HINGE MECHANISM AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE

A hinge mechanism includes a main shaft, a rotating module, a first door plate, and a second door plate. The rotating module includes a first rotating component, a second rotating component, a first housing fastening bracket, and a second housing fastening bracket. The first rotating component includes a first support arm, a first connecting member, and a first door plate fastening bracket. The first connecting member is separately and rotatably connected to the first support arm and the first door plate fastening bracket, and the first connecting member is rotatably or slidably connected to the main shaft. The second rotating component includes a second support arm, a second connecting member, and a second door plate fastening bracket. The second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second support arm and the second door plate fastening bracket, and the second connecting member is rotatably or slidably connected to the main shaft.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to the field of electronic device technologies, and in particular, to a hinge mechanism and an electronic device.

BACKGROUND

As flexible display technologies gradually become mature, display manners of electronic devices change greatly. A mobile phone with a foldable flexible display, a tablet computer with a foldable flexible display, a wearable electronic device with a foldable flexible display, and the like are an important evolution direction of intelligent electronic devices in the future.

As a key component of a foldable electronic device, a flexible display has a feature of being continuously foldable. A hinge mechanism is used as an important component for implementing a folding function of the foldable electronic device. In a process of unfolding and folding the foldable electronic device, the hinge mechanism may drive the flexible display to be flattened or bent.

In a current foldable electronic device, as a size of a hinge mechanism continuously decreases, when the electronic device is in a folded state, it is increasingly difficult for screen accommodation space formed by the hinge mechanism to meet a bending requirement of a foldable portion of the flexible display, which easily causes extrusion of the flexible display. As a result, it is difficult to ensure structural strength of the flexible display. Based on this, how to ensure structural reliability of the flexible display while implementing a miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism has become an urgent problem to be resolved by a person skilled in the art.

SUMMARY

This application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device, to implement a miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism, and improve structural reliability of a flexible display in a rotation process of the hinge mechanism. This improves structural reliability of the electronic device.

According to a first aspect, this application provides a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism may be used in a foldable electronic device, the hinge mechanism is disposed opposite to a foldable portion of a flexible display of the electronic device, and the electronic device is unfolded or folded by using the hinge mechanism. Specifically, the hinge mechanism may include a main shaft, a rotating module, a first door plate, and a second door plate. The rotating module includes a first rotating component, a second rotating component, a first housing fastening bracket, and a second housing fastening bracket. The first housing fastening bracket and the second housing fastening bracket are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the main shaft, the first rotating component is located between the first housing fastening bracket and the second housing fastening bracket, and the second rotating component is located between the first housing fastening bracket and the second housing fastening bracket. The first rotating component may include a first support arm, a first door plate fastening bracket, and a first connecting member. The first support arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first support arm is slidably connected to the first housing fastening bracket, the first door plate fastening bracket is rotatably connected to the second housing fastening bracket, the first connecting member is located between the first support arm and the first door plate fastening bracket, the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first door plate fastening bracket, and the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first support arm. In addition, the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the main shaft, or the first connecting member is slidably connected to the main shaft, to limit a motion trajectory of the first connecting member, so that a motion trajectory of pulling the first support arm by the first door plate fastening bracket through the first connecting member can be limited. The second rotating component may include a second support arm, a second door plate fastening bracket, and a second connecting member. The second support arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the second support arm is slidably connected to the second housing fastening bracket, the second door plate fastening bracket is rotatably connected to the first housing fastening bracket, the second connecting member is located between the second support arm and the second door plate fastening bracket, the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second door plate fastening bracket, and the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second support arm. In addition, the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the main shaft, or the second connecting member is slidably connected to the main shaft, to limit a motion trajectory of the second connecting member, so that a motion trajectory of pulling the second support arm by the second door plate fastening bracket through the second connecting member can be limited. In the hinge mechanism provided in this application, the first door plate may be located on a side that is of the first door plate fastening bracket and that faces the flexible display, and the first door plate is fastened to the first door plate fastening bracket. The second door plate may be located on a side that is of the second door plate fastening bracket and that faces the flexible display, and the second door plate is fastened to the second door plate fastening bracket.

Based on the foregoing hinge mechanism in this application, in a process of the electronic device from an unfolded state to a folded state, when the first housing fastening bracket and the second housing fastening bracket move toward each other, and the first housing fastening bracket drives the first support arm to rotate around the main shaft in a clockwise direction, the first support arm may drive the first connecting member to move toward the first door plate fastening bracket relative to the main shaft, so that the first door plate fastening bracket can be driven to rotate around the main shaft in a counterclockwise direction. When the second housing fastening bracket drives the second support arm to rotate around the main shaft in a counterclockwise direction, the second support arm may drive the second connecting member to move toward the second door plate fastening bracket relative to the main shaft, so that the second door plate fastening bracket can be driven to rotate around the main shaft in a clockwise direction. In a process of the electronic device from a folded state to an unfolded state, when the first housing fastening bracket and the second housing fastening bracket move oppositely, and the first housing fastening bracket drives the first support arm to rotate around the main shaft in a counterclockwise direction, the first support arm may drive the first connecting member to move toward the first support arm relative to the main shaft, so that the first housing fastening bracket can be driven to rotate around the main shaft in a clockwise direction. When the second housing fastening bracket drives the second support arm to rotate around the main shaft in a clockwise direction, the second support arm may drive the second connecting member to move toward the second housing fastening bracket relative to the main shaft, so that the second housing fastening bracket can be driven to rotate around the main shaft in a counterclockwise direction. This can implement folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism.

For some existing hinge mechanisms, to ensure stability of the mechanisms, thickness of a rotating component connected to the main shaft needs to be increased. In this way, both the main shaft and the hinge mechanism are very thick. If the main shaft and the hinge mechanism are forcibly thinned, strength of the rotating component is easily weakened. In addition, when the electronic device falls down, the rotating component has a risk of falling off from the main shaft, which greatly affects reliability of the hinge mechanism. As a result, a service life of the electronic device is shortened. The foregoing hinge mechanism in this application has a simplified structure. According to the foregoing structural relationship, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are slidably or rotatably connected to the main shaft, so that the first support arm, the second support arm, the first door plate fastening bracket, and the second door plate fastening bracket on left and right sides can be linked. Therefore, thickness cross sections of the first connecting member and the second connecting member do not need to be very large, so that the first connecting member and the second connecting member can move through the main shaft. In addition, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are respectively connected to the first support arm (the second support arm) and the first door plate fastening bracket (the second door plate fastening bracket). Therefore, the first connecting member (the second connecting member) extends sufficiently in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction, and has sufficient strength to ensure reliability of the hinge mechanism. This not only reduces thickness of the main shaft and thickness of an entire machine, but also maintains reliability of the hinge mechanism, so that the entire hinge mechanism is light, thin, and reliable.

In this application, a rotating connection between the first connecting member and the first support arm may be classified into a direct rotating connection and an indirect rotating connection. The direct rotating connection means that the first connecting member and the first support arm are directly connected through a rotating shaft, and no other structure is included between the first connecting member and the first support arm. The indirect connection means that another possible connection structure may be further disposed between the first connecting member and the first support arm, and the first connecting member and the first support arm are rotatably connected to the connection structure, to implement a rotating connection. For example, the first rotating component further includes a first connecting rod, the first connecting rod is located between the first support arm and the first connecting member, the first support arm is rotatably connected to the first connecting rod, the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first connecting rod, and an axis along which the first support arm rotates relative to the first connecting rod is parallel to but not coincident with an axis along which the first connecting member rotates relative to the first connecting rod. According to the hinge mechanism provided in this application, the first connecting member is indirectly and rotatably connected to a first support plate through the first connecting rod, so that functions of folding and unfolding the hinge mechanism can be implemented, and a size of the hinge mechanism can be reduced.

In addition, the second rotating component further includes a second connecting rod, the second connecting rod is located between the second support arm and the second connecting member, the second support arm is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod, the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod, and an axis along which the second support arm rotates relative to the second connecting rod is parallel to but not coincident with an axis along which the second connecting member rotates relative to the second connecting rod, so that the second connecting member can be indirectly and rotatably connected to the second support arm. This can implement folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism, and help reduce a size of the hinge mechanism.

In this application, the first door plate fastening bracket may be rotatably connected to the second housing fastening bracket through a virtual axis. Specifically, a first arc-shaped groove may be disposed at an end portion that is of the first door plate fastening bracket and that faces the second housing fastening bracket, a second arc-shaped rotating block is disposed on the second housing fastening bracket, the second arc-shaped rotating block is mounted in the first arc-shaped groove, and the second arc-shaped rotating block is capable of sliding along a groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove. The first door plate fastening bracket is rotatably connected to the second housing fastening bracket through a virtual axis, so that structural reliability of the first door plate fastening bracket and the second housing fastening bracket can be ensured, and sizes of the first door plate fastening bracket and the second housing fastening bracket can be reduced. This facilitates a miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism. In addition, a risk of extrusion or pulling of the flexible display may be further reduced in a process of folding the electronic device.

It may be understood that, for an inward foldable electronic device, when the first door plate fastening bracket is rotatably connected to the second housing fastening bracket through the virtual axis, an axis center at which the second housing fastening bracket rotates relative to the first door plate fastening bracket is located on a side that is of the first door plate fastening bracket and that faces the flexible display.

In addition, a second arc-shaped groove may be disposed at an end portion that is of the second door plate fastening bracket and that faces the first housing fastening bracket, a first arc-shaped rotating block is disposed on the first housing fastening bracket, the first arc-shaped rotating block is mounted in the second arc-shaped groove, and the first arc-shaped rotating block may slide along a groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove, so that the second door plate fastening bracket may be rotatably connected to the first housing fastening bracket through a virtual axis. In this way, structural reliability of the second door plate fastening bracket and the first housing fastening bracket can be ensured, and sizes of the second door plate fastening bracket and the first housing fastening bracket can be reduced. This facilitates a miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism. In addition, a risk of extrusion or pulling of the flexible display may be further reduced in a process of folding the electronic device.

It may be understood that, for an inward foldable electronic device, when the second door plate fastening bracket is rotatably connected to the first housing fastening bracket through the virtual axis, an axis center at which the first housing fastening bracket rotates relative to the second door plate fastening bracket is located on a side that is of the second door plate fastening bracket and that faces the flexible display.

It can be learned from the foregoing description that the first connecting member may be slidably connected to the main shaft, and the second connecting member may be slidably connected to the main shaft. Specifically, the main shaft is provided with a first track slot and a second track slot, the first connecting member includes a first sliding block, the first sliding block is mounted in the first track slot, and the first sliding block is capable of sliding relative to the main shaft along the first track slot, to limit a motion trajectory of the first connecting member. The second connecting member includes a second sliding block, the second sliding block is mounted in the second track slot, and the second sliding block is capable of sliding relative to the main shaft along the second track slot, to limit a motion trajectory of the second connecting member.

In addition, the first connecting member may further be rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second connecting member may also be rotatably connected to the main shaft. During specific implementation, the main shaft is provided with a first track slot and a second track slot, the first track slot is an arc-shaped slot, the first connecting member includes a first sliding block, the first sliding block is an arc-shaped sliding block, the first sliding block is mounted in the first track slot, and the first sliding block is capable of rotating relative to the main shaft along the first track slot, to limit a motion trajectory of the first connecting member. The second track slot is an arc-shaped slot, the second connecting member includes a second sliding block, the second sliding block is an arc-shaped sliding block, the second sliding block is mounted in the second track slot, and the second sliding block is capable of rotating relative to the main shaft along the second track slot, to limit a motion trajectory of the second connecting member.

Regardless of whether the first connecting member and the second connecting member are slidably or rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first connecting member can move in the first track slot according to a specified trajectory, and the second connecting member can move in the second track slot according to a specified trajectory. Therefore, uncontrolled movement of the first connecting member and the second connecting member in an entire folding and unfolding process can be avoided, and random movement of the first housing fastening bracket and the second housing fastening bracket is further avoided, to ensure structure and motion stability of the entire hinge mechanism. In some cases, the first track slot and the second track slot are appropriately designed, so that an outer tangent line of the hinge mechanism can keep a constant length in an entire process of folding and unfolding, and a length of the flexible display covering a surface of the hinge mechanism can basically keep unchanged. In this way, extrusion or pulling of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, which improves structural reliability of the flexible display and further improves structural reliability of the electronic device.

When the first sliding block is an arc-shaped sliding block, the first connecting member may include two first sliding blocks, and the two first sliding blocks are respectively disposed at two end portions of the first connecting member in an axial direction of the hinge mechanism. The two first sliding blocks may be separately mounted in one first track slot, to implement rotation of the first connecting member relative to the main shaft. This can help improve reliability of a rotating connection between the first connecting member and the main shaft. In addition, in this application, specific forms of the two first sliding blocks of the first connecting member may be the same or may be different, provided that axis centers at which the two first sliding blocks rotate relative to the main shaft coincide. This can improve stability of rotation of the first connecting member around the main shaft.

When the second sliding block is an arc-shaped sliding block, the second connecting member includes two second sliding blocks, and the two second sliding blocks are respectively disposed at two end portions of the second connecting member in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. The two second sliding blocks may be separately mounted in one second track slot, to implement rotation of the second connecting member relative to the main shaft. This can help improve reliability of a rotating connection between the second connecting member and the main shaft. In addition, in this application, specific forms of the two second sliding blocks of the second connecting member may be the same or may be different, provided that axis centers at which the two second sliding blocks rotate relative to the main shaft coincide. This can improve stability of rotation of the second connecting member around the main shaft.

In a possible implementation of this application, the hinge mechanism includes a plurality of rotating modules, the first door plate is fastened to each first door plate fastening bracket, and the second door plate is fastened to each second door plate fastening bracket. This can help improve integrity of a bearing surface provided by the hinge mechanism for the flexible display, and facilitates smooth support for the flexible display.

In a possible implementation of this application, the hinge mechanism further includes a synchronization component, the synchronization component includes a synchronization gear, and the synchronization gear is located between the first connecting member and the second connecting member in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism. In addition, a first gear surface is disposed at an end portion that is of the first connecting member and that faces the synchronization gear, a second gear surface is disposed at an end portion that is of the second connecting member and that faces the synchronization gear, the first gear surface is engaged with a gear surface of the synchronization gear, and the second gear surface is engaged with the gear surface of the synchronization gear. In this way, in a process of the electronic device from an unfolded state to a folded state, or from a folded state to an unfolded state, synchronous reverse movement of the first housing fastening bracket and the second housing fastening bracket can be implemented, which helps improve motion stability of the hinge mechanism, and can effectively reduce a risk of instantaneous extrusion or pulling stress on the flexible display of the electronic device, to improve structural reliability of the flexible display. In addition, the synchronization component provided in this application has a simple structure, and occupies small space in the hinge mechanism. This facilitates implementation of a miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism.

In a possible implementation of this application, the first connecting member includes the two first sliding blocks, the two first sliding blocks are respectively disposed at the two end portions of the first connecting member in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, a first track slot corresponding to each first sliding block is disposed on the main shaft, each first sliding block is mounted in the corresponding first track slot, and each first sliding block is capable of sliding or rotating relative to the main shaft along the corresponding first track slot. This can help improve reliability of a rotating connection between the first connecting member and the main shaft. In addition, the first gear surface may be disposed on the first sliding block facing the synchronization gear, which helps improve an integrated design of the hinge mechanism, and helps reduce a size of the hinge mechanism.

Similarly, the second connecting member includes the two second sliding blocks, the two second sliding blocks are respectively disposed at the two end portions of the second connecting member in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, a second track slot corresponding to each second sliding block is disposed on the main shaft, each second sliding block is mounted in the corresponding second track slot, and the second sliding block is capable of sliding or rotating relative to the main shaft along the second track slot. This can help improve reliability of a rotating connection between the second connecting member and the main shaft. In addition, the second gear surface may be disposed on the second sliding block facing the synchronization gear, which helps improve an integrated design of the hinge mechanism, and helps reduce a size of the hinge mechanism.

In a possible implementation of this application, the hinge mechanism further includes a damping module, and the damping module includes a first swing rod component, a second swing rod component, an elastic component, and a first conjoined cam. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the first swing rod component is located between the elastic component and the first conjoined cam, and the second swing rod component is located between the elastic component and the first conjoined cam. The first swing rod component may include a first swing rod, a second swing rod, and a first guide rod. The first swing rod and the second swing rod are rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the first swing rod and the second swing rod are connected through the first guide rod. A third track slot is disposed on the first housing fastening bracket, the first guide rod is inserted into the third track slot, and the first guide rod is capable of sliding along the third track slot. The second swing rod component may include a third swing rod, a fourth swing rod, and a second guide rod. The third swing rod and the fourth swing rod are rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod are connected through the second guide rod. A fourth track slot is disposed on the second housing fastening bracket, the second guide rod is inserted into the fourth track slot, and the second guide rod is capable of sliding along the fourth track slot. In addition, a first cam surface is disposed on an end surface that is of the first swing rod and that faces the first conjoined cam, a third cam surface is disposed on an end surface that is of the third swing rod and that faces the first conjoined cam, and the first conjoined cam includes a fifth cam surface disposed toward the first swing rod and a sixth cam surface disposed toward the third swing rod. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under action of an elastic force of the elastic component, the first cam surface abuts against the fifth cam surface, and the third cam surface abuts against the sixth cam surface. In this way, in a process in which the first housing fastening bracket and the second housing fastening bracket rotate relative to the hinge mechanism, a corresponding damping force may be generated when oblique surfaces of two cam surfaces that abut against each other are in contact. Existence of the damping force may implement a self-unfolding function of the electronic device at an end stage of an unfolded state and a self-folding function of the electronic device at an end stage of a folded state, and under action of the damping force, a user can have an obvious jerk sense in a process of opening and closing the electronic device, to improve user experience.

In addition, the damping module may further include a second conjoined cam. The first swing rod component is located between the first conjoined cam and the second conjoined cam, and the second swing rod component is located between the first conjoined cam and the second conjoined cam. A second cam surface is disposed on an end surface that is of the second swing rod and that faces the second conjoined cam, and a fourth cam surface is disposed on an end surface that is of the fourth swing rod and that faces the second conjoined cam. The second conjoined cam includes a seventh cam surface disposed toward the second swing rod and an eighth cam surface disposed toward the fourth swing rod. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the second cam surface abuts against the seventh cam surface, and the fourth cam surface abuts against the eighth cam surface. In this way, the hinge mechanism may provide a greater damping force, to improve stability of the electronic device in which the hinge mechanism is used in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. In addition, a tactile feeling of the user in a process of opening and closing the electronic device may be further effectively improved, to improve user experience.

To rotatably connect the damping module to the main shaft, in a possible implementation of this application, the main shaft further includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the first mounting portion is located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod, and the first swing rod and the second swing rod are rotatably connected to the first mounting portion through a first shaft. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, the second mounting portion is located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod, and the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod are rotatably connected to the second mounting portion through a second shaft.

In addition, the damping module further includes a plurality of gaskets. At least one gasket is located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the first swing rod and the second swing rod press the at least one gasket located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod toward the first mounting portion. In addition, at least one gasket is located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod press the at least one gasket located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod toward the second mounting portion. In a process in which the first swing rod component and the second swing rod component rotate around the main shaft, relative rotation can occur between the swing rod and the gasket that are in contact, to generate frictional resistance. The frictional resistance may be used as a damping force that prevents the first swing rod component and the second swing rod component from rotating relative to the main shaft, to increase a damping force provided by the damping module.

In a possible implementation of this application, in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, a first slot is disposed on at least one side surface of the first mounting portion, the at least one gasket located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod is clamped into the first slot. In a direction in which the first swing rod component rotates relative to the main shaft, the at least one gasket located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod is relatively fastened to the first mounting portion. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, a second slot is disposed on at least one side surface of the second mounting portion, the at least one gasket located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod is clamped into the second slot. In a direction in which the second swing rod component rotates relative to the main shaft, the at least one gasket located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod is relatively fastened to the second mounting portion. In this way, the gasket can be prevented from rotating with the swing rod relative to the main shaft, so that stable friction can be generated between the swing rod and the gasket, to improve stability of the damping force provided by the damping module.

In this application, in addition to the foregoing design manner, in a possible implementation, the damping module further includes a plurality of gaskets, each gasket is sleeved on the first shaft and the second shaft, and at least a part of at least one gasket is located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the first swing rod and the second swing rod press the at least a part of at least one gasket located between the first swing rod and the second swing rod toward the first mounting portion. In addition, at least a part of the at least one gasket is located between the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism, under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component, the third swing rod and the fourth swing rod press the at least a part of the at least one gasket located between the third swing rod and the second mounting portion toward the second mounting portion. In this way, rotation of each gasket relative to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion may be limited by using the first shaft and the second shaft that are disposed in parallel, so that stable friction can be generated between the swing rod and the gasket, to improve stability of the damping force provided by the damping module.

According to a second aspect, this application further provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display, and the hinge mechanism in the first aspect. The first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the hinge mechanism, the first housing fastening bracket is fastened to the first housing, and the second housing fastening bracket is fastened to the second housing. The flexible display continuously covers the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge mechanism, and the flexible display is fastened to the first housing and the second housing. When the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the hinge mechanism, the first housing, and the second housing jointly provide flat support for the flexible display, to ensure that a form of the electronic device in the unfolded state is complete. In a process of the electronic device from an unfolded state to a folded state, the two housings rotate toward each other to drive the flexible display to rotate. This can effectively avoid deformation of the flexible display, to reduce a risk of damage to the flexible display.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

To make objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following further describes this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Terms used in the following embodiments of this application are merely intended to describe specific embodiments, but are not intended to limit this application. Terms “one”, “a”, and “this” of singular forms used in this specification and the appended claims of this application are also intended to include expressions such as “one or more”, unless otherwise specified in the context clearly.

Reference to “an embodiment”, “some embodiments”, or the like described in this specification indicates that one or more embodiments of this application include specific features, structures, or characteristics described with reference to the embodiments. Therefore, statements such as “in an embodiment”, “in some embodiments”, “in some other embodiments”, and “in other embodiments” that appear at different places in this specification do not necessarily refer to a same embodiment. Instead, the statements mean “one or more but not all of embodiments”, unless otherwise specifically emphasized in another manner. Terms “include”, “contain”, “have”, and variants thereof all mean “including, but not limited to”, unless otherwise specifically emphasized in another manner.

For ease of understanding of a hinge mechanism provided in embodiments of this application, the following first describes an application scenario of the hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism may be but is not limited to being used in a foldable electronic device like a mobile phone, a palmtop computer (personal digital assistant, PDA), a notebook computer, or a tablet computer. When the hinge mechanism provided in embodiments of this application is used in an electronic device, refer toFIG.1.FIG.1is a diagram of a structure of the electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of this application. In addition to a hinge mechanism1, the electronic device may further include two housings and a flexible display (not shown inFIG.1). For ease of description, the two housings may be respectively named a first housing2and a second housing3. The first housing2and the second housing3are located on two opposite sides of the hinge mechanism1, and can rotate around the hinge mechanism1separately. When the electronic device is used, the electronic device may be folded and unfolded in different use scenarios.

FIG.1shows structures of a first surface of the hinge mechanism1, a first surface of the first housing2, and a first surface of the second housing3. In the unfolded state, the first surface of the hinge mechanism1, the first surface of the first housing2, and the first surface of the second housing3may be connected to form a flat support surface. The first surface of the hinge mechanism1is a surface that is of the hinge mechanism1and that faces the flexible display, the first surface of the first housing2is a surface that is of the first housing2and that faces the flexible display, and the first surface of the second housing3is a surface that is of the second housing3and that faces the flexible display. For ease of description, in this application, the first surface of the hinge mechanism1may be defined as a bearing surface1aof the hinge mechanism1, the first surface of the first housing2may be defined as a first support surface2a, and the first surface of the second housing3may be defined as a second support surface3a.

Based on this, the flexible display may continuously cover the bearing surface1aof the hinge mechanism1, the first support surface2aof the first housing2, and the second support surface3aof the second housing3. The hinge mechanism1is disposed opposite to a foldable portion of the flexible display. In addition, the flexible display may be fastened to the first support surface2aof the first housing2and the second support surface3aof the second housing3, and a connection manner may be but is not limited to bonding. In this way, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state shown inFIG.1, the hinge mechanism1, the first housing2, and the second housing3may flatly support the flexible display.

In this application, the electronic device may be an inward foldable electronic device. When the inward foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the flexible display is located on an inner side of the electronic device.FIG.2shows a relative position relationship between the hinge mechanism1and the two housings when the electronic device is in the folded state.FIG.2shows structures of a second surface of the hinge mechanism1, a second surface of the first housing2, and a second surface of the second housing3. The second surface of the hinge mechanism1is a surface that is of the hinge mechanism1and that is away from the flexible display, the second surface of the first housing2is a surface that is of the first housing2and that is away from the flexible display, and the second surface of the second housing3is a surface that is of the second housing3and that is away from the flexible display. In this case, the first surface and the second surface of the hinge mechanism1are disposed opposite to each other, the first surface and the second surface of the first housing2are disposed opposite to each other, and the first surface and the second surface of the second housing3are disposed opposite to each other. In this application, the second surface of the hinge mechanism1, the second surface of the first housing2, and the second surface of the second housing3may be used as appearance surfaces of the electronic device. For ease of description, the second surface of the first housing2may be defined as a first appearance surface2b, the second surface of the second housing3may be defined as a second appearance surface3b, and the second surface of the hinge mechanism1may be defined as a third appearance surface1b. It may be understood that an appearance surface of the inward foldable electronic device is exposed to an outer side of the electronic device when the electronic device is in the unfolded state and the folded state.

In this application, in a process in which the first housing2and the second housing3rotate relative to each other from the unfolded state shown inFIG.1to the folded state shown inFIG.2or from the folded state shown inFIG.2to the unfolded state shown inFIG.1, the flexible display may be bent or flattened with the first housing2and the second housing3. In addition, it may be understood that a process of the electronic device from the unfolded state shown inFIG.1to the folded state shown inFIG.2or from the folded state shown inFIG.2to the unfolded state shown inFIG.1is a process in which the first housing2and the second housing3rotate around the hinge mechanism1. As a key functional component in the foldable electronic device, the hinge mechanism1may be disposed opposite to the foldable portion of the flexible display. Therefore, the hinge mechanism1supports the foldable portion of the flexible display in the unfolded state shown inFIG.1and accommodates the foldable portion of the flexible display in the folded state shown inFIG.2.

When the hinge mechanism is specifically disposed, to implement a rotation function of the hinge mechanism, and avoid extrusion or pulling of the flexible display in a process of folding the electronic device, a moving component of the hinge mechanism may generally include a plurality of interconnected connecting members, so that the moving component moves according to a specified trajectory through mutual pull motion between the connecting members. However, as a size of the hinge mechanism continuously decreases, when the electronic device is in the folded state, it is increasingly difficult for screen accommodation space formed by the hinge mechanism to meet a bending requirement of the foldable portion of the flexible display, which easily causes extrusion of the flexible display. As a result, it is difficult to ensure structural strength of the flexible display. In addition, a decrease in the size of the hinge mechanism may also easily cause insufficient structural strength of the moving component, affecting structural reliability of the hinge mechanism.

The hinge mechanism provided in this application is intended to resolve the foregoing problem, to improve structural strength of the hinge mechanism while meeting a design requirement of miniaturization of the hinge mechanism by optimizing design of a rotating module that is in the hinge mechanism and that is configured to implement a rotation function. In addition, a motion trajectory of the rotating module that is in the hinge mechanism and that is configured to implement a rotation function is appropriately designed, so that when the electronic device is in the folded state, the screen accommodation space formed by the hinge mechanism can meet the bending requirement of the foldable portion of the flexible display, to avoid extrusion of the flexible display. This improves structural reliability of the flexible display and prolongs a service life of the flexible display. To facilitate understanding of the hinge mechanism provided in embodiments of this application, the following describes a specific structure of the hinge mechanism in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.3is an exploded view of the electronic device shown inFIG.1. A first accommodating groove201may be disposed at an end portion that is of the first housing2and that faces the hinge mechanism1, and a second accommodating groove301may be disposed at an end portion that is of the second housing3and that faces the hinge mechanism1. At least a part of the hinge mechanism1is accommodated in the first accommodating groove201and connected to the first housing2, and at least a part of the hinge mechanism1is accommodated in the second accommodating groove301and connected to the second housing3. In this way, the first housing2and the second housing3move in a direction facing each other or opposite to each other through rotation of the hinge mechanism1. This implements a folding function of the electronic device.

In this application, to implement a rotation function of the hinge mechanism1, the hinge mechanism1may include a rotating module101.FIG.4is an exploded view of the hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of this application. A quantity of rotating modules101in the hinge mechanism1is not limited in this application. The hinge mechanism1may include only one rotating module101, or may include a plurality of rotating modules101. The hinge mechanism1shown inFIG.4includes three rotating modules101, and the three rotating modules101may be arranged at intervals in an axial direction of the hinge mechanism1. In this application, the axial direction of the hinge mechanism1is an extension direction of an axis along which the first housing2and the second housing3shown inFIG.1rotate around the hinge mechanism1. It may be understood that, in this application, the plurality of rotating modules101are disposed in the hinge mechanism1, so that the first housing2and the second housing3are rotatably connected through the plurality of rotating modules101. This can effectively improve stability of rotation of the first housing2and the second housing3of the electronic device relative to the hinge mechanism1.

Still refer toFIG.4. The hinge mechanism1may further include a main shaft102and a rotating shaft back cover103. The rotating shaft back cover103is located on a side that is of the main shaft102and that is away from the flexible display. In addition, the rotating shaft back cover103is fastened to the main shaft102, and a connection manner may be but is not limited to welding, threaded connection, or the like. The rotating shaft back cover103may be used as an appearance member of the hinge mechanism1, and may protect each component in the hinge mechanism1. In addition, it may be understood that an appearance surface of the rotating shaft back cover103may be used as the third appearance surface1bof the hinge mechanism1.

For ease of understanding of a structure of the rotating module101, refer toFIG.5.FIG.5is a diagram of a partial structure of the hinge mechanism1according to an embodiment of this application, to show a manner of disposing the rotating module101in the hinge mechanism1. In this application, the rotating module101may include a first rotating component1011and a second rotating component1012. In addition, as shown inFIG.5, the main shaft102may be used as a bearing portion of the first rotating component1011and the second rotating component1012.

It should be noted that, in this embodiment of this application, as shown inFIG.4, when there are a plurality of rotating modules101, the hinge mechanism1may be separately provided with one main shaft102corresponding to each rotating module101, so that the first rotating component1011and the second rotating component1012of each rotating module101use the corresponding main shaft102as a bearing portion, and the rotating modules101are more flexibly disposed. In some other possible embodiments of this application, when there are a plurality of rotating modules101, the first rotating components1011and the second rotating components1012of the plurality of rotating modules101may use a same main shaft102as a bearing portion, to improve integration of the hinge mechanism1, thereby improving structural reliability of the hinge mechanism1.

FIG.6is an exploded view of the structure shown inFIG.5. In this application, the first rotating component1011may include a first support arm10111, a first door plate fastening bracket10112, and a first connecting member10113. The first connecting member10113is located between the first support arm10111and the first door plate fastening bracket10112, the first connecting member10113is rotatably connected to the first support arm10111, and the first connecting member10113is rotatably connected to the first door plate fastening bracket10112, so that the first support arm10111and the first door plate fastening bracket10112are mutually pulled through the first connecting member10113. Based on this, it may be understood that a motion trajectory of the first connecting member10113plays a key role in a motion trajectory of the first rotating component1011.

In this application, the first connecting member10113may move relative to the main shaft102. During specific implementation, refer toFIG.7.FIG.7is a diagram of a matching relationship between the first connecting member10113and the main shaft102according to an embodiment of this application. A first track slot1021is disposed on the main shaft102, and the first connecting member10113can move relative to the main shaft102along the first track slot1021, to limit a motion trajectory of the first connecting member10113. In this application, to implement movement of the first connecting member10113along the first track slot1021, the first connecting member10113may include a first sliding block101131. The first sliding block101131may be mounted in the first track slot1021and can move along the first track slot1021. In this way, the first track slot1021limits the motion trajectory of the first connecting member10113, so that a position of the first connecting member10113is stable and no virtual position shaking occurs in a process of an unfolded state and a folded state of the hinge mechanism1. This improves reliability of the hinge mechanism1in the foregoing two states.

In this application, a form of the first track slot1021is not specifically limited. For example, the first track slot1021may be an arc-shaped slot shown inFIG.7, and the arc-shaped slot may be a circle arc-shaped slot, an elliptical arc-shaped slot, or an arc-shaped slot of another possible form. The first sliding block101131may be an arc-shaped sliding block, and the arc-shaped sliding block may be a circle arc-shaped sliding block, an elliptical arc-shaped sliding block, or an arc-shaped sliding block of another possible form. In this case, the first sliding block101131can rotate relative to the main shaft102along the first track slot1021. This implements a rotating connection between the first connecting member10113and the main shaft102, to limit a motion trajectory of the first connecting member10113.

In some other possible embodiments of this application, the first sliding block101131can alternatively slide relative to the main shaft102along the first track slot1021. This implements a sliding connection between the first connecting member10113and the main shaft102, to limit a motion trajectory of the first connecting member10113. During specific implementation, the first track slot1021may alternatively be a straight-line slot, and the first sliding block101131may be adaptively disposed as a straight-line sliding block. It may be understood that, in this application, a shape of the first sliding block101131matches a shape of the first track slot1021, to improve smoothness of sliding of the first sliding block101131along the first track slot1021.

Still refer toFIG.7. The main shaft102may be further provided with a first mounting groove1022, and the first connecting member10113is mounted in the first mounting groove1022. In this way, a structure of the hinge mechanism1may be compact, to facilitate a miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism1. The first track slot1021may be disposed on a groove wall that is of the first mounting groove1022and that is disposed in an axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, and the first sliding block101131may be disposed at an end portion of the first connecting member10113in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism1.

Refer toFIG.5andFIG.7together. The main shaft102includes a first bearing sub-surface1025, and the first bearing sub-surface1025is disposed facing the flexible display. In addition, the first connecting member10113may include a second bearing sub-surface101132. When an electronic device is in an unfolded state, the first bearing sub-surface1025and the second bearing sub-surface101132may be jointly configured to flatly support the flexible display. This helps improve reliability of supporting the flexible display by the hinge mechanism1when the electronic device is in the unfolded state.

It should be noted that, in a possible embodiment of this application, the entire first connecting member10113may be used as the first sliding block101131. In this case, the first track slot1021may be correspondingly adjusted, so that the entire first connecting member10113may be mounted in the first track slot1021, and rotate or slide relative to the main shaft102along the first track slot1021.

FIG.8is a sectional view of the first connecting member10113of the hinge mechanism1in a case in which an electronic device is in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of this application. The sectional view may be used to show a matching relationship between the first sliding block101131of the first connecting member10113and the first track slot1021. In addition,FIG.9is a sectional view of the first connecting member10113of the hinge mechanism1in a case in which an electronic device is in a folded state according to an embodiment of this application. It can be learned fromFIG.8andFIG.9that, in a process of the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first sliding block101131of the first connecting member10113may move in the first track slot1021in a direction facing the first door plate fastening bracket10112. In a process of the electronic device from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first sliding block101131of the first connecting member10113may move in the first track slot1021in a direction facing the first support arm10111. Therefore, the first connecting member10113can move relative to the main shaft102according to a specified trajectory.

It can be learned fromFIG.8andFIG.9that, in a process of the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first support arm10111and the first door plate fastening bracket10112are mutually pulled through the first connecting member10113, so that the first support arm10111and the first door plate fastening bracket10112rotate around the main shaft102.

In this application, specifically, when the first support arm10111is rotatably connected to the first connecting member10113, refer toFIG.10.FIG.10is an exploded view of a partial structure of the hinge mechanism1according to an embodiment of this application. The exploded view may be used to show relative position relationships among the first support arm10111, the first connecting member10113, and the first door plate fastening bracket10112. As shown inFIG.10, the first rotating component1011may further include a first connecting rod10114. The first connecting rod10114is located between the first support arm10111and the first connecting member10113, the first support arm10111is rotatably connected to the first connecting rod10114, the first connecting member10113is rotatably connected to the first connecting rod10114, and an axis along which the first support arm10111rotates relative to the first connecting rod10114is parallel to but not coincident with an axis along which the first connecting member10113rotates relative to the first connecting rod10114. During specific implementation, the first connecting rod10114is rotatably connected to the first support arm10111through a first rotating shaft10115, and an axis of the first rotating shaft10115extends in an axial direction of the hinge mechanism1. In addition, refer toFIG.6andFIG.10together. The first support arm10111may be provided with a first avoidance opening101111, and at least a part of the first connecting rod10114may be accommodated in the first avoidance opening101111, so that a structure of the first rotating component1011may be compact, to help reduce a size of the hinge mechanism1.

In addition, as shown inFIG.10, the first support arm10111may be rotatably connected to the main shaft102through a second rotating shaft10116. An axis of the first rotating shaft10115is parallel to but not coincident with an axis of the second rotating shaft10116. Refer to bothFIG.8andFIG.10. The second rotating shaft1016is located on a side that is of the first rotating shaft10115and that is away from the flexible display.

Still refer toFIG.10. The first connecting rod10114is rotatably connected to the first connecting member10113through a third rotating shaft10117, and the axis of the first rotating shaft10115is parallel to but not coincident with an axis of the third rotating shaft10117. In addition, a second avoidance opening101133may be disposed at an end portion that is of the first connecting member10113and that faces the first connecting rod10114, and at least a part of the first connecting member10113may be accommodated in the second avoidance opening101133, so that a structure of the first rotating component1011is compact.

In this application, the first connecting member10113may be rotatably connected to the first door plate fastening bracket10112through a fourth rotating shaft10118, and an axis of the fourth rotating shaft10118is parallel to but not coincident with the axis of the third rotating shaft10117. In addition, as shown inFIG.10, a third avoidance opening101134may be disposed at an end portion that is of the first connecting member10113and that faces the first door plate fastening bracket10112, a first protruding portion101121may be disposed at an end portion that is of the first door plate fastening bracket10112and that faces the first connecting member10113, and the first protruding portion101121may be accommodated in the third avoidance opening101134. In this way, the first protruding portion101121may be rotatably connected to the first connecting member10113through the fourth rotating shaft10118to implement a rotating connection between the first connecting member10113and the first door plate fastening bracket10112, so that a structure of the first rotating component1011is compact.

Still refer toFIG.10. In this application, the rotating module101may further include a first housing fastening bracket1013and a second housing fastening bracket1014. The first housing fastening bracket1013and the second housing fastening bracket1014are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the main shaft102. The first rotating component1011is located between the first housing fastening bracket1013and the second housing fastening bracket1014. The first support arm10111is slidably connected to the first housing fastening bracket1013. During specific implementation, refer toFIG.11.FIG.11is a diagram of a matching relationship between the first support arm10111and the first housing fastening bracket1013according to an embodiment of this application. A first sliding groove10131is disposed on the first housing fastening bracket1013, and the first sliding groove10131extends in a first direction. The first support arm10111may be mounted in the first sliding groove10131, and may slide in the first sliding groove10131in the first direction. The first direction may be a direction in which the first housing fastening bracket1013moves toward or away from the main shaft102. In addition, to prevent the first support arm10111from falling off from the first sliding groove10131, a first slide rail101311may be disposed on a groove wall of the first sliding groove10131, and a first guiding portion101112is disposed on the first support arm10111. In this way, the first guiding portion101112may be clamped on the first slide rail101311, and the first guiding portion101112may slide along the first slide rail101311, to limit a position of the first support arm10111in the first sliding groove10131. In addition, the first slide rail101311is disposed on the groove wall of the first sliding groove10131, to provide guidance for the first support arm10111to slide along the first sliding groove10131. This improves motion stability of the first support arm10111.

In this application, the first door plate fastening bracket10112may be rotatably connected to the second housing fastening bracket1014. The first door plate fastening bracket10112may be rotatably connected to the second housing fastening bracket1014through a virtual axis. It should be noted that, in this application, the virtual axis is an axis center of an arc-shaped structure, and two rotating-connected components may rotate relative to the virtual axis. As the two rotating-connected components rotate relative to each other, a position of the virtual axis is fixed. When the first door plate fastening bracket10112is rotatably connected to the second housing fastening bracket1014through the virtual axis, refer toFIG.12.FIG.12is a diagram of a matching relationship between the first door plate fastening bracket10112and the second housing fastening bracket1014according to an embodiment of this application. A first arc-shaped groove101122is disposed at an end portion that is of the first door plate fastening bracket10112and that faces the second housing fastening bracket1014, and a second arc-shaped rotating block10142is disposed on the second housing fastening bracket1014. Refer toFIG.8andFIG.12together. The second arc-shaped rotating block10142is mounted on the first arc-shaped groove101122, and the second arc-shaped rotating block10142is capable of sliding along a groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove101122, so that the first door plate fastening bracket10112and the second housing fastening bracket1014rotate relative to each other.

It may be understood that, in a possible embodiment of this application, the second arc-shaped rotating block10142may be further disposed at an end portion that is of the first door plate fastening bracket10112and that faces the second housing fastening bracket1014, and the first arc-shaped groove101122is disposed on the second housing fastening bracket1014. Similarly, the second arc-shaped rotating block10142is capable of sliding along the groove surface of the first arc-shaped groove101122to implement relative rotation of the first door plate fastening bracket10112and the second housing fastening bracket1014.

It should be noted that, for an inward foldable electronic device, the first door plate fastening bracket10112is rotatably connected to the second housing fastening bracket1014through the virtual axis, and an axis center at which the second housing fastening bracket1014rotates relative to the first door plate fastening bracket10112is located on a side that is of the first door plate fastening bracket10112and that faces the flexible display.

In this application, the first door plate fastening bracket10112may be rotatably connected to the second housing fastening bracket1014through the virtual axis as well as a solid shaft, so that the first door plate fastening bracket10112and the second housing fastening bracket1014are connected reliably.

Based on the hinge mechanism1provided in the foregoing embodiment of this application, with reference toFIG.8andFIG.9together, in a process of the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, when the first housing fastening bracket1013and the second housing fastening bracket1014move toward each other, and the first housing fastening bracket1013drives the first support arm10111to rotate around the main shaft102in a clockwise direction, the first support arm10111may slide in the first sliding groove10131relative to the first housing fastening bracket1013in a direction facing the main shaft102. Because the first support arm10111is rotatably connected to the first connecting member10113through the first connecting rod10114, and the first support arm10111is rotatably connected to the main shaft102through the second rotating shaft10116, in a process in which the first support arm10111rotates around the main shaft102in a clockwise direction, the first support arm10111may push, based on a lever principle by using the first connecting rod10114, the first connecting member10113to move toward the first door plate fastening bracket10112in the first track slot1021. In this way, the first door plate fastening bracket10112is pushed to rotate around the main shaft102in a counterclockwise direction. In addition, because the first door plate fastening bracket10112is rotatably connected to the second housing fastening bracket1014, the first door plate fastening bracket10112rotates around the main shaft102in a counterclockwise direction, to drive the second housing fastening bracket1014to rotate around the main shaft102in the counterclockwise direction. However, in a process of the electronic device from the folded state to the unfolded state, when the first housing fastening bracket1013and the second housing fastening bracket1014move oppositely, and the first housing fastening bracket1013drives the first support arm10111to rotate around the main shaft102in the counterclockwise direction, the first support arm10111may pull, by using the first connecting rod10114, the first connecting member10113to move toward the first support arm10111in the first track slot1021. Therefore, the first door plate fastening bracket10112may be driven to rotate around the main shaft102in the clockwise direction, so that the first door plate fastening bracket10112drives the second housing fastening bracket1014to rotate around the main shaft102in the clockwise direction. This implements folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism1.

For some existing hinge mechanisms1, to ensure stability of the mechanisms, thickness of a rotating component connected to the main shaft102needs to be increased. In this way, both the main shaft102and the hinge mechanism1are very thick. If the main shaft102and the hinge mechanism1are forcibly thinned, strength of the rotating component is easily weakened. In addition, when the electronic device falls down, the rotating component has a risk of falling off from the main shaft102, which greatly affects reliability of the hinge mechanism1. As a result, a service life of the electronic device is shortened. The hinge mechanism1in this application has a simplified structure. According to the foregoing structural relationship, a cross section of the first sliding block101131of the first connecting member10113may be small, so that the first sliding block101131can slide through the first track slot1021of the main shaft102. In addition, because the first connecting member10113can extend sufficiently in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction, and the first connecting member10113is separately connected to the first support arm10111and the first door plate fastening bracket10112, reliability of the hinge mechanism1can be ensured. This not only reduces thickness of the main shaft102and thickness of an entire machine, but also maintains reliability of the hinge mechanism1, so that the entire hinge mechanism1is light, thin, and reliable.

In addition, because the first connecting member10113may move in the first track slot1021according to a specified trajectory, uncontrolled movement of the first connecting member10113in an entire process of folding and unfolding can be avoided, and random movement of the first housing fastening bracket1013and the second housing fastening bracket1014is further avoided. This ensures structure and motion stability of the entire hinge mechanism1. In some cases, the first track slot1021is appropriately designed, so that an inner tangent line of the hinge mechanism1can keep a constant length in an entire process of folding and unfolding, and a length of the flexible display covering a surface of the hinge mechanism1can basically keep unchanged. In this way, extrusion or pulling of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, which improves structural reliability of the flexible display and further improves structural reliability of the electronic device.

Still refer toFIG.6. A structure of the second rotating component1012is similar to that of the first rotating component loll. When the second rotating component1012is specifically disposed, the second rotating component1012is located between the first housing fastening bracket1013and the second housing fastening bracket1014. In addition, the second rotating component1012may include a second support arm10121, a second door plate fastening bracket10122, and a second connecting member10123. The second connecting member10123is located between the second support arm10121and the second door plate fastening bracket10122, the second connecting member10123is rotatably connected to the second support arm10121, and the second connecting member10123is rotatably connected to the second door plate fastening bracket10122. In this application, for a manner in which the second connecting member10123is rotatably connected to the second support arm10121and the second door plate fastening bracket10122, refer to a manner in which the first connecting member10113is rotatably connected to the second support arm10121and the second door plate fastening bracket10122. For example,FIG.7may also be used to indicate a matching relationship between the second connecting member10123and the main shaft102according to an embodiment of this application. A second track slot1023is disposed on the main shaft102, and the second connecting member10123is mounted in the second track slot1023and may move relative to the main shaft102along the second track slot1023, so that the second track slot1023limits a motion trajectory of the second connecting member10123. When the second connecting member10123is specifically disposed, the second connecting member10123may include a second sliding block101231. The second sliding block101231may be mounted in the second track slot1023and may move along the second track slot1023. In this way, the second track slot1023limits the motion trajectory of the second connecting member10123, so that a position of the second connecting member10123is stable and no virtual position shaking occurs in a process of the unfolded state and the folded state of the hinge mechanism1. This improves reliability of the hinge mechanism1in the foregoing two states.

In this application, a form of the second track slot1023is not specifically limited. For example, the second track slot1023may be an arc-shaped slot shown inFIG.7, and the arc-shaped slot may be a circle arc-shaped slot, an elliptical arc-shaped slot, or an arc-shaped slot of another possible form. The second sliding block101231may be an arc-shaped sliding block, and the arc-shaped sliding block may be a circle arc-shaped sliding block, an elliptical arc-shaped sliding block, an arc-shaped sliding block in another possible form, or the like. In this case, the second sliding block101231may rotate relative to the main shaft102along the second track slot1023. This implements a rotating connection between the second connecting member10123and the main shaft102, to limit a motion trajectory of the second connecting member10123.

In some other possible embodiments of this application, the second sliding block101231may further slide relative to the main shaft102along the second track slot1023. This implements a sliding connection between the second connecting member10123and the main shaft102, to limit a motion trajectory of the second connecting member10123. During specific implementation, the second track slot1023may also be a straight-line slot, and the second sliding block101231may be adaptively disposed as a straight-line sliding block. It may be understood that, in this application, a shape of the second sliding block101231matches a shape of the second track slot1023, to improve smoothness of sliding of the second sliding block101231along the second track slot1023.

Still refer toFIG.7. The main shaft102may be further provided with a second mounting groove1024, and the second connecting member10123is mounted in the second mounting groove1024. In this way, a structure of the hinge mechanism1may be compact, to facilitate a miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism1. The second track slot1023may be disposed on a groove wall that is of the second mounting groove1024and that is disposed in an axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, and the second sliding block101231may be disposed at an end portion of the second connecting member10123in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism1.

Refer toFIG.5andFIG.7together. The second connecting member10123may include a third bearing sub-surface101232. When the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the first bearing sub-surface1025, the second bearing sub-surface101132, and the third bearing sub-surface101232may be jointly configured to flatly support the flexible display. This helps improve reliability of supporting the flexible display by the hinge mechanism1when the electronic device is in the unfolded state.

It should be noted that, in a possible embodiment of this application, the entire second connecting member10123may be used as the second sliding block101231. In this case, the second track slot1023may be correspondingly adjusted, so that the entire second connecting member10123may be mounted in the second track slot1023, and move relative to the main shaft102along the second track slot1023.

In this application, in a process of the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state, the second support arm10121and the second door plate fastening bracket10122are mutually pulled through the second connecting member10123, so that the second support arm10121and the second door plate fastening bracket10122rotate around the main shaft102. Specifically, when the second support arm10121is rotatably connected to the second connecting member10123, reference may still be made toFIG.6. The second rotating component1012may further include a second connecting rod10124, the second connecting rod10124is located between the second support arm10121and the second connecting member10123, the second support arm10121is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod10124, the second connecting member10123is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod10124, and an axis along which the second support arm10121rotates relative to the second connecting rod10124is parallel to but not coincident with an axis along which the second connecting member10123rotates relative to the second connecting rod10124. During specific implementation, the second connecting rod10124is rotatably connected to the second support arm10121through a fifth rotating shaft, and an axis of the fifth rotating shaft extends in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism1. In addition, refer toFIG.6. The second support arm10121may be provided with a fourth avoidance opening, and at least a part of the second connecting rod10124may be accommodated in the fourth avoidance opening, so that a structure of the second rotating component1012may be compact, to help reduce a size of the hinge mechanism1.

In addition, the second support arm10121may be rotatably connected to the main shaft102through a sixth rotating shaft. The axis of the fifth rotating shaft is parallel to but not coincident with an axis of the sixth rotating shaft, and the sixth rotating shaft is located on a side that is of the fifth rotating shaft and that is away from the flexible display.

In this application, the second connecting rod10124is rotatably connected to the second connecting member10123through a seventh rotating shaft, and an axis of the seventh rotating shaft is parallel to but not coincident with the axis of the fifth rotating shaft. In addition, a fifth avoidance opening may be disposed at an end portion that is of the second connecting member10123and that faces the second connecting rod10124, and at least a part of the second connecting member10123may be accommodated in the fifth avoidance opening, so that a structure of the second rotating component1012is compact.

In this application, the second connecting member10123may be rotatably connected to the second door plate fastening bracket10122through an eighth rotating shaft, and an axis of the eighth rotating shaft is parallel to but not coincident with the axis of the seventh rotating shaft. In addition, a sixth avoidance opening may be disposed at an end portion that is of the second connecting member10123and that faces the second door plate fastening bracket10122, a second protruding portion may be disposed at an end portion that is of the second door plate fastening bracket10122and that faces the second connecting member10123, and the second protruding portion may be accommodated in the sixth avoidance opening, so that the second protruding portion may be rotatably connected to the second connecting member10123through the eighth rotating shaft, to implement a rotating connection between the second connecting member10123and the second door plate fastening bracket10122. In this way, the structure of the second rotating component1012is compact.

In this application, the second support arm10121is slidably connected to the second housing fastening bracket1014. During specific implementation, refer toFIG.11.FIG.11may also be used to show a matching relationship between the second support arm10121and the second housing fastening bracket1014. A second sliding groove10141is disposed on the second housing fastening bracket1014, and the second sliding groove10141extends in a second direction. The second support arm10121may be mounted in the second sliding groove10141, and may slide in the second sliding groove10141in the second direction. The second direction may be a direction in which the second housing fastening bracket1014moves toward or away from the main shaft102. In addition, to prevent the second support arm10121from falling off from the second sliding groove10141, a second slide rail101411may be disposed on a groove wall of the second sliding groove10141, and a second guiding portion101211is disposed on the second support arm10121. In this way, the second guiding portion101211may be clamped on the second slide rail101411, and the second guiding portion101211may slide along the second slide rail101411, to limit a position of the second support arm10121in the second sliding groove10141. In addition, the second slide rail101411is disposed on the groove wall of the second sliding groove10141, to provide guidance for the second support arm10121to slide along the second sliding groove10141. This improves motion stability of the second support arm10121.

In addition, the second door plate fastening bracket10122may be rotatably connected to the first housing fastening bracket1013. The second door plate fastening bracket10122may be rotatably connected to the first housing fastening bracket1013through a virtual axis. During specific implementation, still refer toFIG.12.FIG.12may also be used to show a matching relationship between the second door plate fastening bracket10122and the first housing fastening bracket1013. A second arc-shaped groove is disposed at an end portion that is of the second door plate fastening bracket10122and that faces the first housing fastening bracket1013, and a first arc-shaped rotating block10132is disposed on the first housing fastening bracket1013. In this case, the first arc-shaped rotating block10132is mounted in the second arc-shaped groove, and the first arc-shaped rotating block10132may slide along a groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove, so that the second door plate fastening bracket10122rotates relative to the first housing fastening bracket1013.

It may be understood that, in a possible embodiment of this application, the first arc-shaped rotating block10132may be further disposed at an end portion that is of the second door plate fastening bracket10122and that faces the first housing fastening bracket1013, and the second arc-shaped groove101221is disposed on the first housing fastening bracket1013. Similarly, the first arc-shaped rotating block10132may slide along the groove surface of the second arc-shaped groove101221to implement relative rotation of the second door plate fastening bracket10122and the first housing fastening bracket1013.

It should be noted that, for an inward foldable electronic device, the second door plate fastening bracket10122is rotatably connected to the first housing fastening bracket1013through the virtual axis, and an axis center at which the first housing fastening bracket1013rotates relative to the second door plate fastening bracket10122is located on a side that is of the second door plate fastening bracket10122and that faces the flexible display.

In this application, the second door plate fastening bracket10122may be rotatably connected to the first housing fastening bracket1013through the virtual axis as well as a solid shaft, so that the second door plate fastening bracket10122and the first housing fastening bracket1013are connected reliably.

Based on the hinge mechanism1provided in the foregoing embodiment of this application, in a process of the electronic device from an unfolded state to a folded state, when the first housing fastening bracket1013and the second housing fastening bracket1014move toward each other, and the second housing fastening bracket1014drives the second support arm10121to rotate around the main shaft102in a counterclockwise direction, the second support arm10121may slide in the second sliding groove10141relative to the second housing fastening bracket1014in a direction facing the main shaft102. Because the second support arm10121is rotatably connected to the second connecting member10123through the second connecting rod10124, and the second support arm10121is rotatably connected to the main shaft102through the sixth rotating shaft, in a process in which the second support arm10121rotates around the main shaft102in a clockwise direction, the second support arm10121may push, based on a lever principle by using the second connecting rod10124, the second connecting member10123to move toward the second door plate fastening bracket10122in the second track slot1023. In this way, the second door plate fastening bracket10122is pushed to rotate around the main shaft102in the clockwise direction. In addition, because the second door plate fastening bracket10122is rotatably connected to the first housing fastening bracket1013, the second door plate fastening bracket10122rotates around the main shaft102in the clockwise direction, to drive the first housing fastening bracket1013to rotate around the main shaft102in the clockwise direction. However, in a process of the electronic device from the folded state to the unfolded state, when the first housing fastening bracket1013and the second housing fastening bracket1014move oppositely, and the second housing fastening bracket1014drives the second support arm10121to rotate around the main shaft102in the clockwise direction, the second support arm10121may pull, by using the second connecting rod10124, the second connecting member10123to move toward the second support arm10121in the second track slot1023. Therefore, the second door plate fastening bracket10122may be driven to rotate around the main shaft102in a counterclockwise direction, so that the second door plate fastening bracket10122drives the first housing fastening bracket1013to rotate around the main shaft102in the counterclockwise direction. This implements folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism1.

For some existing hinge mechanisms1, to ensure stability of the mechanisms, thickness of a rotating component connected to the main shaft102needs to be increased. In this way, both the main shaft102and the hinge mechanism1are very thick. If the main shaft102and the hinge mechanism1are forcibly thinned, strength of the rotating component is easily weakened. In addition, when the electronic device falls down, the rotating component has a risk of falling off from the main shaft102, which greatly affects reliability of the hinge mechanism1. As a result, a service life of the electronic device is shortened. The hinge mechanism1in this application has a simplified structure. According to the foregoing structural relationship, a cross section of the second sliding block101231of the second connecting member10123may be small, so that the second sliding block101231can slide through the second track slot1023of the main shaft102. In addition, because the second connecting member10123can extend sufficiently in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction, and the second connecting member10123is separately connected to the first support arm and second support arm, and the second door plate fastening bracket10122, reliability of the hinge mechanism1can be ensured. This not only reduces thickness of the main shaft102and thickness of an entire machine, but also maintains reliability of the hinge mechanism1, so that the entire hinge mechanism1is light, thin, and reliable.

In addition, because the second connecting member10123may move in the second track slot1023according to a specified trajectory, uncontrolled movement of the second connecting member10123in an entire process of folding and unfolding can be avoided, and random movement of the first housing fastening bracket1013and the second housing fastening bracket1014is further avoided. This ensures structure and motion stability of the entire hinge mechanism1. In some cases, the second track slot1023is appropriately designed, so that an inner tangent line of the hinge mechanism1can keep a constant length in an entire process of folding and unfolding, and a length of the flexible display covering a surface of the hinge mechanism1can basically keep unchanged. In this way, extrusion or pulling of the flexible display can be effectively avoided, which improves structural reliability of the flexible display and further improves structural reliability of the electronic device.

FIG.13is a diagram of a partial structure of the hinge mechanism1according to an embodiment of this application, and the main shaft102is omitted inFIG.13, to describe a mutual pulling motion relationship between the first rotating component1011and the second rotating component1012. In this application, the first support arm10111is slidably connected to the first housing fastening bracket1013, the first door plate fastening bracket10112is rotatably connected to the second housing fastening bracket1014, and the first support arm10111may pull the first door plate fastening bracket10112through the first connecting member10113to move according to a specified trajectory. In addition, the second support arm10121is slidably connected to the second housing fastening bracket1014, the second door plate fastening bracket10122is rotatably connected to the first housing fastening bracket1013, and the second support arm10121may pull the second door plate fastening bracket10122by using the second connecting member10123to move according to a specified trajectory. In this way, movement distances of the first housing fastening bracket1013and the second housing fastening bracket1014toward or away from the main shaft102may be limited, so that when the electronic device is in any folded state, a distance between the first housing fastening bracket1013and the main shaft102is equal to a distance between the second housing fastening bracket1014and the main shaft102. In addition, in processes in which the electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state, distances of the first housing fastening bracket1013moving relative to the main shaft102may be equal, and distances of the second housing fastening bracket1014moving relative to the main shaft102may be equal. Therefore, when the hinge mechanism1is used in the electronic device shown inFIG.1, extrusion or pulling of the flexible display can be avoided while a folding function of the electronic device is implemented, to prolong a service life of the flexible display and improve reliability of the electronic device.

FIG.14is another exploded view of the hinge mechanism1according to an embodiment of this application. The hinge mechanism1further includes a first door plate104and a second door plate105. The first door plate104is located on a side that is of the first door plate fastening bracket10112and that faces the flexible display. The first door plate104is fastened to the first door plate fastening bracket10112, and the first door plate104includes a first plate surface1041disposed facing the flexible display. The second door plate105is located on a side that is of the second door plate fastening bracket10122and that faces the flexible display, the second door plate105is fastened to the second door plate fastening bracket10122, and the second door plate105includes a second plate surface1051disposed facing the flexible display. Manners of connecting the first door plate104and the second door plate105of the hinge mechanism1provided in this application to corresponding rotating components are simple. In addition, motion driving mechanisms of the first door plate104and the second door plate105are mechanisms configured to implement folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism1, and the mechanisms can improve integration of the hinge mechanism1, so that a structure of the hinge mechanism1is simplified. This facilitates a miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism1.

In a possible embodiment of this application, the first door plate104and the first door plate fastening bracket10112may be of an integrated structure, and the second door plate105and the second door plate fastening bracket10122may be of an integrated structure, to simplify a structure of the hinge mechanism1.

It can be learned from the foregoing description of the hinge mechanism1that, when the hinge mechanism1includes a plurality of rotating modules101, the main shaft102may be separately disposed for each rotating module101. In addition, as shown inFIG.14, the two adjacent main shafts102may be connected through a connecting beam106, and a specific connection manner may be but is not limited to welding, jointing, bonding, or the like.FIG.15is a diagram of an assembly structure of the hinge mechanism1shown inFIG.14. In this application, both the first door plate104and the second door plate105may be disposed as an integrated structure, the first door plate104is fastened to the first door plate fastening brackets10112of the plurality of rotating modules101, and the second door plate105is fastened to the second door plate fastening brackets10122of the plurality of rotating modules101. In this way, when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the first door plate104, the main shaft102, and the second door plate105are jointly configured to support the flexible display, which helps improve integrity of a support surface provided by the hinge mechanism1for the flexible display in this state, so that the hinge mechanism1flatly supports the flexible display.

In addition,FIG.16is a sectional view of the hinge mechanism1shown inFIG.15in a case in which an electronic device is in a folded state. The sectional view may be used to show a sectional view of the first door plate104and the second door plate105in this state. As shown inFIG.16, according to the hinge mechanism1provided in this application, motion trajectories of the first rotating component1011and the second rotating component1012are appropriately designed, and each rotating component is rotatably connected to one housing fastening bracket through a fixed axis center, and is slidably connected to another housing fastening bracket. In this way, screen accommodation space formed by the hinge mechanism1when the electronic device is in a folded state can better match a bending shape of a foldable portion of a flexible display4. This can avoid extrusion on the flexible display4, to help improve structural reliability of the flexible display4. In addition, the structural design of the hinge mechanism1provided in this application is used, structural strength of each component of the hinge mechanism1may be better, which helps improve structural reliability of the hinge mechanism1.

It may be understood that, in a process of unfolding and folding the electronic device, the first housing2and the second housing3move synchronously, so that a risk of instantaneous extrusion or pulling stress on the flexible display can be effectively reduced. Based on this, the hinge mechanism1provided in embodiments of this application may further include a synchronization component107. During specific implementation, still refer toFIG.13. The synchronization component107includes a synchronization gear1071, and in an axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, the synchronization gear1071is located between the first connecting member10113and the second connecting member10123. In addition, a first gear surface101135is disposed at an end portion that is of the first connecting member10113and that faces the synchronization gear1071, and a second gear surface101233is disposed at an end portion that is of the second connecting member10123and that faces the synchronization gear1071. In this case, the first gear surface101135is in transmission connection to the second gear surface101233through the synchronization gear1071, so that when the first connecting member10113rotates relative to the synchronization gear1071, the second connecting member10123may be driven to move reversely and synchronously relative to the synchronization gear1071. A quantity of synchronization gears1071is not limited in this application. For example, the synchronization gear1071may be one shown inFIG.13. In this case, the first gear surface101135may be engaged with a gear surface of the synchronization gear1071, and the second gear surface101233may be engaged with the gear surface of the synchronization gear1071.

As shown inFIG.13, the first connecting member10113may include two first sliding blocks101131, and in an axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, the two first sliding blocks101131are respectively disposed at two end portions of the first connecting member10113. In this case, the first gear surface101135may be disposed on the first sliding block101131that is of the first connecting member10113and that faces the synchronization gear1071. In this application, when the first connecting member10113includes the two first sliding blocks101131, the first track slot1021may be disposed on the main shaft102corresponding to each first sliding block101131, so that each first sliding block101131is mounted in the corresponding first track slot1021, and each first sliding block101131is capable of sliding or rotating relative to the main shaft along the corresponding first track slot1021. This can improve stability of movement of the first connecting member10113relative to the main shaft102. It may be understood that, when the two first sliding blocks101131of the first connecting member10113are arc-shaped sliding blocks, forms of the two first sliding blocks101131may be the same or may be different, but axis centers at which the two first sliding blocks101131rotate relative to the main shaft102coincide. For example, the two first sliding blocks101131are circle arc-shaped sliding blocks, and radiuses of circles in which the two first sliding blocks101131are located are the same or different while axis centers at which the two first sliding blocks101131rotate relative to the main shaft102coincide. This improves stability of rotation of the first connecting member10113relative to the main shaft102.

In this application, the second connecting member10123may include two second sliding blocks101231, and in an axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, the two second sliding blocks101231are respectively disposed at two end portions of the second connecting member10123. In this case, the second gear surface101233may be disposed on the second sliding block101231that is of the second connecting member10123and that faces the synchronization gear1071. In this application, when the second connecting member10123includes the two second sliding blocks101231, one second track slot1023corresponding to each second sliding block101231may be disposed on the main shaft102, so that each second sliding block101231is mounted in the corresponding second track slot1023, and each second sliding block101231may slide or rotate relative to the main shaft along the corresponding second track slot1023. This can improve stability of movement of the second connecting member10123relative to the main shaft102. It may be understood that, when the two second sliding blocks101231of the second connecting member10123are arc-shaped sliding blocks, forms of the two second sliding blocks101231may be the same or may be different, but axis centers at which the two second sliding blocks101231rotate relative to the main shaft102coincide. For example, the two second sliding blocks101231are circle arc-shaped sliding blocks, and radiuses of circles in which the two second sliding blocks101231are located are the same or different while axis centers at which the two second sliding blocks101231rotate relative to the main shaft102coincide. This improves stability of movement of the second connecting member10123relative to the main shaft102.

In this application, the first gear surface101135of the first connecting member10113is disposed on one first sliding block101131of the first connecting member10113, and the second gear surface101233of the second connecting member10123is disposed on one second sliding block101231of the second connecting member10123, so that synchronous rotation of the first housing fastening bracket1013and the second housing fastening bracket1014can be implemented, and a structure of the hinge mechanism1is compact, to facilitate a miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism1.

Based on the foregoing description of the hinge mechanism1provided in this embodiment of this application, in a process of the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing fastening bracket1013rotates around the main shaft102in a clockwise direction, to drive the first support arm10111to rotate around the main shaft102in the clockwise direction, so that the first support arm10111pushes, by using the first connecting rod10114, the first connecting member10113to move toward the first door plate fastening bracket10112in the first track slot1021. In addition, because the first connecting member10113is in transmission connection to the second connecting member10123through the synchronization gear1071, the first connecting member10113moves toward the first door plate fastening bracket10112in the first track slot1021, to drive the second connecting member10123to move toward the second door plate fastening bracket10122in the second track slot1023, so that the second door plate fastening bracket10122pulls, by using the second connecting rod10124, the second connecting member10123to rotate around the main shaft102in a counterclockwise direction. Further, the second housing fastening bracket1014is driven to rotate synchronously around the main shaft102in the counterclockwise direction. Therefore, the first housing fastening bracket1013and the second housing fastening bracket1014can rotate synchronously and toward each other. In addition, in a process of the electronic device from the folded state to the unfolded state, a movement direction of each structure is opposite to a movement direction in the foregoing process of the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, and details are not described herein. In this way, the first housing fastening bracket1013and the second housing fastening bracket1014rotate synchronously and oppositely.

According to the hinge mechanism1provided in this application, folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism1may be implemented through mutual pulling between structures that are connected through rotation. In addition, disposing of the synchronization component107allows the two housing fastening brackets to rotate in synchronism toward or opposite to each other, so that rotation of the hinge mechanism1is reliable. In addition, because structures of both a mechanism for implementing a rotation function and a mechanism for implementing a synchronization function of the hinge mechanism1are simple, a structure of the entire hinge mechanism1can be effectively simplified. This facilitates a miniaturization design of the hinge mechanism1and reduces costs of the hinge mechanism1.

FIG.17is another exploded view of the structure shown inFIG.5. The hinge mechanism1provided in this embodiment of this application may further include a damping module108. The damping module108includes a first swing rod component1081and a second swing rod component1082. The first swing rod component1081and the second swing rod component1082are rotatably connected to the main shaft102, the first swing rod component1081and the first housing fastening bracket1013are located on a same side of the main shaft102, and the second swing rod component1082and the second housing fastening bracket1014are located on a same side of the main shaft102.

FIG.18is a diagram of a matching relationship between the damping module108and the main shaft102according to an embodiment of this application. The main shaft102further includes a first mounting portion1026and a second mounting portion1027. The first swing rod component1081is rotatably connected to the first mounting portion1026through a first shaft1083, the second swing rod component1082is rotatably connected to the second mounting portion1027through a second shaft1084, and the first shaft1083is parallel to but not coincident with the second shaft1084. During specific implementation, the first swing rod component1081includes a first swing rod10811and a second swing rod10812. In an axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, the first mounting portion1026is located between the first swing rod10811and the second swing rod10812, and the first shaft1083may simultaneously penetrate through the first swing rod10811, the first mounting portion1026, and the second swing rod10812. Therefore, the first swing rod10811and the second swing rod10812are rotatably connected to the first mounting portion1026through the first shaft1083. In this way, the first swing rod component1081is rotatably connected to the main shaft102.

Similarly, the second swing rod component1082includes a third swing rod10821and a fourth swing rod10822. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, the second mounting portion1027is located between the third swing rod10821and the fourth swing rod10822, and the second shaft1084may simultaneously penetrate through the third swing rod10821, the second mounting portion1027, and the fourth swing rod10822. Therefore, the third swing rod10821and the fourth swing rod10822are rotatably connected to the second mounting portion1027through the second shaft1084. In this way, the second swing rod component1082is rotatably connected to the main shaft102.

As shown inFIG.18, in this application, the damping module108further includes a gasket1085. In this embodiment of this application, the damping module108includes a plurality of gaskets1085, at least one gasket1085is located between the first swing rod10811and the second swing rod10812, and at least one gasket1085is located between the third swing rod10821and the fourth swing rod10822. For example, at least one gasket1085is located between the first swing rod10811and the first mounting portion1026and is sleeved on the first shaft1083, at least one gasket1085is located between the second swing rod10812and the first mounting portion1026and is sleeved on the first shaft1083, at least one gasket1085is located between the third swing rod10821and the second mounting portion1027and is sleeved on the second shaft1084, and at least one gasket1085is located between the fourth swing rod10822and the second mounting portion1027and is sleeved on the second shaft1084.

The damping module108further includes an elastic component1086. A specific disposing form of the elastic component1086is not limited in this application. For example, the elastic component1086includes a plurality of springs, at least one spring is sleeved on the first shaft1083, and at least one spring is sleeved on the second shaft1084, to improve motion reliability of the elastic component1086, and enable the elastic component1086to generate an elastic force in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism1.

In this case, in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, under action of the elastic force of the elastic component1086, the first swing rod10811and the second swing rod10812press the gasket1085located between the first swing rod10811and the second swing rod10812toward the first mounting portion1026, and the third swing rod10821and the fourth swing rod10822press the gasket1085located between the third swing rod10821and the fourth swing rod10822toward the second mounting portion1027.

Still refer toFIG.18. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, a first slot10261is disposed on at least one side surface of the first mounting portion1026, and the at least one gasket1085located between the first swing rod10811and the second swing rod10812is clamped into the first slot10261. In a direction in which the first swing rod component1081rotates relative to the main shaft102, the gasket1085located between the first swing rod10811and the second swing rod10812is relatively fastened to the first mounting portion1026. In this way, in a process in which the first swing rod component1081rotates around the main shaft102, the gasket1085may be prevented from rotating around the main shaft102along with the first swing rod component1081. In addition, because the first swing rod component1081and the gasket1085are in extrusion contact under action of the elastic force of the elastic component1086, when the first swing rod component1081rotates relative to the main shaft102, frictional resistance may be generated between the first swing rod component1081and the gasket1085, and the frictional resistance may be used as a damping force that prevents the first swing rod component1081from rotating relative to the main shaft102.

It may be understood that, in this application, when at least one gasket1085is disposed between the first swing rod10811and the first mounting portion1026, and at least one gasket1085is disposed between the second swing rod10812and the first mounting portion1026, the first slot10261may be disposed on both a side surface that is of the first mounting portion1026and that faces the first swing rod10811and a side surface that is of the first mounting portion1026and that faces the second swing rod10812. In this case, the gaskets1085located between the first swing rod10811and the second swing rod10812may be respectively clamped into corresponding first slots10261.

FIG.19is a diagram of a partial structure of a main shaft according to an embodiment of this application. The first mounting portion1026is provided with a first mounting hole10262, the first mounting hole10262includes a first opening102621, and the first opening102621is provided in a direction away from a flexible display. Therefore, when the damping module108is assembled with the main shaft102, the first shaft1083may be mounted in the first mounting hole10262through the first opening102621. In addition, movement of the gasket1085in a direction of the first opening102621may be limited by clamping the gasket1085between the first swing rod10811and the second swing rod10812into the first slot10261of the first mounting portion1026. This can not only simplify an assembly process of the damping module108and the main shaft102, but also prevent the damping module108from falling off from the main shaft102, to help improve structural reliability of the hinge mechanism1.

Similarly, still refer toFIG.18andFIG.19. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, a second slot10271is disposed on at least one side surface of the second mounting portion1027, and the gasket1085located between the third swing rod10821and the fourth swing rod10822is clamped into the second slot10271. In a direction in which the second swing rod component1082rotates relative to the main shaft102, the gasket1085located between the third swing rod10821and the fourth swing rod10822is relatively fastened to the second mounting portion1027. In this way, in a process in which the second swing rod component1082rotates around the main shaft102, the gasket1085may be prevented from rotating around the main shaft102along with the second swing rod component1082. In addition, because the second swing rod component1082and the gasket1085are in extrusion contact under action of the elastic force of the elastic component1086, when the second swing rod component1082rotates relative to the main shaft102, frictional resistance may be generated between the second swing rod component1082and the gasket1085, and the frictional resistance may be used as a damping force that prevents the second swing rod component1082from rotating relative to the main shaft102.

It may be understood that, in this application, when the at least one gasket1085is disposed between the third swing rod10821and the second mounting portion1027, and the at least one gasket1085is disposed between the fourth swing rod10822and the second mounting portion1027, the second slot10271may be disposed on a side surface that is of the second mounting portion1027and that faces the third swing rod10821and a side surface that is of the second mounting portion1027and that faces the fourth swing rod10822. In this case, the gasket1085located between the third swing rod10821and the fourth swing rod10822may be separately clamped into corresponding second slots10271.

As shown inFIG.19, the second mounting portion1027is provided with a second mounting hole10272, the second mounting hole10272includes a second opening102721, and the second opening102721is provided in a direction away from a flexible display. Therefore, when the damping module108is assembled with the main shaft102, the second shaft1084may be mounted in the second mounting hole10272through the second opening102721. In addition, movement of the gasket1085in a direction of the second opening102721may be limited by clamping the gasket1085between the first swing rod10811and the second swing rod10812into the second slot10271of the second mounting portion1027. This can not only simplify an assembly process of the damping module108and the main shaft102, but also prevent the damping module108from falling off from the main shaft102, to help improve structural reliability of the hinge mechanism1.

In this embodiment of this application, a specific shape of the gasket1085is not limited. For example, the gasket1085may be in a regular shape like a polygon, or may be in some possible abnormal shapes, provided that the gasket1085can be relatively fastened to a corresponding mounting portion in a rotation direction by clamping the gasket1085into a corresponding slot.

Still refer toFIG.18. The damping module108may further include a first conjoined cam1087, and the first conjoined cam1087is sleeved on the first shaft1083and the second shaft1084. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, the first swing rod component1081is located between the elastic component1086and the first conjoined cam1087, and the second swing rod component1082is located between the elastic component1086and the first conjoined cam1087. A first cam surface108111is disposed on an end surface that is of the first swing rod10811and that faces the first conjoined cam1087, and a third cam surface108211is disposed on an end surface that is of the third swing rod10821and that faces the first conjoined cam1087. In addition, the first conjoined cam1087includes a fifth cam surface10871disposed toward the first swing rod10811and a sixth cam surface10872disposed toward the third swing rod10821. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, under action of the elastic force of the elastic component1086, the first cam surface108111abuts against the fifth cam surface10871, and the third cam surface108211abuts against the sixth cam surface10872.

In this application, in an axial direction of each corresponding axis, the cam surface may include a protrusion portion and a recess portion, and an oblique surface exists in a process of transition from the protrusion portion to the recess portion or from the recess portion to the protrusion portion. Therefore, in a process in which the first swing rod component1081and the second swing rod component1082rotate around corresponding rotating shafts, a corresponding damping force may be generated when oblique surfaces of two cam surfaces that abut against each other are in contact. Existence of the damping force may implement a self-unfolding function of the electronic device at an end stage of an unfolded state and a self-folding function of the electronic device at an end stage of a folded state, and under action of the damping force, a user can have an obvious jerk sense in a process of opening and closing the electronic device, to improve user experience.

It may be understood that, a damping force provided by the hinge mechanism1may be increased by increasing a quantity of cam surfaces that abut against each other in the damping module108. Based on this, still refer toFIG.18. The damping module108may further include a second conjoined cam1088, and the second conjoined cam1088is sleeved on the first shaft1083and the second shaft1084. The second conjoined cam1088is located between the elastic component1086and the first swing rod component1081, and the second conjoined cam1088is located between the elastic component1086and the second swing rod component1082. Therefore, the first swing rod component1081is located between the first conjoined cam1087and the second conjoined cam1088, and the second swing rod component1082is located between the first conjoined cam1087and the second conjoined cam1088.

In addition, a second cam surface108121is disposed on an end surface that is of the second swing rod10812and that faces the second conjoined cam1088, and a fourth cam surface108221is disposed on an end surface that is of the fourth swing rod10822and that faces the second conjoined cam1088. In addition, the second conjoined cam1088includes a seventh cam surface10881disposed toward the second swing rod10812and an eighth cam surface10882disposed toward the fourth swing rod10822. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, under action of the elastic force of the elastic component1086, the second cam surface108121abuts against the seventh cam surface10881, and the fourth cam surface108221abuts against the eighth cam surface10882. In this way, the hinge mechanism1may provide a greater damping force, to improve stability of the electronic device in which the hinge mechanism1is used in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. In addition, a tactile feeling of the user in a process of opening and closing the electronic device may be further effectively improved, to improve user experience.

In this application, to enable the elastic component1086to press the first conjoined cam1087, the first swing rod component1081, and the second conjoined cam1088tightly, and press the first conjoined cam1087, the second swing rod, and the second conjoined cam1088tightly, the damping module108may further include a first limiting piece1089. In the axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, the first conjoined cam1087is located between the first limiting piece1089and the first swing rod component1081, and the first conjoined cam1087is located between the first limiting piece1089and the second swing rod component1082. In addition, an end of the first limiting piece1089may be clamped into the first shaft1083through limiting, and another end of the first limiting piece1089may be clamped into the second shaft1084through limiting. In addition, in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, under action of the elastic force of the elastic component1086, the first conjoined cam1087abuts against the first limiting piece1089, to avoid that structures disposed on the first shaft1083and the second shaft1084fall off from corresponding shafts. This improves structural reliability of the damping module108.

Still refer toFIG.18. The damping module108may further include a second limiting piece10810, and the elastic component1086may be located between the second conjoined cam1088and the second limiting piece10810. An end of the second limiting piece10810may be clamped into the first shaft1083through limiting, and another end of the second limiting piece10810may be clamped into the second shaft1084through limiting. In addition, in an axial direction of the first shaft1083, an elastic module may abut against the second limiting piece10810, so that structures disposed on the first shaft1083and the second shaft1084may not fall off from corresponding shafts, to improve structural reliability of the damping module108.

Still refer toFIG.17. A third track slot10133is further disposed on the first housing fastening bracket1013. In addition, as shown inFIG.18, the first swing rod component1081is provided with a first guide rod10813, the first swing rod10811is connected to the second swing rod10812through the first guide rod10813, the first guide rod10813is inserted into the third track slot10133, and the first guide rod10813may slide along the third track slot10133.

Similarly, a fourth track slot10143is further disposed on the second housing fastening bracket1014. The second swing rod component1082is provided with a second guide rod10823, the second guide rod10823is inserted into the fourth track slot10143, and the second guide rod10823may slide along the fourth track slot10143.

FIG.20is a sectional view of the hinge mechanism1in a case in which an electronic device is in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of this application. The sectional view may be used to show a relative position of the first guide rod10813in the third track slot10133and a relative position of the second guide rod10823in the fourth track slot10143in this state. In addition,FIG.21is a sectional view of the hinge mechanism1in a case in which an electronic device is in a folded state according to an embodiment of this application. The sectional view may be used to show a relative position of the first guide rod10813in the third track slot10133and a relative position of the second guide rod10823in the fourth track slot10143in this state. Refer to bothFIG.20andFIG.21. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state shown inFIG.20, the first guide rod10813is located at an end portion that is of the third track slot10133and that is farthest from the main shaft102, and the second guide rod10823is located at an end portion that is of the fourth track slot10143and that is farthest from the main shaft102. In a process of the electronic device from the unfolded state shown inFIG.20to the folded state shown inFIG.21, the first guide rod10813slides in the third track slot10133relative to the first housing fastening bracket1013in a direction close to the main shaft102, and the second guide rod10823slides in the fourth track slot10143relative to the second housing fastening bracket1014in the direction close to the main shaft102. In a process of the electronic device from the folded state shown inFIG.21to the unfolded state shown inFIG.20, the first guide rod10813slides in the third track slot10133relative to the first housing fastening bracket1013in a direction away from the main shaft102, and the second guide rod10823slides in the fourth track slot10143relative to the second housing fastening bracket1014in the direction away from the main shaft102. When the electronic device is in the folded state shown inFIG.21, the first guide rod10813is located at an end portion that is of the third track slot10133and that is closest to the main shaft102, and the second guide rod10823is located at an end portion that is of the fourth track slot10143and that is closest to the main shaft102.

It should be noted that forms of the third track slot10133and the fourth track slot10143are not specifically limited in this application. The third track slot10133and the fourth track slot10143may be obtained by fitting motion trajectories of the first rotating component1011and the second rotating component1012in a process of the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state and from the folded state to the unfolded state. In this way, folding and unfolding functions of the hinge mechanism1can be implemented; when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first door plate104, the second door plate105, and the main shaft102can provide a flat support surface for the flexible display; and when the electronic device is in the folded state, the first door plate104, the second door plate105, and the main shaft102can form screen accommodation space that matches a bending shape of a foldable portion of the flexible display.

It can be learned from the foregoing description of the hinge mechanism1provided in this application that the damping module108in the hinge mechanism1may provide a large damping force, and the damping force may be transferred to the housing fastening bracket on a corresponding side through the first swing rod component1081and the second swing rod component1082. When the hinge mechanism1is used in the electronic device, the housing fastening bracket may transfer the damping force provided by the damping module108to a corresponding housing of the electronic device, so that the electronic device can stably remain in an unfolded state or a folded state, or remain in an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state. This helps improve user experience. In addition, existence of a damping force generated by cam surfaces that abut against each other in the hinge mechanism1may implement a self-unfolding function of the electronic device at an end stage of the unfolded state and a self-folding function at an end stage of the folded state. In addition, under action of the damping force, a user can have an obvious jerk sense in a process of opening and closing the electronic device, to improve user experience.

FIG.22is a diagram of another structure of the damping module108according to an embodiment of this application. Different from the foregoing embodiment, inFIG.22, each of the plurality of gaskets1085of the damping module108may be sleeved on both the first shaft1083and the second shaft1084. In this way, rotation of each gasket1085relative to the first mounting portion1026and the second mounting portion1027may be limited by the first shaft1083and the second shaft1084that are disposed in parallel.

It should be noted that, in the embodiment shown inFIG.22, at least a part of at least one gasket1085is located between the first swing rod10811and the second swing rod10812, and at least a part of the at least one gasket1085is located between the third swing rod10821and the fourth swing rod10822. For example, at least a part of the at least one gasket1085is located between the first swing rod10811and the first mounting portion1026, at least a part of the at least one gasket1085is located between the second swing rod10812and the first mounting portion1026, at least a part of the at least one gasket1085is located between the third swing rod10821and the second mounting portion1027, and at least a part of the at least one gasket1085is located between the fourth swing rod10822and the second mounting portion1027.

In addition, in the axial direction of the hinge mechanism1, under action of the elastic force of the elastic component1086, the first swing rod10811and the second swing rod10812press the at least a part of at least one gasket1085located between the first swing rod10811and the second swing rod10812toward the first mounting portion1026, and the third swing rod10821and the fourth swing rod10822press the at least a part of the at least one gasket1085located between the third swing rod10821and the fourth swing rod10822toward the second mounting portion1027.

In this application, a quantity of gaskets1085located between the first swing rod10811and the second swing rod10812is not limited, and there may be one or more gaskets1085. Similarly, there may be one or more gaskets1085located between the third swing rod10821and the fourth swing rod10822. For another structure of the damping module108shown inFIG.22and a manner of connecting the damping module108to the first housing fastening bracket1013and the second housing fastening bracket1014, refer to the foregoing embodiment. Details are not described herein again.

The hinge mechanism1provided in the foregoing embodiments of this application may be used in, for example, the electronic device shown inFIG.1orFIG.2. The first housing fastening bracket1013may be fastened to a housing located on a same side of the main shaft102, and the second housing fastening bracket1014may be fastened to another housing. For example, the first housing fastening bracket1013may be configured to be fastened to the first housing2of the electronic device shown inFIG.1, and the second housing fastening bracket1014may be configured to be fastened to the second housing3of the electronic device shown inFIG.1. Based on this, it may be understood that a process in which the first housing fastening bracket1013and the second housing fastening bracket1014rotate in a direction facing each other or opposite to each other is a process in which the first housing2and the second housing3rotate in the direction facing each other or opposite to each other.

In addition, the flexible display of the electronic device may be fastened to the first housing2and the second housing3, and a connection manner may be but is not limited to bonding. During specific implementation, the flexible display may be bonded to a partial region of the first support surface2aof the first housing2, and the flexible display may be bonded to a partial region of the second support surface3aof the second housing3, so that when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the bearing surface1aof the hinge mechanism1, the first support surface2aof the first housing2, and the second support surface3aof the second housing3can jointly provide flat support for the flexible display. Therefore, morphological integrity of the electronic device in the unfolded state can be ensured. In a process of the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, the two housings rotate toward each other to drive the flexible display to rotate. This can effectively avoid deformation of the flexible display, to reduce a risk of damage to the flexible display.

It should be understood that, to implement the form of the electronic device, this application is not limited to embodiments of the hinge mechanisms1mentioned above, provided that the hinge mechanisms1in the following states can be implemented.

When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the bearing surface1aof the hinge mechanism1, the first support surface2aof the first housing, and the second support surface3aof the second housing can jointly provide flat support for the flexible display. In a process of the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, two housings of the electronic device can rotate in a direction facing each other, to drive the flexible display to bend. In a process of the electronic device from the folded state to the unfolded state, two housings of the electronic device can rotate in a direction opposite to each other, to drive the flexible display to unfold.