Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

A rotating shaft mechanism (1) and an electronic device. The rotating shaft mechanism (1) comprises a main shaft module (101) and two support plates, wherein the main shaft module (101) comprises two rotating assemblies, two shell fixing frames and a main shaft (1013), the two rotating assemblies being located on two opposite sides of the main shaft (1013). A support arm of each rotating assembly is rotationally connected to the main shaft (1013), and is slidably connected to the shell fixing frame arranged on the same side. Each support plate is rotationally connected to the shell fixing frame arranged on the same side. When the rotating shaft mechanism (1) is in a closed state, the two support plates and the main shaft (1013) enclose a screen accommodating space (7), and the end of each support plate close to the main shaft (1013) is arranged opposite a stepped surface of the support arm arranged on the same side. In this way, when the rotating shaft mechanism (1) is impacted by an external load, the end of each support plate close to the main shaft (1013) abuts against the corresponding stepped surface, such that a path on which an internal force of the main shaft module (101) is transmitted can be effectively optimized, thereby reducing the magnitude of misalignment between the support arms and the shell fixing frames, and improving the structural reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism (1), and thus the structural reliability of an electronic device is also improved.

Description

Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on January 23, 2024, with application number 202410099988.5 and invention name "A rotating shaft mechanism and electronic device", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

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

[0005] As a key component in foldable electronic devices, the hinge mechanism not only enables the folding function and provides a folding feel, but also supports the flexible display when the foldable electronic device is flattened, and accommodates the flexible display when the foldable electronic device is closed, thereby protecting the flexible display. However, since the distance between the curved portion of the flexible display and the hinge mechanism is small when the foldable electronic device is closed, if the internal parts of the hinge mechanism are misaligned or deformed under the action of external loads, they may collide with the flexible display, which can easily cause damage to the flexible display.

[0006] Based on this, how to improve the structural reliability of the shaft mechanism has become a difficult problem that needs to be solved urgently by those skilled in the art.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device to improve the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism, reduce the risk of damage to the flexible display screen, and thus improve the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0009] In a first aspect, the present application provides a hinge mechanism for a foldable electronic device, wherein at least a portion of the hinge mechanism is configured to correspond to a bendable portion of a flexible display screen of the electronic device. The hinge mechanism, when specifically configured, may include a main shaft module, a first support plate, and a second support plate. The main shaft module includes a first rotating assembly, a second rotating assembly, a first housing mount, a second housing mount, and a main shaft, with the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly located on opposite sides of the main shaft. The first rotating assembly includes a first support arm, which is rotatably connected to the main shaft and slidably connected to the first housing mount. The first support arm includes a first stepped surface located on the side of the first support arm facing the flexible display screen. The second rotating assembly includes a second support arm, which is rotatably connected to the main shaft and slidably connected to the second housing mount. The second support arm includes a second stepped surface located on the side of the second support arm facing the flexible display screen. The first support plate is rotatably connected to the first housing mount and includes a first plate surface for connecting to the flexible display screen. The second support plate is rotatably connected to the second housing mount, and the second support plate includes a third surface for connecting to the flexible display. When the hinge mechanism is in a closed state, a screen space is formed between the first surface of the first support plate, the third surface of the second support plate, and the surfaces of the main shaft facing the first and second support plates. At least a portion of the end of the first support plate near the main shaft is disposed opposite the first step surface, and at least a portion of the end of the second support plate near the main shaft is disposed opposite the second step surface. The hinge mechanism provided in the present application can reduce the amount of misalignment between the first support arm and the first housing mount, and the amount of misalignment between the second support arm and the second housing mount, by abutting at least a portion of the end of the first support plate near the main shaft with the first step surface, and at least a portion of the end of the second support plate near the main shaft with the second step surface, when the main shaft is subjected to an external load. This reduces the amount of deformation of the main shaft, thereby improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism. This can help reduce the risk of the hinge mechanism squeezing the portion of the flexible display accommodated in the screen space, thereby improving the structural reliability of the electronic device incorporating the hinge mechanism.

[0010] It can be understood that when the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, the distance between at least a portion of the end of the first support plate close to the main shaft and the first step surface, and the distance between at least a portion of the end of the second support plate close to the main shaft and the second step surface, can be adjusted according to the specific design dimensions of the rotating shaft mechanism, as long as it is ensured that when the main shaft is subjected to a certain external load, the purpose of reducing the deformation of the main shaft can be achieved by abutting at least a portion of the end of the first support plate close to the main shaft with the first step surface and abutting at least a portion of the end of the second support plate close to the main shaft with the second step surface.

[0011] In a possible implementation of the present application, the main shaft includes a main inner shaft and a main outer shaft, and the main inner shaft and the main outer shaft are interlocked. Then, when the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, the projection of the end of the first support plate close to the main shaft in the direction from the main inner shaft to the main outer shaft overlaps at least partially with the projection of the first step surface in the direction from the main inner shaft to the main outer shaft; and the projection of the end of the second support plate close to the main shaft in the direction from the main inner shaft to the main outer shaft overlaps at least partially with the projection of the second step surface in the direction from the main inner shaft to the main outer shaft. In this way, when the main shaft of the rotating shaft mechanism is subjected to an external load in the direction from the main outer shaft to the main inner shaft, the end of the first support plate close to the main shaft can abut against the first step surface, and the end of the second support plate close to the main shaft can abut against the second step surface, thereby reducing the deformation of the main shaft.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the present application, the first support plate includes a first hook, which is located on the side of the first support plate facing away from the first plate surface, and the angle between the extension direction of the first hook and the first plate surface facing away from the main shaft is an acute angle. In addition, the first support arm also includes a first slot, and when the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, the first hook is engaged with the first slot. In this way, when the main shaft module is subjected to an external load, the engagement between the first hook and the first slot can prevent the end of the first support plate close to the main shaft from slipping off the first step surface, thereby improving the reliability of the abutment between the first support plate and the first support arm, thereby improving the structural reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0013] Similarly, the second support plate includes a second hook, which is located on the side of the second support plate facing away from the third plate surface, and the angle between the extension direction of the second hook and the third plate surface facing away from the main shaft is an acute angle. The second support arm also includes a second slot, and when the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, the second hook engages with the second slot. In this way, when the main shaft module is subjected to an external load, the engagement of the second hook with the second slot can prevent the end of the second support plate close to the main shaft from slipping off the second step surface, thereby improving the reliability of the abutment between the second support plate and the second support arm, thereby improving the structural reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the present application, the first support plate includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion, the first plate portion being fixedly connected to the second plate portion, the second plate portion being stronger than the first plate portion, and the second plate portion being positioned closer to the spindle relative to the first plate portion. This increases the strength of the end of the first support plate closer to the spindle, reducing the risk of damage to the first support plate and thereby improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism.

[0015] Similarly, the second support plate may include a third plate portion and a fourth plate portion, the third plate portion being fixedly connected to the fourth plate portion, the fourth plate portion being stronger than the third plate portion, and the fourth plate portion being positioned closer to the spindle relative to the third plate portion. This increases the strength of the end of the second support plate closer to the spindle, reducing the risk of damage to the second support plate and thereby improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism.

[0016] In actual design, the first plate portion can be made of a lightweight material such as aluminum, while the second plate portion can be made of a structurally stronger material such as stainless steel. This ensures the structural reliability of the first support plate while also reducing the overall weight of the first support plate, thereby meeting the design requirements for a lightweight hinge mechanism. Furthermore, the first and second plate portions can be fixedly connected by, but are not limited to, welding, riveting, or threading to ensure a reliable connection between the first and second plates.

[0017] Similarly, the third plate portion can be made of aluminum, and the fourth plate portion can be made of stainless steel. Furthermore, the third and fourth plates can be fixedly connected by, but not limited to, welding, riveting, or threading. This ensures the structural reliability of the second support plate while also reducing the overall weight of the second support plate, thereby meeting the design requirements for a lightweight hinge mechanism.

[0018] Based on the arrangement of the first and second support plates in the above implementation, in one possible implementation of the present application, the first hook can be integrally formed with the second plate, and the second hook can be integrally formed with the fourth plate. This effectively improves the strength of the first and second hooks while also increasing the integration of the first and second support plates, which helps simplify the structure of the spindle module.

[0019] In a possible implementation of the present application, in order to achieve a sliding connection between the first support arm and the first shell fixing frame, the first shell fixing frame includes a first sliding groove, and the first support arm is slidably installed in the first sliding groove.

[0020] Similarly, the second housing fixing frame includes a second sliding groove, and the second support arm is slidably mounted in the second sliding groove, thereby achieving a sliding connection between the second support arm and the second housing fixing frame.

[0021] In a possible implementation of the present application, the first rotating assembly further includes a first swing arm, which is rotationally connected to the main shaft and the first swing arm is rotationally connected to the first shell fixing frame, and the axes of rotation of the first swing arm and the first support arm around the main shaft are parallel and do not overlap. Similarly, the second rotating assembly further includes a second swing arm, which is rotationally connected to the main shaft and the second swing arm is rotationally connected to the second shell fixing frame, and the axes of rotation of the second swing arm and the second support arm around the main shaft are parallel and do not overlap. In this way, during the rotation of the hinge mechanism, an axial phase difference between the support arm and the swing arm set on the same side can be achieved, thereby achieving the telescopic movement of the two rotating assemblies, so that the hinge mechanism can stably support the flexible display screen of the electronic device when it is in a flattened state, and can form a screen-holding space that meets the bending requirements of the flexible display screen when the hinge mechanism is in a closed state.

[0022] In order to achieve a rotational connection between the first and second swing arms and the main shaft, in one possible implementation of the present application, the main shaft is provided with a first arcuate groove and a second arcuate groove, and the first swing arm includes a first arcuate rotating block, which is mounted on the first arcuate groove and can slide along the groove surface of the first arcuate groove. The second swing arm includes a second arcuate rotating block, which is mounted on the second arcuate groove and can slide along the groove surface of the second arcuate groove. This design method allows the first and second swing arms to achieve a rotational connection with the main shaft through a virtual axis, which can effectively reduce the space occupied by the first and second swing arms on the main shaft, thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0023] In a possible implementation of the present application, the first support plate also includes a second plate surface, which is arranged opposite to the first plate surface, and the second plate surface is provided with a second rotating part, and the first shell fixing frame is provided with a first rotating groove, so that the first rotating part can be installed in the first rotating groove to realize the rotational connection between the first support plate and the first shell fixing frame by sliding the first rotating part along the groove surface of the first rotating groove.

[0024] Similarly, the second support plate also includes a fourth plate surface, which is arranged back to back with the third plate surface. The fourth plate surface is provided with a second rotating part, and the second shell fixing frame is provided with a second rotating groove. The second rotating part is installed in the second rotating groove, and the second rotating part can slide along the groove surface of the second rotating groove, thereby realizing the rotational connection between the second support plate and the second shell fixing frame.

[0025] In order to enable the first support plate and the second support plate to rotate around the corresponding shell fixing frame, in a possible implementation of the present application, the second plate surface of the first support plate can be provided with a first guide portion, and the first guide portion includes a first track groove, and at least one of the first support arm and the first swing arm is provided with a first guide structure, the first guide structure is inserted into the first track groove, and can slide along the first track groove.

[0026] Similarly, the fourth surface of the second support plate is further provided with a second guide portion, the second guide portion including a second track groove. At least one of the second support arm and the second swing arm is provided with a second guide structure, the second guide structure being inserted into the second track groove and being slidable along the second track groove.

[0027] In this way, when the first housing fixing frame and the second housing fixing frame rotate toward each other, the first guide structure can slide in the first track groove to drive the end of the first support plate close to the main shaft to move in a direction away from the main shaft, and the second guide structure can slide in the second track groove to drive the end of the second support plate close to the main shaft to move in a direction away from the main shaft, thereby forming a screen space between the two support plates and the main shaft. In addition, when the first housing fixing frame and the second housing fixing frame rotate away from each other, the first guide structure can slide in the first track groove to drive the end of the first support plate close to the main shaft to move toward the main shaft, and the second guide structure can slide in the second track groove to drive the end of the second support plate close to the main shaft to move toward the main shaft, so that when flattened, the first support plate, the second support plate and the main shaft form a flat support surface.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present application further provides an electronic device, which includes a first shell, a second shell, a flexible display screen, and the hinge mechanism of the first aspect. The first shell and the second shell are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the hinge mechanism, the first shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the first shell, and the second shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the second shell. The flexible display screen continuously covers the first shell, the second shell and the hinge mechanism, and the flexible display screen is fixedly connected to the first shell and the second shell. When the electronic device provided by the present application is in a closed state, the risk of the bent portion of the flexible display screen being squeezed and failed by the hinge mechanism is low, so the structural reliability of the electronic device is better. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application in a closed state;

[0030] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0031] FIG3 is an exploded view of the electronic device shown in FIG2 ;

[0032] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a spindle module when the rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application is in a flattened state;

[0033] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the spindle module shown in FIG4 ;

[0034] FIG6 is an exploded view of the structure shown in FIG5 ;

[0035] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a first support plate provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the main shaft module when the shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application is in a closed state;

[0037] FIG9 is a structural block diagram of the coupling between the hinge mechanism and the bendable portion of the flexible display screen in the closed state shown in FIG8 ;

[0038] FIG10 is a side view of the spindle module shown in FIG8 ;

[0039] FIG11 is a cross-sectional view of a spindle module in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG12 is a cross-sectional view of the first support arm and the second support arm of the spindle module provided in an embodiment of the present application in a closed state;

[0041] FIG13 is a comparison diagram of the strain of the flexible display screen when the spindle module shown in FIG11 and FIG12 is subjected to an external load;

[0042] FIG14 is an enlarged view of the partial structure of the spindle module at A shown in FIG12;

[0043] FIG15 is a structural diagram of the spindle module provided in an embodiment of the present application in an intermediate state.

[0044] Reference numerals:

[0045] 1-rotating shaft mechanism; 101-spindle module;

[0046] 1011-first rotating assembly; 10111-first swing arm; 101111-first arc-shaped rotating block; 101112-first guide structure;

[0047] 10112-first support arm;

[0048] 101121-first step surface; 101122-first slot; 101123-first slider;

[0049] 1012-second rotating assembly; 10121-second swing arm; 10122-second support arm;

[0050] 101221-second step surface; 101222-second slot; 101223-second slider;

[0051] 1013-main shaft; 10131-main outer shaft; 101311-first arc groove; 10132-main inner shaft;

[0052] 1014-first housing fixing frame; 10141-first sliding groove; 10142-first rotating groove;

[0053] 1015-second housing fixing frame; 10151-second sliding groove; 10152-second rotating groove;

[0054] 1016-first support plate; 10161-first plate surface; 10162-second plate surface; 101621-first rotating portion; 101622-first guide portion;

[0055] 1016221 - first track groove; 101623 - first hook; 1016a - first plate portion; 1016b - second plate portion;

[0056] 1017-second support plate; 10171-third plate surface; 10173-second hook; 1017a-third plate portion;

[0057] 1017b-fourth plate;

[0058] 2-first housing; 201-support surface of first housing; 3-second housing; 301-support surface of second housing; 4-flexible display screen;

[0059] 5-first appearance cover; 6-second appearance cover; 7-screen storage space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be understood as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The same figure marks in the figures represent the same or similar structures, and thus their repeated description will be omitted. The words expressing position and direction described in the embodiments of the present application are all explained with reference to the accompanying drawings as examples, but changes can be made as needed, and the changes made are all included in the scope of protection of the present application. The drawings in the embodiments of the present application are only used to illustrate the relative position relationship and do not represent the true proportion.

[0061] It should be noted that the following description sets forth specific details to facilitate understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in a variety of other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art may make similar generalizations without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0062] To facilitate understanding of the hinge mechanism provided in this application, the following first introduces its application scenarios. The hinge mechanism can be applied to, but is not limited to, foldable electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops, or tablet computers.

[0063] Referring to Figure 1, Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application when it is in a closed state. In addition to the hinge mechanism 1, the electronic device may also include two shells and a flexible display screen (not shown in Figure 1). For ease of explanation, in this application, the two shells of the electronic device may be named as the first shell 2 and the second shell 3, respectively. Among them, the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are located on both sides of the hinge mechanism 1 and can rotate around the hinge mechanism 1. The electronic device provided in this application may be an inward-folding electronic device, which can be closed and flattened according to different usage scenarios when in use.

[0064] Referring to Figure 2 , which illustrates a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device in a flattened state, the flexible display 4 can continuously cover the first housing 2 , the second housing 3 , and the hinge mechanism 1 (not shown in Figure 2 , but refer to Figure 1 ). When the electronic device is in the flattened state as shown in Figure 2 , the hinge mechanism 1 , the first housing 2 , and the second housing 3 can provide a flat support for the flexible display 4 .

[0065] In addition, refer to Figure 3, which is an exploded view of the electronic device shown in Figure 2. In an embodiment of the present application, the flexible display screen 4 can be connected to the support surface 201 of the first shell and the support surface 301 of the second shell, and the connection method can be but is not limited to bonding. In addition to the above structure, the electronic device provided in the present application may also include a first appearance cover 5 and a second appearance cover 6, wherein the first appearance cover 5 is arranged on the side of the first shell 2 facing away from the flexible display screen 4, and the second appearance cover 6 is arranged on the side of the second shell 3 facing away from the flexible display screen 4. The first appearance cover 5 and the second appearance cover 6 can serve as protective covers for the electronic device, so as to protect the entire electronic device while also improving the appearance of the electronic device.

[0066] It can be understood that the process of the electronic device moving from the flattened state shown in FIG. 2 to the closed state shown in FIG. 1 , or from the closed state shown in FIG. 1 to the flattened state shown in FIG. 2 , is the process of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 rotating around the hinge mechanism 1. During this process, the flexible display 4 can be bent or flattened along with the first shell 2 and the second shell 3. The hinge mechanism 1, as a key functional component in a foldable electronic device, can be arranged corresponding to the bendable portion of the flexible display 4. Therefore, it plays an important role in supporting the bendable portion of the flexible display 4 in the flattened state shown in FIG. 2 , and in accommodating and protecting the bendable portion of the flexible display 4 in the closed state shown in FIG. 1 .

[0067] Currently, to meet the design requirements for thinner and lighter electronic devices, the space required to accommodate the various structural components of electronic devices has been compressed. When the electronic device is closed, the hinge mechanism provides relatively little space for the flexible display's bendable portion. Furthermore, due to design tolerances between the flexible display and the hinge mechanism, and when the electronic device is impacted by external loads, the hinge mechanism's components may deform or shift position. This can reduce the distance between the flexible display's bendable portion and the hinge mechanism's components, and can even cause the flexible display's bendable portion to be squeezed. The flexible display's bendable portion has significant internal stress. When external loads cause this portion to be squeezed, the combined stresses can cause the flexible display to exhibit failures such as bright spots or dark spots.

[0068] In view of this, the hinge mechanism provided by this application adds a structure capable of protecting the flexible display screen, thereby improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism while reducing the risk of failure of the flexible display screen due to compression, thereby extending the service life of the flexible display screen and improving the overall structural reliability of the electronic device using the hinge mechanism. To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of this application, the antenna provided by this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0069] In the present application, in order to realize the rotation function, the hinge mechanism 1 may include one spindle module, or may include multiple spindle modules. For example, in the electronic device shown in FIG3 , the hinge mechanism includes four spindle modules. When the hinge mechanism 1 includes multiple spindle modules 101, the multiple spindle modules 101 may be arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1. In the present application, the axial direction of the hinge mechanism 1 is the extension direction of the axis of rotation of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 around the hinge mechanism 1. It can be understood that the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are rotatably connected by multiple spindle modules 101, which can effectively improve the stability of the rotation of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 of the electronic device relative to the hinge mechanism 1.

[0070] Referring to Figure 4, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the spindle module 101 provided in an embodiment of the present application when the rotating shaft mechanism is in a flattened state. The spindle module 101 includes a first rotating assembly 1011, a second rotating assembly 1012, and a spindle 1013. The spindle 1013 serves as a supporting member for the first rotating assembly 1011 and the second rotating assembly 1012. The first rotating assembly 1011 and the second rotating assembly 1012 are disposed on opposite sides of the spindle 1013 and are respectively rotatably connected to the spindle 1013.

[0071] It is worth mentioning that in one possible embodiment of the present application, when the rotating shaft mechanism 1 includes multiple spindle modules 101, the first rotating components 1011 and the second rotating components 1012 of the multiple spindle modules 101 can all use the same spindle 1013 as a bearing component to improve the integration level of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. In other possible embodiments of the present application, each spindle module 101 can be provided with a separate spindle 1013, so that the first rotating component 1011 and the second rotating component 1012 of each spindle module 101 use the corresponding spindle 1013 as a bearing component, which is conducive to improving the layout flexibility of each spindle module 101.

[0072] In order to facilitate understanding of the structure of the spindle module 101, reference may be made to FIG5 , which is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the spindle module 101 shown in FIG4 . The first rotating assembly 1011 includes a first swing arm 10111 and a first support arm 10112, wherein the first swing arm 10111 is rotationally connected to the spindle 1013. In a possible embodiment of the present application, the first swing arm 10111 and the spindle 1013 can be rotationally connected by means of a virtual axis, wherein the virtual axis refers to the axis of a circular arc structure, and the two rotationally connected parts can rotate relative to the virtual axis, and as the two rotationally connected parts rotate relative to each other, the position of the virtual axis is fixed. In specific implementation, reference is made to FIG6 , which is an exploded view of the structure shown in FIG5 . The main shaft 1013 includes a main outer shaft 10131 and a main inner shaft 10132. The main inner shaft 10132 and the main outer shaft 10131 are interlocked. The main outer shaft 10131 includes a first arcuate groove 101311. A first mounting cavity is formed between the end surface of the main inner shaft 10132 facing the main outer shaft 10131 and the first arcuate groove 101311. The first swing arm 10111 includes a first arcuate rotating block 101111. The first arcuate rotating block 101111 is mounted in the first arcuate groove 101311 and can slide along the groove surface of the first arcuate groove 101311. Therefore, the first swing arm 10111 and the main shaft 1013 are rotationally connected by the sliding of the first arcuate rotating block 101111 along the groove surface of the first arcuate groove 101311 in the first mounting cavity. It can be understood that by rotating the first swing arm 10111 and the main shaft 1013 in the form of a virtual axis, it is beneficial to reduce the space occupied by the first swing arm 10111 on the main shaft 1013, thereby helping to reduce the volume of the main shaft module 101, so as to achieve a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0073] In some other possible embodiments of the present application, the first swing arm 10111 and the main shaft 1013 may also be rotationally connected via a physical shaft to improve the connection reliability between the first swing arm 10111 and the main shaft 1013.

[0074] In the present application, the first support arm 10112 is also rotatably connected to the main shaft 1013. For example, the first support arm 10112 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 1013 via a pin to improve the connection reliability between the first support arm 10112 and the main shaft 1013. In other possible embodiments of the present application, the first support arm 10112 can also be rotatably connected to the main shaft 1013 using a virtual axis to reduce the space occupied by the first support arm 10112 on the main shaft 1013, thereby facilitating a reduction in the volume of the main shaft module 101 and facilitating a miniaturized design of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0075] 6 , in the present application, the second rotating assembly 1012 can be set with reference to the first rotating assembly 1011. Simply put, the second rotating assembly 1012 includes a second swing arm 10121 and a second support arm 10122. The second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 are also rotationally connected to the main shaft 1013. The specific implementation method of the rotational connection between the second swing arm 10121 and the main shaft 1013 can refer to the connection method between the first swing arm 10111 and the main shaft 1013. The specific implementation method of the rotational connection between the second support arm 10122 and the main shaft 1013 can refer to the connection method between the first support arm 10112 and the main shaft 1013. They will not be described in detail here. In addition, in the present application, the second rotating assembly 1012 and the first rotating assembly 1011 can also be symmetrically arranged relative to the main shaft 1013, which is conducive to simplifying the structure of the main shaft module 101, thereby simplifying the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0076] As shown in FIG6 , the spindle module 101 provided in an embodiment of the present application further includes a first housing fixing frame 1014 and a second housing fixing frame 1015, wherein the first housing fixing frame 1014 is configured to be fixedly connected to the first housing of the electronic device, and the second housing fixing frame 1015 is configured to be fixedly connected to the second housing of the electronic device. Furthermore, the first housing fixing frame 1014 and the first rotating assembly 1011 are located on the same side of the spindle 1013, and the first housing fixing frame 1014 includes a first slide groove 10141, and the first support arm 10112 is slidably mounted in the first slide groove 10141. Specifically, the first housing fixing frame 1014 includes two first slide grooves 10141, and the notches of the two first slide grooves 10141 are arranged opposite each other along the axial direction of the spindle 1013. Furthermore, the first support arm 10112 includes two first sliders 101123, which are slidably mounted in the two slide grooves 10141 in a one-to-one correspondence. During the process of the first shell fixing frame 1014 rotating around the main axis 1013 , the two first sliding blocks 101123 of the first support arm 10112 can slide in the corresponding first sliding grooves 10141 relative to the first shell fixing frame 1014 .

[0077] 6 , the first swing arm 10111 is rotatably connected to the first shell fixing frame 1014 . In actual design, the first swing arm 10111 and the first shell fixing frame 1014 can be rotatably connected via a pin shaft to ensure the reliability of the connection between the first swing arm 10111 and the first shell fixing frame 1014 .

[0078] It is understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the rotation axes of the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112, which are rotatably connected to the main shaft 1013, are parallel and non-coincident. Thus, when the first housing fixing frame 1014 rotates about the main shaft 1013, the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 can be driven to rotate about the main shaft 1013, and the first swing arm 10111 can also slide within the first sliding groove 10141 relative to the first housing fixing frame 1014.

[0079] When specifically setting up the second housing fixing frame 1015, the second housing fixing frame 1015 and the second rotating assembly 1012 are located on the same side of the main shaft 1013. The second housing fixing frame 1015 includes two second slide grooves 10151. The two second slide grooves 10151 can be set with reference to the two first slide grooves 10141 described above, and will not be described in detail here. In addition, the second support arm 10122 includes two second sliders 101223. The two second sliders 101223 can be set with reference to the two first sliders 101123 described above, and will not be described in detail here. The two second sliders 101223 of the second support arm 10122 are slidably mounted in the two second slide grooves 10151 in a one-to-one correspondence. During the rotation of the second housing fixing frame 1015 around the main shaft 1013, the two second sliders 101223 of the second support arm 10122 can slide relative to the second housing fixing frame 1015 in the corresponding second slide grooves 10151.

[0080] In this application, the second swing arm 10121 is rotatably connected to the second shell fixing frame 1015. In actual design, the second swing arm 10121 and the second shell fixing frame 1015 can be rotatably connected through a pin shaft to ensure the reliability of the connection between the second swing arm 10121 and the second shell fixing frame 1015.

[0081] Similarly, in the embodiment of the present application, the rotation axes of the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122, which are rotatably connected to the main shaft 1013, are also parallel and non-coincident. Thus, when the second housing fixing frame 1015 rotates about the main shaft 1013, the second swing arm 10121 and the second support arm 10122 can be driven to rotate about the main shaft 1013, while also enabling the second swing arm 10121 to slide within the second slide slot 10151 relative to the second housing fixing frame 1015.

[0082] 4 , in the present application, the hinge mechanism 1 further includes a first support plate 1016 and a second support plate 1017 , wherein the first support plate 1016 is rotatably connected to the first shell fixing frame 1014 , and the second support plate 1017 is rotatably connected to the second shell fixing frame 1015 .

[0083] When specifically configuring the first support plate 1016, reference may be made to FIG7 , which is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the first support plate 1016 according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG4 and FIG7 , the first support plate 1016 includes a first plate surface 10161 and a second plate surface 10162 disposed opposite each other. The first plate surface 10161 is the surface of the first support plate 1016 used for connection to the flexible display screen 4. The second plate surface 10162 is provided with a first rotating portion 101621, which may be an arc-shaped rotating portion.

[0084] 6 , in the embodiment of the present application, the first housing fixing frame 1014 includes a first rotation groove 10142, which can be, for example, an arc-shaped groove such as a circular arc groove. The first rotation portion 101621 of the first support plate 1016 can be mounted in the first rotation groove 10142, so that the first rotation portion 101621 can slide along the groove surface of the first rotation groove 10142 to achieve relative rotation between the first support plate 1016 and the first housing fixing frame 1014.

[0085] It can be understood that in order to improve the stability of the first support plate 1016 rotating around the first shell fixing frame 1014, the first shell fixing frame 1014 can be provided with a plurality of first rotation grooves 10142, and the first support plate 1016 can be provided with a plurality of first rotating parts 101621, so that the first rotating parts 101621 can be installed one by one in a first rotation groove 10142, so that the relative rotation between the first support plate 1016 and the first shell fixing frame 1014 can be achieved by each first rotating part 101621 sliding around the groove surface of the corresponding first rotation groove 10142.

[0086] The structure of the second support plate 1017 is similar to that of the first support plate 1016 shown in Figure 7. The second support plate 1017 includes a third plate surface 10171 and a fourth plate surface (not shown in Figure 4) arranged back to back. The third plate surface 10171 is the plate surface of the second support plate 1017 for connecting to the flexible display screen 4. The fourth plate surface is provided with a second rotating part. The second rotating part can be set with reference to the first rotating part 101621, and will not be described in detail here.

[0087] In addition, the second housing mounting frame 1015 includes a second rotation groove 10152. The second rotation groove 10152 can be configured similarly to the first rotation groove 10142 and will not be described in detail herein. The second rotation portion of the second support plate 1017 can be mounted in the second rotation groove of the second housing mounting frame 1015. The second rotation portion can then slide along the groove surface of the second rotation groove 10152, thereby achieving a rotational connection between the second support plate 1017 and the second housing mounting frame 1015.

[0088] 4 , in this flattened state, the first plate surface 10161 of the first support plate 1016, the third plate surface 10171 of the second support plate 1017 and the support surface of the main shaft 1013 can be in the same plane, which can be used to provide flat support for the bendable part of the flexible display screen 4.

[0089] As can be seen from the above description of the structure of the spindle module 101, the first housing fixing frame 1014 can drive the first support arm 10112 and the first swing arm 10111 to rotate about the spindle 1013, and the second housing fixing frame 1015 can drive the second support arm 10122 and the second swing arm 10121 to rotate about the spindle 1013. Based on this, it can be considered that the rotation of the first support arm 10112 and / or the first swing arm 10111 about the spindle 1013 can drive the first support plate 1016 to rotate about the first housing fixing frame 1014. Similarly, the rotation of the second support arm 10122 and / or the second swing arm 10121 about the spindle 1013 can also drive the second support plate 1017 to rotate about the second housing fixing frame 1015.

[0090] In a specific implementation, referring to FIG. 7 , the second plate surface 10162 of the first support plate 1016 may be provided with a first guide portion 101622, which may include a first track groove 1016221. Furthermore, in the present application, as shown in FIG. 6 , the first swing arm 10111 may also be provided with a first guide structure 101112. The first guide structure 101112 may be, but is not limited to, a columnar structure. The first guide structure 101112 may be inserted into the first track groove 1016221 of the first guide portion 101622 of the first support plate 1016 and may slide along the first track groove 1016221. Thus, during the rotation of the first support arm 10112 about the main shaft 1013, the sliding of the first guide structure 101112 within the first track groove 1016221 may drive the first support plate 1016 to rotate about the first housing fixing frame 1014.

[0091] It is understood that, in the present application, the motion trajectory of the first support plate 1016 can be adjusted by adjusting the shape of the first trajectory groove 1016221. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG6, the first trajectory groove 1016221 can be an arc groove.

[0092] In another possible embodiment of the present application, the first support plate 1016 can also be driven to rotate around the first shell fixing frame 1014 by the first support arm 10112. At this time, the above-mentioned first guide structure 101112 can be set on the first support arm 10112, and the driving method of the first support arm 10112 for the first support plate 1016 is similar to the driving method of the above-mentioned first swing arm 10111 for the first support plate 1016, which will not be repeated here.

[0093] In addition, in some embodiments of the present application, the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 can also be provided with a guide structure, and guide parts can be respectively provided on the second plate surface 10162 of the first support plate 1016 corresponding to the guide structure of the first swing arm 10111 and the guide structure of the first support arm 10112, so that the first swing arm 10111 and the first support arm 10112 can drive the first support plate 1016 to rotate around the first shell fixing frame 1014 through the sliding of the guide structure of the first swing arm 10111 in the track groove of the corresponding guide part of the first support plate 1016 and the sliding of the guide structure of the first support arm 10112 in the track groove of the corresponding guide part of the first support plate 1016.

[0094] In the embodiment of the present application, the driving method for the second support plate 1017 to rotate around the second shell fixing frame 1015 can be set with reference to the driving method for the first support plate 1016 to rotate around the second shell fixing frame 1015, which will not be described in detail here.

[0095] From the above description of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided by the present application, it can be understood that when the rotating shaft mechanism 1 moves from the flattened state to the closed state, the first shell fixing frame 1014 and the second shell fixing frame 1015 rotate toward each other, the first support arm 10112 and / or the first swing arm 10111 drive the end of the first support plate 1016 close to the main shaft 1013 to move in a direction away from the main shaft 1013, and the second support arm 10122 and / or the second swing arm 10121 drive the end of the second support plate 1017 close to the main shaft 1013 to move in a direction away from the main shaft 1013. Thus, reference can be made to FIG8 , which is a schematic structural diagram of the spindle module 101 of the rotating shaft mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application in the closed state. In this closed state, the first support plate 1016, the second support plate 1017 and the main shaft 1013 can form a screen space 7.

[0096] Furthermore, because the first surface 10161 of the first support plate 1016 and the third surface 10171 of the second support plate 1017 can be connected to the flexible display 4, when the electronic device is in the closed state, the bendable portion of the flexible display 4 can be accommodated within the aforementioned screen-holding space 7. Specifically, FIG9 is a block diagram of the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 and the bendable portion of the flexible display 4 in the closed state shown in FIG8 . As can be seen from FIG9 , using the hinge mechanism 1 provided by the present application, in the closed state, a screen-holding space 7 is formed between the first surface 10161 of the first support plate 1016, the third surface 10171 of the second support plate 1017, and the surfaces of the main shaft 1013 facing the first and second support plates 1016, 1017. Thus, when accommodated within this screen-holding space 7, the bendable portion of the flexible display 4 of the electronic device can form a water droplet-like shape.

[0097] Referring to FIG10 , FIG10 is a side view of the spindle module 101 shown in FIG8 , which can be used to illustrate the structure of the first rotating assembly 1011 side of the spindle module 101 when the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state. From the above description of the specific structure of the spindle module 101 of the embodiment of the present application, it can be understood that since in the first rotating assembly 1011 and the second rotating assembly 1012, the first support arm 10112 and the second support arm 10122 are respectively slidably connected to the corresponding housing fixing frame, and the first swing arm 10111 and the second swing arm 10121 are respectively rotatably connected to the corresponding housing fixing frame, when the first rotating assembly 1011 and the second rotating assembly 1012 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the spindle 1013, the spindle module 101 can be divided into a sliding area and a rotating area along the axial direction, wherein the sliding area is the area where the first support arm 10112 and the second support arm 10122 are located, and the rotating area is the area where the first swing arm 10111 and the second swing arm 10121 are located.

[0098] In this application, a force simulation analysis can be performed on the main shaft module 101 in a closed state. For example, a simulation analysis can be performed on the main shaft module 101 in a scenario where the electronic device falls, with the shaft mechanism 1 as the main force-bearing component, to understand the deformation trend of the main shaft module 101 in the fall scenario. In specific implementation, in Figure 10, the Z direction is used to indicate the falling direction of the electronic device. At this time, the external load F acts on the main outer shaft 10131 along the direction from the main outer shaft 10131 to the main inner shaft 10132 (which can also be understood as the -Z direction).

[0099] Referring to Figure 11, Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the spindle module 101 of the prior art provided in an embodiment of the present application in a closed state. Figure 11 is used to demonstrate the force transmission and movement trend between the components of the sliding area of ​​the spindle module 101 when the spindle 1013 is subjected to an external load F in the above-mentioned drop scenario of the spindle module 101 of the prior art. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, since the first support arm 10112 is rotationally connected to the spindle 1013, the external load F exerted on the spindle 1013 can be transmitted to the first support arm 10112 through the rotating pair between the spindle 1013 and the first support arm 10112. Furthermore, since there is no direct connection between the first housing mount 1014 and the spindle 1013, in a falling scenario, when the spindle 1013 is subjected to an external load F, the first housing mount 1014 will be subjected to a reaction force F1 due to inertia. This reaction force F1 to the first housing mount 1014 is equal in magnitude to the external load F, but opposite in direction. Consequently, the force F to the first support arm 10112 is equal in magnitude to the force F1 to the first housing mount, but opposite in direction. Furthermore, since the first support arm 10112 is mounted within the first slide slot 10141 of the first housing mount 1014, misalignment may occur between the first support arm 10112 and the first housing mount 1014. Similarly, under the action of the external load F, the movement trend of the second support arm 10122 is similar to that of the first support arm 10112, causing the portion of the spindle 1013 located in the sliding area to move toward both the first housing mount 1014 and the second housing mount 1015.

[0100] As the spindle module 101 shown in FIG11 is subjected to the external load F, the spindle 1013 will deform to a certain extent. Furthermore, since the direction of the external load F is substantially consistent with the direction in which the support arms slide relative to the housing mount, the portion of the spindle 1013 located in the sliding area lacks effective support, causing the spindle 1013 to deform along the shape indicated by the dashed line in FIG10 . As can be seen from Figure 10, after the main shaft module 101 is deformed, the shrinkage of the sliding zone is (ab), and the shrinkage of the rotation zone is (ac), wherein a is the height of the main shaft module 101 shown in Figure 11 before deformation along the direction from the main outer shaft 10131 to the main inner shaft 10132, b is the height of the sliding zone along the direction from the main outer shaft 10131 to the main inner shaft 10132 after deformation of the main shaft module 101 shown in Figure 11, and c is the height of the rotation zone along the direction from the main outer shaft 10131 to the main inner shaft 10132 after deformation of the main shaft module 101 shown in Figure 11.

[0101] From the above simulation analysis, it can be seen that in the above-mentioned drop scenario, the amount of collapse of the sliding area of ​​the main shaft module 101 of the hinge mechanism 1 of the prior art will be significantly greater than the amount of collapse of the rotating area of ​​the main shaft module 101. Combined with the above description of the screen-holding space 7 formed by the hinge mechanism 1 in the closed state, it can be understood that under the action of the external load F, the gap between the main shaft 1013 and the bendable part of the flexible display 4 accommodated in the above-mentioned screen-holding space 7 of the main shaft module 101 is reduced, and the gap between the part of the main shaft 1013 located in the sliding area and the bendable part of the flexible display 4 is smaller than the gap between the part of the main shaft 1013 located in the rotating area and the bendable part of the flexible display 4. Based on this, how to reduce the deformation of the part of the main shaft 1013 located in the sliding area is the key to reducing the risk of the hinge mechanism 1 causing extrusion of the bendable part of the flexible display 4.

[0102] In order to solve the above problems, the present application improves the structure of the spindle module 101 to achieve a change in the internal force transmission path of the spindle module 101, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing the amount of collapse of the sliding area of ​​the spindle module 101. In a specific implementation, refer to Figure 12, which is a cross-sectional view of the first support arm 10112 and the second support arm 10122 of the spindle module 101 provided in the embodiment of the present application in a closed state. In the present application, the first support arm 10112 includes a first stepped surface 101121. In the closed state shown in Figure 12, at least a portion of the end of the first support plate 1016 close to the spindle 1013 is arranged opposite to the first stepped surface 101121. Then, the projection of the end of the first support plate 1016 close to the spindle 1013 in the direction from the main inner shaft 10132 to the main outer shaft 10131 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the first stepped surface 101121 in the direction from the main inner shaft 10132 to the main outer shaft 10131.

[0103] Continuing with FIG. 12 , FIG. 12 also illustrates the path of force transmission within the spindle module 101 when the spindle module 101 is subjected to an external load F. Specifically, the external load F applied to the spindle 1013 is transmitted to the first support arm 10112 via the revolute assembly between the spindle 1013 and the first support arm 10112. Simultaneously, the first housing mount 1014 is subjected to a reaction force F1, which is then transmitted to the first support plate 1016 via the revolute assembly between the first housing mount 1014 and the first support plate 1016. However, since in the spindle module 101 provided in the present application, at least a portion of the end of the first support plate 1016 close to the spindle 1013 is arranged opposite to at least a portion of the first step surface 101121 of the first support arm 10112, when the spindle module 101 is subjected to an external load F, at least a portion of the end of the first support plate 1016 close to the spindle 1013 can abut against the first step surface 101121 of the first support arm 10112, which can effectively reduce the amount of misalignment between the first support arm 10112 and the first shell fixing frame 1014, thereby limiting the deformation of the spindle 1013.

[0104] The second support arm 10122 can be set with reference to the first support arm 10112, and the second support arm 10122 may include a second step surface 101221. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, at least part of the end of the second support plate 1017 close to the main shaft 1013 is arranged opposite to the second step surface 101221, that is, the projection of the end of the second support plate 1017 close to the main shaft 1013 in the direction from the main inner shaft 10132 to the main outer shaft 10131 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the second step surface 101221 in the direction from the main inner shaft 10132 to the main outer shaft 10131. In this way, when the spindle module 101 is subjected to an external load F, the amount of misalignment between the second support arm 10122 and the second shell fixing frame 1015 can be reduced by abutting at least a portion of the end of the second support plate 1017 close to the spindle 1013 with the second step surface 101221 of the second support arm 10122, thereby limiting the deformation of the spindle 1013 and improving the structural reliability of the spindle module 101.

[0105] Referring to FIG13 , FIG13 is a comparison diagram of the microstrain of the flexible display screen 4 when the spindle module 101 shown in FIG11 and FIG12 is subjected to an external load F, wherein the vertical axis represents the microstrain value of the flexible display screen 4 when the spindle module 101 is subjected to the external load F. As can be seen from FIG13 , compared with the microstrain value of the flexible display screen 4 when the spindle module of the prior art is subjected to the external load F shown in FIG11 , the microstrain value of the flexible display screen 4 when the spindle module 101 of the present application is subjected to the external load F is significantly reduced. Based on this, it can be understood that when the spindle module 101 provided in the embodiment of the present application is subjected to an external load F, at least a portion of the end of the first support plate 1016 near the spindle 1013 can abut against the first step surface 101121 of the first support arm 10112, and at least a portion of the end of the second support plate 1017 near the spindle 1013 can abut against the second step surface 101221 of the second support arm 10122. This can effectively reduce the amount of misalignment between each support arm and the corresponding housing fixing frame, thereby limiting the deformation of the spindle 1013 and effectively reducing the strain of the flexible display screen 4 caused by the deformation of the spindle 1013. Therefore, the application of the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application can effectively reduce the risk of failure of the flexible display screen 4 due to compression, which is conducive to extending the service life of the flexible display screen 4.

[0106] In addition, referring to Figure 14, Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the partial structure of point A of the spindle module 101 shown in Figure 12. In the embodiment of the present application, the first support plate 1016 includes a first hook 101623. The first hook 101623 is located on the side of the first support plate 1016 facing away from the first plate surface 10161. The angle between the extension direction of the first hook 101623 and the first plate surface 10161 facing away from the spindle 1013 is an acute angle. The first support arm 10112 also includes a first slot 101122. When the spindle module 101 is in the closed state shown in Figure 13, the first hook 101623 engages with the first slot 101122. In this way, when the spindle module 101 is subjected to an external load F, the first hook 101623 and the first slot 101122 can be engaged to prevent the end of the first support plate 1016 close to the spindle 1013 from slipping off the first step surface 101121, thereby improving the reliability of the abutment between the first support plate 1016 and the first support arm 10112, thereby improving the structural reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0107] Because the first support plate 1016 is subjected to a relatively large force when the spindle module 101 is subjected to an external load F, in order to improve the structural reliability of the first support plate 1016, in one possible embodiment of the present application, the end of the first support plate 1016 near the spindle 1013 can be made stronger. In a specific implementation, referring to FIG. 12 , the first support plate 1016 includes a first plate portion 1016a and a second plate portion 1016b. The first plate portion 1016a and the second plate portion 1016b are fixedly connected, and the connection method can be, but is not limited to, welding, riveting, or threading. In the present application, the strength of the second plate portion 1016b is greater than that of the first plate portion 1016a, and the second plate portion 1016b is positioned closer to the spindle relative to the first plate portion 1016a. This increases the strength of the end of the first support plate 1016 near the spindle 1013, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the first support plate 1016.

[0108] In actual design, the first plate portion 1016a can be made of a lightweight material such as aluminum, while the second plate portion 1016b can be made of a structurally stronger material such as stainless steel. This ensures the structural reliability of the first support plate 1016 while also preventing the entire first support plate 1016 from being excessively heavy, thereby meeting the lightweight design requirements of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0109] It is understood that in the present application, the first hook 101623 can be disposed on the second plate portion 1016b. Furthermore, the first hook 101623 and the second plate portion 1016b can be integrally formed. In this case, the first hook 101623 and the second plate portion 1016b can be made of the same material. This can improve the structural reliability of the first hook 101623 while also increasing the integration of the first support plate 1016, thereby simplifying the structure of the spindle module 101.

[0110] Continuing with Figure 12 , the second support plate 1017 includes a second hook 10173 located on a side of the second support plate 1017 facing away from the third plate surface 10171. The angle between the extension direction of the second hook 10173 and the third plate surface 10171, facing away from the spindle 1013, is an acute angle. The second support arm 10122 also includes a second slot 101222. When the spindle module 101 is in the closed position shown in Figure 12 , the second hook 10173 engages with the second slot 101222. In this way, when the spindle module 101 is subjected to an external load F, the second hook 10173 and the second slot 101222 can be engaged to prevent the end of the second support plate 1017 close to the spindle 1013 from slipping off the second step surface 101221, thereby improving the reliability of the abutment between the second support plate 1017 and the second support arm 10122, thereby improving the structural reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0111] Furthermore, to enhance the structural reliability of the second support plate 1017, the second support plate 1017 can also be configured similarly to the first support plate 1016. Specifically, the second support plate 1017 includes a third plate portion 1017a and a fourth plate portion 1017b, which are fixedly connected by, but not limited to, welding, riveting, or threaded connections. The fourth plate portion 1017b is stronger than the second plate portion 1016b, and the fourth plate portion 1017b is positioned closer to the spindle relative to the third plate portion 1017a. This increases the strength of the end of the second support plate 1017 near the spindle 1013, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the second support plate 1017.

[0112] In this application, the third plate portion 1017a of the second support plate 1017 can be set with reference to the first plate portion 1016a of the first support plate 1016, and the fourth plate portion 1017b of the second support plate 1017 can be set with reference to the second plate portion 1016b of the first support plate 1016, which will not be described in detail here.

[0113] In addition, the second hook 10173 can be set on the fourth plate portion 1017b, and the second hook 10173 can be an integrally formed structure with the fourth plate portion 1017b, then the material of the second hook 10173 and the fourth plate portion 1017b can be the same, which can improve the structural reliability of the second hook 10173 while improving the integration of the second support plate 1017, which is conducive to simplifying the structure of the spindle module 101.

[0114] In some possible embodiments of the present application, the first support plate 1016 may also be a one-piece structure, wherein each part thereof is made of a material having a high structural strength, thereby enhancing the structural reliability of the first support plate 1016. Similarly, the second support plate 1017 may also be a one-piece structure, wherein each part thereof is made of a material having a high structural strength, thereby enhancing the structural reliability of the second support plate 1017.

[0115] Referring to Figure 15 , Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the spindle module 101 provided in an embodiment of the present application in an intermediate state. Figure 15 can be understood as an intermediate state during the process of the spindle module 101 moving from the closed state shown in Figure 8 to the flattened state shown in Figure 4 . It can be understood that in the spindle module 101 provided in the present application, when the first housing fixing frame 1014 drives the first support arm 10112 and the first support plate 1016 to rotate, the end of the first support plate 1016 near the spindle 1013 does not interfere with the first step surface 101121 of the first support arm 10112. Similarly, when the second housing fixing frame 1015 drives the second support arm 10122 and the second support plate 1017 to rotate, the end of the second support plate 1017 near the spindle 1013 does not interfere with the second step surface 101221 of the second support arm 10122. This design can effectively improve the motion reliability of the spindle module 101, thereby improving the motion reliability of the shaft mechanism 1.

[0116] In addition, by comparing FIG12 and FIG15 , it can be seen that when the spindle module 101 moves from the closed state to the flattened state, the first hook 101623 of the first support plate 1016 disengages from the first slot 101122 of the first support arm 10112, and the second hook 10173 of the second support plate 1017 disengages from the second slot 101222 of the second support arm 10122. Therefore, in the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in the present application, when the spindle module 101 is in the closed state, the engagement between the first hook 101623 and the first slot 101122, and the engagement between the second hook 10173 and the second slot 101222, can improve the reliability of the abutment between the first support plate 1016 and the first support arm 10112, and between the second support plate 1017 and the second support arm 10122. During the process of the first shell fixing frame 1014 and the second shell fixing frame 1015 driving the first support plate 1016 and the second support plate 1017 to rotate, since the first hook 101623 is disengaged from the first slot 101122, and the second hook 10173 is disengaged from the second slot 101222, the design of each hook and the corresponding slot will not interfere with the rotation of the first support plate 1016 and the second support plate 1017.

[0117] In the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the present application, a step surface is provided on the support arm slidably connected to the shell fixing frame, and when the electronic device is in a closed state, at least a portion of the end of the support plate rotatably connected to the shell fixing frame close to the main shaft 1013 can be arranged opposite to the corresponding step surface. In this way, when the hinge mechanism 1 is subjected to an external load impact, the internal force conduction path of the main shaft module 101 can be effectively improved by abutting at least a portion of the end of the support plate close to the main shaft 1013 with the corresponding step surface, thereby reducing the amount of misalignment between the support arm and the corresponding shell fixing frame, thereby improving the structural reliability of the hinge mechanism 1.

[0118] In addition, the design of the spindle module 101 of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in the present application will not affect the structural strength of each component in the spindle module 101, thereby ensuring the overall structural strength of the rotating shaft mechanism 1.

[0119] When the hinge mechanism 1 provided in the present application is applied to an electronic device, when the electronic device is in a closed state, the bendable portion of the flexible display screen 4 is accommodated in the screen-holding space 7 formed by the first support plate 1016, the second support plate 1017 and the main shaft 1013. Since the deformation of the main shaft module 101 of the hinge mechanism 1 is small under the impact of external loads, the risk of the internal parts of the hinge mechanism 1 colliding with the bendable portion of the flexible display screen 4 is small, which can effectively reduce the risk of the flexible display screen 4 being damaged due to squeezing, thereby helping to improve the structural reliability of the electronic device.

[0120] It should be understood that the specific setting method of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. Based on the introduction of the design principle of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 in the above text, the specific structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 can be adaptively adjusted according to the specific application scenario. They will not be introduced one by one here, but they should all be understood to fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0121] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism for a foldable electronic device, wherein at least a portion of the hinge mechanism is disposed corresponding to a bendable portion of a flexible display screen of the electronic device, wherein: The rotating shaft mechanism includes a spindle module, a first support plate and a second support plate. The spindle module includes a first rotating assembly, a second rotating assembly, a first housing fixing frame, a second housing fixing frame and a spindle. The first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly are located on opposite sides of the spindle, wherein: The first rotating assembly includes a first support arm, the first support arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first support arm is slidably connected to the first housing fixing frame, and the first support arm includes a first step surface; The second rotating assembly includes a second support arm, the second support arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the second support arm is slidably connected to the second housing fixing frame, and the second support arm includes a second step surface; The first support plate is rotatably connected to the first housing fixing frame, and the first support plate includes a first plate surface, and the first plate surface is used to connect with the flexible display screen; The second support plate is rotatably connected to the second housing fixing frame, and the second support plate includes a third plate surface, and the third plate surface is used to connect with the flexible display screen; When the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, a screen space is formed between the first plate surface of the first support plate, the third plate surface of the second support plate, and the surface of the main shaft facing the first support plate and the second support plate; at least a portion of the end of the first support plate close to the main shaft is arranged opposite to the first step surface, and at least a portion of the end of the second support plate close to the main shaft is arranged opposite to the second step surface.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The main shaft comprises a main inner shaft and a main outer shaft, and the main inner shaft and the main outer shaft are arranged in a buckled manner; When the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, a projection of an end portion of the first support plate close to the main shaft in a direction from the main inner shaft to the main outer shaft at least partially overlaps with a projection of the first step surface in a direction from the main inner shaft to the main outer shaft; A projection of an end portion of the second support plate close to the main shaft in a direction from the main inner shaft to the main outer shaft at least partially overlaps with a projection of the second step surface in a direction from the main inner shaft to the main outer shaft.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first support plate includes a first hook, which is located on a side of the first support plate facing away from the first plate surface. The angle between the extension direction of the first hook and the first plate surface facing away from the main axis is an acute angle. The first support arm also includes a first slot. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, the first hook engages with the first slot. The second support plate includes a second hook, which is located on the side of the second support plate away from the third plate surface, and the angle between the extension direction of the second hook and the third plate surface away from the main axis is an acute angle; the second support arm also includes a second slot, and when the rotating shaft mechanism is in a closed state, the second hook is engaged with the second slot.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The first support plate includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion, the first plate portion is fixedly connected to the second plate portion, the second plate portion is stronger than the first plate portion, and the second plate portion is arranged closer to the main shaft relative to the first plate portion; The second support plate includes a third plate portion and a fourth plate portion, the third plate portion is fixedly connected to the fourth plate portion, the strength of the fourth plate portion is greater than that of the third plate portion, and the fourth plate portion is arranged closer to the main shaft relative to the third plate portion.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 4, wherein: The first plate portion is made of aluminum, the second plate portion is made of stainless steel, and the first plate portion and the second plate portion are welded; the third plate portion is made of aluminum, the fourth plate portion is made of stainless steel, and the third plate portion and the fourth plate portion are welded.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The first hook and the second plate portion are an integrally formed structure; the second hook and the fourth plate portion are an integrally formed structure.

7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The first housing fixing frame includes a first sliding groove, and the first supporting arm is slidably mounted in the first sliding groove; The second housing fixing frame includes a second sliding groove, and the second supporting arm is slidably mounted in the second sliding groove.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The first rotating assembly further includes a first swing arm, the first swing arm being rotatably connected to the main shaft and the first swing arm being rotatably connected to the first housing fixing frame, and the axes of rotation of the first swing arm and the first support arm around the main shaft being parallel and non-coincident; The second rotating assembly further includes a second swing arm, the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second swing arm is connected to the first The two housing fixing frames are rotatably connected, and the axes of rotation of the second swing arm and the second support arm around the main shaft are parallel and do not overlap.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 8, wherein: The main shaft is provided with a first arc-shaped groove and a second arc-shaped groove, the first swing arm includes a first arc-shaped rotating block, the first arc-shaped rotating block is installed in the first arc-shaped groove and can slide along the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove; The second swing arm includes a second arc-shaped rotating block, which is installed in the second arc-shaped groove and can slide along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove.

10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The first support plate further includes a second plate surface, the second plate surface being disposed opposite to the first plate surface, the second plate surface being provided with a first rotating portion, the first housing fixing frame being provided with a first rotating groove, the first rotating portion being mounted in the first rotating groove, and the first rotating portion being capable of sliding along a groove surface of the first rotating groove; The second support plate also includes a fourth plate surface, which is arranged opposite to the third plate surface, and the fourth plate surface is provided with a second rotating part. The second shell fixing frame is provided with a second rotating groove. The second rotating part is installed in the second rotating groove, and the second rotating part can slide along the groove surface of the second rotating groove.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 10, wherein: The second plate surface of the first support plate is further provided with a first guide portion, the first guide portion including a first track groove; at least one of the first support arm and the first swing arm is provided with a first guide structure, the first guide structure is inserted into the first track groove and can slide along the first track groove; The fourth plate surface of the second support plate is also provided with a second guide portion, which includes a second track groove; at least one of the second support arm and the second swing arm is provided with a second guide structure, which is inserted into the second track groove and can slide along the second track groove.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that: The device comprises a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display screen, and a hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The first shell and the second shell are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the rotating shaft mechanism, the first shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the first shell, and the second shell fixing frame is fixedly connected to the second shell; The flexible display screen continuously covers the first shell, the second shell and the hinge mechanism, and the flexible display screen is fixedly connected to the first shell and the second shell.

Images