, thereby improving the reliability of the structure of the first swing arm 1013. It will be understood that FIG. 11 may also be used to illustrate the principle of the mechanism by which the second support arm 1020 and the second swing arm 1021 slide relative to the second housing mounting bracket 1019. From the above analysis, it can be seen that in the present application, the arrangement directions of the third sliding groove 10191 and the fourth sliding groove 10192 are appropriately designed so that neither of the angles by which the second support arm 1020 and the second swing arm 1021 rotate relative to the base 106 is greater than 90°. Therefore, the rotation angle of the second swing arm 1021 is reduced. In this way, the wall thickness design of the local structure of the second swing arm 1021 meets the strength requirements, thereby improving the structural reliability of the second swing arm 1021. In addition, when the hinge mechanism 1 is used in an electronic device, the thin design of components in the electronic device can be effectively avoided to prevent rotation of the first swing arm 1013 and the second swing arm 1021, thereby improving the reliability of the overall structure of the electronic device.

[0083] Additionally, continue to refer to FIG. 10d. When the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 both have a supporting force in the Z direction relative to the first housing mounting bracket 1015, as shown in FIG. 10d. This can effectively improve the degree of movement coupling between the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 and the first housing mounting bracket 1015, and can act as a stopper for the first housing mounting bracket 1015 in this direction. Similarly, the second support arm 1020 and the second swing arm 1021 can also have a supporting force in the Z direction relative to the second housing mounting bracket 1019. This can effectively improve the degree of movement coupling between the second support arm 1020 and the second swing arm 1021 and the second housing mounting bracket 1019, and can act as a stopper for the second housing mounting bracket 1019 in this direction. In this way, even if an electronic device using the hinge mechanism is dropped in a folded state, the risk of first housing mounting bracket 1015 and second housing mounting bracket 1019 causing a large instantaneous displacement relative to the hinge mechanism in this state can be effectively reduced, thereby ensuring the reliability of the entire structure of the electronic device.

[0084] In the present application, the second sliding block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 may be the linear sliding block shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the second sliding rail 101521 may be adaptively arranged as the linear sliding rail shown in FIG. 10a. In addition, the linear sliding rail has an opening located on the first surface 1015a. When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 10a, the linear sliding rail extends from the opening to the base 106, improving the smoothness of the sliding of the second sliding block 10132 along the second sliding rail 101521. In addition, interference with the first swing arm 1013 caused by other structures of the hinge mechanism is reduced, which helps increase the wall thickness of the first swing arm 1013 and may improve the structural reliability of the first swing arm 1013. In some other possible embodiments of the present application, the linear slide rail may alternatively extend from the opening in a direction away from the base, or the linear slide rail may extend from the opening in a direction perpendicular to the second surface 1015b. In this way, the second slide rail 101521 is flexibly positioned. It should be noted that in the present application, the second slide block 10132 herein may alternatively have another shape that fits the linear slide rail, for example, may be a slide block with an overall linear shape having a hollow and spaced design in the middle, or may be a slide block with some special shape, as long as the slide block can fit the linear-shaped slide rail for sliding.

[0085] In the present application, the fourth slide rail 101921 and the second slide rail 101521 may be arranged symmetrically. For the specific arrangement manner of the fourth slide rail 101921, please refer to the second slide rail 101521. Details will not be described again in this specification. In addition, the fourth slide block 102102 may be a straight slide block or may have another shape that fits a straight slide rail. For example, it may be a slide block with an overall straight shape having a hollow and spaced design in the middle part, or may be a slide block with some special shape, as long as the slide block can fit a straight-shaped slide rail for sliding.

[0086] In addition to the linear structure described above, the second sliding block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 may be designed as another possible structure. See, for example, FIG. 12 . FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first swing arm 1013 according to another possible embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, the second sliding block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 may alternatively be designed as an arc-shaped sliding block, which may be, for example, an arc-shaped sliding block. In addition, to enable the arc-shaped sliding block of the first swing arm 1013 to slide within the second sliding rail 101521 of the second sliding groove 10152 of the first housing mounting bracket 1015, the second sliding rail 101521 may be designed as an arc-shaped sliding rail instead of the linear sliding rail shown in FIG. 10 a. The arc-shaped sliding rail may be, for example, an arc-shaped sliding rail. When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the axis of the arc-shaped slide rail is located on the side of the arc-shaped slide rail away from the base 106. This can help improve the smooth sliding of the second slide block 10132 along the second slide rail 101521, and the angle by which the first swing arm 1013 rotates relative to the base 106 can be 90° to effectively reduce interference of other structures of the hinge mechanism with the movement of the first swing arm 1013. Therefore, the wall thickness of the first swing arm 1013 can be increased. In addition, FIG. 12 may show the structure of the second swing arm 1021. For the specific arrangement of the second swing arm 1021, please refer to the above description of the first swing arm 1013. Details will not be described again in this specification.

[0087] In this embodiment, the sliding of the first swing arm 1013 in the second slide groove 10152 and the sliding of the second swing arm 1021 in the fourth slide groove 10192 are the sliding of the arc-shaped slide blocks on the arc-shaped slide rails. For a specific embodiment, please first refer to FIG. 13a. FIG. 13a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism in the unfolded state. In this case, the distance between the base 106 and the edge of the first housing mounting bracket 1015 facing the base 106 is the shortest, and the distance between the second slide block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 and the first surface 1015a of the first housing mounting bracket 1015 is the shortest.

[0088] From the description of the above embodiment, it can be seen that when the hinge mechanism rotates from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first support arm 1012 can slide in the first sliding groove 10151 in a first direction, and the first support arm 1012 can slide in the second sliding groove 10152 in a second direction. Similarly, the second support arm 1020 can slide in the third sliding groove 10191 in a third direction, and the second swing arm 1021 can slide in the fourth sliding groove 10192 in a fourth direction. In FIG. 13a, the first and third directions are indicated by solid lines with arrows, and the second and fourth directions are indicated by dotted lines with arrows. In addition, please refer to FIG. 13b. FIG. 13b is a schematic diagram of a first cross section according to a possible embodiment. In the first cross section, the first and second directions intersect. In addition, in the second cross section, the positional relationship between the third direction and the fourth direction may be symmetrical to the positional relationship between the first direction and the second direction shown in Figure 13b, and details will not be described again in this specification.

[0089] Note that in the present application, the projection of the second direction on the first cross section is not parallel to the projection of the first direction on the first cross section, and the projection of the fourth direction on the second cross section is not parallel to the projection of the third direction on the second cross section. In addition to the intersection between the first direction and the second direction shown in Figures 10b and 13b, there may be a tangential relationship between the first direction and the second direction shown in Figure 13c, or a spaced relationship between the first direction and the second direction shown in Figure 13d. This is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0090] In the process of the hinge mechanism rotating from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first support arm 1012 can slide in the first sliding groove along the first direction shown in FIG. 13a, and the first swing arm 1013 can slide in the second sliding groove along the second direction shown in FIG. 13a. In addition, please refer to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism in an intermediate state. Comparing FIG. 14 and FIG. 13a, it can be seen that in this process, the first housing mounting bracket 1015 may move relative to the first support arm 1012 in a direction away from the base 106, driving the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 to rotate around the base 106. As the first arc-shaped rotation block 10131 of the first swing arm 1013 moves in a direction sliding out of the corresponding first arc-shaped slot 1063, a portion of the first arc-shaped rotation block 10131 accommodated in the corresponding first arc-shaped slot 1063 is reduced. At the same time, the second sliding block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 slides in the second sliding rail 101521 from the first surface 1015a to the second surface 1015b of the first housing mounting bracket 1015. Similarly, the second housing mounting bracket 1019 may drive the second support arm 1020 and the second swing arm 1021 to rotate about the base 106. The specific movement process is similar to the movement process in which the first housing mounting bracket 1015 drives the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 to rotate about the base 106. The details will not be explained again here.

[0091] Additionally, please refer to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism in a folded state. In the process from FIG. 14 to FIG. 15, the first housing mounting bracket 1015 continues to move relative to the first support arm 1012 in a direction away from the base 106, driving the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 to continue to rotate around the base 106. As the first arc-shaped rotation block 10131 of the first swing arm 1013 continues to move in a direction sliding out of the corresponding first arc-shaped slot 1063, the portion of the first arc-shaped rotation block 10131 accommodated in the corresponding first arc-shaped slot 1063 is further reduced. At the same time, the second sliding block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 continues to slide in the second sliding rail 101521 toward the second surface 1015b of the first housing mounting bracket 1015. Similarly, the second housing mounting bracket 1019 may continue to drive the second support arm 1020 and the second swing arm 1021 to rotate around the base. The specific movement process is similar to the movement process in which the first housing mounting bracket 1015 drives the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 to rotate around the base 106. Details will not be described again in this specification.

[0092] It will be appreciated that as the hinge mechanism rotates from the folded state shown in Figure 15 to the deployed state shown in Figure 13a, the first housing mounting bracket 1015, the first support arm 1012, the first swing arm 1013, the second housing mounting bracket 1019, the second support arm 1020, and the second swing arm 1021 may move independently in directions opposite to the rotation process described above in Figures 13a through 15. Details will not be described again herein.

[0093] In some other possible embodiments of the present application, when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the axis of the arc-shaped slide rail may alternatively be located on the side of the arc-shaped slide rail facing the base 106. Thus, in the process of rotating the hinge mechanism from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second slide block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 slides in the second slide rail 101521 from the second surface 1015b to the first surface 1015a of the first housing mounting bracket 1015. In the process of rotating the hinge mechanism from the folded state to the unfolded state, the second slide block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 slides in the second slide rail 101521 from the first surface 1015a to the second surface 1015b of the first housing mounting bracket 1015.

[0094] It should be noted that in the present application, when the second slide rail 101521 is an arc-shaped slide rail, the second slide block 10132 may alternatively have another shape that fits the arc-shaped slide rail, for example, may be a slide block having a generally arc-shaped form with a hollow and spaced design in the middle portion, or may be a slide block of some special shape, as long as the slide block can fit into the arc-shaped slide rail for sliding. In addition, when the second slide rail 101521 is a circular slide rail, the sliding of the second slide block 10132 within the second slide rail 101521 may also be understood as the rotation of the second slide block 10132 around the first housing mounting bracket 1015 via the circular slide rail.

[0095] In the present application, the fourth slide rail 101921 and the second slide rail 101521 may be arranged symmetrically. For the specific arrangement manner of the fourth slide rail 101921, please refer to the second slide rail 101521. Details will not be described again in this specification. In addition, the fourth slide block 102102 may be an arc-shaped slide block or another shape that fits the arc-shaped slide rail. For example, it may be a slide block with a generally arc-shaped form having a hollow and spaced design in the middle part, or a slide block with some special shape, as long as the slide block can fit the arc-shaped slide rail for sliding. In addition, when the fourth slide rail 101921 is an arc-shaped slide rail, the sliding of the fourth slide block 102102 within the fourth slide rail 101921 can also be understood as the rotation of the fourth slide block 102102 around the second housing mounting bracket 1019 via the arc-shaped slide rail.

[0096] In an embodiment of the present application, in order to improve the consistency and smoothness of the movement of the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 located on the same side, and the degree of coupling between the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 and the corresponding sliding grooves, please refer to FIG. 16a. FIG. 16a is a schematic diagram of a structure in which the first support arm 1012 is connected to the first swing arm 1013 according to an embodiment of the present application. A first driving connecting rod 1016a may be disposed between the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013, and the first driving connecting rod 1016a may be rotatably connected to the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 separately. For a specific implementation, please refer to FIG. 16b. FIG. 16b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first driving connecting rod 1016a according to a possible embodiment of the present application. The first drive connecting rod 1016 a may include a first connecting portion 10161 and a second connecting portion 10162 .

[0097] 16c is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first support arm 1012 according to a possible embodiment of the present application. Please refer to FIGS. 16b and 16c. In the present application, a first coupling portion 10161 of the first drive coupling rod 1016a may be coupled to a first mounting hole 10122 of the first support arm 1012. A second coupling portion 10162 of the first drive coupling rod 1016a may be coupled to a second mounting hole 10135 of the first swing arm 1013, as shown in FIG. 7 or 12.

[0098] Additionally, see Figure 17, which is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 16a at position BB. See Figures 16b and 16c. The first link 10161 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 1012 via a first link rod 10163, and the second link 10162 is rotatably connected to the swing arm 1013 via a second link rod 10164. It should be noted that the axes of the first link rod 10163 and the second link rod 10164 do not coincide to reduce the risk of interference with the respective movements of the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013.

[0099] The first drive connecting rod 1016a is disposed between the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013. As a result, the first support arm 1012, the first swing arm 1013, and the first drive connecting rod 1016a together support the first housing mounting bracket 1015 when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, effectively improving the degree of motion coupling between the first support arm 1012, the first swing arm 1013, and the first housing mounting bracket 1015 and acting as a stopper for the first housing mounting bracket 1015. This effectively reduces the risk of the first housing mounting bracket 1015 causing a large instantaneous displacement relative to the hinge mechanism even if the electronic device using the hinge mechanism is dropped in the folded state. This ensures the reliability of the overall structure of the electronic device.

[0100] To avoid excessive constraints on movement caused by disposing the first drive connecting rod 1016a on the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013, please refer to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view at position CC in FIG. 16a. In this embodiment, the second sliding block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 may be thinned so that the second sliding block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 may have a clearance fit with the second sliding rail 101521 of the first housing mounting bracket 1015. For a specific implementation, please refer to FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first swing arm 1013 according to another possible embodiment. In this embodiment, the thickness of the second sliding block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 is reduced, so that there is a gap between the second sliding block 10132 and the side wall of the second sliding rail 101521 shown in FIG. 18. In this case, the shape of the second sliding block 10132 may match the shape of the second sliding rail 101521. For example, when the second sliding rail 101521 is a rectangular sliding rail, the second sliding block 10132 may be arranged as a rectangular sliding block. Alternatively, the second sliding block 10132 may be arranged as a pin shaft so that the second sliding block 10132 can rotate relative to the second sliding rail 101521 while sliding within the second sliding rail 101521. Therefore, in the process of the second sliding block 10132 sliding along the second sliding rail 101521, the freedom of movement of the first swing arm 1013 is increased while the reliability of cooperation between the first swing arm 1013 and the second sliding groove 10152 of the first housing mounting bracket 1015 can be taken into consideration.

[0101] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, the first drive connecting rod 1016a is rotatably connected to the first support arm 1012 via the first connecting rod 10163, and is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 1013 via the second connecting rod 10164. In this manner, the first support arm 1012, the first connecting rod 10163, the first swing arm 1013, and the second connecting rod 10164 can form a four-linked rod mechanism. It will be understood that the rod lengths between the structures of the four-linked rod mechanism can be adjusted so that the formed four-linked rod structure can be a parallelogram or a non-parallelogram.

[0102] In addition to the arrangement manner of the first driving connecting rod 1016a provided in the above-mentioned embodiment, please refer to Fig. 20a. Fig. 20a is a schematic diagram of a structure in which a first support arm 1012 is connected to a first swing arm 1013 according to another embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, the first driving connecting rod 1016a is also located between the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013. Different from the above-mentioned embodiment, in this embodiment, the first connecting portion 10161 of the first driving connecting rod 1016a is slidably connected to the first swing arm 1013 via the first connecting rod 10163, and the second connecting portion 10162 is fixed to the first support arm 1012.

[0103] 20b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first swing arm according to another possible embodiment of the present application. Please refer to FIGS. 20a and 20b. A first guide slot 10134 may be disposed at the end of the first swing arm 1013 facing the first support arm 1012, and a first connecting rod 10163 may be inserted into the first guide slot 10134 and be slidable along the slot surface of the first guide slot 10134. Therefore, a slidable connection between the first connecting rod 10163 and the first swing arm 1013 is realized.

[0104] Additionally, see Figure 20c, which is a schematic diagram of a structure in which a first drive connecting rod 1016a is connected to a first support arm 1012. In the present application, the second connection 10162 of the first drive connecting rod 1016a may be fixed to the first support arm 1012 by a bond, a screw connection, or the like. In some other possible embodiments of the present application, the first drive connecting rod 1016a and the first support arm 1012 may alternatively be integrally formed.

[0105] It will be understood that in some possible embodiments of the present application, the first driving connecting rod 1016a may alternatively be slidably connected to the first support arm 1012 and fixed to the first swing arm 1013. The specific arrangement manner is similar to the above-mentioned embodiment in which the first driving connecting rod 1016a is slidably connected to the first swing arm 1013 and fixed to the first support arm 1012. The details will not be described again in this specification.

[0106] In this arrangement of the first drive connecting rod 1016a, the first guide slot 10134 may be appropriately designed to improve the degree of coupling between the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 and the corresponding sliding grooves. This improves the consistency of the movement of the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013, making the movement of the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 smoother. Additionally, when an electronic device using the hinge mechanism is dropped in a folded state, the first support arm 1012, the first swing arm 1013, and the first drive connecting rod 1016a may support the housing of the electronic device together. This may prevent large instantaneous displacement of the housing relative to the hinge mechanism, improving the reliability of the overall structure of the electronic device.

[0107] Additionally, in this embodiment, the second sliding block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 may also be thinned to avoid excessive constraints on movement caused by disposing the first drive connecting rod 1016a on the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013. In this manner, the second sliding block 10132 of the first swing arm 1013 is clearance-fitted into the second sliding rail 101521 of the first housing mounting bracket 1015. For specific arrangement methods, please refer to the previous embodiments. Details will not be described again in this specification.

[0108] Please note that referring to FIG. 10a, in the second rotating component 101b, the second driving connecting rod 1016b may be disposed between the second support arm 1020 and the second swing arm 1021. The second driving connecting rod 1016b may include a third connecting portion (not shown in FIG. 10a) and a fourth connecting portion (not shown in FIG. 10a). The third connecting portion may be connected to the second swing arm 1021, and the fourth connecting portion may be connected to the second support arm 1020. For the specific arrangement manner of the second driving connecting rod 1016b, the connection mode between the third connecting portion and the second swing arm 1021, and the connection mode between the fourth connecting portion and the second support arm 1020, please refer to the first rotating component 101a. Details will not be described again in this specification.

[0109] Please continue to refer to FIG. 5a. In the present application, in addition to the above-mentioned structure, the hinge mechanism 1 may further include a first support plate 102 and a second support plate 103. The first support plate 102 and the second support plate 103 may be respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the base 106 shown in FIG. 6. In the present application, the first support plate 102 and the second support plate 103 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the base 106. In the following embodiments, the specific arrangement manner of the first support plate 102 and the connection relationship between the first support plate 102 and the base 106 are mainly used as examples for explanation. The second support plate 103 may be arranged with reference to the first support plate 102.

[0110] In the present application, the first support plate 102 is rotatably coupled to the first housing mounting bracket 1015. It should be noted that in the present application, the first support plate 102 may be rotatably coupled to multiple first housing mounting brackets 1015 of multiple main hinge modules 101. This helps to simplify the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 and can improve the reliability of the structure of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0111] When the first support plate 102 and the first housing mounting bracket 1015 are specifically rotatably connected, please first refer to the first housing mounting bracket 1015 shown in FIG. 9. The first housing mounting bracket 1015 may further be provided with a first rotation slot 10153, which may be an arc-shaped slot. In addition, please refer to FIG. 21. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first support plate 102 according to a possible embodiment of the present application. The first rotating portion 10201 may be disposed at an end of the first support plate 102 opposite the first housing mounting bracket 1015. The first rotating portion 10201 may be configured in an arc shape, for example, a circular arc shape. In this manner, the first rotating part 10201 may be attached to the first rotating slot 10153, and relative rotation between the first support plate 102 and the first housing mounting bracket 1015 may be achieved by rotating the first rotating part 10201 along the slot surface of the first rotating slot 10153.

[0112] Please continue to refer to FIG. 21 . The first support plate 102 includes a first plate surface 102a and a second plate surface 102b disposed opposite each other. The first plate surface 102a may be used to support a flexible display. For a specific embodiment, please refer to FIG. 22 . FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which the first support plate 102 supports a flexible display 4 according to a possible embodiment of the present application. In FIG. 21 , the electronic device is in an unfolded state. In this case, the first plate surface 102a of the first support plate 102 and a surface of a cover plate (not shown in FIG. 21 ) facing the flexible display 4 may be coplanar, so that the flexible display 4 can be supported flat.

[0113] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge mechanism 1 according to a possible embodiment of the present application. FIG. 23 may be used to illustrate the structure of the second plate surface 102b of the first support plate 102 and the connection relationship between the first support plate 102 and other structures. A first guide portion 10202 may be disposed on the second plate surface 102b of the first support plate 102, and a first track slot 102021 may be disposed on the first guide portion 10202. In addition, in the present application, a first guide structure 10133 may be further disposed on the first swing arm 1013. The first guide structure 10133 may be, but is not limited to, a columnar structure. The first guide structure 10133 may be inserted into the first track slot 102021 of the first guide portion 10202 of the first support plate 102 and be slidable along the first track slot 102021. In this manner, in the process of the first swing arm 1013 rotating around the base 106, the first support plate 102 can be driven to rotate around the corresponding first housing mounting bracket 1015 by sliding the first guide structure 10133 in the first track slot 102021. For example, when the two housing mounting brackets rotate toward each other, the two swing arms rotate around the base 106 toward each other, and as a result, the ends of the two support plates closer to the base 106 can be driven to move away from the base 106. See FIG. 24 . FIG. 24 shows that when the electronic device is in a folded state, the first support plate 102, the second support plate 103, and the cover plate 1014 can form a display accommodating space 104, and the bent portion of the flexible display 4 can be accommodated in the display accommodating space 104. In this way, the flexible display 4 can be prevented from being squeezed, and the risk of damaging the flexible display 4 can be reduced.

[0114] From the above description, it can be seen that the first guide structure 10133 may be arranged as a columnar structure to facilitate sliding of the first guide structure 10133 along the first track slot 102021. For example, the first guide structure 10133 may be a pin shaft. In addition, the first guide structure 10133 may be coupled to the first swing arm 1013 to drive the first guide structure 10133 to slide along the first track slot 102021 in the process of the first swing arm 1013 rotating around the base 106, and the first guide structure 10133 and the first swing arm 1013 can rotate synchronously. The coupling mode between the first guide structure 10133 and the first swing arm 1013 is not specifically limited in the present application. For example, see FIG. 25. FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a hinge mechanism according to a possible embodiment of the present application. 25, the first support plate 102 is omitted to clearly show the connection relationship between the first guide structure 10133 and the first swing arm 1013 (see FIG. 24). In this embodiment, the first protrusion 101331 may be disposed at an end of the first guide structure 10133, or the first protrusion 101331 may be disposed around the circumferential direction of the end of the first guide structure 10133. The first protrusion 101331 may be a continuous ring-shaped structure disposed around the circumferential direction of the first guide structure 10133, one or more segment structures spaced around the circumferential direction of the first guide structure 10133, a plurality of point structures disposed around the circumferential direction of the first guide structure 10133, etc.

[0115] Additionally, please refer to Figure 26. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism shown in Figure 25. The first swing arm 1013 may have a first insertion hole 10136, and a first groove 101361 may be disposed in the hole wall of the first insertion hole 10136. In this manner, when the first guide structure 10133 is attached to the first swing arm 1013, the first guide structure 10133 may be inserted into the first insertion hole 10136, and the first protrusion 101331 is clamped in the first groove 101361. This realizes connection between the first guide structure 10133 and the first swing arm 1013. In addition, when the first guide structure 10133 needs to be removed from the first swing arm 1013, a large pulling force may be applied to the first guide structure 10133, resulting in the first protrusion 101331 being removed from the first groove 101361.

[0116] In the present application, the first guide structure 10133 and the first swing arm 1013 are detachably connected by clamping the first protrusion 101331 in the first groove 101361. This ensures the reliability of the connection between the first guide structure 10133 and the first swing arm 1013, while effectively reducing the number of components required to connect the first guide structure 10133 and the first swing arm 1013. This simplifies the structure of the hinge mechanism. In addition, the detachable connection between the first guide structure 10133 and the first swing arm 1013 can effectively improve the convenience of maintenance of the hinge mechanism.

[0117] It can be understood that when the first swing arm 1013 is connected to the first support plate 102 through the first guide structure 10133, the first guide structure 10133 can successively pass through the first insertion hole 10136 and the first track slot 102021 (see FIG. 23 ). The assembly of the first guide structure 10133 with the first swing arm 1013 and the first support plate 102 is completed until the first protrusion 101331 is clamped into the first groove 101361. The assembly mode is convenient and fast, so that the assembly efficiency can be effectively improved.

[0118] In another possible embodiment of the present application, the first support arm 1012 may further drive the first support plate 102 to rotate around the first housing mounting bracket 1015. In a specific embodiment, the first guide portion 10202 may be disposed on the second plate surface 102b of the first support plate 102, and the first track slot 102021 may be disposed in the first guide portion 10202. In addition, the first guide structure 10133 may be disposed on the first support arm 1012. The first guide structure 10133 may be, but is not limited to, a columnar structure. The first guide structure 10133 may be inserted into the first track slot 102021 of the first guide portion 10202 of the first support plate 102 and be slidable along the first track slot 102021. In this manner, in the process of the first support arm 1012 rotating around the base 106, the first support plate 102 can be driven to rotate around the first housing mounting bracket 1015 by sliding the first guide structure 10133 within the first track slot 102021. It will be understood that in this embodiment, the first guide structure 10133 can be alternatively arranged, with reference to FIG. 25 . In addition, the first support arm 1012 can have a first insertion hole 10136, and the first groove 101361 can be arranged in the hole wall of the first insertion hole 10136. In this manner, the detachable connection between the first guide structure 10133 and the first support arm 1012 is achieved by clamping the first protrusion 101331 with the first groove 101361.

[0119] In some possible embodiments of the present application, the first support plate 102 may further be slidably coupled to both the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013. For the slidable coupling mode, please refer to the above-mentioned implementation mode. Details will not be described again in this specification. Therefore, the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 rotate around the base 106, thereby driving the first support plate 102 to rotate around the first housing mounting bracket 1015. In this embodiment, the first guide structure 10133 may be alternatively arranged, see FIG. 25 . The first insertion hole 10136 is arranged in one of the first oscillating arm 1013 and the first support arm 1012, and the first groove 101361 is arranged in the hole wall of the first insertion hole 10136, thereby realizing a detachable connection between the first guide structure 10133 and the first oscillating arm 1013 and the first support arm 1012.

[0120] In addition to the clamping manner described above, the first guide structure 10133 and the first swing arm 1013 may be connected in other possible manners. For example, see FIG. 27. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge mechanism according to another possible embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, the first guide structure 10133 is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 1013. In a specific embodiment, the first guide structure 10133 and the first swing arm 1013 may be rotatably connected via a pin shaft.

[0121] Additionally, please refer to Fig. 28. Fig. 28 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first support plate 102 according to another possible embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, the first guide portion 10202 may be disposed on the second plate surface 102b of the first support plate 102, and the first track slot 102021 may be disposed in the first guide portion 10202. The first track slot 102021 may be a sliding groove disposed in the first guide portion 10202. The sliding groove may be, for example, a linear sliding groove.

[0122] Continue to refer to FIG. 27 . When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the first track slot 102021 has a first opening 1020211 disposed toward the base 106, and the first guide structure 10133 may be inserted into the first track slot 102021 through the first opening 1020211 and be slidable along the first track slot 102021. In this manner, in the process of the first swing arm 1013 rotating around the base 106, the first guide structure 10133 may be driven to rotate around the first swing arm 1013. In addition, by sliding the first guide structure 10133 within the first track slot 102021, the first support plate 102 is driven to rotate around the first housing mounting bracket 1015 on the corresponding side.

[0123] In this embodiment of the present application, the first guide structure 10133 is rotatably coupled to the first swing arm 1013, and the first guide structure 10133 slides along the first track slot 102021 of the first support plate 102. This can effectively improve the stability of the first swing arm 1013 moving the first support plate 102. In addition, when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the flatness of the support of the flexible display by the first support plate 102 can be effectively improved. In addition, when the electronic device is in a folded state, the risk of the first support plate 102 squeezing the flexible display in the process of the entire device falling can be reduced, and the structural reliability of the entire device can be improved.

[0124] 27 is used for the first guide structure 10133, it will be understood that the first guide structure 10133 may further be rotatably coupled to the first support arm 1012 so as to rotate the first support arm 1012 about the base 106, thereby driving the first support plate 102 to rotate about the first housing mounting bracket 1015. Alternatively, the first guide structure 10133 may be rotatably coupled to both the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013, such that rotation of the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 about the base 106 drives the first support plate 102 to rotate about the first housing mounting bracket 1015. For specific connection mode(s) between the first guide structure 10133 and the first support arm 1012 and / or the first swing arm 1013, please refer to the implementation mode shown in Figure 27. Details will not be described again in this specification.

[0125] Because the second support plate 103 and the first support plate 102 are symmetrically arranged, when the second support plate 103 is specifically arranged, the second support plate 103 may be rotatably coupled to the second housing mounting bracket 1019. Please continue to refer to FIG. 23 . The second housing mounting bracket 1019 has a second rotation slot 10193. In addition, the second support plate 103 may be provided with a second rotating portion 1031, so that the second rotating portion 1031 rotates along the slot surface of the second rotation slot 10193. The second support plate 103 may further be provided with a second guide portion 1032, which has a second track slot 10321. In addition, the second guide structure 102103 or the second guide structure 102103 may be arranged on the second support arm 1020 and / or the second swing arm 1021. The second guide structure 102103 may be inserted into the second track slot 10321 and is slidable along the second track slot 10321. Thus, when the second support arm 1020 and / or the second swing arm 1021 rotates, the second support plate 103 can be driven to rotate about the second housing mounting bracket 1019 by sliding the second guide structure 102103 within the second track slot 10321.

[0126] In the present application, the second guide structure 102103 may be arranged with reference to the first guide structure 10133 shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. For example, the second guide structure 102103 may be arranged as a columnar structure, such as a pin shaft. In addition, the second protrusion 1021031 may be arranged at the end of the second guide structure 102103, or the second protrusion 1021031 may be arranged around the circumferential direction of the end of the second guide structure 102103. The second protrusion 1021031 may be a continuous ring-shaped structure arranged around the circumferential direction of the second guide structure 102103, one or more intermittent segment structures arranged around the circumferential direction of the second guide structure 102103, a plurality of point structures arranged around the circumferential direction of the second guide structure 102103, etc. In addition, the second swing arm 1021 or the second support arm 1020 may have a second insertion hole 102104, and a second groove 1021041 may be arranged in the hole wall of the second insertion hole 102104. In this manner, the second guide structure 102103 may be inserted into the second insertion hole 102104, and the second protrusion 1021031 is clamped in the second groove 1021041, thereby realizing the connection between the second guide structure 102103 and the second swing arm 1021 or the second support arm 1020. In addition, when it is necessary to remove the second guide structure 102103 from the second insertion hole 102104, a large pulling force may be applied to the second guide structure 102103, so that the second protrusion 1021031 is removed from the second groove 1021041. In this manner, the second guide structure 102103 is detachably coupled to the second swing arm 1021 and / or the second support arm 1020.

[0127] In addition, the second guide structure 102103 may alternatively be positioned with reference to the first guide structure 10133 shown in FIG. 27. In a specific embodiment, the second guide structure 102103 may be rotatably coupled to the second swing arm 1021 and / or the second support arm 1020 via a pin shaft, and the second guide structure 102103 is slidable along the second track slot 10321 of the second guide portion 1032 of the second support plate 103. It will be understood that to facilitate sliding of the second guide structure 102103 within the second track slot 10321, the second support plate 103 may be positioned with reference to the first support plate 102 shown in FIG. 28, and the second track slot 10321 may be a sliding groove disposed in the second guide portion 1032. In addition, please refer to FIG. 27. When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the second track slot 10321 has a second opening 103211 disposed toward the base 106, and the second guide structure 102103 can be inserted into the second track slot 10321 through the second opening 103211. In this manner, in the process of the second swing arm 1021 and / or the second support arm 1020 rotating around the base 106, the second guide structure 102103 can be driven to rotate around the second swing arm 1021 and / or the second support arm 1020. In addition, the second support plate 103 can be driven to rotate around the second housing mounting bracket 1019 on the corresponding side by sliding the second guide structure 102103 in the second track slot 10321.

[0128] In the present application, the second guide structure 102103 is rotatably coupled to the second swing arm 1021 and / or the second support arm 1020, and the second guide structure 102103 slides along the second track slot 10321 of the second support plate 103. This effectively improves the stability of the second swing arm 1021 and / or the second support arm 1020 moving the second support plate 103. In addition, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the flatness of the flexible display supported by the second support plate 103 can be effectively improved. In addition, when the electronic device is in the folded state, the risk of the flexible display being compressed by the second support plate 103 in the process of the entire device being dropped can be reduced, thereby improving the structural reliability of the entire device.

[0129] In the present application, the first sliding groove 10151 and the second sliding groove 10152 are disposed in the first housing mounting bracket 1015. Additionally, in the process of rotating the first housing mounting bracket 1015 around the base 106, the first support arm 1012 slides in the first sliding groove 10151 in a first direction, and the first swing arm 1013 slides in the second sliding groove 10152 in a second direction, and the projection on the first cross section may intersect with the projection on the first cross section in the second direction. The first cross section may be a reference plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first support arm 1012 and the rotation axis of the first swing arm 1013. Therefore, when the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 rotate around the base 106, the rotation axes of the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 do not coincide. In this way, an axis phase difference between the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 can be realized. In addition, the arrangement directions of the first sliding groove 10151 and the second sliding groove 10152 are appropriately designed so that the angles by which the first support arm 1012 and the first swing arm 1013 rotate relative to the base 106 may both be 90° or less. Based on the same principle, the angles by which the second support arm 1020 and the second swing arm 1021 rotate relative to the base 106 may both be 90° or less.

[0130] It will be understood that in the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the present application, the first track slot 102021 of the first support plate 102 and the second track slot 10321 of the second support plate 103 can be further adjusted to adjust the rotation angles of the first swing arm 1013 and the second swing arm 1021. For example, the maximum angle through which the first swing arm 1013 can rotate may be 90° or less. When the electronic device is in a folded state, the distance between the first swing arm 1013 and the flexible display 4 may be long, thereby preventing the flexible display 4 from being squeezed or pulled by the first swing arm 1013. This reduces the risk of damaging the flexible display 4 and extends the service life of the flexible display 4.

[0131] In addition to the above-described structure, in some embodiments of the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may alternatively be provided with another possible structure. See, for example, FIG. 29 . FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hinge mechanism according to another embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, the main hinge module 101 may further include a synchronization component 1017. The synchronization component 1017 may include a first drive gear 10171 a disposed at the end of the first support arm 1012 and a second drive gear 10171 b disposed at the end of the second support arm 1020. The first drive gear 10171 a and the second drive gear 10171 b are meshed with each other. In this manner, when one support arm rotates around the base 106, the other support arm may be driven to rotate synchronously around the base 106 in the same direction or the opposite direction, and the two support arms rotate at the same angle.

[0132] Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism at position DD shown in Figure 29. In the present application, the synchronizing component 1017 may further include a driven gear 10172, which may be disposed between the two drive gears. In addition, there may be an even number of driven gears 10172, and adjacent driven gears 10172 mesh with each other, and the drive gear and adjacent driven gears 10172 mesh with each other, so that the two drive gears can rotate synchronously via the even number of driven gears 10172.

[0133] In order to improve the stability of the movement of the synchronizing component 1017, in the present application, the two drive gears may each be sleeved on a pin shaft on the corresponding side. In addition, the synchronizing component 1017 may further include an intermediate shaft 10173 that may be located between the two pin shafts, and each driven gear 10172 is sleeved on one of the intermediate shafts 10173.

[0134] It should be noted that in the present application, the synchronization component 1017 may be disposed on the base 106 or may be housed in a housing space formed between the cover plate 1014 and the base 106, resulting in a compact structure of the hinge mechanism 1. In the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the present application, since the synchronization component 1017 is disposed, when one support arm rotates around the base 106, the other support arm may be driven to rotate in the same direction or in the opposite direction around the base 106. Additionally, since each support arm is slidable along the sliding groove of the corresponding housing mounting bracket, when the support arm rotates around the base 106, the housing mounting bracket on the same side may be driven to rotate at the same angle. As a result, when the two support arms rotate synchronously, synchronous rotation of the two housing mounting brackets is realized. Additionally, since the housing mounting brackets may be fixed to the housing of the electronic device, the synchronous rotation of the two housing mounting brackets may enable the two housings of the electronic device to rotate synchronously. In this way, it is possible to prevent a momentary force from being applied to the flexible display 4 fixed to the two housings, which helps to improve the reliability of the flexible display 4.

[0135] Please continue to refer to Figure 29. In the present application, the primary hinge module 101 may further be provided with a damping component 1018. The damping component 1018 may include a first elastic member 10181 and a first coupling cam 10182. In the longitudinal direction of the primary hinge module 101, the first coupling cam 10182 is located between the first elastic member 10181 and the first support arm 1012, and the first coupling cam 10182 abuts against the first support arm 1012 under the action of the elastic force of the first elastic member 10181.

[0136] In addition, the first cam surface may be arranged on an end of the first support arm 1012 facing the first coupling cam 10182, and the second cam surface may be arranged on an end of the second support arm 1020 facing the first coupling cam 10182. When the first drive gear 10171a is provided on the first support arm 1012 and when the second drive gear 10171b is provided on the second support arm 1020, the first cam surface may be arranged on an end of the first drive gear 10171a and the second cam surface may be arranged on an end of the second drive gear 10171b. A third cam surface is arranged on an end of the first coupling cam 10182 facing the first support arm 1012, and a fourth cam surface is arranged on an end of the first coupling cam 10182 facing the second support arm. In this case, under the action of the elastic force of the first elastic member 10181, the corresponding first cam surface cooperates with the third cam surface, and the second cam surface cooperates with the fourth cam surface.

[0137] Note that in the present application, the cam surface includes multiple protrusions and recesses. When the slopes of the protrusions of the two cam surfaces contact each other, a damping force can be generated between the two cam surfaces that prevents the two cam surfaces from continuing to rotate relative to each other. Based on this, in the process of the two support arms rotating around the base 106, the damping component 1018 can provide a damping force to the two support arms. The damping force can be transmitted to the first housing mounting bracket 1015 via the first support arm 1012 and to the second housing mounting bracket 1019 via the second support arm 1020, so that the two housing mounting brackets act on the two housings of the electronic device, respectively. In the present application, the damping component 1018 is disposed on the main hinge module 101. This can prevent the electronic device from being unfolded or folded incorrectly and can realize the two housings hovering at a set position. In addition, the user can have a clear feeling during the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device, which helps to improve the user experience.

[0138] When specifically arranged, the first resilient member 10181 may include multiple springs arranged side by side. Additionally, a portion of the spring of the first resilient member 10181 may be sleeved onto the pin shaft 1061, and another portion of the spring may be sleeved onto the intermediate shaft 10173. This helps to improve the stability of the movement of the first resilient member 10181.

[0139] 29 . The damping component 1018 may further include a stopper 10183, and the first elastic member 10181 is located between the stopper 10183 and the first coupling cam 10182. The stopper 10183 may alternatively be sleeved on the pin shaft 1061 and the intermediate shaft 10173, and the stopper 10183 may be positioned to compress the first elastic member 10181, such that the first elastic member 10181 accumulates elastic force. In addition, the damping component 1018 may further include a circlip 10184. The stopper 10183 is located between the first elastic member 10181 and the circlip 10184, and the circlip 10184 may be clamped to the pin shaft 1061 and the intermediate shaft 10173 to restrict the first elastic member 10181 and the first coupling cam 10182. Therefore, the first elastic member 10181 can be prevented from falling off the pin shaft 1061 and the intermediate shaft 10173.

[0140] It will be understood that, in general, the damping force provided by the damping component 1018 can be increased by adding cooperating cam surfaces. FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a hinge mechanism according to another possible embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, the first rotating component 101a may further include a third support arm 1022. The third support arm 1022 may be slidably coupled to the first housing mounting bracket 1015, and the direction in which the third support arm 1022 slides along the first housing mounting bracket 1015 is the same as the direction in which the first support arm 1012 slides along the first housing mounting bracket 1015. In addition, the second rotating component 101b may further include a fourth support arm 1023. The fourth support arm 1023 may be slidably connected to the second housing mounting bracket 1019, and the direction in which the fourth support arm 1023 slides along the second housing mounting bracket 1019 is the same as the direction in which the second support arm 1020 slides along the second housing mounting bracket 1019.

[0141] The damping component 1018 may further include a second coupling cam 10185. The first elastic member 10181 is positioned between the first coupling cam 10182 and the second coupling cam 10185, and the first elastic member 10181 presses the second coupling cam 10185 against the third support arm 1022 and the fourth support arm 1023. The fifth cam surface may be disposed on an end of the third support arm 1022 opposite the second coupling cam 10185, and the sixth cam surface may be disposed on an end of the fourth support arm 1023 opposite the second coupling cam 10185. In addition, the second coupling cam 10185 is provided with a seventh cam surface and an eighth cam surface. Under the action of the elastic force of the first elastic member 10181, the fifth cam surface cooperates with the seventh cam surface, and the sixth cam surface cooperates with the eighth cam surface.

[0142] When the damping force provided by the damping component 1018 needs to be further increased, continue to refer to FIG. 31 . The damping component 1018 may further include a third coupling cam 10186. The third support arm 1022 may be positioned between the second coupling cam 10185 and the third coupling cam 10186, and the fourth support arm 1023 may be positioned between the second coupling cam 10185 and the third coupling cam 10186. In addition, the damping component 1018 may further include a second elastic member 10187. The second elastic member 10187 may press the third coupling cam 10186 against the third support arm 1022 and the fourth support arm 1023. The ninth cam surface may be disposed on the end of the third support arm 1022 opposite the third coupling cam 10186, and the tenth cam surface may be disposed on the end of the fourth support arm 1023 opposite the third coupling cam 10186. In addition, the third coupling cam 10186 is provided with an eleventh cam surface and a twelfth cam surface. Under the action of the elastic force of the second elastic member 10187, the ninth cam surface cooperates with the eleventh cam surface, and the tenth cam surface cooperates with the twelfth cam surface.

[0143] In the hinge mechanism, multiple cam surfaces that cooperate with each other are arranged to increase the damping force provided by the damping component 1018 for the electronic device, so that erroneous unfolding and folding of the electronic device can be avoided and the two housings can be hovered in a set position. In addition, the user can have a clear feeling during the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device, which helps to improve the user experience.

[0144] The hinge mechanism 1 provided in the above-described embodiments of the present application may be used, for example, but not limited to, the electronic device shown in FIG. 4. See FIG. 29 or FIG. 31. The two housing mounting brackets of the main hinge module 101 may each be fixed to a housing on the same side of the base 106. For example, the first housing mounting bracket 1015 may be configured to be fixed to the first housing 2 of the electronic device shown in FIG. 4, and the second housing mounting bracket 1019 may be configured to be fixed to the second housing 3 of the electronic device shown in FIG. 4.

[0145] In the electronic device provided in the present application, when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the first support plate 102, the second support plate 103, and the cover plate 1014 of the hinge mechanism 1 can flatly support the flexible display 4. This can help ensure the integrity of the shape of the electronic device in the unfolded state and improve the light and shadow of the flexible display 4. In the process of rotating the electronic device around the hinge mechanism 1 from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 of the electronic device can each drive the housing mounting brackets on the corresponding sides to rotate around the base 106. Therefore, the housing mounting brackets can drive the support arm and the swing arm arranged on the same side to rotate around the base 106.

[0146] In this way, the two sliding grooves of each housing mounting bracket are appropriately designed, so that the angle at which the support arm and swing arm on the corresponding side rotate relative to the base 106 can be adjusted. See, for example, FIGS. 7 and 24 . When the electronic device is in a folded state, the distance between the first arc-shaped rotation block 10131 of the first swing arm 1013 and the flexible display 4 can be long. Similarly, the distance between the second arc-shaped rotation block 102101 of the second swing arm 1021 and the flexible display 4 can be long. In this way, the arc-shaped rotation blocks of the two swing arms can be prevented from pressing or pulling on the flexible display 4. This reduces the risk of damaging the flexible display 4 and extends the service life of the flexible display 4.

[0147] Please continue to refer to FIG. 24 . In the present application, when the first support plate 102 and the second support plate 103 are provided with a hinge mechanism, the flexible display 4 of the electronic device may be fixed to the first support plate 102 and the second support plate 103. The coupling mode may be, but is not limited to, bonding. In a specific embodiment, the flexible display 4 may be coupled to a portion of the first support plate 102. For example, the flexible display 4 may be coupled to a portion of the first support plate 102 that is closer to the base 106. In addition, the flexible display 4 may be coupled to a portion of the second support plate 103. For example, the flexible display 4 may be coupled to a portion of the second support plate 103 that is closer to the substrate 101. Therefore, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first housing 2, the second housing 3, the first support plate 102, and the second support plate 103 stably support the flexible display 4 together. This can help improve the light and shadow of the flexible display. When the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, the two support plates can drive the flexible display 4 to rotate, which can effectively prevent deformation of the flexible display 4 and reduce the risk of damaging the flexible display. In addition, when the electronic device shown in FIG. 24 is in the folded state, the flexible display 4 can be attached to the two support plates, which can effectively improve the bending reliability of the flexible display 4.

[0148] In addition, in the present application, the track slots of the two support plates can be appropriately designed so that when the electronic device is in a folded state, a sufficient accommodation space is formed between the two support plates and the cover plate 1014 to accommodate the bent portion of the flexible display 4. This can avoid gaps in the hinge mechanism 1 of the electronic device and ensure that the shape of the electronic device in the folded state is intact. In this way, damage to the flexible display 4 caused by foreign objects inserted into the electronic device at the hinge mechanism 1 can be avoided, and the overall thickness of the electronic device can be reduced.

[0149] 4 , a first groove 201 may be disposed at an end of the first housing 2 facing the hinge mechanism 1, and a second groove 301 may be disposed at an end of the second housing 3 facing the hinge mechanism 1. One first housing mounting bracket 1015 may be housed in the first groove 201, and the other first housing mounting bracket 1015 may be housed in the second groove 301. In this way, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the hinge mechanism 1 may be housed in the housing formed by bending the first groove 201 and the second groove 301, so that the electronic device has an appearance effect of an integrated design, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance of the electronic device.

[0150] In addition, see FIGS. 5a and 24. In the present application, the hinge mechanism may further include an end cover 105, which may be disposed on a side of the base 106 away from the flexible display 4. In a possible embodiment of the present application, the end cover 105 and the base 106 may be integrally formed to improve the structural reliability and simplify the structure of the hinge mechanism. In some other possible embodiments of the present application, the end cover 105 may alternatively be a structure disposed independently of the base 106, and the end cover 105 may be fixed to the base 106. The connection mode may be, but is not limited to, bonding, screw connection, etc. In this way, the end cover 105 may be used as an exterior component of the hinge mechanism. The end cover 105 may help protect other structures of the hinge mechanism and improve the aesthetic appearance of the hinge mechanism, thereby improving the overall aesthetic appearance of the electronic device.

[0151] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any modifications 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 scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 1 hinge mechanism, 101 main hinge module, 101a first rotating element, 101b second rotating element, 1012 first support arm, 10121 first sliding block, 10122 first mounting hole, 1013 first swing arm, 10131 first arc-shaped rotating block, 10132 second sliding block, 10133 first guide structure, 101331 first protrusion, 10134 first guide slot, 10135 second mounting hole, 10136 first insertion hole, 101361 first groove, 1014 cover plate, 10141 first arc-shaped protrusion, 10142 second arc-shaped protrusion, 1015 first housing mounting bracket, 1015a first surface, 1015b second surface, 10151 First sliding groove, 101511, first sliding rail, 10152, second sliding groove, 101521, second sliding rail, 10153, first rotating slot, 1016a, first driving connecting rod, 10161, first connecting portion, 10162, second connecting portion, 10163, first connecting rod, 10164, second connecting rod, 1016b, second driving connecting rod, 1017, synchronizing component, 10171a, first driving gear, 10171b, second driving gear, 10172, driven gear, 10173, intermediate shaft, 1018, damping component, 10181, first elastic member, 10182, first coupling cam, 10183, stopper, 10184, circlip, 10185, second coupling cam, 10186 Third coupling cam, 10187 Second elastic member, 1019 Second housing mounting bracket, 1019a Third surface, 1019b Fourth surface, 10191 Third sliding groove, 101911 Third sliding rail, 10192 Fourth sliding groove, 101921 Fourth sliding rail, 10193 Second rotating slot, 1020 Second support arm, 102001 Third sliding block, 1021 Second swing arm, 102101 Second arc-shaped rotating block, 102102 Fourth sliding block, 102103 Second guide structure, 1021031 Second protrusion, 102104 Second insertion hole, 1021041 Second groove, 1022 Third support arm, 1023 Fourth support arm, 102 First support plate, 102a; First plate surface, 102b; Second plate surface, 10201; First rotating portion, 10202First guide portion, 102021 First track slot, 1020211 First opening, 103 Second support plate, 1031 Second rotating portion, 1032 Second guide portion, 10321 Second track slot, 103211 Second opening, 104 Display accommodating space, 105 End cover, 106 Base, 1061 Pin shaft, 1062 Damping bracket, 1063 First arc-shaped slot, 1064 Second arc-shaped slot, 2 First housing, 2a First exterior surface, 2b First support surface, 201 First groove, 3 Second housing, 3a Second exterior surface, 3b Second support surface, 301 Second groove, 4 Flexible display

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism for use in a foldable electronic device, the hinge mechanism being positioned to correspond to a bendable portion of a flexible display of the electronic device, the hinge mechanism comprising: a base; and a primary hinge module, the primary hinge module comprising a first rotating component and a second rotating component; the first rotating component and the second rotating component are located on two opposite sides of the base, the first rotating component comprising a first support arm, a first swing arm, and a first housing mounting bracket, and the second rotating component comprising a second support arm, a second swing arm, and a second housing mounting bracket; the first support arm and the second support arm are separately rotatably connected to the base, the first swing arm and the second swing arm are separately rotatably connected to the base, a rotation axis of the first support arm is parallel to but does not coincide with a rotation axis of the first swing arm, and a rotation axis of the second support arm is parallel to but does not coincide with a rotation axis of the second swing arm, a first sliding groove extending in a first direction and a second sliding groove extending in a second direction are disposed on the first housing mounting bracket, the first support arm is slidably coupled to the first sliding groove, and the first swing arm is slidably coupled to the second sliding groove, a projection of the first direction on a first cross section is not parallel to a projection of the second direction on the first cross section, and the first cross section is a reference plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first support arm and the rotation axis of the first swing arm; a third sliding groove extending in a third direction and a fourth sliding groove extending in a fourth direction are disposed on the second housing mounting bracket, the second support arm is slidably coupled to the third sliding groove, and the second swing arm is slidably coupled to the fourth sliding groove, a projection of the third direction on a second cross section is not parallel to a projection of the fourth direction on the second cross section, and the second cross section is a reference plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the second support arm and the rotation axis of the second swing arm; Hinge mechanism.

2. the first support arm and the first swing arm rotate relative to the base at angles not greater than 90°, and the second support arm and the second swing arm rotate relative to the base at angles not greater than 90°; The hinge mechanism of claim 1 .

3. a first arcuate slot and a second arcuate slot are disposed on the base, a first arcuate rotation block is disposed on an end of the first swing arm used for rotatably connecting to the base, the first arcuate rotation block is received in the first arcuate slot and is rotatable along an arcuate surface of the first arcuate slot; a second arcuate rotation block is disposed at an end of the second swing arm that is used for rotatably connecting to the base, the second arcuate rotation block being accommodated in the second arcuate slot and being rotatable along the arcuate surface of the second arcuate slot; The hinge mechanism of claim 1 .

4. the hinge mechanism further comprises a cover plate, the cover plate covers the base, a first arc-shaped protrusion is disposed on a surface of the cover plate facing the first arc-shaped slot, and the first arc-shaped rotation block is inserted between the first arc-shaped protrusion and the first arc-shaped slot; a second arcuate protrusion is disposed on a surface of the cover plate facing the second arcuate slot, and the second arcuate rotation block is inserted between the second arcuate protrusion and the second arcuate slot; The hinge mechanism of claim 3 .

5. a second slide rail is disposed in the second slide groove, a second slide block is disposed on the first swing arm, the second slide block is clamped to the second slide rail, and the second slide block is slidable along the second slide rail; a fourth slide rail is disposed in the fourth slide groove, a fourth slide block is disposed on the second swing arm, the fourth slide block is clamped to the fourth slide rail, and the fourth slide block is slidable along the fourth slide rail; The hinge mechanism of claim 1 .

6. The second slide rail is a linear slide rail, and the fourth slide rail is a linear slide rail.

6. The hinge mechanism of claim 5.

7. the first housing mounting bracket has a first surface, the first surface being a surface of the first housing mounting bracket facing the flexible display, the second sliding block is a linear sliding block, the second sliding rail has an opening located in the first surface, and when the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state, the second sliding rail extends from the opening to the base; the second housing mounting bracket has a third surface, the third surface being a surface of the second housing mounting bracket facing the flexible display, the fourth sliding block is a linear sliding block, the fourth sliding rail has an opening located in the third surface, and when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the fourth sliding rail extends from the opening to the base.

7. The hinge mechanism of claim 6.

8. The second slide rail is an arc-shaped slide rail, and the fourth slide rail is an arc-shaped slide rail.

6. The hinge mechanism of claim 5.

9. When the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state, the axis of the arc-shaped slide rail is located on a side of the arc-shaped slide rail that is farther from the base.

9. The hinge mechanism of claim 8.

10. the main hinge module further comprises a first drive connecting rod and a second drive connecting rod, the first drive connecting rod is located between the first support arm and the first swing arm, the first drive connecting rod comprises a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion is rotatably connected to the first support arm via the first connecting rod, the second connecting portion is rotatably connected to the first swing arm via the second connecting rod, the axes of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are parallel and do not coincide; the second drive connecting rod is located between the second support arm and the second swing arm, the second drive connecting rod has a third connecting portion and a fourth connecting portion, the third connecting portion is rotatably connected to the second support arm via the third connecting rod, the fourth connecting portion is rotatably connected to the second swing arm via the fourth connecting rod, and the axes of the third connecting rod and the fourth connecting rod are parallel and do not coincide; The hinge mechanism of claim 1 .

11. the primary hinge module further comprises a first drive connecting rod and a second drive connecting rod, the first drive connecting rod being located between the first support arm and the first swing arm, the first drive connecting rod comprising a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, the first coupling portion being slidably coupled to the first swing arm via the first connecting rod, and the second coupling portion being fixed to the first support arm; the second drive connecting rod is located between the second support arm and the second swing arm, the second drive connecting rod includes a third connecting portion and a fourth connecting portion, the third connecting portion is slidably connected to the second swing arm via the third connecting rod, and the fourth connecting portion is fixed to the second support arm; The hinge mechanism of claim 1 .

12. a first guide slot is disposed at an end of the first swing arm opposite to the first support arm, and the first connecting rod is inserted into the first guide slot and is slidable along a slot surface of the first guide slot; a second guide slot is disposed at an end of the second swing arm opposite to the second support arm, and the third connecting rod is inserted into the second guide slot and is slidable along a slot surface of the second guide slot; The hinge mechanism of claim 11.

13. A second sliding rail is disposed in the second sliding groove, a second sliding block is disposed on the first swing arm, the second sliding block is slidable along the second sliding rail, and the second sliding block is gap-fitted with the second sliding rail; a fourth slide rail is disposed in the fourth slide groove, a fourth slide block is disposed on the second swing arm, the fourth slide block is slidable along the fourth slide rail, and the fourth slide block is clearance-fitted with the fourth slide rail; The hinge mechanism of claim 10.

14. The shape of the second sliding block is the same as the shape of the second sliding rail, or the second sliding block is a pin shaft; The shape of the fourth sliding block is the same as the shape of the fourth sliding rail, or the fourth sliding block is a pin shaft.

14. The hinge mechanism of claim 13.

15. the hinge mechanism further comprises a first support plate and a second support plate, the first support plate and the second support plate being respectively disposed on opposite sides of the base, the first support plate being rotatably coupled to the first housing mounting bracket, the first support plate being slidably coupled to the first support arm and / or the first swing arm, the second support plate being rotatably coupled to the second housing mounting bracket, and the second support plate being slidably coupled to the second support arm and / or the second swing arm; When the first housing mounting bracket and the second housing mounting bracket rotate in a direction toward each other, an end of the first support plate closer to the base moves in a direction away from the base, and an end of the second support plate closer to the base moves in a direction away from the base. The hinge mechanism of claim 1 .

16. a first rotation slot is provided in the first housing mounting bracket, a first rotation portion is provided in the first support plate, the first rotation portion is attached to the first rotation slot, and the first rotation portion is rotatable along a slot surface of the first rotation slot; a second rotation slot is provided in the second housing mounting bracket, a second rotation portion is provided in the second support plate, the second rotation portion is attached to the second rotation slot, and the second rotation portion is rotatable along a slot surface of the second rotation slot; 16. The hinge mechanism of claim 15.

17. the first support plate is provided with a first guide portion, the first guide portion having a first track slot, a first guide structure is disposed on the first swing arm, the first guide structure is inserted into the first track slot and is slidable along the first track slot, and / or a first guide structure is disposed on the first support arm, the first guide structure is inserted into the first track slot and is slidable along the first track slot; the second support plate is provided with a second guide portion, the second guide portion having a second track slot, a second guide structure is disposed on the second swing arm, the second guide structure is inserted into the second track slot and is slidable along the second track slot, and / or a second guide structure is disposed on the second support arm, the second guide structure is inserted into the second track slot and is slidable along the second track slot; 16. The hinge mechanism of claim 15.

18. the first guide structure is disposed on the first swing arm, a first protrusion is disposed on an end of the first guide structure, the first swing arm has a first insertion hole, a first groove is disposed on a hole wall of the first insertion hole, the first guide structure is inserted into the first insertion hole, and the first protrusion is clamped to the first groove; or the first guide structure is disposed on the first support arm, a first protrusion is disposed on an end of the first guide structure, the first support arm has a first insertion hole, a first groove is disposed on a hole wall of the first insertion hole, the first guide structure is inserted into the first insertion hole, and the first protrusion is clamped to the first groove; the second guide structure is disposed on the second swing arm, the second protrusion is disposed on an end of the second guide structure, the second swing arm has a second insertion hole, a second groove is disposed on a hole wall of the second insertion hole, the second guide structure is inserted into the second insertion hole, and the second protrusion is clamped in the second groove; or the second guide structure is disposed on the second support arm, the second protrusion is disposed on an end of the second guide structure, the second support arm has a second insertion hole, a second groove is disposed on a hole wall of the second insertion hole, the second guide structure is inserted into the second insertion hole, and the second protrusion is clamped in the second groove.

18. The hinge mechanism of claim 17.

19. the first guide structure is disposed on the first swing arm, and the first guide structure is rotatably coupled to the first swing arm; and / or the first guide structure is disposed on the first support arm, and the first guide structure is rotatably coupled to the first support arm; the second guide structure is disposed on the second swing arm, and the second guide structure is pivotally coupled to the second swing arm; and / or the second guide structure is disposed on the second support arm, and the second guide structure is pivotally coupled to the second support arm.

18. The hinge mechanism of claim 17.

20. When the hinge mechanism is in an expanded state, the first track slot has a first opening facing the base, and the first guide structure is inserted into the first track slot through the first opening; When the hinge mechanism is in the expanded state, the second track slot has a second opening facing the base, and the second guide structure is inserted into the second track slot through the second opening.

20. The hinge mechanism of claim 19.

21. 21. An electronic device comprising a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display, and the hinge mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 20, the first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the hinge mechanism, the first housing mounting bracket is fixed to the first housing, and the 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.

22. When the hinge mechanism further includes a first support plate and a second support plate, the first support plate and the second support plate are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the base, the first support plate is rotatably coupled to the first housing mounting bracket, and the second support plate is rotatably coupled to the second housing mounting bracket; the flexible display is coupled to the first support plate and the second support plate; 22. The electronic device of claim 21.

23. 23. The electronic device of claim 22, wherein the flexible display is coupled to a portion of the first support plate and the flexible display is coupled to a portion of the second support plate.

24. 22. The electronic device of claim 21, further comprising an end cover, the end cover being positioned on a side of the base away from the flexible display, the end cover and the base being integrally formed.

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