Rotary shaft mechanism and foldable electronic device

By providing alternate guides on the first swing arm of the rotating shaft mechanism and cooperating with the sliding grooves on the door panel, the problem of the wide shaft cover and narrow door panel pin separation is solved, and the stable connection and precise motion control between the swing arm and the door panel are realized.

WO2025073196A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-04-10HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/CN2024/106627
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-10-07
Filing Date
2024-07-22
Publication Date
2025-04-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the case of wide shaft cover or narrow door panel, the pin on the swing arm may break away from the arc groove on the door panel, affecting the user experience.

Method used

By providing a first guide member and a second guide member on the first swing arm and cooperating with the corresponding slide grooves on the door panel, alternate overlap between the guide member and the door panel is realized, thereby ensuring an effective connection between the swing arm and the door panel.

Benefits of technology

It ensures that when the first swing arm is switched between the expanded and folded positions, the swing arm and the door panel always maintain an effective movable connection, avoiding disengagement, and improving the control accuracy of the door panel movement.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of electronic devices. Provided is a rotary shaft mechanism (100). The rotary shaft mechanism (100) comprises a base (101), a first swing arm (102) and a door panel (105), wherein the first swing arm (102) is rotationally connected to the base (101), the first swing arm (102) can rotate, relative to the base (101), between an unfolded position and a folded position, a guide assembly is provided on the first swing arm (102), and the guide assembly comprises a first guide member (106) and a second guide member (108); the door panel (105) is movably connected to the first swing arm (102) by means of the guide assembly; when the first swing arm (102) is in the unfolded position relative to the base (101), the door panel (105) is in lap joint with the first guide member (106); and when the first swing arm (102) is in the folded position relative to the base (101), the door panel (105) is in lap joint with the second guide member (108). The foldable electronic device comprises a first sub-housing (301), a second sub-housing (302) and the rotary shaft mechanism (100), wherein the first sub-housing (301) and the second sub-housing (302) can rotate relative to each other by means of the rotary shaft mechanism (100). When the first swing arm (102) switches between the unfolded position and the folded position, the first swing arm (102) and the door panel (105) always keep effective movable connection therebetween. Further provided is a foldable electronic device.
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Description

Hinge mechanism and foldable electronic device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on October 7, 2023, with application number 202311289049.9 and application name “Hinge Mechanism and Foldable Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a hinge mechanism and a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0003] With the development of technology, electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops have become increasingly popular. As user demands increase, foldable screen electronic devices have emerged to meet users' needs for large screens and the portability of electronic devices.

[0004] Foldable electronic devices utilize a flexible display and a hinge mechanism to achieve both unfolding and folding. The hinge mechanism includes a door panel. When the hinge mechanism is folded, the door panel clamps the foldable portion of the flexible display to form a teardrop angle. When the hinge mechanism is unfolded, the door panel supports the foldable portion of the flexible display, helping it to flatten.

[0005] The pivot mechanism also includes a shaft cover, a base, a connecting block, and a swing arm, wherein the base is fixedly connected to the shaft cover, and the swing arm is rotatably connected to the base. The swing arm and the connecting block can control the movement of the door panel. Usually, there is an arc-shaped groove on the door panel, and the pin at the end of the swing arm is inserted into the arc-shaped groove. During the expansion and folding process of the pivot mechanism, the pin is always in the arc-shaped groove. In the case where the shaft cover is wider and the door panel is narrower, the length of the arc-shaped groove becomes shorter due to the narrowing of the door panel, but the movement stroke of the pin at the end of the swing arm does not change. This may cause the pin to fall out of the arc-shaped groove during the expansion and folding process of the pivot mechanism, that is, the swing arm is separated from the door panel, affecting the user experience.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and a foldable electronic device to solve the technical problem that the pin on the swing arm will disengage from the arc groove on the door panel when there is a wide shaft cover and a narrow door panel.

[0008] The technical solution is as follows:

[0009] A first aspect of the present application provides a rotating shaft mechanism, comprising: a base, a first swing arm, and a door panel;

[0010] One end of the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the base, and the first swing arm can rotate relative to the base between an unfolded position and a folded position. The first swing arm is provided with a guide assembly, and the guide assembly includes a first guide member and a second guide member;

[0011] The door panel is movably connected to the first swing arm through the guide assembly;

[0012] Wherein, when the first swing arm is in the expanded position relative to the base, the door panel overlaps with the first guide member; when the first swing arm is in the folded position relative to the base, the door panel overlaps with the second guide member.

[0013] By adopting the above-mentioned scheme, the present application utilizes the first guide member and the second guide member to be set on the first swing arm so that the first swing arm can be overlapped with the door panel in an alternating manner, thereby ensuring that when the first swing arm is converted between the expanded position and the folded position, the first swing arm and the door panel always maintain an effective movable connection.

[0014] In some implementations, when the first swing arm is in the deployed position relative to the base, a distance between the first guide and the base is smaller than a distance between the second guide and the base.

[0015] By adopting the above scheme, when the first swing arm is in the expanded position relative to the base, the relative positions of the first guide member and the second guide member on the first swing arm are limited, so that the overlapping connection between the first guide member and the door panel can be connected to the overlapping connection between the second guide member and the door panel, thereby ensuring that the door panel and the first swing arm will not be separated when the first swing arm is converted between the expanded position and the folded position, which is conducive to precise control of the movement of the door panel.

[0016] In some implementations, when the first swing arm is in the deployed position relative to the base, a distance between a boundary line of the first guide member, as projected onto a set plane, that is closest to the base, and a boundary line of the second guide member, as projected onto the set plane, that is farthest from the base, is greater than either the first distance or the second distance.

[0017] The first distance is the width of the first guide member projected on the set plane in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the second distance is the width of the second guide member projected on the set plane in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism;

[0018] The setting plane is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the setting plane is parallel to the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0019] By adopting the above scheme, when the first swing arm is in the expanded position relative to the base, the first guide member and the second guide member are staggered in relative positions on the first swing arm in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, so that the first guide member and the second guide member can be converted to overlap with the door panel respectively, so as to ensure that the door panel and the first swing arm will not be separated.

[0020] In some implementations, when the first swing arm is in the extended position relative to the base, a projection of the first guide member in a set plane and a projection of the second guide member in the set plane are spaced apart in a width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism;

[0021] The setting plane is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the setting plane is parallel to the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0022] By adopting the above scheme, when the first swing arm is in the expanded position relative to the base, the first guide member and the second guide member are spaced apart in relative positions on the first swing arm in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism to ensure that the door panel and the first swing arm will not disengage.

[0023] In some implementations, the door panel is provided with a first sliding groove corresponding to the first guide member and a second sliding groove corresponding to the second guide member;

[0024] When the first swing arm is in the expanded position relative to the base, the first guide member is inserted into the first sliding groove;

[0025] When the first swing arm is in the folded position relative to the base, the second guide member is inserted into the second sliding groove.

[0026] By adopting the above solution, the first guide member and the second guide member are respectively inserted into their corresponding sliding grooves, so that it can be ensured that the door panel and the first swing arm will not be separated when the first swing arm moves.

[0027] In some implementations, the door panel includes a panel body and a first slot seat, the first slot seat is fixedly connected to the panel body, and the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are provided on the first slot seat;

[0028] The length direction of the plate body is parallel to the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0029] By adopting the above solution, a first slot seat is provided on the plate body so as to provide a first sliding groove and a second sliding groove respectively matched with the first guide member and the second guide member.

[0030] In some implementations, the first groove seat has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and a direction from the first side to the second side is parallel to a length direction of the plate body; wherein,

[0031] The first chute is located on the first side, and the second chute is located on the second side;

[0032] Alternatively, the first chute and the second chute are both located on the first side, and the first chute and the second chute are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the plate body;

[0033] Alternatively, the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are both located on the second side, and the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the plate body.

[0034] By adopting the above scheme, the first slide groove and the second slide groove are respectively arranged on the opposite sides of the first groove seat, or the first slide groove and the second slide groove are simultaneously arranged on either side of the first groove seat to adapt to different application scenarios, so as to ensure the accuracy of controlling the movement of the door panel.

[0035] In some implementations, the first slide groove is curved, and the second slide groove is curved.

[0036] By adopting the above solution, the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are curved, so that the door panel can move along with the first swing arm.

[0037] In some embodiments, both ends of the first chute in the longitudinal direction are open, and one end of the second chute in the longitudinal direction is closed.

[0038] By adopting the above solution, it is beneficial to accurately control the angle of the door panel.

[0039] In some implementations, the first sliding groove corresponds to one of the first guide members; and the second sliding groove corresponds to one of the second guide members.

[0040] By adopting the above scheme, the first slide groove is a non-circular groove, and the second slide groove is a non-circular groove. When the first slide groove cooperates with more than two first guide members, and the second slide groove cooperates with more than two second guide members, the movement of any two first guide members will produce interference, and the movement of any two second guide members will produce interference, so that a preset style of movement will not be generated between the door panel and the swing arm; therefore, the first slide groove only cooperates with one first guide member, and the second slide groove only cooperates with one second guide member, so as to ensure that the relative movement between the swing arm and the door panel meets the design requirements.

[0041] In some implementations, the first guide member and the second guide member are both columnar structures;

[0042] One end of the first guide member is fixedly connected to the first swing arm, and the other end of the first guide member opposite thereto can be inserted into the first sliding groove;

[0043] One end of the second guide member is fixedly connected to the first swing arm, and the other opposite end of the second guide member can be inserted into the second sliding groove.

[0044] By adopting the above solution, the first guide member and the second guide member adopt a columnar structure, so that the contact form between the first guide member and the first chute is a high pair, and the contact form between the second guide member and the second chute is a high pair.

[0045] In some implementations, a direction from one end of the first guide member to the other end opposite the first guide member is the same as a direction from one end of the second guide member to the other end opposite the second guide member;

[0046] Alternatively, a direction from one end of the first guide member to the other end opposite to the first guide member is opposite to a direction from one end of the second guide member to the other end opposite to the second guide member.

[0047] By adopting the above solution, the first guide member and the second guide member are arranged opposite to each other on the first swing arm, or the first guide member and the second guide member are arranged in the same direction on the first swing arm, so as to be suitable for different application scenarios.

[0048] In some implementations, the first swing arm has a recessed groove, and the first groove seat is located in the recessed groove; wherein,

[0049] The first guide member and the second guide member are respectively located on two different groove walls opposite to each other of the recessed groove; or, the first guide member and the second guide member are respectively located on the groove wall on the same side of the recessed groove.

[0050] By adopting the above solution, the guide assembly on the first swing arm can be matched with the door panel.

[0051] In some implementations, a radial cross-section of the columnar structure is circular or elliptical.

[0052] By adopting the above solution, it is beneficial to realize the movement of the first guide member and the second guide member in their respective corresponding slide grooves, and it is beneficial to reduce friction and increase the service life of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0053] In some implementations, the hinge mechanism further includes a connecting block, and the connecting block is rotatably connected to the door panel.

[0054] By adopting the above solution, the connecting block is rotatably connected to the door panel, so as to realize stable movement of the door panel.

[0055] In some implementations, the hinge mechanism further includes a second swing arm, the second swing arm being rotatably connected to the base, and the second swing arm being rotatable relative to the base between the unfolded position and the folded position;

[0056] The door panel is provided with a third sliding groove, the second swing arm is provided with a first pin shaft, and the first pin shaft is inserted into the third sliding groove.

[0057] By adopting the above solution, the second swing arm and the door panel are matched with the first pin shaft and the third slide groove. In this way, after the first swing arm and the second swing arm are matched, the movement of the door panel can be better controlled and the stability of the door panel movement can be ensured.

[0058] In some implementations, the second swing arm is further hinged to the connecting block via a second pin.

[0059] By adopting the above solution, the second swing arm is hinged to the connecting block, so as to facilitate the folding and unfolding of the electronic device.

[0060] In some implementations, the door panel has a fourth curved sliding groove, and the connecting block is fixed with a first sliding block that cooperates with the fourth sliding groove, and the first sliding block can move in the fourth sliding groove.

[0061] By adopting the above solution, the fourth sliding groove and the first sliding block are matched between the connecting block and the door panel to achieve a low-pair contact between the connecting block and the door panel, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the connecting block and the door panel.

[0062] In some implementations, when the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are both located on the first side of the first groove seat, the second side has a fifth sliding groove in a curved shape, and the connecting block is provided with a second sliding block that cooperates with the fifth sliding groove;

[0063] Alternatively, when the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are both located on the second side of the first groove seat, the first side has a fifth sliding groove in a curved shape, and the connecting block is provided with a second sliding block that cooperates with the fifth sliding groove.

[0064] By adopting the above solution, the fifth sliding groove cooperates with the second sliding block to further accurately control the movement of the door panel.

[0065] In some implementations, the shape of the second sliding block is similar to the shape of the fifth sliding groove.

[0066] By adopting the above solution, it is advantageous to enable the second sliding block to move in the fifth sliding groove.

[0067] A second aspect of the present application provides a foldable electronic device, which includes a first sub-shell, a second sub-shell and any of the above-mentioned hinge mechanisms, wherein the first sub-shell and the second sub-shell are respectively connected to the hinge mechanisms, and the first sub-shell and the second sub-shell can rotate relative to each other through the hinge mechanism.

[0068] By adopting the above-mentioned solution, after the hinge mechanism is applied to electronic equipment, the first guide member and the second guide member are set on the first swing arm so that they can be overlapped with the door panel in an alternating manner, thereby ensuring that when the first swing arm is converted between the expanded position and the folded position, the first swing arm and the door panel always maintain an effective movable connection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device in a folded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device in a semi-expanded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device in an unfolded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the electronic device shown in FIG3 ;

[0073] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a rotating shaft mechanism in an expanded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism in FIG5 in an expanded state from another perspective;

[0075] FIG7 is a top view of the rotating shaft mechanism in FIG5 in an expanded state;

[0076] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view along line DD in FIG7;

[0077] FIG9 is a cross-sectional view along line EE in FIG7 ;

[0078] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a rotating shaft mechanism in an embodiment of the present application without a door panel installed;

[0079] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a rotating shaft mechanism in an embodiment of the present application when a door panel and a connecting block are not installed;

[0080] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a rotating shaft mechanism in a semi-expanded state in an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] FIG13 is a top view of a form of the rotating shaft mechanism in FIG12 in a semi-expanded state;

[0082] FIG14 is a cross-sectional view along line FF in FIG13;

[0083] FIG15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG13;

[0084] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a rotating shaft mechanism in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] FIG17 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point H in FIG16;

[0086] FIG18 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point I in FIG16;

[0087] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a rotating shaft mechanism in a folded state from another perspective in an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] FIG20 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point J in FIG19;

[0089] FIG21 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a rotating shaft mechanism in a folded state from another perspective according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] FIG22 is a cross-sectional view along line KK in FIG21;

[0091] FIG23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line RR in FIG21;

[0092] FIG24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line LL in FIG21;

[0093] FIG25 is a cross-sectional view along line MM in FIG21;

[0094] FIG26 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of another form of a rotating shaft mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application in an expanded state;

[0095] FIG27 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point N in FIG26;

[0096] FIG28 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of another form of a rotating shaft mechanism in an expanded state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0097] FIG29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line OO in FIG28;

[0098] FIG30 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of another form of a rotating shaft mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when a door panel is not installed;

[0099] FIG31 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of another form of a rotating shaft mechanism in an embodiment of the present application when a door panel and a connecting block are not installed;

[0100] FIG32 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of another form of a rotating shaft mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application in an expanded state;

[0101] FIG33 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point P in FIG32;

[0102] FIG34 is a schematic structural diagram of a connecting block in yet another form of a rotating shaft mechanism in an embodiment of the present application;

[0103] FIG35 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of another form of a rotating shaft mechanism in an expanded state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0104] FIG36 is a cross-sectional view taken along line QQ in FIG35;

[0105] Figure 37 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of another form of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application when the door panel is not installed.

[0106] The meanings of the figures are as follows:

[0107] 100, pivot mechanism; 101, base; 102, first swing arm; 103, second swing arm; 104, connecting block; 105, door panel; 106, first guide member; 107, first slide groove; 108, second guide member; 109, second slide groove; 110, first limiting wing; 111, limiting slide groove; 112, first pin; 113, second pin; 114, mounting hole; 115, first slider; 116, recessed groove; 117, third slide groove; 118, fourth slide groove; 119, panel body; 120, first slot seat; 121, first side; 122, second side; 123, fifth slide groove; 124, second slider;

[0108] 200, display screen; 201, first part; 202, second part; 203, foldable part;

[0109] 301, first subshell; 302, second subshell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0110] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the implementation methods of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0111] It should be understood that the “multiple” mentioned in this application refers to two or more. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, “ / ” means or, for example, A / B can mean A or B; “and / or” in this article is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, in order to facilitate the clear description of the technical solution of this application, words such as “first” and “second” are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with basically the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art can understand that words such as “first” and “second” do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as “first” and “second” do not necessarily limit them to be different.

[0112] The following is a detailed explanation of the hinge mechanism and electronic device provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0113] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application in a folded state, Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application in a semi-expanded state, and Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application in an expanded state.

[0114] In one or more embodiments, the present application provides an electronic device, which may be a foldable electronic device; the electronic device includes a housing and a hinge mechanism 100, the housing includes a first sub-shell 301 and a second sub-shell 302, the first sub-shell 301 and the second sub-shell 302 are respectively connected to the hinge mechanism 100, and the first sub-shell 301 and the second sub-shell 302 can rotate relative to each other through the hinge mechanism 100. Exemplary electronic devices may be mobile phones, tablet computers, notebooks, or e-readers. Foldable electronic devices are not limited to electronic devices with foldable displays, such as mobile phones, but may also be electronic devices with a display screen and a keyboard that can be folded or unfolded, such as laptop computers.

[0115] In the embodiment of the present application, the electronic device is a mobile phone as an example, and the electronic device further includes a display screen 200, which can be a flexible display screen, and is connected to the first sub-shell 301 and the second sub-shell 302. The first sub-shell 301 and the second sub-shell 302 can include the middle frame of the mobile phone.

[0116] For ease of description, as shown in the figure, the width direction of the foldable electronic device can be defined as the BB direction, the length direction of the foldable electronic device can be defined as the AA direction, and the thickness direction of the foldable electronic device can be defined as the CC direction. The AA direction, the BB direction, and the CC direction are perpendicular to each other to form a rectangular coordinate system.

[0117] The foldable electronic device shown in Figure 1 is in a folded state, the foldable electronic device shown in Figure 2 is in a semi-expanded state, and the foldable electronic device shown in Figure 3 is in an expanded state. The expansion angle α of the foldable electronic device shown in Figure 2 is 90 degrees, and the expansion angle β of the foldable electronic device shown in Figure 3 is 180 degrees. The state of the electronic device is the same as the state of the hinge mechanism 100. That is, when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the hinge mechanism 100 is also in a folded state; when the foldable electronic device is in a semi-expanded state, the hinge mechanism 100 is also in a semi-expanded state; and when the foldable electronic device is in an expanded state, the hinge mechanism 100 is also in an expanded state.

[0118] It should be noted that the angles illustrated in the embodiments of the present application are allowed to have slight deviations. For example, the unfolding angle α of the foldable electronic device shown in Figure 2 is 90 degrees, which means that α can be 90 degrees, or approximately 90 degrees, such as 80 degrees, 85 degrees, 95 degrees or 100 degrees. The unfolding angle β of the foldable electronic device shown in Figure 3 is 180 degrees, which means that β can be 180 degrees, or approximately 180 degrees, such as 170 degrees, 175 degrees, 185 degrees and 190 degrees. The angles illustrated in the following text can be understood in the same way.

[0119] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the electronic device shown in Figure 3. Figure 4 only illustrates the location of the hinge mechanism 100 and does not limit the specific structure of the hinge mechanism 100. The first sub-shell 301 and the second sub-shell 302 are respectively mounted on either side of the hinge mechanism 100 along the BB direction. The display screen 200 includes a first portion 201, a second portion 202, and a foldable portion 203. The foldable portion 203 is located between the first portion 201 and the second portion 202 and can be bent along the AA direction. In this embodiment, the display screen 200 is a flexible display screen, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen, and the like.

[0120] The foldable electronic device folds by folding the display 200 by bringing the first sub-housing 301 and the second sub-housing 302 closer together. When the foldable electronic device is folded, the foldable portion 330 of the display 200 bends, and the first portion 201 and the second portion 202 face each other. At this point, the display 200 is positioned between the first sub-housing 301 and the second sub-housing 302, significantly reducing the risk of damage to the display 200 and effectively protecting it.

[0121] Referring to Figures 2 and 4 , the first sub-housing 301 and the second sub-housing 302 rotate relative to each other via the hinge mechanism 100. This movement of the first sub-housing 301 and the second sub-housing 302 causes the display screen 200 to unfold, allowing the foldable electronic device to reach a semi-expanded state. When the foldable electronic device is in the semi-expanded state, the first sub-housing 301 and the second sub-housing 302 unfold to an angle α, causing the first portion 201 and the second portion 202 to unfold relative to each other, driving the foldable portion 203 to unfold. At this point, the angle α between the first portion 201 and the second portion 202 is α.

[0122] Referring to Figures 3 and 4 , the first sub-housing 301 and the second sub-housing 302 rotate relative to each other via the hinge mechanism 100. As the first sub-housing 301 and the second sub-housing 302 move away from each other, the display screen 200 further unfolds until the foldable electronic device is flattened. The hinge mechanism 100 may include a damping mechanism to enhance the opening and closing feel and maintain the state of the device during rotation.

[0123] When the electronic device is flattened, the angle between the first sub-housing 301 and the second sub-housing 302 is β. The foldable portion 203 is unfolded, and the first portion 201 and the second portion 202 are relatively unfolded. At this point, the angles between the first portion 201, the second portion 202, and the foldable portion 203 are all β, and the display screen 200 has a large display area, enabling large-screen display for the foldable electronic device and improving the user experience.

[0124] It should be noted that angles α and β are both the angles between the first sub-case 301 and the second sub-case 302. These angles are used to distinguish the angles between the first sub-case 301 and the second sub-case 302 in different states of the foldable electronic device. Angle α refers to the angle between the first sub-case 301 and the second sub-case 302 when the foldable electronic device is in the semi-expanded state, while angle β refers to the angle between the first sub-case 301 and the second sub-case 302 when the foldable electronic device is in the expanded state.

[0125] 5 and 6 , FIG5 is a partial structural diagram of a rotating shaft mechanism 100 in an expanded state provided in an embodiment of the present application, and FIG6 is a structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 in the expanded state in FIG5 from another perspective.

[0126] In some embodiments, the hinge mechanism 100 includes a base 101, a first swing arm 102, a second swing arm 103, a connecting block 104, a door panel 105, and a shaft cover (not shown). The shaft cover can be fixedly connected to the base 101, for example, by screws, or the shaft cover and base 101 can be integrally formed. The width of the shaft cover is parallel to the width of the hinge mechanism 100. In the deployed state, the width of the door panel 105 is parallel to the width of the hinge mechanism 100; the width of the shaft cover is parallel to the width of the hinge mechanism 100. One end of the first swing arm 102 is rotatably connected to the base 101; one end of the second swing arm 103 is rotatably connected to the base 101. The first and second swing arms 102, 103 are arranged along the length of the hinge mechanism 100. When the hinge mechanism 100 is deployed, both the first and second swing arms 102, 103 are in the deployed position relative to the base 101. FIG. 6 shows only a partial number of the first swing arm 102 and the second swing arm 103 .

[0127] In some embodiments, there are multiple door panels 105. The number of first swing arms 102 can be an even number, and the number of second swing arms 103 can be an even number. The door panels 105 are used to support the foldable portion 203 of the display screen 200 (as shown in Figures 4 and 5). The hinge mechanism 100 is connected to the first sub-shell 301 and the second sub-shell 302 via different connecting blocks 104. The first sub-shell 301 is fixedly connected to its corresponding connecting block 104, and the second sub-shell 302 is fixedly connected to its corresponding connecting block 104, thereby achieving the expansion or folding of the hinge mechanism 100.

[0128] An even number of first swing arms 102 can be divided into multiple first subgroups, each of which includes two first swing arms 102. The two first swing arms 102 in each first subgroup are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the base 101 in the width direction of the base 101 about the centerline S of the base 101. The centerline S of the base 101 is parallel to the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, and the width direction of the base 101 is parallel to the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100. The centerline S of the base 101 passes through the midpoint of the width of the base 101. Multiple first subgroups are distributed along the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100.

[0129] An even number of second swing arms 103 can be divided into multiple second subgroups, each of which includes two second swing arms 103. The two second swing arms 103 in each second subgroup are symmetrically distributed on either side of the base 101's centerline S in the width direction of the base 101. The centerline S of the base 101 is parallel to the length of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, and the width of the base 101 is parallel to the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100. The centerline S of the base 101 is also the axis of the rotating shaft mechanism 100. Multiple second subgroups are distributed along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism 100.

[0130] The other end of the first swing arm 102 is slidably connected to the connecting block 104, and the other end of the second swing arm 103 is hingedly connected to the connecting block 104. The first swing arm 102 is also movably connected to the door panel 105. The second swing arm 103 is movably connected to the door panel 105, and the connecting block 104 is rotationally connected to the door panel 105. It should be noted that the first swing arm 102 can also be called a secondary swing arm, and the second swing arm 103 can also be called a primary swing arm. The two first swing arms 102 in each first subgroup are respectively connected to different door panels 105, and the two second swing arms 103 in each second subgroup are respectively connected to different door panels 105.

[0131] It should be noted that the first swing arm 102 and the base 101 can be rotatably connected by a hinge; the second swing arm 103 and the base 101 can be rotatably connected by a virtual axis connection, that is, the second swing arm 103 has a curved surface, and the base 101 has a curved surface, and the curved surface of the second swing arm 103 cooperates with the curved surface of the base 101 to realize a virtual axis rotation connection.

[0132] 7 and 8 , FIG. 7 is a top view of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 in FIG. 5 in the unfolded state; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line DD in FIG. 7 .

[0133] In some embodiments, a guide assembly may be provided on the first swing arm 102, and the first swing arm 102 and the door panel 105 are movably connected via the guide assembly. In this way, the movement of the first swing arm 102 can drive the door panel 105 to move accordingly. The guide assembly may include a first guide member 106, which is fixedly connected to the first swing arm 102. When the first swing arm 102 is in an expanded position relative to the base 101, the door panel 105 can overlap the first guide member 106 to ensure a movable connection between the first guide member 106 and the door panel 105. For example, as shown in FIG8 , a first slide groove 107 is provided on the door panel 105. The first slide groove 107 is curved, and both ends of the first slide groove 107 in the longitudinal direction are open, which facilitates the movement of the first guide member 106 in the first slide groove 107. The first guide member 106 is a columnar structure. Since the first swing arm 102 is in the deployed position relative to the base 101, as can be seen from FIG8 , the columnar first guide member 106 is inserted into the first slide groove 107. The contact between the first guide member 106 and the first slide groove 107 is a higher pair, and the first guide member 106 and the two opposing groove walls of the first slide groove 107 can contact each other, thus ensuring the overlap between the first guide member 106 and the first slide groove 107. The first guide member 106 can move along the length extension direction of the first slide groove 107 under the restriction of the two opposing groove walls of the first slide groove 107, thereby effectively connecting the first swing arm 102 and the door panel 105 when the hinge mechanism 100 is deployed. The first slide groove 107 can be a curved groove with a varying curvature, that is, a non-circular arc groove, or it can be a circular arc groove with a constant curvature. The first sliding groove 107 corresponds to only one first guide member 106 , so that the first sliding groove 107 corresponds to and cooperates with one first guide member 106 to ensure that relative movement can occur between the first swing arm 102 and the door panel 105 .

[0134] See Figure 9, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in Figure 7. In some embodiments, the guide assembly may further include a second guide member 108, which is fixedly connected to the first swing arm 102. When the first swing arm 102 is in the extended position relative to the base 101, the door panel 105 and the second guide member 108 may or may not overlap. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the door panel 105 is further provided with a second guide slot 109, into which the second guide member 108 can be inserted. One longitudinal end of the second guide slot 109 is open, ensuring that the first swing arm 102 can be extended. The other longitudinal end of the second guide slot 109 is closed, ensuring that the second guide member 108 can position the door panel 105 at a desired angle when the first swing arm 102 is folded. The other longitudinal end of the second guide slot 109 is adjacent to the base 101. The second guide member 108 is a columnar structure, and the second guide slot 109 is curved. In Figure 9, the cylindrical second guide member 108 contacts only one wall of the second chute 109. The contact between the second guide member 108 and the second chute 109 is high-pair, and the second guide member 108 is located at one end of the length of the second chute 109. The second chute 109 can be a curved groove with varying curvature, i.e., a non-circular groove, or a circular groove with constant curvature. Each second chute 109 corresponds to only one second guide member 108. This ensures relative motion between the first swing arm 102 and the door panel 105.

[0135] As shown in Figures 8 and 9 , a first guide member 106 and a second guide member 108 are fixed to the first swing arm 102. When the first swing arm 102 is in the deployed position relative to the base 101, the second guide member 108 contacts only one wall of the second chute 109 as shown in Figure 9 , posing a risk of the second guide member 108 becoming detached from the second chute 109. However, the first guide member 106 is restrained by the two opposing walls of the first chute 107 when the first swing arm 102 is in the deployed position relative to the base 101. This ensures that the first swing arm 102 and the door panel 105 are movably connected when the first swing arm 102 is in the deployed position relative to the base 101, preventing detachment between the first swing arm and the door panel. This ensures that the first swing arm can drive the door panel during folding and unfolding.

[0136] It should be noted that the second slide groove 109 in FIG. 9 and the first slide groove 107 in FIG. 8 are distributed along the length direction of the door panel 105 , and the length direction of the door panel 105 is parallel to the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 .

[0137] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of a pivot mechanism 100 in an embodiment of the present application, without the door panel 105 installed. The pivot mechanism 100 in Figure 10 is in the deployed state. The two first swing arms 102 are symmetrically arranged about the centerline S of the base 101, and the two second swing arms 103 are symmetrically arranged about the centerline S of the base 101. In some embodiments, one end of the first guide member 106 is fixedly connected to the first swing arm 102, and the other end of the first guide member 106 can be inserted into the first slide groove 107 of the door panel 105. One end of the second guide member 108 is fixedly connected to the first swing arm 102, and the other end of the second guide member 108 can be inserted into the second slide groove 109 of the door panel 105. One end and the other end of the first guide member 106 are the opposite ends of the columnar structure, and one end and the other end of the second guide member 108 are also the opposite ends of the columnar structure. The columnar structure can have a circular or elliptical radial cross-section. The radial cross-section of the columnar structure is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the columnar structure. The diameter of the radial cross section of the first guide member 106 and the diameter of the radial cross section of the second guide member 108 may be the same or different, and this application does not impose any limitation thereto.

[0138] The connecting block 104 has two limiting grooves 111 arranged opposite to each other, and the first swing arm 102 has first limiting wings 110 on both sides opposite to each other in the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100. The two first limiting wings 110 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the two limiting grooves 111, and the first limiting wings 110 can be inserted into the limiting grooves 111, thereby realizing a sliding connection between the connecting block 104 and the first swing arm 102.

[0139] The second swing arm 103 may be provided with a first pin 112, and the second swing arm 103 may be movably connected to the door panel 105 via the first pin 112. The other end of the second swing arm 103 may be provided with a second pin 113, and the connecting block 104 has a mounting hole 114 that cooperates with the second pin 113. The second pin 113 may pass through the mounting hole 114 on the connecting block 104 to achieve a hinged connection between the other end of the second swing arm 103 and the connecting block 104. The first pin 112 may be located on a side surface of the solid portion between one end of the second swing arm 103 and the other end of the second swing arm 103, that is, the first pin 112 is located on a side surface of the second swing arm in the longitudinal direction of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0140] The connecting block 104 may further include a first slider 115 that cooperates with the door panel 105 to achieve a rotational connection between the connecting block 104 and the door panel 105. The first slider 115 may be curved, for example, arc-shaped, to achieve a low-pair contact between the connecting block 104 and the door panel 105.

[0141] FIG11 is a top view of the partial structure of the pivot mechanism 100 in an embodiment of the present application when the door panel 105 and the connecting block 104 are not installed. The pivot mechanism 100 in FIG11 is in an expanded state. In some embodiments, the first swing arm 102 may have a recessed groove 116, and the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 may be respectively located on two different groove walls opposite to each other in the recessed groove 116. The direction from one end of the first guide member 106 to the other end opposite to the first guide member 106 is opposite to the direction from one end of the second guide member 108 to the other end opposite to the second guide member 108, so that the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 are arranged relative to each other on the first swing arm 102 to be suitable for different application scenarios. As shown in FIG11 , when the first swing arm 102 is in the extended position relative to the base 101, the positional relationship between the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 is as follows: in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, the distance between the first guide member 106 and the centerline S of the base 101 is smaller than the distance between the second guide member 108 and the centerline S of the base 101. This ensures that, when the first swing arm 102 is in the extended position relative to the base 101, the movable connection between the first guide member 106 and the first slide slot 107 is at least ensured. When the first guide member 106 is a regular columnar structure, such as a cylinder or an elliptical cylinder, the distance between the first guide member 106 and the centerline S of the base 101 is the distance between the centerline S of the first guide member and the centerline S of the base 101. Similarly, the distance between the second guide member 108 and the centerline S of the base 101 is the distance between the centerline S of the second guide member 108 and the centerline S of the base 101.

[0142] 11 , when the first swing arm 102 is in the expanded position relative to the base 101 , the projection of the first guide member 106 in the set plane and the projection of the second guide member 108 in the set plane are spaced apart in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 . Since the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 are spaced apart in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, when the first swing arm 102 is in the expanded position relative to the base 101, the distance between the boundary line of the first guide member 106 closest to the base 101 in the projection within the set plane and the boundary line of the second guide member 108 farthest from the base 101 in the projection within the set plane is greater than either the first distance or the second distance; the first distance is the width of the projection of the first guide member 106 in the set plane in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, and the second distance is the width of the projection of the second guide member 108 in the set plane in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, the setting plane is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, and the setting plane is parallel to the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100. Thus, when the first swing arm 102 is in the extended position relative to the base 101, the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 are spaced apart relative to each other on the first swing arm 102 in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, thereby ensuring that the door panel 105 does not disengage from the first swing arm 102. In one embodiment, when the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 are both cylindrical structures, the first distance is the diameter of the cylindrical first guide member 106, and the second distance is the diameter of the cylindrical second guide member 108.

[0143] It should be noted that the set plane is not a unique plane, and it can be any plane that is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 and parallel to the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 .

[0144] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a rotating shaft mechanism 100 in a semi-expanded state in an embodiment of the present application; FIG13 is a top view of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 in FIG12 in a semi-expanded state.

[0145] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in Figure 13. As shown, when the hinge mechanism 100 is in the semi-deployed state, the first guide member 106 is located in the first chute 107. Comparing Figures 8 and 14 , it can be seen that as the first swing arm 102 transitions from the deployed position to the semi-deployed position, the position of the first guide member 106 in the first chute 107 changes.

[0146] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in Figure 13 . In some embodiments, since at least a portion of the first guide member 106 is inserted into the first slide slot 107 when the first swing arm 102 is in the deployed position relative to the base 101, during the transition of the first swing arm 102 from the deployed position to the semi-deployed position, the door panel 105, driven by the first guide member 106, moves, gradually causing the end of the second guide member 108 to slide into the second slide slot 109, such that the second guide member 108 is confined by the opposing side walls of the second slide slot 109. Comparing Figures 9 and 15 , it can be seen that as the first swing arm 102 transitions from the deployed position to the semi-deployed position, the position of the second guide member 108 within the second slide slot 109 changes.

[0147] Fig. 16 is a partial structural diagram of a rotating shaft mechanism 100 in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 17 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point H in Fig. 16 .

[0148] In some embodiments, the door panel 105 may have a third slot 117 that mates with the first pin 112 on the second swing arm 103. The third slot 117 may be curved to enable the second swing arm 103 to control the movement of the door panel 105. The door panel 105 may also have a fourth slot 118 that mates with the first slider 115 on the connecting block 104. The fourth slot 118 may be curved, and its shape may mimic that of the first slider 115, facilitating the rotational connection between the door panel 105 and the connecting block 104.

[0149] Figure 18 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of point I in Figure 16 . In some embodiments, the door panel 105 may include a panel body 119 and a first slot holder 120. The first slot holder 120 is fixedly connected to the panel body 119, and the first and second slots 107 and 109 are defined in the first slot holder 120. Because the first slot holder 120 mates with the first swing arm 102, the number of first slot holders 120 on each door panel 105 equals the number of first subgroups. For example, each door panel 105 may have one or more first slot holders, with the plurality of first slot holders spaced apart along the length of the door panel. The first slot holder 120 has opposing first and second sides 121 and 122. The direction from the first side 121 to the second side 122 is parallel to the length of the panel body 119. The length of the panel body 119 is parallel to the length of the hinge mechanism 100. The first slot holder 120 is provided on the panel body 119 to facilitate the definition of the first and second slots 107 and 109, which mate with the first and second guide members 106 and 108, respectively. For example, as shown in Figure 18, the first slide groove 107 is located on the first side 121, and the second slide groove 109 is located on the second side 122, and the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 are arranged relative to each other to adapt to the first slide groove 107 and the second slide groove 109 located on the first side 121 and the second side 122, respectively, as shown in Figures 11 and 17; it can be seen from Figure 18 that one end of the second slide groove 109 in the longitudinal direction is in the form of an opening, and the other end of the second slide groove 109 in the longitudinal direction is in the form of a closed opening. For example, the end of the second slide groove 109 in the longitudinal direction close to the base 101 is closed, which facilitates the control of the angle of the door panel when it is in a folded state.

[0150] Figure 19 is a partial structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 in the folded state from another perspective in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 20 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point J in Figure 19. It can be seen that both ends of the first sliding groove 107 in the longitudinal direction are open.

[0151] Figure 21 is a top view of the hinge mechanism 100 in the folded state according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line KK in Figure 21. As shown, the first slider 115 on the connecting block 104 is positioned within the fourth chute 118, enabling a rotational connection between the connecting block 104 and the door panel 105. The coordination between the curved first slider 115 on the connecting block 104 and the fourth chute 118 controls the rotational center of the door panel 105.

[0152] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line RR in Figure 21. As shown in the figure, the end of the second swing arm 103 on which the first pin 112 is mounted is inserted into the third slide slot 117. Thus, when the second swing arm 103 rotates relative to the base 101, the door panel 105 can also be controlled by the second swing arm 103. The door panel 105 moves with the second swing arm 103, thereby achieving precise control of the rotation angle of the door panel 105 and making the door panel 105 move more smoothly, preventing the door panel 105 from slipping out from between the first swing arm 102 when the hinge mechanism 100 is in the deployed state.

[0153] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line LL in Figure 21. In some embodiments, when the first swing arm 102 is in the folded position relative to the base 101, the first guide member 106 no longer overlaps the first slide groove 107 and the first guide member 106 is disengaged from the first slide groove 107. Combining Figures 8, 14, and 24, it can be seen that after the hinge mechanism 100 changes from the deployed state to the semi-deployed state and then from the semi-deployed state to the folded state, the position of the first guide member 106 in the first slide groove 107 changes, from the end of the first guide member 106 being located in the first slide groove 107 to the end of the first guide member 106 being disengaged from the first slide groove 107.

[0154] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line MM in Figure 21. In some embodiments, when the first swing arm 102 is in the folded position relative to the base 101, the end of the second guide member 108 is inserted into the second slide groove 109. The second guide member 108 is located at the other end of the second slide groove 109 in the longitudinal direction, that is, the end of the second guide member 108 is located at the closed end of the second slide groove 109. This limits the movement angle of the door panel 105 relative to the first swing arm 102, thereby achieving control over the rotation angle of the door panel 105. In combination with Figures 9, 15 and 25, it can be seen that after the rotating shaft mechanism 100 changes from the expanded state to the semi-expanded state, and then from the semi-expanded state to the folded state, the position of the second guide member 108 in the second slide groove 109 changes, from the end of the second guide member 108 contacting the groove wall on one side of the second slide groove 109, to the end of the second guide member 108 being limited by the groove walls on the opposite sides of the second slide groove 109. In this way, although the first guide member 106 is disengaged from the first slide groove 107 when the first swing arm 102 is in the folded position relative to the base 101 (see Figure 24), the second guide member 108 is in contact and connected with the second slide groove 109 (see Figure 25), thereby achieving overlap between the door panel 105 and the second guide member 108.

[0155] Referring to Figures 8 and 25 , it can be seen that the hinge mechanism 100 provided in one embodiment of the present application can be used in scenarios where the width of the shaft cover is relatively wide and the width of the door panel 105 is relatively narrow. In this scenario, the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 are provided on the first swing arm 102 so as to alternately overlap the door panel 105. This ensures that when the first swing arm 102 transitions between the deployed position and the folded position, the first swing arm 102 and the door panel 105 always maintain an effective movable connection, and the movement of the door panel 105 can be precisely controlled. Among them, the first slide groove 107 and the second slide groove 109 of the first swing arm 102 are used to control the movement angle of the door panel 105. The addition of the second guide member 108 can replace the first guide member 106 when the hinge mechanism 100 is close to the unfolded state, and continue to accurately control the movement of the door panel 105. Therefore, the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 on the first swing arm 102 can ensure that the first swing arm 102 and the door panel 105 will not be separated, and can be applied to the hinge mechanism 100 with a narrower door panel 105 design.

[0156] Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of another embodiment of the hinge mechanism 100 in the expanded state. Figure 27 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of point N in Figure 26 . In other embodiments, the first chute 107 and the second chute 109 are located on the same side of the first slot seat 120. For example, as shown in Figure 27 , the first chute 107 and the second chute 109 are both located on the second side 122. When the hinge mechanism 100 is in the expanded state, the thickness direction of the plate body 119 is parallel to the thickness direction of the hinge mechanism 100, and the first chute 107 and the second chute 109 are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the hinge mechanism 100. The first chute 107 can be located below the second chute 109, that is, the first chute 107 can be closer to the base 101 than the second chute 109. This fully utilizes the space in the thickness direction of the hinge mechanism 100, improving the space utilization rate of the hinge mechanism 100 in the thickness direction. Furthermore, both ends of the first chute 107 in the length direction may be open, and one end of the second chute 109 in the length direction may be closed.

[0157] It should be noted that, in some other possible implementations, the first slide groove 107 and the second slide groove 109 may also be both located on the first side 121 , and the first slide groove 107 and the second slide groove 109 are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the plate body 119 .

[0158] FIG28 is a top view of another embodiment of the hinge mechanism 100 in FIG26 in the deployed state. FIG29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line OO in FIG28 . In other embodiments, when the first swing arm 102 is in the deployed position relative to the base 101, the end of the first guide member 106 is located in the first slide groove 107. The first guide member 106 is restrained by the groove walls on opposite sides of the first slide groove 107, and the end of the second guide member 108 contacts the groove wall on one side of the second slide groove 109. However, since the first guide member 106 is located in the first slide groove 107, the first swing arm 102 and the door panel 105 are movablely connected, thereby preventing the first swing arm 102 and the door panel 105 from disengaging. For details on the relationship between the first guide member 106 and the first slide groove 107, and the relationship between the second guide member 108 and the second slide groove 109 when the first swing arm 102 is in the folded position relative to the base 101, please refer to the description of the relevant text in FIG24 and FIG25 .

[0159] FIG30 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of another form of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application, when the door panel 105 is not installed. The rotating shaft mechanism 100 in FIG30 is in an expanded state. In other embodiments, the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 are both columnar structures. For a columnar structure, its radial cross-section can be circular or elliptical. The diameter of the radial cross-section of the first guide member 106 and the diameter of the radial cross-section of the second guide member 108 can be the same or different, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0160] It should be noted that, in another form of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 of the embodiment of the present application, for the connection method between the first swing arm 102 and the connecting block 104, and the connection method between the second swing arm 103 and the connecting block 104, please refer to the description of the relevant text in Figure 10; for the connection method between the second swing arm 103 and the door panel 105, please refer to the description of the relevant text in Figures 17 and 23; for the connection method between the door panel 105 and the connecting block 104, please refer to the description of the relevant text in Figures 17 and 22.

[0161] Referring to FIG31 , FIG31 is a top view of the partial structure of another form of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 in an embodiment of the present application without installing the door panel 105 and the connecting block 104. The rotating shaft mechanism 100 in FIG31 is in an expanded state. In other embodiments, the first swing arm 102 has a recessed groove 116, and the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 are respectively located on the groove wall on the same side of the recessed groove 116, and the direction from one end of the first guide member 106 to the other end opposite to the first guide member 106 is the same as the direction from one end of the second guide member 108 to the other end opposite to the second guide member 108, so that the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 are arranged in the same direction on the first swing arm 102, which is beneficial to improve the utilization rate of the thickness direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100. The first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 are arranged in the same direction to adapt to the first slide groove 107 and the second slide groove 109 both located on the second side 122 of the first groove seat 120 of the door panel 105, as shown in Figures 27 and 31. As shown in Figure 31, when the first swing arm 102 is in the expanded position relative to the base 101, the positional relationship between the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 is: the first guide member 106 is close to the base 101, and the second guide member 108 is away from the base 101, that is, in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, the distance between the first guide member 106 and the base 101 is smaller than the distance between the second guide member 108 and the base 101, specifically: the distance between the first guide member 106 and the center line S of the base 101 is smaller than the distance between the second guide member 108 and the center line S of the base 101, so that when the first swing arm 102 is in the expanded position relative to the base 101, at least it is ensured that the first guide member 106 is still in active connection with the first slide groove 107.

[0162] As shown in Figure 31, when the first swing arm 102 is in the expanded position relative to the base 101, the projection of the first guide member 106 in the set plane and the projection of the second guide member 108 in the set plane are spaced apart in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100. Since the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 are spaced apart in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, when the first swing arm 102 is in the expanded position relative to the base 101, the distance between the boundary line of the first guide member 106 closest to the base 101 in the projection within the set plane and the boundary line of the second guide member 108 farthest from the base 101 in the projection within the set plane is greater than either the first distance or the second distance; the first distance is the width of the projection of the first guide member 106 in the set plane in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, and the second distance is the width of the projection of the second guide member 108 in the set plane in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, the setting plane is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, and the setting plane is parallel to the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100. Thus, when the first swing arm 102 is in the expanded position relative to the base 101, the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 are spaced apart relative to each other on the first swing arm 102 in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, thereby ensuring that the door panel 105 and the first swing arm 102 will not be separated. In one embodiment, when the first guide member 106 and the second guide member 108 are both cylindrical structures, the first distance is the diameter of the cylindrical first guide member 106, and the second distance is the diameter of the cylindrical second guide member 108. It should be noted that the setting plane is not a single plane, and it can be any plane that is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 and parallel to the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100.

[0163] It should be noted that the rotating shaft mechanisms 100 shown in Figures 26, 28, 30, and 31 are of the same type. In some other possible embodiments, in addition to the case where the first slide groove 107 and the second slide groove 109 are both located on the second side 122 as shown in Figure 27, the first slide groove 107 and the second slide groove 109 can also be provided on the first side 121 of the first groove seat 120, and the first slide groove 107 and the second slide groove 109 can be provided on the first side 122 of the first groove seat 120. On the two opposite groove walls of the corresponding recessed groove 116, each groove wall is provided with a first guide 106 and a second guide 108, and the groove walls are correspondingly matched with the first slide groove 107 and the second slide groove 109 on the first side 121 and the second side 122 of the first groove seat 120.

[0164] Figure 32 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of another embodiment of the present application's rotating shaft mechanism 100 in an expanded state, and Figure 33 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the partial structure at point P in Figure 32 . In some other embodiments, the first chute 107 and the second chute 109 are located on the same side of the first slot seat 120. For example, as shown in Figure 33 , the first chute 107 and the second chute 109 are both located on the second side 122. The form of the first chute 107 and the second chute 109, as well as the positional relationship between the first chute 107 and the second chute 109, can be found in Figure 27 and the related text description of Figure 27 , and will not be repeated here.

[0165] FIG34 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting block 104 in another embodiment of the hinge mechanism 100 according to the present application. In yet other embodiments, the first side 121 has a curved fifth slide groove 123, and the connecting block 104 is provided with a second slider 124 that cooperates with the fifth slide groove 123. The second slider 124 moves in the fifth slide groove 123. In this way, the fifth slide groove 123 cooperates with the second slider 124 to further precisely control the movement of the door panel 105.

[0166] It should be noted that, in some other possible embodiments, when the first slide groove 107 and the second slide groove 109 are respectively located on the first side 121, the second side 122 has a fifth slide groove 123 that is curved, and the connecting block 104 is provided with a second slider 124 that cooperates with the fifth slide groove 123, and the second slider 124 moves in the fifth slide groove 123.

[0167] Figure 35 is a partial top view of another embodiment of the hinge mechanism 100 in the expanded state of the embodiment of the present application shown in Figure 32. Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along line QQ in Figure 35. In yet other embodiments, the shape of the second slider 124 mimics the shape of the fifth chute 123, so that the contact between the second slider 124 and the fifth chute 123 is a low pair, thereby achieving a rotational connection between the connecting block 104 and the door panel 105.

[0168] FIG37 is a partial structural diagram of another embodiment of the present invention's hinge mechanism 100, without the door panel 105 installed. FIG37 shows the hinge mechanism 100 in its deployed state. When the first swing arm 102 is in the deployed position, the second slider 124 is located within the recessed groove 116 of the first swing arm 102.

[0169] It should be noted that the rotating shaft mechanisms 100 shown in Figures 32, 35, and 37 are of the same type. The difference between the yet another type of rotating shaft mechanism 100 in Figure 32 and the yet another type of rotating shaft mechanism 100 in Figure 26 is that, in the rotating shaft mechanism 100 in Figure 32, the door panel 105 and the connecting block 104 are further engaged via a fifth slide groove 123 and a second slider 124. The rest of the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 shown in Figure 32 is the same as the relevant structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 shown in Figure 26. Therefore, for the description of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 shown in Figure 32 other than the aforementioned differences, please refer to the description of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 in Figure 26 and will not be repeated here.

[0170] In summary, the hinge mechanism 100 and electronic device in at least one embodiment of the present application, by providing a first guide 106 and a second guide 108 on the first swing arm 102, and respectively cooperating with a first slide groove 107 and a second slide groove 109 on the door panel 105 to control the movement of the door panel 105, can solve the problems in the related art of being unable to accurately control the movement of the door panel 105 at certain angles and the door panel 105 being disengaged from the first swing arm 102 when the door panel 105 is designed to be narrow, without increasing the space in the thickness and width directions of the hinge mechanism 100. The first swing arm 102 and the door panel 105 can both be manufactured using molds, with guides provided on the first swing arm 102 and slide grooves designed on the door panel 105 to cooperate with the guides. This design is relatively simple, and the assembly between the first swing arm 102 and the door panel 105 is relatively simple, without increasing additional processing and assembly costs.

[0171] In the description of the specification of the present application, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. With respect to the matching relationship between the first swing arm and the door panel, in some possible embodiments, the guide assembly on the first swing arm, and the first slide groove and the second slide groove on the door panel can be set in reverse, that is, the first slide groove and the second slide groove are set on the first swing arm, and the guide assembly is set on the door panel, so that when the first swing arm is in an unfolded position relative to the base, the first swing arm overlaps the first guide member on the door panel, and when the first swing arm is in a folded position relative to the base, the first swing arm overlaps the second guide member on the door panel. Furthermore, in some other possible embodiments, the first guide member can be set on the first swing arm, the first slide groove is set on the door panel, and the second guide member is set on the door panel, and the second slide groove is set on the first swing arm; or the second guide member can be set on the first swing arm, the second slide groove is set on the door panel, and the first guide member is set on the door panel, and the first slide groove is set on the first swing arm.

[0172] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A rotating shaft mechanism, characterized in that: include: Pedestal; a first swing arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the base, the first swing arm being rotatable relative to the base between an unfolded position and a folded position, the first swing arm being provided with a guide assembly, the guide assembly comprising a first guide member and a second guide member; A door panel, wherein the door panel is movably connected to the first swing arm through the guide assembly; Wherein, when the first swing arm is in the unfolded position relative to the base, the door panel overlaps with the first guide member; when the first swing arm is in the folded position relative to the base, the door panel overlaps with the second guide member.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the first swing arm is in the deployed position relative to the base, the distance between the first guide member and the base is smaller than the distance between the second guide member and the base.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the first swing arm is in the deployed position relative to the base, the distance between a boundary line of the first guide member that is closest to the base in the projection on the set plane and a boundary line of the second guide member that is farthest from the base in the projection on the set plane is greater than either the first distance or the second distance; The first distance is the width of the projection of the first guide member in the setting plane in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the second distance is the width of the projection of the second guide member in the setting plane in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism; The setting plane is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the setting plane is parallel to the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the first swing arm is in the unfolded position relative to the base, the projection of the first guide member in the set plane and the projection of the second guide member in the set plane are spaced apart in the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism; The setting plane is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the setting plane is parallel to the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The door panel is provided with a first slide groove corresponding to the first guide member and a second slide groove corresponding to the second guide member; When the first swing arm is in the unfolded position relative to the base, the first guide member is inserted into the first slide groove; When the first swing arm is in the folded position relative to the base, the second guide member is inserted into the second slide groove.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The door panel comprises: A plate body, wherein the length direction of the plate body is parallel to the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism; The first groove seat is fixedly connected to the plate body, and the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are arranged on the first groove seat.

7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first groove seat has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and the direction from the first side to the second side is parallel to the length direction of the plate body; wherein, The first slide groove is located at the first side, and the second slide groove is located at the second side; Or, the first slide groove and the second slide groove are both located on the first side, and the first slide groove and the second slide groove are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the plate body; Alternatively, the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are both located on the second side, and the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are spaced apart in a thickness direction of the plate body.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first slide groove is curved, and the second slide groove is curved.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: Both ends of the first chute in the length direction are open, and one end of the second chute in the length direction is closed.

10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first guide member and the second guide member are both columnar structures; One end of the first guide member is fixedly connected to the first swing arm, and the other end of the first guide member opposite thereto can be inserted into the first sliding groove; One end of the second guide member is fixedly connected to the first swing arm, and the other end of the second guide member opposite thereto can be inserted into the second sliding groove.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that: A direction from one end of the first guide member to the other end opposite to the first guide member is the same as a direction from one end of the second guide member to the other end opposite to the second guide member; Alternatively, a direction from one end of the first guide member to the other end opposite to the first guide member is opposite to a direction from one end of the second guide member to the other end opposite to the second guide member.

12. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first swing arm has a recessed groove, and the first groove seat is located in the recessed groove; wherein, The first guide member and the second guide member are respectively located on two different groove walls opposite to each other of the recessed groove; or, the first guide member and the second guide member are respectively located on the groove wall on the same side of the recessed groove.

13. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that: The radial cross section of the columnar structure is circular or elliptical.

14. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The rotating shaft mechanism also includes a connecting block, and the connecting block is rotatably connected to the door panel.

15. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 14, characterized in that: The rotating shaft mechanism further includes a second swing arm, the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the base, and the second swing arm can rotate relative to the base between the unfolded position and the folded position; The door panel is provided with a third slide groove, the second swing arm is provided with a first pin shaft, and the first pin shaft is inserted into the third slide groove.

16. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 15, characterized in that: The second swing arm is also hinged to the connecting block via a second pin.

17. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 14, characterized in that: The door panel is provided with a fourth curved slide groove, and the connecting block is fixed with a first sliding block matched with the fourth slide groove, and the first sliding block can move in the fourth slide groove.

18. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 17, characterized in that: When the first slide groove and the second slide groove are both located on the first side of the first groove seat, the second side has a fifth slide groove in a curved shape, and the connecting block is provided with a second sliding block matched with the fifth slide groove; Alternatively, when the first slide groove and the second slide groove are both located on the second side of the first groove seat, the first side has a fifth slide groove in a curved shape, and the connecting block is provided with a second sliding block matched with the fifth slide groove.

19. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 18, characterized in that: The shape of the second sliding block is similar to that of the fifth sliding groove.

20. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that: It comprises a first subshell, a second subshell and a rotating shaft mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first subshell and the second subshell are respectively connected to the rotating shaft mechanism, and the first subshell and the second subshell can rotate relative to each other through the rotating shaft mechanism.

Citation Information

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