Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic device
By introducing a compact structural design and damping module into the shaft mechanism, the problem of insufficient damping force of the shaft mechanism in the thinning of electronic equipment is solved, and the opening and closing stability and overall reliability of the equipment are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/CN2024/079738
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-06-26
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-01
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-02
AI Technical Summary
The existing shaft mechanism is difficult to adapt to the lightweight development of electronic equipment, and the damping structure is too large, which affects the opening and closing stability and reliability of the equipment.
A rotating shaft mechanism including a spindle, a housing fixing frame, a rotating module and a damping module is designed. Through sliding connection and the cooperation of the damping components, a more compact structure and stable opening and closing movement are achieved, reducing the rotating shaft mechanism. size, while improving its reliability under lightweight conditions.
It improves the opening and closing stability and overall reliability of the shaft mechanism, reduces the difficulty of deploying and operating the electronic device, and effectively avoids the squeezing or pulling of the flexible display screen, extending the service life of the equipment.
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Figure CN2024079738_02012025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
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 26, 2023, with application number 202310763134.8 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 electronic equipment, and in particular to a rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment. 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] The hinge mechanism is a key component for achieving the closing and unfolding functions of foldable electronic devices. In addition to enabling the electronic device to change its folding state, it also provides sufficient damping force for the entire electronic device in different usage states, ensuring reliable support during the switching process. However, as electronic devices continue to move towards lighter and thinner devices, the size of the hinge mechanism must also be reduced accordingly to match the thinness of the device. However, the structure used to provide damping resistance in the current hinge mechanism is often too large to adapt to the trend of lighter and thinner hinge mechanisms and electronic devices.
[0006] Summary of the Invention
[0007] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device to improve the opening and closing stability of the hinge mechanism and reduce the size of the hinge mechanism.
[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a rotating shaft mechanism, which may include a main shaft, a first shell fixing frame, a second shell fixing frame, a rotating module and a damping module, wherein the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame may be respectively arranged on both sides of the main shaft. The rotating module may include a first swing arm and a second swing arm, wherein the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft and the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first shell fixing frame; the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft and the second swing arm is slidably connected to the second shell fixing frame. The damping module may include a first damping assembly and a second damping assembly, wherein the first damping assembly includes a first cam, a second cam, a first elastic member and a first limit block, wherein the first cam may be arranged on one side of the first swing arm along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the second cam is located on the side of the first cam away from the first swing arm, and the second cam is slidably arranged on the first shell fixing frame along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the cam surface of the second cam abuts against the cam surface of the first cam, the first limit block is located on the side of the second cam away from the first swing arm, and the first limit block is fixed to the first shell fixing frame, and the two ends of the first elastic member are respectively connected to the first limit block. The second cams abut against the first limit block; the second damping assembly includes a third cam, a fourth cam, a second limit piece and a second limit block. The third cam can be arranged on the axial side of the second swing arm along the rotating shaft mechanism, and the fourth cam can be located on the side of the third cam away from the second swing arm, and the fourth cam is set on the second shell fixing frame for sliding along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the cam surface of the fourth cam abuts against the cam surface of the third cam, the second limit block is located on the side of the fourth cam away from the second swing arm, and the second limit block is fixed to the second shell fixing frame, and the two ends of the second elastic member respectively abut against the fourth cam and the second limit block.
[0009] When the hinge mechanism provided by the present application is applied to an electronic device, during the closing process of the electronic device, the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame move toward each other, the first shell fixing frame drives the first swing arm to rotate clockwise, and the second shell fixing frame drives the second swing arm to rotate counterclockwise. As the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate, the first cam can push the second cam in the direction close to the first limit block, thereby compressing the first elastic member, and the second swing arm can push the fourth cam in the direction close to the second limit block, thereby compressing the second elastic member. In this way, the user can obtain a more obvious operating method when closing the electronic device. During the unfolding of the electronic device, the first elastic member gradually rebounds in a compressed state and releases the accumulated elastic potential energy, thereby pushing the second cam to slide in a direction close to the first cam, and the second elastic member gradually rebounds in a compressed state and releases the accumulated elastic potential energy, thereby pushing the fourth cam to slide in a direction close to the third cam, so that the second cam can apply a torque to the first cam and the first swing arm to assist their rotation, and the fourth cam can apply a torque to the third cam and the second swing arm to assist their rotation, thereby providing a certain unfolding assistance for the electronic device, thereby reducing the difficulty of the unfolding operation of the electronic device.
[0010] In addition, in the present application, by rationally designing the cam surfaces of the first and second cams, the first cam and the first swing arm can be made to hover at a set angle, thereby enabling the first rotating assembly to hover. Similarly, by rationally designing the cam surfaces of the third and fourth cams, the third cam and the second swing arm can be made to hover at a set angle, thereby enabling the second rotating assembly to hover. In electronic devices employing this hinge mechanism, the hovering design of the first and second rotating assemblies allows the electronic device to be positioned in some intermediate states, thereby improving the user experience.
[0011] In some embodiments, the first housing fixing frame may be provided with a first limiting groove, which extends along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism and has a first opening disposed toward the first swing arm. The first limiting block may be fixed in the first limiting groove, and the second cam may be slidably disposed in the first limiting groove, with the cam surface of the second cam abutting against the cam surface of the first cam through the first opening. In this way, the first limiting groove can be used to limit the movement direction of the second cam under the drive of the first elastic member, and the second cam and the first housing fixing frame can also overlap or partially overlap in the thickness direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, thereby helping to reduce the thickness of the rotating shaft mechanism.
[0012] Similarly, the second housing mounting bracket can be provided with a second limiting groove extending axially along the shaft mechanism and having a second opening facing the second swing arm. A second limiting block can be fixed within the second limiting groove, and a fourth cam can be slidably disposed within the second limiting groove, with the cam surface of the fourth cam abutting the cam surface of the third cam through the second opening. In this way, the second limiting groove can be used to limit the movement direction of the fourth cam under the drive of the second elastic member, and the fourth cam can also overlap or partially overlap with the second housing mounting bracket in the thickness direction of the shaft mechanism, thereby helping to reduce the thickness of the shaft mechanism.
[0013] In some embodiments, the groove wall of the first limiting groove opposite the first opening can be formed into a first limiting block. This design can simplify the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism and help improve the structural compactness of the rotating shaft mechanism. Based on the same principle, the groove wall of the second limiting groove opposite the second opening can be formed into a second limiting block.
[0014] In some embodiments, the groove wall of the first limiting groove may be provided with a first guide groove, which extends along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the second cam may be provided with a first guide block, which is slidably set in the first guide groove, so that the first guide groove is used to provide guidance for the sliding of the second cam in the first limiting groove; similarly, the groove wall of the second limiting groove may be provided with a second guide groove, which extends along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the fourth cam may be provided with a second guide block, which is slidably set in the second guide groove, so that the second guide groove is used to provide guidance for the sliding of the fourth cam in the second limiting groove.
[0015] In some embodiments, a first groove may be provided on the side of the second cam facing the first housing mount, a second groove may be provided on the first housing mount at a position corresponding to the first groove, and the first elastic member may be located in the space formed by the first and second grooves. With this design, the depths of the first and second grooves are relatively small, thereby appropriately reducing the thickness of the second cam and the first housing mount, thereby helping to reduce the overall thickness of the rotating shaft mechanism. Similarly, a third groove may be provided on the side of the fourth cam facing the second housing mount, a fourth groove may be provided on the second housing mount at a position corresponding to the third groove, and the second elastic member may be located in the space formed by the third and fourth grooves. With this design, the depths of the third and fourth grooves are relatively small, thereby appropriately reducing the thickness of the fourth cam and the second housing mount, thereby helping to reduce the overall thickness of the rotating shaft mechanism.
[0016] For example, when the first housing fixing frame is provided with a first limiting groove, the second groove can be provided on the bottom wall of the first limiting groove. Similarly, when the second housing fixing frame is provided with a second limiting groove, the fourth groove can be provided on the bottom wall of the second limiting groove.
[0017] In some embodiments, the first housing fixing frame may further be provided with a first avoidance groove, which may be connected to the first guide groove. When the first cam is installed in the first limiting groove, the first avoidance groove may avoid the first guide block of the second cam, thereby allowing the first guide block of the second cam to pass through the first avoidance groove and smoothly enter the first guide groove, thereby reducing the difficulty of installing the second cam in the first housing fixing frame. The second housing fixing frame may further be provided with a second avoidance groove, which may be connected to the second guide groove. When the fourth cam is installed in the second limiting groove, the second avoidance groove may avoid the second guide block of the fourth cam, thereby allowing the second guide block of the fourth cam to smoothly enter the second guide groove, thereby reducing the difficulty of installing the fourth cam in the second housing fixing frame.
[0018] In some embodiments, the first cam can be fixed to the side of the first swing arm by bonding, welding, or riveting. Alternatively, the first cam can be integrally formed with the first swing arm. Similarly, the third cam can be fixed to the side of the second swing arm by bonding, welding, or riveting. Alternatively, the third cam can be integrally formed with the second swing arm.
[0019] In some embodiments, the damping module may include two first damping assemblies, which may be symmetrically arranged on either side of the first swing arm along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, thereby balancing the forces on both sides of the first swing arm, reducing the risk of the first swing arm getting stuck, and improving the movement reliability of the first swing arm. Similarly, the damping module may include two second damping assemblies, which may be symmetrically arranged on either side of the second swing arm along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, thereby balancing the forces on both sides of the second swing arm, reducing the risk of the second swing arm getting stuck, and improving the movement reliability of the second swing arm.
[0020] In some embodiments, the rotation module may further include a first support arm, a second support arm, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member. The first support arm is rotatably connected to the second housing mounting bracket, the first connecting member is located between the first swing arm and the first support arm, and the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first swing arm and the first support arm, respectively. The main shaft is provided with a first trajectory groove, along which the first connecting member can move, so that the first trajectory groove limits the movement trajectory of the first connecting member. The second support arm is rotatably connected to the second housing mounting bracket, the second connecting member is located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, and the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second swing arm and the second support portion, respectively. The main shaft is also provided with a second trajectory groove, along which the second connecting member can move, so that the second trajectory groove limits the movement trajectory of the second connecting member.
[0021] Based on the above-mentioned rotating shaft mechanism of the present application, when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame move toward each other. When the first shell fixing frame drives the first swing arm to rotate clockwise around the main axis, the first swing arm can drive the first connecting member to move toward the first swing arm in the first track groove of the main axis, thereby driving the first support arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis; when the second shell fixing frame drives the second swing arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis, the second swing arm can drive the second connecting member to move toward the second swing arm in the second track groove of the main axis, thereby driving the second support arm to rotate clockwise around the main axis. When the electronic device moves from a closed state to an unfolded state, the first housing fixing frame and the second housing fixing frame move in opposite directions. When the first housing fixing frame drives the first swing arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis, the first swing arm can drive the first connecting member to move within the first track groove of the main axis toward the first support arm, thereby driving the first support arm to rotate clockwise around the main axis. When the second housing fixing frame drives the second swing arm to rotate clockwise around the main axis, the second swing arm can drive the second connecting member to move within the second track groove of the main axis toward the second support arm, thereby driving the second support arm to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis. This realizes the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism.
[0022] In some existing hinge mechanisms, in order to ensure the stability of the mechanism, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the rotating assembly connected to the main shaft. This will make the main shaft and the hinge mechanism very thick. If the thickness is forcibly reduced, the strength of the rotating assembly will be weakened, which will greatly affect the reliability of the hinge mechanism and thus reduce the life of the electronic device. The hinge mechanism of the present application has a streamlined structure. Through the above structural relationship, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can slide in the main shaft to link the first swing arm, the second swing arm, the first support arm and the second support arm on the left and right sides. Therefore, the thickness and cross-section of the first connecting member and the second connecting member do not need to be made very thick to shuttle between the first track groove and the second track groove of the main shaft. At the same time, because the first connecting member and the second connecting member are respectively connected to the first swing arm (second swing arm) and the first support arm (second support arm), the first connecting member (second connecting member) has a sufficient length extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis, thus having sufficient strength to ensure the reliability of the hinge mechanism. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft and the thickness of the entire device can be reduced while maintaining the reliability of the hinge mechanism, making the entire hinge mechanism light and reliable.
[0023] In addition, since the first connecting member can move along a set trajectory within the first track groove, and the second connecting member can move along a set trajectory within the second track groove, uncontrolled movement of the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be avoided throughout the folding and unfolding process, thereby avoiding random movement of the first shell fixing frame and the second shell fixing frame, thereby ensuring the structural and movement stability of the entire hinge mechanism. In some cases, through reasonable design of the first track groove and the second track groove, the outer tangent of the hinge mechanism can also maintain a constant length throughout the folding and unfolding process, thereby allowing the flexible display covering the surface of the hinge mechanism to basically maintain a constant length. In this way, squeezing or pulling of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display, and thus improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.
[0024] In some embodiments, the main shaft includes a base and a cover plate, the cover plate is provided on the base, the base is provided with a first arcuate groove, and the cover plate includes a first protrusion provided toward the first arcuate groove, and the gap between the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first arcuate groove can serve as a first track groove. In addition, the first connecting member may include a first arcuate surface and a second arcuate surface, and when the electronic device is in an expanded state and a closed state, the first arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and the second arcuate surface abuts against the groove surface of the first arcuate groove. As a result, the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first arcuate groove limit the first connecting member to the first track groove, so that when the rotating shaft mechanism is in the expanded state and the closed state, the position of the first connecting member is relatively stable, and no virtual position shaking occurs, thereby improving the reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism in the above two states.
[0025] In addition, the base may be provided with a third arcuate groove, and the cover may further include a third protrusion disposed toward the third arcuate groove. The gap between the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arcuate groove serves as a second track groove. The second connector includes a third arcuate surface and a fourth arcuate surface. When the electronic device is in the expanded state and the closed state, the third arcuate surface abuts the surface of the third protrusion, and the fourth arcuate surface abuts the groove surface of the third arcuate groove. Thus, the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arcuate groove constrain the second connector to the second track groove, so that the position of the second connector is relatively stable in the expanded state and the closed state of the hinge mechanism, without any virtual position shaking, thereby improving the reliability of the hinge mechanism in the above two states.
[0026] In some embodiments, when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, the first curved surface abuts the surface of the first protrusion, and a gap exists between the second curved surface and the groove surface of the first curved groove. However, when the electronic device moves from a closed state to an expanded state, the second curved surface abuts the groove surface of the first curved groove, and a gap exists between the first curved surface and the surface of the first protrusion. This results in the first connector's movement trajectory within the first trajectory groove during the electronic device's movement from an expanded state to a closed state being different from the movement trajectory of the first connector within the first trajectory groove during the electronic device's movement from a closed state to an expanded state, which helps enhance the flexibility of the hinge mechanism design.
[0027] Furthermore, when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, the third curved surface abuts the surface of the third protrusion, leaving a gap between the fourth curved surface and the groove surface of the third curved groove. Conversely, when the electronic device moves from a closed state to an expanded state, the fourth curved surface abuts the groove surface of the third curved groove, leaving a gap between the third curved surface and the surface of the third protrusion. This results in a different trajectory for the second connector within the second track groove when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state than when the electronic device moves from a closed state to an expanded state, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the hinge mechanism design.
[0028] In some embodiments, the motion trajectory of the first connector within the first trajectory groove during the electronic device's transition from an expanded state to a closed state can be the same as the motion trajectory of the first connector within the first trajectory groove during the electronic device's transition from a closed state to an expanded state. Specifically, the spacing between the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first arcuate groove is equal at all locations. In this case, the first trajectory groove is a groove of uniform width. During the transition from the expanded state to the closed state and vice versa, the first arcuate surface abuts the surface of the first protrusion, and the second arcuate surface abuts the groove surface of the first arcuate groove. This can help improve the stability of the first connector's motion within the first trajectory groove. Similarly, the distances between the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arcuate groove can also be equal at all locations, so that the second track groove is a groove of equal width. In addition, during the process of the electronic device changing from the expanded state to the closed state and from the closed state to the expanded state, the third arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and the fourth arcuate surface abuts against the groove surface of the third arcuate groove, so that the movement trajectory of the second connecting member in the second track groove during the process of the electronic device changing from the expanded state to the closed state is the same as the movement trajectory of the second connecting member in the second track groove during the process of the electronic device changing from the closed state to the expanded state, thereby improving the stability of the second connecting member's movement in the second track groove.
[0029] In some embodiments, the first curved surface of the first connecting member may be a circular arc surface, and the second curved surface may also be a circular arc surface. In this case, the sum of the radius of the first curved surface and the radius of the second curved surface can be equal to the distance between the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first curved groove, so as to improve the smoothness of the movement of the first connecting member in the first trajectory groove.
[0030] Similarly, the third arc surface of the second connecting member can be a circular arc surface, and the fourth arc surface can also be a circular arc surface. In this case, the sum of the radius of the third arc surface and the radius of the fourth arc surface can be equal to the distance between the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arc groove, so as to improve the smoothness of the movement of the second connecting member in the second track groove.
[0031] In some embodiments, the first swing arm is rotationally connected to the main shaft, wherein the base is provided with a second arcuate slot, and the first swing arm includes a first arcuate rotating block. The first arcuate rotating block is accommodated in the second arcuate slot, and the first arcuate rotating block can slide along the groove surface of the second arcuate slot to achieve the rotational connection between the first swing arm and the main shaft. This allows the first swing arm to be rotationally connected to the main shaft via a virtual axis, which helps reduce the space occupied by the first swing arm on the main shaft, thereby facilitating a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism.
[0032] The second swing arm is also rotationally connected to the main shaft. The base is further provided with a fourth arcuate slot. The second swing arm includes a second arcuate rotating block, which is accommodated in the fourth arcuate slot and can slide along the slot surface of the fourth arcuate slot to achieve the rotational connection between the second swing arm and the main shaft. This ensures that the second swing arm and the main shaft are rotationally connected via a virtual axis, which helps reduce the space occupied by the second swing arm on the main shaft, thereby facilitating a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism.
[0033] In order to improve the reliability of the connection between the first swing arm and the main shaft, in the present application, the cover plate also includes a second protrusion arranged toward the second arc-shaped groove, and at least a portion of the first arc-shaped rotating block is located between the second protrusion and the second arc-shaped groove, so that the first swing arm is limited to the main shaft by the second protrusion and the second arc-shaped groove, thereby preventing the first swing arm from falling out of the second arc-shaped groove.
[0034] In addition, the cover plate also includes a fourth protrusion arranged toward the fourth arc-shaped groove, and at least a portion of the second arc-shaped rotating block is located between the fourth protrusion and the fourth arc-shaped groove, so that the second swing arm is limited to the main shaft through the fourth protrusion and the fourth arc-shaped groove, thereby preventing the second swing arm from escaping from the fourth arc-shaped groove.
[0035] In some embodiments, the first connecting member includes a fifth rotating shaft and a sixth rotating shaft. The first connecting member is rotationally connected to the first swing arm through the first rotating shaft. The first connecting member is rotationally connected to the first support arm through the fifth rotating shaft. The axis of the fifth rotating shaft is parallel to the axis of the sixth rotating shaft and does not overlap, so that the first swing arm and the first support arm can achieve mutual pulling movement through the first connecting member.
[0036] The second connecting member includes a seventh rotating shaft and an eighth rotating shaft. The second connecting member and the second swing arm are rotationally connected through the seventh rotating shaft. The second connecting member and the second support arm are rotationally connected through the eighth rotating shaft. The axis of the seventh rotating shaft is parallel to the axis of the eighth rotating shaft and does not overlap, so that the second swing arm and the second support arm can achieve mutual pulling movement through the second connecting member.
[0037] When the first swing arm and the first connecting member are rotationally connected via the fifth rotating shaft, the first arcuate rotating block can be provided with a first mounting slot, with the opening of the first mounting slot facing the second arcuate slot. The fifth rotating shaft is mounted in the first mounting slot, with a portion of the fifth rotating shaft contacting the slot surface of the first mounting slot and a portion of the fifth rotating shaft contacting the slot surface of the second arcuate slot. By mounting the fifth rotating shaft in the first mounting slot of the first arcuate rotating block, the size of the first arcuate rotating block can be effectively reduced, eliminating the need to increase the thickness of the first mounting slot due to the size of the first rotating shaft, thereby facilitating a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism.
[0038] In addition, the groove surface of the first mounting groove includes a first arc surface, and the surface of the fifth rotating shaft used to contact the groove surface of the first mounting groove is a second arc surface. The center of the first arc surface coincides with the center of the second arc surface. In this way, when the first arc rotating block slides along the groove surface of the second arc groove, the fifth rotating shaft can rotate relative to the first arc rotating block to realize the rotational connection between the first swing arm and the fifth rotating shaft.
[0039] The groove surface of the second arc groove is the third arc surface, and the surface of the fifth rotating shaft used to contact the groove surface of the second arc groove is the fourth arc surface. The center of the third arc surface coincides with the center of the fourth arc surface. In this way, while the fifth rotating shaft slides along the groove surface of the second arc groove with the first arc rotating block, the fifth rotating shaft can also rotate relative to the first arc rotating block and the second arc groove, thereby facilitating the movement of the first connecting member relative to the main shaft.
[0040] Similarly, the second arc-shaped rotating block is provided with a second mounting slot, the opening of which faces the fourth arc-shaped slot. The seventh rotating shaft is mounted in the second mounting slot, with a portion of the seventh rotating shaft contacting the slot surface of the second mounting slot and a portion of the seventh rotating shaft contacting the slot surface of the fourth arc-shaped slot. By mounting the seventh rotating shaft in the second mounting slot of the second arc-shaped rotating block, the size of the second arc-shaped rotating block can be effectively reduced, eliminating the need to increase the thickness of the second mounting slot due to the size of the third rotating shaft, thereby facilitating a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism.
[0041] The second mounting groove may include a fifth arcuate surface, and the surface of the seventh rotating shaft that contacts the groove surface of the second mounting groove may be a sixth arcuate surface, with the center of the fifth arcuate surface coinciding with the center of the sixth arcuate surface. Alternatively, the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove may be a seventh arcuate surface, and the surface of the seventh rotating shaft that contacts the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove may be an eighth arcuate surface, with the center of the seventh arcuate surface coinciding with the center of the eighth arcuate surface. Thus, while the seventh rotating shaft slides along the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove with the second arcuate rotating block, it can also rotate relative to the second arcuate rotating block and the fourth arcuate groove, thereby facilitating movement of the second connecting member relative to the main shaft.
[0042] In a second aspect, the present application also provides an electronic device, which includes a first shell, a second shell, a flexible display screen and the hinge mechanism of the first aspect, wherein 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 together play the role of flattening support for 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 synchronously towards each other, driving the flexible display screen to rotate, and in the process of the electronic device changing from the closed state to the unfolded state, the two shells rotate synchronously away from each other, driving the flexible display screen to rotate, which can effectively prevent the flexible display screen from deformation, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the flexible display screen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in a closed state;
[0044] FIG2a is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in an unfolded state;
[0045] FIG2 b is another structural schematic diagram of the electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in an unfolded state;
[0046] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the rotating shaft mechanism of the electronic device in FIG2b;
[0047] FIG4 is an exploded view of the structure shown in FIG3 ;
[0048] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting member of the rotating shaft mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in an unfolded state;
[0049] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a main shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0050] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of the base of the main shaft shown in FIG6 ;
[0051] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the cover plate of the main shaft shown in FIG6 ;
[0052] FIG9 is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting member of the rotating shaft mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state;
[0053] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a first connecting member provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0054] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first connecting member and the main shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0055] FIG12 is an AA cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG3 ;
[0056] FIG13 is a cross-sectional view of the first swing arm of the rotating shaft mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state;
[0057] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a first rotating assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0058] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a first swing arm provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0059] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the motion mechanism of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0060] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0061] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of another partial structure of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0062] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a damping module provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0063] FIG20 is a schematic diagram of a partial explosion structure of a damping module provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0064] FIG21 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of another damping module provided in an embodiment of the present application.
[0065] Reference numerals: 1-rotating shaft mechanism; 1a-bearing surface; 1b-third exterior surface; 101-rotating module; 1011-first rotating assembly; 10111-first swing arm; 101111-first arc-shaped rotating block; 1011111-first recessed portion; 1011112-first mounting groove; 10111121-first arc surface; 10112-first supporting arm; 10113-first connecting member; 101131-first rotating shaft; 1011311-second arc surface; 1011312-fourth arc surface; 101132-second rotating shaft; 101133-first arc surface; 101134-second arc surface; 1012-second rotating assembly; 10121-second swing arm; 101211-second arc-shaped rotating block; 1012111-second recessed portion; 1012112 - second mounting groove; 10121121 - fifth arc surface; 10122 - second support arm; 10123 - second connecting member; 101231 - third rotating shaft; 1012311 - sixth arc surface; 1012312 - eighth arc surface; 101232 - fourth rotating shaft; 101233 - third arc surface; 101234 - fourth arc surface; 1013 - first housing fixing frame; 10131 - first slide groove; 10132 - first mounting portion; 10133 - first limiting groove; 101331 - first opening; 101332 - first guide groove; 10134 - first avoidance groove; 10135 - second groove; 1014 - second housing fixing frame; 10141 - second slide groove; 10142 - second mounting portion; 102-spindle; 1021-base; 10211-first arcuate groove; 102111-groove surface of the first arcuate groove; 10212-second arcuate groove; 102121-third arcuate surface; 10213-third arcuate groove; 102131-groove surface of the third arcuate groove; 10214-fourth arcuate groove; 102141-seventh arcuate surface; 1022-cover plate; 10221-first protrusion; 102211-surface of the first protrusion; 10222-second protrusion; 102221-surface of the second protrusion; 10223-first plug-in portion; 10224-third protrusion; 102241-surface of the third protrusion; 10225-fourth protrusion; 102251-surface of the fourth protrusion; 1023-first track groove; 1024 - second track groove; 103 - damping module; 1031 - first damping assembly; 10311 - first cam; 103111 - first cam surface; 10312 - second cam; 103121 - second cam surface; 103122 - first guide block; 10313 - first elastic member; 10314 - first limit block; 10315 - first guide post; 1032 - second damping assembly; 10321 - third cam; 103211 - third cam surface; 10322 - fourth cam;103221 - fourth cam surface; 103222 - second guide block; 10323 - second elastic member; 10324 - second limit block; 10325 - second guide post; 2 - first housing; 2a - first support surface; 2b - first exterior surface; 3 - second housing; 3a - second support surface; 3b - second exterior surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0066] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The same reference numerals in the figures represent the same or similar structures, and thus their repeated description will be omitted. The words expressing position and direction described in the embodiments of the present application are all explained using the accompanying drawings as examples, but changes may be made as needed, and the changes made are all included in the scope of protection of the present application. The drawings in the embodiments of the present application are only used to illustrate the relative position relationship and do not represent the true proportion.
[0067] It should be noted that the following description sets forth specific details to facilitate understanding of the present application. However, the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in a variety of other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar generalizations without violating the connotations of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0068] To facilitate understanding of the hinge mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present application, its application scenarios are first described below. The hinge mechanism can be used, but is not limited to, in foldable electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, or tablet computers. In the present application, the electronic device can be either an outward-folding or inward-folding electronic device. In the case of an outward-folding electronic device, the flexible display screen remains on the outside of the electronic device during the transition from an unfolded state to a closed state. In the case of an inward-folding electronic device, the flexible display screen is located on the inside of the electronic device when the device is in the closed state. In the embodiments of the present application, the application of the hinge mechanism in an electronic device is described using an outward-folding electronic device as an example. FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device provided in the embodiments of the present application in a closed state. In addition to the hinge mechanism 1, the electronic device may also include two housings and a flexible display screen. For ease of description, the two housings may be designated as a first housing 2 and a second housing 3, respectively. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are located on either side of the hinge mechanism 1 and are rotatable about the hinge mechanism 1. When in use, the electronic device can be closed and unfolded according to different usage scenarios.
[0069] FIG1 shows the relative positional relationship between the hinge mechanism 1 and the two shells when the electronic device is in a closed state. At this time, the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface of the first shell, and the first surface of the second shell can collectively serve as the support surface of the flexible display screen (not shown in FIG1 ). The flexible display screen is omitted in FIG1 , and the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1 refers to the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 facing the flexible display screen, the first surface of the first shell 2 refers to the surface of the first shell 2 facing the flexible display screen, and the first surface of the second shell 3 refers to the surface of the second shell 3 facing the flexible display screen. For ease of description, in this application, the first surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can be defined as the bearing surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first surface of the first shell 2 can be defined as the first supporting surface 2a, and the first surface of the second shell 3 can be defined as the second supporting surface 3a.
[0070] Referring to Figure 2a, Figure 2a illustrates a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device in an unfolded state, and shows the structure of the first supporting surface 2a of the first housing 2 and the second supporting surface 3a of the second housing 3. In this unfolded state, the bearing surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first supporting surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the second supporting surface 3a of the second housing 3 are connected to form a flat supporting surface.
[0071] Based on this, the flexible display can continuously cover the bearing surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3. The hinge mechanism 1 is arranged corresponding to the bendable portion of the flexible display, and the flexible display can be fixedly connected to the first support surface 2a of the first housing 2 and the second support surface 3a of the second housing 3. The connection method can be, but is not limited to, adhesive bonding. In this way, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state as shown in Figure 2a, the hinge mechanism 1, the first housing 2, and the second housing 3 can provide a flat support for the flexible display.
[0072] In addition, reference may be made to FIG2b, which is another structural schematic diagram of the electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in an unfolded state. FIG2b shows the structure of the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the second surface of the first shell 2, and the second surface of the second shell 3. Among them, the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1 refers to the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 facing away from the flexible display screen, the second surface of the first shell 2 refers to the surface of the first shell 2 facing away from the flexible display screen, and the second surface of the second shell 3 refers to the surface of the second shell 3 facing away from the flexible display screen. Then, the first surface and the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1 are arranged opposite to each other, the first surface and the second surface of the first shell 2 are arranged opposite to each other, and the first surface and the second surface of the second shell 3 are arranged opposite to each other.
[0073] In the embodiments of the present application, the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1, the second surface of the first housing 2, and the second surface of the second housing 3 may serve as the exterior surfaces of the electronic device. For ease of description, the second surface of the first housing 2 may be referred to as the first exterior surface 2b, the second surface of the second housing 3 as the second exterior surface 3b, and the second surface of the hinge mechanism 1 as the third exterior surface 1b. It will be understood that for an outward-folding electronic device, its exterior surface is exposed to the outside of the electronic device when the electronic device is in the unfolded state; and its exterior surface is located on the inside of the electronic device when the electronic device is in the closed state. In the present application, during the relative rotation of the first and second housings 2 and 3 from the unfolded state shown in Figure 2a or 2b to the closed state shown in Figure 1, or from the closed state shown in Figure 1 to the unfolded state shown in Figure 2a or 2b, the flexible display may bend or flatten along with the first and second housings 2 and 3. Furthermore, it will be understood that the process of the electronic device from the unfolded state shown in Figure 2a or 2b to the closed state shown in Figure 1, or from the closed state shown in Figure 1 to the unfolded state shown in Figure 2a or 2b, is the process of the first and second housings 2 and 3 rotating about the hinge mechanism 1. The hinge mechanism 1 is a key functional component in a foldable electronic device. It can be set corresponding to the foldable part of the flexible display screen. Therefore, it plays an important role in supporting the foldable part of the flexible display screen in the unfolded state shown in Figure 2a or Figure 2b and in the closed state shown in Figure 1.
[0074] Referring to Figure 3, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the hinge mechanism 1 of the electronic device shown in Figure 2b. In the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may include a rotating module 101. The number of rotating modules 101 in the hinge mechanism 1 is not limited in the present application. The hinge mechanism 1 may include one rotating module 101 or multiple rotating modules 101. When the hinge mechanism 1 includes multiple rotating modules 101, the multiple rotating modules 101 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 around which the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 shown in Figure 2b rotate around the hinge mechanism 1. It can be understood that the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are rotatably connected by multiple rotating modules 101, which can effectively improve the stability of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 of the electronic device in rotation relative to the hinge mechanism 1.
[0075] Referring to Figure 4 , which is an exploded view of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 shown in Figure 3 , the rotating module 101 may include a first rotating assembly 1011 and a second rotating assembly 1012. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4 , the rotating shaft mechanism 1 may further include a main shaft 102 , which serves as a supporting member for the first rotating assembly 1011 and the second rotating assembly 1012 , allowing the first rotating assembly 1011 and the second rotating assembly 1012 to rotate relative to the main shaft.
[0076] It is worth mentioning that in the embodiment of the present application, when there are multiple rotating modules 101, the first rotating components 1011 and the second rotating components 1012 of the multiple rotating modules 101 can all use the same main shaft 102 as a bearing component to improve the integration level of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. In other possible embodiments of the present application, the rotating shaft mechanism 1 can be provided with a main shaft 102 corresponding to each rotating module 101, so that the first rotating component 1011 and the second rotating component 1012 of each rotating module 101 use the corresponding main shaft 102 as a bearing component.
[0077] Furthermore, to better achieve the unfolding and folding of the hinge mechanism 1, the hinge mechanism 1 of the embodiment of the present application further provides a damping module capable of providing a damping force to the aforementioned rotating module. This allows the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly to rotate stably under the action of the damping force, thereby preventing the electronic device from accidentally opening and closing, and achieving the two housings hovering at a set position. Furthermore, by providing the damping module, the user can also have a more distinct operational feel when unfolding or closing the electronic device, thereby enhancing the user experience.
[0078] To more clearly and completely present the damping module of the present application, before specifically describing the specific configuration of the damping module in the embodiment of the present application, please first refer to Figures 4 to 17 , which illustrate a specific implementation of a hinge mechanism. In addition to achieving a damping function, this hinge mechanism can also smoothly support the flexible display, ensuring uniform force on the bent portion of the flexible display when the electronic device is in the intermediate state and during the unfolding or folding process. Furthermore, this hinge mechanism can ensure that the length of the flexible display remains unchanged throughout the entire unfolding or folding process of the electronic device, thereby ensuring the reliability of the flexible display.
[0079] Next, an exemplary design of the rotating shaft mechanism will be described in detail.
[0080] Continuing with FIG4 , in the embodiment of the present application, the first rotating assembly 1011 may include a first swing arm 10111, a first support arm 10112, and a first connecting member 10113. The first connecting member 10113 is located between the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112, and is rotationally connected to the first swing arm 10111. The first connecting member 10113 is also rotationally connected to the first support arm 10112, so that the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 are pulled against each other via the first connecting member 10113. It can be understood that the motion trajectory of the first connecting member 10113 plays a key role in the motion trajectory of the first rotating assembly 1011.
[0081] In the present application, the first connecting member 10113 is movable relative to the main shaft 102. For a specific implementation, refer to Figure 5, which is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting member 10113 of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state. The main shaft 102 may be provided with a first track groove 1023, along which the first connecting member 10113 can move, thereby limiting the movement trajectory of the first connecting member 10113.
[0082] Referring to Figure 6, Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of the main shaft 102 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The main shaft 102 may include a base 1021 and a cover plate 1022. The cover plate 1022 is covered on the base 1021, and the outer surface of the cover plate 1022 can serve as the third appearance surface 1b of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. Referring to Figure 7, Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of the base 1021 of the main shaft 102 shown in Figure 6. The base 1021 may be provided with a first arcuate groove 10211. Referring to Figures 5 and 7 together, the first connecting member 10113 is accommodated in the first arcuate groove 10211, and the first connecting member 10113 can slide along the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove. In addition, referring to Figure 8, Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of the cover plate 1022 of the main shaft 102 shown in Figure 6, and Figure 8 is used to illustrate the structure of the cover plate 1022 facing the base 1021. The cover plate 1022 includes a first protrusion 10221 , as shown in FIG. 5 . The first protrusion 10221 can be disposed toward the first arcuate groove 10211 . A gap exists between the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove. The gap serves as the first track groove 1023 .
[0083] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting member 10113 of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in a closed state. Figure 5 and Figure 9 can be referred to together. When the electronic device is in a process of changing from an expanded state to a closed state, the first connecting member 10113 can move toward the first swing arm 10111 in the first track groove 1023, and when it is in a process of changing from a closed state to an expanded state, the first connecting member 10113 can move toward the first support arm 10112 in the first track groove 1023, so that the first connecting member 10113 can move relative to the main shaft 102 according to the set track.
[0084] 5 and 9 , it can be seen that when the electronic device moves from an expanded state to a closed state, or vice versa, the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 can rotate about the main axis 102. Furthermore, because the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 are mutually pulled by the first connecting member 10113, the first connecting member 10113 can also rotate relative to the surface 102211 of the first protruding portion and the groove surface 102111 of the first arc-shaped groove during its movement within the first track groove 1023, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement of the first rotating assembly 1011.
[0085] Referring to Figure 10 , Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a first connecting member 10113 provided in an embodiment of the present application. In the present application, the first connecting member 10113 may include a first curved surface 101133 and a second curved surface 101134. To enable the first connecting member 10113 to rotate relative to the surface 102211 of the first protruding portion and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove, the first curved surface 101133 and the second curved surface 101134 may be arcuate surfaces, with the center of the first curved surface 101133 coinciding with the center of the second curved surface 101134. The radii of the first curved surface 101133 and the second curved surface 101134 may be equal or different, and are not limited thereto in the present application. In addition, considering the design tolerance, the first arc surface 101133 and the second arc surface 101134 can also be arc surfaces of other possible shapes such as elliptical arc surfaces, as long as the first connecting member 10113 can be rotated relative to the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first arc groove.
[0086] 5 and 9 , when the electronic device is in the expanded state as shown in FIG5 and the closed state as shown in FIG9 , the first curved surface 101133 of the first connecting member 10113 can abut against the surface 102211 of the first protrusion, and the second curved surface 101134 abuts against the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove, so that the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove limit the first connecting member 10113 to the first track groove 1023, so that when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the expanded state and the closed state, the position of the first connecting member 10113 is relatively stable and no virtual shaking occurs, thereby improving the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 in the above two states.
[0087] In this application, when the electronic device is in the expanded state as shown in FIG5 , the distance between the point where the surface 102211 of the first protrusion abuts the first curved surface 101133 and the point where the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove abuts the second curved surface 101134 can be recorded as d1. When the electronic device is in the closed state as shown in FIG9 , the distance between the point where the surface 102211 of the first protrusion abuts the first curved surface 101133 and the point where the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove abuts the second curved surface 101134 can be recorded as d2. Since the first curved surface 101133 of the first connecting member 10113 can abut against the surface 102211 of the first protrusion when the electronic device is in the expanded state and the closed state, and the second curved surface 101134 abuts against the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove, when the first curved surface 101133 and the second curved surface 101134 are both circular arc surfaces, it can be concluded that d1=d2.
[0088] In the present application, the specific configuration of the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove is not limited. For example, the surface 102211 of the first protrusion can be an arcuate surface, and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove can be an arcuate surface. In addition, the center of the surface 102211 of the first protrusion coincides with the center of the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove. In other possible embodiments of the present application, the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove can also be planes, so that the first track groove 1023 is a straight groove; or the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove can also be other curved surfaces, so that the first track groove 1023 is a curved groove of any shape, all of which should be understood to fall within the scope of protection of the present application.
[0089] Continuing with FIG. 5 , in the present application, the spacing between the surface 102211 of the first protruding portion and the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove can be made equal at all locations, so that the first trajectory groove 1023 is a groove of uniform width. In this case, during the electronic device's transition from the expanded state to the closed state, and vice versa, the surface 102211 of the first protruding portion and the first arcuate surface 101133, as well as the groove surface 102111 of the first arcuate groove and the second arcuate surface 101134, are always in contact. This allows the first connecting member 10113 to maintain a consistent trajectory during the transition from the expanded state to the closed state, and vice versa. This helps improve the stability of the movement of the first connecting member 10113, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the first rotating assembly 10111.
[0090] Referring to Figure 11, Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first connecting member 10113 and the main shaft 102 provided in an embodiment of the present application. In the present application, when the first track groove 1023 is a groove of equal width, and the first curved surface 101133 and the second curved surface 101134 are circular arc surfaces, the sum of the radius R1 of the first curved surface 101133 and the radius R2 of the second curved surface 101134 is equal to the distance D between the surface 102211 of the first protrusion and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove. In addition, considering the smooth movement of the first connecting member 10113 within the first track groove 1023, a certain design gap can be retained between the first curved surface 101133 and the surface 102211 of the first protrusion, and / or between the second curved surface 101134 and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove.
[0091] In other possible embodiments of the present application, the motion trajectory of the first connector 10113 during the electronic device's transition from an expanded state to a closed state can be different from the motion trajectory of the first connector 10113 during the transition from a closed state to an expanded state. Specifically, during the transition from the expanded state to the closed state, the first curved surface 101133 abuts the surface 102211 of the first protruding portion, and a gap exists between the second curved surface 101134 and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove. Furthermore, during the transition from the expanded state to the closed state, the second curved surface 101134 abuts the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove, and a gap exists between the first curved surface 101133 and the surface 102211 of the first protruding portion. In this embodiment, the gaps between the surface 102211 of the first protruding portion and the groove surface 102111 of the first curved groove can vary, and the first trajectory groove 1023 can be a non-uniform width groove.
[0092] As can be seen from the above description, in the present application, the first swing arm 10111 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 102, wherein the first swing arm 10111 and the main shaft 102 can be rotatably connected by means of a virtual axis. This can help reduce the space occupied by the first swing arm 10111 on the main shaft 102, thereby helping to reduce the volume of the rotating module 101, so as to facilitate the miniaturization of the hinge mechanism 1. In addition, it can be understood that for an outward-folding electronic device, when the first swing arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 by means of a virtual axis, the axis of rotation of the first swing arm 10111 around the main shaft 102 is located on the side of the main shaft 102 facing away from the flexible display screen.
[0093] It is worth mentioning that in this application, a virtual axis refers to the axis of an arc-shaped structure, and two rotatably connected components can rotate relative to the virtual axis, and the position of the virtual axis is fixed as the two rotatably connected components rotate relative to each other. For example, as shown in Figure 12, Figure 12 is an AA cross-sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 3. The end of the first swing arm 10111 facing the base 1021 can be provided with a first arc-shaped rotating block 101111. In addition, referring to Figure 7, the base 1021 can be provided with a second arc-shaped groove 10212. The first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be accommodated in the second arc-shaped groove 10212, and the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can slide along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212, thereby realizing the rotation of the first swing arm 10111 around the main shaft 102 by sliding the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 along the arc surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212. In addition, in the present application, the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped rotating block, and the second arc-shaped groove 10212 can be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped groove. It is understood that when the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 is a circular arc-shaped rotating block, its surface for contacting the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212 can be a circular arc surface, and the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212 can also be a circular arc surface, with the centers of the two circular arc surfaces coinciding.
[0094] Referring to Figures 8 and 12 together, the cover 1022 may include a second protrusion 10222 arranged toward the second arc groove 10212, at least a portion of the first arc rotating block 101111 is located between the second protrusion 10222 and the second arc groove 10212, and the first arc rotating block 101111 may contact the surface 102221 of the second protrusion, so that the first arc rotating block 101111 can be limited between the cover 1022 and the base 1021, which can effectively improve the stability of the rotation of the first arc rotating block 101111 relative to the base 1021.
[0095] It's worth noting that when the second arcuate groove 10212 is formed as an arc, the portion of the second protruding portion's surface 102221 that contacts the first arcuate rotating block 101111 can also be an arc, with the centers of the two arcs coinciding. Furthermore, the surface of the first arcuate rotating block 101111 that faces the second protruding portion 10222 can be either a flat surface or an arc, as long as the first arcuate rotating block 101111 can rotate relative to the second protruding portion 10222.
[0096] Reference may be made to Figure 13, which is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application at the first swing arm 10111 when the electronic device is in a closed state. In the present application, the first arcuate rotating block 101111 may also be provided with a first recessed portion 1011111, with the opening of the first recessed portion 1011111 facing the cover plate 1022. Furthermore, the end of the cover plate 1022 facing the first swing arm 10111 may be provided with a first plug-in portion 10223. In this closed state, the first plug-in portion 10223 may be inserted into the first recessed portion 1011111, and the surface of the first plug-in portion 10223 facing the second arcuate groove 10212 abuts against at least a portion of the surface of the first recessed portion 1011111. In this way, the rotation position of the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be limited, and the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 can be prevented from escaping from the second arc-shaped groove 10212, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the first swing arm 10111 and the base 1021, and improving the structural reliability of the entire rotating shaft mechanism 1.
[0097] It is worth mentioning that, in the present application, in addition to being rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a virtual shaft, the first swing arm 10111 can also be rotatably connected via a solid shaft, which can make the connection between the first swing arm 10111 and the main shaft 102 more reliable. It is understandable that when the first swing arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a solid shaft, the axis of rotation of the first swing arm 10111 around the main shaft 102 is also located on the side of the main shaft 102 facing away from the flexible display screen.
[0098] In the present application, when the first swing arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the first connecting member 10113, reference can continue to be made to Figure 10. The first connecting member 10113 may include a first rotating shaft 101131 and a second rotating shaft 101132. The axis of the first rotating shaft 101131 is parallel to the axis of the second rotating shaft 101132 and does not overlap.
[0099] In addition, referring to Figure 14, Figure 14 is a schematic structural diagram of the first rotating assembly 1011 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first connecting member 10113 is rotationally connected to the first swing arm 10111 via a first rotating shaft 101131, and the first connecting member 10113 is rotationally connected to the first support arm 10112 via a second rotating shaft 101132. This allows the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 to engage in mutual pulling motion via the first connecting member 10113.
[0100] Referring to FIG15 , FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a first swing arm 10111 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first arc-shaped rotating block 101111 of the first swing arm 10111 is provided with a first mounting groove 1011112. Referring to FIG12 and FIG15 together, the notch of the first mounting groove 1011112 is disposed toward the second arc-shaped groove 10212, so that the first rotating shaft 101131 can be mounted in the first mounting groove 1011112. A portion of the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 can contact the groove surface of the first mounting groove 1011112, and a portion of the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 can contact the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212, thereby confining the first rotating shaft 101131 in the first mounting groove 1011112.
[0101] Continuing with reference to Figures 12 and 15 , the groove surface of the first mounting groove 1011112 may include a first arcuate surface 10111121, and the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 that contacts the groove surface of the first mounting groove 1011112 is a second arcuate surface 1011311, with the center of the first arcuate surface 10111121 coinciding with the center of the second arcuate surface 1011311. Furthermore, referring to Figure 7 , the groove surface of the second arcuate groove 10212 may be a third arcuate surface 102121. As shown in Figure 12 , the surface of the first rotating shaft 101131 that contacts the groove surface of the second arcuate groove 10212 may be a fourth arcuate surface 1011312, with the center of the third arcuate surface 102121 coinciding with the center of the fourth arcuate surface 1011312. In this way, referring to Figures 12 and 13 together, while the first rotating shaft 101131 slides along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212 with the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111, the first rotating shaft 101131 can also be rotated relative to the first arc-shaped rotating block 101111, thereby facilitating the movement of the first connecting member 10113 relative to the main shaft 102.
[0102] In the present application, when the first connecting member 10113 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10112, as shown in FIG14 , the second rotating shaft 101132 can be simultaneously provided through the first connecting member 10113 and the first support arm 10112. This simplifies the connection between the first connecting member 10113 and the first support arm 10112, which helps to simplify the structure of the first rotating assembly 1011, thereby simplifying the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. It is worth mentioning that when the first curved surface 101133 and the second curved surface 101134 of the first connecting member 10113 are both circular arc surfaces, the center of the first curved surface 101133, the center of the second curved surface 101134, and the axis of the second rotating shaft 101132 coincide with each other.
[0103] It is understandable that in the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the first connecting member 10113 may include a plurality of first sub-connecting members that are rotatably connected in sequence. In addition, the plurality of first sub-connecting members may be located between the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112, so that the first swing arm 10111 can be rotatably connected to the adjacent first sub-connecting member, and the first support arm 10112 can be rotatably connected to the adjacent first sub-connecting member. The manner in which the first swing arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the adjacent first sub-connecting member, and the manner in which the first support arm 10112 is rotatably connected to the adjacent first sub-connecting member, can be specifically set with reference to the above description of the rotatable connection between the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 and the first connecting member 10113, and will not be elaborated on here. In the present application, by setting the first connecting member 10113 as a plurality of first sub-connecting members that are connected in rotation in sequence, so that the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 are connected through a plurality of first sub-connecting members, the speed uniformity of the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 during the rotation around the main axis 102 can be effectively improved, thereby improving the smoothness of the mutual pulling movement of the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112.
[0104] Continuing with FIG. 4 , in this embodiment of the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may further include a first housing fixing frame 1013 and a second housing fixing frame 1014. The first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 are disposed on opposite sides of the main shaft 102, and the first rotating assembly 1011 is located between the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014. A first swing arm 10111 is slidably connected to the first housing fixing frame 1013. Specifically, the first housing fixing frame 1013 is provided with a first slide groove 10131. The first slide groove 10131 extends in a first direction, and the first swing arm 10111 can be mounted in the first slide groove 10131 and can slide within the first slide groove 10131 in the first direction. The first direction may be the direction in which the first housing fixing frame 1013 moves toward or away from the base 1021. Furthermore, to prevent the first swing arm 10111 from falling out of the first chute 10131, a first slideway can be provided on the wall of the first chute 10131, and a first slider can be provided on the first swing arm 10111. Thus, the first slider can be engaged with the first slideway and can slide along the first slideway to limit the position of the first swing arm 10111 within the first chute 10131. Furthermore, by providing the first slideway on the wall of the first chute 10131, it can provide a guide for the first swing arm 10111 to slide along the first chute 10131, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the first swing arm 10111.
[0105] In the present application, the first support arm 10112 can be rotatably connected to the second housing fixing frame 1014. In a specific implementation, referring to Figure 4, the second housing fixing frame 1014 has a second mounting portion 10142. The end of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing fixing frame 1014 is mounted on the second mounting portion 10142, and the end of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing fixing frame 1014 is rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 10142.
[0106] In the embodiment of the present application, the specific manner in which the end portion of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing fixing frame 1014 is rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 10142 is not limited. For example, with continued reference to FIG. 4 , the second mounting portion 10142 may be provided with a first mounting hole, and the end portion of the first support arm 10112 facing the second housing fixing frame 1014 may be provided with a second mounting hole. Then, the end portion of the first support arm 10112 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 may be rotatably connected to the second mounting portion 10142 via a rotating shaft that passes through both the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.
[0107] Continuing with FIG. 4 , similar to the structure of the first rotating assembly 1011, when the second rotating assembly 1012 is specifically configured, the second rotating assembly 1012 is located between the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014. Furthermore, the second rotating assembly 1012 may include a second swing arm 10121, a second support arm 10122, and a second connecting member 10123. The second connecting member 10123 is located between the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122, and is rotationally connected to the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122. In the present application, when the second connecting member 10123 is rotationally connected to the second swing arm 10121 and the first support arm 10112, the configuration may be similar to the above-described configuration of the first connecting member 10113 rotationally connected to the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122. For example, reference may be made to FIG10 , which may also be used to illustrate the structure of the second connecting member 10123 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The second connecting member 10123 may include a third rotating shaft 101231 and a fourth rotating shaft 101232, wherein the axis of the third rotating shaft 101231 is parallel to and does not overlap with the axis of the fourth rotating shaft 101232. The second connecting member 10123 and the second swing arm 10121 may be rotatably connected via the third rotating shaft 101231, and the second connecting member 10123 and the second support arm 10122 may be rotatably connected via the fourth rotating shaft 101232, thereby allowing the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 to perform a pulling motion with each other via the second connecting member 10123.
[0108] In addition, referring to Figure 6 , the spindle 102 may be provided with a second trajectory groove 1024, along which the second connecting member 10123 can move, thereby limiting the movement trajectory of the second connecting member 10123. Specifically, referring to Figure 7 , the base 1021 may be provided with a third arcuate groove 10213, in which the second connecting member 10123 is accommodated and can slide along the groove surface of the third arcuate groove 10213. Furthermore, referring to Figure 8 , the cover 1022 includes a third protrusion 10224, which may be positioned toward the third arcuate groove 10213 of the base 1021 in Figure 7 . A gap exists between the surface 102241 of the third protrusion and the groove surface 102131 of the third arcuate groove, serving as the second trajectory groove 1024.
[0109] In the present application, as shown in FIG10 , the second connecting member 10123 may include a third curved surface 101233 and a fourth curved surface 101234. When the electronic device is in the expanded state and the closed state, the third curved surface 101233 of the second connecting member 10123 may abut against the surface 102241 of the third protrusion, and the fourth curved surface 101234 may abut against the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove, so that the surface 102241 of the third protrusion and the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove restrict the second connecting member 10123 to the second track groove 1024. This ensures that the position of the second connecting member 10123 is relatively stable when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the expanded state and the closed state, and does not cause virtual position shaking, thereby improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 in the above two states.
[0110] In the embodiment of the present application, the third curved surface 101233 of the second connecting member 10123 can be configured with reference to the first curved surface 101133 of the first connecting member 10113, and the fourth curved surface 101234 can be configured with reference to the second curved surface 101134 of the first connecting member 10113, which will not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the second track groove 1024 can be configured with reference to the first track groove 1023. In short, the spacing between the surface 102241 of the third protrusion and the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove is equal at all locations, so that the second track groove 1024 is a groove of uniform width. In this case, during the process of the electronic device moving from the expanded state to the closed state, and vice versa, the surface 102241 of the third protrusion and the third curved surface 101233, as well as the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove and the fourth curved surface 101234, are always in contact. Thus, when the electronic device moves from the expanded state to the closed state and from the closed state to the expanded state, the movement trajectory of the second connecting member 10123 within the second trajectory groove 1024 is the same. Alternatively, when the electronic device moves from the expanded state to the closed state, the third curved surface 101233 abuts against the surface 102241 of the third protruding portion, and a gap exists between the fourth curved surface 101234 and the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove. When the electronic device moves from the closed state to the expanded state, the fourth curved surface 101234 abuts against the groove surface 102131 of the third curved groove, and a gap exists between the third curved surface 101233 and the surface 102241 of the third protruding portion. This ensures that the movement trajectory of the second connecting member 10123 when the electronic device moves from the expanded state to the closed state is different from the movement trajectory of the second connecting member 10123 when the electronic device moves from the closed state to the expanded state.
[0111] In the present application, the second swing arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102. The second swing arm 10121 and the main shaft 102 can be rotatably connected via a virtual axis. In a specific implementation, as shown in FIG7 , the base 1021 can be provided with a fourth arcuate groove 10214. In addition, referring to FIG4 and FIG15 , FIG15 can also be used to illustrate the structure of the second swing arm 10121. A second arcuate rotating block 101211 is provided at one end of the second swing arm 10121 facing the base 1021. The second arcuate rotating block 101211 can be, but is not limited to, a circular arcuate rotating block, and the fourth arcuate groove 10214 can be, but is not limited to, a circular arcuate groove. The second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 can be accommodated in the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214 and can slide along the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214, thereby achieving the rotation of the second swing arm 10121 about the base 1021 through the sliding of the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 along the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214. This can help reduce the space occupied by the second swing arm 10121 on the main shaft 102, thereby helping to reduce the volume of the rotating module 101, so as to achieve a miniaturized design of the hinge mechanism 1. It is understandable that for an outward-folding electronic device, when the second swing arm 10121 is rotationally connected to the main shaft 102 via a virtual axis, the axis of rotation of the second swing arm 10121 about the main shaft 102 is located on the side of the hinge mechanism facing away from the flexible display screen.
[0112] Furthermore, in the present application, the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped rotating block, and the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped groove. It is understood that when the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 is a circular arc-shaped rotating block, its surface for contact with the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214 may be a circular arc surface, and the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214 may also be a circular arc surface, with the centers of the two circular arc surfaces coinciding.
[0113] In the present application, in order to improve the stability of the second swing arm 10121 rotating about the main axis 102, as shown in FIG8 , the cover plate 1022 further includes a fourth protrusion 10225 disposed toward the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214. At least a portion of the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 is located between the fourth protrusion 10225 and the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214, and the surface of the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 facing the fourth protrusion 10225 can contact the surface 102251 of the fourth protrusion, thereby confining the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 between the cover plate 1022 and the base 1021. This can effectively improve the stability of the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 rotating relative to the base 1021. Furthermore, when the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove 10214 is an arcuate surface, the portion of the surface 102251 of the fourth protrusion that contacts the second arcuate rotating block 101211 may also be an arcuate surface, with the centers of the two arcuate surfaces coinciding. In the present application, the surface of the second arcuate rotating block 101211 facing the fourth protrusion 10225 may be a flat surface or an arcuate surface, as long as the second arcuate rotating block 101211 can rotate relative to the fourth protrusion 10225 while sliding along the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove 10214.
[0114] To enhance the reliability of the connection between the second swing arm 10121 and the base 1021, the second arcuate rotating block 101211 may also be provided with a second recessed portion 1012111, the opening of which faces the cover plate 1022. Furthermore, the end of the cover plate 1022 facing the second housing fixing frame 1014 may be provided with a second plug-in portion. In the closed state, the second plug-in portion may be inserted into the second recessed portion 1012111, with the surface of the second plug-in portion facing the fourth arcuate slot 10214 abutting at least partially against the surface of the second recessed portion 1012111. This limits the rotational position of the second arcuate rotating block 101211, thereby preventing the second arcuate rotating block 101211 from dislodging from the fourth arcuate slot 10214.
[0115] It's worth noting that, in this application, in addition to being rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a virtual shaft, the second swing arm 10121 can also be rotatably connected via a solid shaft, which provides a more reliable connection between the first swing arm 10111 and the main shaft 102. For outward-folding electronic devices, when the second swing arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 102 via a solid shaft, the axis of rotation of the second swing arm 10121 around the main shaft 102 is also located on the side of the hinge mechanism facing away from the flexible display.
[0116] When the second connecting member 10123 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 10121 through the third rotating shaft 101231, reference can be continued to Figure 15. The second arc-shaped rotating block 101211 is provided with a second mounting groove 1012112, and the groove opening of the second mounting groove 1012112 is set toward the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214. Then the third rotating shaft 101231 can be installed in the second mounting groove 1012112, and part of the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 can contact the groove surface of the second mounting groove 1012112, and part of the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 is in contact with the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214, so as to limit the third rotating shaft 101231 to the second mounting groove 1012112.
[0117] As shown in FIG15 , in the present application, the groove surface of the second mounting groove 1012112 may include a fifth arcuate surface 10121121, and as shown in FIG10 , the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 that contacts the groove surface of the second mounting groove 1012112 is a sixth arcuate surface 1012311, and the center of the fifth arcuate surface 10121121 coincides with the center of the sixth arcuate surface 1012311. Furthermore, the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove 10214 is a seventh arcuate surface 102141, and the surface of the third rotating shaft 101231 that contacts the groove surface of the fourth arcuate groove 10214 may be an eighth arcuate surface 1012312, and the center of the seventh arcuate surface 102141 coincides with the center of the eighth arcuate surface 1012312. In this way, while the third rotating shaft 101231 slides along the groove surface of the fourth arc-shaped groove 10214 with the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211, the third rotating shaft 101231 can also be rotated relative to the second arc-shaped rotating block 101211, thereby facilitating the movement of the second connecting member 10123 relative to the main shaft 102.
[0118] In the embodiment of the present application, when the second connecting member 10123 and the second support arm 10122 are rotatably connected through the fourth rotating shaft 101232, the fourth rotating shaft 101232 can be simultaneously passed through the second connecting member 10123 and the second support arm 10122. Then, the connection method between the second connecting member 10123 and the second support arm 10122 is relatively simple, which is conducive to simplifying the structure of the second rotating component 1012, thereby simplifying the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.
[0119] It is understood that in the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the second connecting member 10123 may include a plurality of second sub-connecting members that are rotatably connected in sequence. In addition, the plurality of second sub-connecting members may be located between the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122, so that the second swing arm 10121 can be rotatably connected to the adjacent second sub-connecting member, and the second support arm 10122 can be rotatably connected to the adjacent second sub-connecting member. The manner in which the second swing arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the adjacent second sub-connecting member, and the manner in which the second support arm 10122 is rotatably connected to the adjacent second sub-connecting member, can be specifically set with reference to the above description of the rotatable connection between the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 and the second connecting member 10123, and will not be described in detail here. In the present application, by setting the second connecting member 10123 as a plurality of second sub-connecting members that are rotatably connected in sequence, so that the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 are rotatably connected through the plurality of second sub-connecting members, the speed uniformity of the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 during the rotation around the main axis 102 can be effectively improved, thereby improving the smoothness of the mutual pulling movement of the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122.
[0120] Referring to Figure 16, which is a schematic diagram of the motion mechanism of the hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, based on the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the above embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device moves from an unfolded state to a closed state, the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 move toward each other. When the first housing fixing frame 1013 drives the first swing arm 10111 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102, the first swing arm 10111 can slide along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove 10212, thereby driving the first connecting member 10113 to move toward the first swing arm 10111 within the first track groove 1023 of the main shaft 102. Because the first connecting member 10113 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 10112, the first connecting member 10113 can drive the first support arm 10112 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102 during the process of moving toward the first swing arm 10111 in the first track groove 1023 of the main shaft 102, thereby driving the second shell fixing frame 1014 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102 through the first support arm 10112. During the process of the electronic device moving from a closed state to an unfolded state, the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014 move in opposite directions. When the first shell fixing frame 1013 drives the first swing arm 10111 to rotate counterclockwise around the main axis 102, the first swing arm 10111 can drive the first connecting member 10113 to move toward the first support arm 10112 in the first track groove 1023 of the main axis 102, thereby driving the first support arm 10112 to rotate clockwise around the main axis 102, so as to drive the second shell fixing frame 1014 to rotate clockwise around the main axis 102 through the first support arm 10112, thereby realizing the folding and unfolding function of the hinge mechanism 1.
[0121] Through the above structural relationship, the cross-section of the first connecting member 10113 can be made smaller to allow it to pass through the first track groove 1023 of the main shaft 102. At the same time, because the first connecting member 10113 has a sufficient length extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis and is connected to the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 respectively, the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be guaranteed. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft 102 and the thickness of the entire device can be reduced while maintaining the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1, making the entire hinge mechanism 1 light, thin and reliable.
[0122] In addition, since the first connecting member 10113 can move along a set trajectory within the first trajectory groove 1023, uncontrolled movement of the first connecting member 10113 during the entire folding and unfolding process can be avoided, thereby preventing random movement of the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014, thereby ensuring the structural and motion stability of the entire hinge mechanism 1. In some cases, through reasonable design of the first trajectory groove 1023, the outer tangent of the hinge mechanism 1 can also maintain a constant length throughout the entire folding and unfolding process, thereby ensuring that the flexible display covering the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can also maintain a substantially constant length. In this way, squeezing or pulling of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display, and thus improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.
[0123] Referring again to Figure 4 , in this embodiment of the present application, the second rotating assembly 1012 can also be located between the first housing mount 1013 and the second housing mount 1014. The second swing arm 10121 can be slidably connected to the second housing mount 1014. Specifically, the second housing mount 1014 is provided with a second slide groove 10141, spaced apart from the second mounting portion 10142 along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. The second slide groove 10141 extends in a second direction, and the second swing arm 10121 can be mounted in the second slide groove 10141 and slide within the second slide groove 10141 in the second direction. The second direction can be the direction in which the second housing mount 1014 moves toward or away from the base 1021. Furthermore, to prevent the second swing arm 10121 from falling out of the second slide groove 10141, a second slideway can be provided on the wall of the second slide groove 10141, and a second slider can be provided on the second swing arm 10121. In this way, the second slider can be locked in the second slideway and slide along the second slideway to limit the second swing arm 10121 in the second slide groove 10141. In addition, by providing the second slideway on the groove wall of the second slide groove 10141, it can provide a guide for the second swing arm 10121 to slide along the second slide groove 10141, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the second swing arm 10121.
[0124] In addition, the second support arm 10122 can be rotatably connected to the first housing fixing frame 1013. In a specific embodiment, the first housing fixing frame 1013 has a first mounting portion 10132, which is spaced apart from the first slide groove 10131 along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. The end of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 is mounted on the first mounting portion 10132, and the end of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 is rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 10132.
[0125] In the embodiment of the present application, the specific manner in which the end portion of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 is rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 10132 is not limited. For example, with continued reference to FIG. 4 , the first mounting portion 10132 may be provided with a third mounting hole, while the end portion of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 is provided with a fourth mounting hole. In this case, the end portion of the second support arm 10122 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013 may be rotatably connected to the first mounting portion 10132 via a rotating shaft that extends through both the third mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole.
[0126] Based on the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the above-described embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device moves from an open state to a closed state, the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 move toward each other. When the second housing fixing frame 1014 drives the second swing arm 10121 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102, the second swing arm 10121 can drive the second connecting member 10123 to move toward the second swing arm 10121 within the second track groove 1024 of the main shaft 102. Because the second connecting member 10123 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 10122, when the second connecting member 10123 moves toward the second swing arm 10121 within the second track groove 1024 of the main shaft 102, it can drive the second support arm 10122 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102, thereby driving the first housing fixing frame 1013 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102 through the second support arm 10122. When the electronic device moves from the closed state to the unfolded state, the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 move in opposite directions. When the second housing fixing frame 1014 drives the second swing arm 10121 to rotate clockwise around the main shaft 102, the second swing arm 10121 can drive the second connecting member 10123 to move within the second track groove 1024 of the main shaft 102 toward the second support arm 10122, thereby driving the second support arm 10122 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102. The second support arm 10122 drives the first housing fixing frame 1013 to rotate counterclockwise around the main shaft 102, thereby realizing the folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism 1.
[0127] The above-described structural relationship allows the cross-section of the second connecting member 10123 to be made smaller so that it can be inserted into the second track groove 1024 of the main shaft 102. At the same time, because the second connecting member 10123 has a sufficient length extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis and is connected to the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122, respectively, the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1 can be ensured. In this way, the thickness of the main shaft 102 and the entire device can be reduced while maintaining the reliability of the hinge mechanism 1, making the entire hinge mechanism 1 light, thin, and reliable.
[0128] Since the second connecting member 10123 can move along a set trajectory, uncontrolled movement of the second connecting member 10123 during the entire folding and unfolding process can be avoided, thereby preventing random movement of the first shell fixing frame 1013 and the second shell fixing frame 1014, thereby ensuring the structural and motion stability of the entire hinge mechanism 1. In some cases, through reasonable design of the second trajectory groove 1024, the outer tangent of the hinge mechanism 1 can also maintain a constant length throughout the entire folding and unfolding process, thereby ensuring that the flexible display covering the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 can also maintain a substantially constant length. In this way, squeezing or pulling of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display, and thus improving the structural reliability of the electronic device.
[0129] Referring to Figure 17, Figure 17 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application, and the main shaft is omitted in Figure 17 to facilitate the description of the mutual pulling movement relationship between the first rotating component 1011 and the second rotating component 1012. In the present application, the first swing arm 10111 is slidably connected to the first shell fixing frame 1013, and the first support arm 10112 is rotatably connected to the second shell fixing frame 1014. The first swing arm 10111 can pull the first support arm 10112 to move along a set trajectory through the first connecting member 10113; the second swing arm 10121 is slidably connected to the second shell fixing frame 1014, and the second support arm 10122 is rotatably connected to the first shell fixing frame 1013. The second swing arm 10121 can pull the second support arm 10122 to move along a set trajectory through the second connecting member 10123. This limits the distances of movement of the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 toward or away from the main axis 102, ensuring that the distances between the first housing fixing frame 1013 and the second housing fixing frame 1014 and the main axis 102 are equal when the electronic device is in any folded state. Furthermore, the distances of movement of the first housing fixing frame 1013 relative to the main axis 102 and the distances of movement of the second housing fixing frame 1014 relative to the main axis 102 can be equal when the electronic device moves from an unfolded state to a closed state, and vice versa. Consequently, when the hinge mechanism 1 is applied to an electronic device as shown in FIG. 2 b , the extended length of the support surface formed by the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge mechanism 1 in the unfolded state can be adapted to the flattened length of the flexible display. Furthermore, when the electronic device is in the closed state, the foldable portion of the flexible display can be folded to meet the requirements. This prevents deformation of the flexible display and reduces the compression or tensile stress on the flexible display, thereby extending the service life of the flexible display and improving the reliability of the electronic device.
[0130] After introducing the rotating module of the hinge mechanism, the damping module is further described in detail below. It should be understood that the above embodiment is only one possible implementation method of the rotating module for realizing the folding and unfolding functions of the electronic device. In other embodiments, the rotating module can also be implemented in other ways. The damping module involved in the embodiments of this application is applicable to any hinge mechanism in which the swing arm of the rotating module is slidably connected to the housing fixing frame.
[0131] Referring again to FIG. 4 , in the embodiment of the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 may include one damping module or multiple damping modules. When the hinge mechanism 1 includes one damping module, the damping module may be provided corresponding to one of the rotation modules 101 of the hinge mechanism. When the hinge mechanism includes multiple damping modules, the multiple damping modules may be arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1, and the multiple damping modules may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple rotation modules 101 of the hinge mechanism 1.
[0132] In this embodiment, the damping module may include a first damping component 1031 and a second damping component 1032. The first damping component 1031 and the second damping component 1032 are respectively arranged on both sides of the main shaft, and the first damping component 1031 is arranged corresponding to the first rotating component 1011, and the second damping component 1032 is arranged corresponding to the second rotating component 1012.
[0133] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of another partial structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the damping module 103 according to an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a partial exploded structure of the damping module 103 according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figures 18 to 20 , in this embodiment of the present application, the first damping assembly 1031 may include a first cam 10311, a second cam 10312, a first elastic member 10313, and a first stopper 10314. The first cam 10311 can be arranged on one side of the first swing arm 10111 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, and the first cam 10311 has a first cam surface 103111 on the side away from the first swing arm 10111; the second cam 10312 can be arranged on the side of the first cam 10311 away from the first swing arm 10111, and the second cam 10312 is slidably arranged on the first shell fixing frame 1013 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, and the second cam 10312 has a side facing the first cam 10311. The second cam surface 103121; the first limit block 10314 is arranged on the side of the second cam 10312 away from the first swing arm 10111, and the first limit block 10314 is fixed to the first shell fixing frame 1013; the first elastic member 10313 is limited between the second cam 10312 and the first limit block 10314, thereby applying an elastic force to the second cam 10312, so that the second cam surface 103121 of the second cam 10312 abuts against the first cam surface 103111 of the first cam 10311.
[0134] In a specific implementation, the first cam 10311 can be fixed to the side of the first swing arm 10111 by bonding, welding, or riveting. Alternatively, the first cam 10311 can be integrally formed with the first swing arm 10111. It can also be understood that the first cam surface 103111 can be directly formed on the side of the first swing arm 10111, which helps to simplify the manufacturing and assembly process of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.
[0135] In this embodiment, the first shell fixing frame 1013 may be provided with a first limiting groove 10133, which may extend along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, and the first limiting groove 10133 has a first opening 101331 set toward the first swing arm 10111. At this time, the first limiting block 10314 can be fixed in the first limiting groove 10133, and the second cam 10312 can be slidably set in the first limiting groove 10133, and the second cam surface 103121 of the second cam 10312 can be abutted against the first cam surface 103111 of the first cam 10311 through the first opening 101331. In this way, on the one hand, the first limiting groove 10133 can be used to limit the moving direction of the second cam 10312 driven by the first elastic member 10313, thereby improving the structural stability and reliability of the first damping assembly 1031. On the other hand, the second cam 10312 and the first shell fixing frame 1013 can be overlapped or partially overlapped in the thickness direction of the hinge mechanism 1, thereby reducing the thickness of the hinge mechanism 1, and further helping to achieve a lightweight design for electronic devices using the hinge mechanism 1.
[0136] In one implementation, the groove wall of the first limiting groove 10133 opposite to the side where the first opening 101331 is located can be formed as a first limiting block 10314, that is, the first limiting block 10314 and the first shell fixing frame 1013 are an integrated structure, which can simplify the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 and improve the structural compactness of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.
[0137] In another implementation, the first limiting block 10314 can also be fixed in the first limiting groove 10133 by bonding, welding, or riveting, for example, it can be fixed to the side of the first limiting groove 10133 opposite to the side where the first opening 101331 is located. This design of making the first limiting block 10314 and the first shell fixing frame 1013 independent of each other can reduce the difficulty of manufacturing the first limiting block 10314 and the first shell fixing frame 1013, thereby helping to reduce the manufacturing cost of the hinge mechanism 1.
[0138] Continuing with reference to Figures 18 to 20, in the embodiment of the present application, the groove wall of the first limiting groove 10133 may be provided with a first guide groove 101332, which extends along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. A first guide block 103122 may be provided on the side of the second cam 10312, which is located within the first guide groove 101332 and can slide within the first guide groove 101332. The cooperation between the first guide block 103122 and the first guide groove 101332 can not only limit the sliding direction of the second cam 10312 within the first limiting groove 10133, but also provide guidance for the sliding of the second cam 10312 within the first limiting groove 10133, thereby reducing the risk of the second cam 10312 slipping within the first limiting groove 10133 and improving the movement stability of the second cam 10312.
[0139] In a specific implementation, the two side groove walls of the first limiting groove 10133 can be respectively provided with first guide grooves 101332, and accordingly, the two side surfaces of the second cam 10312 can be respectively provided with first guide blocks 103122, so that the second cam 10312 can be guided and limited by utilizing the cooperation of the guide blocks and the guide grooves on both sides of the second cam 10312, thereby further improving the movement stability of the second cam 10312. In addition, a first avoidance groove 10134 can be further provided on the first shell fixing frame 1013, and the first avoidance groove 10134 is connected to the first guide groove 101332. When the first cam 10311 is installed in the first limiting groove 10133, the first avoidance groove 10134 can avoid the first guide block 103122 of the second cam 10312, so that the first guide block 103122 of the second cam 10312 passes through the first avoidance groove 10134 and smoothly enters the first guide groove 101332, thereby reducing the difficulty of installing the second cam 10312 in the first shell fixing frame 1013.
[0140] Continuing with reference to Figures 18 to 20, in some embodiments, the first elastic member 10313 may be a spring. The number of springs can be set based on the required damping force provided by the first damping assembly 1031 and other parameters such as the space within the rotating shaft mechanism 1. For example, the figure shows two springs, which can be arranged in parallel between the second cam 10312 and the first stop block 10314. Furthermore, the first damping assembly 1031 may further include a first guide post 10315 corresponding to each spring. The first guide post 10315 may be fixed to the side of the first stop block 10314 facing the second cam 10312, or to the side of the second cam 10312 facing the first stop block 10314, although this is not a limitation in this application. The first guide posts 10315 extend axially along the rotating shaft mechanism 1, and the springs can be mounted on the corresponding first guide posts 10315 to reduce the risk of spring displacement during elastic deformation.
[0141] Of course, in some other embodiments, the first elastic member 10313 may also be a spring sheet, and the number of spring sheets may be multiple, and the multiple spring sheets may be stacked between the second cam 10312 and the first limiting block 10314 .
[0142] In a specific implementation, a first groove (not shown) may be provided on the side of the second cam 10312 facing the first housing fixing frame 1013, and a second groove 10135 may be provided on the first housing fixing frame 1013 at a position corresponding to the first groove. After the second cam 10312 is mounted on the first housing fixing frame 1013, the first groove and the second groove 10135 may together form a space, and the first elastic member 10313 may be disposed within the space. It should be understood that when the first housing fixing frame 1013 is provided with the first limiting groove 10133, the second groove 10135 may specifically be disposed on the bottom wall of the first limiting groove 10133.
[0143] Through the above design, the space formed by the first groove and the second groove 10135 can be used to limit the first elastic member 10313, and since the space is formed by the two grooves, the depths of the two grooves are relatively small. In this way, the thickness of the second cam 10312 and the first shell fixing frame 1013 can be appropriately reduced without affecting the structural strength of the second cam 10312 and the first shell fixing frame 1013, thereby helping to reduce the overall thickness of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.
[0144] In the embodiment of the present application, the first cam surface 103111 and the second cam surface 103121 may include multiple protrusions and recessed portions. When the inclined surfaces of the protrusions of the two cam surfaces contact each other, a damping force may be generated between the two cam surfaces to prevent the two cam surfaces from continuing to rotate relative to each other. By rationally designing the curved profiles of the first cam surface 103111 and the second cam surface 103121, during the closing process of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, as the first swing arm 10111 rotates, the first cam 10311 can push the second cam 10312 toward the first limit block 10314, thereby compressing the first elastic member 10313, so that the user can obtain a more obvious operating feel and enhance the user experience; during the expansion process of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, the first elastic member 10313 gradually rebounds in the compressed state and releases the accumulated elastic potential energy, thereby pushing the second cam 10312 to slide toward the first cam 10311, so that the second cam 10312 can apply a torque to the first cam 10311 and the first swing arm 10111 to assist their rotation, thereby providing a certain expansion assist for the rotating shaft mechanism 1, thereby reducing the difficulty of the expansion operation of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.
[0145] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present application, through the appropriate design of the first cam surface 103111 and the second cam surface 103121, the first cam 10311 and the first swing arm 10111 can be made to hover at a set angle, thereby enabling the first rotating assembly to hover. When the hinge mechanism 1 is applied to an electronic device, the hovering design of the first rotating assembly can be used to position the electronic device in some intermediate positions, thereby further improving the user experience.
[0146] Referring again to Figures 18 to 20, similar to the structure of the first damping assembly 1031, when specifically setting the second damping assembly 1032, the second damping assembly may include a third cam 10321, a fourth cam 10322, a second elastic member 10323, and a second limit block 10324. The third cam 10321 may be arranged on one side of the second swing arm 10121 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, and the third cam 10321 has a third cam surface 103211 on the side facing away from the second swing arm 10121; the fourth cam 10322 may be arranged on the side of the third cam 10321 facing away from the second swing arm 10121, and the fourth cam 10322 is slidably arranged on the second housing fixing frame along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, and the fourth cam 10322 has a third cam surface 103211 on the side facing the third cam 10321. Four cam surfaces 103221; the second limit block 10324 is arranged on the side of the fourth cam 10322 away from the second swing arm 10121, and the second limit block 10324 is fixed to the second shell fixing frame; the second elastic member 10323 is limited between the fourth cam 10322 and the second limit block 10324, thereby applying elastic force to the fourth cam 10322, so that the fourth cam surface 103221 of the fourth cam 10322 abuts against the third cam surface 103211 of the third cam 10321.
[0147] In a specific implementation, the third cam 10321 and the second swing arm 10121 can be an integral structure, so that the side surface of the second swing arm 10121 forms the third cam surface 103211 of the third cam 10321. Alternatively, the third cam 10321 can also be fixed to the side surface of the second swing arm 10121 by bonding, welding, or riveting.
[0148] The second housing fixing frame may be provided with a second limiting groove arranged along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism. The second limiting groove has a second opening arranged toward the second swing arm. The second limiting block 10324 may be fixed in the second limiting groove. The fourth cam 10322 may be slidably disposed in the second limiting groove. The fourth cam surface 103221 of the fourth cam 10322 may abut against the third cam surface 103211 of the third cam 10321 through the second opening. In this manner, the second limiting groove can be used to restrict the movement direction of the fourth cam 10322 under the drive of the second elastic member 10323, thereby improving the structural stability and reliability of the second damping assembly 1032. Furthermore, the fourth cam 10322 can overlap or partially overlap with the second housing fixing frame in the thickness direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, thereby reducing the thickness of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 and contributing to achieving a lightweight and thin design for electronic devices employing the rotating shaft mechanism 1.
[0149] In one implementation, the second limiting block 10324 and the second housing fixing frame may be an integral structure. For example, the groove wall of the second limiting groove opposite to the side where the second opening is located may be formed as the second limiting block 10324. In another implementation, the second limiting block 10324 may be fixed in the second limiting groove by bonding, welding, or riveting, for example, it may be fixed to the side of the second limiting groove opposite to the side where the second opening is located.
[0150] In an embodiment of the present application, the groove wall of the second limiting groove may be provided with a second guide groove extending along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the side of the fourth cam 10322 may be provided with a second guide block 103222, and the second guide block 103222 is slidably set in the second guide groove, so that the sliding direction of the fourth cam 10322 in the second limiting groove is limited by the cooperation between the second guide block 103222 and the second guide groove, and guidance is provided for the sliding of the fourth cam 10322, thereby reducing the risk of the fourth cam 10322 slipping in the second limiting groove and improving the movement stability of the fourth cam 10322.
[0151] In addition, a second avoidance groove can be provided on the second shell fixing frame, and the second avoidance groove is connected to the second guide groove. When the fourth cam 10322 is installed in the second limit groove, the second avoidance groove can avoid the second guide block 103222 of the fourth cam 10322, so that the second guide block 103222 of the fourth cam 10322 can smoothly enter the second guide groove, reducing the difficulty of installing the fourth cam 10322 on the second shell fixing frame.
[0152] Continuing with Figures 18 to 20 , in this embodiment of the present application, the second elastic member 10323 may be a spring. The number of springs can be set based on the required damping force provided by the second damping assembly 1032 and other parameters such as the space within the rotating shaft mechanism 1. The figures illustrate a case where the second elastic member 10323 includes two springs, which can be arranged in parallel between the fourth cam 10322 and the second stop block 10324. Furthermore, the second damping assembly 1032 may further include a second guide post 10325, one corresponding to each spring. Each second guide post 10325 may be fixed to the side of the second stop block 10324 facing the fourth cam 10322, or to the side of the fourth cam 10322 facing the second stop block 10324, although this is not a limitation of the present application. The second guide posts 10325 extend axially along the rotating shaft mechanism 1, and the springs can be sleeved onto the corresponding second guide posts 10325 to reduce the risk of spring displacement during elastic deformation.
[0153] In some other embodiments, the second elastic member 10323 may also be a spring sheet, and the number of spring sheets may be multiple, and the multiple spring sheets may be stacked between the fourth cam 10322 and the second limiting block 10324 .
[0154] In one specific implementation, a third groove may be provided on the side of the fourth cam 10322 facing the second housing mount, and a fourth groove may be provided on the second housing mount at a position corresponding to the third groove. After the fourth cam 10322 is mounted on the second housing mount, the third and fourth grooves together form a space within which the second elastic member 10323 may be positioned. It should be understood that when the second housing mount is provided with a second retaining groove, the fourth groove may be specifically provided on the bottom wall of the first retaining groove. With this design, the space formed by the third and fourth grooves can be used to retain the second elastic member 10323. Since the space is formed by the two grooves, the depths of both grooves are relatively small. This allows the thickness of the fourth cam 10322 and the second housing mount to be appropriately reduced without compromising the structural strength of the fourth cam 10322 and the second housing mount, thereby helping to reduce the overall thickness of the hinge mechanism 1.
[0155] In the embodiment of the present application, the third cam surface 103211 and the fourth cam surface 103221 may include multiple protrusions and recessed portions. When the inclined surfaces of the protrusions of the two cam surfaces contact each other, a damping force may be generated between the two cam surfaces to prevent the two cam surfaces from continuing to rotate relative to each other. By reasonably designing the curved profiles of the third cam surface 103211 and the fourth cam surface 103221, during the closing process of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, as the second swing arm 10121 rotates, the third cam 10321 can push the fourth cam 10322 toward the second limit block 10324, thereby compressing the second elastic member 10323, so that the user can obtain a more obvious operating feel and enhance the user experience; during the expansion process of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, the second elastic member 10323 gradually rebounds in the compressed state and releases the accumulated elastic potential energy, thereby pushing the fourth cam 10322 to slide toward the third cam 10321, so that the fourth cam 10322 can apply a torque to the third cam 10321 and the second swing arm 10121 to assist their rotation, thereby providing a certain expansion assistance for the rotating shaft mechanism 1, thereby reducing the difficulty of the expansion operation of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.
[0156] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present application, through the appropriate design of the third cam surface 103211 and the fourth cam surface 103221, the third cam 10321 and the second swing arm 10121 can be made to hover at a set angle, thereby enabling the second rotating assembly to hover. When the hinge mechanism 1 is applied to an electronic device, the hovering design of the second rotating assembly can be used to position the electronic device in some intermediate positions, thereby further improving the user experience.
[0157] FIG21 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of another damping module provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG21 , in this embodiment of the present application, the damping module may also include a first damping assembly 1031 and a second damping assembly 1032. The structures of the first damping assembly 1031 and the second damping assembly 1032 may be designed with reference to the description in the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.
[0158] Unlike the previous embodiment, in this embodiment, there are two first damping assemblies 1031 and two second damping assemblies 1032, respectively. The two first damping assemblies 1031 can be symmetrically arranged on either side of the first swing arm 10111 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, thereby balancing the forces on both sides of the first swing arm 10111, reducing the risk of the first swing arm 10111 getting stuck, and improving the movement reliability of the first swing arm 10111. Similarly, the two second damping assemblies 1032 can be symmetrically arranged on either side of the second swing arm 10121 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, thereby balancing the forces on both sides of the second swing arm 10121, reducing the risk of the second swing arm 10121 getting stuck, and improving the movement reliability of the second swing arm 10121.
[0159] 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 rotating shaft mechanism, characterized in that: The invention comprises a main shaft, a first housing fixing frame, a second housing fixing frame, a rotating module and a damping module, wherein the first housing fixing frame and the second housing fixing frame are respectively arranged on both sides of the main shaft, wherein: The rotating module comprises a first swing arm and a second swing arm, the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first housing fixing frame, the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second swing arm is slidably connected to the second housing fixing frame; The damping module comprises a first damping component and a second damping component, the first damping component comprises a first cam, a second cam, a first elastic member and a first limit block, the first cam is arranged on one side of the first swing arm along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the second cam is located on the side of the first cam away from the first swing arm, and the second cam is slidably arranged on the first housing fixing frame along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the cam surface of the second cam abuts against the cam surface of the first cam, the first limit block is located on the side of the second cam away from the first swing arm, and the first limit block is fixed to the first housing fixing frame, and both ends of the first elastic member are respectively connected to the second cam and abutting against the first limit block; the second damping assembly includes a third cam, a fourth cam, a second elastic member and a second limit block, the third cam being arranged on one side of the second swing arm along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the fourth cam being located on the side of the third cam away from the second swing arm, and the fourth cam being slidably arranged on the second shell fixing frame along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the cam surface of the fourth cam abutting against the cam surface of the third cam, the second limit block being located on the side of the fourth cam away from the second swing arm, and the second limit block being fixed to the second shell fixing frame, and the two ends of the second elastic member respectively abutting against the fourth cam and the second limit block.
2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first housing fixing frame is provided with a first limiting groove extending along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the first limiting groove has a first opening arranged toward the first swing arm, the first limiting block is fixed in the first limiting groove, the second cam is slidably arranged in the first limiting groove, and the cam surface of the second cam abuts against the cam surface of the first cam through the first opening; The second shell fixing frame is provided with a second limiting groove extending along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, the second limiting groove has a second opening arranged toward the second swing arm, the second limiting block is fixed in the second limiting groove, the fourth cam is slidably arranged in the second limiting groove, and the cam surface of the fourth cam abuts against the cam surface of the third cam through the second opening.
3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The groove wall of the first limiting groove arranged opposite to the first opening is formed as the first limiting block; A groove wall of the second limiting groove arranged opposite to the second opening is formed as the second limiting block.
4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The groove wall of the first limiting groove is provided with a first guide groove extending along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the second cam is provided with a first guide block, and the first guide block is slidably provided in the first guide groove; The groove wall of the second limiting groove is provided with a second guide groove extending along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the fourth cam is provided with a second guide block, and the second guide block is slidably arranged in the second guide groove.
5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: A first groove is provided on a side of the second cam facing the first housing fixing frame, a second groove is provided on the first housing fixing frame at a position corresponding to the first groove, and the first elastic member is located in a space enclosed by the first groove and the second groove; A third groove is provided on the side of the fourth cam facing the second shell fixing frame, a fourth groove is provided on the second shell fixing frame at a position corresponding to the third groove, and the second elastic member is located in a space enclosed by the third groove and the fourth groove.
6. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first cam and the first swing arm are an integral structure; and / or The second cam and the second swing arm are an integral structure.
7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The number of the first damping components in the damping module is two, and the two first damping components are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first swing arm along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism; The number of the second damping components in the damping module is two, and the two second damping components are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the second swing arm along the axial direction of the rotating shaft mechanism.
8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The rotating module further includes a first supporting arm, a second supporting arm, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member, wherein: The first support arm is rotatably connected to the second housing fixing frame, and the first connecting member is located between the first swing arm and the first support arm. The first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first swing arm, and the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first supporting arm; the main shaft is provided with a first track groove, and the first connecting member can move along the first track groove, so as to limit the movement track of the first connecting member through the first track groove; The second support arm is rotatably connected to the first shell fixing frame, the second connecting member is located between the second swing arm and the second support arm, the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second swing arm, and the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second support arm; the main shaft is provided with a second trajectory groove, and the second connecting member can move along the second trajectory groove to limit the movement trajectory of the second connecting member by the second trajectory groove.
9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: The main shaft comprises a base and a cover plate, wherein the base is provided with a first arc-shaped groove and a third arc-shaped groove; the cover plate is provided on the base, and the cover plate comprises a first protrusion arranged toward the first arc-shaped groove and a third protrusion arranged toward the third arc-shaped groove; The gap between the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove serves as the first track groove, the first connecting member includes a first arc-shaped surface and a second arc-shaped surface, and when the rotating shaft mechanism is in an expanded state and a closed state, the first arc-shaped surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and the second arc-shaped surface abuts against the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove; The gap between the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arcuate groove serves as the second trajectory groove. The second connecting member includes a third arcuate surface and a fourth arcuate surface. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in an expanded state and a closed state, the third arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and the fourth arcuate surface abuts against the groove surface of the third arcuate groove.
10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the rotating shaft mechanism changes from the expanded state to the closed state, the first arc surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and a gap exists between the second arc surface and the groove surface of the first arc groove; when the rotating shaft mechanism changes from the closed state to the expanded state, the second arc surface abuts against the groove surface of the first arc groove, and a gap exists between the first arc surface and the surface of the first protrusion; During the process of the rotating shaft mechanism changing from the expanded state to the closed state, the third arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and there is a gap between the fourth arcuate surface and the groove surface of the third arcuate groove; during the process of the rotating shaft mechanism changing from the closed state to the expanded state, the fourth arcuate surface abuts against the groove surface of the third arcuate groove, and there is a gap between the third arcuate surface and the surface of the third protrusion.
11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that: The distances between the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first arcuate groove are equal at all locations. When the rotating shaft mechanism changes from the expanded state to the closed state and from the closed state to the expanded state, the first arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the first protrusion, and the second arcuate surface abuts against the groove surface of the first arcuate groove; the distances between the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arcuate groove are equal at all locations. When the rotating shaft mechanism changes from the expanded state to the closed state and from the closed state to the expanded state, the third arcuate surface abuts against the surface of the third protrusion, and the fourth arcuate surface abuts against the groove surface of the third arcuate groove.
12. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first arc surface is an arc surface, the second arc surface is an arc surface, and the sum of the radius of the first arc surface and the radius of the second arc surface is equal to the distance between the surface of the first protrusion and the groove surface of the first arc groove; The third arcuate surface is an arcuate surface, the fourth arcuate surface is an arcuate surface, and the sum of the radius of the third arcuate surface and the radius of the fourth arcuate surface is equal to the distance between the surface of the third protrusion and the groove surface of the third arcuate groove.
13. An electronic device, characterized in that: The device comprises a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display screen, and a hinge mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The first shell and the second shell are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the rotating shaft 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.
Citation Information
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