Hinge assembly and foldable electronic device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of electronic devices, and provide a hinge assembly and a foldable electronic device. The hinge assembly comprises rotating members which rotate relative to a main shaft; a stop structure is inserted into each rotating member; and when the hinge assembly is in an unfolded state, a first stop surface of each stop structure abuts against a second stop surface of the main shaft, so that the hinge assembly is maintained in the unfolded state. Indirect abutment is provided by means of the stop structures to achieve the rotation stop of the rotating members and the main shaft, and an assembly tolerance chain of a stop position is decoupled from an assembly tolerance chain between the rotating members and the main shaft, etc., such that the stop precision is improved, the difficulty in controlling an unfolding angle is reduced, and the accuracy of the unfolding angle is improved. The adjustment and control of the unfolding angle can be achieved by adjusting the insertion positions of the stop structures on the rotating members, so as to deal with the machining and assembly tolerances of structural parts in the hinge assembly, such that the accuracy of the unfolding angle is further ensured, and the flatness of an electronic device when unfolded is significantly improved, thereby improving the display effect and use experience of the electronic device when unfolded.

Description

Hinge assembly and foldable electronic device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on December 21, 2023, with application number 202311787327.3 and application name “Hinge assembly 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 devices, and in particular to a hinge assembly and a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0003] With the gradual maturity of flexible screen technology, the display mode of electronic devices has undergone tremendous changes. One of them is the emergence of foldable mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices. Foldable electronic devices can flexibly change modes according to different usage scenarios. At the same time, they also have a high screen-to-body ratio and clarity. For example, when the phone is folded, it can be only the size of a traditional phone, which is convenient to carry, and when unfolded, it can have the display size of a tablet. These features make foldable devices one of the products that people seek out most.

[0004] Currently, foldable electronic devices include two middle frames and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly enables the two middle frames to rotate relative to each other, allowing the electronic device to have folded, intermediate, and flat positions. When the middle frames rotate to the flat position, a stop structure is designed to prevent further rotation of the middle frames, maintaining the flat position. In this case, the angle between the middle frames and the hinge assembly can be approximately 180° (with a slight deviation allowed).

[0005] However, when the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the flattening angle accuracy is poor, resulting in poor flatness of the electronic device in the flattened state, affecting the display effect and user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a hinge assembly and a foldable electronic device. The hinge assembly can improve the accuracy of the rotation stop, ensure the accuracy of the flattening angle, and make the hinge assembly have better flatness when in a flattened state, thereby improving the display effect and user experience.

[0007] A first aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a hinge assembly, comprising a main shaft and two rotating parts located on both sides of the main shaft. The rotating parts respectively cooperate with the main shaft to rotate relative to the main shaft, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the hinge assembly, and then realizing the folding and unfolding of the electronic device through the hinge assembly.

[0008] The hinge assembly further includes a stop structure, which is inserted into the rotating member. One end of the stop structure along the insertion direction has a first stop surface, and the main shaft has a second stop surface.

[0009] When the hinge assembly is unfolded from a folded state, the rotating part rotates relative to the main shaft, and the rotating part drives the stop structure to rotate relative to the main shaft. When the hinge assembly is in a flattened state, the first stop surface of the stop structure abuts and cooperates with the second stop surface of the main shaft, so that the rotating part cannot continue to rotate relative to the main shaft, thereby stopping the rotation of the rotating part and keeping the hinge assembly and the electronic device in a flattened state.

[0010] Compared with the related art in which the stopping is achieved by the abutment contact between the swinging part and the main shaft, the rotational stopping of the rotating part and the main shaft is achieved by providing abutment with the help of a stop structure, and the assembly tolerance chain of the stop and the assembly tolerance chain of the rotating part and the main shaft are disconnected, thereby reducing or avoiding the influence of the assembly tolerance between the rotating part and the main shaft on the stopping accuracy and the flattening angle, improving the stopping accuracy, reducing the difficulty of controlling the flattening angle, improving the accuracy of the flattening angle, and thereby improving the flatness of the electronic device when it is in a flattened state.

[0011] In addition, by adjusting the insertion depth (length along the insertion direction) of the stop structure assembled on the rotating part, the position of the first stop surface can be changed, and the path length required for the rotating part to rotate to abut against the main shaft can be changed, thereby realizing the adjustment and control of the flattening angle to cope with the processing and assembly tolerances of various structural parts in the hinge assembly, and further ensuring the accuracy of the flattening angle, such as making the flattening angle of the electronic device 180° or as close to 180° as possible when the electronic device is in a flat state, further improving the flatness in the flat state, reducing the creases of the flexible screen, and significantly improving the display effect and usage experience of the electronic device in the flat state.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the rotating member includes a first surface and a second surface relative to each other. A through groove is provided on the rotating member, and the through groove extends from the first surface to the second surface. A stop structure is inserted into the through groove, and an end surface of the stop structure adjacent to the second surface forms a first stop surface. The stop structure and the rotating member are assembled together through the through groove, and the structural design is simple. It is convenient to insert the stop structure into the rotating member after assembling the structural components other than the stop structure. In addition, the provision of the through groove and the stop structure has little effect on the structural design of the rotating member, does not occupy additional space in the hinge assembly, and does not affect the assembly relationship between the rotating member and the main shaft (and the connecting member), etc., and is conducive to assembly while ensuring the accuracy of the flattening angle.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the extending direction of the through slot is inclined with respect to the first surface and the second surface of the rotating member. The through slot is an inclined slot that penetrates from the first surface to the second surface on the rotating member, which is beneficial to increasing the length of the through slot and the adjustable range of the insertion depth position of the stopping structure on the through slot. It can better cope with the machining and assembly tolerances of various structural components within the hinge assembly, reduce the requirements for the machining and assembly precision of various structural components, and ensure the precise control of the flattening angle when the hinge assembly is in the flattened state, ensuring a high flatness in the flattened state.

[0014] In a possible implementation, along the direction from the end of the through slot on the second surface of the rotating member to the end of the through slot on the first surface, the through slot is inclined in the direction away from the main shaft, making the through slot inclined in the direction outside the main shaft, reducing or avoiding the influence on the main shaft structure, facilitating the assembly setting, and having better feasibility.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the stopping structure includes a fixing part and an abutting part. The fixing part has a first side surface and a second side surface that are opposite in the insertion direction. The abutting part protrudes on the first side surface, and one end face of the abutting part facing away from the fixing part forms a first stopping surface. The structural design of the stopping structure is simple and reliable, easy to process, and has low machining tolerances.

[0016] In a possible implementation, there are two abutting parts, and the two abutting parts are spaced at both ends of the fixing part, so that the stopping structure can form a structural member similar to a C-shaped structure. One end face of each of the two abutting parts facing away from the fixing part can form a first stopping surface. Under the condition that the rotating member can be balanced and stably abutted and stopped with the second stopping surface of the main shaft through the first stopping surface of the abutting part, it is beneficial to reduce the area of the first stopping surface and improve the flatness of the first stopping surface, so that the first stopping surface can be a plane with a relatively high flatness, which further helps to improve the flatness of the hinge assembly when it is in the flattened state.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the second side surface of the fixing part is flush with the first surface of the rotating member, which improves the aesthetics of the rotating member and can reduce the occupied space of the stopping structure within the hinge assembly, reducing or avoiding the influence of the setting of the stopping structure on other structural components within the hinge assembly.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the end of the fixing part with the second side surface is fixedly welded to the rotating member. The stopping structure is inserted and installed on the rotating member by welding, so that there is a high bonding strength between the stopping structure and the rotating member, ensuring the accuracy of the flattening angle when the hinge assembly is in the flattened state, and also facilitating maintaining a high flatness for a long time.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the main shaft includes a main outer shaft and a main inner shaft, the main outer shaft being fastened to the main inner shaft. The second surface of the main outer shaft and the rotating member are located on the same side of the hinge assembly, while the first surface of the main inner shaft and the rotating member are located on the same side of the hinge assembly. Second stop surfaces are formed on both end surfaces of the main outer shaft extending axially. This facilitates the formation of the second stop surfaces within the main shaft structure, eliminating the need for additional stop components, facilitating implementation and reducing the cost of the rotation stop design.

[0020] In one possible implementation, a curved guide rail is formed between the main outer shaft and the main inner shaft. A curved arm is provided at one end of the rotating member to engage with the curved guide rail. The rotating member rotates relative to the main shaft through the interaction of the curved arm and the curved guide rail. This allows the rotating member to serve as the swinging member in a hinge assembly, resulting in a relatively large size and facilitating assembly of the stop structure on the rotating member.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the hinge assembly includes two rotating mechanisms located on both sides of the main shaft, each rotating mechanism includes a connecting member, a linkage member and a rotating member, one end of the rotating member rotates with the main shaft, and the other end of the rotating member slides with the connecting member.

[0022] One end of the linkage member is rotationally matched with the main shaft, and the other end of the linkage member is rotationally matched with the connecting member, and the two linkage members respectively located in the two rotating mechanisms are rotationally matched through the main shaft.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the first stop surface and the second stop surface are respectively planes, which is beneficial to increasing the area and strength of the abutment contact between the first stop surface and the second stop surface, and helps to keep the hinge assembly stably in a flat state.

[0024] A second aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a foldable electronic device, comprising at least two middle frames and any one of the above-mentioned hinge assemblies, wherein the two middle frames are respectively located on both sides of the hinge assembly, and the two middle frames are respectively connected to two rotating mechanisms.

[0025] In one possible implementation, a flexible screen is further included, which is arranged on the hinge assembly and the middle frame. The flexible screen is located at least on the outer surfaces of the middle frame and the hinge assembly. When the electronic device is in a folded state, the outer surfaces of the two middle frames are opposite to each other, and the outer surface of the hinge assembly and the outer surface of the middle frame are located on the same side of the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in a folded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG1 in an intermediate state;

[0028] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG1 in a flattened state;

[0029] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG1 ;

[0030] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a hinge assembly in a flattened state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly in FIG5 in a folded state;

[0032] FIG7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly in FIG5 in a flattened state;

[0033] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the hinge assembly in FIG5 ;

[0034] FIG9 is a schematic front view of the cross-sectional structure of the hinge assembly in FIG5 in a flattened state;

[0035] FIG10 is a schematic front view of the cross-sectional structure of the hinge assembly in FIG5 in a folded state;

[0036] FIG11 is a partial enlarged view of the structure of portion A in FIG7 ;

[0037] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a stop structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of the stop structure in FIG12 from another perspective;

[0039] FIG14 is a front view of the structure of the stop position in FIG12;

[0040] FIG15 is a side view of the structure of the stop position in FIG12;

[0041] FIG16 is a structural diagram of the stop position structure in FIG12 from another perspective;

[0042] FIG17 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the assembly local structure of the rotating member and the stop structure of the hinge assembly in FIG5.

[0043] Explanation of Reference Numerals: 100 - electronic device; 101 - hinge assembly; 10a - rotating mechanism; 10b - rotating mechanism; 11 - rotating member; 111 - through slot; 112 - arc arm; 11a - first surface; 11b - second surface; 110a - swinging member; 110b - connecting member; 110c - linkage member; 20 - main shaft; 21 - main outer shaft; 211 - second stop surface; 22 - main inner shaft; 23 - arc-shaped guide rail; 30 - stop structure; 31 - fixing portion; 31a - first side surface; 31b - second side surface; 32 - abutting portion; 321 - first stop surface; 102 - middle frame; 102a - first middle frame; 1021 - first middle plate; 1022 - first side frame; 102b - second middle frame; 1023 - second middle plate; 1024 - second side frame; 103-flexible screen; 104-back cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The terms used in the implementation section of this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0045] The foldable electronic devices provided in the embodiments of the present application may include, but are not limited to, foldable fixed terminals or mobile terminals such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), handheld computers, touch-screen televisions, walkie-talkies, netbooks, POS machines, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wearable devices, and virtual reality devices.

[0046] For example, taking the foldable electronic device as a foldable mobile phone as an example, the foldable mobile phone can be a foldable mobile phone with a screen folding outward, or the foldable mobile phone can also be a foldable mobile phone with a screen folding inward, or the foldable mobile phone can also be a foldable mobile phone with a partial screen folding inward and a partial screen folding outward, or the foldable mobile phone can also be a foldable mobile phone with a screen folding inward and an additional external screen, etc.

[0047] In the embodiments of the present application, a foldable mobile phone with a foldable screen is taken as an example for description.

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

[0049] As shown in Figure 1, the foldable electronic device 100 may include a hinge assembly 101 and a middle frame 102, wherein the number of middle frames 102 can be at least two. For example, taking the number of middle frames 102 as an example, such as a first middle frame 102a and a second middle frame 102b, the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are located on both sides of the hinge assembly 101, and the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are respectively connected to the hinge assembly 101.

[0050] The hinge assembly 101 may be a structural component used to connect the two middle frames 102 and allow relative rotation between the two middle frames 102. The first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b may be rotatably engaged with each other via the hinge assembly 101, allowing the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b to rotate relative to each other.

[0051] The first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b can be folded relative to each other to a closed state, as shown in Figure 1. For example, the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are in a closed state, and the two can be completely closed to be parallel to each other (a slight deviation is allowed). At this time, the electronic device 100 is in a closed state as a whole, also called a folded state.

[0052] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG1 in an intermediate state.

[0053] 2 , the first middle frame 102 a and the second middle frame 102 b can be relatively rotated (folded or unfolded) to an intermediate state, so that the electronic device 100 is in the intermediate state.

[0054] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG1 in a flattened state.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b can be relatively unfolded to an open state. For example, when the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are in the open state, the unfolding angles between the first middle frame 102a and the hinge assembly 101, and between the hinge assembly 101 and the second middle frame 102b can be approximately 180°, and the electronic device 100 is in the open state, also known as the flattened state.

[0056] It should be noted that the angles illustrated in the embodiments of this application are subject to slight deviation. For example, the unfolded angle of the foldable electronic device 100 shown in FIG3 may be 180°, or approximately 180°, such as 170°, 175°, 185°, or 190°. The angles illustrated in the examples below should be understood in the same way.

[0057] The intermediate state shown in FIG2 can be any state between the folded state and the flattened state. That is, the electronic device 100 can switch between the flattened state (i.e., the open state) and the folded state (i.e., the closed state) by moving the hinge assembly 101, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the electronic device 100.

[0058] For example, when the electronic device 100 is in the flat state, the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are rotated toward each other and folded relative to each other, thereby enabling the electronic device 100 to switch from the flat state to the folded state (or intermediate state). When the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are rotated away from each other and unfolded relative to each other, thereby enabling the electronic device 100 to switch from the folded state to the flat state (or intermediate state).

[0059] The middle frame 102 can be a rectangular flat plate structure. In the embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG3 , the width direction of the middle frame 102 (such as the first middle frame 102a) is the x-direction, the length direction of the middle frame 102 is the y-direction, and the thickness direction of the middle frame 102 is the z-direction. It is understood that the length, width, and thickness in the embodiment of the present application are only for convenience of description and do not imply any limitation on the size. For example, the length can be greater than, equal to, or less than the width. It is understood that when the foldable electronic device 100 is in a folded state or a flattened state, the length direction, width direction, and thickness direction of the electronic device 100 can correspond to the length direction, width direction, and thickness direction of the middle frame 102.

[0060] Of course, in some other examples, the middle frame 102 may also be a flat plate structure in a square, circle, oval, rounded rectangle, etc. shape.

[0061] It should be noted that the electronic device 100 may include only two middle frames 102, such as one first middle frame 102a and one second middle frame 102b, so that when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are folded relative to each other into two layers. For example, as shown in FIG1 , the electronic device 100 includes a first middle frame 102a, a second middle frame 102b, and a hinge assembly 101. The first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are rotatably connected via the hinge assembly 101. When the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are folded relative to each other in the folded state, the electronic device 100 has the form of two stacked middle frames.

[0062] Alternatively, the electronic device 100 may also include multiple middle frames 102, such as the number of first middle frames 102a, second middle frames 102b, and hinge assemblies 101. Adjacent first middle frames 102a and second middle frames 102b may be connected by a hinge assembly 101, so that the electronic device 100 can be folded into a multi-layered form. For example, the electronic device 100 may include two first middle frames 102a, one second middle frame 102b, and two hinge assemblies 101. The two first middle frames 102a are located on both sides of the second middle frame 102b, and the two first middle frames 102a are rotatably connected to the second middle frame 102b via a hinge assembly 101. One of the first middle frames 102a can be folded relative to the second middle frame 102b, and the other first middle frame 102a can also be folded relative to the second middle frame 102b, so that the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, and the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are folded relative to each other to form a three-layer stacked middle frame. When one of the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b is relatively unfolded to a flat state, the electronic device 100 is in a flat state.

[0063] In the embodiment of the present application, an electronic device 100 includes two middle frames, a first middle frame 102a and a second middle frame 102b, and the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are rotatably matched through a hinge assembly 101 as an example for description.

[0064] As shown in FIG3 , the electronic device 100 may further include a foldable flexible screen 103 . The flexible screen 103 serves as a display screen of the electronic device 100 and is used to display images, text, videos, and the like.

[0065] The flexible screen 103 is placed on the hinge assembly 101 and the two middle frames 102. For example, the flexible screen 103 can be attached to the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b. The flexible screen 103 can be located on the same side surface of the first middle frame 102a, the second middle frame 102b, and the hinge assembly 101. When the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are folded relative to each other, the portion of the flexible screen 103 opposite the hinge assembly 101 bends. When the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are unfolded relative to each other, the hinge assembly 101 and the folded portion of the flexible screen 103 also unfold.

[0066] For example, for a foldable electronic device with an outward-folding screen, the flexible screen 103 can be provided on the outer surfaces of the first middle frame 102a, the second middle frame 102b, and the hinge assembly 101. For a foldable electronic device with an inward-folding screen, the flexible screen 103 can be provided on the inner surfaces of the first middle frame 102a, the second middle frame 102b, and the hinge assembly 101.

[0067] It can be understood that in some other examples, such as the three-middle-frame folding electronic device mentioned above, the flexible screen 103 is arranged on two first middle frames 102a, one second middle frame 102b and the hinge assembly 101, and part of the flexible screen 103 can be located on the inner surface of one of the first middle frames 102a, one of the hinge assemblies 101 and the second middle frame 102b, and part of the flexible screen 103 can be located on the outer surface of another first middle frame 102a.

[0068] For example, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the two adjacent and opposing surfaces of the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b may be the inner surfaces of the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b, respectively. The surface of the hinge assembly 101 located on the same side as the inner surfaces of the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b is the inner surface of the hinge assembly 101. The two opposing surfaces of the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are the outer surfaces of the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b, respectively. The surface of the hinge assembly 101 located on the same side as the outer surfaces of the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b is the outer surface of the hinge assembly 101.

[0069] In some other examples, the foldable electronic device may also be a laptop computer, which may include a first middle frame and a second middle frame, which can be folded relative to each other to a closed state, so that the laptop computer is in a closed state (i.e., a folded state). Accordingly, the first middle frame and the second middle frame are unfolded relative to each other from the folded state to an open state, and the laptop computer is in an open state (i.e., a flattened state). In the flattened state, at least a portion of the flexible screen on the first middle frame can be used to display images, etc., and at least a portion of the flexible screen on the second middle frame can be used as a virtual keyboard, etc.

[0070] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG1 .

[0071] As shown in Figure 4, the electronic device 100 may also include a back cover 104. The flexible screen 103 and the back cover 104 can be respectively located on opposite sides of the two middle frames 102 and the hinge assembly 101 along the thickness direction (z direction). The back cover 104, the flexible screen 103 and the middle frame 102 together form a accommodating space, which can be used to assemble and accommodate various functional structural components of the electronic device 100.

[0072] The back cover 104 may serve as an exterior cover on the back of the electronic device 100 , protecting internal components of the electronic device 100 (such as a circuit board and a battery, etc.) and enhancing the aesthetics of the electronic device 100 .

[0073] The middle frame 102 may include a middle plate and a frame. For example, the first middle frame 102a may include a first middle plate 1021 and a first frame 1022, wherein the first frame 1022 is disposed around the outer edge of the first middle plate 1021. The second middle frame 102b may also include a second middle plate 1023 and a second frame 1024, wherein the second frame 1024 is disposed around the outer edge of the second middle plate 1023. The hinge assembly 101 may be connected to the first middle plate 1021 and the second middle plate 1023, respectively.

[0074] The electronic device 100 may further include a circuit board, a battery, a charging management module, a power management module, etc. (not shown in the figure), and the circuit board, the battery, the charging management module, the power management module, etc. may be fixed in the above-mentioned accommodation space.

[0075] The circuit board may include a processor, and the processor may include an application processor (AP), a modem processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, a video codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), a baseband processor, a display processing unit (DPU), and / or a neural-network processing unit (NPU). Among them, the controller may be the nerve center and command center of the electronic device 100. The controller may generate an operation control signal based on the instruction opcode and the timing signal to complete the control of instruction fetching and execution. A memory may also be provided in the processor 110 for storing instructions and data.

[0076] The processor may include one or more interfaces, which can be used to connect a charger to charge the electronic device 100. The interface can also be used to implement data transmission between the electronic device 100 and an external device, for example, it can also be used to connect headphones, projection devices, etc.

[0077] The charging management module is configured to receive charging input from a charger. The charger can be either a wireless charger or a wired charger. In some wired charging examples, the charging management module can receive charging input from the wired charger via an interface. In some wireless charging embodiments, the charging management module can receive wireless charging input via a wireless charging coil on the electronic device 100. The charging management module can charge the battery and also provide power to the electronic device 100 through the power management module.

[0078] The power management module connects the battery, charging management module, and processor. It receives input from the battery and / or charging management module to power the processor, memory, display, camera module, and other components. The power management module can also monitor parameters such as battery capacity, battery cycle count, and battery health (leakage, impedance), among others.

[0079] In some examples, the power management module can be provided in a processor of a circuit board. In other examples, the power management module and the charging management module can also be provided in the same device.

[0080] The structures illustrated in the embodiments of the present application do not constitute a specific limitation on the electronic device 100. In other embodiments of the present application, the electronic device 100 may include more or fewer components than shown, or may combine or separate certain components, or arrange the components differently. For example, the electronic device 100 may also include a communication module, a camera module (such as a front camera and a rear camera), a microphone, a speaker, a flash, and other devices.

[0081] Continuing to refer to Figure 4, the hinge assembly 101 may include a main shaft 20 and a rotating mechanism 10. The axial direction of the main shaft 20 may be parallel to the length direction (y direction) of the electronic device, and the rotating mechanisms 10 may be respectively provided on both sides of the main shaft 20. For example, the rotating mechanisms 10a and the rotating mechanisms 10b are respectively provided on the opposite sides of the main shaft 20 along the width direction.

[0082] The two rotating mechanisms 10 can be connected to the two middle frames 102, respectively. For example, the rotating mechanism 10a can be fixed to the first middle frame 102a, and the rotating mechanism 10b can be fixed to the second middle frame 102b. The rotating mechanisms 10a and 10b are respectively rotatably coupled with the main shaft 20, enabling the two rotating mechanisms 10 to rotate relative to each other. The relative rotation of the two rotating mechanisms 10 drives the two middle frames 102 to rotate relative to each other, and the hinge assembly 101 further realizes the rotational coordination of the two middle frames 102.

[0083] It is understood that when the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are folded relative to each other to a closed state (folded state), the rotating mechanisms 10a and 10b are also folded relative to each other to a closed state. For example, the rotating mechanisms 10a and 10b can also be folded to be parallel to each other (see Figure 10), at which time the hinge assembly 101 is also in a closed state (folded state).

[0084] When the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are relatively unfolded to the open state (flattened state), the rotating mechanism 10a and the rotating mechanism 10b are also relatively unfolded to the open state. For example, the rotation mechanism 10a and the main shaft 20, and the rotation mechanism 10b and the main shaft 20 are approximately 180 degrees (as shown in Figure 9). At this time, the hinge assembly 101 is also in the open state (also called the flattened state). The hinge assembly 101 can switch between the flattened state and the folded state by rotating the rotating mechanism 10 relative to the main shaft 20, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the hinge assembly 101, and further realizing the opening and closing of the electronic device.

[0085] It should be noted that when the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b are rotated away from each other until the electronic device is in a flattened state, it is necessary to stop the continued rotation of the middle frame 102. For example, when the unfolding angle between the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b is 180°, it is necessary to stop the rotation of the first middle frame 102a and the second middle frame 102b to keep the electronic device in a flattened state, so that the electronic device and the flexible screen have better flatness, thereby ensuring the display effect and usage experience of the flexible screen in the unfolded state.

[0086] For electronic devices with inward-folding screens, a direct stop solution for the middle frame is often used. That is, when the electronic device is in a flattened state, one end of the first middle frame adjacent to the main axis and one end of the second middle frame adjacent to the main axis abut against the stop position, so that the first middle frame and the second middle frame cannot continue to rotate relative to each other, so that the electronic device remains in a flattened state.

[0087] For electronic devices with foldable screens, when a middle frame stop solution is adopted, an additional stop structure is usually required between the first middle frame and the second middle frame. When the electronic device is in a flattened state, the first middle frame and the second middle frame are stopped against each other by the stop structure, and the stop structure is bound to occupy the space of the main axis. Adding an additional stop structure in the main axis area, which already has a small space, is not practical.

[0088] Related art also employs a hinge assembly stop design to achieve a stop for the center frame, such as by stopping the rotation of a rotation mechanism. For example, the rotation mechanism may include a swinging member that achieves rotational coordination with the main shaft. When the electronic device is in a flattened state, the swinging member directly abuts the main shaft and stops, preventing the swinging member from further rotating relative to the main shaft. This, in turn, stops the rotation mechanism relative to the main shaft, preventing the first and second middle frames from further rotating relative to each other, thereby maintaining the electronic device in a flattened state.

[0089] However, to ensure flatness in the flattened state, the structural precision of the abutment stop is highly demanding. The assembly between the swinging member and the spindle inevitably involves an assembly tolerance chain, which affects the precision of the abutment stop and the flattening angle of the electronic device after stopping. Furthermore, machining errors in the swinging member can also affect the flattening angle, causing deviations in the flattening angle and resulting in poor flatness of the electronic device in the flattened state, affecting the display quality and user experience.

[0090] Based on this, an embodiment of the present application provides a hinge assembly, which includes a rotating member that rotates relative to a main shaft, and a stop structure is inserted into the rotating member. When the hinge assembly is in a flattened state, the first stop surface of the stop structure abuts and cooperates with the second stop surface of the main shaft, thereby stopping the rotation of the rotating member and maintaining the hinge assembly and the electronic device in a flattened state. Compared with directly abutting the swinging member in the hinge assembly with the main shaft to stop the rotation, the stop structure provides indirect abutment to achieve rotational stopping of the rotating member and the main shaft, disconnecting the assembly tolerance chain of the stop and the assembly tolerance chain of the rotating member, the main shaft, the connecting member, etc., thereby improving the stop accuracy, reducing the difficulty of controlling the flattening angle, and thereby improving the flatness of the electronic device when it is in a flattened state. In addition, by adjusting the insertion position of the stop structure on the rotating part, the flattening angle in the flattened state can be adjusted and controlled to cope with the processing and assembly tolerances of each structural component in the hinge assembly, further ensuring the accuracy of the flattening angle, such as making the flattening angle of the electronic device in the flattened state 180° or as close to 180° as possible, further improving the flatness in the flattened state, thereby significantly improving the display effect and usage experience of the electronic device in the flattened state.

[0091] FIG5 is a structural schematic diagram of a hinge assembly in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0092] 5 , the hinge assembly 101 includes a main shaft 20 and a rotating mechanism 10 . For example, there are two rotating mechanisms 10 , such as a rotating mechanism 10a and a rotating mechanism 10b , which are located on both sides of the main shaft 20 .

[0093] Each rotating mechanism 10 includes a rotating part 11. Taking the rotating mechanism 10a as an example, the rotating mechanism 10a includes a rotating part 11. The rotating part 11 rotates in conjunction with the main shaft 20, so that the rotating part 11 can rotate relative to the main shaft 20, thereby realizing the rotational cooperation between the rotating mechanism 10a and the main shaft 20.

[0094] The hinge assembly 101 further includes a stop structure 30 , which is inserted into the rotating member 11 . The stop structure 30 is used to achieve rotational stopping between the rotating mechanism 10 a and the main shaft 20 .

[0095] It should be noted that the rotating mechanism 10b may also include a rotating member, and a stop structure may also be provided on the rotating member in the rotating mechanism 10b, through which the rotation of the rotating mechanism 10b can be stopped.

[0096] The structural shape design of the rotating member in the rotating mechanism 10a can be the same as the structural shape design of the rotating member in the rotating mechanism 10b. For example, the rotating member of the rotating mechanism 10a and the rotating member of the rotating mechanism 10b can be swing members of the same structural design in the two rotating mechanisms (see below). Alternatively, in some examples, the structural shape design of the rotating member in the rotating mechanism 10a can be different from the structural shape design of the rotating mechanism 10b. The rotating member of the rotating mechanism 10a can be the swing member in the rotating mechanism 10a, and the rotating member of the rotating mechanism 10b can be the linkage member in the rotating mechanism 10b (see below), and the swing member and the linkage member have different structural shapes.

[0097] The rotating parts in the rotating mechanism 10a and the rotating parts in the rotating mechanism 10b can be symmetrically arranged along the axis of the main shaft, or, in some examples, the rotating parts in the rotating mechanism 10a and the rotating parts in the rotating mechanism 10b can also be distributed in an asymmetrical manner, such as the rotating parts in the rotating mechanism 10a and the rotating parts in the rotating mechanism 10b can be staggered along the axis direction of the main shaft.

[0098] The structural shape design of the stop structure on the rotating member in the rotating mechanism 10b may be the same as the structural shape design of the stop structure on the rotating member in the rotating mechanism 10a. Alternatively, in some examples, the structural shape design of the stop structure on the rotating member in the rotating mechanism 10b may be different from the structural shape design of the stop structure on the rotating member in the rotating mechanism 10a, as long as the rotation of the rotating mechanism 10b can be stopped.

[0099] In the embodiment of the present application, the stop structures in the two rotating structures have the same structural shape and design, and the rotating mechanism 10a and the stop structure on the rotating mechanism 10a are taken as an example for description.

[0100] FIG6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly in FIG5 in a folded state.

[0101] As shown in Figure 6, the stop structure 30 has a first stop surface 321 on one end along the insertion direction (such as the dotted line direction in the figure), and the main shaft 20 has a second stop surface 211. When the hinge assembly 101 is in a folded state, the stop structure 30 and the main shaft 20 are separated from each other, and there is no abutment stop relationship between the two.

[0102] When the rotating mechanism 10 a and the rotating mechanism 10 b rotate away from each other to unfold, the rotating member 11 in the rotating mechanism 10 rotates relative to the main shaft 20 , and the rotating member 11 drives the stop structure 30 to rotate toward the main shaft 20 .

[0103] FIG7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly in FIG5 in a flattened state.

[0104] As shown in Figure 7, when the hinge assembly 101 is in a flattened state, the first stop surface 321 of the stop structure 30 abuts against the second stop surface 211 of the main shaft 20, so that the rotating part 11 cannot continue to rotate relative to the main shaft 20, thereby stopping the rotation of the rotating part 11, and also stopping the rotation of the rotating mechanism 10 and the middle frame 102, so that the hinge assembly 101 and the electronic device remain in a flattened state.

[0105] Compared with the related art in which the rotation is stopped by the abutment between the swinging part and the main shaft, the rotation stop of the rotating part 11 and the main shaft 20 is achieved by providing abutment with the help of the stop structure 30, and the assembly tolerance chain of the stop and the assembly tolerance chain of the rotating part 11 and the main shaft 20 are disconnected, thereby reducing or avoiding the influence of the assembly tolerance between the rotating part 11 and the main shaft 20 on the stop accuracy and the flattening angle, improving the stop accuracy, reducing the difficulty of controlling the flattening angle, improving the accuracy of the flattening angle, and thereby improving the flatness of the electronic device when it is in a flattened state.

[0106] In addition, the stop structure 30 is inserted on the rotating part 11, and a first stop surface 321 is formed at one end along the insertion direction. The position of the first stop surface 321 can be changed by adjusting the insertion depth (length along the insertion direction) position of the stop structure 30 assembled on the rotating part 11, and the path length required for the rotating part 11 to rotate to abut against the main shaft 20 is changed, thereby realizing the adjustment and control of the flattening angle in the flattened state to cope with the processing and assembly tolerances of each structural component in the hinge assembly 101, and further ensuring the accuracy of the flattening angle, such as making the flattening angle of the electronic device 180° in the flattened state, further improving the flatness in the flattened state, reducing the crease of the flexible screen, and significantly improving the display effect and usage experience of the electronic device in the flattened state.

[0107] For example, during the assembly of the hinge assembly 101, the structural components other than the stop structure 30, such as the rotating member 11 and the main shaft 20, can be first assembled together to form the hinge assembly 101 without the stop structure 30. The flattening angle of the hinge assembly 101 without the stop structure 30 is adjusted to a desired angle, such as 180°, when in a flattened state. The stop structure 30 is then inserted into the rotating member 11. It is understood that the insertion depth and position of the stop structure 30 can be adjusted based on actual assembly tolerances and structural design requirements to accommodate the processing and assembly tolerances of the various structural components. When the first stop surface 321 of the stop structure 30 abuts the second stop surface 211 of the main shaft 20, the hinge assembly 101 is fully installed. The stop structure 30 is then fixed to the rotating member 11 to ensure precise control of the flattening angle of the electronic device and hinge assembly 101 when in a flattened state, such as maintaining the flattening angle precisely at 180°, thereby ensuring high flatness in the flattened state.

[0108] It can be understood that when the hinge assembly 101 is in the flattened state, the specific setting value of the flattening angle can be the above-mentioned 180°, or it can be less than or greater than 180°. When the hinge assembly 101 is rotated from the folded state to the flattened state, the rotation angle of the rotating mechanism 10 can also be 90°, or it can be greater than or less than 90°. The specific flattening angle and rotation angle can be selected and set according to actual design requirements.

[0109] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the hinge assembly in FIG5 .

[0110] As shown in Figure 8, in order to achieve the insertion fit between the stop structure 30 and the rotating member 11, as shown in Figure 8, a through groove 111 can be opened on the rotating member 11, and the stop structure 30 can be inserted and fixed in the through groove 111, thereby being assembled together with the rotating member 11.

[0111] The stop structure 30 is assembled via the through-slot 111, resulting in a simple structural design. The stop structure 30 can be conveniently installed on the rotating member 11 after all other structural components other than the stop structure 30 are assembled. Furthermore, the provision of the through-slot 111 and the stop structure 30 has minimal impact on the structural design of the rotating member 11, does not occupy additional space within the spindle, and does not affect the assembly relationship between the rotating member 11 and the spindle 20 (and the connecting parts). This facilitates assembly while ensuring the accuracy of the flattening angle.

[0112] It should be noted that the rotating member 11 can be any structural member in the rotating mechanism 10 that can rotate relative to the main shaft 20. For example, each rotating mechanism 10 can include a swinging member and a connecting member. For example, the rotating mechanism 10a includes a swinging member 110a and a connecting member 110b, and the rotating mechanism 10b includes a swinging member 110e and a connecting member 110d.

[0113] In some embodiments, one end of the swing member is engaged with the rotating shaft, and the other end of the swing member is engaged with the connecting member, which is fixed to the middle frame. For example, taking the swing member 110a as an example, one end of the swing member 110a can be rotatably engaged with the main shaft 20, and the other end of the swing member 110a can be slidably engaged with the connecting member 110b (see Figure 9), and the connecting member 110b can be fixedly connected to the first middle frame. When the swing member 110a rotates relative to the main shaft 20, the swing member 110a and the connecting member 110b slide relative to each other, driving the connecting member 110b to rotate relative to the main shaft 20, thereby driving the first middle frame to rotate relative to the main shaft 20, thereby achieving rotational engagement between the two middle frames.

[0114] 8 , the rotating member 11 may be the aforementioned swing member 110 a . The swing member 110 a has a relatively large size, which facilitates the assembly of the stop structure 30 on the rotating member 11 .

[0115] Among them, the rotational cooperation method between one end of the swing member 110a and the main shaft 20 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. For example, the swing member 110a and the main shaft 20 can be realized by means of guide rail cooperation. For example, as shown in Figure 8, one end of the swing member 110a can have an arc arm 112.

[0116] The main shaft 20 may include a main outer shaft 21 and a main inner shaft 22, and the main outer shaft 21 may be buckled onto the main outer shaft 21. The main outer shaft 21 may be located on one side of the outer surface of the hinge assembly 101, and the main inner shaft 22 may be located on one side of the inner surface of the hinge assembly 101. For example, in an electronic device with a foldable screen, the main outer shaft 21 is located on the side of the hinge assembly 101 closer to the flexible screen, and the main inner shaft 22 is located on the side of the hinge assembly 101 farther from the flexible screen.

[0117] FIG9 is a front view of the cross-sectional structure of the hinge assembly in FIG5 in a flattened state.

[0118] As shown in Figure 9, an arc-shaped guide rail 23 can be formed between the main outer shaft 21 and the main inner shaft 22. For example, the main outer shaft 21 can have an arc-shaped inner surface (as shown in combination with Figure 7), the main inner shaft 22 and the main outer shaft 21 are buckled together, and an arc-shaped guide rail 23 is formed between the arc-shaped inner surface of the main outer shaft 21 and the main outer shaft 21.

[0119] 7 , the arcuate arm 112 on one end of the swing member 110a can engage with the arcuate guide rail 23. The arcuate arm 112 of the swing member 110a can slide within the arcuate guide rail 23, thereby achieving rotational engagement between the swing member 110a and the spindle 20. It will be understood that when the swing member 110a rotates relative to the spindle 20, relative sliding occurs between the swing member 110a and the spindle 20 along the arcuate guide rail 23.

[0120] Of course, in some other examples, one end of the swinging member 110a can also be rotated with the main shaft 20 in other ways. For example, a raised arc-shaped guide rail member can be formed on the main shaft 20, and a track groove that cooperates with the track member can be formed on one end of the swinging member 110a.

[0121] The sliding fit between the other end of the swinging member 110a and the connecting member 110b is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. For example, the other end of the swinging member 110a can also be slidably fitted with the connecting member 110b by means of a guide rail. For example, a sliding groove can be provided on the connecting member 110b, and the other end of the swinging member 110a can slide in the sliding groove, thereby achieving the sliding fit between the other end of the swinging member 110a and the connecting member 110b.

[0122] Of course, in some other examples, the other end of the swinging member 110a can also achieve sliding cooperation with the connecting member 110b in other ways. For example, there can be a sliding groove on the other end of the swinging member 110a, and the connecting member 110b can have a raised slider. The relative sliding between the connecting member 110b and the swinging member 110a is achieved through the sliding cooperation between the slider and the sliding groove.

[0123] Each rotation mechanism 10 may further include a linkage member, one end of which engages with the main shaft and the other end of which engages with the connecting member. For example, referring to rotation mechanism 10b, as shown in FIG7 , rotation mechanism 10b includes a linkage member 110c. One end of linkage member 110c is rotationally engaged with the main shaft 20, and the other end of linkage member 110c engages with connecting member 110d of rotation mechanism 10b. Connecting member 110d may be fixedly connected to the second middle frame. When linkage member 110c rotates relative to main shaft 20, linkage member 110c drives connecting member 110d and the second middle frame to rotate relative to main shaft 20.

[0124] The manner in which the linkage member 110c and the spindle 20 are rotated together is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, one end of the linkage member 110c may also be engaged with the arcuate guide rail 23, and the one end of the linkage member 110c may slide within the arcuate guide rail 23, thereby achieving rotational engagement between the linkage member 110c and the spindle 20. When the linkage member 110c rotates relative to the spindle 20, relative sliding occurs between the linkage member 110c and the spindle 20 along the arcuate guide rail 23.

[0125] Of course, in some other examples, the linkage 110c may also be rotated in conjunction with the main shaft 20 in other ways. For example, the linkage 110c and the main shaft 20 may be rotated in conjunction with each other through shaft hole cooperation. For example, a first shaft hole may be formed on the linkage 110c, and a first rotating shaft may be provided on the main shaft 20. The first rotating shaft is passed through the first shaft hole, so that the linkage 110c is rotationally connected to the first rotating shaft through the first shaft hole.

[0126] As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the other end of the linkage 110c can be rotatably engaged with the connecting member 110d. For example, the linkage 110c and the connecting member 110d can be rotatably engaged by means of shaft-hole engagement. For example, a second shaft hole can be provided on the other end of the linkage 110c, and a second rotating shaft can be provided on the connecting member 110d. The second rotating shaft is passed through the second shaft hole, so that the linkage 110c is rotatably connected to the second rotating shaft through the second shaft hole.

[0127] Alternatively, in some examples, the other end of the linkage 110c can be slidably engaged with the connector 110d. For example, the sliding engagement between the linkage 110c and the connector 110d can be achieved by plug-in engagement. For example, a plug-in slot can be provided on the connector 110d, and a plug-in component can be provided on one end of the linkage 110c. The plug-in component can be inserted into the plug-in slot and slide along the plug-in slot, thereby enabling the linkage 110c and the connector 110d to achieve sliding engagement through the engagement of the plug-in component and the plug-in slot.

[0128] Of course, in some other examples, the linkage member 110c may also achieve sliding cooperation with the connecting member 110d in other forms. For example, a slide rail may be formed on the linkage member 110c, and a sliding member that cooperates with the slide rail may be formed on the connecting member 110d.

[0129] Alternatively, in some other examples, the other end of the linkage member 110 c and the connecting member 110 d may also be fixed together, and the rotation of the linkage member 110 c and the main shaft 20 drives the connecting member 110 d to rotate relative to the main shaft 20 .

[0130] The two linkage members in the two rotating mechanisms 10 can be rotationally matched via the main shaft 20 , thereby realizing the rotational linkage between the two rotating mechanisms 10 . For example, when the rotating mechanism 10a rotates relative to the main shaft 20, the swinging member 110a, the connecting member 110b and the linkage member (not shown in the figure) in the rotating mechanism 10a rotate relative to the main shaft 20, and the linkage member in the rotating mechanism 10a can drive the linkage member 110c in the rotating mechanism 10b to rotate relative to the main shaft 20. The swinging member and the connecting member 110d in the rotating mechanism 10b also rotate relative to the main shaft 20, thereby causing the rotating mechanism 10b to rotate relative to the main shaft 20, so that the rotating mechanism 10a and the rotating mechanism 10b can achieve synchronous rotation. When unfolding or folding the electronic device 100, it is only necessary to drive the middle frame and the rotating mechanism 10 on one side (such as the first middle frame and the rotating mechanism 10a) to rotate, so that the middle frame and the rotating mechanism on the other side (such as the second middle frame and the rotating mechanism 10b) can be rotated, thereby realizing the folding or unfolding of the electronic device, making the operation more convenient, and helping to improve the user experience.

[0131] The rotational coordination between the two linkage members in the two rotating mechanisms 10 can be achieved through gear linkage or other means. For example, the main shaft 20 may further include a gear assembly (not shown), which may include multiple gears. The linkage members in the rotating mechanism 10a and the linkage members in the rotating mechanism 10b may respectively engage with the gear assembly. When the linkage member in the rotating mechanism 10a rotates relative to the main shaft 20, it drives the gears of the gear assembly to rotate, which in turn drives the linkage member in the rotating mechanism 10b to rotate relative to the main shaft 20 via the gears.

[0132] It should be noted that the number of swing members, connecting members, and linkage members in each rotating mechanism 10 can be one or more. For example, each rotating mechanism 10 can include multiple swing members, and the multiple swing members can be arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the main shaft 20. Each rotating mechanism 10 can include multiple linkage members, and the multiple linkage members can also be arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the main shaft 20. The number of swing members and the number of linkage members can correspond to each other.

[0133] In some examples, the rotating member 11 may also be a linkage member in the hinge assembly 101 , or the rotating member 11 may also be a connecting member in the hinge assembly 101 .

[0134] In the embodiment of the present application, the rotating member 11 is taken as an example to be described as the swinging member 110 a in the hinge assembly 101 .

[0135] Continuing to refer to Figure 9, the rotating member 11 may include a first surface 11a and a second surface 11b that are opposite to each other. For example, the rotating member 11 includes a first surface 11a and a second surface 11b that are opposite to each other in the thickness direction (z direction). The through groove 111 may extend from the first surface 11a of the rotating member 11 to the second surface 11b. The through groove 111 may pass through the rotating member 11 in the thickness direction. The stop structure 30 may be inserted into the through groove 111. An end face of the stop structure 30 adjacent to the second surface 11b of the rotating member 11 may form a first stop surface 321.

[0136] A second stop surface 211 may be formed on the main outer shaft 21. For example, if the main outer shaft 21 has two ends extending in the axial direction (as shown in FIG8 ), the two ends may be opposite in the width direction, and the second stop surface 211 may be formed on the end surfaces of the two ends.

[0137] The main inner shaft 22 and the first surface 11a of the rotating member 11 may be located on the same side of the hinge assembly 101, and the main outer shaft 21 and the second surface 11b of the rotating member 11 may be located on the same side of the hinge assembly 101. For example, the main inner shaft 22 and the first surface 11a of the rotating member 11 may be located on a side adjacent to the inner surface of the hinge assembly 101. The main outer shaft 21 and the second surface 11b of the rotating member 11 may be located on a side adjacent to the outer surface of the hinge assembly 101. Taking an electronic device with a foldable screen as an example, the main outer shaft 21 and the second surface 11b of the rotating member 11 are arranged closer to the flexible screen, while the main inner shaft 22 and the first surface 11a of the rotating member 11 are arranged farther away from the flexible screen.

[0138] FIG10 is a front view of the cross-sectional structure of the hinge assembly in FIG5 in a folded state.

[0139] As shown in FIG10 , when the hinge assembly 101 is in a folded state, the rotating mechanism 10a, the main shaft 20, and the rotating mechanism 10b are folded and enclosed to form a structure having an interior space 10c. The main inner shaft 22 and the first surface 11a of the rotating member 11 are located on the inner surface side of the hinge assembly 101, relatively close to the interior space 10c. The first surface 11a of the rotating member 11 can form a portion of the inner surface of the hinge assembly 101. The main outer shaft 21 and the second surface 11b of the rotating member 11 are located on the outer surface side of the hinge assembly 101, relatively far from the interior space 10c.

[0140] When the hinge assembly 101 is in the folded state, the stop structure 30 on the rotating member 11 is relatively far away from the main outer shaft 21 , and there is no abutment and stopping effect between the two.

[0141] In the scenario where the hinge assembly is in a folded state in Figure 10, when the rotating mechanism 10a and the rotating mechanism 10b are rotated away from each other to unfold, one end of the rotating member 11 rotates with the main shaft 20, and one end of the rotating member 11 slides toward the inside of the arc guide rail 23, so that the rotating member 11 as a whole rotates in an arc trajectory relative to the main shaft 20, so that the stop structure 30 and the first stop surface 321 rotate along the arc trajectory toward the main outer shaft 21 and the second stop surface 211.

[0142] When the hinge assembly 101 is in a flattened state (as shown in FIG9 ), the first stop surface 321 of the stop structure 30 abuts against the second stop surface 211 of the main outer shaft 21, thereby stopping the rotation of the rotating part 11 and preventing the rotating mechanism 10 from continuing to rotate relative to the main shaft 20, thereby keeping the hinge assembly in a flattened state and ensuring that the flattening angle is 180°.

[0143] On the contrary, in the scenario where the hinge assembly is in a flattened state in Figure 9, when the rotating mechanism 10a and the rotating mechanism 10b are rotated toward each other to fold, the rotating member 11 rotates relative to the main shaft 20, driving the first stop surface 321 of the stop structure 30 and the second stop surface 211 of the main outer shaft 21 to disengage from each other, and no stopping effect is applied.

[0144] Among them, the first stop surface 321 and the second stop surface 211 can be planes respectively. For example, when the hinge assembly 101 is in a flattened state, the first stop surface 321 and the second stop surface 211 can be planes parallel to the width direction (x direction) respectively (as shown in Figure 9), which is beneficial to increase the area and abutment strength of the stop contact between the first stop surface 321 and the second stop surface 211, and helps to keep the hinge assembly stably in the flattened state.

[0145] Of course, in some examples, one or both of the first stop surface 321 and the second stop surface 211 may be curved surfaces, such as arc-shaped surfaces.

[0146] FIG11 is a partial enlarged view of the structure of portion A in FIG7 .

[0147] As shown in Figure 11, the extension direction of the through groove 111 on the rotating member 11 can be set to be inclined relative to the first surface 11a and the second surface 11b of the rotating member 11, and the extension direction of the through groove 111 has an inclined angle with the first surface 11a and the second surface 11b of the rotating member 11 respectively. As shown in Figure 11, the extension direction of the through groove 111 can form an inclined angle α with the first surface 11a of the rotating member 11, and the inclined angle α is not equal to 0°.

[0148] In some examples, the tilt angle may not be equal to 90°. It is understood that the first surface 11a and the second surface 11b of the rotating member 11 may be opposite to each other in the thickness direction, and the extension direction of the through-slot 111 and the thickness direction (z-direction) may also have a tilt angle that is not 0° or 90°. The extension direction of the through-slot 111 is consistent with the insertion direction of the stop structure 30 on the rotating member 11. As shown in Figure 11, the insertion direction of the stop structure 30 may be the z1 direction shown in the figure.

[0149] In this example, the through groove 111 is an oblique groove on the rotating part 11 that extends from the first surface 11a to the second surface 11b, which is conducive to increasing the length of the through groove 111 and increasing the adjustable range of the depth position of the stop structure 30 inserted in the through groove 111. It can better cope with the processing and assembly tolerances of various structural components in the absorbing hinge assembly, reduce the requirements for the processing and assembly accuracy of each structural component, and ensure the precise control of the flattening angle when the hinge assembly is in a flattened state, ensuring high flatness in the flattened state.

[0150] Alternatively, in some examples, the tilt angle can also be 90°, so that the extension direction of the through groove 111 can be perpendicular to the first surface 11a and the second surface 11b of the rotating part 11, and the extension direction of the through groove 111 can be parallel to the thickness direction, which is convenient for the insertion and assembly of the stop structure 30.

[0151] It is understandable that the degree of inclination of the through slot 111 and the specific value of the inclination angle between the extending direction of the through slot 111 and the first surface 11a and the second surface 11b of the rotating member 11 can be selected and set according to actual needs.

[0152] The specific positions of the through groove 111 and the stop structure 30 on the rotating member 11 are not limited in the embodiment of the present application. For example, referring to Figure 11, one end of the rotating member 11 is rotatably engaged with the main shaft 20, and the other end of the rotating member 11 is slidably engaged with the connecting member. The through groove 111 and the stop structure 30 can be located between one end of the rotating member 11 that is engaged with the main shaft 20 and one end of the rotating member 11 that is engaged with the connecting member.

[0153] Alternatively, in some other examples, the through groove 111 and the stop structure 30 may also be located on one end where the rotating part 11 and the main shaft 20 rotate together, or the through groove 111 and the stop structure 30 may also be located on one end where the rotating part 11 and the connecting part slide together. The specific position can be selected and set according to actual needs and the structural design requirements of the hinge assembly.

[0154] Exemplarily, from one end of the through slot 111 located on the second surface 11b of the rotating member 11 to the end of the through slot 111 located on the first surface 11a of the rotating member 11, the through slot 111 is inclined in a direction away from the main shaft 20, so that the through slot 111 is inclined in a direction outside the main shaft 20, that is, the distance between one end of the through slot 111 located on the second surface 11b of the rotating member 11 and the main shaft 20 is smaller than the distance between one end of the through slot 111 located on the first surface 11a of the rotating member 11 and the main shaft 20, the end of the through slot 111 located on the second surface 11b of the rotating member 11 is arranged closer to the main shaft 20, and the end of the through slot 111 located on the first surface 11a of the rotating member 11 is arranged farther away from the main shaft 20, thereby reducing or avoiding the impact on the structure of the main shaft 20, facilitating assembly and arrangement, and having better feasibility.

[0155] Adjusting the insertion position (length along the insertion direction) of the stop structure 30 in the through groove 111 can change the distance between the rotating part 11 and the main outer shaft 21, and change the path length required for the rotating part 11 to rotate to abut against the main outer shaft 21, thereby changing the flattening angle of the hinge assembly when it is in the flattened state, thereby adjusting the flattening angle and achieving precise control of the flattening angle, making the flattening angle more precise and improving the flatness in the flattened state.

[0156] For example, referring to Figure 11, the stop structure 30 is adjusted upward along the insertion direction (z1 direction), wherein upward refers to the direction from the second surface 11b of the rotating member 11 to the first surface 11a of the rotating member 11. The distance between the rotating member 11 and the main outer shaft 21 is reduced, and the path required for the rotating member 11 to rotate to abut against the main outer shaft 21 becomes longer, thereby increasing the flattening angle of the hinge assembly.

[0157] On the contrary, the stop structure 30 is adjusted downward along the insertion direction, pointing downward in the direction from the first surface 11a of the rotating member 11 to the second surface 11b of the rotating member 11, the distance between the rotating member 11 and the main outer shaft 21 increases, and the path required for the rotating member 11 to rotate to abut against the main outer shaft 21 becomes smaller, so that the flattening angle of the hinge assembly becomes smaller.

[0158] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a stop structure provided in an embodiment of the present application, and FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of the stop structure in FIG12 from another perspective.

[0159] Exemplarily, as shown in FIG. 12, the stop structure 30 may include a fixing portion 31 and an abutting portion 32. The fixing portion 31 may have a first side surface 31a and a second side surface 31b opposite to each other in the insertion direction (z1 direction), and the abutting portion 32 may protrude from the first side surface 31a. As shown in FIG. 13, a first stop surface 321 may be formed on the end surface of the end of the abutting portion 32 facing away from the fixing portion 31. The structural design of the stop structure 30 is simple and reliable, which is convenient for processing. The stop structure 30 is directly inserted into the through groove of the rotating member, and has low machining and assembly tolerances.

[0160] FIG. 14 is a front view structural schematic diagram of the stop structure in FIG. 12.

[0161] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, there may be two abutting portions 32, and the two abutting portions 32 may be spaced apart at both ends of the fixing portion 31, so that the stop structure 30 may form a structural member in a shape similar to a "C".

[0162] First stop surfaces 321 may be formed on the end surfaces of the ends of the two abutting portions 32 facing away from the fixing portion 31. Under the condition that the rotating member 11 can abut and stop against the second stop surface of the main shaft through the first stop surface 321 of the abutting portion 32 in a balanced and stable manner, it is beneficial to reduce the area of the first stop surface 321 and improve the flatness of the first stop surface 321, so that the first stop surface 321 may be a plane with relatively high flatness, which further helps to improve the flatness of the hinge assembly when it is in a flattened state.

[0163] Certainly, in some examples, there may be one abutting portion 32, and the dimensions such as the length and width of the abutting portion 32 may be the same as those of the fixing portion 31, so that the stop structure 30 may form a structural member in a shape similar to a square (such as a rectangle, a square, etc.). Or, the dimensions such as the length and width of the abutting portion 32 may also be different from those of the fixing portion 31, so that the stop structure 30 may be in other regular or irregular shapes, such as the stop structure 30 may be a wedge-shaped structural member, etc. The specific dimensions, shapes, etc. of the stop structure 30 may be selected and set according to actual requirements.

[0164] FIG. 15 is a side view structural schematic diagram of the stop structure in FIG. 12.

[0165] Among them, for the convenience of inserting the stop structure 30 into the inclined through groove, the extending direction of the abutting portion 32 may also be inclined. As shown in FIG. 15, the extending direction of the abutting portion 32 is inclined with respect to the first side surface and the second side surface (not shown in the figure) of the fixing portion 31. The inclined direction and inclined angle of the abutting portion 32 may be the same as those of the through groove.

[0166] FIG. 16 is a structural schematic diagram of another view angle of the stop structure in FIG. 12.

[0167] The fixing portion 31 of the stop structure 30 is used to fix to the rotating member, so that the stop structure 30 and the rotating member are assembled together. As shown in FIG16 , for example, the second side surface 31 b of the fixing portion 31 can be a plane.

[0168] FIG17 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the assembly local structure of the rotating member and the stop structure of the hinge assembly in FIG5.

[0169] For example, as shown in Figure 17, the second side surface 31b of the fixing portion 31 can be flush with the first surface 11a of the rotating part 11, thereby improving the aesthetics of the rotating part 11, and reducing the space occupied by the stop structure 30 in the hinge assembly, thereby reducing or avoiding the impact of the setting of the stop structure 30 on other structural components in the hinge assembly.

[0170] The stop structure 30 and the rotating part 11 can be assembled by welding, that is, after adjusting the flattening angle of the hinge assembly without the stop structure 30 to an ideal angle when it is in a flattened state, the stop structure 30 is inserted into the rotating part 11 by welding, so that the stop structure 30 and the rotating part 11 have a high bonding strength, ensuring the accuracy of the flattening angle when the hinge assembly is in a flattened state, and also helping to maintain high flatness for a long time.

[0171] For example, after the stop structure 30 is inserted into the through groove of the rotating part 11, the fixing portion 31 of the stop structure 30 has an end with the second side surface 31b that can have a gap with the inner wall of the through groove 111 to form a weld (as shown by the dotted line in the figure). At the weld position, the fixing portion 31 and the rotating part 11 can be fixed together by welding, and then the stop structure 30 can be assembled and fixed on the rotating part 11.

[0172] Of course, in some other examples, the stop structure 30 can also be assembled and connected to the rotating member 11 in other ways. For example, the stop structure 30 can be fixed to the rotating member 11 by bonding, snapping, threaded fastening, etc.

[0173] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances. The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0174] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, ordinary technicians in this field should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. These modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly, characterized in that: include: A main shaft and two rotating parts located on both sides of the main shaft, wherein the rotating parts are respectively rotatably matched with the main shaft; The hinge assembly further comprises a stop structure, the stop structure is inserted on the rotating member, one end of the stop structure along the insertion direction has a first stop surface, and the main shaft has a second stop surface; When the hinge assembly is in a flattened state, the first stop surface of the stop structure abuts against the second stop surface of the main shaft.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating member includes a first surface and a second surface that are opposite to each other; The rotating member has a through slot extending from the first surface to the second surface. The stop structure is inserted into the through slot. An end surface of the stop structure adjacent to the second surface forms the first stop surface.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: An extending direction of the through groove is inclined to the first surface and the second surface.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: In a direction from one end of the through slot located on the second surface to one end of the through slot located on the first surface, the through slot is inclined in a direction away from the main axis.

5. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The stop structure includes a fixing portion and an abutting portion; The fixing portion has a first side surface and a second side surface that are opposite to each other in the insertion direction, the abutting portion is protrudingly arranged on the first side surface, and an end surface of the abutting portion that faces away from the fixing portion forms the first stop surface.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: There are two abutting portions, and the two abutting portions are arranged at intervals at two ends of the fixing portion.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The second side surface of the fixing portion is flush with the first surface of the rotating member.

8. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The fixing portion has an end of the second side surface which is fixed to the rotating member by welding.

9. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that: The main shaft comprises a main outer shaft and a main inner shaft, the main outer shaft is buckled on the main inner shaft, the main outer shaft and the second surface of the rotating member are located on the same side of the hinge assembly, and the main inner shaft and the first surface of the rotating member are located on the same side of the hinge assembly; The second stop surface is formed on both end surfaces of the main outer shaft extending in the axial direction.

10. The hinge assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: An arc guide rail is formed between the main outer shaft and the main inner shaft; One end of the rotating member has an arc arm that cooperates with the arc guide rail, and the rotating member realizes rotation relative to the main shaft through the cooperation between the arc arm and the arc guide rail.

11. The hinge assembly according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The hinge assembly comprises two rotating mechanisms located on both sides of the main shaft, each of the rotating mechanisms comprises a connecting member, a linkage member and the rotating member, one end of the rotating member is rotationally matched with the main shaft, and the other end of the rotating member is slidingly matched with the connecting member; One end of the linkage member is rotationally matched with the main shaft, and the other end of the linkage member is matched with the connecting member, and two linkage members respectively located in two rotating mechanisms are rotationally matched through the main shaft.

12. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The first stop surface and the second stop surface are respectively planes.

13. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that: It comprises at least two middle frames and the hinge assembly described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the two middle frames are respectively located on both sides of the hinge assembly, and the two middle frames are rotatably matched through the hinge assembly.

14. The foldable electronic device according to claim 13, characterized in that: Also included is a flexible screen, which is arranged on the hinge assembly and the middle frame; The flexible screen is located at least on the outer surfaces of the middle frame and the hinge assembly. When the electronic device is in a folded state, the outer surfaces of the two middle frames are opposite to each other, and the outer surface of the hinge assembly and the outer surface of the middle frame are located on the same side of the electronic device.

Images