Hinge mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

A hinge mechanism and an electronic device. A hinge mechanism applied to an electronic device, the hinge mechanism comprising: a support (11), a first swing arm assembly (13), and a damping assembly (12), wherein the first swing arm assembly (13) and the damping assembly (12) are both movably connected to the support (11) by means of a first pivot assembly (15), and the damping assembly (12) abuts against a side end face of the first swing arm assembly (13); and the support (11) is provided with a limiting hole and a limiting groove distributed in the axial direction of the first pivot assembly (15), the first pivot assembly (15) passes through the damping assembly (12) and the limiting hole in sequence and is inserted into the limiting groove, the limiting hole is a through hole extending in the axial direction, and the limiting groove has a first groove opening (11131) and a second groove opening (11132), the first groove opening (11131) being opposite the limiting hole, the second groove opening (11132) being located in a surface adjacent to the first groove opening (11131), a groove wall of the limiting groove limiting the first pivot assembly (15) in a first direction, and the first direction being a direction perpendicular to the plane where the support is located. The problem of warping of the damping assembly can be solved, so that the hinge mechanism maintains a good flatness.

Description

Hinge mechanism and electronic equipment

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on March 29, 2024, with application number 202410379683.X and invention name “Hinge mechanism and electronic device”. The entire contents of the Chinese patent application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application belongs to the technical field of electronic equipment, and specifically relates to a hinge mechanism and electronic equipment. Background Art

[0004] In recent years, the trend toward foldable phones has been steadily increasing, and market demand for foldable screens has also been growing. Major mobile phone manufacturers have also stepped up their R&D efforts in this area. Among all the components of a foldable screen, the hinge is one of the most critical, playing a crucial role in the overall opening, closing, and folding performance of the screen. As foldable phones become thinner, the dimensions of the hinge's internal components are pushed to extremes. However, the demands on the hinge's various performance characteristics, such as hovering, opening, closing, and reliability, continue to increase.

[0005] In some hinges in the related art, when there is a squeezing effect between the swing arm assembly and the damping assembly, the damping assembly is prone to warping, resulting in a deterioration in the flatness of the entire hinge, affecting the normal use of the hinge. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a hinge mechanism and an electronic device that can solve problems such as hinge warping.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0008] An embodiment of the present application provides a hinge mechanism, which is applied to an electronic device. The hinge mechanism includes: a bracket, a first swing arm assembly, and a damping assembly;

[0009] The first swing arm assembly and the damping assembly are both movably connected to the bracket via a first rotating shaft assembly, and the damping assembly abuts against one end surface of the first swing arm assembly;

[0010] The bracket is provided with a limiting hole and a limiting groove distributed along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft assembly. The first rotating shaft assembly passes through the damping assembly and the limiting hole in sequence and is inserted into the limiting groove. The limiting hole is a through hole extending along the axial direction. The limiting groove has a first notch and a second notch. The first notch is opposite to the limiting hole, and the second notch is located on the adjacent surface of the first notch. The groove wall of the limiting groove limits the first rotating shaft assembly in a first direction, and the first direction is a direction perpendicular to the plane where the bracket is located.

[0011] An embodiment of the present application also provides an electronic device, comprising the above-mentioned hinge mechanism.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present application, the damping assembly is located on one side of the first swing arm assembly and abuts against one end face of the first swing arm assembly. Compared with the method of arranging damping assemblies on both sides, the embodiment of the present application can reduce the use of parts to reduce the installation space of the hinge mechanism, which is conducive to alleviating the problem of cramped space; and the first rotating shaft assembly can be installed through the limiting hole and the limiting groove, and the first rotating shaft assembly can also be limited in the first direction through the groove wall of the limiting groove, thereby effectively preventing the first rotating shaft assembly from tilting in the first direction under the action of the damping assembly on one side, and thus can solve the problem of warping of the damping assembly, so that the hinge mechanism maintains a better flatness, and ensures the normal use of the hinge mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a hinge mechanism disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0014] FIG2 is a first partial schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism disclosed in an embodiment of the present application in an unfolded state;

[0015] FIG3 is a second partial schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism disclosed in the embodiment of the present application in the unfolded state;

[0016] FIG4 is a partial schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism disclosed in an embodiment of the present application in a folded state;

[0017] FIG5 is an exploded schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket, the first swing arm assembly, the damping assembly, etc. disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] FIG7 is a partial schematic diagram of the first swing arm assembly disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] FIG8 is a partial enlarged view of point A in FIG7;

[0021] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a first swing arm disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket and damping assembly disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG11 is a cross-sectional view along line BB in FIG10 ;

[0024] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the bracket body disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG13 is a second structural schematic diagram of the bracket body disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG14 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of another form of hinge mechanism disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG15 is a partial enlarged view of point C in FIG14;

[0028] FIG16 is a cross-sectional view along DD in FIG14 .

[0029] Explanation of Reference Numerals: 11-bracket; 111-bracket body; 1111-first limiting hole; 1112-second limiting hole; 1113-first limiting groove; 11131-first notch; 11132-second notch; 1114-second limiting groove; 1115-first supporting structure; 1116-second supporting structure; M-first accommodating space; N-second accommodating space; 12-damper assembly; 121-first elastic member; 122-second elastic member; 123-first damping member; 1231-first cam surface; 1232-third cam surface; 124-second damping member; 1241-second cam surface; 1242-fourth cam surface; 125-third elastic member; 126-fourth elastic member; 13 - First swing arm assembly; 131 - First swing arm; 1311 - Fifth cam surface; 1312 - Sixth cam surface; 1313 - First blocking structure; 1314 - First connecting portion; 1315 - Second connecting portion; 132 - Second swing arm; 1321 - Seventh cam surface; 1322 - Eighth cam surface; 1323 - Second blocking structure; 133 - First synchronous gear; 134 - Second synchronous gear; 14 - Second swing arm assembly; 141 - Third swing arm; 142 - Fourth swing arm; 15 - First rotating shaft assembly; 151 - First rotating shaft; 1511 - First recessed portion; 152 - Second rotating shaft; 1521 - Second recessed portion; 16 - Second rotating shaft assembly; 161 - Third rotating shaft; 162 - Fourth rotating shaft; 171 - Connecting member; 1711 - First slot; 1712 - Second slot; 172 - Stopper; 20-hinge cover; 30-frame frame; 31-first frame frame; 32-second frame frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] The terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of this application can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein, and that the objects distinguished by "first," "second," and the like are generally of the same type, and do not limit the number of objects; for example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, the term "and / or" in the specification and claims refers to at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the objects connected are in an "or" relationship.

[0032] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below through specific embodiments and their application scenarios in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0033] 1 to 16 , an embodiment of the present application discloses a hinge mechanism, which is applied to an electronic device. The disclosed hinge mechanism includes a bracket 11 , a first swing arm assembly 13 , and a damping assembly 12 .

[0034] The bracket 11 is a basic mounting component of the hinge mechanism, which can provide a mounting base for components such as the damping assembly 12 and the first swing arm assembly 13. The bracket 11 can include a bracket body 111.

[0035] The first swing arm assembly 13 is movably connected to the bracket 11 via the first rotating shaft assembly 15 to ensure that the first swing arm assembly 13 can move relative to the bracket 11, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the hinge mechanism. For example, the first swing arm assembly 13 can rotate relative to the bracket 11. Of course, in some cases, the first swing arm assembly 13 can also move relative to the bracket 11 in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism.

[0036] In actual working conditions, the first swing arm assembly 13 can be connected to the frame frames 30 on both sides of the electronic device that can be opened and closed. The first swing arm assembly 13 can realize the relative rotation of the frame frames 30 on both sides, so that the electronic device can be opened and closed.

[0037] The damping assembly 12 is used to dampen the opening and closing process of the hinge mechanism, preventing the hinge mechanism from becoming slack during the opening and closing process, thereby affecting the normal use of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the damping assembly 12 is movably connected to the bracket 11 via the first rotating shaft assembly 15, and the damping assembly 12 abuts against a side end surface of the first swing arm assembly 13. Based on this, the damping assembly 12 can act to damp the first swing arm assembly 13, thereby making the opening and closing process of the electronic device more resilient and ensuring that the electronic device does not open and close arbitrarily.

[0038] In some hinge mechanisms in the related art, damping modules are respectively provided on both sides of the swing arm. This layout increases the number of components used, increases the cost, and also increases the axial size of the hinge mechanism.

[0039] To alleviate the above-mentioned problem, in the embodiment of the present application, in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the damping assembly 12 can be located on one side of the first swing arm assembly 13, that is, the hinge mechanism in the embodiment of the present application adopts a method of setting the damping assembly 12 on one side. Compared with the method of arranging damping modules on both sides in the related art, the embodiment of the present application reduces the use of parts, which is conducive to reducing structural complexity, thereby reducing costs, and is also conducive to reducing the axial size of the hinge mechanism. In addition, compared with the method of arranging damping modules on both sides in the related art, under the condition of generating the same damping torque, the length of the damping assembly 12 set on one side is shorter, which can improve the efficiency of generating torque to a certain extent; and the size of other structures matching the unilateral damping assembly 12 is also reduced accordingly, which is conducive to reducing the axial size of the hinge mechanism.

[0040] It should be noted that, taking the damping assembly 12 as an example, using a spring to generate damping, given the same length and elastic parameters, a single spring generates greater torque than two springs. In other words, when generating the same torque, the length of one spring is shorter than the sum of the lengths of the two springs. Therefore, the above-mentioned single-sided damping assembly 12 arrangement can generate higher torque efficiency within the same space compared to a double-sided arrangement.

[0041] Based on the above-mentioned arrangement, the hinge mechanism in the embodiment of the present application can reduce the use of parts and components, and optimize the structural layout in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, thereby reducing the space occupied by the hinge mechanism, which is conducive to alleviating the problem of cramped space for the hinge mechanism layout, and can also reduce the difficulty of assembly and reduce costs; in addition, the damping component 12 adopts a single-sided layout, which can improve the damping efficiency in the same space compared to the double-sided layout.

[0042] Taking into account that the damping assembly 12 adopts a unilateral layout, the damping assembly 12 generates a force on the first rotating shaft assembly 15 that is perpendicular to the plane where the bracket 11 is located, which makes the first rotating shaft assembly 15 prone to tilting, and then causes the damping assembly 12 to warp, making the flatness of the entire hinge mechanism worse, affecting the normal use of the hinge mechanism.

[0043] Based on the above, in the embodiment of the present application, the bracket 11 is provided with a limiting hole and a limiting slot distributed along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft assembly 15. The first rotating shaft assembly 15 sequentially passes through the damping assembly 12 and the limiting hole, and is inserted into the limiting slot. Based on this, the groove wall of the limiting slot can limit the first rotating shaft assembly 15 in a first direction perpendicular to the plane of the bracket 11, thereby preventing the first rotating shaft assembly 15 from tilting, thereby preventing the damping assembly 12 from tilting due to the tilting of the first rotating shaft assembly 15. For example, both the limiting hole and the limiting slot can be provided in the bracket body 111.

[0044] The limiting hole is a through hole extending axially, and the limiting groove has a first notch 11131 and a second notch 11132. The first notch 11131 is opposite the limiting hole, and the second notch 11132 is located adjacent to the first notch. Based on this arrangement, the second notch 11132 allows the first shaft assembly 15 to be inserted into the limiting groove.

[0045] To sum up, the damping assembly 12 is located on one side of the first swing arm assembly 13 and abuts against one end face of the first swing arm assembly 13. Compared with the method of arranging the damping assembly 12 on both sides, the embodiment of the present application can reduce the use of parts and reduce the installation space of the hinge mechanism, which is conducive to alleviating the problem of cramped space; and the first rotating shaft assembly 15 can be installed through the limiting hole and the limiting groove, and the first rotating shaft assembly 15 can be limited in the first direction by the groove wall of the limiting groove, so as to effectively prevent the first rotating shaft assembly 15 from tilting in the first direction under the action of the damping assembly 12 on one side, thereby solving the problem of the damping assembly 12 warping, so that the hinge mechanism maintains a better flatness, and ensures the normal use of the hinge mechanism.

[0046] Referring to FIG3 , in some embodiments, the first swing arm assembly 13 may include a first connecting portion 1314 and a second connecting portion 1315. The first connecting portion 1314 and the second connecting portion 1315 are located on either side of the limiting hole, respectively. The first rotating shaft assembly 15 sequentially passes through the damping assembly 12, the first connecting portion 1314, the limiting hole, and the second connecting portion 1315, and is inserted into the limiting slot. This arrangement increases the connection area between the first swing arm assembly 13 and the first rotating shaft assembly 15, thereby improving the connection stability of the first swing arm assembly 13 and preventing the first swing arm assembly 13 from shaking relative to the first rotating shaft assembly 15. Furthermore, the first connecting portion 1314 and the second connecting portion 1315 are located on either side of the limiting hole, respectively, and pass through the first rotating shaft assembly 15 sequentially. This allows for a more balanced interaction between the first swing arm assembly 13 and the first rotating shaft assembly 15, thereby preventing the first rotating shaft assembly 15 from tilting to a certain extent.

[0047] Considering that the electronic device includes two device bodies that can be folded or unfolded relative to each other, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the two device bodies respectively include a frame frame 30, which is divided into a first frame frame 31 and a second frame frame 32, and a hinge mechanism is connected between the first frame frame 31 and the second frame frame 32, so that the two device bodies can be folded or unfolded through the hinge mechanism.

[0048] Based on the above situation, the first swing arm assembly 13 in the embodiment of the present application may include a first swing arm 131 and a second swing arm 132. Correspondingly, the first rotating shaft assembly 15 may include a first rotating shaft 151 and a second rotating shaft 152, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152 are both connected to the bracket 11 and are spaced apart in the second direction. The first swing arm 131 is movably connected to the first rotating shaft 151, and the second swing arm 132 is movably connected to the second rotating shaft 152. The first direction, the second direction, and the axial direction of the first rotating shaft assembly 15 are perpendicular to each other. It should be noted that the movable connection here can be a rotational connection, or a rotational and sliding connection, which can be selected according to the actual working conditions.

[0049] Exemplarily, the first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152 can be fixedly connected to the bracket body 111 respectively. Of course, they can also be movably connected to the bracket body 111, such as sliding connection, rotation connection, etc., which can be set specifically according to actual working conditions.

[0050] In the embodiment of the present application, the first swing arm 131 can also be connected to the first frame frame 31, and the second swing arm 132 can also be connected to the second frame frame 32. Optionally, the first swing arm 131 and the first frame frame 31 can be connected by a slide rail, and the second swing arm 132 and the second frame frame 32 can be connected by a slide rail.

[0051] Based on the above configuration, the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132 can be respectively moved relative to the bracket 11 , thereby making the first frame frame 31 and the second frame frame 32 respectively move relative to the bracket 11 , so that the two device bodies can be folded or unfolded relative to each other.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present application, the bracket 11 is provided with a through hole and a limit groove on both sides in the second direction, wherein the first rotating shaft 151 is passed through the through hole on one side, and the end of the first rotating shaft 151 is inserted into the limit groove on one side; the second rotating shaft 152 is passed through the through hole on the other side, and the end of the second rotating shaft 152 is inserted into the limit groove on the other side.

[0053] Specifically, as shown in Figures 5, 11, 15, and 16, a first limiting hole 1111 and a first limiting groove 1113 may be provided on one side of the bracket body 111 along the second direction, and the first limiting hole 1111 and the first limiting groove 1113 are distributed along the axial direction. That is, the first notch 11131 of the first limiting groove 1113 is arranged opposite to the first limiting hole 1111, the first rotating shaft 151 is passed through the first limiting hole 1111, and the end of the first rotating shaft 151 is inserted into the first limiting groove 1113. Based on this arrangement, the first rotating shaft 151 can be limited by the inner walls of the first limiting hole 1111 and the first limiting groove 1113 to ensure that the first rotating shaft 151 does not tilt. Therefore, even if the damping assembly 12 generates a force on the first rotating shaft 151, the stability of the first rotating shaft 151 can be guaranteed.

[0054] Similarly, as shown in Figures 12, 15, and 16, a second limiting hole 1112 and a second limiting groove 1114 may be provided on the other side of the bracket body 111 along the second direction, and the second limiting hole 1112 and the second limiting groove 1114 are distributed along the axial direction. That is, the first notch 11131 of the second limiting groove 1114 is arranged opposite to the second limiting hole 1112, the second rotating shaft 152 is passed through the second limiting hole 1112, and the end of the second rotating shaft 152 is inserted into the second limiting groove 1114. Based on this arrangement, the second rotating shaft 152 can be limited by the inner walls of the second limiting hole 1112 and the second limiting groove 1114 to ensure that the second rotating shaft 152 does not tilt. Therefore, even if the damping assembly 12 generates a force on the second rotating shaft 152, the stability of the second rotating shaft 152 can be guaranteed.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second notches 11132 of the limiting grooves on both sides are arranged opposite to each other in the second direction. As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the second notches 11132 of the first limiting groove 1113 and the second notches 11132 of the second limiting groove 1114 are arranged opposite to each other in the second direction. In this way, the first rotating shaft 151 can be limited by the inner walls of the first limiting groove 1113 facing each other in the first direction, thereby ensuring that the first rotating shaft 151 does not tilt; and the second rotating shaft 152 can be limited by the inner walls of the second limiting groove 1114 facing each other in the first direction, thereby ensuring that the second rotating shaft 152 does not tilt. Therefore, the damping assembly 12 can be prevented from tilting.

[0056] Furthermore, the inner wall of the first limiting groove 1113 may be provided with a first protrusion structure, which can prevent the end of the first rotating shaft 151 from escaping the first limiting groove 1113. The inner wall of the second limiting groove 1114 may be provided with a second protrusion structure, which can prevent the end of the second rotating shaft 152 from escaping the second limiting groove 1114. Thus, the damping assembly 12 can be prevented from rotating within the plane of the bracket 11.

[0057] In other embodiments, the second slots 11132 of the limiting slots on both sides are arranged along the first direction, and the bracket 11 can also be provided with a supporting structure, the supporting structure is located on one side of the limiting slot along the axial direction, and a limiting space is formed between the supporting structure and the slot wall of the limiting slot, and the other end of the first rotating shaft 151 or the second rotating shaft 152 is arranged in the limiting space, thereby ensuring that the first rotating shaft 151 or the second rotating shaft 152 will not tilt, and further ensuring that the damping assembly 12 will not warp.

[0058] Referring to Figures 14 to 16, the bracket body 111 can also be provided with a first supporting structure 1115, which is located on one side of the first limiting groove 1113, and one end of the first rotating shaft 151 is located between the end of the first supporting structure 1115 and the bottom of the first limiting groove 1113. In this way, the first rotating shaft 151 can be limited in the first direction through the cooperation between the end of the first supporting structure 1115 and the bottom of the first limiting groove 1113, thereby ensuring that the first rotating shaft 151 will not tilt.

[0059] Similarly, the bracket body 111 can also be provided with a second supporting structure 1116, which is located on one side of the second limiting groove 1114, and one end of the second rotating shaft 152 is located between the end of the second supporting structure 1116 and the bottom of the second limiting groove 1114. In this way, the second rotating shaft 152 can be limited in the first direction through the cooperation between the end of the second supporting structure 1116 and the bottom of the second limiting groove 1114, thereby ensuring that the second rotating shaft 152 will not tilt.

[0060] It should be noted that the method of using the groove bottom and the end of the support structure to limit the position here can simplify the structure of the mold for forming the limiting groove compared to the method of using the inner walls of the limiting groove to limit the position, which is conducive to reducing costs. It should be noted that the mold for forming the limiting groove belongs to the existing technology and will not be elaborated in detail here.

[0061] Furthermore, the support structure may be provided with an arcuate groove, with the first rotating shaft 151 or the second rotating shaft 152 contacting the arcuate sidewall of the arcuate groove. Based on this, the arcuate sidewall of the arcuate groove can also partially wrap around the first rotating shaft 151 or the second rotating shaft 152 in the second direction, thereby increasing the contact area between the support structure and the first rotating shaft 151 or the second rotating shaft 152, which is conducive to improving the stability of the first rotating shaft 151 or the second rotating shaft 152.

[0062] In some embodiments, the limiting groove is U-shaped in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction. Specifically, the first limiting groove 1113 and the second limiting groove 1114 can both be U-shaped grooves. This design has the following advantages:

[0063] 1. The U-shaped groove method is simpler and the space utilization is more extreme; 2. The mold manufacturing process is simplified, and the side slider is used for easy installation; 3. Compared with the hole method, the size of the design d can be reduced, giving the entire hinge mechanism more axial space.

[0064] 5 to 7 , to achieve synchronized movement of the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132, the first swing arm assembly 13 may further include a first synchronous gear 133 and a second synchronous gear 134 that mesh with each other. Furthermore, the second rotating shaft assembly 16 may include a third rotating shaft 161 and a fourth rotating shaft 162, each of which is connected to the bracket 11. The first synchronous gear 133 is rotationally connected to the bracket 11 via the third rotating shaft 161, and the second synchronous gear 134 is rotationally connected to the bracket 11 via the fourth rotating shaft 162. Furthermore, the first synchronous gear 133 is meshed with the first swing arm 131, and the second synchronous gear 134 is meshed with the second swing arm 132.

[0065] For example, the first swing arm 131 may be provided with a first toothed structure that meshes with the first synchronous gear 133 ; the second swing arm 132 may be provided with a second toothed structure that meshes with the second synchronous gear 134 .

[0066] Based on the above settings, the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132 can be connected by the first synchronization gear 133 and the second synchronization gear 134, and the synchronization between the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132 can be ensured based on tooth engagement, thereby ensuring the symmetry of the hinge mechanism and even the opening and closing process of the entire electronic device.

[0067] To prevent the first synchronous gear 133 from moving axially, in this embodiment of the present application, the first swing arm 131 may be provided with a first blocking structure 1313. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first blocking structure 1313 is spaced apart from the axial end surface of the bracket 11, and the first synchronous gear 133 is located between the first blocking structure 1313 and the axial end surface of the bracket 11. The blocking effect of the first blocking structure 1313 ensures that the first synchronous gear 133 does not slip axially, thereby improving the stability of the first synchronous gear 133 during rotation.

[0068] To prevent the second synchronous gear 134 from moving axially, in this embodiment of the present application, the second swing arm 132 may be provided with a second blocking structure 1323. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second blocking structure 1323 is spaced apart from the axial end surface of the bracket 11, and the second synchronous gear 134 is located between the second blocking structure 1323 and the axial end surface of the bracket 11. The blocking effect of the second blocking structure 1323 ensures that the second synchronous gear 134 does not slip axially, thereby improving the stability of the second synchronous gear 134 during rotation.

[0069] Referring to Figures 12 and 13 , the bracket body 111 can be provided with a first accommodating space M and a second accommodating space N. The first accommodating space M and the second accommodating space N are axially offset and disposed opposite each other in a first direction, thereby forming a partial Z-shaped structure within the bracket 11. This design increases the axial bending strength of the bracket 11, thereby minimizing the bending deformation of the bracket 11 under load, thereby improving the overall flatness of the hinge mechanism.

[0070] In addition, the first limiting hole 1111, the second limiting hole 1112, the first limiting groove 1113 and the second limiting groove 1114 can all be adaptively opened in the local area of ​​the Z-shaped structure, so that the design of the Z-shaped structure can also adapt to the installation requirements of the first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152.

[0071] With reference to Figures 1 to 6 , in some embodiments, the hinge mechanism may further include a second swing arm assembly 14, which is movably connected to the bracket 11. Axially, the second swing arm assembly 14 is located on the side of the first swing arm assembly 13 facing away from the damping assembly 12, and the second swing arm assembly 14 and the first swing arm assembly 13 are located on either side of the retaining groove, respectively. This arrangement improves the overall strength of the hinge mechanism by adding the second swing arm assembly 14 to cooperate with the first swing arm assembly 13, thereby ensuring the reliability of the connection between the hinge mechanism and the device body.

[0072] In the embodiment of the present application, the second swing arm assembly 14 is movably connected to the bracket 11 to ensure that the second swing arm assembly 14 can at least rotate relative to the bracket 11, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the hinge mechanism. Of course, in some cases, the second swing arm assembly 14 and the bracket 11 can also slide relative to each other to avoid motion interference.

[0073] Under actual working conditions, the second swing arm assembly 14 can also be connected to the frame frames 30 on both sides of the electronic device that can open and close with each other. Therefore, during the process of opening and closing the frame frames 30 on both sides, the second swing arm assembly 14 can also move with the frame frames 30, thereby reinforcing the frame frames 30 without causing motion interference.

[0074] Compared with the method of setting the virtual swing arms on both sides of the synchronous swing arms in the related art, the embodiment of the present application adopts the method of setting the first swing arm assembly 13 on one side 14 between the second swing arms, which reduces the use of parts and is conducive to reducing structural complexity and reducing costs; moreover, the embodiment of the present application also optimizes the layout between the second swing arm assembly 14 and the first swing arm assembly 13, and there is no problem of a large span between the two second swing arm assemblies 14. The second swing arm assembly 14 and the first swing arm assembly 13 can be connected to the frame 30 respectively, reducing the axial size of the hinge mechanism, which is conducive to reducing the span of the frame 30 and improving the strength of the frame 30 to a certain extent; in addition, since there are no two first swing arm assemblies 13 with a large span, there is no problem of difficulty in assembling the first swing arm assembly 13 and the frame 30.

[0075] Referring to FIG3 , in some embodiments, the second swing arm assembly 14 may include a third swing arm 141 and a fourth swing arm 142. The third swing arm 141 may be connected to the first frame 31 via a pin, and the fourth swing arm 142 may also be connected to the second frame 32 via a pin. Therefore, if the electronic device falls, the connection between the second swing arm assembly 14 and the frame 30 is more reliable, and the smaller the distance between the first swing arm assembly 13 and the second swing arm assembly 14, the more favorable the fall situation.

[0076] In the embodiment of the present application, the damping assembly 12 is connected to the first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152, and the damping assembly 12 is located on one side of the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132. Compared to the method of arranging two damping modules on either side of the two swing arms in the related art, the arrangement of the damping assembly 12 in the embodiment of the present application has a shorter length of one damping assembly 12 while generating the same damping torque, which can improve the efficiency of generating torque to a certain extent. In addition, the size of other structures supporting the damping assembly 12 is also correspondingly reduced, which is conducive to reducing the axial size of the hinge mechanism. For example, taking the example of the damping assembly 12 including a spring, the spring is located on the side of the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132 that are each away from the second swing arm assembly 14.

[0077] 5 , in some embodiments, the damping assembly 12 may include a first elastic member 121, a second elastic member 122, and a first damping member 123. The first elastic member 121 is sleeved on the outside of the first rotating shaft 151, and the second elastic member 122 is sleeved on the outside of the second rotating shaft 152. The first damping member 123 is slidably connected to the first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152, respectively. One side of the first damping member 123 abuts against the first elastic member 121 and the second elastic member 122, respectively. Therefore, the first elastic member 121 and the second elastic member 122 can respectively apply elastic forces to the first damping member 123, thereby achieving a damping effect on the first and second swing arms 131 and 132 through the first damping member 123 contacting the first and second swing arms 131 and 132, respectively.

[0078] Optionally, a first stop is provided at the end of the first rotating shaft 151, and the end of the first elastic member 121 is blocked by the first stop so that the first elastic member 121 will not separate from the first rotating shaft 151 when subjected to extrusion; a second stop is provided at the end of the second rotating shaft 152, and the end of the second elastic member 122 is blocked by the second stop so that the second elastic member 122 will not separate from the second rotating shaft 152 when subjected to extrusion.

[0079] Exemplarily, the first elastic member 121 and the second elastic member 122 may both be springs, spring sheets, etc. Of course, they may also be in other forms, which are not specifically limited here.

[0080] To achieve a damping effect on the first swing arm 131, the first damping member 123 is provided with a first cam surface 1231 on the other side. Correspondingly, the first swing arm 131 is provided with a fifth cam surface 1311, which is mated and connected to the first cam surface 1231, as shown in FIG6 . Based on this arrangement, under the elastic force of the first elastic member 121, the first cam surface 1231 and the fifth cam surface 1311 can contact or squeeze each other. As the first swing arm 131 moves (e.g., rotates) relative to the first rotating shaft 151, the fifth cam surface 1311 squeezes the first cam surface 1231, causing the first damping member 123 to move along the first rotating shaft 151 and squeeze the first elastic member 121, causing it to elastically contract and store elastic potential energy. Consequently, the elastic action of the first elastic member 121 hinders the first swing arm 131, thereby providing a damping effect on the opening and closing process of the electronic device, preventing it from opening and closing arbitrarily.

[0081] To achieve a damping effect on the second swing arm 132, the other side of the first damping member 123 is further provided with a third cam surface 1232. Correspondingly, the second swing arm 132 is provided with a seventh cam surface 1321, which is matingly connected to the third cam surface 1232, as shown in FIG6 . Based on this arrangement, under the elastic force of the second elastic member 122, the third cam surface 1232 and the seventh cam surface 1321 can contact or squeeze each other. As the second swing arm 132 moves (e.g., rotates) relative to the second rotating shaft 152, the seventh cam surface 1321 squeezes the third cam surface 1232, causing the first damping member 123 to move along the second rotating shaft 152 and squeeze the second elastic member 122, causing it to elastically contract and store elastic potential energy. Consequently, the elastic action of the second elastic member 122 hinders the second swing arm 132, thereby providing a damping effect on the opening and closing process of the electronic device, preventing it from opening and closing arbitrarily.

[0082] Based on the above arrangement, the first elastic member 121 and the second elastic member 122 jointly exert elastic force on the first damping member 123 , so that the hinge mechanism can have a damping effect to prevent the electronic device from opening and closing at will.

[0083] 5 and 6 , in some embodiments, the damping assembly 12 may further include a second damping member 124, which is located between the bracket body 111 and the first swing arm assembly 13 and is connected to the first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152. In addition, the second damping member 124 is also in contact with the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132 to provide damping for the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132, respectively.

[0084] To achieve a damping effect on the first swing arm 131, the second damping member 124 may be provided with a second cam surface 1241 on the side facing the first swing arm assembly 13. Accordingly, the first swing arm 131 is also provided with a sixth cam surface 1312, which is matingly connected to the second cam surface 1241, as shown in FIG6 . Based on this arrangement, as the first swing arm 131 moves (e.g., rotates) relative to the first rotating shaft 151, the sixth cam surface 1312 exerts a squeezing effect on the second cam surface 1241. The squeezing force and frictional force thereby hinder the first swing arm 131.

[0085] To achieve a damping effect on the second swing arm 132, a fourth cam surface 1242 may be provided on the side of the second damping member 124 facing the first swing arm assembly 13. Accordingly, the second swing arm 132 is further provided with an eighth cam surface 1322, which is matingly connected to the fourth cam surface 1242, as shown in FIG6 . Based on this arrangement, as the second swing arm 132 moves (e.g., rotates) relative to the second rotating shaft 152, the eighth cam surface 1322 exerts a squeezing effect on the fourth cam surface 1242. The squeezing force and frictional force thereby obstruct the second swing arm 132.

[0086] Furthermore, due to the mutual compression between the second cam surface 1241 and the sixth cam surface 1312, and the mutual compression between the fourth cam surface 1242 and the eighth cam surface 1322, the second damping member 124 can be moved away from the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132 to prevent interference. At the same time, in order to enable the second damping member 124 to exert a squeezing and damping effect on the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132 in real time, in this embodiment of the present application, the second damping member 124 is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152, respectively. Thus, under the respective elastic forces of the first elastic member 121 and the second elastic member 122, the elastic forces are transmitted to the second damping member 124 via the first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152, respectively, so that the second damping member 124 exerts a squeezing and damping effect on the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132, respectively.

[0087] In addition, when the second damping member 124 moves away from the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132, it will also synchronously drive the first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152 to move. At the same time, the first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152 will respectively exert an extrusion effect on the first elastic member 121 and the second elastic member 122, thereby increasing the elastic force of the first elastic member 121 and the second elastic member 122, and then through the first damping member 123 and the second damping member 124, a greater extrusion and damping effect is exerted on the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132 from both sides, thereby achieving a better damping effect.

[0088] Considering that the first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152 will move axially with the second damping member 124, and at the same time, the first swing arm 131 is connected between the first rotating shaft 151 and the first frame frame 31, and the second swing arm 132 is connected between the second rotating shaft 152 and the second frame frame 32, to prevent motion interference, the first swing arm 131 is slidably and rotationally connected to the first rotating shaft 151, and the second swing arm 132 is slidably and rotationally connected to the second rotating shaft 152. Based on this, when the second damping member 124 drives the first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152 to move, it will not drive the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132 to move with them. Moreover, it can also ensure that the first swing arm 131 and the first rotating shaft 151 rotate relative to each other, and the second swing arm 132 rotate relative to each other, thereby increasing the damping effect while ensuring the normal operation of the hinge mechanism.

[0089] Based on the above arrangement, when the electronic device needs to be folded, the first frame 31 and the second frame 32 respectively drive the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132 to rotate, causing the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132 to rotate relative to the first rotation axis 151 and the second rotation axis 152. Simultaneously, the first swing arm 131 compresses the first cam surface 1231 and the second cam surface 1241 via the fifth cam surface 1311 and the sixth cam surface 1312, respectively. The seventh cam surface 1321 and the eighth cam surface 1322 compress the third cam surface 1232 and the fourth cam surface 1242, respectively, causing the first damping member 123 and the second damping member 124 to move away from each other. The second damping member 124 drives the first rotation axis 151 and the second rotation axis 152 to move synchronously, thereby further compressing the first elastic member 121 and the second elastic member 122, generating a greater elastic force, thereby enhancing the damping effect on the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132.

[0090] To prevent interference, the first damping member 123 is slidingly connected to the third rotating shaft 161 and the fourth rotating shaft 162 respectively. Based on this, on the one hand, assembly interference between the first damping member 123 and the third rotating shaft 161 and the fourth rotating shaft 162 can be avoided, thereby ensuring the normal installation of the third rotating shaft 161 and the fourth rotating shaft 162. On the other hand, movement interference between the first damping member 123 and the third rotating shaft 161 and the fourth rotating shaft 162 can be avoided, thereby ensuring that the first damping member 123 can move normally along the axial direction.

[0091] To further enhance the damping effect, the damping assembly 12 may further include a third elastic member 125 and a fourth elastic member 126. The third elastic member 125 and the fourth elastic member 126 are respectively mounted on the third rotating shaft 161 and the fourth rotating shaft 162, and the third elastic member 125 and the fourth elastic member 126 respectively abut against the first damping member 123. Based on this configuration, the third elastic member 125 and the fourth elastic member 126 can each apply an elastic force to the first damping member 123, which is superimposed on the elastic force of the first elastic member 121 and the second elastic member 122. Thus, under the combined action of the first elastic member 121, the second elastic member 122, the third elastic member 125, and the fourth elastic member 126, the elastic force on the first damping member 123 is increased, thereby further enhancing the damping effect on the first swing arm assembly 13.

[0092] Optionally, a third stop is provided at the end of the third rotating shaft 161, and the end of the third elastic member 125 is blocked by the third stop so that the third elastic member 125 will not separate from the third rotating shaft 161 when subjected to extrusion; a fourth stop is provided at the end of the fourth rotating shaft 162, and the end of the fourth elastic member 126 is blocked by the fourth stop so that the fourth elastic member 126 will not separate from the fourth rotating shaft 162 when subjected to extrusion.

[0093] Exemplarily, the third elastic member 125 and the fourth elastic member 126 can both be springs, spring sheets, etc. Of course, they can also be in other forms, which are not specifically limited here.

[0094] The damping assembly 12 in the embodiment of the present application includes a first elastic member 121, a second elastic member 122, a third elastic member 125 and a fourth elastic member 126, and the damping assembly 12 adopts a unilateral setting. Thus, the torque generation at four positions can be achieved through the four elastic members on a single side, and the forces of the four elastic members act on four different positions, which can improve the damping effect to a certain extent and is conducive to improving the stability of the damping assembly 12.

[0095] In the embodiment of the present application, the second damping member 124 can be arranged in the first accommodating space M, thereby providing space for the installation of the second damping member 124, which is conducive to reducing the size of the hinge mechanism in the second direction; at least part of the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132 can each be arranged in the second accommodating space N, thereby providing installation space for the first swing arm 131 and the second swing arm 132, which is conducive to reducing the size of the hinge mechanism in the second direction.

[0096] In order to prevent the second damping member 124 from disengaging from the first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152, the bracket 11 may further include a clamping member 171, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The clamping member 171 is located between the bracket body 111 and the second damping member 124, and is connected to the first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152. In this way, the second damping member 124 can be limited to prevent the second damping member 124 from disengaging.

[0097] Furthermore, the clamping member 171 may be provided with a first clamping groove 1711 and a second clamping groove 1712. Accordingly, the outer wall of the first rotating shaft 151 is provided with a first recessed portion 1511, and the outer wall of the second rotating shaft 152 is provided with a second recessed portion 1521. The first clamping groove 1711 is clamped in the first recessed portion 1511, and the second clamping groove 1712 is clamped in the second recessed portion 1521. Based on this, through the clamping engagement between the first clamping groove 1711 and the first recessed portion 1511, and the clamping engagement between the second clamping groove 1712 and the second recessed portion 1521, the clamping member 171 can be firmly clamped on the first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152. In addition, the clamping member 171 can block and limit the second damping member 124, thereby preventing the second damping member 124 from separating from the first rotating shaft 151 and the second rotating shaft 152.

[0098] Exemplarily, the clamping member 171 may be a clamping spring, a clamping block, a clamping plate or the like. Of course, it may also be in other forms, which are not specifically limited here.

[0099] 5 and 6 , in some embodiments, the bracket 11 may further include a stopper 172 having a plurality of through-holes through which the first rotating shaft 151, the second rotating shaft 152, the third rotating shaft 161, and the fourth rotating shaft 162 respectively pass. The first, second, third, and fourth stoppers abut against the stopper 172. Furthermore, the first elastic member 121, the second elastic member 122, the third elastic member 125, and the fourth elastic member 126 respectively abut against the stopper 172. Thus, the stopper 172 can provide support for each elastic member, thereby improving support stability and effectively preventing each elastic member from disengaging from the corresponding rotating shaft.

[0100] Referring to FIG1 , in some embodiments, a hinge mechanism may include a hinge cover 20, multiple first swing arm assemblies 13, multiple second swing arm assemblies 14, multiple damping assemblies 12, and multiple first rotating shaft assemblies 15. The multiple first swing arm assemblies 13, multiple second swing arm assemblies 14, multiple damping assemblies 12, and multiple first rotating shaft assemblies 15 are all located inside the hinge cover 20. This can improve the stability of the hinge mechanism during opening and closing, enhancing the opening and closing performance of the electronic device, and also improve the appearance of the electronic device and effectively prevent external factors from affecting the normal operation of the hinge mechanism.

[0101] Based on the above hinge mechanism, an embodiment of the present application further discloses an electronic device. Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 16 , the disclosed electronic device includes the above hinge mechanism.

[0102] To sum up, the embodiment of the present application can effectively prevent the damping assembly 12 from warping, ensure the normal use of the hinge mechanism, and can also optimize the layout of the components in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism and the connection relationship between the components, so that the damping effect of the hinge mechanism can be improved within a limited space, thereby improving the use efficiency of the hinge mechanism within the effective space.

[0103] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of this application, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the purpose of this application and the scope of protection of the claims, all of which are within the protection of this application.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism, applied to an electronic device, comprising: bracket, first swing arm assembly and damping assembly; The first swing arm assembly and the damping assembly are both movably connected to the bracket via a first rotating shaft assembly, and the damping assembly abuts against one end surface of the first swing arm assembly; The bracket is provided with a limiting hole and a limiting groove distributed along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft assembly. The first rotating shaft assembly passes through the damping assembly and the limiting hole in sequence and is inserted into the limiting groove. The limiting hole is a through hole extending along the axial direction. The limiting groove has a first notch and a second notch. The first notch is opposite to the limiting hole, and the second notch is located on the adjacent surface of the first notch. The groove wall of the limiting groove limits the first rotating shaft assembly in a first direction, and the first direction is a direction perpendicular to the plane where the bracket is located.

2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The first swing arm assembly includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part and the second connecting part are respectively located on both sides of the limiting hole, and the first rotating shaft assembly passes through the damping assembly, the first connecting part, the limiting hole and the second connecting part in sequence, and is inserted into the limiting groove.

3. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The first rotating shaft assembly includes a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft spaced apart in a second direction; The bracket is provided with the through hole and the limiting groove on both sides in the second direction, the first rotating shaft is passed through the through hole on one side, and the end of the first rotating shaft is inserted into the limiting groove on one side, the second rotating shaft is passed through the through hole on the other side, and the end of the second rotating shaft is inserted into the limiting groove on the other side; The first swing arm assembly includes a first swing arm and a second swing arm, the first swing arm is movably connected to the first rotating shaft, and the second swing arm is movably connected to the second rotating shaft; The first direction, the second direction and the axial direction are perpendicular to each other.

4. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The second notches of the limiting grooves on both sides are arranged opposite to each other in the second direction.

5. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The second notches of the limiting grooves on both sides are arranged along the first direction; The bracket is also provided with a supporting structure, which is located on one side of the limiting groove along the axial direction, and a limiting space is formed between the supporting structure and the groove wall of the limiting groove, and the end of the first rotating shaft or the second rotating shaft is inserted into the limiting space.

6. The hinge mechanism according to claim 5, wherein: The supporting structure is provided with an arc-shaped groove, and the outer wall of the first rotating shaft or the second rotating shaft contacts the arc-shaped side wall of the arc-shaped groove.

7. The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The cross section of the limiting groove in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction is U-shaped.

8. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The first swing arm assembly further includes a first synchronous gear and a second synchronous gear meshed with each other, the first synchronous gear being rotatably connected to the bracket via a third rotating shaft and meshed with the first swing arm, and the second synchronous gear being rotatably connected to the bracket via a fourth rotating shaft and meshed with the second swing arm; The first swing arm is provided with a first blocking structure, the first blocking structure is spaced apart from the end surface of the bracket along the axial direction, and the first synchronous gear is located between the first blocking structure and the end surface of the bracket along the axial direction; The second swing arm is provided with a second blocking structure, the second blocking structure is spaced apart from the end surface of the bracket along the axial direction, and the second synchronous gear is located between the second blocking structure and the end surface of the bracket along the axial direction.

9. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The bracket is provided with a first accommodating space and a second accommodating space, and the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space are staggered in the axial direction.

10. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The hinge mechanism further includes a second swing arm assembly, and the second swing arm assembly is movably connected to the bracket; In the axial direction, the second swing arm assembly is located on a side of the first swing arm assembly away from the damping assembly, and the second swing arm assembly and the first swing arm assembly are respectively located on both sides of the limiting groove.

11. An electronic device comprising the hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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