Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

A rotating shaft mechanism (1), comprising a base (101) and a rotating module (102). The rotating module comprises two rotating assemblies respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the base; each rotating assembly comprises a swing arm, a housing fixing frame, a radial rotating arm, and a support arm; the swing arm is rotatably connected to the base; the radial rotating arm is located between the swing arm and the housing fixing frame, the radial rotating arm is rotatably connected to the swing arm and the housing fixing frame, respectively, and the axis of rotation of the radial rotating arm extends along the housing fixing frame in a direction moving toward or away from the base; the support arm is rotatably connected to the base and is slidably connected to the housing fixing frame, the axes of rotation of the support arm and the swing arm around the base are parallel and do not coincide, and the support arm rotates around the base to drive the radial rotating arm to rotate, so that when an electronic device is in a closed state, the radial rotating arm avoids a foldable portion of a flexible display screen (4). The present invention further provides an electronic device comprising the rotating shaft mechanism. The rotating shaft mechanism has a small size, and can avoid squeezing or pulling the flexible display screen during the folding and unfolding of the rotating shaft mechanism.

Description

Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on June 15, 2023, with application number 202310713284.8 and application name “A Rotating Shaft Mechanism and Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of foldable electronic devices, and in particular to a hinge mechanism and electronic device. Background Art

[0004] As flexible display technology matures, the display mode of electronic devices has undergone tremendous changes. Foldable flexible screen mobile phones, foldable flexible screen tablets, and wearable electronic devices with foldable flexible screens are an important evolutionary direction of future smart electronic devices.

[0005] Flexible display screens are key components in foldable electronic devices, and they have the characteristic of continuous foldability. The hinge mechanism is an important component for foldable electronic devices to realize the folding function. During the process of unfolding and closing the foldable electronic device, the hinge mechanism can drive the flexible display screen to flatten or bend. Usually, when designing the hinge mechanism, in order to avoid the flexible display screen and avoid pulling or squeezing the flexible display screen during the folding process of the electronic device, some components of the rotating assembly in the hinge mechanism need to be thinned, which results in poor structural strength of these components, thereby making the structural reliability of the entire hinge mechanism poor. Based on this, how to avoid pulling or squeezing the flexible display screen while making the structure of the hinge mechanism more reliable has become a major problem that needs to be solved urgently by those skilled in the art.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device to achieve a miniaturized design of the hinge mechanism and improve the structural reliability of the flexible display screen during the rotation of the hinge mechanism, thereby improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a hinge mechanism, which can be used for a foldable electronic device, and the hinge mechanism is arranged relative to the foldable part of the flexible display screen of the electronic device, and the electronic device is unfolded or closed by the hinge mechanism. When the hinge mechanism is specifically arranged, it may include a base and a rotating module. The rotating module includes a first rotating assembly and a second rotating assembly, and the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the base. The first rotating assembly may include a first swing arm, a first shell fixing frame, a first radial rotary arm and a first support arm. The first swing arm is rotatably connected to the base. The first support arm is rotatably connected to the base, and the first support arm is slidably connected to the first shell fixing frame along a first direction. The axis of rotation of the first support arm around the base and the axis of rotation of the first swing arm around the base are both parallel to the length direction of the base and do not overlap with each other, and the first direction is perpendicular to the length direction of the base. In addition, the first radial swing arm is located between the first swing arm and the first shell fixing frame, the first radial swing arm includes a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion and a first avoidance opening, the first avoidance opening is located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the side of the first radial swing arm facing away from the first avoidance opening is the first connecting surface, the first connecting portion is rotationally connected to the first swing arm, the second connecting portion is rotationally connected to the first shell fixing frame, and the rotation axis of the first radial swing arm extends along the first direction.

[0009] When the second rotating assembly is specifically configured, it may include a second swing arm, a second shell fixing frame, a second radial swing arm, and a second support arm. The second swing arm is rotationally connected to the base, the second support arm is rotationally connected to the base, the second support arm is slidingly connected to the second shell fixing frame along the second direction, the axis of rotation of the second support arm around the base and the axis of rotation of the second swing arm around the base are both parallel to the length direction of the base and do not overlap with each other, and the second direction is perpendicular to the length direction of the base. The second radial swing arm is located between the second swing arm and the second shell fixing frame, the second radial swing arm includes a third connecting portion, a fourth connecting portion, and a second avoidance opening, the second avoidance opening is located between the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion, the side of the second radial swing arm facing away from the second avoidance opening is the second connecting surface, the third connecting portion is rotationally connected to the second swing arm, the fourth connecting portion is rotationally connected to the second shell fixing frame, and the rotation axis of the second radial swing arm extends along the second direction.

[0010] In addition, in the hinge mechanism provided in the present application, the base includes an appearance shell facing away from the flexible display screen, and the appearance shell includes a first end and a second end relative to each other, the first end is arranged toward the first shell fixing frame, and the second end is arranged toward the second shell fixing frame. Then, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first end of the appearance shell is inserted into the first avoidance opening, and the second end of the appearance shell is inserted into the second avoidance opening. During the process of the electronic device switching from the unfolded state to the closed state, the first shell fixing frame slides relative to the first support arm in a direction away from the base, and the second shell fixing frame slides relative to the second support arm in a direction away from the base. The first support arm rotates around the base, driving the first radial rotary arm to rotate around the first direction. The second support arm rotates around the base, driving the second radial rotary arm to rotate around the second direction, so that when the electronic device is in the closed state, the first connection surface of the first radial rotary arm does not face the flexible display screen, and the second connection surface of the second radial rotary arm does not face the flexible display screen.

[0011] In the existing hinge mechanism, since the first swing arm (second swing arm) is directly connected to the first shell fixing frame (second shell fixing frame) while being rotationally connected to the base, in order to enable the electronic device using the hinge mechanism to unfold to a flat state, it is necessary to provide an escape opening on the first swing arm (second swing arm) to enable the first swing arm (second swing arm) to escape from the outer shell. However, since the first swing arm (second swing arm) also needs to avoid interfering with the flexible display screen when in the closed state, the thickness of the escape portion of the first swing arm (second swing arm) of the existing hinge mechanism, which is arranged opposite to the escape opening, can only be designed to be relatively thin to avoid the flexible display screen, which limits the overall thickness of the hinge mechanism. In other words, if it is desired to further reduce the thickness of the hinge mechanism, it is necessary to further reduce the thickness of the escape portion, which will result in the structural strength of this portion of the first swing arm (second swing arm) being too low, thereby making it difficult to ensure the structural reliability of the first swing arm (second swing arm).

[0012] In the hinge mechanism provided by the present application, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first clearance opening (second clearance opening) of the first radial arm (second radial arm) can avoid the appearance shell. During the rotation of the electronic device from the unfolded state to the closed state, the first housing mount (second housing mount) rotates about the base, driving the first radial arm (second radial arm), the first swing arm (second swing arm), and the first support arm (second support arm) to rotate about the base. The rotation of the first support arm (second support arm) about the base drives the first radial arm (second radial arm) to rotate relative to the first swing arm (second swing arm) and the first housing mount (second housing mount), thereby rotating the first connecting surface (second connecting surface) of the first radial arm (second radial arm) away from the flexible display. This structural design allows the thickness of the portion of the first radial arm (second radial arm) used to provide the first connecting surface (second connecting surface) to be flexibly adjusted or even increased according to strength requirements. Because this portion rotates away from the flexible display during folding, it does not interfere with the flexible display when closed. Therefore, the hinge mechanism provided in the present application can ensure the structural strength of the entire first radial arm (second radial arm) while realizing the first radial arm (second radial arm) avoiding the appearance shell and the flexible display screen, thereby being conducive to improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism.

[0013] Furthermore, in the hinge mechanism provided by this application, the rotation of the first housing mounting frame (second housing mounting frame) about the base drives the rotation of the first swing arm (second swing arm) about the base in a primary motion transmission, resulting in high transmission accuracy. Furthermore, because the first swing arm (second swing arm) is connected to the first housing mounting frame (second housing mounting frame) solely via the first radial swing arm (second radial swing arm), the structure is simple and occupies a small space, thereby facilitating a miniaturized and lightweight design of the hinge mechanism.

[0014] Furthermore, in the hinge mechanism provided by the present application, when the electronic device moves from an unfolded state to a closed state, the first housing mount and the second housing mount move toward each other. The counterclockwise rotation of the first housing mount around the base drives the first swing arm, the first radial swing arm, and the first support arm to rotate counterclockwise around the base; the clockwise rotation of the second housing mount around the base drives the second swing arm, the second radial swing arm, and the second support arm to rotate synchronously clockwise. Furthermore, when the electronic device moves from a closed state to an unfolded state, the first housing mount and the second housing mount move away from each other. The clockwise rotation of the first housing mount around the base drives the first swing arm, the first radial swing arm, and the first support arm to rotate clockwise around the base; the counterclockwise rotation of the second housing mount around the base drives the second swing arm, the second radial swing arm, and the second support arm to rotate synchronously counterclockwise. This enables the hinge mechanism to fold and unfold.

[0015] Furthermore, because the axis of rotation of the first support arm (second support arm) about the base is parallel to and does not coincide with the axis of rotation of the first swing arm (second swing arm) about the base, there is a phase difference when the first swing arm (second swing arm) and the first support arm (second support arm) rotate relative to the base. Thus, during the folding and unfolding of the electronic device, the first support arm (second support arm) and the first shell fixing frame (second shell fixing frame) can slide relative to each other, allowing the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame to move toward or away from the base. As a result, during the relative rotation of the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly, the first shell fixing frame slides relative to the first support arm in a direction away from the rotation axis (base) of the first support arm, and the second shell fixing frame slides relative to the second support arm in a direction away from the rotation axis (base) of the second support arm, thereby increasing the extension length of the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly relative to the base. Furthermore, as the first and second rotating assemblies rotate in opposite directions, the first housing mount slides relative to the first support arm toward the rotation axis of the first support arm, and the second housing mount slides relative to the second support arm toward the rotation axis of the second support arm, thereby reducing the extension length of the first and second rotating assemblies relative to the base, thereby reducing the length of the hinge mechanism. This allows the extension length of the first and second rotating assemblies relative to the base to adapt to the state of the flexible display screen, avoiding pulling or squeezing of the flexible display screen, whether the hinge mechanism is in the closed, extended, or folded state.

[0016] In addition, due to the above-mentioned phase difference in the process of the first swing arm (second swing arm) and the first support arm (second support arm) rotating relative to the base, the first swing arm (second swing arm), the first radial swing arm (second radial swing arm) and the first shell fixing frame (second shell fixing frame) are fixed in relative positions along the first direction (second direction). Then, in the process of the first support arm (second support arm) sliding relative to the first shell fixing frame (second shell fixing frame), there is also a relative displacement between the first support arm (second support arm) and the first radial swing arm (second radial swing arm), so that the first support arm (second support arm) can drive the first radial swing arm (second radial swing arm) to rotate around its rotation axis.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the present application, the first radial swing arm further includes a first avoidance portion, the first avoidance portion being located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion being connected via the first avoidance portion; the first avoidance portion is disposed opposite to the first avoidance opening, and the first connecting surface is the surface of the first avoidance portion facing away from the first avoidance opening. Since the first radial swing arm can rotate about its axis during the process of the electronic device changing from an expanded state to a closed state, the first connecting surface can be prevented from facing the flexible display screen when the electronic device is in the closed state. This design allows the thickness of the first avoidance portion to be flexibly set or even thickened according to strength requirements, which is beneficial to improving the structural reliability of the first radial swing arm, thereby improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism.

[0018] Similarly, the second radial swing arm also includes a second avoidance portion, which is located between the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion, and the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion are connected by the second avoidance portion; the second avoidance portion is arranged opposite to the second avoidance opening, and the second connecting surface is the surface of the second avoidance portion facing away from the second avoidance opening. Because the second radial swing arm can rotate about its axis during the process of the electronic device changing from an expanded state to a closed state, the second connecting surface can be prevented from facing the flexible display screen when the electronic device is in the closed state. This design allows the thickness of the second avoidance portion to be flexibly set or even increased according to strength requirements, which is conducive to improving the structural reliability of the second radial swing arm, thereby improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the present application, when rotatably connecting the first radial swing arm to the first swing arm and the first housing mount, the first connecting portion can be rotatably connected to the first swing arm via a first rotating shaft, and the second connecting portion can be rotatably connected to the first housing mount via a second rotating shaft, with the axis of the first rotating shaft extending in the first direction, and the axis of the second rotating shaft extending in the first direction. This achieves the rotatable connection between the first radial swing arm, the first swing arm, and the first housing mount, and allows the rotation axis of the first radial swing arm to extend in the first direction.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the present application, the second connecting portion may be provided with a first slot, the first housing fixing frame may be provided with a first engaging portion, the first engaging portion being inserted into the first slot, and the second rotating shaft being passed through the slot wall of the first slot and the first engaging portion. This can make the structure of the first rotating assembly more compact, which is conducive to reducing the size of the first rotating assembly, thereby facilitating a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0021] Similarly, the third connection portion of the second radial swing arm is rotationally connected to the second swing arm via a third rotation shaft, and the fourth connection portion is rotationally connected to the second housing mounting bracket via a fourth rotation shaft. The axis of the third rotation shaft extends in the second direction, and the axis of the fourth rotation shaft extends in the second direction. This achieves rotational connection between the second radial swing arm, the second swing arm, and the second housing mounting bracket, and allows the rotation axis of the second radial swing arm to extend in the first direction.

[0022] Furthermore, the fourth connecting portion defines a second slot, the second housing fixing frame is provided with a second engaging portion, the second engaging portion being inserted into the second slot, and the fourth rotating shaft being passed through the slot wall of the second slot and the second engaging portion. This allows for a more compact structure of the second rotating assembly, which facilitates reduction in size and thus facilitates a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the present application, the first radial swing arm further includes a first track groove, and the first support arm includes a first guide portion. The first guide portion slides along the first track groove to drive the first radial swing arm to rotate relative to the first swing arm, so that the first end is inserted into the first escape opening when the electronic device is in the deployed state. In the present application, by driving the first radial swing arm to rotate relative to the first swing arm by the first guide portion of the first support arm sliding along the first track groove of the first radial swing arm, the structure of the first rotation assembly can be simplified while achieving rotation of the first radial swing arm.

[0024] Similarly, the second radial swing arm further includes a second track groove, and the second support arm includes a second guide portion. The second guide portion slides along the second track groove to drive the second radial swing arm to rotate relative to the second swing arm, so that the second end is inserted into the second avoidance opening when the electronic device is in the deployed state. In the present application, by having the second guide portion of the second support arm slide along the second track groove of the second radial swing arm to drive the second radial swing arm to rotate relative to the second swing arm, the structure of the second rotation assembly can be simplified while achieving rotation of the second radial swing arm.

[0025] In the present application, the specific setting form of the first track groove is not limited. It can be exemplarily a spiral groove, so that when the first support arm slides in the first direction relative to the first shell fixing frame, it can drive the first radial rotary arm to rotate relative to the first shell fixing frame and the first swing arm around the axis extending along the first direction.

[0026] In addition, the second track groove can also be set as a spiral groove, so that when the second support arm slides relative to the second shell fixing frame along the second direction, it can drive the second radial swing arm to rotate relative to the second shell fixing frame and the second swing arm around the axis extending along the second direction.

[0027] In a possible implementation of the present application, the portion where the first connecting portion (third connecting portion) of the first radial spiral arm (second radial spiral arm) is connected is also provided with a first avoidance surface (second avoidance surface). When the electronic device is in a closed state, the first avoidance surface (second avoidance surface) can avoid the foldable portion of the flexible display screen, so that the screen-holding space formed by the hinge mechanism in the closed state can be adapted to the shape of the foldable portion of the flexible display screen, which can avoid squeezing the flexible display screen, thereby helping to improve the structural reliability of the flexible display screen, and further improve the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0028] That is to say, through the design of the hinge mechanism of the present application, the first radial arm (second radial arm) can be rotated during the folding process, so that the avoidance surface and the connecting surface are set on different surfaces of the first radial arm (second radial arm), avoiding insufficient strength caused by excessive thinning of the avoidance part, or avoiding interference of the avoidance part with the flexible display screen.

[0029] In one possible implementation of the present application, the first guide portion slides along the first track groove to drive the first radial rotary arm to rotate relative to the first swing arm, so that when the electronic device is in a closed state, the first avoidance surface avoids the foldable part of the flexible display screen, thereby avoiding the first radial rotary arm from squeezing the foldable part of the flexible display screen, which is beneficial to improving the structural reliability of the flexible display screen.

[0030] In addition, the second guide portion slides along the second track groove to drive the second radial rotary arm to rotate relative to the second swing arm, so that when the electronic device is in a closed state, the second avoidance surface avoids the foldable part of the flexible display screen, thereby preventing the second radial rotary arm from squeezing the foldable part of the flexible display screen, which is beneficial to improving the structural reliability of the flexible display screen.

[0031] In one possible implementation of the present application, the first avoidance surface is a curved concave surface, and the second avoidance surface is a curved concave surface. This design can better avoid the foldable portion of the flexible display. In addition, the shapes of the first avoidance surface and the second avoidance surface can be adapted according to the external shape of the foldable portion of the flexible display when folded. Therefore, when the electronic device is in the closed state, the shape of the screen-holding space formed by the hinge mechanism is better adapted to the foldable portion of the flexible display, which helps to avoid squeezing the foldable portion of the flexible display, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display.

[0032] In one possible implementation of the present application, the first swing arm and the base may be rotatably connected via a virtual axis. Specifically, the base may be provided with a first arcuate groove, and the first swing arm includes a first arcuate rotating block. The first arcuate rotating block is accommodated in the first arcuate groove and can slide along the groove surface of the first arcuate groove to achieve rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base. The rotatable connection between the first swing arm and the base via the virtual axis can reduce the space occupied by the first swing arm on the base, which facilitates the miniaturization of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0033] Furthermore, the base may be provided with a second arcuate groove, and the second swing arm may include a second arcuate rotating block. The second rotating block may be received in the second arcuate groove, and the second arcuate rotating block may slide along the groove surface of the second arcuate groove to achieve rotation of the second swing arm relative to the base. In this application, the second swing arm and the base may also be rotationally connected via a virtual axis, thereby reducing the space occupied by the second swing arm on the base and facilitating a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0034] In one possible implementation of the present application, when the first support arm is slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket, the first housing mounting bracket may be provided with a first sliding groove, the first support arm being received in the first sliding groove, and the first support arm being able to slide in the first direction within the first sliding groove. Similarly, the second housing mounting bracket may be provided with a second sliding groove, the second support arm being received in the second sliding groove, and the second support arm being able to slide in the second direction within the second sliding groove.

[0035] In one possible implementation of the present application, the first housing mount may further include a first mounting slot having a first notch defined in a slot wall, the first mounting slot communicating with the first slide slot through the first notch. The hinge mechanism may further include a first damping module comprising a first elastic member and a first damping bracket. The first damping bracket includes a first protrusion, which is mounted in the first mounting slot. Under the elastic force of the first elastic member, the first protrusion is configured to slide along the first notch and extend into the first slide slot. A second protrusion is further configured on a surface of the first support arm facing the first mounting slot. When the first protrusion extends into the first slide slot, opposing sides of the first protrusion and the second protrusion abut against each other in a first direction, generating a damping force between the first and second protrusions. This prevents the first protrusion from further sliding along the first slide slot, thereby maintaining the first housing mount in the corresponding rotational position. Furthermore, during rotation of the first rotating assembly relative to the base, the damping force between the first support arm and the first damping module can provide a more noticeable jerk when a user opens and closes the electronic device, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0036] The second housing mount may also include a second mounting slot having a second notch defined in its wall, the second mounting slot communicating with the second chute via the second notch. The hinge mechanism may also include a second damping module comprising a second elastic member and a second damping bracket. The second damping bracket includes a third protrusion, which is mounted in the second mounting slot. Under the elastic force of the second elastic member, the third protrusion can slide along the second notch and extend into the second chute. A fourth protrusion is also provided on the surface of the second support arm facing the second mounting slot. When the third protrusion extends into the second chute, the third protrusion abuts against the opposing side of the fourth protrusion in the second direction. A damping force is generated between the third protrusion and the second protrusion, preventing the second support arm from sliding further along the second chute, thereby maintaining the second housing mount in the corresponding rotational position. Furthermore, during rotation of the second rotating assembly relative to the base, the damping force between the second support arm and the second damping module can provide a more noticeable jerk when the user opens and closes the electronic device, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0037] In a possible implementation of the present application, the first support arm includes two oppositely arranged first connecting arms, the two first connecting arms are slidingly connected to the first shell fixing frame, and the first damping module is located between the two first connecting arms, so that the structure of the first rotating assembly can be more compact, which is conducive to reducing the size of the first rotating assembly, so as to facilitate the miniaturization design of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0038] Similarly, the second support arm may include two oppositely arranged second connecting arms, which are slidably connected to the second shell fixing frame, and the second damping module is located between the two second connecting arms, so that the structure of the second rotating assembly is more compact, which is conducive to reducing the size of the second rotating assembly, so as to facilitate the miniaturization design of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0039] In one possible implementation of the present application, the first rotating assembly further includes a first support plate, the first support plate including a first plate surface and a second plate surface disposed opposite each other, the first plate surface being used to support the flexible display screen, the second plate surface being provided with a third track groove, the first support arm being provided with a first guide structure, the first guide structure being inserted into the third track groove, and the first guide structure being able to slide along the third track groove. Furthermore, the second rotating assembly further includes a second support plate, the second support plate including a third plate surface and a fourth plate surface disposed opposite each other, the third plate surface being used to support the flexible display screen, the fourth plate surface being provided with a fourth track groove, the second support arm being provided with a second guide structure, the second guide structure being inserted into the fourth track groove, and the second guide structure being able to slide along the fourth track groove. When the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame rotate toward each other, the first shell fixing frame drives the first support arm to rotate about the base, and the first guide structure slides along the third track groove, thereby driving the first support plate to rotate relative to the first shell fixing frame and driving the end of the first support plate closer to the base to move in a direction away from the base. The second shell fixing frame drives the second support arm and the second swing arm to rotate around the base, and the second guide structure slides along the third track groove to drive the second support plate to rotate relative to the second shell fixing frame, and drives the end of the second support plate close to the base to move in a direction away from the base, so that a screen space for accommodating the bendable part of the flexible display screen can be formed between the first support plate, the base and the second support plate.

[0040] In addition, the first shell fixing frame also includes a fifth track groove, and the first rotating assembly also includes a third support plate. The third support plate includes a first sliding portion and a first support arm. The first sliding portion is inserted into the fifth track groove. The first shell fixing frame rotates around the base to drive the third support plate to rotate around the base, and the first sliding portion slides along the fifth track groove. The first support plate also includes a third slide groove, and the first support portion can slide along the third slide groove. The first support portion includes a fifth plate surface. When the electronic device is in a closed state, the third support plate avoids the first swing arm. When the electronic device is in an expanded state, the third support plate is located on the side of the first swing arm facing the flexible display screen, and the first plate surface and the fifth plate surface are connected to form a support surface for supporting the flexible display screen, which is conducive to improving the integrity of the support surface of the hinge mechanism for supporting the flexible display screen, thereby achieving flat support for the flexible display screen.

[0041] Similarly, the second shell fixing frame also includes a sixth track groove, and the second rotating assembly also includes a fourth support plate. The fourth support plate includes a second sliding portion and a second support portion. The second sliding portion is inserted into the sixth track groove. The second shell fixing frame rotates around the base to drive the fourth support plate to rotate around the base, and the second sliding portion slides along the sixth track groove. The second support plate also includes a fourth slide groove, and the second support portion can slide along the fourth slide groove. The second support portion includes a sixth plate surface for supporting the flexible display screen. When the electronic device is in a closed state, the fourth support plate avoids the second swing arm. When the electronic device is in an expanded state, the fourth support plate is located on the side of the second swing arm facing the flexible display screen, and the third plate surface and the sixth plate surface are connected to form a support surface for supporting the flexible display screen, which is conducive to improving the integrity of the support surface of the hinge mechanism for supporting the flexible display screen, thereby achieving flat support for the flexible display screen.

[0042] In this application, the specific configuration of the fifth track groove and the third slide groove is not limited. For example, the fifth track groove is a linear groove, and the third slide groove is a linear groove. The first sliding portion can then slide in the fifth track groove relative to the first housing mount along a third direction, and the first support portion can slide in the third slide groove relative to the first support plate along a fourth direction. When the electronic device is in a closed state, the angle between the third direction and the fourth direction is greater than 0°, so that the first housing mount and the first support plate limit the movement of the third support plate toward the base, thereby preventing the third support plate from falling off.

[0043] In addition, the sixth track groove can be a linear groove, and the fourth slide groove can also be a linear groove. The second sliding portion can slide in the sixth track groove relative to the second housing fixing frame along a fifth direction, and the second support portion can slide in the fourth slide groove relative to the second support plate along a sixth direction. When the electronic device is in a closed state, the angle between the fifth direction and the sixth direction is greater than 0°, so that the second housing fixing frame and the second support plate limit the movement of the fourth support plate in a direction toward the base, thereby preventing the fourth support plate from falling off.

[0044] In one possible implementation of the present application, the third support plate may further include a first abutment portion. When the electronic device is in a closed state, the first abutment portion abuts against the first housing mount, which provides a supporting force for the first abutment portion in a direction away from the base. This prevents the third support arm from falling off in the closed state, thereby improving the structural reliability of the first rotating assembly and, consequently, the hinge mechanism.

[0045] Similarly, the fourth support plate also includes a second abutment portion. When the electronic device is closed, the second abutment portion abuts the second housing mount, which provides support for the second abutment portion in a direction away from the base. This prevents the fourth support arm from falling off in the closed state, improving the structural reliability of the second rotating assembly and, by extension, the hinge mechanism.

[0046] In one possible implementation of the present application, the base may further include a bearing surface, which can be used to support the flexible display screen, and when the electronic device is in a closed state, the bearing surface, the first supporting surface and the third supporting surface can form a supporting surface for supporting the flexible display screen, so as to enhance the integrity of the supporting surface of the hinge mechanism for supporting the flexible display screen, thereby achieving flat support for the flexible display screen.

[0047] In the second aspect, the present application also provides an electronic device, which includes a first shell, a second shell and the hinge mechanism of the first aspect. The first shell and the second shell are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the hinge mechanism, the first shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the first shell, and the second shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the second shell. The flexible display screen continuously covers the first shell, the second shell and the hinge mechanism, and the flexible display screen is fixedly connected to the first shell and the second shell. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the hinge mechanism, the first shell and the second shell jointly play the role of flattening the flexible display screen, thereby ensuring the integrity of the shape of the electronic device in the unfolded state. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the closed state, the two shells rotate towards each other to drive the flexible display screen to rotate, which can effectively avoid deformation of the flexible display screen to reduce the risk of damage to the flexible display screen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device in a closed state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device in an unfolded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG4 is an exploded view of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a first swing arm provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a base provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a first housing fixing frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a first radial rotary arm provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in an expanded state;

[0056] FIG9 is a top view of the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in an unfolded state;

[0057] FIG10 is a cross-sectional view of the shaft mechanism shown in FIG9 taken along line AA;

[0058] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in FIG10 when the electronic device is in an intermediate state;

[0059] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in FIG10 when the electronic device is in a closed state;

[0060] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of the first radial rotary arm of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in FIG12;

[0061] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a matching relationship between the first radial rotary arm and the first support arm provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG15a is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG15 b is a schematic diagram of another partial structure of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG15c is a schematic diagram of another partial structure of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of a first damping module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG17 is another cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state;

[0067] FIG18 is another cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state;

[0068] FIG19a is another cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state;

[0069] FIG19 b is another cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state;

[0070] FIG20 is a schematic structural diagram of the hinge mechanism shown in FIG19a when the electronic device is in an unfolded state.

[0071] Reference Signs: 1-rotating shaft mechanism; 101-base; 1011-first arc-shaped groove; 1012-second arc-shaped groove; 1013-appearance housing; 10131-first end; 10132-second end; 10133-appearance surface; 1014-bearing surface; 102-rotating module; 1021-first rotating assembly; 10211-first swing arm; 102111-first arc-shaped rotating block; 102112-first mounting hole; 102113-first rotating shaft; 10212-first radial swing arm; 102121-first connecting portion; 102122-second connecting portion; 1021221-first slot; 102123-first avoidance opening; 102124-first avoidance surface; 102125-first track groove; 102126 - First avoidance portion; 1021261 - First connecting surface; 10213 - First housing fixing frame; 102131 - First clamping portion; 1021311 - Second rotating shaft; 102132 - First sliding groove; 102133 - First mounting groove; 1021331 - First notch; 1021332 - First limiting column; 102134 - First rotating groove; 102135 - Fifth tracking groove; 10214 - First support arm; 102141 - First guide portion; 102142 - First connecting arm; 1021421 - Second protrusion; 102143 - First guide structure; 10215 - First damping module; 102151 - First elastic member; 102152 - First damping bracket; 1021521 - First protrusion; 1021522 - first limiting portion; 10216 - first support plate; 102161 - first plate surface; 102162 - second plate surface; 102163 - first rotating portion; 102164 - first guide member; 1021641 - third track groove; 102165 - third slide groove; 10217 - third support plate; 102171 - first sliding portion; 102172 - first support portion; 1021721 - fifth plate surface; 102173 - first abutting portion; 1022 - second rotating assembly; 10221 - second swing arm; 102211 - second arc-shaped rotating block; 102212 - third mounting hole; 102213 - third rotating shaft; 10222 - second radial swing arm; 102221 - third connecting portion; 102222 - fourth connecting portion; 1022221 - Second locking slot; 102223 - Second avoidance opening; 102224 - Second avoidance surface; 102225 - Second tracking groove; 102226 - Second avoidance portion; 1022261 - Second connecting surface; 10223 - Second housing fixing frame; 102231 - Second locking portion; 1022311 - Fourth rotating shaft; 102232 - Second sliding groove; 102233 - Second mounting slot; 1022331 - Second notch; 1022332 - Second limiting column; 102234 - Second rotating slot;102235 - Sixth track groove; 10224 - Second support arm; 102241 - Second guide portion; 102242 - Second connecting arm; 1022421 - Fourth protrusion; 102243 - Second guide structure; 10225 - Second damping module; 102251 - Second elastic member; 102252 - Second damping bracket; 1022521 - Third protrusion; 1022522 - Second limiting portion; 10226 - Second support plate; 102261 - Third plate surface; 102262 - Fourth plate surface; 102263 - Second rotating portion; 102264 - Second guide member; 1022641 - Fourth track groove; 102265 - Fourth slide groove; 10227 - Fourth support plate; 102271 - Second sliding portion; 102272 - Second support portion; 1022721 - Sixth plate surface; 102273 - Second abutment portion; 2 - First housing; 3 - Second housing; 4 - Flexible display; 5 - Screen storage space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms used in the following embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting of the present application. As used in the specification and appended claims of the present application, the singular expressions "a", "a", "said", "above", "the" and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more", unless there is a clear indication to the contrary in the context.

[0073] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," and "in yet other embodiments" appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more but not all embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0074] In order to facilitate understanding of the hinge mechanism and electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application, its application scenario is first described below. Among them, the hinge mechanism can be applied to, but is not limited to, foldable electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers or tablet computers. When the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to electronic devices, reference can be made to Figure 1, which is a structural schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the electronic device is in a closed state. In addition to the hinge mechanism 1, the electronic device may also include two shells and a flexible display screen (not shown in Figure 1). For ease of explanation, in this application, the two shells of the electronic device may be named as the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 respectively. Among them, the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are located on both sides of the hinge mechanism 1 and can rotate around the hinge mechanism 1. The electronic device provided in the present application may be an inward-folding electronic device, which can be closed and unfolded according to different usage scenarios when in use.

[0075] Referring to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device in its unfolded state, it can be seen that in this unfolded state, the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are still located on either side of the hinge mechanism 1, and the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 can support the flexible display 4, thereby keeping the flexible display 4 in a flat state.

[0076] It can be understood that the process of the electronic device changing from the expanded state shown in FIG2 to the closed state shown in FIG1 , or from the closed state shown in FIG1 to the expanded state shown in FIG2 , is the process of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 rotating around the hinge mechanism 1, and in the above process, the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 can drive the flexible display 4 to fold or unfold accordingly. The hinge mechanism 1 is a key functional component in a foldable electronic device, and it can be set corresponding to the foldable portion of the flexible display 4. Therefore, the hinge mechanism 1 plays an important role in supporting the foldable portion of the flexible display 4 when the electronic device is in the expanded state shown in FIG2 , and in accommodating the foldable portion of the flexible display 4 when the electronic device is in the closed state shown in FIG1 . If, when the electronic device is in a closed state, the space formed by the first shell 2, the second shell 3 and the hinge mechanism 1 cannot meet the folding requirements of the flexible display screen 4; or, when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the extension length of the support surface provided by the first shell 2, the second shell 3 and the hinge mechanism 1 does not match the unfolded length of the flexible display screen 4, the flexible display screen 4 may be squeezed or pulled, which may easily cause damage to the flexible display screen 4 after the electronic device is folded multiple times.

[0077] In addition, when some of the current hinge mechanisms 1 are specifically designed, in order to avoid the flexible display screen 4 and avoid pulling or squeezing the flexible display screen 4 during the folding process of the electronic device, some components of the rotating assembly of the hinge mechanism 1 are designed to be thinner, which results in poor structural strength of these components, thereby making the structural reliability of the entire hinge mechanism 1 poor.

[0078] The hinge mechanism 1 provided in the present application is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, so that while the components of the hinge mechanism 1 meet the strength requirements, the components of the hinge mechanism 1 can always avoid the foldable part of the flexible display screen 4 during the rotation of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 of the electronic device around the hinge mechanism 1, and the screen space formed by the first shell 2, the second shell 3 and the hinge mechanism 1 when the electronic device is in the closed state meets the folding requirements of the flexible display screen 4, and the extension length of the support surface formed by the first shell 2, the second shell 3 and the hinge mechanism 1 in the unfolded state can be adapted to the unfolded length of the flexible display screen 4, thereby avoiding deformation of the flexible display screen 4, reducing the extrusion or tensile stress on the flexible display screen 4, thereby extending the service life of the flexible display screen 4 and improving the reliability of the electronic device. To facilitate understanding of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, its specific structure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] First, reference may be made to FIG3 , which is a schematic structural diagram of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application. In the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may include a base 101 and a rotating module 102. The present application does not limit the number of rotating modules 102 in the hinge mechanism 1. The hinge mechanism 1 may include only one rotating module 102 or a plurality of rotating modules 102. When the hinge mechanism 1 includes a plurality of rotating modules 102, the plurality of rotating modules 102 may be arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1. In the present application, the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1 is the extension direction of the axis of rotation of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 shown in FIG2 around the hinge mechanism 1. It can be understood that the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are rotatably connected by a plurality of rotating modules 102, which can effectively improve the stability of the rotation of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 of the electronic device relative to the hinge mechanism 1.

[0080] In the present application, the rotating module 102 includes a first rotating assembly 1021 and a second rotating assembly 1022. The first rotating assembly 1021 and the second rotating assembly 1022 are located on opposite sides of the base 101 and are rotatably connected to the base 101. In the present application, the process of an electronic device incorporating the hinge mechanism 1 rotating from an unfolded state to a closed state is the process of the first rotating assembly 1021 and the second rotating assembly 1022 rotating in opposite directions around the base 101; and the process of the electronic device rotating from a closed state to an unfolded state is the process of the first rotating assembly 1021 and the second rotating assembly 1022 rotating in opposite directions around the base 101.

[0081] To facilitate understanding of the structure of the rotating module 102, refer to FIG4 , which is an exploded view of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first rotating assembly 1021 may include a first swing arm 10211, which is rotatably connected to the base 101. The first swing arm 10211 and the base 101 may be rotatably connected via a virtual axis, which can help reduce the space occupied by the first swing arm 10211 on the base 101, thereby helping to reduce the volume of the rotating module 102, thereby facilitating a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0082] It is worth mentioning that in the present application, the virtual axis refers to the axis of an arc-shaped structure, and the two rotatably connected parts can rotate relative to the virtual axis, and as the two rotatably connected parts rotate relative to each other, the position of the virtual axis is fixed. For example, referring to Figure 5, Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the first swing arm 10211 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figures 4 and 5 together, the end of the first swing arm 10211 facing the base 101 can be provided with a first arc-shaped rotating block 102111. In addition, referring to Figure 6, Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the base 101 provided in an embodiment of the present application. In the present application, the base 101 can be provided with a first arc-shaped groove 1011. The first arc-shaped rotating block 102111 can be accommodated in the first arc-shaped groove 1011, and the first arc-shaped rotating block 102111 can slide along the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove 1011, thereby realizing the rotation of the first swing arm 10211 around the base 101 by sliding the first arc-shaped rotating block 102111 along the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove 1011.

[0083] In the present application, the first arc-shaped rotating block 102111 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped rotating block, and the first arc-shaped groove 1011 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped groove. It is understood that when the first arc-shaped rotating block 102111 is a circular arc-shaped rotating block, its surface that contacts the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove 1011 may be a circular arc surface, and the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove 1011 may also be a circular arc surface, with the centers of the two circular arc surfaces coinciding.

[0084] It is worth mentioning that in some possible embodiments of the present application, the first swing arm 10211 and the base 101 can also be rotatably connected through a solid shaft, thereby improving the reliability of the rotational connection between the first swing arm 10211 and the base 101, and further improving the structural reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0085] 4 , the first rotating assembly 1021 may further include a first radial rotating arm 10212 and a first housing fixing frame 10213. The first radial rotating arm 10212 is located between the first swing arm 10211 and the first housing fixing frame 10213. The first radial rotating arm 10212 is rotationally connected to the first swing arm 10211, and the first radial rotating arm 10212 is rotationally connected to the first housing fixing frame 10213. In a specific embodiment, the first radial rotating arm 10212 includes a first connecting portion 102121 and a second connecting portion 102122. The first connecting portion 102121 is rotationally connected to the first swing arm 10211, and the second connecting portion 102122 is rotationally connected to the first housing fixing frame 10213.

[0086] Referring to Figures 4 and 5 together, in the present application, the first connection portion 102121 of the first radial swing arm 10212 can be rotatably connected to the first swing arm 10211 via a first rotating shaft 102113, and the axis of the first rotating shaft 102113 extends along a first direction. In addition, referring to Figures 4 and 7 together, Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of the first shell fixing frame 10213 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The second connection portion 102122 can be rotatably connected to the first shell fixing frame 10213 via a second rotating shaft 1021311, and the axis of the second rotating shaft 1021311 extends along a first direction. The rotation axis of the first radial swing arm 10212 extends along the first direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the length of the base 101, which can also be understood as the direction in which the first shell fixing frame 10213 moves toward or away from the base 101.

[0087] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present application, the relative positions of the first swing arm 10211, the first radial swing arm 10212, and the first housing fixing bracket 10213 are fixed along the first direction. In a specific implementation, referring again to FIG. 5 , the first swing arm 10211 may be provided with a first mounting hole 102112. Furthermore, the first connecting portion 102121 of the first radial swing arm 10212, as shown in FIG. 4 , may be provided with a second mounting hole (not shown in FIG. 4 ). The first rotating shaft 102113 may be inserted through both the first mounting hole 102112 and the second mounting hole. To secure the relative positions of the first swing arm 10211 and the first radial swing arm 10212 in the first direction, a stopper may be provided at each end of the first rotating shaft 102113. This allows the first swing arm 10211 and the first radial swing arm 10212 to be positioned in the first direction while also allowing the first radial swing arm 10212 to rotate relative to the first swing arm 10211. In this application, the specific structures of the two stoppers are not limited. For example, they can be snap rings, or the first rotating shaft 102113 can be configured as a rivet, and the rivet can be riveted to the first swing arm 10211. In this case, it is sufficient to only provide a snap ring at the end of the first rotating shaft 102113 that passes through the first connecting portion 102121. In other possible embodiments of the present application, the first swing arm 10211 and the first radial rotating arm 10212 can also use other possible methods to achieve position limitation in the first direction, which will not be described here.

[0088] When connecting the first radial swing arm 10212 to the first housing fixing frame 10213, as shown in Figure 4 , the second connecting portion 102122 of the first radial swing arm 10212 may be provided with a first engaging groove 1021221. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7 , the first housing fixing frame 10213 is provided with a first engaging portion 102131, which can be inserted into the first engaging groove 1021221. The second rotating shaft 1021311 can simultaneously penetrate the groove wall of the first engaging groove 1021221 and the first engaging portion 102131, thereby limiting the first radial swing arm 10212 and the first housing fixing frame 10213 in the first direction while also enabling the first radial swing arm 10212 to rotate relative to the first housing fixing frame 10213. In some other possible embodiments of the present application, other possible methods can be used to achieve the limitation of the first radial swing arm 10212 and the first shell fixing frame 10213 along the first direction. For example, a stop portion can be set at each end of the second rotating shaft 1021311 with reference to the above-mentioned connection method between the first radial swing arm 10212 and the first swing arm 10211, so as to achieve the limitation of the first swing arm 10211 and the first radial swing arm 10212 in the first direction.

[0089] In a possible embodiment of the present application, the first radial rotary arm 10212 can also be rotatably connected to the first shell fixing frame 10213 and the first swing arm 10211 at the same time through the same rotating shaft to simplify the structure of the first rotating assembly 1021, and is conducive to improving the consistency of the rotation of the first swing arm 10211, the first radial rotary arm 10212 and the first shell fixing frame 10213 around the base 101.

[0090] From the above description of the connection relationship between the first swing arm 10211, the first radial arm 10212, and the first housing mount 10213, it can be seen that the relative positions of the three in the first direction are fixed. Therefore, the rotation of the first housing mount 10213 around the base 101 can drive the first radial arm 10212 and the first swing arm 10211 to rotate around the base 101, and the three rotations around the base 101 follow the same motion trajectory. Therefore, it can be seen that the movement of the first swing arm 10211 around the base 101 driven by the first housing mount 10213 is a first-order motion transmission, which has high transmission accuracy. In addition, because the first swing arm 10211 and the first housing mount 10213 are connected only by the first radial arm 10212, their structure is relatively simple and occupies less space, which can facilitate the miniaturization and lightweight design of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0091] It is worth mentioning that, as shown in FIG4 , when the rotating shaft mechanism 1 includes multiple rotating modules 102, the two first rotating assemblies 1021 of two adjacent rotating modules 102 can share a first swing arm 10211. Thus, one first swing arm 10211 can be provided with two first arc-shaped rotating blocks 102111, and one first swing arm 10211 can be rotatably connected to two first radial rotating arms 10212. This can help simplify the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 and make the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 more compact.

[0092] As shown in FIG4 , the first rotating assembly 1021 may further include a first support arm 10214, which is rotatably connected to the base 101. The axis of rotation of the first support arm 10214 about the base 101 and the axis of rotation of the first swing arm 10211 about the base 101 are both parallel to the length direction of the base 101 and do not overlap. In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG4 , the first support arm 10214 may be rotatably connected to the base 101 via a pin, thereby improving the reliability of the rotational connection between the first support arm 10214 and the base 101.

[0093] Continuing with FIG4 , the first support arm 10214 is slidably connected to the first housing fixing frame 10213 along a first direction. As shown in FIG7 , the first housing fixing frame 10213 is provided with a first slide groove 102132, in which the first support arm 10214 is received, and the first support arm 10214 can slide along the first direction within the first slide groove 102132. Furthermore, to improve the reliability of the sliding connection between the first support arm 10214 and the first housing fixing frame 10213, a first slideway can be provided within the first slide groove 102132, and a first slider can be provided on the first support arm 10214. This allows the first slider to be clamped to the first slideway, thereby limiting the first support arm 10214 to the first housing fixing frame 10213 and allowing the first slideway to guide the first support arm 10214 as it slides along the first housing fixing frame 10213.

[0094] In the present application, the second rotating assembly 1022 can be configured with reference to the first rotating assembly 1021. Specifically, referring to FIG4 , the second rotating assembly 1022 can include a second swing arm 10221. The structure of the second swing arm 10221 can also be shown in FIG5 . A second arc-shaped rotating block 102211 is provided at one end of the second swing arm 10221 facing the base 101. In addition, as shown in FIG6 , the base 101 is provided with a second arc-shaped groove 1012. The second arc-shaped rotating block 102211 can be accommodated in the second arc-shaped groove 1012, and the second arc-shaped rotating block 102211 can slide along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 1012. Thus, the second swing arm 10221 is rotatably connected to the base 101 by sliding the second arc-shaped rotating block 102211 along the arc-shaped surface of the second arc-shaped groove 1012.

[0095] In the present application, the second arc-shaped rotating block 102211 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped rotating block, and the second arc-shaped groove 1012 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped groove. It is understood that when the second arc-shaped rotating block 102211 is a circular arc-shaped rotating block, its surface that contacts the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 1012 may be a circular arc surface, and the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 1012 may also be a circular arc surface, with the centers of the two circular arc surfaces coinciding.

[0096] It is worth mentioning that in some possible embodiments of the present application, the second swing arm 10221 and the base 101 can also be rotatably connected through a solid shaft, thereby improving the reliability of the rotational connection between the second swing arm 10221 and the base 101, and further improving the structural reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0097] 4 , the second rotating assembly 1022 may further include a second radial rotating arm 10222 and a second housing fixing frame 10223. The second radial rotating arm 10222 is positioned between the second swing arm 10221 and the second housing fixing frame 10223. The second radial rotating arm 10222 includes a third connecting portion 102221 and a fourth connecting portion 102222. The third connecting portion 102221 is rotationally connected to the second swing arm 10221, and the fourth connecting portion 102222 is rotationally connected to the second housing fixing frame 10223. In a specific implementation, referring to both FIG4 and FIG5 , the third connecting portion 102221 of the second radial rotating arm 10222 is rotationally connected to the second swing arm 10221 via a third rotating shaft 102213, the axis of which extends along the second direction. 4 and 7 , the fourth connecting portion 102222 is rotatably connected to the second housing mount 10223 via a fourth rotational axis 1022311. The axis of the fourth rotational axis 1022311 extends along the second direction. Consequently, the rotational axis of the second radial arm 10222 extends along the second direction. This second direction is perpendicular to the length of the base and can also be understood as the direction in which the second housing mount 10223 moves toward or away from the base 101.

[0098] In the embodiment of the present application, the relative positions of the second swing arm 10221, the second radial swing arm 10222, and the second housing fixing bracket 10223 are fixed along the second direction. The method for fixing the relative positions of the second swing arm 10221 and the second radial swing arm 10222 in the second direction can be configured with reference to the method for fixing the relative positions of the first swing arm 10211 and the first radial swing arm 10212 in the first direction. In short, the third rotating shaft 102213 can be simultaneously inserted through the third mounting hole 102212 on the second swing arm 10221 and the fourth mounting hole on the third connecting portion 102221 of the second radial swing arm 10222, and a stopper is provided at each end of the third rotating shaft 102213. The fixing method of the relative position of the second radial swing arm 10222 and the second shell fixing frame 10223 in the second direction can be set with reference to the fixing method of the relative position of the first radial swing arm 10212 and the first shell fixing frame 10213 in the first direction. Simply put, as shown in Figure 4, the fourth connecting portion 102222 can be provided with a second card slot 1022221. In addition, as shown in Figure 7, the second shell fixing frame 10223 is provided with a second card connecting portion 102231, and the second card connecting portion 102231 is inserted into the second card slot 1022221. The fourth rotating shaft 1022311 is passed through the groove wall of the second card slot 1022221 and the second card connecting portion 102231.

[0099] In a possible embodiment of the present application, the second radial rotary arm 10222 can also be rotatably connected to the second shell fixing frame 10223 and the second swing arm 10221 at the same time through the same rotating shaft to simplify the structure of the second rotating assembly 1022, and is conducive to improving the consistency of the rotation of the second swing arm 10221, the second radial rotary arm 10222 and the second shell fixing frame 10223 around the base 101.

[0100] Because the relative positions of the second swing arm 10221, the second radial swing arm 10222, and the second housing fixing frame 10223 in the second direction are fixed, the rotation of the second swing arm 10221 about the base 101 can drive the second radial swing arm 10222 and the second housing fixing frame 10223 to rotate about the base 101, and the three rotations about the base 101 have the same motion trajectory. Therefore, it can be seen that the movement of the second swing arm 10221 driving the second housing fixing frame 10223 about the base 101 is a first-order motion transmission, which has high transmission accuracy. In addition, because the second swing arm 10221 and the second housing fixing frame 10223 are connected only by the second radial swing arm 10222, their structure is relatively simple and occupies less space, which can facilitate the miniaturization and lightweight design of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0101] In the present application, the second rotating assembly 1022 may further include a second support arm 10224, which is rotatably connected to the base 101. The axis of rotation of the second support arm 10224 about the base 101 and the axis of rotation of the second swing arm 10221 about the base 101 are both parallel to the length direction of the base 101 and do not overlap. In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG4 , the second support arm 10224 may be rotatably connected to the base 101 via a pin to improve the reliability of the rotational connection between the second support arm 10224 and the base 101.

[0102] In addition, the second support arm 10224 is slidably connected to the second shell fixing frame 10223. Specifically, as shown in FIG7 , the second shell fixing frame 10223 is provided with a second slide groove 102232, and the second support arm 10224 is accommodated in the second slide groove 102232, and the second support arm 10224 can slide along the second direction in the second slide groove 102232. In the present application, in order to improve the reliability of the sliding connection between the second support arm 10224 and the second shell fixing frame 10223, a second slideway can be further provided in the second slide groove 102232, and a second slider can be provided on the second support arm 10224. In this way, the second slider can be clamped on the second slideway, so that the second support arm 10224 can be restricted to the second shell fixing frame 10223 while the second slideway can also guide the sliding of the second support arm 10224 along the second shell fixing frame 10223.

[0103] From the above introduction, it can be known that the axis of rotation of the first support arm 10214 around the base 101 is parallel to but not coincident with the axis of rotation of the first swing arm 10211 around the base 101, and the axis of rotation of the second support arm 10224 around the base 101 is parallel to but not coincident with the axis of rotation of the second swing arm 10221 around the base 101. Therefore, there is a phase difference between the rotation of the first swing arm 10211 and the first support arm 10214 relative to the base 101, and there is a phase difference between the rotation of the second swing arm 10221 and the second support arm 10224 relative to the base 101. In this way, during the folding and unfolding of the electronic device, the first support arm 10214 and the first shell fixing frame 10213 can slide relative to each other, and the second support arm 10224 and the second shell fixing frame 10223 can slide relative to each other, which can enable the first shell fixing frame 10213 and the second shell fixing frame 10223 to move toward or away from the base 101, so that during the process of the first rotating assembly 1021 and the second rotating assembly 1022 rotating toward each other, the first shell fixing frame 10213 can slide relative to the first support arm 1021. 4 slides in a direction away from the rotation axis of the first support arm 10214 (base 101), and the second shell fixing frame 10223 slides relative to the second support arm 10224 in a direction away from the rotation axis of the second support arm 10224 (base 101), thereby increasing the extension length of the first rotating component 1021 and the second rotating component 1022 relative to the base 101, which can form a screen-accommodating space between the first rotating component 1021, the second rotating component 1022 and the base 101 that meets the bending requirements of the foldable part of the flexible display screen. In addition, during the process of the first rotating component 1021 and the second rotating component 1022 rotating in opposite directions, the first shell fixing frame 10213 will slide relative to the first support arm 10214 in the direction of the rotation axis of the first support arm 10214, and the second shell fixing frame 10223 will slide relative to the second support arm 10224 in the direction of the rotation axis of the second support arm 10224, thereby reducing the extension length of the first rotating component 1021 and the second rotating component 1022 relative to the base 101, thereby reducing the length of the hinge mechanism. In this way, when the hinge mechanism is in a closed state, an unfolded state and a folded state, the extension length of the first rotating component 1021 and the second rotating component 1022 relative to the base 101 can adapt to the state of the flexible display screen, thereby avoiding pulling or squeezing of the flexible display screen 4, which is beneficial to improving the structural reliability of the flexible display screen 4 and reducing the risk of damage thereto.

[0104] In the embodiment of the present application, since the first swing arm 10211 is rotatably connected to the base 101, and the first swing arm 10211 is connected to the first shell fixing frame 10213 through the first radial swing arm 10212. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, in order to avoid interference between the first radial swing arm 10212 and the base 101, the first radial swing arm 10212 can be designed to avoid. In specific implementation, reference can be made to Figure 8, which is a structural schematic diagram of the first radial swing arm 10212 provided in the embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in the unfolded state. The first radial swing arm 10212 also includes a first avoidance opening 102123, which is located between the first connecting portion 102121 and the second connecting portion 102122.

[0105] In addition, referring to Figures 9 and 10, Figure 9 is a top view of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 at point AA shown in Figure 9. As can be seen in Figure 10, the base 101 also includes an exterior shell 1013, which is disposed away from the flexible display screen. Furthermore, the exterior shell 1013 includes a first end 10131 and a second end 10132, wherein the first end 10131 is disposed toward the first housing fixing frame 10213, and the second end 10132 is disposed toward the second housing fixing frame 10223. In the present application, the exterior shell 1013 may also include an exterior surface 10133, which is disposed away from the flexible display screen. During the rotation of the hinge mechanism 1, the exterior surface 10133 remains outside the hinge mechanism 1.

[0106] Continuing with FIG10 , when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first end 10131 of the exterior housing 1013 can be inserted into the first avoidance opening 102123. It will be appreciated that the opening shape of the first avoidance opening 102123 can be configured based on the shape of the first end 10131 of the exterior housing 1013. This allows the first radial rotating arm 10212 to avoid the first end 10131 of the exterior housing 1013 while also ensuring that the hinge mechanism 1 has a relatively complete exterior surface, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the electronic device.

[0107] Continuing with Figure 10 , the second radial arm 10222 also includes a second clearance opening 102223, located between the third connection portion 102221 and the fourth connection portion 102222. Furthermore, the second end 10132 of the exterior housing 1013 can be inserted into the second clearance opening 102223. The opening shape of the second clearance opening 102223 can be tailored to the shape of the second end 10132 of the exterior housing 1013. This allows the second radial arm 10222 to avoid the second end 10132 of the exterior housing 1013 while also ensuring that the hinge mechanism 1 has a more complete exterior surface, thereby enhancing the aesthetics of the electronic device.

[0108] It is worth mentioning that in the present application, by opening a first avoidance opening 102123 on the first radial swing arm 10212 and a second avoidance opening 102223 on the second radial swing arm 10222, the first radial swing arm 10212 and the second radial swing arm 10222 can be prevented from interfering with the outer shell 1013 of the base 101. At the same time, the wall thickness of the part of the first radial swing arm 10212 that is arranged opposite to the first avoidance opening 102123 can be increased in the direction away from the first avoidance opening 102123, and the wall thickness of the part of the second radial swing arm 10222 that is arranged opposite to the second avoidance opening 102223 can be increased in the direction away from the second avoidance opening 102223, thereby increasing the structural reliability of the first radial swing arm 10212 and the second radial swing arm 10222, so that the structural strength of the first radial swing arm 10212 and the second radial swing arm 10222 meet the requirements, which is beneficial to improving the structural reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0109] During specific implementation, reference can be continued to Figure 10. The first radial spiral arm 10212 can also include a first avoidance portion 102126. The first avoidance portion 102126 is located between the first connecting portion 102121 and the second connecting portion 102122, and the first connecting portion 102121 and the second connecting portion 102122 are connected by the first avoidance portion 102126; the first avoidance portion 102126 is arranged back to back with the first avoidance opening 102123. In this application, the surface of the first avoidance portion 102126 facing away from the first avoidance opening 102123 can be defined as the first connecting surface 1021261. Similarly, the second radial spiral arm 10222 can also include a second avoidance portion 102226, which is located between the third connecting portion 102221 and the fourth connecting portion 102222, and the third connecting portion 102221 and the fourth connecting portion 102222 are connected by the second avoidance portion 102226; the second avoidance portion 102226 is arranged opposite to the second avoidance opening 102223. In this application, the surface of the second avoidance portion 102226 facing away from the second avoidance opening 102223 can be defined as a second connecting surface 1022261.

[0110] Referring to Figure 11 , Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in Figure 10 when the electronic device is in an intermediate state. The intermediate state of the electronic device is any state during the transition from the expanded state to the closed state, or from the closed state to the expanded state. Comparing Figures 10 and 11 , it can be seen that during the transition from the expanded state shown in Figure 10 to the intermediate state shown in Figure 11 , the first end 10131 of the exterior housing 1013 can slide out of the first escape opening 102123 of the first radial rotary arm 10212, and the second end 10132 of the exterior housing 1013 can slide out of the second escape opening 102223 of the second radial rotary arm 10222. During this process, interference between the first radial rotary arm 10212 and the second radial rotary arm 10222 and the exterior housing 1013 of the base 101 can be avoided.

[0111] In addition, reference may be made to FIG12 , which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG10 when the electronic device is in a closed state. By comparing FIG10 and FIG12 , it can be seen that during the process of the electronic device moving from the expanded state to the closed state, the relative positional relationship between the first avoidance opening 102123 of the first radial rotary arm 10212 and the first housing fixing frame 10213 changes, and the relative positional relationship between the second avoidance opening 102223 of the second radial rotary arm 10222 and the second housing fixing frame 10223 changes. During this process, the first radial rotary arm 10212 rotates relative to the first housing fixing frame 10213, and the second radial rotary arm 10222 rotates relative to the second housing fixing frame 10223. During this process, the first radial rotary arm 10212 and the second radial rotary arm 10222 both rotate toward the side away from the flexible display screen.

[0112] From the analysis of Figures 10 to 12 above, it can be understood that the hinge mechanism provided by the present application, when the electronic device rotates from the unfolded state to the closed state, the first support arm 10214 rotates around the base, which can drive the first radial rotary arm 10212 to rotate around its axis relative to the first swing arm 10211 and the first shell fixing frame 10213, and the second support arm 10224 rotates around the base, which can drive the second radial rotary arm 10222 to rotate around its axis relative to the second swing arm 10221 and the second shell fixing frame 10223, thereby causing the first connecting surface of the first radial rotary arm 10212 and the second connecting surface of the second radial rotary arm 10222 to rotate toward the side away from the flexible display screen. This structural design allows the thickness of the first avoidance portion 102126 of the first radial rotary arm 10212 and the second avoidance portion 102226 of the second radial rotary arm 10222 to be flexibly set or even thickened according to strength requirements. Furthermore, because the first and second clearance portions 102126 and 102226 rotate away from the flexible display screen during the folding process of the electronic device, interference with the flexible display screen by the first and second clearance portions 102126 and 102226 can be effectively avoided when the electronic device is in the closed state. Therefore, the hinge mechanism provided by the present application can ensure that the first and second radial arms 10212 and 10222 avoid the appearance of the housing and the flexible display screen while also ensuring the structural strength of the entire first and second radial arms 10212 and 10222, thereby improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism.

[0113] Referring to Figure 13, Figure 13 is a schematic structural diagram of the first radial arm 10212 of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in Figure 12, which is used to illustrate the state of the first radial arm 10212 when the electronic device is in a closed state. In the present application, when the electronic device is in a closed state, in order to enable the hinge mechanism 1 to form a screen-accommodating space that meets the bending requirements of the flexible display screen 4, the first radial arm 10212 may also be provided with a first avoidance surface 102124. In addition, when the electronic device is in a closed state, the first avoidance surface 102124 is arranged toward the folding inner side of the hinge mechanism 1, so that the first avoidance surface 102124 avoids the foldable part of the flexible display screen. Referring to Figures 12 and 13 together, the first avoidance surface 102124 may be provided on the first connecting portion 102121, and the first avoidance surface 102124 may be an arc-shaped concave surface. In the present application, the specific shape of the first avoidance surface 102124 is not limited, and it can be specifically set according to the bending shape of the foldable part of the flexible display screen 4.

[0114] When the electronic device is closed, to ensure that the hinge mechanism 1 forms a symmetrical screen space 5 for accommodating the foldable portion of the flexible display 4, as shown in Figure 12, the second radial arm 10222 can also be provided with a second relief surface 102224. This second relief surface 102224 can be provided on the third connection portion 102221 and can be a curved concave surface. Furthermore, the second relief surface 102224 is positioned toward the inner folding side of the hinge mechanism 1. When the electronic device is closed, the first relief surface 102124 and the second relief surface 102224 can be positioned opposite each other, and the first relief surface 102124 and the second relief surface 102224 can provide relief for the foldable portion of the flexible display 4. This can help improve the uniformity of force applied to the flexible display 4, thereby enhancing the structural reliability of the flexible display 4.

[0115] Continuing with FIG. 12 , in the embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device is in the closed state, the surface of the first swing arm 10211 facing the inner side of the fold of the hinge mechanism 1 may also be a curved concave surface, and the curved concave surface of the first swing arm 10211 and the first avoidance surface 102124 may be connected to form a smooth avoidance surface. The surface of the second swing arm 10221 facing the inner side of the fold of the hinge mechanism 1 may also be a curved concave surface, and the curved concave surface of the second swing arm 10221 and the second avoidance surface 102224 may be connected to form a smooth avoidance surface. This can help increase the screen space formed by the hinge mechanism 1 when the electronic device is in the closed state, thereby reducing the risk of squeezing the foldable portion of the flexible display screen 4.

[0116] In the hinge mechanism provided herein, by arranging the first relief opening 102123, the first connecting surface 1021261, and the first relief surface 102124 to face three different directions, and by arranging the second relief opening 102223, the second connecting surface 1022261, and the second relief surface 102224 to face three different directions, the first relief opening 102123 and the second relief opening 102223 can avoid the appearance of the outer shell when the electronic device is in the unfolded state. During the folding process of the electronic device from the unfolded state to the closed state, the first connecting surface 1021261 and the second connecting surface 1022261 can be rotated away from the flexible display, thereby preventing the first and second relief portions 102126 and 102226 from interfering with the flexible display. Furthermore, when the electronic device is in the closed state, the first and second relief surfaces 102124 and 102224 can face the foldable portion of the flexible display to avoid the foldable portion of the flexible display. Such a design can achieve the avoidance of the hinge mechanism from the exterior shell and the flexible display screen, while also ensuring the structural strength of the hinge mechanism without increasing its size, thereby making the hinge mechanism both light and reliable.

[0117] As can be seen from the above description, due to the phase difference between the first support arm 10214 and the first swing arm 10211, and the phase difference between the second support arm 10224 and the second swing arm 10221, during the folding process of the electronic device, the first support arm 10214 can slide relative to the first housing fixing frame 10213, and the second support arm 10224 can slide relative to the second housing fixing frame 10223. Furthermore, because the relative positions of the first swing arm 10211, the first radial rotating arm 10212, and the first housing fixing frame 10213 are fixed along the first direction, the first support arm 10214 moves relative to the first radial rotating arm 10212 while sliding relative to the first housing fixing frame 10213. Similarly, because the relative positions of the second swing arm 10221, the second radial rotary arm 10222, and the second housing fixing frame 10223 are fixed along the second direction, the second support arm 10224 simultaneously moves relative to the second radial rotary arm 10222 while sliding relative to the second housing fixing frame 10223. Based on this, in the embodiment of the present application, the sliding of the first support arm 10214 relative to the first housing fixing frame 10213 can drive the first radial rotary arm 10212 to rotate relative to the first swing arm 10211 and the first housing fixing frame 10213. Furthermore, the sliding of the second support arm 10224 relative to the second housing fixing frame 10223 can drive the second radial rotary arm 10222 to rotate relative to the second swing arm 10221 and the second housing fixing frame 10223.

[0118] In a specific implementation, reference may be made to FIG14 , which is a schematic diagram illustrating a matching relationship between the first radial rotary arm 10212 and the first support arm 10214 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first radial rotary arm 10212 is provided with a first track groove 102125, and the first support arm 10214 is provided with a first guide portion 102141. The first guide portion 102141 can be inserted into the first track groove 102125. Thus, when the first support arm 10214 slides along the first housing fixing bracket 10213, the first guide portion 102141 can slide along the first track groove 102125.

[0119] Referring to Figure 15a, Figure 15a is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application, which can be used to illustrate the relative positional relationship between the first support arm 10214, the first radial rotating arm 10212, and the base 101 when the electronic device is in the unfolded state. At this time, as shown in Figure 10, the first avoidance opening 102123 of the first radial rotating arm 10212 avoids the first end 10131 of the outer shell 1013 of the base 101.

[0120] Referring to Figure 15b, Figure 15b is another partial structural schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application, which can be used to illustrate the relative positional relationship between the first support arm 10214, the first radial rotary arm 10212, and the base 101 when the electronic device is in an intermediate state. Referring to Figures 15a and 15b together, it can be seen that when the electronic device moves from the expanded state to the closed state, the first guide portion 102141 of the first support arm 10214 slides relative to the first track groove 102125 toward the base 101, thereby driving the first radial rotary arm 10212 to rotate at a set angle relative to the first swing arm 10211 and the first housing fixing frame 10213.

[0121] In addition, referring to Figure 15c, Figure 15c is another partial structural schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application, which can be used to illustrate the relative positional relationship between the first support arm 10214, the first radial rotary arm 10212, and the base 101 when the electronic device is in a closed state. At this time, the first avoidance surface 102124 of the first radial rotary arm 10212 faces the inner side of the fold of the hinge mechanism 1, allowing the first radial rotary arm 10212 to avoid the foldable portion of the flexible display screen, thereby avoiding squeezing the foldable portion of the flexible display screen 4.

[0122] It will be appreciated that, in the present application, the shape of the first track groove 102125 can be tailored based on the trajectory of the first swing arm 10211 and the first support arm 10214 rotating about the base 101, as well as the phase difference between the first swing arm 10211 and the first support arm 10214 during their rotation. For example, the first track groove 102125 is a spiral groove. Thus, the first guide portion 102141 slides along the first track groove 102125, driving the first radial arm 10212 to rotate relative to the first swing arm 10211. This allows the first end 10131 of the exterior housing 1013 to be inserted into the first clearance opening 102123 when the electronic device is in the unfolded state. Furthermore, when the electronic device is in the closed state, the first clearance surface 102124 of the first radial arm 10212 can clear the foldable portion of the flexible display.

[0123] In the embodiment of the present application, the cooperation relationship between the second radial rotary arm 10222 and the second support arm 10224 is similar to the cooperation relationship between the first radial rotary arm 10212 and the first support arm 10214. Specifically, reference may be made to FIG14 , which may also be used to illustrate the cooperation relationship between the second radial rotary arm 10222 and the second support arm 10224. The second radial rotary arm 10222 is provided with a second track groove 102225, and the second support arm 10224 is provided with a second guide portion 102241. The second guide portion 102241 may be inserted into the second track groove 102225. Therefore, when the second support arm 10224 slides along the second housing fixing frame 10223, the second guide portion 102241 may slide along the second track groove 102225.

[0124] Furthermore, in the present application, the shape of the second trajectory groove 102225 can be tailored based on the trajectory of the second swing arm 10221 and the second support arm 10224 rotating around the base 101, as well as the phase difference between the second swing arm 10221 and the second support arm 10224 during their rotation. For example, the second trajectory groove 102225 is a spiral groove. Thus, the second guide portion 102241 slides along the second trajectory groove 102225, driving the second radial arm 10222 to rotate relative to the second swing arm 10221. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the second end 10132 of the exterior housing 1013 is inserted into the second avoidance opening 102223 of the second radial arm 10222, thereby enabling the second radial arm 10222 to avoid the base 101. During the transition from the electronic device's expanded state to its closed state, the second guide portion 102241 of the second support arm 10224 slides relative to the second track groove 102225 toward the base 101, thereby driving the second radial rotary arm 10222 to rotate at a set angle relative to the second swing arm 10221 and the second housing fixing bracket 10223. When the electronic device is in the closed state, the second avoidance surface 102224 of the second radial rotary arm 10222 avoids the foldable portion of the flexible display, thereby freeing the screen-accommodating space 5 from the second radial rotary arm 10222, thereby preventing the foldable portion of the flexible display from being squeezed.

[0125] It is understandable that when the electronic device moves from a closed state to an expanded state, the movement direction of each structure is opposite to the movement direction of the electronic device from an expanded state to a closed state mentioned above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0126] Continuing with FIG. 4 , in the present application, the first rotating assembly 1021 may further include a first damping module 10215. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 7 , the first housing mounting bracket 10213 further includes a first mounting slot 102133, in which the first damping module 10215 is mounted. A first notch 1021331 is defined in the wall of the first mounting slot 102133. Furthermore, the first mounting slot 102133 may be disposed adjacent to the first chute 102132, allowing communication between the first chute 102132 and the first mounting slot 102133 via the first notch 1021331.

[0127] When specifically configuring the first damping module 10215, reference may be made to FIG. 16, which is a schematic structural diagram of the first damping module 10215 according to an embodiment of the present application. The first damping module 10215 may include a first elastic member 102151 and a first damping bracket 102152. The first elastic member 102151 may be, but is not limited to, a spring, and the first damping bracket 102152 includes a first protrusion 1021521. Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 16 , the first elastic member 102151 may press the first damping bracket 102152 toward the wall of the first mounting groove 102133. Under the elastic force of the first elastic member 102151, the first protrusion 1021521 of the first damping bracket 102152 may slide along the first notch 1021331 and extend into the first sliding groove 102132.

[0128] It can be understood that in the present application, when the first elastic member 102151 is a spring, as shown in Figure 7, a first limiting column 1021332 can also be provided in the first mounting groove 102133, and the spring can be sleeved on the first limiting column 1021332, which can effectively prevent the first elastic member 102151 from bending during the process of the first elastic member 102151 squeezing the first damping bracket 102152, and can effectively improve the structural reliability of the first damping module 10215. In addition, the first damping bracket 102152 can also include two first limiting portions 1021522, and the extension direction of the two first limiting portions 1021522 is the same as the direction of action of the elastic force of the first elastic member 102151. The first elastic member 102151 can be located between the two first limiting portions 1021522, so that under the action of the two first limiting portions 1021522, the risk of bending of the first elastic member 102151 is further reduced, thereby improving the structural reliability of the first damping module 10215.

[0129] As can be seen from the foregoing, the first support arm 10214 can slide along the first sliding groove 102132. Therefore, in the present application, referring to both FIG7 and FIG14 , the surface of the first support arm 10214 facing the first mounting groove 102133 can be provided with a second protrusion 1021421. Thus, when the first protrusion 1021521 extends into the first sliding groove 102132, the first protrusion 1021521 and the second protrusion 1021421, facing each other, abut against each other in the first direction. A damping force is generated between the first protrusion 1021521 and the second protrusion 1021421, so that the first protrusion 1021521 blocks the first support arm 10214 from continuing to slide along the first sliding groove 102132, thereby maintaining the first housing fixing frame 10213 in the corresponding rotational position. In addition, during the rotation of the first rotating component 1021 relative to the base 101, due to the existence of the damping force between the first support arm 10214 and the first damping module 10215, the user can have a more obvious jerk feeling when opening and closing the electronic device, thereby improving the user experience.

[0130] It can be understood that since the first protrusion 1021521 can always abut against the two inclined surfaces of the second protrusion 1021421 and the connecting surface located between the two inclined surfaces, by reasonably designing the two inclined surfaces of the second protrusion 1021421 and the connecting surface located between the two inclined surfaces, as well as the abutment method between the first protrusion 1021521 and the second protrusion 1021421, the first shell fixing frame 10213 can be maintained in the corresponding rotation position when the electronic device is in the unfolded state and the closed state; in addition, when the electronic device is folded from the intermediate state to the unfolded state or the closed state, the abutment force between the first protrusion 1021521 and the second protrusion 1021421 can be made smaller, then in the absence of external force, the second protrusion 1021421 can continue to slide along the first direction relative to the first protrusion 1021521 until it is in a stable unfolded state or closed state, thereby realizing the self-expanding function of the electronic device at the end stage of the unfolded state and the self-closing function at the end stage of the closed state.

[0131] Continuing with FIG. 4 , in the present application, the first support arm 10214 may include two opposed first connecting arms 102142. The first housing mount 10213 may then be provided with a first sliding groove 102132 corresponding to each first connecting arm 102142, so that each first connecting arm 102142 can slide within the corresponding first sliding groove 102132 to achieve sliding connection between the first support arm 10214 and the first housing mount 10213. Furthermore, along the extension direction of the rotation axis of the first support arm 10214, the two first connecting arms 102142 are spaced apart, with the first mounting groove 102133 and the first damping module 10215 located between the two first connecting arms 102142. This allows for a more compact structure of the first rotating assembly 1021, thereby facilitating a miniaturized design of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0132] It is worth mentioning that when the first support arm 10214 includes two oppositely arranged first connecting arms 102142, the second protrusion 1021421 can be set on the surface of one of the first connecting arms 102142 facing the first mounting groove 102133, or a second protrusion 1021421 can be set on the surface of each first connecting arm 102142 facing the first mounting groove 102133, which can be adaptively adjusted according to the number and setting position of the first protrusion 1021521 and the first notch 1021331.

[0133] In the present application, the second rotating assembly 1022 also includes a second damping module 10225. The second damping module 10225 can be configured similarly to the first damping module 10215. For example, referring to FIG. 7 , FIG. 7 can also be used to illustrate the structure of the second housing mount 10223. The second housing mount 10223 also includes a second mounting slot 102233, in which the second damping module 10225 is mounted. A second notch 1022331 is defined in the slot wall of the second mounting slot 102233. Furthermore, the second mounting slot 102233 can be positioned adjacent to the second chute 102232, allowing the second chute 102232 and the second mounting slot 102233 to communicate via the second notch 1022331.

[0134] When specifically configuring the second damping module 10225, as shown in FIG16 , which can also be used to illustrate the structure of the second damping module 10225, the second damping module 10225 may include a second elastic member 102251 and a second damping bracket 102252. The second elastic member 102251 may be, but is not limited to, a spring, and the second damping bracket 102252 includes a third protrusion 1022521. The second elastic member 102251 can press the second damping bracket 102252 against the wall of the second mounting groove 102233. Under the elastic force of the second elastic member 102251, the third protrusion 1022521 of the second damping bracket 102252 can slide along the second notch 1022331 and extend into the second sliding groove 102232.

[0135] In the present application, when the second elastic member 102251 is a spring, a second limiting post 1022332 may be further provided in the second mounting groove 102233. The spring may be sleeved on the second limiting post 1022332, effectively preventing the second elastic member 102251 from bending when the second elastic member compresses the second damping bracket, thereby effectively improving the structural reliability of the second damping module 10225. Furthermore, the second damping bracket 102252 may further include two second limiting portions 1022522. The extension direction of the two second limiting portions 1022522 is the same as the direction of the elastic force of the second elastic member 102251. The second elastic member 102251 may be located between the two second limiting portions 1022522. Under the action of the two second limiting portions 1022522, the risk of the second elastic member 102251 bending is further reduced, thereby improving the structural reliability of the second damping module 10225.

[0136] As can be seen from the foregoing, the second support arm 10224 can slide along the second sliding groove 102232. Therefore, in the present application, referring to both FIG7 and FIG14 , the surface of the second support arm 10224 facing the second mounting groove 102233 can be provided with a fourth protrusion 1022421. Thus, when the third protrusion 1022521 extends into the second sliding groove 102232, the third protrusion 1022521 and the fourth protrusion 1022421, which are opposite to each other in the second direction, a damping force is generated between the third protrusion 1022521 and the fourth protrusion 1022421, so that the third protrusion 1022521 blocks the second support arm 10224 from continuing to move along the second sliding groove 102232, thereby maintaining the second housing fixing frame 10223 in the corresponding rotational position. In addition, during the rotation of the second rotating component 1022 relative to the base 101, due to the existence of the damping force between the second support arm 10224 and the second damping module 10225, the user can have a more obvious jerk feeling when opening and closing the electronic device, thereby improving the user experience.

[0137] It can be understood that since the third protrusion 1022521 can always abut against the two inclined surfaces of the fourth protrusion 1022421 and the connecting surface located between the two inclined surfaces, by reasonably designing the two inclined surfaces of the fourth protrusion 1022421 and the connecting surface located between the two inclined surfaces, as well as the abutment method between the third protrusion 1022521 and the fourth protrusion 1022421, the second shell fixing frame 10223 can be maintained in the corresponding rotation position when the electronic device is in the expanded state and the closed state; in addition, when the electronic device is folded from the intermediate state to the expanded state or the closed state, the abutment force between the third protrusion 1022521 and the fourth protrusion 1022421 can be made small, then in the absence of external force, the fourth protrusion 1022421 can continue to slide along the second direction relative to the third protrusion 1022521 until it is in a stable expanded state or closed state, thereby realizing the self-expanding function of the electronic device at the end stage of the expanded state and the self-closing function at the end stage of the closed state.

[0138] Continuing with FIG. 14 , in the present application, the second support arm 10224 may include two oppositely disposed second connecting arms 102242. The second housing fixture 10223, as shown in FIG. 7 , may be provided with a second sliding groove 102232 corresponding to each second connecting arm 102242, so that each second connecting arm 102242 can slide within the corresponding second sliding groove 102232 to achieve sliding connection between the second support arm 10224 and the second housing fixture 10223. Furthermore, along the extension direction of the rotation axis of the second support arm 10224, the two second connecting arms 102242 are spaced apart, with the second mounting groove 102233 and the second damping module 10225 located between the two second connecting arms 102242. This allows for a more compact structure of the second rotating assembly 1022, thereby facilitating a miniaturized design of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0139] It is worth mentioning that when the second support arm 10224 includes two oppositely arranged second connecting arms 102242, the fourth protrusion 1022421 can be set on the surface of one of the second connecting arms 102242 facing the second mounting groove 102233, or a fourth protrusion 1022421 can be set on the surface of each second connecting arm 102242 facing the second mounting groove 102233, which can be adaptively adjusted according to the number and setting position of the third protrusion 1022521 and the second notch 1022331.

[0140] Continuing with FIG. 4 , in the embodiment of the present application, the first rotating assembly 1021 may further include a first support plate 10216. Furthermore, the second rotating assembly 1022 may further include a second support plate 10226. The first support plate 10216 includes a first plate surface 102161 and a second plate surface 102162 disposed opposite to each other, and the second support plate 10226 includes a third plate surface 102261 and a fourth plate surface 102262 disposed opposite to each other. The first plate surface 102161 may be used to support the flexible display screen, and the third plate surface 102261 may be used to support the flexible display screen.

[0141] Referring to Figure 17 , Figure 17 is another cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device is in a closed state. As can be seen from Figure 17 , the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the present application includes a base 101 that may include a bearing surface 1014 for supporting the flexible display. Furthermore, in the closed state shown in Figure 17 , a triangular screen-holding space 5 is formed between the first plate surface 102161, the second plate surface 102162, and the bearing surface 1014. The bendable portion of the electronic device's flexible display can be accommodated within this screen-holding space 5, forming a water droplet-like shape.

[0142] In order to enable the hinge mechanism 1 to form the aforementioned screen space 5 as shown in FIG. 17 , in the present application, the first support plate 10216 is rotatably connected to the first housing mount 10213, and the second support plate 10226 is rotatably connected to the second housing mount 10223. In a specific implementation, as shown in FIG. 7 , the first housing mount 10213 may also be provided with a first rotation groove 102134, which may be an arc-shaped groove. In addition, referring to FIG. 18 , FIG. 18 is another cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state, which can be used to illustrate the mating relationship between the first support plate 10216 and the first housing mount 10213. The end of the first support plate 10216 facing the first housing mount 10213 may be provided with a first rotating portion 102163, which may be configured as an arc-shaped rotating portion, and may be, for example, an arc-shaped rotating portion. The first rotating portion 102163 can be installed in the first rotating groove 102134 , and the first rotating portion 102163 can slide along the groove surface of the first rotating groove 102134 to achieve relative rotation between the first supporting plate 10216 and the first shell fixing frame 10213 .

[0143] It can be understood that in order to improve the stability of the first support plate 10216 rotating around the first shell fixing frame 10213, the first shell fixing frame 10213 can be provided with a plurality of first rotation grooves 102134, and the first support plate 10216 can be provided with a plurality of first rotating parts 102163, so that the first rotating parts 102163 can be installed one by one in a first rotation groove 102134, so that the relative rotation between the first support plate 10216 and the first shell fixing frame 10213 can be achieved by each first rotating part 102163 sliding around the groove surface of the corresponding first rotation groove 102134.

[0144] Similarly, when specifically rotatably connecting the second support plate 10226 to the second housing fixing frame 10223, referring to FIG. 18 , the second housing fixing frame 10223 may also be provided with a second rotation groove 102234, which may be a circular arc-shaped groove. Furthermore, the end of the second support plate 10226 facing the second housing fixing frame 10223 may be provided with a second rotation portion 102263, which may be an arc-shaped rotation portion, exemplarily a circular arc-shaped rotation portion. In this manner, the second rotation portion 102263 may be mounted in the second rotation groove 102234, and relative rotation between the second support plate 10226 and the second housing fixing frame 10223 may be achieved by the second rotation portion 102263 sliding along the groove surface of the second rotation groove 102234. In addition, the second shell fixing frame 10223 may be provided with a plurality of second rotation grooves 102234, and the second support plate 10226 may be provided with a plurality of second rotating parts 102263, so that the second rotating parts 102263 can be installed one by one in a second rotation groove 102234, so that the relative rotation between the second support plate 10226 and the second shell fixing frame 10223 can be achieved by sliding each second rotating part 102263 around the groove surface of the corresponding second rotation groove 102234, thereby improving the stability of the second support plate 10226 rotating around the second shell fixing frame 10223.

[0145] In the present application, in addition to being able to achieve rotational connection between the first support plate 10216 and the first shell fixing frame 10213, and the second support plate 10226 and the second shell fixing frame 10223 through the above-mentioned virtual axis, other possible methods can also be used to achieve rotational connection. For example, in some other possible embodiments of the present application, the first support plate 10216 can also be rotationally connected to the first shell fixing frame 10213 through a pin, so that the first support plate 10216 and the first shell fixing frame 10213 are rotationally connected through a physical axis. Similarly, the second support plate 10226 can also be rotationally connected to the second shell fixing frame 10223 through a pin, so that the first support plate 10216 and the first shell fixing frame 10213 are rotationally connected through a physical axis.

[0146] In the present application, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first board surface 102161 of the first support plate 10216, the second board surface 102162 of the second support plate 10226 and the supporting surface of the base can be in the same plane, thereby achieving flat support for the flexible display screen of the electronic device.

[0147] From the above description of the structures of the first rotating assembly 1021 and the second rotating assembly 1022, it can be seen that in the first rotating assembly 1021, the first housing fixing frame 10213 can drive the first support arm 10214 to rotate around the base 101, and in the second rotating assembly 1022, the second housing fixing frame 10223 can drive the second support arm 10224 to rotate around the base. Based on this, in the present application, it is considered that the rotation of the first support arm 10214 around the base 101 can drive the first support plate 10216 to rotate around the first housing fixing frame 10213. Similarly, the rotation of the second support arm 10224 around the base 101 can also drive the second support plate 10226 to rotate around the second housing fixing frame 10223.

[0148] In a specific implementation, referring to FIG. 17 , the second plate surface 102162 of the first support plate 10216 may be provided with a first guide member 102164, which may be provided with a third track groove 1021641. Furthermore, in the present application, the first support arm 10214 may also be provided with a first guide structure 102143. The first guide structure 102143 may be, but is not limited to, a columnar structure. The first guide structure 102143 may be inserted into and slide along the third track groove 1021641 of the first support plate 10216. Thus, as the first support arm 10214 rotates about the base 101, the sliding of the first guide structure 102143 within the third track groove 1021641 can drive the first support plate 10216 to rotate about the first housing fixing frame 10213.

[0149] Similarly, the fourth plate surface 102262 of the second support plate 10226 may be provided with a second guide member 102264, and the second guide member 102264 may be provided with a fourth track groove 1022641. Furthermore, in the present application, the second support arm 10224 may also be provided with a second guide structure 102243. The second guide structure 102243 may be, but is not limited to, a columnar structure. The second guide structure 102243 may be inserted into and slide along the fourth track groove 1022641 of the second support plate 10226. Thus, during the rotation of the second support arm 10224 around the base 101, the sliding of the second guide structure 102243 within the fourth track groove 1022641 may drive the second support plate 10226 to rotate around the second housing fixing frame 10223.

[0150] In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, the third track groove 1021641 and the fourth track groove 1022641 can be closed grooves, and the first guide structure 102143 and the second guide structure 102243 can be guide shafts, which can improve the reliability of the movement of the first guide structure 102143 and the second guide structure 102243 in the corresponding track grooves, thereby making the movement of the first support plate 10216 and the second support plate 10226 more stable.

[0151] In the embodiment of the present application, during the rotation process of the hinge mechanism 1 from the electronic device in the expanded state to the closed state, the first shell fixing frame 10213 and the second shell fixing frame 10223 rotate toward each other, the first shell fixing frame 10213 drives the first support arm 10214 to rotate around the base 101, and the second shell fixing frame 10223 drives the second support arm 10224 to rotate around the base 101, and the first guide structure 102143 of the first support arm 10214 slides along the third track groove 1021641 to drive the first support plate 10216 to rotate relative to the first shell fixing frame 10213, and drive the end of the first support plate 10216 close to the base 101 to move in the direction away from the base 101. Furthermore, the second guide structure 102243 of the second support arm 10224 slides along the fourth track groove 1022641, thereby driving the second support plate 10226 to rotate relative to the second housing fixing frame 10223, and driving the end of the second support plate 10226 closer to the base 101 to move away from the base 101. Thus, a screen-accommodating space 5 for accommodating the bendable portion of the flexible display screen is formed between the first support plate 10216, the base 101, and the second support plate 10226.

[0152] Continuing with FIG4 , in the present application, the first rotating assembly 1021 further includes a third support plate 10217, which is slidably connected to the first housing fixing frame 10213 and is also slidably connected to the first support plate 10216. In a specific implementation, FIG19a is another cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state, which can be used to illustrate the mating relationship between the third support plate 10217 and the first housing fixing frame 10213. Specifically, the third support plate 10217 includes a first sliding portion 102171 and a first supporting portion 102172, and the first housing fixing frame 10213 includes a fifth track groove 102135. The first sliding portion 102171 is inserted into the fifth track groove 102135 and can slide along the fifth track groove 102135 relative to the first housing fixing frame 10213. In the present application, the specific setting form of the fifth track groove 102135 is not limited. It can be exemplarily a straight groove. The first sliding part 102171 can slide along the third direction relative to the first shell fixing frame 10213 in the fifth track groove 102135, wherein the third direction is the direction shown as a in Figure 19a.

[0153] 4 , the first support plate 10216 includes a third slide groove 102165, along which the first support portion 102172 can slide. The specific configuration of the third slide groove 102165 and the first support portion 102172 is not limited in this application. For example, the third slide groove 102165 can be a linear groove. Furthermore, as shown in FIG4 , a plurality of third slide grooves 102165 can be arranged in parallel along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. The first support portion 102172 can be set to a comb-tooth structure, and each comb tooth of the first support portion 102172 is correspondingly inserted into a third slide groove 102165, and can slide in the third slide groove 102165 relative to the first support plate 10216 along the fourth direction, so as to realize the first support portion 102172 sliding in the third slide groove 102165 relative to the first support plate 10216 along the fourth direction, wherein the fourth direction is the direction shown in b in Figure 19a.

[0154] Continuing to refer to Figure 19a, in the present application, when the electronic device is in a closed state, the angle between the third direction and the fourth direction is greater than 0°, so that the first shell fixing frame 10213 and the first support plate 10216 limit the movement of the third support plate 10217 in the direction toward the base 101, thereby preventing the third support plate 10217 from falling off.

[0155] Referring to Figure 19b, another cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device is in a closed state, is shown. As can be seen in Figure 19b, when the electronic device is in the closed state, the third support plate 10217 can avoid the first swing arm 10211, allowing the hinge mechanism 1 to form a screen-accommodating space that meets the bending requirements of the flexible display in this closed state. In addition, referring to Figures 19a and 19b, the third support plate 10217 can also include a first abutment portion 102173, which can be located between the first sliding portion 102171 and the first support portion 102172. When the electronic device is in a closed state, the first abutment portion 102173 abuts against the first shell fixing frame 10213, so that the first shell fixing frame 10213 provides the first abutment portion 102173 with a supporting force in a direction away from the base 101, thereby enabling the first shell fixing frame 10213 to provide the third support plate 10217 with a supporting force in a direction away from the base 101, so as to prevent the third support plate 10217 from falling off, thereby improving the structural reliability of the first rotating assembly 1021, and then improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0156] As shown in FIG4 , in the present application, the first support portion 102172 includes a fifth plate surface 1021721. In addition, referring to FIG20 , FIG20 is a schematic structural diagram of the hinge mechanism 1 shown in FIG19a when the electronic device is in an unfolded state. In the state shown in FIG20 , the third support plate 10217 is located on the side of the first swing arm 10211 facing the flexible display screen, and the first plate surface 102161 and the fifth plate surface 1021721 are connected to form a support surface for supporting the flexible display screen, which helps to improve the integrity of the support surface of the hinge mechanism 1 for supporting the flexible display screen, thereby achieving smooth support for the flexible display screen.

[0157] Continuing with FIG. 19a , the second rotating assembly 1022 further includes a fourth support plate 10227. The fourth support plate 10227 is slidably connected to the second housing mount 10223, and the fourth support plate 10227 is slidably connected to the second support plate 10226. Specifically, the fourth support plate 10227 includes a second sliding portion 102271 and a second supporting portion 102272. The second housing mount 10223 includes a sixth track groove 102235. The first sliding portion 102171 is inserted into the sixth track groove 102235 and can slide relative to the second housing mount 10223 along the sixth track groove 102235. The specific configuration of the sixth track groove 102235 is not limited in this application; it can be, for example, a linear groove. The second sliding portion 102271 can slide relative to the second housing mount 10223 within the sixth track groove 102235 along a fifth direction, where the fifth direction is the direction indicated by c in FIG. 19a .

[0158] 4 , the second support plate 10226 includes a fourth slot 102265, and the second support portion 102272 can slide along the fourth slot 102265. In the present application, the specific setting form of the fourth slot 102265 and the second support portion 102272 is not limited. Exemplarily, the fourth slot 102265 can be a linear slot. In addition, as shown in FIG4 , along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, a plurality of fourth slots 102265 can be arranged in parallel, and the second support portion 102272 can be arranged in a comb-tooth-shaped structure. Then, each comb tooth of the second support portion 102272 is correspondingly inserted into a fourth slot 102265, and can slide in the fourth slot 102265 relative to the second support plate 10226 along the sixth direction, so as to realize the sliding of the second support portion 102272 in the fourth slot 102265 relative to the second support plate 10226 along the sixth direction, wherein the sixth direction is the direction shown in FIG19a d.

[0159] In addition, as shown in Figure 19a, when the electronic device is in a closed state, the angle between the fifth direction and the sixth direction is greater than 0°, so that the second shell fixing frame 10223 and the second support plate 10226 limit the movement of the fourth support plate 10227 in the direction toward the base, thereby preventing the third support plate 10217 from falling off.

[0160] 19b , when the electronic device is in a closed state, the fourth support plate 10227 can avoid the second swing arm 10221 so that the hinge mechanism 1 can form a screen-accommodating space that meets the bending requirements of the flexible display screen in the closed state. In addition, the fourth support plate 10227 can also include a second abutment portion 102273. Referring to Figures 19a and 19b, the second abutment portion 102273 can be located between the second sliding portion 102271 and the second support portion 102272. When the electronic device is in a closed state, the second abutment portion 102273 abuts against the second shell fixing frame 10223, so that the second shell fixing frame 10223 provides a supporting force for the second abutment portion 102273 in a direction away from the base 101, thereby enabling the second shell fixing frame 10223 to provide a supporting force for the fourth support plate 10227 in a direction away from the base 101, so as to prevent the fourth support plate 10227 from falling off, thereby improving the structural reliability of the second rotating assembly 1022, and then improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0161] As shown in Figure 4 , in the present application, the second support portion 102272 includes a sixth plate surface 1022721. Furthermore, referring to Figure 20 , when the electronic device is in the unfolded state shown in Figure 20 , the fourth support plate 10227 may be located on the side of the second swing arm 10221 facing the flexible display screen, and the third plate surface 102261 and the sixth plate surface 1022721 are connected to form a support surface for supporting the flexible display screen, which helps to improve the integrity of the support surface of the hinge mechanism 1 for supporting the flexible display screen, thereby achieving smooth support for the flexible display screen.

[0162] The hinge mechanism 1 provided in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application can be used for example in the electronic device shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. Among them, the first shell fixing frame 10213 can be fixedly connected to the shell located on the same side of the base 101, and the second shell fixing frame 10223 can be fixedly connected to another shell. Exemplarily, the first shell fixing frame 10213 can be used to be fixedly connected to the first shell 2 of the electronic device shown in Figure 2, and the second shell fixing frame 10223 can be used to be fixedly connected to the second shell 3 of the electronic device shown in Figure 2. Based on this, it can be understood that the process of the first shell fixing frame 10213 and the second shell fixing frame 10223 rotating in opposite directions, that is, the process of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 rotating in opposite directions.

[0163] In addition, the flexible display screen 4 of the electronic device can be fixedly connected to the first shell 2 and the second shell 3, and the connection method can be, but is not limited to, bonding. In a specific implementation, the flexible display screen 4 can be bonded to a portion of the surface of the first shell 2 facing the flexible display screen 4, and the flexible display screen 4 can be bonded to a portion of the surface of the second shell 3 facing the flexible display screen 4, so that when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the hinge mechanism 1, the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 can jointly play the role of flattening the flexible display screen 4, thereby ensuring the integrity of the shape of the electronic device in the unfolded state. In the process of the electronic device changing from the unfolded state to the closed state, the two shells rotate towards each other to drive the flexible display screen 4 to rotate, which can effectively prevent the flexible display screen 4 from deforming, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the flexible display screen 4.

[0164] It should be understood that in order to realize the form of the above-mentioned electronic device, the present application is not limited to the various embodiments of the hinge mechanism 1 mentioned above, and any hinge mechanism 1 that can realize the following states is acceptable, namely:

[0165] When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the hinge mechanism 1, first housing 2, and second housing 3 work together to provide a flat support for the flexible display 4. When the electronic device moves from the unfolded state to the closed state, the two housings rotate toward each other, causing the flexible display 4 to bend. When the electronic device moves from the closed state to the unfolded state, the two housings rotate away from each other, causing the flexible display 4 to unfold.

[0166] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism for a foldable electronic device, wherein the hinge mechanism is arranged opposite to a foldable portion of a flexible display screen of the electronic device, and the electronic device is unfolded or closed by the hinge mechanism. It is characterized in that The hinge mechanism comprises a base and a rotating module, the rotating module comprises a first rotating assembly and a second rotating assembly, the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the base, the side of the base away from the flexible display screen comprises an appearance shell, the appearance shell comprises opposite first and second ends; wherein: The first rotating assembly includes a first swing arm, a first shell fixing frame, a first radial swing arm and a first support arm; the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the base; the first support arm is rotatably connected to the base, the first support arm is slidably connected to the first shell fixing frame along a first direction, the axis of rotation of the first support arm around the base and the axis of rotation of the first swing arm around the base are both parallel to the length direction of the base and do not overlap with each other, and the first direction is perpendicular to the length direction of the base; the first radial swing arm is located between the first swing arm and the first shell fixing frame, the first radial swing arm includes a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion and a first avoidance opening, the first avoidance opening is located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, a side of the first radial swing arm facing away from the first avoidance opening is a first connecting surface, the first connecting portion is rotatably connected to the first swing arm, the second connecting portion is rotatably connected to the first shell fixing frame, and the rotation axis of the first radial swing arm extends along the first direction; the first end of the appearance shell is arranged toward the first shell fixing frame; The second rotating assembly includes a second swing arm, a second shell fixing frame, a second radial swing arm and a second supporting arm; the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the base; the second supporting arm is rotatably connected to the base, the second supporting arm is slidably connected to the second shell fixing frame along a second direction, the axis of rotation of the second supporting arm around the base and the axis of rotation of the second swing arm around the base are both parallel to the length direction of the base and do not overlap with each other, and the second direction is perpendicular to the length direction of the base; the second radial swing arm is located between the second swing arm and the second shell fixing frame, the second radial swing arm includes a third connecting portion, a fourth connecting portion and a second avoidance opening, the second avoidance opening is located between the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion, a side of the second radial swing arm facing away from the second avoidance opening is a second connecting surface, the third connecting portion is rotatably connected to the second swing arm, the fourth connecting portion is rotatably connected to the second shell fixing frame, and the rotation axis of the second radial swing arm extends along the second direction; the second end of the appearance shell is arranged toward the second shell fixing frame; When the electronic device is in an expanded state, the first end of the appearance shell is inserted into the first avoidance opening, and the second end of the appearance shell is inserted into the second avoidance opening; in the process of the electronic device switching from the expanded state to the closed state, the first shell fixing frame slides relative to the first support arm in a direction away from the base, and the second shell fixing frame slides relative to the second support arm in a direction away from the base, the first support arm rotates around the base to drive the first radial rotary arm to rotate around the first direction, and the second support arm rotates around the base to drive the second radial rotary arm to rotate around the second direction, so that when the electronic device is in a closed state, the first connection surface of the first radial rotary arm does not face the flexible display screen, and the second connection surface of the second radial rotary arm does not face the flexible display screen.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first radial spiral arm further includes a first avoidance portion, the first avoidance portion is located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected through the first avoidance portion; the first avoidance portion is arranged opposite to the first avoidance opening, and the first connecting surface is a surface of the first avoidance portion away from the first avoidance opening; The second radial spiral arm also includes a second avoidance portion, which is located between the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion, and the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion are connected through the second avoidance portion; the second avoidance portion is arranged opposite to the second avoidance opening, and the second connecting surface is the surface of the second avoidance portion facing away from the second avoidance opening.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The first connecting portion is rotatably connected to the first swing arm via a first rotating shaft, the second connecting portion is rotatably connected to the first housing fixing frame via a second rotating shaft, the axis of the first rotating shaft extends along the first direction, and the axis of the second rotating shaft extends along the first direction; The third connection portion is rotationally connected to the second swing arm via a third rotating shaft, the fourth connection portion is rotationally connected to the second shell fixing frame via a fourth rotating shaft, the axis of the third rotating shaft extends along the second direction, and the axis of the fourth rotating shaft extends along the second direction.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The second connecting portion is provided with a first card slot, the first housing fixing frame is provided with a first card connection portion, the first card connection portion is inserted into the first card slot, and the second rotating shaft is passed through the slot wall of the first card slot and the first card connection portion; The fourth connecting portion is provided with a second card slot, the second shell fixing frame is provided with a second card connection portion, the second card connection portion is inserted into the second card slot, and the fourth rotating shaft is passed through the slot wall of the second card slot and the second card connection portion.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The first radial swing arm further includes a first track groove; the first support arm includes a first guide portion, the first guide portion slides along the first track groove to drive the first radial swing arm to rotate relative to the first swing arm, so that when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first end is inserted into the first avoidance opening; The second radial rotary arm also includes a second track groove; the second support arm includes a second guide portion, and the second guide portion slides along the second track groove to drive the second radial rotary arm to rotate relative to the second swing arm, so that when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the second end is inserted into the second avoidance opening.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The first track groove is a spiral groove, and the second track groove is a spiral groove.

7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 5 or 6, It is characterized in that The first connecting portion is provided with a first avoidance surface, and the third connecting portion is provided with a second avoidance surface; when the electronic device is in a closed state, the first avoidance surface of the first radial spiral arm faces the flexible display screen and avoids the foldable part of the flexible display screen, and the second avoidance surface of the second radial spiral arm faces the flexible display screen and avoids the foldable part of the flexible display screen.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The first guide portion slides along the first track groove to drive the first radial rotary arm to rotate relative to the first swing arm, so that when the electronic device is in a closed state, the first avoidance surface faces the flexible display screen and avoids the foldable part of the flexible display screen; The second guide portion slides along the second track groove to drive the second radial rotary arm to rotate relative to the second swing arm, so that when the electronic device is in a closed state, the second avoidance surface faces the flexible display screen and avoids the foldable part of the flexible display screen.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 7 or 8, It is characterized in that The first avoidance surface is an arc-shaped concave surface, and the second avoidance surface is an arc-shaped concave surface.

10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, It is characterized in that The base is provided with a first arc groove and a second arc groove, the first swing arm comprises a first arc rotating block, the first arc rotating block is accommodated in the first arc groove, and the first arc rotating block can slide along the groove surface of the first arc groove; The second swing arm includes a second arc-shaped rotating block, the second arc-shaped rotating block is accommodated in the second arc-shaped groove, and the second arc-shaped rotating block can slide along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, It is characterized in that The first housing fixing frame is provided with a first slide groove, the first support arm is accommodated in the first slide groove, and the first support arm can slide in the first slide groove along the first direction; The second housing fixing frame is provided with a second sliding groove, the second supporting arm is accommodated in the second sliding groove, and the second supporting arm can slide in the second sliding groove along the second direction.

12. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The first housing fixing frame further comprises a first mounting groove, a groove wall of the first mounting groove is provided with a first notch, and the first mounting groove is connected with the first slide groove through the first notch; the rotating shaft mechanism further comprises a first damping module, the first damping module comprises a first elastic member and a first damping bracket, the first damping bracket comprises a first protrusion, the first damping bracket is mounted on the first mounting groove, and under the elastic force of the first elastic member, the first protrusion can slide along the first notch and extend into the first slide groove; the surface of the first support arm facing the first mounting groove is further provided with a second protrusion, and when the first protrusion extends into the first slide groove, along the first direction, the first protrusion abuts against the side surface opposite to the second protrusion; The second shell fixing frame also includes a second mounting groove, a groove wall of the second mounting groove is provided with a second notch, and the second mounting groove is connected to the second slide groove through the second notch; the rotating shaft mechanism also includes a second damping module, the second damping module includes a second elastic member and a second damping bracket, the second damping bracket includes a third protrusion, the second damping bracket is installed in the second mounting groove, and under the elastic force of the second elastic member, the third protrusion can slide along the second notch and extend into the second slide groove; the surface of the second support arm facing the second mounting groove is also provided with a fourth protrusion, and when the third protrusion extends into the second slide groove, along the second direction, the third protrusion abuts against the side opposite to the fourth protrusion.

13. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 12, It is characterized in that The first supporting arm comprises two first connecting arms arranged opposite to each other, the two first connecting arms are slidably connected to the first housing fixing frame, and the first damping module is located between the two first connecting arms; The second supporting arm includes two second connecting arms which are arranged opposite to each other. The two second connecting arms are slidably connected to the second housing fixing frame. The second damping module is located between the two second connecting arms.

14. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13, It is characterized in that The first rotating assembly further includes a first supporting plate, the first supporting plate includes a first plate surface and a second plate surface disposed opposite to each other, the first plate surface is used to support the flexible display screen, the second plate surface is provided with a third track groove, the first supporting arm is provided with a first guiding structure, the first guiding structure is inserted into the third track groove, and the first guiding structure can slide along the third track groove; The second rotating assembly further includes a second supporting plate, the second supporting plate includes a third plate surface and a fourth plate surface disposed opposite to each other, the third plate surface is used to support the flexible display screen, the fourth plate surface is provided with a fourth track groove, the second supporting arm is provided with a second guide structure, the second guide structure is inserted into the fourth track groove, and the second guide structure can slide along the fourth track groove; When the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame rotate towards each other, the first shell fixing frame drives the first support arm to rotate around the base, and the first guide structure slides along the third track groove to drive the first support plate to rotate relative to the first shell fixing frame, and drives the end of the first support plate close to the base to move in a direction away from the base; the second shell fixing frame drives the second support arm and the second swing arm to rotate around the base, and the second guide structure slides along the third track groove to drive the second support plate to rotate relative to the second shell fixing frame, and drives the end of the second support plate close to the base to move in a direction away from the base, so as to form a screen space for accommodating the bendable part of the flexible display screen between the first support plate, the base and the second support plate.

15. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 14, It is characterized in that The first housing fixing frame further includes a fifth track groove, the first rotating assembly further includes a third supporting plate, the third supporting plate includes a first sliding portion and a first supporting portion, the first sliding portion is inserted into the fifth track groove, the first housing fixing frame rotates around the base to drive the third supporting plate to rotate around the base, and the first sliding portion slides along the fifth track groove; the first supporting plate includes a third sliding groove, the first supporting portion can slide along the third sliding groove, and the first supporting portion includes a fifth plate surface for supporting the flexible display screen; when the electronic device is in a closed state, the third supporting plate avoids the first swing arm; When the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the third support plate is located on a side of the first swing arm facing the flexible display screen, and the first plate surface and the fifth plate surface are connected to form a support surface for supporting the flexible display screen; The second shell fixing frame also includes a sixth track groove, the second rotating assembly also includes a fourth support plate, the fourth support plate includes a second sliding portion and a second supporting portion, the second sliding portion is inserted into the sixth track groove, the second shell fixing frame rotates around the base to drive the fourth support plate to rotate around the base, and the second sliding portion slides along the sixth track groove; the second support plate includes a fourth slide groove, the second supporting portion can slide along the fourth slide groove, and the second supporting portion includes a sixth panel surface for supporting the flexible display screen; when the electronic device is in a closed state, the fourth support plate avoids the second swing arm; when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the fourth support plate is located on the side of the second swing arm facing the flexible display screen, and the third panel surface and the sixth panel surface are connected to form a support surface for supporting the flexible display screen.

16. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 15, It is characterized in that The fifth track groove is a linear groove, the third slide groove is a linear groove, the first sliding portion can slide in the fifth track groove relative to the first housing fixing frame along a third direction, the first supporting portion can slide in the third slide groove relative to the first supporting plate along a fourth direction, and when the electronic device is in a closed state, the angle between the third direction and the fourth direction is greater than 0°; The sixth track groove is a straight groove, the fourth slide groove is a straight groove, the second sliding portion can slide in the sixth track groove along the fifth direction relative to the second shell fixing frame, the second supporting portion can slide in the fourth slide groove along the sixth direction relative to the second supporting plate, and when the electronic device is in a closed state, the angle between the fifth direction and the sixth direction is greater than 0°.

17. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 15 or 16, It is characterized in that The third support plate further includes a first abutting portion, and when the electronic device is in a closed state, the first abutting portion abuts against the first shell fixing frame, and the first shell fixing frame provides a supporting force for the first abutting portion in a direction away from the base; The fourth support plate further includes a second abutting portion, and when the electronic device is in a closed state, the second abutting portion abuts against the second shell fixing frame, and the second shell fixing frame provides a supporting force for the second abutting portion in a direction away from the base.

18. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 14 to 17, It is characterized in that The base includes a bearing surface, and the bearing surface is used to support the flexible display screen. When the electronic device is in a closed state, the bearing surface, the first supporting surface and the third supporting surface are connected to form a supporting surface for supporting the flexible display screen.

19. An electronic device, It is characterized in that The device comprises a first shell, a second shell, a flexible display screen, and a hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein: the first shell and the second shell are arranged on opposite sides of the hinge mechanism, the first shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the first shell, and the second shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the second shell; The flexible display screen continuously covers the first shell, the second shell and the hinge mechanism, and the flexible display screen is fixedly connected to the first shell and the second shell.

Images