Hinge mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a hinge mechanism and an electronic device. The hinge mechanism comprises: a base and a pair of rotating assemblies distributed on two sides of the base. The rotating assemblies each comprise a first rotating member, a support, a connecting rod, and a side plate; the first rotating member comprises a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a third connecting portion that are distributed in sequence; the connecting rod has a first end and a second end; the first connecting portion is rotatably connected to the base, the first end is rotatably connected to the second connecting portion, the support is in sliding fit connection to the third connecting portion, the side plate is rotatably connected to the second end, and the side plate is also rotatably connected to the support. When the hinge mechanism switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the supports slide relative to the third connecting portions in a direction moving away from the base, enabling the side plates to rotate relative to the supports.

Description

Hinge mechanisms and electronic equipment

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411603190.6, filed on November 11, 2024, entitled "Hinge Mechanism and Electronic Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of hinge design technology, and more particularly to a hinge mechanism and electronic device. Background Technology

[0004] Foldable electronic devices are gaining popularity due to their larger display screens and better user experience. The quality of the hinge mechanism is a crucial factor affecting the performance of electronic devices.

[0005] In related technologies, the hinge mechanism includes a base and paired rotating components located on both sides of the base. Each rotating component includes a rotating arm, a support, and a side plate; one side of the rotating arm is rotatably connected to the base, and the other side is connected to the support, which is used to connect the frame of the electronic device. During the transition from an unfolded to a folded state, the rotating arm drives the support to rotate and moves it away from the base. The hinge mechanism drives the side plate to rotate through a complex side plate driving structure, thus forming a teardrop-shaped screen-accommodating space with the base, rotating arm, and side plate. However, the side plate driving structure in related technologies is structurally complex and not easily adopted for widespread use. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device to address the problem of how to improve the complex structure of the hinge mechanism used to drive the rotation of the side plate.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a hinge mechanism.

[0008] The hinge mechanism provided in this application embodiment includes: a base and a pair of rotating components distributed on both sides of the base; the rotating components include a first rotating member, a bracket, a connecting rod, and a side plate, the first rotating member includes a first connecting part, a second connecting part, and a third connecting part distributed sequentially, the connecting rod includes a first end and a second end; the first connecting part is rotatably connected to the base, the first end is rotatably connected to the second connecting part, the bracket is slidably connected to the third connecting part, the side plate is rotatably connected to the second end, and the side plate is also rotatably connected to the bracket; during the process of the hinge mechanism switching from an unfolded state to a folded state, the bracket slides relative to the third connecting part in a direction away from the base, so that the side plate rotates relative to the bracket.

[0009] Optionally, during the switching of the hinge mechanism between the unfolded state and the folded state, the first end is located on the side of the side plate facing the third connecting portion.

[0010] Optionally, the side plate includes a body portion and a first arc-shaped slide plate disposed on the body portion, and the bracket is provided with an arc-shaped slide groove, wherein the first arc-shaped slide plate is embedded in the arc-shaped slide groove so that the side plate is rotatably connected to the bracket.

[0011] Optionally, the first arc-shaped slide is located on the side of the body portion facing the third connecting portion.

[0012] Optionally, when the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the angle between the end of the side plate away from the base and the connecting rod is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0013] Optionally, when the hinge mechanism is in the deployed state, the angle between the end of the side plate facing away from the base and the connecting rod is less than 90 degrees.

[0014] Optionally, the first rotating member has a notch extending from the third connecting portion to the second connecting portion, and the connecting rod is located between the opposite side walls of the notch.

[0015] Optionally, the rotating assembly further includes a second rotating member, which is rotatably connected to the base, and the end of the second rotating member facing away from the base is also connected to the bracket; during the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the distance between the end of the second rotating member facing away from the base and the base gradually increases.

[0016] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device.

[0017] The electronic device provided in this application includes any of the hinge mechanisms provided in this application.

[0018] Optionally, the electronic device further includes a flexible display screen, wherein when the electronic device is in a folded state, the curved portion of the flexible display screen is located between two opposing side panels.

[0019] The above-described technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of this application can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0020] In the embodiments of this application, during the transition of the hinge mechanism from the unfolded state to the folded state, the bracket slides relative to the third connecting portion in a direction away from the base, causing one end of the side plate away from the base to move in the same direction. Furthermore, since the side plate is also connected to the first rotating member via a connecting rod, the side plate will rotate relative to the bracket. Because the connecting rod has a relatively simple structure, this reduces the complexity of the structure driving the side plate to rotate.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application, showing the hinge mechanism in the unfolded state;

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the rotation axes of each component of the hinge mechanism shown in Figure 1;

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the rotation axes of each component of the hinge mechanism shown in Figure 1;

[0026] Figure 4 is a simplified diagram of the hinge mechanism shown in Figure 1;

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application, showing the hinge mechanism in a folded state;

[0028] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the rotation axes of each component of the hinge mechanism shown in Figure 5;

[0029] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the rotation axes of each component of the hinge mechanism shown in Figure 5;

[0030] Figure 8 is a simplified diagram of the hinge mechanism shown in Figure 5;

[0031] Figure 9 is a top view of a hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the hinge mechanism shown in Figure 9;

[0033] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the hinge mechanism shown in Figure 9;

[0034] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application, showing the case where the base and side plate are hidden;

[0035] Figure 13 is an exploded view of the hinge mechanism shown in Figure 12;

[0036] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another hinge mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 15 is a partial schematic diagram of a hinge mechanism and a flexible display screen provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Hinge mechanism; 10-Base; 11-Staple; 12-Cover; 20-Rotating assembly; 21-First rotating component; 211-First connecting part; 212-Second connecting part; 213-Third connecting part; 214-Notch; 22-Bracket; 221-Arc-shaped slide; 23-Connecting rod; 231-First end; 232-Second end; 24-Side plate; 241-Body part; 242-First arc-shaped slide; 25-Second rotating component; 251-Second arc-shaped slide; 30-Shaft; 31-First support; 32-Second support; 41-Snap-fit ​​component; 42-First cam component; 43-Helical slider; 44-Second cam component; 45-Elastic element; 46-Stop component; A-First axis; B-Second axis; C-Third axis; D-Fourth axis; E-Fifth axis; 2- Flexible display screen; 2a- Bending section. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] Furthermore, although the terminology used in this application is selected from commonly known and used terms, some terms mentioned in this application specification may have been selected by the applicant at his or her own discretion, and their detailed meanings are explained in the relevant sections of this description.

[0042] Furthermore, this application is required to be understood not only through the actual terms used, but also through the meaning implied by each term.

[0043] The technical solutions provided by the various embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] This application provides a hinge mechanism. Referring to Figures 1 to 14, the hinge mechanism 1 provided in this application includes: a base 10 and paired rotating components 20 disposed on both sides of the base 10. The base 10 may also be referred to as a keel support.

[0045] The rotating assembly 20 includes a first rotating member 21, a bracket 22, a connecting rod 23, and a side plate 24. The first rotating member 21 can also be referred to as a first swing arm, the bracket 22 as a mid-frame bracket, and the side plate 24 as a door panel. For example, in the case where the hinge mechanism 1 is applied to a foldable screen phone, the phone includes a mid-frame, and the mid-frame bracket is used to connect to the mid-frame. When the phone is in a folded state, the curved portion of the flexible display screen is located between two opposing door panels.

[0046] Referring to Figures 3, 4, 7, and 8, the first rotating member 21 includes a first connecting portion 211, a second connecting portion 212, and a third connecting portion 213 arranged sequentially. The connecting rod 23 includes a first end 231 and a second end 232. The first connecting portion 211 is rotatably connected to the base 10, the first end 231 is rotatably connected to the second connecting portion 212, the bracket 22 is slidably connected to the third connecting portion 213, and the side plate 24 is rotatably connected to the second end 232. The side plate 24 is also rotatably connected to the bracket 22. During the transition of the hinge mechanism 1 from the unfolded state to the folded state, the bracket 22 slides relative to the third connecting portion 213 in a direction away from the base 10, causing the side plate 24 to rotate relative to the bracket 22.

[0047] In this manner, in the embodiments of this application, during the process of the hinge mechanism 1 switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the bracket 22 slides relative to the third connecting part 213 in a direction away from the base 10, causing the end of the side plate 24 away from the base 10 to move in the same direction. Furthermore, since the side plate 24 is also connected to the first rotating member 21 via the connecting rod 23, the side plate 24 will rotate relative to the bracket 22. Because the connecting rod 23 has a relatively simple structure, this achieves the effect of reducing the complexity of the structure driving the side plate 24 to rotate.

[0048] To facilitate understanding of the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application by those skilled in the art, the structure of the hinge mechanism 1 will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Referring to Figures 3, 4, 7, and 8, the first connecting portion 211 of the first rotating member 21 is the part of the first rotating member 21 that is rotatably connected to the base 10 about the first axis A. The second connecting portion 212 of the first rotating member 21 is the part of the first rotating member 21 that is rotatably connected to the first end 231 of the connecting rod 23 about the second axis B. The third connecting portion 213 of the first rotating member 21 is the part of the first rotating member 21 that is slidably connected to the bracket 22. The second end 232 of the connecting rod 23 is rotatably connected to the side plate 24 about the third axis C. The side plate 24 is rotatably connected to the bracket 22 about the fourth axis D.

[0050] During the transition from the unfolded to the folded state of hinge mechanism 1, bracket 22 slides relative to the third connecting part 213 in a direction away from the first axis A, causing the third axis C to move towards the plane passing through the second axis B and the fourth axis D. Referring to Figures 4 and 8, during the transition from the unfolded to the folded state of hinge mechanism 1, the first rotating member 21 on the left rotates clockwise, and bracket 22 on the left slides relative to the third connecting part 213 on the left. Bracket 22 causes the fourth axis D, the third axis C, and the second axis B to gradually "straighten." In other words, the included angle DCB gradually increases. This allows the side plate 24 to rotate relative to bracket 22.

[0051] The process of hinge mechanism 1 switching from the folded state to the unfolded state is the reverse process of hinge mechanism 1 switching from the unfolded state to the folded state. Therefore, the movement mode of each component during the process of hinge mechanism 1 switching from the folded state to the unfolded state will not be explained here.

[0052] Furthermore, referring to Figure 8, when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the folded state, the distance between the two third axes C of the paired rotating components 20 is greater than the distance between the two fourth axes D. This allows the base 10, the first rotating member 21, and the side plate 24 to form a teardrop-shaped screen-accommodating space, thereby preventing creases from forming in the curved portion of the flexible display screen within the screen-accommodating space.

[0053] Referring to Figures 3 and 7, in some embodiments, during the switching of the hinge mechanism 1 between the unfolded and folded states, the first end 231 is located on the side of the side plate 24 facing the third connecting portion 213. In other words, during the switching of the hinge mechanism 1 between the unfolded and folded states, the third axis C is located on the side facing the first axis A, passing through the plane of the second axis B and the fourth axis D. Referring to Figure 8, that is, for the rotating assembly 20 located on the left, during the switching of the hinge mechanism 1 between the unfolded and folded states, the third axis C is always located to the right of the line connecting the second axis B and the fourth axis D. This prevents the hinge mechanism 1 from jamming because the third axis C is located to the left of the line connecting the second axis B and the fourth axis D.

[0054] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 10, in some embodiments, the side plate 24 includes a body portion 241 and a first arcuate slide piece 242 disposed on the body portion 241. The bracket 22 is provided with an arcuate groove 221. The first arcuate slide piece 242 is fitted into the arcuate groove 221 to allow the side plate 24 to be rotatably connected to the bracket 22. Exemplarily, the first arcuate slide piece 242 is disposed on the side of the body portion 241 facing the third connecting portion 213. In other words, referring to Figure 3, by slidingly engaging the first arcuate slide piece 242 with the arcuate groove 221, the fourth axis D in the thickness direction of the side plate 24 is located on the side of the side plate 24 away from the third connecting portion 213. This achieves the effect of reducing the thickness of the rotating assembly 20.

[0055] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7 and 8, when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the folded state, the angle between the end of the side plate 24 facing away from the base 10 and the connecting rod 23 is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, when the hinge mechanism 1 is in the unfolded state, the angle between the end of the side plate 24 facing away from the base 10 and the connecting rod 23 is less than 90 degrees. This allows the hinge mechanism 1 to have a more compact structure.

[0056] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, in some embodiments, the first rotating member 21 has a notch 214 extending from the third connecting portion 213 to the second connecting portion 212. Referring to Figure 9, the connecting rod 23 is located between the opposing side walls of the notch 214. Thus, by providing the connecting rod 23 in the notch 214 of the first rotating member 21, the compactness of the rotating assembly 20 can be improved.

[0057] Referring to Figures 1, 2, 5, and 6, in some embodiments, the rotating assembly 20 further includes a second rotating member 25. The second rotating member 25 is rotatably connected to the base 10. For example, the second rotating member 25 is rotatably connected to the base 10 about a fifth axis E. The end of the second rotating member 25 facing away from the base 10 is also connected to the bracket 22. During the transition of the hinge mechanism 1 from an unfolded state to a folded state, the distance between the end of the second rotating member 25 facing away from the base 10 and the base 10 gradually increases. Thus, during the transition of the hinge mechanism 1 from an unfolded state to a folded state, the distance between the end of the second rotating member 25 facing away from the base 10 and the base 10 gradually increases. That is, during the transition of the hinge mechanism 1 from an unfolded state to a folded state, the second rotating member 25 moves relative to the base 10 in a direction away from the base 10. This allows the second rotating member 25 to drive the bracket 22 to move in a direction away from the base 10.

[0058] Referring to Figures 9 to 13, in some embodiments, the base 10 includes a base 11 and a pressure cap 12. The second rotating member 25 includes a second arcuate slide 251. The second arcuate slide 251 is sandwiched between the base 11 and the pressure cap 12 so that the second rotating member 25 can rotate relative to the base 10.

[0059] Referring to FIG14, in some embodiments, the hinge mechanism 1 may include multiple pairs of rotating components 20, each pair of rotating components 20 being spaced apart along the extension direction of the base 10.

[0060] Referring to Figures 3, 9, 10, and 13, in some embodiments, the hinge mechanism 1 further includes a pivot 30. The rotating component 20 is rotatably connected to the base 10 via the pivot 30. The hinge mechanism 1 also includes a first support 31 and a second support 32. The first support 31 and the second support 32 are spaced apart and disposed on the base 10, with the pivot 30 supported on the first support 31 and the second support 32.

[0061] In some embodiments, the rotating assembly 20 further includes a third rotating member 26. The third rotating member 26 is rotatably connected to the base 10 via a rotating shaft 30. One end of the third rotating member 26 facing away from the rotating shaft 30 is slidably connected to the bracket 22.

[0062] The hinge mechanism 1 also includes a locking member 41, a first cam member 42, a helical slider 43, a second cam member 44, an elastic element 45, and a stop member 46. The locking member 41, the first cam member 42, the third rotating member 26, the helical slider 43, the first rotating member 21, the second cam member 44, the elastic element 45, and the stop member 46 are arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the rotating shaft 30. This allows for a damping effect during the rotation of the rotating assembly 20 relative to the base 10.

[0063] This application provides an electronic device. The electronic device provided in this application includes any of the hinge mechanisms 1 provided in this application.

[0064] In some embodiments, the electronic device further includes a flexible display screen 2, wherein when the electronic device is in a folded state, the curved portion 2a of the flexible display screen 2 is located between two opposing side panels 24.

[0065] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0066] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the embodiments of this application, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism, comprising: A base and a pair of rotating components distributed on both sides of the base; The rotating assembly includes a first rotating component, a bracket, a connecting rod, and a side plate. The first rotating component includes a first connecting part, a second connecting part, and a third connecting part distributed in sequence. The connecting rod includes a first end and a second end. The first connecting part is rotatably connected to the base, the first end is rotatably connected to the second connecting part, the bracket is slidably connected to the third connecting part, the side plate is rotatably connected to the second end, and the side plate is also rotatably connected to the bracket; During the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the bracket slides relative to the third connecting part in a direction away from the base, so that the side plate rotates relative to the bracket.

2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, During the switching of the hinge mechanism between the unfolded and folded states, the first end is located on the side of the side plate facing the third connecting portion.

3. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The side plate includes a main body and a first arc-shaped slide plate disposed on the main body. The bracket is provided with an arc-shaped slide groove, and the first arc-shaped slide plate is embedded in the arc-shaped slide groove so that the side plate is rotatably connected to the bracket.

4. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, wherein, The first arc-shaped slide is located on the side of the main body facing the third connecting part.

5. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, When the hinge mechanism is in the folded state, the angle between the end of the side plate away from the base and the connecting rod is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

6. The hinge mechanism according to claim 5, wherein, When the hinge mechanism is in the deployed state, the angle between the end of the side plate facing away from the base and the connecting rod is less than 90 degrees.

7. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The first rotating member has a notch extending from the third connecting portion to the second connecting portion, and the connecting rod is located between the opposite side walls of the notch.

8. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The rotating assembly further includes a second rotating member, which is rotatably connected to the base. The end of the second rotating member facing away from the base is also connected to the bracket. During the process of the hinge mechanism switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the distance between the end of the second rotating member facing away from the base and the base gradually increases.

9. An electronic device, comprising: The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, The electronic device also includes a flexible display screen, wherein when the electronic device is in a folded state, the curved portion of the flexible display screen is located between two opposing side panels.

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