Damping mechanism, hinge, and foldable device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and provides a damping mechanism, a hinge, and a foldable device, aiming at solving the problems of excessive damping force and single-mode damping-force release of damping mechanisms. The damping mechanism provided in the present application comprises a plurality of damping assemblies; each damping assembly comprises a first damping wheel, a second damping wheel, a central rod, and an elastic element; the first damping wheel and the second damping wheel are rotatable relative to each other around the central rod, and the second damping wheel is movable relative to the first damping wheel in an axial direction of the central rod; the elastic element is configured to enable a first damping surface of the first damping wheel to be in contact with a second damping surface of the second damping wheel; and in the plurality of damping assemblies, at least two second damping wheels are slidably connected in the axial direction of the central rod and are fixed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central rod. In the damping mechanism provided by the present application, the elastic elements in different damping assemblies can independently apply an acting force to the corresponding second damping wheels, thereby facilitating the rational release of damping force and improving the design flexibility.

Description

Damping mechanism, hinge and foldable device

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202411048134.0, filed on July 31, 2024, and entitled "A damping mechanism, hinge and foldable device", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0004] In a foldable device, two separate housings are usually included, and the two housings can be connected through a hinge to realize the foldable function. When a user needs to carry the foldable device, the foldable device can be folded to reduce its area, thereby improving portability. When the user uses the foldable device, the foldable device can be unfolded to provide a larger display area and operation area, thereby improving the use convenience.

[0005] In the current hinge, the damping mechanism is mainly used to provide damping force, which can ensure the safety and use experience of the foldable device. For example, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the damping force provided by the damping mechanism can prevent the foldable device from being accidentally unfolded, thereby ensuring the safety of the foldable device. Or, when the foldable device is in an unfolded state, the damping force provided by the damping mechanism can provide a reliable hovering function, thereby improving the use experience of the user.

[0006] However, in the current damping mechanism, due to the unreasonable structure, the damping force provided by the damping mechanism is too large, and the damping force provided is also relatively single. SUMMARY

[0007] The present application provides a damping mechanism, hinge and foldable device with reasonable damping force release and high design flexibility.

[0008] In a first aspect, the damping mechanism comprises a plurality of damping assemblies, each of which comprises a first damping wheel, a second damping wheel, a central rod and an elastic element. The first damping wheel is connected to the central rod, and the second damping wheel is connected to the central rod. The first damping wheel and the second damping wheel are rotatable relative to the central rod, and the second damping wheel is movable relative to the first damping wheel along the axial direction of the central rod. The first damping wheel has a first damping surface, and the second damping wheel has a second damping surface. The first damping surface and the second damping surface are oppositely arranged so that the first damping surface and the second damping surface can be in contact. The elastic element is connected to the second damping wheel, and the elastic element is configured to apply a force to the second damping wheel along the axial direction of the central rod so that the first damping surface and the second damping surface are in contact. In the plurality of damping assemblies, the central rods of the damping assemblies are parallel to each other. At least two second damping wheels are connected to each other along the axial direction of the central rod and are fixed relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central rod. That is, the two second damping wheels are independently movable along the central rods, and the two second damping wheels are restricted relative to each other to prevent the two second damping wheels from rotating relative to the central rods.

[0009] In the damping mechanism provided in the present application, in each damping assembly, the elastic element is configured to apply a force to the second damping wheel along the axial direction of the central rod so that the first damping surface of the first damping wheel and the second damping surface of the second damping wheel are in contact. When the first damping wheel and the second damping wheel rotate relative to each other, a damping force is generated between the first damping surface and the second damping surface. In addition, in the two damping assemblies, the two second damping wheels are independently movable along the central rods, that is, the two second damping wheels are decoupled in the axial direction. Therefore, when the second damping wheels in the two damping assemblies move along the axial direction, the second damping wheels do not affect each other, so that the elastic element can apply a force to the corresponding second damping wheel without applying a force to other second damping wheels. This helps to reasonably release the damping force and improves the design flexibility.

[0010] In a specific arrangement, the plurality of damping assemblies are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central rod. At least two adjacent second damping wheels are connected to each other along the axial direction of the central rod and are fixed relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central rod. Alternatively, the two adjacent second damping wheels are connected to each other so that the two second damping wheels are connected to each other along the axial direction of the central rod and are fixed relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central rod. Alternatively, when the damping mechanism comprises three or more damping assemblies, two non-adjacent second damping wheels can be connected to each other so that the two second damping wheels are connected to each other along the axial direction of the central rod and are fixed relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central rod.

[0011] In an example, the plurality of damping assemblies further comprises at least two second damping wheels fixedly connected. Alternatively, it can be understood that the second damping wheels fixedly connected to each other can simultaneously move along the axis. After fixing the at least two second damping wheels, the complexity of the connecting structure can be effectively reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Alternatively, the at least two second damping wheels fixedly connected can also be an integral structure, which can reduce the number of parts used. Alternatively, the damping mechanism comprises the second damping wheel connected by sliding and the second damping wheel fixedly connected, which can improve the design flexibility of the damping mechanism, and also facilitate to improve the variety of damping force released by the damping mechanism.

[0012] In an example, among the two second damping wheels connected by sliding along the axis of the center rod and fixed in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the center rod, the outer circumferential surface of one of the second damping wheels has a sliding groove, and the outer circumferential surface of the other second damping wheel has a protrusion, and the protrusion is inserted into the sliding groove. That is, the two second damping wheels can be connected by the connecting structure of the sliding groove and the protrusion to achieve sliding connection, and the rotation of the second damping wheel can be prevented.

[0013] In an example, the first damping surface comprises at least one of a plane, an inclined surface or a curved surface. The second damping surface comprises at least one of a plane, an inclined surface or a curved surface. The types of the first damping surface and the second damping surface can be the same or different. In a specific setting, the specific types of the first damping surface and the second damping surface can be reasonably set according to actual needs.

[0014] In an example, the first damping surface further comprises a limiting groove, and the second damping surface further comprises a limiting protrusion. When the first damping wheel and the second damping wheel rotate relative to each other, the limiting protrusion can slide into or out of the limiting groove. When the limiting protrusion slides out of the limiting groove, a larger external force is required, and therefore, the hovering capability of the damping mechanism can be improved through the cooperation of the limiting protrusion and the limiting groove. The limiting protrusion can be one, two or more. The specific number of the limiting groove can be one, two or more.

[0015] In an example, in the plurality of damping assemblies, the elastic coefficients of each elastic element are the same. Alternatively, the plurality of damping assemblies comprises at least two elastic elements with different elastic coefficients, which has good design flexibility.

[0016] In an example, each damping assembly further comprises a first stopper and a second stopper. In any damping assembly, the central rod passes through the first stopper and the second stopper, and the central rod is fixed with the first stopper and the second stopper in the axial direction of the central rod. The first stopper is located on the side of the first damping wheel away from the second stopper, and the first stopper abuts against the first damping wheel to prevent the first damping wheel from moving away from the second damping wheel. The second stopper is located on the side of the second damping wheel away from the first damping wheel. The elastic element is located between the second damping wheel and the second stopper, one end of the elastic element abuts against the second damping wheel, and the other end of the elastic element abuts against the second stopper, so that the elastic force of the elastic element can effectively act on the second damping wheel, so that the second damping surface of the second damping wheel can abut against the first damping surface of the first damping wheel.

[0017] In an example, in any damping assembly, the central rod can rotate relative to the first stopper around the axis, and the plurality of first stoppers are fixedly connected. Alternatively, the plurality of first stoppers can be an integral structure, which can effectively reduce the number of parts used. In any damping assembly, the central rod can rotate relative to the second stopper around the axis, and the plurality of second stoppers are fixedly connected. Alternatively, the plurality of second stoppers can be an integral structure, which can effectively reduce the number of parts used.

[0018] In an example, the outer circumferential surface of each first damping wheel further comprises a toothed portion. In the plurality of damping assemblies, the toothed portions of the two adjacent first damping wheels are engaged, so that the plurality of first damping wheels can rotate synchronously.

[0019] In a second aspect, the application further provides a hinge, comprising a first rotating member, a second rotating member, and the damping mechanism described above. The plurality of damping assemblies are arranged in sequence in a first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the axis of the central rod. The first rotating member and the second rotating member are fixedly connected with the two outermost first damping wheels, respectively. When an external force acts on the first rotating member and the second rotating member to rotate, the two outermost first damping wheels can be driven to rotate, so that the damping force between the first damping wheel and the second damping wheel is generated, thereby improving the opening and closing force of the hinge.

[0020] Thirdly, this application also provides a foldable device, including a first housing, a second housing, and a flexible screen. The foldable device also includes the aforementioned hinge. The first housing is connected to a first rotating member, and the second housing is connected to a second rotating member. A first portion of the flexible screen is connected to the first housing, and a second portion of the flexible screen is fixedly connected to the second housing. In use, a force can be applied to the first and second housings, allowing them to rotate relative to each other, thereby realizing the folding or unfolding of the foldable device. In the foldable device provided by this application, by employing the aforementioned hinge, the damping force during the folding or unfolding process of the foldable device can be effectively improved, effectively enhancing the safety and opening / closing feel of the foldable device. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a mobile phone in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a mobile phone in a folded state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a damping mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a damping mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another damping mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 is a simplified cross-sectional view of another damping mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along direction AA in Figure 5;

[0028] Figure 8 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a first damping wheel and a second damping wheel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 9 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of another first damping wheel and second damping wheel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 10 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of another first damping wheel and second damping wheel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 11 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of another first damping wheel and second damping wheel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another damping mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the BB direction in Figure 12;

[0034] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional structural schematic view of a second damping wheel of another damping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG. 15 is a structural schematic view of a hinge according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG. 16 is an exploded structural schematic view of a hinge according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG. 17 is an exploded structural schematic view of a part of a hinge according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG. 18 is an exploded structural schematic view of a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0040] In order to facilitate understanding of the hinge provided by the embodiments of the present application, the application scenarios thereof will be introduced first below.

[0041] The hinge provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied in a foldable device, which is specifically an electronic device capable of changing its own form by folding, rotating and the like. Under different use requirements, the user can fold and unfold the foldable device to meet different requirements of the user.

[0042] For example, when the user needs to carry the foldable device, the foldable device can be folded to reduce its volume, thereby improving portability. When the user uses the foldable device, the foldable device can be unfolded to provide a larger display area and operation area, thereby improving use convenience. In actual application, the type of the foldable device can be various, for example, the foldable device can be specifically a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, an electronic book and the like.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, taking a mobile phone as an example, the mobile phone can include a first housing 02 and a second housing 03 connected by a hinge 01. Under the action of the hinge 01, the first housing 02 and the second housing 03 can be relatively rotated to realize the folding function of the mobile phone. A flexible screen 04 (such as an OLED screen) can be arranged on the surface of the first housing 02 and the second housing 03. As shown in FIG. 1, when the mobile phone is unfolded, the flexible screen 04 can provide a larger display area and operation area to improve use performance. As shown in FIG. 2, when the mobile phone is folded, the flexible screen 04 can be located on the outside of the mobile phone, thereby reducing the area of the mobile phone to improve the portability of the mobile phone.

[0044] A damping mechanism (not shown in the figure) is usually included in the current hinge 01, and the damping force provided by the damping mechanism can ensure the safety and use experience of the foldable device.

[0045] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the mobile phone is unfolded, the damping force provided by the damping mechanism can provide a reliable hovering function. Therefore, the mobile phone can be kept in an unfolded state to some extent, so as to facilitate the normal use of the user. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, when the mobile phone is folded, the damping force provided by the damping mechanism can keep the mobile phone in a folded state, prevent the mobile phone from being accidentally unfolded, and ensure the safety of the mobile phone.

[0046] In some damping mechanisms at present, due to unreasonable structural arrangement, the damping force provided by the damping structure is too large, and the damping force provided is also relatively single, which cannot guarantee the opening and closing feeling of the foldable device. For example, when the user unfolds the mobile phone in a folded state, due to the large damping force provided by the damping mechanism, it is not conducive to unfolding the mobile phone with a small force, and the risk of pinching the hand is also easy to occur. Alternatively, in some cases, due to the large damping force provided by the damping mechanism, the wear of some parts of the damping mechanism is aggravated, which is not conducive to ensuring the reliability of the damping mechanism.

[0047] Therefore, the embodiments of the present application provide a damping mechanism with reasonable damping force release and high design flexibility, and a hinge and a foldable device equipped with the damping mechanism.

[0048] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the present application more clear, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the parallel or vertical described in the following description refers to the approximate parallel or vertical, and is not limited to the strict sense of parallel or vertical. For example, parallel refers to approximate parallel, and there can be a certain size error or angle deviation. Vertical refers to approximate vertical, and there can be a certain size error or angle deviation.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, in an example provided by the present application, the damping mechanism 10 includes two damping assemblies, namely damping assembly 11a and damping assembly 11b.

[0050] The damping assembly 11a comprises a first damping wheel 111a, a second damping wheel 112a, a center rod 113a and an elastic element 114a. The first damping wheel 111a is connected with the center rod 113a, and the second damping wheel 112a is connected with the center rod 113a. The first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a are relatively rotatable about the center rod 113a, and the second damping wheel 112a is relatively movable to the first damping wheel 111a along the axial direction of the center rod 113a. The first damping wheel 111a has a first damping surface 1111a, and the second damping wheel 112a has a second damping surface 1121a. The first damping surface 1111a and the second damping surface 1121a are oppositely arranged. The elastic element 114a is connected with the second damping wheel 112a, and is used to apply an acting force to the second damping wheel 112a along the axial direction of the center rod 113a, so as to make the first damping surface 1111a contact with the second damping surface 1121a. When the first damping surface 1111a and the second damping surface 1121a are in contact, and the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a are relatively rotated under the action of an external force, a damping force will be generated between the first damping surface 1111a and the second damping surface 1121a. The first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a being relatively rotatable about the center rod 113a means that, if the first damping wheel 111a is taken as a stationary reference object, the second damping wheel 112a is rotating. Alternatively, if the second damping wheel 112a is taken as a stationary reference object, the first damping wheel 111a is rotating.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the damping assembly 11b includes a first damping wheel 111b, a second damping wheel 112b, a center rod 113b and an elastic element 114b. The first damping wheel 111b is connected with the center rod 113b, and the second damping wheel 112b is connected with the center rod 113b. Among them, the first damping wheel 111b and the second damping wheel 112b can rotate relative to the center rod 113b, and the second damping wheel 112b can move relative to the first damping wheel 111b along the axial direction of the center rod 113b. The first damping wheel 111b has a first damping surface 1111b, and the second damping wheel 112b has a second damping surface 1121b, and the first damping surface 1111b and the second damping surface 1121b are oppositely arranged. The elastic element 114b is connected with the second damping wheel 112b, and the elastic element 114b is used to apply a force to the second damping wheel 112b along the axial direction of the center rod 113b, so that the first damping surface 1111b and the second damping surface 1121b are in contact. When the first damping surface 1111b and the second damping surface 1121b are in contact, and the first damping wheel 111b and the second damping wheel 112b are rotated under the action of an external force, a damping force will be generated between the first damping surface 1111b and the second damping surface 1121b. Among them, the relative rotation of the first damping wheel 111b and the second damping wheel 112b around the center rod 113b means that if the first damping wheel 111b is taken as a stationary reference, the second damping wheel 112b is rotating. Or, if the second damping wheel 112b is taken as a stationary reference, the first damping wheel 111b is rotating.

[0052] Among them, the center rod 113a and the center rod 113b are parallel to each other, and the center rod 113a and the center rod 113b are arranged in the first direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the axis of the center rod 113a (or the center rod 113b). It should be noted that in the example provided in FIG. 3, the center rod 113a and the center rod 113b have substantially no displacement deviation in the axial direction, that is, the two ends of the center rod 113a and the two ends of the center rod 113b are substantially flush. In another example, the center rod 113a and the center rod 113b can also have displacement deviation in the axial direction. In order to facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the present application, in the following examples, the center rod 113a and the center rod 113b will be exemplarily described as having substantially no displacement deviation in the axial direction.

[0053] The second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b are connected, and the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b are slidingly connected along the axial direction of the center rod 113a (or the center rod 113b) and are relatively fixed in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the center rod 113a (or the center rod 113b). Alternatively, it can be understood that the second damping wheel 112a can slide along the axis of the center rod 113a, and the second damping wheel 112b will not slide with the second damping wheel 112a. Correspondingly, the second damping wheel 112b can slide along the axis of the center rod 113b, and the second damping wheel 112a will not slide with the second damping wheel 112b.

[0054] In some embodiments, when the first damping wheel 111a rotates, the second damping wheel 112a does not rotate with the first damping wheel 111a, so that the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a can generate effective damping force when relatively rotating. Correspondingly, when the first damping wheel 111b rotates, the second damping wheel 112b does not rotate with the first damping wheel 111b, so that the first damping wheel 111b and the second damping wheel 112b can generate effective damping force when relatively rotating. For example, the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b can be relatively fixed in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the center rod 113a (or the center rod 113b), so that when the first damping wheel 111a rotates, the second damping wheel 112a does not rotate with the first damping wheel 111a, and when the first damping wheel 111b rotates, the second damping wheel 112b does not rotate with the first damping wheel 111b.

[0055] In summary, the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b are not restricted in the axial direction, so that the second damping wheel 112a can independently slide along the axial direction of the center rod 113a, and the second damping wheel 112b can independently slide along the axial direction of the center rod 113b. And the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b can be restricted in the rotating direction to prevent the second damping wheel 112a from rotating around the axis of the center rod 113a, and to prevent the second damping wheel 112b from rotating around the axis of the center rod 113b.

[0056] In one example, the elastic element 114a is configured to apply an elastic force to the second damping wheel 112a so that the second damping surface 1121a of the second damping wheel 112a is in contact with the first damping surface 1111a of the first damping wheel 111a. The elastic element 114b is configured to apply an elastic force to the second damping wheel 112b so that the second damping surface 1121b of the second damping wheel 112b is in contact with the first damping surface 1111b of the first damping wheel 111b. That is, the elastic force applied by the elastic element 114a acts on the second damping wheel 112a but not on the second damping wheel 112b, and the elastic force applied by the elastic element 114b acts on the second damping wheel 112b but not on the second damping wheel 112a. This allows the elastic element 114a to independently control the pressure between the first damping surface 1111a and the second damping surface 1121a and the elastic element 114b to independently control the pressure between the first damping surface 1111b and the second damping surface 1121b. This helps to reasonably release the damping force and improves the design flexibility.

[0057] Alternatively, it can be understood that if the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b are fixedly connected or are an integral structure, the elastic force applied by the elastic element 114a acts on the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b, and the elastic force applied by the elastic element 114b acts on the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b. That is, the force acting on the second damping wheel 112a is the sum of the elastic elements 114a and 114b, and the force acting on the second damping wheel 112b is the sum of the elastic elements 114a and 114b. Therefore, the pressure between the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a is large, and the damping force generated by the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a is also large. Correspondingly, the pressure between the first damping wheel 111b and the second damping wheel 112b is large, and the damping force generated by the first damping wheel 111b and the second damping wheel 112b is also large, which is prone to excessive wear and excessive damping force and other adverse conditions. In addition, the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b will slide together along the axis direction of the center rod 113a (or the center rod 113b), and cannot slide independently, so the damping assembly 11a and the damping assembly 11b will affect each other, reducing the flexibility of the damping force design of the entire damping mechanism 10.

[0058] However, in the examples provided in the present application, the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b are not restricted in the axial direction of the shaft, so that the second damping wheel 112a can independently slide along the axial direction of the center rod 113a, and the second damping wheel 112b can independently slide along the axial direction of the center rod 113b. Therefore, in actual use, the damping force of the entire damping mechanism 10 can be provided only by the damping force generated by the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a at some rotation angles. The damping force of the entire damping mechanism 10 can be provided only by the damping force generated by the first damping wheel 111b and the second damping wheel 112b at some other rotation angles. Alternatively, the damping force of the entire damping mechanism 10 can be provided by the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a and the first damping wheel 111b and the second damping wheel 112b at some other rotation angles, thus having good design flexibility.

[0059] It should be noted that in actual application, in order to realize the relative rotation of the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a around the axis of the center rod 113a, and the movement of the second damping wheel 112a relative to the first damping wheel 111a along the axial direction of the center rod 113a, the connection mode between the first damping wheel 111a, the second damping wheel 112a and the center rod 113a can be various.

[0060] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, take the damping assembly 11a as an example. In one example provided in the present application, the first damping wheel 111a has a through hole 1112a, the second damping wheel 112a has a through hole 1122a, and the center rod 113a is arranged in the through hole 1112a and the through hole 1122a, so that the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a can rotate around the axis of the center rod 113a, and the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a can move along the axis of the center rod 113a.

[0061] Specifically, in the example in FIG. 4, the center rod 113a is arranged in the through hole 1112a of the first damping wheel 111a, so that the first damping wheel 111a can rotate relative to the center rod 113a around the axis of the center rod 113a; in addition, the first damping wheel 111a can move along the axis of the center rod 113a. The center rod 113a is arranged in the through hole 1122a of the second damping wheel 112a, so that the second damping wheel 112a can rotate relative to the center rod 113a around the axis of the center rod 113a; in addition, the second damping wheel 112a can move along the axis of the center rod 113a. That is, the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a can rotate relative to each other around the axis of the center rod 113a, and the second damping wheel 112a can move relative to the first damping wheel 111a along the axial direction of the center rod 113a.

[0062] It can be understood that in other examples, the central rod 113a can also be fixedly connected with the first damping wheel 111a. The central rod 113a is arranged in the through hole 1122a of the second damping wheel 112a, so that the second damping wheel 112a can rotate relative to the first damping wheel 111a and the central rod 113a about the axis of the central rod 113a, and the second damping wheel 112a can slide relative to the first damping wheel 111a and the central rod 113a along the axis of the central rod 113a.

[0063] Alternatively, the central rod 113a can also be fixedly connected with the second damping wheel 112a. The central rod 113a is arranged in the through hole 1112a of the first damping wheel 111a, so that the first damping wheel 111a can rotate relative to the second damping wheel 112a and the central rod 113a about the axis of the central rod 113a, and the first damping wheel 111a can slide relative to the second damping wheel 112a and the central rod 113a along the axis of the central rod 113a.

[0064] In actual application, the connection mode between the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a and the central rod 113a can be reasonably selected according to actual needs, which will not be repeated here.

[0065] In the damping assembly 11b, the connection mode between the first damping wheel 111b and the second damping wheel 112b and the central rod 113b can be similar to the connection mode between the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a and the central rod 113a, which will not be repeated here.

[0066] In an example provided in the present application, in order to better make the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112b contact to generate damping force, the damping mechanism 10 further includes a plurality of stoppers in the example provided in the present application.

[0067] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, in the example provided in the present application, the damping assembly 11a includes a first stopper 115a and a second stopper 116a, and the damping assembly 11b includes a first stopper 115b and a second stopper 116b.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6, take the damping assembly 11a as an example. One end of the center rod 113a has a positioning groove 1131a, and the other end has a positioning groove 1132a. The first stopper 115a and the second stopper 116a are both circular rings. The first stopper 115a is clamped and fixed in the positioning groove 1131a, and the second stopper 116a is clamped and fixed in the positioning groove 1132a. In addition, one side of the first stopper 115a abuts against the first damping wheel 111a to prevent the first damping wheel 111a from producing sliding displacement away from the second damping wheel 112a. The elastic element 114a is a coil spring, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the center rod 113a, one end of the elastic element 114a abuts against the second damping wheel 112a, and the other end abuts against the second stopper 116a. Under the elastic force of the elastic element 114a, the second damping wheel 112a can slide towards the first damping wheel 111a, so that the second damping surface 1121a of the second damping wheel 112a abuts against the first damping surface 1111a of the first damping wheel 111a. It can be understood that in the example provided in FIG. 6, in order to better show the first damping surface 1111a and the second damping surface 1121a, the first damping surface 1111a and the second damping surface 1121a are not in abutment.

[0069] It should be noted that in the examples provided in the present application, one end of the elastic element 114a is connected to the second damping wheel 112a, so that an elastic force can be applied to the second damping wheel 112a. The other end of the elastic element 114a transmits the elastic force to the first damping wheel 111a through the path formed by the second stopper 116a, the center rod 113a and the first stopper 115a, so that the first damping surface 1111a of the first damping wheel 111a is in contact with the second damping surface 1121a of the second damping wheel 112a.

[0070] In other examples, one end of the elastic element 114a can be connected to the second damping wheel 112a, and the other end can be directly connected to the first damping wheel 111a, so that the first damping surface 1111a is in contact with the second damping surface 1121a.

[0071] In summary, as long as the elastic force generated by the elastic element 114a can make the first damping surface 1111a in contact with the second damping surface 1121a. In actual application, the shape, setting position and connection mode of the elastic element 114a can be flexibly set according to actual needs.

[0072] The damping assembly 11b has a structure similar to that of the damping assembly 11a. When the damping assembly 11b is set, similar settings can be made with reference to the damping assembly 11a, and the specific structure of the damping assembly 11b will not be described here.

[0073] In actual applications, the elastic elements 114a and 114b can also be elastic pieces or rubber rings, etc. capable of generating elastic force. The specific structure type of the elastic elements 114a and 114b is not limited in the present application.

[0074] In actual applications, the connection structure between the second damping wheels 112a and 112b can be various.

[0075] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, in one example provided by the present application, the outer circumferential surface of the second damping wheel 112a has at least one protrusion 1123a, and the outer circumferential surface of the second damping wheel 112b has at least one sliding groove 1124b. The protrusion 1123a extends along the axial direction of the central rod 113a, and the sliding groove 1124b extends along the axial direction of the central rod 113b. The protrusion 1123a is inserted into the sliding groove 1124b, and the protrusion 1123a can slide in the sliding groove 1124b along the axial direction of the central rod 113a (or the central rod 113b). In addition, the protrusion 1123a abuts against the inner wall of the sliding groove 1124b, which can prevent the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b from rotating.

[0076] It can be understood that in other examples, the positions of the protrusion 1123a and the sliding groove 1124b can also be replaced with each other. That is, the outer circumferential surface of the second damping wheel 112a can be provided with a sliding groove, and the outer circumferential surface of the second damping wheel 112b can be provided with a protrusion. In one example, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 1123a and the sliding groove 1123b can be a polygon such as a rectangle or a triangle, or other shapes.

[0077] Alternatively, in specific settings, the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b can also be connected by other connection structures to generate sliding movement along the axial direction of the central rod 113a (or the central rod 113b) and prevent the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b from rotating, which will not be described herein.

[0078] In one example, when the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a are provided, the specific structure form of the first damping surface 1111a of the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping surface 1121a of the second damping wheel 112a can also be various.

[0079] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in one example provided by the present application, the first damping surface 1111a and the second damping surface 1121a are both flat surfaces. Please refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8. When the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a rotate relatively, the friction between the first damping surface 1111a and the second damping surface 1121a generates damping force. In specific settings, the size of the damping force can be adjusted by adjusting the friction coefficient between the first damping surface 1111a and the second damping surface 1121a. Alternatively, the size of the damping force can also be adjusted by adjusting the elastic coefficient of the elastic element 114a or the elastic force released by the elastic element 114a.

[0080] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, in another example provided by the present application, the first damping surface 1111a has an outward convex slope 11111a, and the second damping surface 1121a has an outward convex slope 11211a. During the relative rotation of the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a, when the slope 11111a of the first damping surface 1111a abuts against the slope 11211a of the second damping surface 1121a, the second damping wheel 112a slides towards the elastic element 114a and overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element 114a to compress the elastic element 114a, thereby generating damping force.

[0081] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, in another example provided by the present application, the first damping surface 1111a includes a limiting groove 11112a, and the second damping surface 1121a further includes a limiting protrusion 11212a. When the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a rotate relatively, the limiting protrusion 11212a can slide into or out of the limiting groove 11112a. Please refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 10. During the relative rotation of the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a, when the limiting protrusion 11212a of the first damping surface 1111a slides out of the limiting groove 11112a, the second damping wheel 112a slides towards the elastic element 114a and overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element 114a to compress the elastic element 114a, thereby generating damping force. Alternatively, it can be understood that when the limiting protrusion 11212a is located in the limiting groove 11112a, the relative rotation of the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a can be prevented to a certain extent, so that a larger force is required to make the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112 rotate relatively, thus having better limiting ability. It should be noted that in actual application, the number of limiting protrusions 11212a and limiting grooves 11112a can be the same. Alternatively, the number of limiting protrusions 11212a can be less than the number of limiting grooves 11112a. In specific settings, the specific number and position of the limiting protrusions 11212a and the limiting grooves 11112a can be flexibly set according to actual needs, which will not be described here.

[0082] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, in another example provided by the present application, the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a are both cams.

[0083] Specifically, the first damping surface 1111a is a curved surface, having a convex portion 11113a and a concave portion 11114a. The second damping surface 1121a is also a curved surface, having a convex portion 11213a and a concave portion 11214a. The convex portion 11113a and the concave portion 11114a of the first damping surface 1111a can be matched with the concave portion 11213a and the convex portion 11214a of the second damping surface 1121a. Please refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 11. During the relative rotation of the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a, when the convex portion 11113a slides out of the concave portion 11214a and the convex portion 11213a slides out of the concave portion 11114a, the second damping wheel 112a slides towards the direction of the elastic element 114a and overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element 114a to compress the elastic element 114a, thereby generating a damping force.

[0084] It should be noted that the above examples are only exemplary descriptions of the specific structures of the first damping surface 1111a and the second damping surface 1121a. In actual applications, the first damping surface 1111a can include at least one of a flat surface, an inclined surface or a curved surface. The second damping surface 1121a can include at least one of a flat surface, an inclined surface or a curved surface. In specific settings, the specific structures of the first damping surface 1111a and the second damping surface 1121a can be reasonably set according to actual needs.

[0085] In one example, when the damping assembly 11b is set, the structures of the first damping wheel 111b and the second damping wheel 112b in the damping assembly 11b can be similarly set according to the structures of the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0086] In the above examples, two damping assemblies are included in the damping mechanism 10 as an example for exemplary description. In actual applications, the damping mechanism 10 can also include three or more damping assemblies.

[0087] For example, as shown in FIG. 12, in another example provided by the present application, the damping mechanism 10 includes four damping assemblies, namely the damping assembly 11a, the damping assembly 11b, the damping assembly 11c and the damping assembly 11d. The structures of each damping assembly are basically the same.

[0088] In summary, the damping assembly 11a comprises a first damping wheel 111a, a second damping wheel 112a, a center rod 113a, an elastic element 114a, a first stopper 115a and a second stopper 116a. When the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a rotate relative to each other around the axis of the center rod 113a, a damping force is generated between the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a.

[0089] The damping assembly 11b comprises a first damping wheel 111b, a second damping wheel 112b, a center rod 113b, an elastic element 114b, a first stopper 115b and a second stopper 116b. When the first damping wheel 111b and the second damping wheel 112b rotate relative to each other around the axis of the center rod 113b, a damping force is generated between the first damping wheel 111b and the second damping wheel 112b.

[0090] The damping assembly 11c comprises a first damping wheel 111c, a second damping wheel 112c, a center rod 113c, an elastic element 114c, a first stopper 115c and a second stopper 116c. When the first damping wheel 111c and the second damping wheel 112c rotate relative to each other around the axis of the center rod 113c, a damping force is generated between the first damping wheel 111c and the second damping wheel 112c.

[0091] The damping assembly 11d comprises a first damping wheel 111d, a second damping wheel 112d, a center rod 113d, an elastic element 114d, a first stopper 115d and a second stopper 116d. When the first damping wheel 111d and the second damping wheel 112d rotate relative to each other around the axis of the center rod 113d, a damping force is generated between the first damping wheel 111d and the second damping wheel 112d.

[0092] The center rod 113a, the center rod 113b, the center rod 113c and the center rod 113d are parallel to each other and are arranged in a first direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the axis of the center rod 113a.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 12, the outer circumferential surface of the first damping wheel 111a has a toothed portion 1113a, the outer circumferential surface of the first damping wheel 111b has a toothed portion 1113b, the outer circumferential surface of the first damping wheel 111c has a toothed portion 1113c, and the outer circumferential surface of the first damping wheel 111d has a toothed portion 1113d. The toothed portion 1113a is engaged with the toothed portion 1113b, the toothed portion 1113b is engaged with the toothed portion 1113c, and the toothed portion 1113c is engaged with the toothed portion 1113d. When an external force acts on any one of the first damping wheels to rotate it, the other three first damping wheels can also rotate.

[0094] It can be understood that in the examples provided in the present application, the synchronous rotation between the two adjacent first damping wheels is achieved by arranging the tooth-shaped part on the outer circumferential surface of each first damping wheel. In other examples, each first damping wheel can also be equipped with a separate gear to achieve the function of synchronous rotation, and the present application does not limit the structure type of the synchronous rotation function.

[0095] In one example provided in the present application, any two adjacent second damping wheels are slidingly connected along the axial direction of the center rod 3, and are fixed in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the center rod.

[0096] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the outer circumferential surface of the second damping wheel 112a has a sliding groove 1123a, the outer circumferential surface of the second damping wheel 112b has a protrusion 1124b, and the protrusion 1124b is inserted into the sliding groove 1123a to achieve the sliding connection between the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b, and to prevent the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b from rotating. Correspondingly, the outer circumferential surface of the second damping wheel 112b has a sliding groove 1123b, the outer circumferential surface of the second damping wheel 112c has a protrusion 1124c, and the protrusion 1124c is inserted into the sliding groove 1123b to achieve the sliding connection between the second damping wheel 112b and the second damping wheel 112c, and to prevent the second damping wheel 112b and the second damping wheel 112c from rotating. Correspondingly, the outer circumferential surface of the second damping wheel 112c has a sliding groove 1123c, the outer circumferential surface of the second damping wheel 112d has a protrusion 1124d, and the protrusion 1124d is inserted into the sliding groove 1123c to achieve the sliding connection between the second damping wheel 112c and the second damping wheel 112d, and to prevent the second damping wheel 112c and the second damping wheel 112d from rotating.

[0097] In general, among the four second damping wheels, the two adjacent second damping wheels are slidingly connected, so that each second damping wheel can independently slide along the axial direction of the respective center rod, thereby effectively avoiding the mutual influence between different second damping wheels.

[0098] Alternatively, in other examples, some of the second damping wheels can also be fixedly connected.

[0099] For example, as shown in FIG. 14, in another example provided in the present application, the second damping wheel 112b and the second damping wheel 112c are an integral structure. Alternatively, in other examples, the second damping wheel 112b and the second damping wheel 112c can also be separately manufactured, and then fixedly connected by welding, bonding or the like.

[0100] The second damping wheel 112b and the second damping wheel 112c are fixedly connected, which can effectively reduce the complexity of the second damping wheel 112b and the second damping wheel 112c in structural design. For example, the second damping wheel 112b and the second damping wheel 112c can omit the structure such as protrusion or sliding groove between them, which can effectively reduce the production cost. In addition, the second damping wheel 112b and the second damping wheel 112c are set in an integrated structure, which can reduce the number of components in the damping mechanism 10, thereby reducing the production cost and improving the assembly efficiency.

[0101] Through the fixed connection, the second damping wheel 112b and the second damping wheel 112c can slide together, which can improve the flexibility of the damping mechanism 10 in design.

[0102] Specifically, please refer to FIG. 12 and FIG. 14. When the second damping wheel 112b and the second damping wheel 112c are fixedly connected, the elastic force of the elastic element 113b and the elastic element 113c will be applied to the second damping wheel 112b and the second damping wheel 112c at the same time. That is, the elastic force received by the second damping wheel 112b is the sum of the elastic forces of the elastic element 113b and the elastic element 113c. Correspondingly, the elastic force received by the second damping wheel 112c is the sum of the elastic forces of the elastic element 113b and the elastic element 113c. This helps to improve the damping force between the first damping wheel 111b and the second damping wheel 112b, the damping force between the first damping wheel 111c and the second damping wheel 112c, so that the damping force release of the damping mechanism 10 can be more flexible.

[0103] It can be understood that in actual application, the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b can also be fixedly connected. Or, the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112c can also be fixedly connected. Or, the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112d can also be fixedly connected. That is, the two second damping wheels fixedly connected can be adjacent or not adjacent.

[0104] Or, the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b can be fixedly connected, and the second damping wheel 112c and the second damping wheel 112d can be fixedly connected. Or, any three second damping wheels can also be fixedly connected.

[0105] In summary, in actual application, the number of second damping wheels fixedly connected can be two or more. That is, the damping mechanism 10 includes at least two second damping wheels fixedly connected, and can also include at least two second damping wheels fixedly connected.

[0106] It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 14, in the examples provided in the present application, the second damping wheel 112a, the second damping wheel 112b, the second damping wheel 112c and the second damping wheel 112d are sequentially arranged along the first direction, and generate a smaller arc. Among them, the first direction is perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0107] In general, in actual application, when the plurality of damping assemblies are sequentially arranged along the direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the plurality of damping assemblies can be located in a straight line or not. In specific arrangement, the relative positions between the damping assemblies can be flexibly set according to actual needs, which will not be repeated here.

[0108] It should be noted that, in the above examples, four damping assemblies are taken as examples for example explanation. In other examples, the damping mechanism can include two, three or more damping assemblies. In actual application, the number of damping assemblies can be reasonably set according to actual needs.

[0109] In actual application, the damping mechanism 10 described above can be applied to various devices or apparatuses that require damping force.

[0110] For example, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the present application further provides a hinge 20, which includes a first rotating piece 21, a second rotating piece 22 and a damping mechanism. The first rotating piece 21 is fixedly connected with the first damping wheel 111a, and the second rotating piece 22 is fixedly connected with the first damping wheel 111d. Specifically, in the examples provided in the present application, the first rotating piece 21 and the first damping wheel 111a are in an integrated structure, and the second rotating piece 22 and the first damping wheel 111d are in an integrated structure, so as to effectively reduce the number of parts used. Of course, in other examples, the first rotating piece 21 and the first damping wheel 111a can be connected by welding or other methods, and the second rotating piece 22 and the second damping wheel 111d can be connected by welding or other methods, which are not limited in the present application.

[0111] As shown in Fig. 15, when the first rotating member 21 and the second rotating member 22 are rotated under the action of an external force, the first rotating member 21 can rotate the first damping wheel 111a together, and the second rotating member 22 can rotate the first damping wheel 111d together. Under the sequential engagement of the toothed portion 1113a, the toothed portion 1113b, the toothed portion 1113c and the toothed portion 1114c, the first damping wheel 111a, the first damping wheel 111b, the first damping wheel 111c and the first damping wheel 111d rotate simultaneously, and the first damping wheel 111a and the second damping wheel 112a rotate relative to each other to generate a damping force. The first damping wheel 111b and the second damping wheel 112b rotate relative to each other to generate a damping force. The first damping wheel 111c and the second damping wheel 112c rotate relative to each other to generate a damping force. The first damping wheel 111d and the second damping wheel 112d rotate relative to each other to generate a damping force.

[0112] Please refer to Fig. 15, Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. The first rotating member 21 has a connecting portion 211, and the second rotating member has a connecting portion 221. One end of the center rod 113a is connected with the stopper 116 after penetrating the connecting portion 211, and the other end of the center rod 113a is connected with the stopper 115 after penetrating the second damping wheel 112a and the first damping wheel 111a. One end of the center rod 113d is connected with the stopper 116 after penetrating the connecting portion 221, and the other end of the center rod 113d is connected with the stopper 115 after penetrating the second damping wheel 112d and the first damping wheel 111d. One end of the center rod 113b is connected with the stopper 116, and the other end of the center rod 113b is connected with the stopper 115 after penetrating the second damping wheel 112b and the first damping wheel 111b. One end of the center rod 113c is connected with the stopper 116, and the other end of the center rod 113c is connected with the stopper 115 after penetrating the second damping wheel 112c and the first damping wheel 111c.

[0113] Alternatively, it can be understood that please refer to Fig. 15 and Fig. 12. The stopper 115 in Fig. 15 is equivalent to the stopper 115a, the stopper 115b, the stopper 115c and the stopper 115c in Fig. 12. The use of the stopper can be effectively reduced by the integrated structure, and the connection stability between the plurality of center rods can be ensured. Correspondingly, the stopper 116 in Fig. 15 is equivalent to the stopper 116a, the stopper 116b, the stopper 116c and the stopper 116c in Fig. 12. The use of the stopper can be effectively reduced by the integrated structure, and the connection stability between the plurality of center rods can be ensured.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 17, in the example provided in FIG. 15, the second damping wheel 112a has a sliding groove 1123a and a protrusion 1124a, and the second damping wheel 112b has a sliding groove 1123b and a protrusion 1124b. The protrusion 1124a is inserted into the sliding groove 1123b, and the protrusion 1124b is inserted into the sliding groove 1123a, so as to achieve the sliding connection between the second damping wheel 112a and the second damping wheel 112b. Correspondingly, the second damping wheel 112d has a sliding groove 1123d and a protrusion 1124d, and the second damping wheel 112c has a sliding groove 1123c and a protrusion 1124c. The protrusion 1124d is inserted into the sliding groove 1123c, and the protrusion 1124c is inserted into the sliding groove 1123d, so as to achieve the sliding connection between the second damping wheel 112c and the second damping wheel 112d.

[0115] In each second damping wheel, the number and shape of the protrusions and the sliding grooves can be flexibly set according to actual needs, which will not be repeated here.

[0116] In actual applications, the hinge 20 described above can be applied to various electronic devices such as notebook computers and mobile phones that have folding or rotating needs.

[0117] For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the present application also provides a foldable device, which is specifically a mobile phone. The foldable device 30 includes a first housing 31, a second housing 32, and a flexible screen 33, and further includes two hinges 20 as shown in FIG. 15. The two hinges 20 are fixedly connected through a connecting plate 34. Specifically, please refer to FIG. 18 and FIG. 15. One end (such as the upper end in FIG. 18) of the connecting plate 34 is fixedly connected with the stopper 116, and the other end (such as the lower end in FIG. 18) of the connecting plate 34 is fixedly connected with the stopper 115. That is, the connecting plate 34 can effectively improve the connection stability between the two hinges 20.

[0118] In an example, the first housing 31 can be connected with the first rotating member 21, and the second housing 32 can be connected with the second rotating member 22. The first part 331 of the flexible screen 33 is connected with the first housing 31, and the second part 332 of the flexible screen 33 is fixedly connected with the second housing 32.

[0119] Specifically, in an example provided in the present application, the first shell 31 has a first mounting surface 311 for mounting the first part 331 of the flexible screen 33, and the second shell 32 has a second mounting surface 321 for mounting the second part 332 of the flexible screen 33. In a specific arrangement, the back of the first part 331 can be fixed to the first mounting surface 311 by adhesive, and the back of the second part 332 can be fixed to the second mounting surface 321 by adhesive. When the foldable device is folded or unfolded, the first shell 31 will drive the first rotating part 21 to rotate synchronously, and the second shell 32 will drive the second rotating part 22 to rotate synchronously, so as to realize the closing or unfolding between the first shell 31 and the second shell 32. The connection between the first shell 31 and the first rotating part 21 can be fixed, sliding or rotating, and the connection between the second shell 32 and the second rotating part 22 can be fixed, sliding or rotating. In a specific arrangement, the first shell 31 and the first rotating part 21 can be connected in a commonly used manner, and the second shell 32 and the second rotating part 22 can be connected in a commonly used manner, which is not limited in the present application.

[0120] In various embodiments of the present application, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referred to if there is no special description and logical conflict. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0121] In the present application, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association between the associated objects, which means that there can be three kinds of relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent the following three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural.

[0122] It can be understood that the various numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are only for convenient differentiation, and do not limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The size of the serial number of the above processes does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of the processes should be determined by its function and inherent logic.

Claims

1. A damping mechanism, characterized in that, It includes multiple damping components, each of which includes a first damping wheel, a second damping wheel, a central rod, and an elastic element; The first damping wheel is connected to the central rod, and the second damping wheel is connected to the central rod; wherein the first damping wheel and the second damping wheel can rotate relative to each other around the central rod, and the second damping wheel can move relative to the first damping wheel along the axial direction of the central rod; The first damping wheel has a first damping surface, and the second damping wheel has a second damping surface, with the first damping surface and the second damping surface arranged opposite to each other; The elastic element is connected to the second damping wheel, and the elastic element is used to apply a force to the second damping wheel along the axial direction of the central rod, so that the first damping surface contacts the second damping surface; In the plurality of damping components, the central rods of each damping component are parallel to each other, and at least two second damping wheels are slidably connected along the axial direction of the central rod and fixed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central rod.

2. The damping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of damping components are spaced apart along an axis perpendicular to the center rod; At least two adjacent second damping wheels are slidably connected along the axial direction of the central rod and fixed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central rod.

3. The damping mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Among the plurality of damping components, at least two fixedly connected second damping wheels are also included.

4. The damping mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In two second damping wheels that are slidably connected along the axial direction of the central rod and fixed to each other in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central rod, one of the second damping wheels has a groove on its outer peripheral surface, and the other second damping wheel has a protrusion on its outer peripheral surface, the protrusion being inserted into the groove.

5. The damping mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first damping surface includes at least one of a plane, an inclined plane, or a curved surface; The second damping surface includes at least one of a plane, an inclined plane, or a curved surface.

6. The damping mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first damping surface further includes a limiting groove, and the second damping surface further includes a limiting protrusion. When the first damping wheel and the second damping wheel rotate relative to each other, the limiting protrusion can slide into or out of the limiting groove.

7. The damping mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, In the plurality of damping assemblies, each of the elastic elements has the same elastic coefficient; or, the plurality of damping assemblies includes at least two elastic elements with different elastic coefficients.

8. The damping mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Each of the damping components further includes a first stop and a second stop; In any of the damping components, the center rod passes through the first stop and the second stop, and the center rod is fixed to the first stop and the second stop in the axial direction of the center rod; The first stop is located on the side of the first damping wheel opposite to the second stop, and the first stop abuts against the first damping wheel; The second stop is located on the side of the second damping wheel opposite to the first damping wheel; The elastic element is located between the second damping wheel and the second stop, with one end of the elastic element abutting against the second damping wheel and the other end of the elastic element abutting against the second stop.

9. The damping mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, In any of the damping components, the central rod is rotatable about the axis relative to the first stop, and the plurality of first stops are fixedly connected to each other; In any of the damping components, the central rod is rotatable about the axis relative to the second stop, and the plurality of second stops are fixedly connected together.

10. The damping mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of each of the first damping wheels also includes a toothed portion; In the plurality of damping components, the teeth of two adjacent first damping wheels mesh with each other.

11. A hinge, characterized in that, It includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member, and a damping mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; The plurality of damping components are arranged sequentially along a first direction, which is perpendicular to the axis of the central rod; The first rotating component and the second rotating component are respectively fixedly connected to the two outermost first damping wheels.

12. A foldable device, characterized in that, It includes a first housing, a second housing, and a flexible screen, and also includes the hinge as described in claim 11; The first housing is connected to the first rotating component, and the second housing is connected to the second rotating component; The first part of the flexible screen is connected to the first housing, and the second part of the flexible screen is fixedly connected to the second housing.

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