Hinge mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

The present application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device. The hinge mechanism includes a base, and a first rotating assembly and a second rotating assembly respectively disposed on two side portions of the base. When the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate towards each other, the length of the hinge mechanism may be increased; or when the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate in opposite directions, the length of the hinge mechanism may be shortened, and a support surface for supporting a flexible display can be formed. According to the hinge mechanism in the present application, the number of components of the hinge mechanism can be reduced, thereby simplifying the structure of the hinge mechanism. Furthermore, in the folding process and the unfolding process, acting forces such as tensile force or compressive force are not applied to the flexible display, thereby improving the use effect and safety of the electronic device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310383872.X, entitled "HINGE MECHANISM AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE," filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on March 31, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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

[0003] With the gradual maturation of flexible display technology, the display modes of electronic devices are changing dramatically, and mobile phones with foldable flexible displays, tablet computers with foldable flexible displays, wearable electronic devices with foldable flexible displays, etc. are important evolutionary directions for intelligent electronic devices in the future.

[0004] Existing foldable electronic devices include a flexible display and a hinge, and the flexible display is unfolded or folded via the hinge. In addition to changing the folding state of the electronic device, the hinge is further configured to provide support for the flexible display of the electronic device in different folding states. An inwardly foldable electronic device is used as an example. During the folding or unfolding process, the flexible display is located inside the rotation of the hinge. Because the rotation radius of the flexible display is smaller than the rotation radius of the hinge, the flexible display tends to be pulled or warped. As a result, the flexible display is damaged after long-term use.

[0005] Furthermore, current hinges typically include a rotating assembly and a sliding assembly. The rotating assembly is configured to fold and unfold the hinge, and the sliding assembly is configured to limit the rotation direction of the rotating assembly. However, the structure of such hinges is complicated, has high requirements for manufacturing precision, and is expensive to manufacture. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device such that a rotation assembly implements both rotation and sliding functions in order to reduce the number of parts in the hinge mechanism.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present application provides a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism includes a base, a first rotating assembly, and a second rotating assembly, where the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly are respectively disposed on two sides of the base. Specifically, the first rotating assembly includes a first rotating shaft, a first rotating member, a first sliding member, and a first housing support. The first rotating shaft is disposed on one side of the base. The first rotating member is rotatably connected to the base through the first rotating shaft. One end of the first sliding member is rotatably connected to the base, and another end of the first sliding member is slidably connected to the first rotating member, such that the first sliding member is slidable relative to the first rotating member in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft. The first housing support is slidably connected to the first rotating member, such that the first housing support is slidable relative to the first rotating member in a direction perpendicular to the first rotating shaft. The first slide member is provided with a first helical rotating portion, and a first helical groove is provided on a side of the base closer to the first slide member. The first helical rotating portion is received in the first helical groove and rotates within the first helical groove, thereby allowing the first slide member to slide relative to the first rotating member in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft. One of the first housing support and the first slide member is provided with a first diagonal groove, and the other of the first housing support and the first slide member is provided with a first protrusion, which is slidable within the first diagonal groove to push the first housing support to slide relative to the first rotating member in a direction away from the base when the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward each other. Specifically, the first housing support is provided with a first diagonal groove, and the first slide member further is provided with a first protrusion, which is restricted within the first diagonal groove.

[0008] Correspondingly, the second rotating assembly includes a second rotating shaft, a second rotating member, a second sliding member, and a second housing support. The second rotating shaft is disposed on another side of the base, and the second rotating shaft and the first rotating shaft are disposed parallel to each other. The second rotating member is rotatably connected to the base through the second rotating shaft. One end of the second sliding member is rotatably connected to the base, and the other end of the second sliding member is slidably connected to the second rotating member. The second housing support is slidably connected to the second rotating member. The second sliding member is provided with a second helical rotating portion, and a second helical groove is provided on a side of the base closer to the second sliding member. The second helical rotating portion is received in the second helical groove and rotates within the second helical groove, thereby allowing the second sliding member to slide relative to the second rotating member in a direction parallel to the second rotating shaft. One of the second housing support and the second slide member is provided with a second diagonal groove, and the other of the second housing support and the second slide member is provided with a second protrusion, the second protrusion being slidable within the second diagonal groove to urge the second housing support to slide relative to the second rotating member in a direction away from the base when the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward each other. Specifically, the second housing support is provided with a second diagonal groove, and the second slide member is further provided with a second protrusion, the second protrusion being restricted within the second diagonal groove.

[0009] When the hinge mechanism is folded, the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward each other, the first rotating member rotates about the first rotating shaft, and the first sliding member rotates relative to the base. Furthermore, the first sliding member slides relative to the first rotating member in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft by using the first helical rotating portion and the first helical groove. During the sliding process of the first sliding member, the first protrusion simultaneously slides within the first oblique groove to push the first housing support to slide relative to the first rotating member in a direction away from the base. Correspondingly, the second rotating member rotates about the second rotating shaft, and the second sliding member rotates relative to the base. Furthermore, the second sliding member slides relative to the second rotating member in a direction parallel to the second rotating shaft by using the second helical rotating portion and the second helical groove. During the sliding process of the second sliding member, the second protrusion simultaneously slides within the second diagonal groove to push the second housing support to slide relative to the second rotating member in a direction away from the base. Both the first housing support and the second housing support slide in a direction away from the base, thereby increasing the length of the hinge mechanism. This ensures that the flexible display is not crushed.

[0010] When the hinge mechanism is deployed, the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate in opposite directions, with the first rotating member rotating about the first rotating shaft and the first sliding member rotating relative to the base and sliding relative to the first rotating member in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft, such that the first protrusion slides within the first diagonal groove to push the first housing support to slide relative to the first rotating member in a direction toward the base. The second rotating member rotates about the second rotating shaft and the second sliding member rotating relative to the base and sliding relative to the second rotating member in a direction parallel to the second rotating shaft, such that the second protrusion slides within the second diagonal groove to push the second housing support to slide relative to the second rotating member in a direction toward the base. Both the first housing support and the second housing support slide toward the base, thereby shortening the length of the hinge mechanism. This ensures that the flexible display is not pulled.

[0011] In the hinge mechanism described herein, when the hinge mechanism is folded, the length of the hinge mechanism may increase in a direction perpendicular to the base, and the first housing support, the second housing support, and the base may enclose a storage space. When the hinge mechanism is unfolded, the length of the hinge mechanism may decrease in a direction perpendicular to the base, and the first housing support, the second housing support, and the base may unfold to form a support surface. In both the folding and unfolding processes, the hinge mechanism does not exert forces such as tension or compression on the flexible display. This can improve the usability and safety of the electronic device. Furthermore, the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly may each limit the rotation direction. This can reduce the number of parts of the hinge mechanism and ultimately simplify the structure of the hinge mechanism. Furthermore, since the structure of the hinge mechanism is simple, when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the screen accommodation space for accommodating the flexible display is also larger, which in turn allows for better screen accommodation, thereby preventing creases from appearing on the flexible display.

[0012] In the hinge mechanism, the hinge module may further include a sliding connecting member. A first limiting notch is provided on a side of the first sliding member closer to the first rotating shaft, and one end of the sliding connecting member is restricted in the first limiting notch and fits over the first rotating shaft. A second limiting notch is provided on a side of the second sliding member closer to the second rotating shaft, and another end of the sliding connecting member is restricted in the second limiting notch and fits over the second rotating shaft. When the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward or against each other, at least one of the first sliding member and the second sliding member may push the sliding connecting member to slide in the same direction on the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. Furthermore, the sliding connecting member slides on the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, thereby pushing the first sliding member and the second sliding member to slide synchronously in the same direction, thereby realizing synchronous movement of the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly. The spiral groove combination design allows the first and second rotating assemblies with folding structure features to be combined with the sliding connecting member to achieve synchronized movement, eliminating the need for additional complex synchronization modules, thereby further reducing the number of parts in the hinge mechanism and simplifying the structure of the hinge mechanism.

[0013] The shape of the sliding connecting member in the hinge mechanism is not specifically limited, for example, the sliding connecting member may be cross-shaped or linear.

[0014] In the hinge mechanism of the present application, the sliding connection between the first rotating member and the first sliding member may be implemented by using a sliding groove and a sliding portion. Specifically, in the technical solution, the first sliding member may be provided with a first sliding groove parallel to the first rotating shaft, and the first rotating member is provided with a first sliding portion. The first sliding portion is accommodated in the first sliding groove and slides within the first sliding groove, thereby realizing the sliding connection between the first rotating member and the first sliding member. Correspondingly, the second sliding member may be provided with a second sliding groove parallel to the second rotating shaft, and the second rotating member is provided with a second sliding portion. The second sliding portion is accommodated in the second sliding groove and slides within the second sliding groove, thereby realizing the sliding connection between the second rotating member and the second sliding member. Naturally, the positions of the sliding portion and the sliding groove are not limited to the above technical solution. For example, in another technical solution, the first rotating member is provided with a third slide groove parallel to the first rotating shaft, and the first slide member is further provided with a third slide portion. The third slide portion is accommodated in the third slide slot and slides within the third slide groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the first rotating member and the first slide member. The second rotating member is provided with a fourth slide groove parallel to the second rotating shaft, and the second slide member is further provided with a fourth slide portion. The fourth slide portion is accommodated in the fourth slide groove and slides within the fourth slide groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the second rotating member and the second slide member.

[0015] In the technical solution of the present application, the first rotating member and the second rotating member may have a frame structure to improve space utilization and achieve a compact hinge mechanism. Specifically, the first rotating member has a first frame body and a first rotating portion. The first frame body surrounds a first hollow region and is separately slidably connected to the first slide member and the first housing support. The first rotating portion is disposed on a side of the first frame body closer to the base and rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft. The first sliding member includes a first sliding block body. The first sliding block body is disposed in the first hollow region of the first frame body, and the first spiral rotating portion is disposed on a side of the first sliding block body closer to the base. When the first rotating member and the first sliding member rotate relative to the base, the first sliding member moves within the first hollow region in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft.

[0016] Correspondingly, the second rotating member may have a second frame body and a second rotating portion. The second frame body surrounds a second hollow region and is separately slidably connected to the second slide member and the second housing support. The second rotating portion is disposed on a side of the second frame body closer to the base and rotatably connected to the second rotating shaft. The second slide member includes a second slide block body. The second slide block body is disposed in the second hollow region of the second frame body, and the second helical rotating portion is disposed on a side of the second slide block body closer to the base. When the second rotating member and the second slide member rotate relative to the base, the second slide member moves within the second hollow region in a direction parallel to the second rotating shaft.

[0017] In the above technical solution, the first protrusion may be disposed on the first slide block body of the first slide member, the first protrusion passing through the first hollow region and slidably connected to the first diagonal groove, and the second protrusion may be disposed on the second slide block body of the second slide member, the second protrusion passing through the second hollow region and slidably connected to the second diagonal groove.

[0018] Furthermore, the shapes of the first protrusion and the second protrusion do not need to be specifically limited. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first protrusion parallel to the first slide block body may be circular, elliptical, or rectangular; and the cross-sectional shape of the second protrusion parallel to the second slide block body may be circular, elliptical, or rectangular.

[0019] In the hinge mechanism, the first diagonal groove may extend from a side closer to the base to a side farther from the base, in a direction away from the base, and may form a first included angle with the first rotating shaft, where the first included angle is an acute angle. When the first sliding member slides in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft, a first included angle is formed between the movement path of the first protrusion and the base. Specifically, the movement path of the first protrusion has a first orbital component in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft and a second orbital component in a direction perpendicular to the base. The second orbital component of the first protrusion may push the first housing support to move relative to the first rotating member in a direction toward or away from the base. Correspondingly, the second diagonal groove may extend in a direction away from the base and form a second narrow angle with the second rotating shaft, where the second narrow angle is an acute angle. When the second sliding member slides in a direction parallel to the second rotating shaft, a second narrow angle is formed between the path of movement of the second protrusion and the base. Specifically, the path of movement of the second protrusion has a third path component in a direction parallel to the second rotating shaft and a fourth path component in a direction perpendicular to the base. The fourth path component of the second protrusion may push the second housing support to move relative to the second rotating member toward or away from the base. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the flexible display maintains a constant length during the folding and unfolding processes and is not stretched or warped. Specifically, when the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward each other, the first protrusion slides in the first diagonal groove toward the base, and the second protrusion slides in the second diagonal groove toward the base.

[0020] When the sliding connection between the first housing support and the first rotating member is particularly arranged, the first housing support may further be provided with a first limiting slide groove, where the first limiting slide groove extends in a direction away from the base. The first rotating member may be provided with a first limiting slide portion, where the first limiting slide portion is housed in the first limiting slide groove and is slidable within the first limiting slide groove, thereby realizing the sliding connection between the first housing support and the first rotating member. Correspondingly, the second housing support may further be provided with a second limiting slide groove, where the second limiting slide groove extends in a direction away from the base. The second rotating member may be provided with a second limiting slide portion, where the second limiting slide portion is housed in the second limiting slide groove and is slidable within the second limiting slide groove, thereby realizing the sliding connection between the second housing support and the second rotating member.

[0021] Of course, the specific positions of the limiting slide groove and the limiting slide portion are not limited. For example, in another technical solution, the first housing support may be provided with a third limiting slide portion, and the first rotating member may be provided with a third limiting slide groove, which extends in a direction away from the base. The third limiting slide portion is accommodated in the third limiting slide groove and slides within the third limiting slide groove, thereby achieving a sliding connection between the first housing support and the first rotating member. Correspondingly, the second housing support may be provided with a fourth limiting slide portion, and the second rotating member may be provided with a fourth limiting slide groove, which extends in a direction away from the base. The fourth limiting slide portion is accommodated in the fourth limiting slide groove and is slidable within the fourth limiting slide groove, thereby achieving a sliding connection between the second housing support and the second rotating member.

[0022] The hinge mechanism may further include a first door plate and a second door plate disposed opposite each other on two sides of the base. The first door plate and the second door plate are configured to provide support for the flexible display. Specifically, the first door plate is rotatably connected to the first housing support and slidably connected to the first rotating member. The second door plate is rotatably connected to the second housing support and slidably connected to the second rotating member. When the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward each other, the first door plate may rotate relative to the first housing support and slide relative to the first rotating member, and the second door plate rotates relative to the second housing support and slides relative to the second rotating member. In this way, when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the first door plate and the second door plate are each positioned at an included angle with the base, so that the first door plate, the second door plate and the base enclose a triangular space, and thus a portion of the flexible display is contained within the drop-shaped space.

[0023] A first support surface is present on the side of the first door plate facing the flexible display, a second support surface is present on the side of the second door plate facing the flexible display, and a third support surface is present on the side of the base facing the flexible display. When the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state, the first support surface, the second support surface, and the third support surface may form a flat support surface for supporting the flexible display. When the hinge mechanism is actually used in an electronic device, the flexible display may be disposed on one side of the hinge mechanism and continuously cover the first housing support, the first door plate, the base, the second door plate, and the second housing support. In this way, the first support surface, the second support surface, and the third support surface provide good support for the flexible display, which prevents the flexible display from denting or warping.

[0024] When the first door plate and the second door plate are specifically arranged, a first arc-shaped rotation block is provided on a side of the first door plate away from the flexible display, and a first arc-shaped guide groove is provided on a side of the first housing support facing the first door plate. The first arc-shaped rotation block is accommodated in the first arc-shaped guide groove and can slide within the first arc-shaped guide groove, thereby realizing a rotational connection between the first door plate and the first housing support. Correspondingly, a second arc-shaped rotation block is provided on a side of the second door plate away from the flexible display, and a second arc-shaped guide groove is provided on a side of the second housing support facing the second door plate. The second arc-shaped rotation block is accommodated in the second arc-shaped guide groove and can slide within the second arc-shaped guide groove, thereby realizing a rotational connection between the second door plate and the second housing support. When the first housing support and the second housing support are folded or unfolded toward each other, the first door plate and the second door plate are also folded or unfolded together with the first housing support and the second housing support.

[0025] The first door plate may further be provided with a first track groove on a side thereof away from the flexible display, and the first rotating member may be provided with a first pin. The first pin is received in the first track groove and slides within the first track groove, thereby driving the first door plate to move relative to the first housing support. Correspondingly, the second door plate may further be provided with a second track groove on a side thereof away from the flexible display, and the second rotating member may be provided with a second pin. The second pin is received in the second track groove and slides within the second track groove, thereby driving the second door plate to move relative to the second housing support.

[0026] According to a second aspect, the present application provides an electronic device comprising a flexible display, a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge mechanism according to the first aspect. Specifically, the first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of a base, the first housing is fixed to a first housing support, and the second housing is fixed to a second housing support. The flexible display continuously covers the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge mechanism and is separately fixed to the first housing and the second housing.

[0027] When the electronic device is folded, the first and second housings rotate toward each other and, under the influence of the first and second housing supports, translate the first and second housings away from the base. This avoids compressive forces being applied to the flexible display. When the electronic device is unfolded, the first and second housings rotate opposite to each other and, under the influence of the first and second housing supports, translate the first and second housings toward the base. This avoids tension forces being applied to the flexible display. Furthermore, during the folding process, the hinge mechanism may form a space to accommodate the flexible display so that the flexible display is accommodated in a waterdrop-shaped space. This prevents undesirable phenomena such as creases from occurring in the flexible display. Furthermore, the hinge mechanism itself may implement operation limits. This reduces the number of parts in the hinge mechanism and simplifies the structure of the electronic device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional assembly view of the electronic device in FIG. 1.

[0030] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a partial view of an electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram of a structure of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional assembly view of the hinge mechanism in FIG. 4.

[0033] [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram of a base structure according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram of a structure of a first slide member according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams of another structure of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams of another structure of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates a folded hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] [Figure 11] FIG. 10 illustrates another folded hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams of another structure of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams of another structure of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] [Figure 14] FIG. 10 illustrates an expanded hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] [Figure 15] FIG. 1 illustrates a folded hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Reference sign 10: Electronic device; 11: Hinge mechanism; 12: flexible display; 13: first housing; 14: second housing; 110: base; 111: hinge module; 112a: first door plate; 112b: second door plate; 1101a: first spiral groove; 1101b: second spiral groove; 1111a: first rotating assembly; 1111b: second rotating assembly; 1112: slide connecting member; 1112a: first end; 1112b: second end; 1113a: first rotating shaft; 1113b: second rotating shaft; 1114a: first rotating member; 1114b: second rotating member; 1115a: first slide member; 1115b: second slide member; 1116a: first housing support; 1116b: second housing support; 1117a: first spiral rotating part; 1117b: second spiral rotating part; 1118a: first slide groove; 1118b: second slide groove; 1119a: first slide part; 1119b: second slide part; 1120a: first limiting slide groove; 1120b: second limiting slide groove; 1121a: first diagonal groove; 1121b: second diagonal groove; 1122a: first limiting slide; 1122b: second limiting slide; 1123a: first protrusion; 1123b: second protrusion; 1124a: first limit notch; 1124b: second limit notch; 1125a: first circular arc-shaped rotating block; 1126a—first circular arc-shaped guide groove; 1127a: first raceway groove; 1127b: second raceway groove; 1128a: first pin; 1128b: second pin; 1129a: first frame body; 1129b: second frame body; 1130a: first rotating part; 1130b: second rotating part; 1131a: first hollow region; 1131b: second hollow region; 1132a: First slide block body; 1132b: Second slide block body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] In some current foldable electronic devices, the rotation and sliding of the hinge mechanism are realized by different assemblies, which occupy a large space and do not contribute to the miniaturization of the foldable electronic device.

[0045] Therefore, the present application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device such that a rotation assembly implements both rotation and sliding functions in order to reduce the number of parts in the hinge mechanism.

[0046] It should be noted that the terms used in the following embodiments are merely intended 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 "a," "one," "the," "above," "the," "this," and "the" are intended to include expressions such as "one or more," unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0047] References herein to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., mean that one or more embodiments of the present application include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described with reference to the embodiment. Thus, the appearances of "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "some other embodiments," and "other embodiments" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Instead, such references mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless expressly stated otherwise. The terms "including," "having," and variations thereof all mean "include but are not limited to," unless expressly stated otherwise.

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

[0049] To facilitate understanding of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present application, application scenarios of the hinge mechanism are described below. The hinge mechanism may be applied to, but is not limited to, foldable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, intelligent wearable devices, tablet computers, or notebook computers. When the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present application is used in an electronic device, please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional assembly diagram of the electronic device in FIG. 1. The electronic device 10 provided in the present application may be an inwardly foldable electronic device. FIG. 3 is a partial diagram of the electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the electronic device 10 may further include a flexible display 12, a first housing 13, and a second housing 14 in addition to the hinge mechanism 11. The flexible display 12 is disposed on the hinge mechanism 11. The first housing 13 and the second housing 14 are disposed on two sides of the hinge mechanism 11 and may rotate around the hinge mechanism 11. When the electronic device 10 is used, it may be folded and unfolded in different usage scenarios. When the electronic device 10 is in the unfolded state, the flexible display 12 is disposed on the same side of the hinge mechanism 11, the first housing 13, and the second housing 14 and is connected to the hinge mechanism 11, the first housing 13, and the second housing 14. In this case, the outer surface of the first housing 13 remote from the flexible display 12 and the outer surface of the second housing 14 remote from the flexible display 12 may jointly be used as an exterior surface of the electronic device 10, and the flexible display 12 is configured to display an image.3 , when the electronic device 10 is in the folded state, the first housing 13 and the second housing 14 are disposed toward each other, and the flexible display 12 is folded and has a water drop shape, thereby reducing stress applied to the flexible display 12 by folding the first housing 13 and the second housing 14. It can be understood that the process in which the electronic device 10 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state is a process in which the first housing 13 and the second housing 14 rotate around the hinge mechanism 11. In this process, the flexible display 12 is bent or unfolded together with the first housing 13 and the second housing 14.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a structure of a hinge mechanism according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional assembly diagram of the hinge mechanism in FIG. 4. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the hinge mechanism 11 includes a base 110 and at least one hinge module 111. FIG. 6 is a diagram of a structure of the base according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 6, the base 110 is provided with a first spiral groove 1101a and a second spiral groove 1101b. As further shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the hinge module 111 may include a first rotating assembly 1111a and a second rotating assembly 1111b, which are respectively disposed on two sides of the base 110. The first rotating assembly 1111a may include a first rotating shaft 1113a, a first rotating member 1114a, a first sliding member 1115a, and a first housing support 1116a. The first rotating shaft 1113a is disposed on a side of the base 110. The first rotating member 1114a is rotatably connected to the base 110 through the first rotating shaft 1113a. One end of the first sliding member 1115a is rotatably connected to the base 110, and another end of the first sliding member 1115a is slidably connected to the first rotating member 1114a, and the first sliding member 1115a may slide relative to the first rotating member 1114a in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft 1113a. Correspondingly, the second rotating assembly 1111b may include a second rotating shaft 1113b, a second rotating member 1114b, a second sliding member 1115b, and a second housing support 1116b. The second rotating shaft 1113b is disposed on another side of the base 110. The second rotating member 1114b is rotatably connected to the base 110 through the second rotating shaft 1113b. One end of the second sliding member 1115b is rotatably connected to the base 110, and the other end of the second sliding member 1115b is slidably connected to the second rotating member 1114b, and the second sliding member 1115b may slide relative to the second rotating member 1114b in a direction parallel to the second rotating shaft 1113b.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a first slide member structure according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 8 is a diagram of another structure of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first slide member 1115a has a first spiral rotation portion 1117a. As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the first spiral rotation portion 1117a is received in the first spiral groove 1101a and can be rotated in the first spiral groove 1101a, thereby allowing the first slide member 1115a to slide relative to the first rotation member 1114a in a direction parallel to the first rotation shaft 1113a. The first housing support 1116a has a first diagonal groove 1121a. FIG. 9 is a diagram of another structure of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 9, the first slide member 1115a is provided with a first protrusion 1123a, which is restricted within the first diagonal groove 1121a and may slide within the first diagonal groove 1121a.

[0052] Correspondingly, the second slide member 1115b is provided with a second helical rotating portion 1117b. The second helical rotating portion 1117b is received in the second helical groove 1101b and may rotate within the second helical groove 1101b, thereby allowing the second slide member 1115b to slide relative to the second rotating member 1114b in a direction parallel to the second rotating shaft 1113b. The second housing support 1116b is provided with a second diagonal groove 1121b, and the second slide member 1115b is provided with a second protrusion 1123b. The second protrusion 1123b is restricted within the second diagonal groove 1121b and may slide within the second diagonal groove 1121b.

[0053] When the hinge mechanism 11 is folded, the first rotating assembly 1111a and the second rotating assembly 1111b rotate toward each other, the first rotating member 1114a rotates about the first rotating shaft 1113a, and the first sliding member 1115a rotates relative to the base 110. Furthermore, the first sliding member 1115a slides relative to the first rotating member 1114a in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft 1113a by using the first spiral rotating portion 1117a and the first spiral groove 1101a. During the sliding process of the first sliding member 1115a, the first protrusion 1123a simultaneously slides within the first diagonal groove 1121a to push the first housing support 1116a to slide relative to the first rotating member 1114a in a direction away from the base 110. The second rotating member 1114b rotates around the second rotating shaft 1113b, and the second sliding member 1115b rotates relative to the base 110. Furthermore, the second sliding member 1115b slides relative to the second rotating member 1114b in a direction parallel to the second rotating shaft 1113b by using the second spiral rotating portion 1117b and the second spiral groove 1101b. During the sliding process of the second sliding member 1115b, the second protrusion 1123b simultaneously slides within the second diagonal groove 1121b to push the second housing support 1116b to slide relative to the second rotating member 1114b in a direction away from the base 110. Both the first housing support 1116a and the second housing support 1116b slide in a direction away from the base 110, thereby increasing the length of the hinge mechanism 11. This ensures that the flexible display 12 is not crushed. Furthermore, when the hinge mechanism 11 is in the folded state, the first housing support 1116a, the second housing support 1116b, and the base 110 may enclose a storage space for receiving the flexible display 12.

[0054] When the hinge mechanism 11 is deployed, the first rotating assembly 1111a and the second rotating assembly 1111b rotate opposite to each other, the first rotating member 1114a rotates around the first rotating shaft 1113a, and the first sliding member 1115a rotates relative to the base 110 and slides relative to the first rotating member 1114a in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft 1113a, thereby causing the first protrusion 1123a to slide within the first diagonal groove 1121a to push the first housing support 1116a to slide relative to the first rotating member 1114a in a direction approaching the base 110. The second rotating member 1114b rotates around the second rotating shaft 1113b, and the second sliding member 1115b rotates relative to the base 110 and slides relative to the second rotating member 1114b in a direction parallel to the second rotating shaft 1113b, such that the second protrusion 1123b slides within the second diagonal groove 1121b to push the second housing support 1116b to slide relative to the second rotating member 1114b in a direction toward the base 110. Both the first housing support 1116a and the second housing support 1116b slide in a direction toward the base 110, such that the length of the hinge mechanism 11 is shortened. This ensures that the flexible display 12 is not pulled. Additionally, when the hinge mechanism 11 is in the deployed state, the first housing support 1116a, the second housing support 1116b, and the base 110 may be deployed to form a support surface.

[0055] In the hinge mechanism 11 of the present application, when the hinge mechanism 11 is folded, the length of the hinge mechanism 11 may increase in a direction perpendicular to the base 110, and the first housing support 1116a, the second housing support 1116b, and the base 110 may enclose a storage space. When the hinge mechanism 11 is unfolded, the length of the hinge mechanism 11 may decrease in a direction perpendicular to the base 110, and the first housing support 1116a, the second housing support 1116b, and the base 110 may unfold to form a support surface. In both the folding and unfolding processes, the hinge mechanism 11 does not apply forces such as tension or compression to the flexible display 12, thereby improving the usability and safety of the electronic device 10. Furthermore, the first rotating assembly 1111a and the second rotating assembly 1111b may each limit the rotation direction. This reduces the number of parts of the hinge mechanism 11, thereby simplifying the structure of the hinge mechanism 11. Furthermore, because the structure of the hinge mechanism 11 is simple, when the hinge mechanism 11 is in the folded state, the screen accommodation space for accommodating the flexible display 12 is also larger, thereby enabling better screen accommodation. This prevents creases from appearing on the flexible display 12.

[0056] In the hinge mechanism 11 of the present application, the sliding connection between the first rotating member 1114a and the first sliding member 1115a may be implemented using a sliding groove and a sliding portion. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first sliding member 1115a may be provided with a first sliding groove 1118a parallel to the first rotating shaft 1113a. The first rotating member 1114a is provided with a first sliding portion 1119a. The first sliding portion 1119a is accommodated in the first sliding groove 1118a and rotates within the first sliding groove 1118a, thereby realizing the sliding connection between the first rotating member 1114a and the first sliding member 1115a. Correspondingly, the second sliding member 1115b is provided with a second sliding groove 1118b parallel to the second rotating shaft 1113b. The second rotating member 1114b is provided with a second sliding portion 1119b. The second sliding portion 1119b is accommodated in the second sliding groove 1118b and can slide within the second sliding groove 1118b, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the second rotating member 1114b and the second sliding member 1115b. Of course, the positions of the sliding portion and the sliding groove are not limited to the above technical solution. For example, in another embodiment, the first sliding member 1115a may be provided with a first sliding portion 1119a, and the first rotating member 1114a is provided with a first sliding groove 1118a parallel to the first rotating shaft 1113a. The second sliding member 1115b is provided with a second sliding portion 1119b, and the second rotating member 1114b is provided with a second sliding groove 1118b parallel to the second rotating shaft 1113b.

[0057] In the first housing support 1116a and the second housing support 1116b, the first diagonal groove 1121a and the second diagonal groove 1121b may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the base 110 and each may be arranged at an acute angle with the base 110, so that the first housing support 1116a and the second housing support 1116b may move separately in a direction away from the base 110. This can ensure that the flexible display 12 maintains a constant length during the folding and unfolding processes and prevent the flexible display 12 from being pulled or warped. Specifically, the first diagonal groove 1121a may extend from a side closer to the base 110 to a side farther from the base 110 in a direction away from the base 110 and form a first included angle with the first rotation shaft 1113a, where the first included angle is an acute angle. When the first sliding member 1115a slides in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft 1113a, a first included angle is formed between the movement path of the first protrusion 1123a and the base 110. Specifically, the movement path of the first protrusion 1123a has a first orbital component in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft 1113a and a second orbital component in a direction perpendicular to the base 110. The second orbital component of the first protrusion 1123a may push the first housing support 1116a to move relative to the first rotating member 1114a in a direction toward or away from the base 110. Correspondingly, the second oblique groove 1121b may extend in a direction away from the base 110 from a side closer to the base 110 to a side farther from the base 110 and form a second narrow angle with the second rotating shaft 1113b, where the second narrow angle is an acute angle. When the second sliding member 1115b slides in a direction parallel to the second rotating shaft 1113b, a second narrow angle is formed between the movement trajectory of the second protrusion 1123b and the base 110. Specifically, the movement trajectory of the second protrusion 1123b has a third orbital component in a direction parallel to the second rotating shaft 1113b and a fourth orbital component in a direction perpendicular to the base 110. The fourth orbital component of the second protrusion 1123b may urge the second housing support 1116b to move relative to the second rotating member 1114b in a direction toward or away from the base 110.Specifically, when the first rotating assembly 1111a and the second rotating assembly 1111b rotate toward each other, the first protrusion 1123a slides within the first diagonal groove 1121a in a direction toward the base 110, and the second protrusion 1123b slides within the second diagonal groove 1121b in a direction toward the base 110.

[0058] 5 and 8, when a sliding connection between the first housing support 1116a and the first rotating member 1114a is particularly arranged, the first housing support 1116a may be provided with a first limiting slide groove 1120a, where the extension direction of the first limiting slide groove 1120a is perpendicular to the first rotating shaft 1113a. The first rotating member 1114a may be provided with a first limiting slide portion 1122a. The first limiting slide portion 1122a may be accommodated in the first limiting slide groove 1120a and may slide within the first limiting slide groove 1120a, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the first housing support 1116a and the first rotating member 1114a. Correspondingly, the second housing support 1116b is provided with a second limiting slide groove 1120b, where the extension direction of the second limiting slide groove 1120b is perpendicular to the second rotating shaft 1113b. The second rotating member 1114b is provided with a second limiting slide portion 1122b. The second limiting slide portion 1122b is accommodated in the second limiting slide groove 1120b and can slide within the second limiting slide groove 1120b, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the second housing support 1116b and the second rotating member 1114b. Of course, the specific locations of the limiting slide groove and the limiting slide portion are not limited. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing support 1116a may be provided with a first limiting slide portion 1122a, and the first rotating member 1114a may be provided with a first limiting slide groove 1120a. The second housing support 1116b is provided with a second limiting slide 1122b, and the second rotating member 1114b is provided with a second limiting slide groove 1120b.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment of the present application, the first rotating member 1114a and the second rotating member 1114b may have a frame structure. The first rotating member 1114a includes a first frame body 1129a and a first rotating portion 1130a. The first frame body 1129a surrounds a first hollow region 1131a, and the first frame body 1129a is separately and slidably connected to a first slide member 1115a and a first housing support 1116a. The first rotating portion 1130a is disposed on a side of the first frame body 1129a closer to the base 110 and is rotatably connected to a first rotating shaft 1113a. The first slide member 1115a includes a first slide block body 1132a. The first slide block body 1132a is disposed in a first hollow region 1131a of the first frame body 1129a, and the first spiral rotating portion 1117a is disposed on a side of the first slide block body 1132a that is closer to the base 110. When the first rotating member 1114a and the first slide member 1115a rotate relative to the base 110, the first slide member 1115a moves within the first hollow region 1131a in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft 1113a.

[0060] Correspondingly, the second rotating member 1114b may have a second frame body 1129b and a second rotating portion 1130b. The second frame body 1129b encloses a second hollow region 1131b, and the second frame body 1129b is separately slidably connected to a second slide member 1115b and a second housing support 1116b. The second rotating portion 1130b is disposed on a side of the second frame body 1129b closer to the base 110 and is rotatably connected to a second rotating shaft 1113b. The second slide member 1115b includes a second slide block body 1132b. The second slide block body 1132b is disposed in the second hollow region 1131b of the second frame body 1129b, and the second spiral rotating portion 1117b is disposed on a side of the second slide block body 1132b closer to the base 110. When the second rotating member 1114b and the second slide member 1115b rotate relative to the base 110, the second slide member 1115b moves in a direction parallel to the second rotating shaft 1113b within the second hollow region 1131b. In this manner, space utilization can be improved, and the hinge mechanism 11 can be made more compact.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8 , the second rotating assembly 1111b is used as an example. During the folding or unfolding of the hinge mechanism 11, the second rotating member 1114b and the second sliding member 1115b rotate independently relative to the base 110. In one embodiment, the second rotating shaft 1113b passes through the second helical groove 1101b, the second helical rotating portion 1117b, and the second rotating portion 1130b and is installed on the base 110. In this embodiment, the rotation axis center of the second rotating member 1114b overlaps with the rotation axis center of the second sliding member 1115b. In other words, the second rotating member 1114b and the second sliding member 1115b share a single rotation axis center. Of course, the rotation axis center of the second rotating member 1114b may alternatively not overlap with the rotation axis center of the second sliding member 1115b. For example, in another embodiment, the second rotating shaft 1113b passes through the second rotating portion 1130b of the second rotating member 1114b and is mounted on the base 110. The second rotating assembly 1111b may further include a third rotating shaft (not shown) parallel to the second rotating shaft 1113b. The third rotating shaft passes through the second helical groove 1101b and the second helical rotating portion 1117b and is mounted on the base 110. When the second rotating assembly 1111b rotates, the second rotating member 1114b rotates around the second rotating shaft 1113b, and the second slide member 1115b rotates around the third rotating shaft.

[0062] 9, in the above technical solution, the first protrusion 1123a may be disposed on the first slide block body 1132a of the first slide member 1115a, the first protrusion 1123a passing through the first hollow region 1131a and slidably connected to the first diagonal groove 1121a, and the second protrusion 1123b may be disposed on the second slide block body 1132b of the second slide member 1115b, the second protrusion 1123b passing through the second hollow region 1131b and slidably connected to the second diagonal groove 1121b.

[0063] 10 is a diagram of a folded hinge mechanism according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 10, when the first rotating assembly 1111a and the second rotating assembly 1111b are folded toward each other, the first protrusion 1123a slides from one end of the first diagonal groove 1121a away from the base 110 toward the base 110, and the second protrusion 1123b slides from one end of the second diagonal groove 1121b away from the base 110 toward the base 110, so as to push the first housing support 1116a and the second housing support 1116b to move in a direction perpendicular to the base 110. Therefore, during the process of folding and unfolding the electronic device 10, the first housing support 1116a and the second housing support 1116b may move toward or away from the base 110, thereby increasing the length of the hinge mechanism 11 in a direction perpendicular to the base 110 to accommodate the change in position of the middle layer of the flexible display 12 during the folding or unfolding process and thus prevent the flexible display 12 from warping or pulling during this process.

[0064] Furthermore, the shapes of the first protrusion 1123a and the second protrusion 1123b are not limited to a specific shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first protrusion 1123a parallel to the first slide block body 1132a may be circular, elliptical, or rectangular. The cross-sectional shape of the second protrusion 1123b parallel to the second slide block body 1132b may be circular, elliptical, or rectangular.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the hinge module 111 may further include a slide connecting member 1112. The slide connecting member 1112 is disposed between the first rotating assembly 1111a and the second rotating assembly 1111b, where a first end 1112a of the slide connecting member 1112 is fitted over the first rotating shaft 1113a and may slide along the first rotating shaft 1113a. A second end 1112b of the slide connecting member 1112 is fitted over the second rotating shaft 1113b and may slide along the second rotating shaft 1113b. A first slide member 1115a is connected to the first end 1112a, and a second slide member 1115b is connected to the second end 1112b. The shape of the slide connecting member 1112 is not particularly limited. For example, the sliding connecting member 1112 may be cross-shaped or linear.

[0066] 11 is a diagram of another folded hinge mechanism according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 11, when the first rotating assembly 1111a and the second rotating assembly 1111b are folded toward each other, the first rotating member 1114a rotates about the first rotating shaft 1113a, thereby driving the first sliding member 1115a to rotate relative to the base 110 and simultaneously slide along the first rotating shaft 1113a. The second rotating member 1114b rotates about the second rotating shaft 1113b, driving the second sliding member 1115b to rotate relative to the base 110 and simultaneously slide along the second rotating shaft 1113b. The first slide member 1115a slides along the first rotating shaft 1113a and drives the slide connecting member 1112 to slide along the first rotating shaft 1113a, and the second slide member 1115b slides along the second rotating shaft 1113b and drives the slide connecting member 1112 to slide along the second rotating shaft 1113b. Because the slide connecting member 1112 slides along both the first rotating shaft 1113a and the second rotating shaft 1113b, the first slide member 1115a and the second slide member 1115b can be pushed to slide in sync, causing the first rotating member 1114a and the second rotating member 1114b to rotate in sync relative to the base 110. Therefore, the first rotating assembly 1111a and the second rotating assembly 1111b having folding structure features can be combined with the slide connecting member 1112 by using a spiral groove combination design to achieve synchronized movement, without the need to add a complex synchronization module, thereby reducing the number of parts of the hinge mechanism 11 and simplifying the structure of the hinge mechanism 11.

[0067] 12 is a diagram of another structure of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application. When the first rotating assembly 1111a is particularly positioned as shown in FIG. 12, the first helical rotating portion 1117a may be fitted onto the first rotating shaft 1113a. The first helical rotating portion 1117a is provided with a first limiting notch 1124a, and the first end 1112a of the slide connecting member 1112 is limited within the first limiting notch 1124a. The second helical rotating portion 1117b may be fitted onto the second rotating shaft 1113b. The second helical rotating portion 1117b is provided with a second limiting notch 1124b, and the second end 1112b of the slide connecting member 1112 is limited within the second limiting notch 1124b. When the first slide member 1115a slides along the first rotating shaft 1113a, the first spiral rotating portion 1117a may drive the first end 1112a of the slide connecting member 1112 to slide along the first rotating shaft 1113a, and when the second slide member 1115b slides along the second rotating shaft 1113b, the second spiral rotating portion 1117b may drive the second end 1112b of the slide connecting member 1112 to slide along the second rotating shaft 1113b, thereby causing the slide connecting member 1112 to slide along the first rotating shaft 1113a and the second rotating shaft 1113b.

[0068] 13 is a diagram of another structure of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 13, the hinge mechanism 11 may further include a first door plate 112a and a second door plate 112b disposed opposite each other on two sides of the base 110. The first door plate 112a is disposed near the first rotating assembly 1111a, and the second door plate 112b is disposed near the second rotating assembly 1111b, and the first door plate 112a and the second door plate 112b are configured to provide support for the flexible display 12. Specifically, the first door plate 112a is rotatably connected to the first housing support 1116a and slidably connected to the first rotating member 1114a. The second door plate 112b is rotatably connected to the second housing support 1116b and slidably connected to the second rotating member 1114b. When the first rotating assembly 1111a and the second rotating assembly 1111b rotate toward each other, the first door plate 112a may rotate relative to the first housing support 1116a and slide relative to the first rotating member 1114a, and the second door plate 112b rotates relative to the second housing support 1116b and slides relative to the second rotating member 1114b. In this manner, when the hinge mechanism 11 is in the folded state, the first door plate 112a and the second door plate 112b are each disposed at an included angle with the base 110, such that the first door plate 112a, the second door plate 112b, and the base 110 enclose a triangular space, and thus a portion of the flexible display 12 is housed in the drop-shaped space. It should be noted that the first door plate 112a and the second door plate 112b may or may not be in contact with the base 110. In other words, the included angle between the first door plate 112a and the base 110 may be the included angle formed when the first door plate 112a is in contact with the base 110, or may be the included angle formed between an extension line of the first door plate 112a and the base 110. The included angle is an acute angle.The included angle between the second door plate 112b and the base 110 may be the included angle formed when the second door plate 112b is in contact with the base 110, or may be the included angle formed between an extension line of the second door plate 112b and the base 110. The included angle is an acute angle.

[0069] 13 , a first arc-shaped rotation block 1125a is provided on the side of the first door plate 112a away from the flexible display 12, and a first arc-shaped guide groove 1126a is provided on the side of the first housing support 1116a facing the first door plate 112a. The first arc-shaped rotation block 1125a is accommodated in the first arc-shaped guide groove 1126a and can slide within the first arc-shaped guide groove 1126a, thereby realizing a rotational connection between the first door plate 112a and the first housing support 1116a. Correspondingly, a second arc-shaped rotation block is provided on the side of the second door plate 112b away from the flexible display 12, and a second arc-shaped guide groove is provided on the side of the second housing support 1116b facing the second door plate 112b. The second arc-shaped rotating block is accommodated in the second arc-shaped guide groove and slides within the second arc-shaped guide groove, thereby realizing a rotational connection between the second door plate 112b and the second housing support 1116b.

[0070] Figure 14 is a diagram of an unfolded hinge mechanism according to one embodiment of the present application. Figure 15 is a diagram of a folded hinge mechanism according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, when the first housing support 1116a and the second housing support 1116b are folded or unfolded toward each other, the first door plate 112a and the second door plate 112b are also folded or unfolded together with the first housing support 1116a and the second housing support 1116b. When the flexible display 12 is particularly positioned, the flexible display 12 is located on one side of the hinge mechanism 11 and is positioned near the first door plate 112a and the second door plate 112b. A first support surface exists on the side of the first door plate 112a facing the flexible display 12, a second support surface exists on the side of the second door plate 112b facing the flexible display 12, and a third support surface exists on the side of the base 110 facing the flexible display 12. When the hinge mechanism 11 is in the unfolded state, the first support surface, the second support surface, and the third support surface form a flat support surface for supporting the flexible display 12, which can provide good support for the flexible display 12. This prevents the flexible display 12 from being dented or warped.

[0071] 13, the first door plate 112a may further be provided with a first track groove 1127a on a side thereof facing away from the flexible display 12, and the first rotating member 1114a may be provided with a first pin 1128a. The first pin 1128a is received in the first track groove 1127a and slides within the first track groove 1127a, thereby driving the first door plate 112a to move relative to the first housing support 1116a. Correspondingly, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the second door plate 112b may further be provided with a second track groove 1127b on a side thereof facing away from the flexible display 12, and the second rotating member 1114b may be provided with a second pin 1128b. The second pin 1128b is received in the second track groove 1127b and slides within the second track groove 1127b, thereby driving the second door plate 112b to move relative to the second housing support 1116b.

[0072] The terms used in the above 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, the singular terms "a," "one," "the ...

[0073] 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 thought of by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall be included in 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. (Other possible items) (Item 1) A hinge mechanism for use in a foldable electronic device, the hinge mechanism comprising: a base, a first rotating assembly, and a second rotating assembly, the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly being disposed on two sides of the base, respectively; The first rotating assembly includes: a first rotating shaft disposed on a side of the base; a first rotating member rotatably connected to the base through the first rotating shaft; a first slide member, one end of which is rotatably connected to the base and another end of which is slidably connected to the first rotating member, the first slide member being slidable relative to the first rotating member in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft; and a first housing support slidably connected to the first rotating member, wherein the first housing support is slidable relative to the first rotating member in a direction perpendicular to the first rotating shaft; where the first slide member is provided with a first spiral rotation portion, and the base is provided with a first spiral groove on a side thereof closer to the first slide member, the first spiral rotation portion being received in the first spiral groove and rotating within the first spiral groove, thereby allowing the first slide member to slide relative to the first rotation member in a direction parallel to the first rotation shaft; one of the first housing support and the first sliding member is provided with a first diagonal groove, and the other of the first housing support and the first sliding member is provided with a first protrusion, the first protrusion being slidable within the first diagonal groove to urge the first housing support to slide relative to the first sliding member in a direction away from the base when the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward each other; The second rotating assembly includes: a second rotating shaft disposed on another side of the base and parallel to the first rotating shaft; a second rotating member rotatably connected to the base through the second rotating shaft; a second slide member, one end of which is rotatably connected to the base and another end of which is slidably connected to the second rotating member, the second slide member being slidable relative to the second rotating member in a direction parallel to the second rotating shaft; and a second housing support slidably connected to the second rotating member, wherein the second housing support is slidable relative to the second rotating member in a direction perpendicular to the second rotating shaft; where the second slide member is provided with a second helical rotating portion, and the base is provided with a second helical groove on a side thereof closer to the second slide member, the second helical rotating portion being received in the second helical groove and rotating within the second helical groove, thereby allowing the second slide member to slide relative to the second slide member in the direction parallel to the second rotation shaft; a hinge mechanism, wherein one of the second housing support and the second sliding member is provided with a second diagonal groove, and the other of the second housing support and the second sliding member is provided with a second protrusion, the second protrusion being slidable within the second diagonal groove to urge the second housing support to slide relative to the second rotating member in a direction away from the base when the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward each other. (Item 2) The hinge module further comprises a sliding connecting member, wherein: a first limit notch is provided on a side of the first slide member that is closer to the first rotating shaft, one end of the slide connecting member is limited in the first limit notch and is fitted over the first rotating shaft; a second limit notch is provided on a side of the second slide member that is closer to the second rotating shaft, another end of the slide connecting member is limited in the second limit notch and is fitted over the second rotating shaft; Item 2. The hinge mechanism of item 1, wherein when the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward or against each other, at least one of the first sliding member and the second sliding member pushes the sliding connecting member to slide in the same direction on the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, whereby the sliding connecting member pushes the first sliding member and the second sliding member to slide synchronously in the same direction. (Item 3) 3. The hinge mechanism according to item 2, wherein the sliding connecting member is cross-shaped or linear. (Item 4) the first sliding member is further provided with a first sliding groove parallel to the first rotating shaft, the first rotating member is provided with a first sliding part, the first sliding part is received in the first sliding groove and slides within the first sliding groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the first rotating member and the first sliding member; the second sliding member is provided with a second sliding groove parallel to the second rotating shaft, the second rotating member is provided with a second sliding part, the second sliding part is received in the second sliding groove and slides within the second sliding groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the second rotating member and the second sliding member; or 4. The hinge mechanism according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the first rotating member is provided with a third slide groove parallel to the first rotating shaft, the first slide member is further provided with a third slide portion that is housed in the third slide groove and slides within the third slide groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the first rotating member and the first slide member; and the second rotating member is provided with a fourth slide groove parallel to the second rotating shaft, the second slide member is further provided with a fourth slide portion that is housed in the fourth slide groove and slides within the fourth slide groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the second rotating member and the second slide member. (Item 5) the first rotating member includes a first frame body and a first rotating portion, the first frame body enclosing a first hollow region, the first frame body being separately slidably connected to the first slide member and a first housing support, the first rotating portion being disposed on a side of the first frame body proximal to the base and rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft; the first slide member includes a first slide block body, the first slide block body is disposed in the first hollow region of the first frame body, and the first spiral rotation portion is disposed on a side of the first slide block body that is closer to the base portion; the second rotating member includes a second frame body and a second rotating portion, the second frame body enclosing a second hollow region, the second frame body being separately slidably connected to the second slide member and the second housing support, the second rotating portion being disposed on a side of the second frame body proximal to the base and rotatably connected to the second rotating shaft; 5. The hinge mechanism according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the second slide member includes a second slide block body, the second slide block body is disposed in the second hollow region of the second frame body, and the second spiral rotation portion is disposed on a side of the second slide block body that is closer to the base portion. (Item 6) The first housing support is provided with the first oblique groove, and the first protrusion is disposed on the first slide block body of the first slide member, passes through the first hollow area, and is slidably connected to the first oblique groove; Item 6. The hinge mechanism according to item 5, wherein the second housing support is provided with the second diagonal groove, and the second protrusion is disposed on the second slide block body of the second slide member, passes through the second hollow region, and is slidably connected to the second diagonal groove. (Item 7) The shape of a cross section of the first protrusion parallel to the first slide block body is circular, elliptical, or rectangular; 7. The hinge mechanism according to item 5 or 6, wherein the shape of a cross section of the second protrusion parallel to the second slide block body is circular, elliptical, or rectangular. (Item 8) the first diagonal groove extends in a direction away from the base from a side closer to the base to a side farther from the base and forms a first included angle with the first rotatable shaft, wherein the first included angle is an acute angle; the second oblique groove extends away from the base and forms a second reduced angle with the second rotatable shaft, wherein the second reduced angle is an acute angle; 8. The hinge mechanism of claim 1, wherein when the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward each other, the first protrusion slides within the first diagonal groove in a direction toward the base, and the second protrusion slides within the second diagonal groove in a direction toward the base. (Item 9) the first housing support is further provided with a first limiting slide groove, the first limiting slide groove extending in a direction away from the base, the first rotating member is provided with a first limiting slide portion, the first limiting slide portion is received in the first limiting slide groove and slides within the first limiting slide groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the first housing support and the first rotating member; the second housing support is further provided with a second limiting slide groove, the second limiting slide groove extending in a direction away from the base, the second rotating member is provided with a second limiting slide portion, the second limiting slide portion is received in the second limiting slide groove and slides within the second limiting slide groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the second housing support and the second rotating member; or 9. The hinge mechanism according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the first housing support is further provided with a third limiting slide portion, the first rotating member is provided with a third limiting slide groove, the third limiting slide groove extends in a direction away from the base, the third limiting slide portion is received in the third limiting slide groove and slides within the third limiting slide groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the first housing support and the first rotating member; the second housing support is further provided with a fourth limiting slide portion, the second rotating member is provided with a fourth limiting slide groove, the fourth limiting slide groove extends in a direction away from the base, the fourth limiting slide portion is received in the fourth limiting slide groove and slides within the fourth limiting slide groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the second housing support and the second rotating member. (Item 10) the hinge mechanism further comprises a first door plate and a second door plate oppositely disposed on the two sides of the base, the first door plate and the second door plate being configured to support a flexible display of the electronic device, the first door plate being rotatably connected to the first housing support and slidably connected to the first rotating member, and the second door plate being rotatably connected to the second housing support and slidably connected to the second rotating member; 10. The hinge mechanism of any one of items 1 to 9, wherein when the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward each other, the first door plate rotates relative to the first housing support and slides relative to the first rotating member, and the second door plate rotates relative to the second housing support and slides relative to the second rotating member, such that when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the first door plate and the second door plate are each positioned at an included angle with the base. (Item 11) a first support surface on the side of the first door plate facing the flexible display, a second support surface on the side of the second door plate facing the flexible display, and a third support surface on the side of the base facing the flexible display; Item 11. The hinge mechanism of item 10, wherein when the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state, the first support surface, the second support surface, and the third support surface form a flat support surface for supporting the flexible display. (Item 12) a first arc-shaped rotation block is provided on a side of the first door plate away from the flexible display, and a first arc-shaped guide groove is provided on a side of the first housing support facing the first door plate, the first arc-shaped rotation block is accommodated in the first arc-shaped guide groove and slides within the first arc-shaped guide groove, thereby realizing a rotational connection between the first door plate and the first housing support; Item 12. The hinge mechanism according to item 10 or 11, wherein a second arc-shaped rotation block is provided on a side of the second door plate away from the flexible display, and a second arc-shaped guide groove is provided on a side of the second housing support facing the second door plate, the second arc-shaped rotation block is accommodated in the second arc-shaped guide groove and slides within the second arc-shaped guide groove, thereby realizing a rotational connection between the second door plate and the second housing support. (Item 13) a first track groove is further provided on the side of the first door plate away from the flexible display, and the first rotating member is provided with a first pin, the first pin being received in the first track groove and sliding within the first track groove to drive the first door plate to move relative to the first housing support; 13. The hinge mechanism of any one of items 10 to 12, wherein a second track groove is further provided on a side of the second door plate away from the flexible display, and the second rotating member is provided with a second pin that is received in the second track groove and slides within the second track groove to drive the second door plate to move relative to the second housing support. (Item 14) 14. An electronic device comprising a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display, and the hinge mechanism according to any one of items 1 to 13, the first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of a base, the first housing being fixed to a first housing support, and the second housing being fixed to a second housing support; 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.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism for use in a foldable electronic device, the hinge mechanism comprising a base, a first rotating assembly, and a second rotating assembly, the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly being disposed on two sides of the base, respectively; The first rotating assembly includes: a first rotating shaft disposed on a side of the base; a first rotating member rotatably connected to the base through the first rotating shaft; a first slide member, one end of which is rotatably connected to the base and another end of which is slidably connected to the first rotating member, the first slide member being slidable relative to the first rotating member in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft; and a first housing support slidably connected to the first rotating member, wherein the first housing support is slidable relative to the first rotating member in a direction perpendicular to the first rotating shaft; where the first slide member is provided with a first spiral rotation portion, and the base portion is provided with a first spiral groove on a side thereof closer to the first slide member, the first spiral rotation portion being received in the first spiral groove and rotating within the first spiral groove, thereby causing the first slide member to slide relative to the first slide member in a direction parallel to the first rotation shaft; one of the first housing support and the first sliding member is provided with a first diagonal groove, and the other of the first housing support and the first sliding member is provided with a first protrusion, the first protrusion being slidable within the first diagonal groove to urge the first housing support to slide relative to the first sliding member in a direction away from the base when the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward each other; The second rotating assembly includes: a second rotating shaft disposed on another side of the base and parallel to the first rotating shaft; a second rotating member rotatably connected to the base through the second rotating shaft; a second slide member, one end of which is rotatably connected to the base and another end of which is slidably connected to the second rotating member, the second slide member being slidable relative to the second rotating member in a direction parallel to the second rotating shaft; and a second housing support slidably connected to the second rotating member, wherein the second housing support is slidable relative to the second rotating member in a direction perpendicular to the second rotating shaft; where the second slide member is provided with a second helical rotating portion, and the base portion is provided with a second helical groove on a side thereof closer to the second slide member, the second helical rotating portion being received in the second helical groove and rotating within the second helical groove, thereby allowing the second slide member to slide relative to the second slide member in the direction parallel to the second rotation shaft; a hinge mechanism, wherein one of the second housing support and the second sliding member is provided with a second diagonal groove, and the other of the second housing support and the second sliding member is provided with a second protrusion, the second protrusion being slidable within the second diagonal groove to urge the second housing support to slide relative to the second rotating member in a direction away from the base when the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward each other.

2. The hinge mechanism further includes a sliding connecting member, wherein: a first limit notch is provided on a side of the first slide member that is closer to the first rotating shaft, one end of the slide connecting member is limited within the first limit notch and is fitted over the first rotating shaft; a second limit notch is provided on a side of the second slide member that is closer to the second rotating shaft, another end of the slide connecting member is limited within the second limit notch and is fitted over the second rotating shaft; 2. The hinge mechanism of claim 1, wherein when the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward or against each other, at least one of the first sliding member and the second sliding member pushes the sliding connecting member to slide in the same direction on the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, whereby the sliding connecting member pushes the first sliding member and the second sliding member to slide synchronously in the same direction.

3. The hinge mechanism according to claim 2 , wherein the sliding connecting member is cross-shaped or linear-shaped.

4. the first sliding member is further provided with a first sliding groove parallel to the first rotating shaft, the first rotating member is provided with a first sliding part that is received in the first sliding groove and slides within the first sliding groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the first rotating member and the first sliding member; the second sliding member is provided with a second sliding groove parallel to the second rotating shaft, the second rotating member is provided with a second sliding part that is received in the second sliding groove and slides within the second sliding groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the second rotating member and the second sliding member; or 2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first rotating member is provided with a third sliding groove parallel to the first rotating shaft, the first sliding member is further provided with a third sliding portion that is received in the third sliding groove and slides within the third sliding groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the first rotating member and the first sliding member; and the second rotating member is provided with a fourth sliding groove parallel to the second rotating shaft, the second sliding member is further provided with a fourth sliding portion that is received in the fourth sliding groove and slides within the fourth sliding groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the second rotating member and the second sliding member.

5. the first rotating member includes a first frame body and a first rotating portion, the first frame body enclosing a first hollow region, the first frame body being separately slidably connected to the first slide member and a first housing support, the first rotating portion being disposed on a side of the first frame body proximal to the base and rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft; the first slide member includes a first slide block body, the first slide block body is disposed in the first hollow region of the first frame body, and the first spiral rotation portion is disposed on a side of the first slide block body that is closer to the base portion; the second rotating member includes a second frame body and a second rotating portion, the second frame body enclosing a second hollow region, the second frame body being separately slidably connected to the second slide member and the second housing support, the second rotating portion being disposed on a side of the second frame body proximal to the base and rotatably connected to the second rotating shaft; 2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second slide member includes a second slide block body, the second slide block body being disposed in the second hollow region of the second frame body, and the second spiral rotation portion being disposed on a side of the second slide block body that is closer to the base portion.

6. The first housing support is provided with the first oblique groove, and the first protrusion is disposed on the first slide block body of the first slide member, passes through the first hollow area, and is slidably connected to the first oblique groove; 6. The hinge mechanism of claim 5, wherein the second housing support is provided with the second diagonal groove, and the second protrusion is disposed on the second slide block body of the second slide member, passes through the second hollow region, and is slidably connected to the second diagonal groove.

7. The shape of a cross section of the first protrusion parallel to the first slide block body is circular, elliptical, or rectangular; The hinge mechanism according to claim 5 , wherein the second protrusion has a cross section parallel to the second slide block body that is circular, elliptical, or rectangular.

8. the first diagonal groove extends in a direction away from the base from a side closer to the base to a side farther from the base and forms a first included angle with the first rotatable shaft, wherein the first included angle is an acute angle; the second diagonal groove extends away from the base and forms a second reduced angle with the second rotatable shaft, wherein the second reduced angle is an acute angle; 2. The hinge mechanism of claim 1, wherein when the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward each other, the first protrusion slides within the first diagonal groove in a direction toward the base, and the second protrusion slides within the second diagonal groove in a direction toward the base.

9. the first housing support is further provided with a first limiting slide groove, the first limiting slide groove extending in a direction away from the base, the first rotating member is provided with a first limiting slide portion, the first limiting slide portion is received in the first limiting slide groove and slides within the first limiting slide groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the first housing support and the first rotating member; the second housing support is further provided with a second limiting slide groove, the second limiting slide groove extending in a direction away from the base, the second rotating member is provided with a second limiting slide portion, the second limiting slide portion is received in the second limiting slide groove and slides within the second limiting slide groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the second housing support and the second rotating member; or 2. The hinge mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first housing support is further provided with a third limit slide portion, the first rotating member is provided with a third limit slide groove, the third limit slide groove extends in a direction away from the base, the third limit slide portion is received in the third limit slide groove and slides within the third limit slide groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the first housing support and the first rotating member; and the second housing support is further provided with a fourth limit slide portion, the second rotating member is provided with a fourth limit slide groove, the fourth limit slide groove extends in a direction away from the base, the fourth limit slide portion is received in the fourth limit slide groove and slides within the fourth limit slide groove, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the second housing support and the second rotating member.

10. the hinge mechanism further comprises a first door plate and a second door plate disposed oppositely on the two sides of the base, the first door plate and the second door plate being configured to support a flexible display of the electronic device, the first door plate being rotatably connected to the first housing support and slidably connected to the first rotating member, and the second door plate being rotatably connected to the second housing support and slidably connected to the second rotating member; 2. The hinge mechanism of claim 1, wherein when the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly rotate toward each other, the first door plate rotates relative to the first housing support and slides relative to the first rotating member, and the second door plate rotates relative to the second housing support and slides relative to the second rotating member, such that when the hinge mechanism is in a folded position, the first door plate and the second door plate are each disposed at an included angle with the base.

11. a first support surface on the side of the first door plate facing the flexible display, a second support surface on the side of the second door plate facing the flexible display, and a third support surface on the side of the base facing the flexible display; 11. The hinge mechanism of claim 10, wherein when the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded state, the first support surface, the second support surface, and the third support surface form a flat support surface for supporting the flexible display.

12. a first arc-shaped rotation block is provided on a side of the first door plate away from the flexible display, and a first arc-shaped guide groove is provided on a side of the first housing support facing the first door plate, the first arc-shaped rotation block is accommodated in the first arc-shaped guide groove and slides within the first arc-shaped guide groove, thereby realizing a rotational connection between the first door plate and the first housing support; 11. The hinge mechanism of claim 10, wherein a second arc-shaped rotation block is provided on a side of the second door plate away from the flexible display, and a second arc-shaped guide groove is provided on a side of the second housing support facing the second door plate, the second arc-shaped rotation block is accommodated in the second arc-shaped guide groove and slides within the second arc-shaped guide groove, thereby realizing a rotational connection between the second door plate and the second housing support.

13. a first track groove is further provided on the side of the first door plate away from the flexible display, and the first rotating member is provided with a first pin, the first pin being received in the first track groove and sliding within the first track groove to drive the first door plate to move relative to the first housing support; 11. The hinge mechanism of claim 10, further comprising a second track groove on a side of the second door plate away from the flexible display, and a second pin on the second rotating member, the second pin being received in the second track groove and sliding within the second track groove to drive the second door plate to move relative to the second housing support.

14. An electronic device comprising a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display, and the hinge mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 13, the first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of a base, the first housing being fixed to a first housing support, and the second housing being fixed to a second housing support; The electronic device, wherein 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.

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